Chapter 2 A Cute Boy

He doesn’t wait a second longer, walking us to the cabin directly in front of us.

The cabin is in the middle of the circle’s edge. It’s a large wooden cabin with another directly behind it. I wonder why there is a random cabin directly behind another; it’s a weird layout.

“What’s that cabin for?” Mother asks as if reading my mind.

We walk up three wooden steps to the grand wood-carved door with the number three carved in the center.

He pauses to answer her, “It’s actually one of the counselor cabins. The other cabin behind cabin five is also a counselor's lodging.” He points to cabin five, two down from mine.

“We thought it would be better to keep the counselors and campers separate when it came to lodging, you know, to ensure the campers can have some freedom.” He rambles, opening the door to an open space.

We walk into a room filled with bunk beds and dressers. A few desks sit at the end of the cabin against the wall. The bunk beds are lined up with a dresser between them. Medium-sized chests sit at the ends of the bunk beds, facing outward, creating an aisle. The cabin is much smaller inside.

“This is why we tell campers to bring three bags or smaller suitcases. One of you will take the dresser and the other will take the chest.” He gestures to each.

They stayed on theme, with the dresser looking as if it were carved from the same wood as the bunk beds. But the chests stand out like a sore thumb, encased in black pleather.

“Does it matter which bed?” I ask my voice loud in the quiet room.

“Nope, as long as it isn’t taken, you can pick whatever you want.”

Father moves before I can even attempt to pick my own bed. He walks to the very end of the cabin to the bunk bed by the wooden desks and chairs. He drops my suitcases down next to that bed. I roll my eyes while my mother gives me a knowing look. It’s always about security with them.

“Well, that was easy! I’ll leave you to get settled in. I’ll be right out front if you need anything else!” Tim claps his hands once before walking out of the building, the wood creaking softly as he shuts the door behind himself.

Mother’s already smiling at me, and Father is already unpacking my suitcases.

“How exciting!!” She squeals like a high schooler.

“I think you should stay for the summer instead of me.” I joke with her as I walk to the bed, putting my bag next to the cases.

Father is expertly unloading them into the dresser; it’s kind of impressive.

“Ha Ha Anneliese. You may not see it yet, but I really think this will be a great experience for you.” I grab my mp3 player from my bag and place it on the bottom bunk, along with a blanket and my pillow, effectively marking it as mine.

“I know, Mom, and I really hope you’re right.”

“Your mother is always right.” Father stands up straight from where he was leaning over the dresser.

She giggles at him coming to join him at his side. She leans into him, looking at him with so much love and adoration that it makes me jealous.

“Save it for when you get home.” I groan at them, turning to look out the window above my dresser.

That’s when I catch sight of a group of conselours. I can only tell by the matching uniforms that resemble Tim’s. They all look over eighteen, but that doesn’t stop me from oogling the tall blonde one. He laughs carelessly with two other guys. I’ve had boyfriends, but they never lasted long. It seemed we’d always move right when things were serious with the guy.

“I unpacked the majority of your clothes, but you can handle the rest. We’re going to hit the road and let you get settled in before it gets busy.” He says, interrupting my staring.

I turn away from the window, leaning my back against the dresser. Mother gives me a knowing look.

“Okay, I guess I’ll see you in a few months.”

Mother looks torn about this, but gives her signature smile anyway. “Yes, and remember there is a phone available in the counselors' cabin and in the main building, okay?”

I nod along to her words. The worst part of this place is that no phones are allowed. She gives me a tight hug, almost suffocating me. He gives me a softer hug, telling me to be safe yet again. I walk them to the door of my empty cabin, waving as they walk down the path. I shut the groaning door as soon as they are out of view.

I let out a sigh, looking over the room once more. The floors have a layer of dirt dusting them that needs to be cleaned, the dressers and chests are coated in a thin layer of dust, and even the mattresses look like they might need to be replaced. I hate dirty places, so before I can even finish unpacking, I have to do this. I go to the larger of the two suitcases, delighted to see the cleaning supplies Mother promised to pack for me. All I need for now is a rag and some wipes.

I spend at least twenty minutes wiping down the dressers and chests. And I'm proud to say they look incredible. Even though the floor is still a little dirty without a broom, there isn't much I can do. Now all that's left to do is figure out my bed. I stand beside the bed eyeing the mattress. I decided the best course of action is to try to wipe it off as well and hope there isn't much left.

I make quick work of getting my bed made up once it looks less dusty. Letting out a loud sigh, I lay on the freshly made bed. This is my life now. A wooden cabin that I’m about to share with at least five other girls. Stuck in a random forest without a phone. But at least there’s already a cute boy and plenty of nature to explore.