by Lisa Grace
I decide to head over to the cabin to grab a jacket and a flashlight while it’s still early and I have nothing better to do. As I approach, I hear giggling and crashing sounds coming from the woods behind my cabin. It could be the treasure hunters. I go inside and look for a flashlight. They never get left in the same place twice.
I catch a movement out of the corner of my eye in the direction of my cot. Strangely, it looks like my cot has its blanket tightly tucked in all the way around, not like I left it at all. I walk over and tug the blanket loose. I pull back the cover. Sure enough, a green snake. I pick up a small canvas tote, empty it, and put the snake in. I sling my bag over my shoulder and put my jacket on. I remember to put a hump on my bed and tuck it in so it still looks like the snake is there.
I take the flashlight and casually stroll towards Robby’s cabin. I make sure I see him and the guys down by the cookout before I enter. I place the snake in Robby’s messed up sheets, taking care they look exactly the same. I hope he screams loud enough so I can hear him. The thought makes me smile.
I run down to meet Seth at the campfire and ask, “How did the treasure hunt go?” Several of the younger boys start snickering and laughing. I just act dumb. Seth looks at me and smiles, “We had a great time, although my kids are still trying to learn left from right. They spent a whole hour going in the wrong direction.”
Robby says, “We had ssssssuch a ssssssspectacular hunt.”
I think to myself, not for the first time, Robby might be handsome, but not too smart. “I hope you scream like a girl,” I mutter under my breath.
Robby and his boys are too busy laughing at their inside joke to hear me.
After dinner, Zadok asks me, “Megan can you help me carry this stuff up to the kitchen?”
Finally, a few minutes alone with him. As we head up, he turns to me and says, “You did a good job today with those boys.”
“I did okay, but they’re not always going to be that easy to handle, are they?”
“No. They’re not,” Zadok answers. “You will eventually come across some that will need angel intervention and sometimes we get held up. Others need to be handled through prayer and fasting. You won’t win every confrontation either. It’s not your decision.”
I tell Zadok, “One came to visit me in the middle of the night and put its hand on me. It really scared me.”
Zadok just nods his head, “I can’t protect you from seeing them and knowing they are there.”
“On the canoe trip it caused Charlie to break his arm. I couldn’t move fast enough to stop it. What can I do? I’m feeling so useless.”
“Okay, so you can’t stop every bad thing from happening. So what can you do? What is within your power?” Zadok asks.
“Pointing out self-destructive things?” I ask.
“Good. You’re on the right track. So the answer to the question, ‘What does God want me to do?’ is…”
“Remind them of what God says?” I say.
“Yeah, sounds so easy doesn’t it?” Zadok says. “Megan, you will be walking a fine-line between the natural and the spiritual. You have to remain firmly grounded in who you are. The dark angels are after you, harder than ever. They want to destroy you and any good you might do. Stay away from evil humans that have a dark angel. The human part of them is too ignorant to be afraid even though demons tremble at the sound of His name.”
“Zadok, are you my guardian angel?” Zadok stops. We’re getting close to the kitchen and people. He turns to me and says, “Not in the way you think. I’ve been sent to talk to you and encourage you for these few short days at camp. It’s not for me to know or to tell you if I did know, what’s going to happen when you get home. That’s where your faith must be relied on. I do know that God sends us to be encouragers.”
“So that means something is coming that I’m going to need encouragement for.” My heart starts to sink. I’m not looking forward to leaving camp.
“Yes,” Zadok answers.
“We still have a couple more days. Enjoy them while you can,” Zadok smiles. “Remember you did have a victory today. Enjoy that. I do.” Zadok and I finish our walk and he opens the screen door. There are people bouncing in and out and our privacy is gone. Another camper asks Zadok a question and he leaves to help them. I’m not prepared and don’t think I will be by the end of camp.
I leave the kitchen and head back to the campfire and Seth. I smile at him and he smiles back. I am going to enjoy what remains of this week. Everything else can wait until I get home. Sure. Like I can force myself to forget. I’m going to try for a few hours anyway.
That evening as Seth walks me to my cabin, we hear what sounds like a far off scream. Seth says, “Did you hear that?”
I try not to laugh, “I think that was Robby.”
“No, it sounded like a girl,” Seth answers.
I burst out laughing. Seth looks at me and says, “You didn’t.”
I’m laughing so hard I can’t talk, so I just nod my head. I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to end the day.
The next two days pass quickly. If anything, the dark angel seems to be avoiding me. Every time I catch a glimpse of it, it either backs away or disappears. That dark angel knows I’m going to try to undo whatever damage he does. I’m not afraid of it anymore. Maybe I should be.
***
Seth and I meet up every chance we can these last two days, just to hang out. We meet at our special place at night to watch the bats and the shooting stars. We kiss, hug, hold hands, and give each other back rubs. Zadok sends someone to get us whenever we get too romantic. He is definitely acting like a guardian angel.
***
I can’t believe today is our last day. Seth meets me in the dining room and gives me a big hug in front of everyone. The adults know it’s our last day together so they don’t say anything and look the other way. I get my coffee and bagel and he grabs his usual six doughnuts and a Coke.
“I don’t know how you can eat all that sugar and fat and stay so thin,” I say.
“Fast metabolism. Besides I’m still growing. Coach back home says I’ll probably grow three or four more inches.”
I look at him and say, “I think I’m done. What you see is what you get.”
He looks at me with powder sugar on his nose, “You’re exactly what I want. We’re on for Busch Gardens later this month, right?”
I brush the sugar off his nose.
“Absolutely,” I squeeze one of his sticky hands.
I’m so glad Seth goes to a small private school so he doesn’t have oodles of cute new girls chasing him. Most of the girls at his school he says he has known since kindergarten so they’re more like sisters.
I ask, “You don’t mind going back to texting do you?” with a hint of anxiety in my voice.
“Megs, you’re everything I want. I mean that. I’m going to text you when I can. Otherwise I’ll be studying, playing sports, or hanging with Robby learning disgusting habits.”
“Like burping the alphabet?”
“Exactly.” He smiles, and brushes back my hair.
“Okay that makes me feel better.” I see Paige and excuse myself to go talk to her. “Hi. How’s it going?” I ask. I notice she won’t even look at me.
“Fine. I’m going to see someone when I get back home. A counselor who’s had the same problem.”
“Good. If you want to talk you can give me a call.”
“Yeah?.” She laughs, then answers, “No thanks.” She looks down at her food, dismissing me.
I sigh, “Well, maybe I’ll see you next year.”
“Maybe,” Paige says.
I don’t think Paige hates me, but she’s not ready to be my friend either. I walk off as some of Paige’s cabin kids come up to her.
Seth and I head down to the beach for our last swim together. Mrs. Davis is walking around with a digital camera taking photos of everyone to post on our camp page. She takes one of Seth and me smiling in the water. I’m standing behin
d him with my arms around his neck looking over his shoulder. It’s one of my favorite pictures. We look so happy.
While we’re in the water, I look up and see the dark angel. It’s decided to take on more of a human form. Or maybe I’m getting better at seeing them. It almost looks like a shadow. It’s not near anyone. It’s just hanging out on one of the paths by the trees.
“Seth, come on,” I get out of the water and head after the darkness. When I get to the start of the trail it takes off into the woods. I follow. I’m not sure why. I’m wearing my water shoes so the rough terrain is easier to handle. My legs still manage to get scratched by wild vines and the tangled mess of undergrowth.
I yell in frustration, “Stop!”
It does. It turns around and comes toward me slowly, gathering itself into a human form. Further ahead more movement catches my eye. It’s another one heading my way, and another off to the left. I was wrong. There’s more than one. The one in front of me is looking more like the ghost of a human as it takes shape.
“I know you’re not a ghost. I know what you are.”
An evil laugh comes out of it.
The other two draw closer. And suddenly, I feel I’ve made a mistake. Now that I’ve made it stop, and more are coming towards me, what can I do?
“Megan!” It’s Seth‘s voice. He’s somewhere in the woods behind me.
I call out, “I’m here!”
The presence comes closer and I instinctively step back. A branch breaks beneath my foot, and I fall.
Seth calls out again as I tumble, “Megan!” The three forms dissolve back into dark clouds and fly right over my head, out of sight.
“Are you all right?” Seth is next to me helping me get up. He helps to brush off the debris.
“I’m fine.”
“Why did you run out here?”
“I saw something or someone. I don’t know. I guess it was stupid.”
He shakes his head. “You can’t take off and leave the kids like that. Someone could have drown.”
“I’m sorry.” He shakes his head. “It’s okay. I found someone to watch the kids so I could follow. Let’s get back.”
I know after I leave tomorrow those evil beings will still be here looking to steal someone’s faith. The worst part is there is nothing I can do about it.
Seth and I grab sandwiches for lunch and take them down to our place for the last time. Seth has his shirt off and I can’t help but notice how handsome and tan he is.
“Wow I can’t believe how fast camp went,” he says.
“Yeah, I know. I’m going to miss you so much.”
Seth puts his arm around my shoulder, “Me too.”
I lean my head on his shoulder. Even after a swim, he still smells good. I close my eyes for a minute getting dizzy just on his scent.
We sit quietly for such a long time that a small otter comes running across the rocks and under the dock, not even realizing we’re here. He scuttles out and continues on his way.
“Wanna sneak out tonight and see how many shooting stars we can see?” Seth brushes away a blue dragonfly that lands on his knee.
“Sure, I’d love too.”
“Great ‘cause I have a surprise for you.”
“You do? What is it?”
“You’ll just have to wait until tonight.”
Seth goes to stand up and gives me his hand. “I think you’ll like it.”
“I like anything from you.”
We walk back to reality. I have my last classes of arts and crafts and Seth has his archery; then one last dinner and one final night on the dock.
Later, while on my way to kitchen duty, I run into Zadok.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hi. Megan come over and walk with me for a minute.”
“I guess this will be my last meeting with you.” I say. I’m at a loss for words. How do you say goodbye to an angel? How do you say thank you? Does he even care?
As if he heard my thoughts he says, “You know, angels have feelings too. I’m going to miss you. I hope we meet again. I want you to know, I will be feeling joy for every victory you have and sorrow for the losses.”
I stop and give him a hug. He feels so human. “Thank you,” I say, “you have helped me.” I step back, “Maybe when I get to Heaven, you can show me around.” Zadok throws his head back and laughs. “Oh what a day that will be. Remember, you are not alone. Maybe I’ll be sent to help again. You never know. Don’t try to fix things on your own, ask Him first.” Zadok looks up at the sky.
“I have so many questions, but when I’m with you, I just can’t seem to think of any.” I pause, “Zadok, that dark force is going to stay here, isn’t it? But you and I are leaving. Who will be here to stop it?” I ask.
“The Lord’s people and his word are here. That’s enough,” Zadok looks confident. “Goodbye, Megan,” he waves and disappears.
At dinner, Seth and I eat quickly and head out to the fishing dock. There is a bench at the end where we can sit. We hold hands enjoying this time alone. Robby and Carrie join us on the dock.
“So what are you guys going to do without each other?” Robby says.
“I was hoping you could teach me how to burp the alphabet. That way I have something to impress Megan with the next time,” Seth says.
Carrie groans, “Don’t get him started.”
“Maybe when Seth comes down to Busch Gardens, you could bring Robby, and Carrie could come with me,” I say.
Carrie says, “Really?”
Seth, says, “I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind.”
Carrie looks at him and answers, “Really?”
“This is beginning to sound like a double date,” Robby says.
Carrie smiles at Robby, “Really?”
We all turn to Carrie and say, “Really!” Everybody starts to laugh.
After campfire, I get the girls back to the cabin. Everybody’s busy packing their stuff. I throw mine together quickly and pull Bri aside.
“I’m going out for a little while to say goodbye to Seth, can you get everyone to bed? I won’t be too late. We’re just going down to the old dock by the lake.”
Bri says, “Well, I do owe you one for putting that snake in Robby’s bunk. The memory of that scream is priceless. Sure, go for it.”
“Thanks,” I grab a flashlight.
“I’ll see you guys later,” I say to the Venus girls. They’re so excited they hardly notice I’m gone.
I get to the dock before Seth. The moon is almost full tonight so I turn my flashlight off. Because of the stars and the moon, I can see pretty clearly. Bats are diving toward the water, preying on the flying bugs, hunting over the lake. I look behind me toward the woods for the dark forces, but they’re either not there or blending in so well I can’t see them. The waves are lapping at the shore in short rhythmic bursts. I hear the night sounds and wish I could spend everyday in such a wonderful place. I feel so at peace.
I hear a step on the dock and turn my head to greet Seth with a smile on my face. It’s not Seth. It’s a dark thing. It’s constantly moving, swaying, growing, and shrinking; and it’s only about two feet away from me. Fear makes a stab at me, but I summon anger instead. How dare this thing try to ruin my last night with Seth!
“Leave me alone,” I say loudly, afraid my voice will quiver or come out like a whisper. It stays, moving closer.
It speaks sounding just like I imagined a demon would, “We know you. Stop or we will destroy you. Stop, and we will go.” I hear moaning and deep guttural sounds. I remember my flashlight and turn it on the creature. The light has no effect. “You can’t hurt me unless it is my Lord’s will, Now LEAVE ME ALONE!” I shout.
I hear Seth’s voice from the path, “Megan is that you, are you okay? Megan?” I hear him break into a run.
The creature looms over me and in more than one voice says, “We know you. We see you. You can‘t hide.” It disappears.
Seth grabs me, “Are you okay? For a minute, I thought I saw
someone with you, then I heard you scream ‘leave me alone’. What’s going on?”
I fall into Seth’s arms, shaking, and just let him hold me for a minute. Do I try to explain? This is not how I wanted our last night to be. I calm down. I can’t tell him; I just can’t. “There’s no one here but me, I just got spooked by a shadow, that’s why I yelled. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Megs. I’m here. You’re shaking. There’s nothing to be frightened of. Sometimes the moonlight can play tricks on your eyes. Have you been here long?”
“No. I feel silly. I love it out here, and I feel safe with you,” I hug him again and just stand there breathing in his scent. Shampoo and freshness, the smell of love and comfort. I guess I’ve made my decision not to tell him. Yet.
I can feel his heartbeat slow down. Mine soon matches his. We sit on the edge of the dock, leaning against each other. “Remember I said I had something to give you?” Seth says into my hair.
“Yes,” I say.
He pulls a ring off his finger, “I want you to have it.”
“Oh—what is it?” I say as I put it on. It’s silver and has an intertwined vine pattern on it. It’s too big for my ring finger, but it fits on my middle one.
It’s my purity ring. I promise to be faithful and wait for you. And I want you to save yourself for me. Before God someday, when we take our vows in front of him we can be what He wants. Your first time is a special gift to me, and mine, to you. It’s like giving you my heart. Please don’t break it,” Seth kisses me on the top of my head.
“Oh Seth, I love it! I love you,” I think of what I can give him. The only thing I’m wearing is a gold necklace with my initial on it that my parents gave me for my birthday. “Here, hold my hair,” I reach up and unclasp it. “This is my heart, to you. I promise to wait for you.” I fold it into his hands, “I trust you with my heart.” We spend the rest of our time together watching shooting stars and satellites cross the sky.
***
The next morning, I rush to the dining room eager to see Seth again in the daylight. We hug again and take our breakfast down to the fishing dock. Today everyone is leaving within the hour. “Do you feel better now, knowing I’m serious?”
“Yes,” I smile.