Suddenly Last Summer #20

by Melissa J Morgan

  After a few seconds, Nat followed her friends and got back on the bus. They were headed back to Camp Lakeview. Back home.

  On the bus, Nat watched as Logan settled into their old row, smiling and patting the space next to him. But a few rows behind him, Nat saw Tori, smiling ear to ear with her face flushed, looking like she’d just had as good a time as Nat had.

  Nat paused by Logan’s seat. “Logan,” she said, “I’m going to sit with Tori for a sec, okay?”

  Logan shrugged and smiled warmly. “Okay. See you in a few.”

  Nat reached over and squeezed his shoulder, then walked back to Tori’s row.

  “Is it okay if I sit here for a second?” she asked Jenna, who was facing backward, kneeling on the seat and talking to Alex, who was sitting behind them.

  “Sure.” Jenna slid out of the bench and went to sit next to Alex. Nat met Tori’s eyes, feeling weirdly nervous. But why? She and Tori had been best friends for years now. They’d only been fighting for a week or so. So why did it feel like Nat couldn’t even remember what it was like to have a normal conversation with Tori?

  “Hey,” Nat said hesitantly.

  Tori looked blank for a second, like she wasn’t sure yet how to respond. Then she nodded. “Hey,” she said back, just as hesitant.

  Nat slid onto the bench beside her friend. “Listen, I know things have been weird between us lately.”

  Tori nodded. “You can say that again.”

  Nat sighed. “I just . . .” She paused. “I don’t want to fight with you, Tori. You’re one of my favorite people in the world. I know I’ve probably been a little weird these last few weeks, with the news of camp closing and knowing that Logan and I might have to break up. I just wanted to say, whatever I did that made you mad, I’m sorry.”

  Tori looked touched. “It’s not just you, Nat,” she said softly. “I guess my feelings were hurt when you didn’t jump at the chance to go to Camp Ohana with me. I didn’t get why you wouldn’t choose me over Camp Lakeview. But when we found out camp might be closing, I started to understand why you weren’t all excited to leave. I get it now. I hope you know that.”

  Nat nodded. She felt a tear leaking from the corner of her eye. “I do.”

  Tori sighed. “The truth is, I can’t even figure out why I’ve been mad at you. Maybe I don’t have a good reason. I was a little upset you were spending so much of your free time with Logan, but even that’s not it.”

  Nat smiled weakly. “I’m sorry about that. I know I haven’t been hanging out as much lately. It’s just . . .” She swallowed.

  Tori smiled sympathetically. “You’re really into him,” she said.

  “Yeah.” Nat nodded and let out a little laugh. “I really am. And we might break up, and I don’t know what I’ll do.”

  Nat stared into her lap. Suddenly she felt Tori’s arm around her shoulders, and then Tori gave her shoulder a little comforting squeeze.

  “I’m sorry, Nat,” Tori said softly. “Whatever happens, you’ll always have me. I’ll help you through it.”

  Relief flooded through Nat. It was funny, she’d almost forgotten what it felt like to have a close friend who had your back. It was so great to have Tori in her life again—to know that whatever boys came or went or broke your heart, your friends would always be there.

  “Maybe that’s it,” Tori continued, softly. “Maybe in a weird way, we’ve been trying to prepare ourselves to lose each other. You know, with camp closing. Maybe we’re trying to get ready for the hurt by moving away from each other. You know?”

  Nat sniffled. “That’s, like, the stupidest thing to do in the world,” she said. “We only have another week together!”

  “It may be stupid, but I think we were doing it.” Tori squeezed Nat’s shoulder again.

  “Tori,” Nat said, turning to face her friend, “I’m so sorry. Let’s go back to normal for this last week, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  Nat leaned in and hugged her friend tight. “And we’ll still see each other, even if camp ends,” she went on. “Right?”

  “Right!”

  They hugged again, and Nat swiped some tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. “Thanks,” she said softly.

  Tori nodded. “Have you—um—talked to Logan about it?” she asked.

  Nat sighed and shook her head. “I haven’t been able to get the words out,” she admitted. “But I think it’s time.”

  Nat slid back into her seat with Logan and tried to smile. “Hey,” she said.

  “Hey,” said Logan, reaching out to take her hand and squeeze it. “Feel better?”

  “Much.”

  Logan nodded. “This has been such an amazing day, right?”

  Nat nodded and swallowed. “I hope it works.”

  Logan’s expression softened. “Me too.” He squeezed her hand again and then looked out the window.

  “Logan . . .” Nat had to push the words out; every fiber of her heart was telling her not to say them. “What . . . what . . .” Her voice cracked.

  Logan turned back to her, concerned. “What’s up, Nat?”

  Nat blinked and swallowed, trying to push down the fear she felt. She had to ask him. She had to know.

  “What’s going to happen to us if Camp Lakeview closes?”

  Logan sighed. A darkness fell over his face, as though he’d been hoping to avoid the subject, too. “I don’t know, Nat,” he said honestly. “You know I’m crazy about you, right?” He squeezed her hand once more.

  “Right,” Nat said softly, trying not to let her voice break.

  Logan sighed again. “But we tried the long-distance thing last year, and it was so hard.” He paused. “And Nat, we’re only fourteen. Maybe we’re too young to be tied down to someone who lives so far away.”

  Nat felt a sharp pain in her chest, like someone had stabbed her, and then the pain was gone. She felt tears burning behind her eyes but blinked a few times, trying to keep them inside. She took a deep breath and then another.

  “So we’ll break up,” she said, and her voice was strained, but she didn’t cry.

  Logan closed his eyes. She could see he was hurting, too. “Maybe,” he said, and then rushed to add, “but we don’t know what’s going to happen, Nat. Camp Lakeview might stay open. Maybe we’ll see each other next year and be ready for something more serious. You never know.”

  Nat squeezed his hand back and nodded. “You never know,” she agreed softly.

  She sat quietly for another minute, breathing slowly, in and out, waiting for the heavy feeling to lift from her chest. It amazed her to realize that she felt all right. Definitely not great, but not like she wanted to curl up in a ball and drown herself in tears, either. Maybe she’d been expecting this all along—deep down, she’d known this was what he’d say. Because it made sense. And as much as it hurt . . . she knew he was right.

  Logan was still watching her with a concerned look. She sighed, and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close so she could rest her head on his shoulder. He looked down at her, his eyes warm, and she gave him a small, sad smile.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “I will be,” she replied. “I think we’re all going to be fine.”

  EPILOGUE

  August 25, 2007

  To the outstanding campers of Camp Lakeview,

  It is with great regret that I inform you that after much consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to close the doors of your beloved camp.

  I am, as you know, a representative of the citizens of Pennsylvania, and I simply wouldn’t be doing my duty to them if I allowed the proposed state highway to be built on a different piece of land. I’ve spent hours staring at maps, manipulating them, trying to figure out a way to both get my citizens this much-needed highway and save the camp that you so enthusiastically defended in your protest. I’m afraid it’s just impossible. I must uphold my vote to claim Camp Lakeview’s land.

  I wanted to write to you, howev
er, to let you know that your protest did touch me, and I hope that your enthusiasm for “making your voices heard” will never fade.

  I am sorry that we couldn’t come to a different conclusion. And I hope that your many beloved memories of Camp Lakeview will bring you smiles for years to come.

  Sincerely,

  State Representative Tanya Bierden

  “We can’t stay here forever.” Alex stood by the edge of the lake, watching her friends and looking back toward the cabins nervously. “The buses are going to leave . . .”

  “In half an hour,” Jenna finished for her. She stood stock-still, feeling the breeze on her shoulders as she stared out over the crystal blue lake. All of the girls of 6B had embarked on a “memory hike” to say good-bye to the grounds—walking from place to place, talking about the good times they’d had in each one. In her mind, she could hear the shouts of her friends at free swim, their squeals of victory when they won a race or finished a long, tough swim. She was remembering endless games of Marco Polo, lazy afternoons suntanning on the bank, and flirting with David on the raft out in the middle of the lake.

  “We have to say a proper good-bye,” Nat agreed. She swiped an impatient hand over her eyes, which were still wet from her big good-bye with Logan. They’d decided to break up, like she’d half expected. And it hurt. Already she was wondering what he was doing without her, if he was missing her as much as she missed him. She knew this was the right thing, and she knew she’d be okay eventually, but still—it wasn’t going to be easy.

  “I can’t believe this is the last time I’ll stand here,” Val murmured, kicking the sole of her flip-flop across the sandy beach. “I thought I would come to Camp Lakeview every summer until . . . until I got too old and they kicked me out!”

  Priya laughed. “I think a lot of us felt that way, Val,” she said.

  “Guys.” Alyssa checked her watch and glanced back to the cabins. “I hate to cut our hike short, but we do need to get back if we want to act on . . . on the secret plan.”

  Tori smiled. Alyssa had shared her “secret plan” for leaving their mark on Camp Lakeview a few days before, and Alyssa’s mom had overnighted the necessary materials. None of them were eager to stop their lazy, memory-filled final hike around the grounds, but Alyssa was right: It was time to get going.

  “Okay,” Tori agreed. “This is tough, guys, but let’s pack it in.”

  They all took one final look at the lake. Tori closed her eyes and imagined herself floating in an inner tube, daydreaming with all her friends surrounding her. Trying to keep the image in her brain as long as possible, she finally opened her eyes and saw most of her friends starting to head back. Reluctantly, she fell into step behind them.

  Back at the cabin, Becky and Dahlia were busy taking inventory of the furniture inside and making sure that none of the campers had left anything. Alyssa ran over to her duffel bag, unzipped it halfway, and pulled out a brown paper sack. “Hey, Becky,” she called. “We’re going to go hang out on the green for a few minutes, okay?”

  “Okay.” Becky’s head appeared in the doorway. She looked out of breath. “Say your good-byes, kids, but don’t get too sad. You know you’ll all stay in touch! And you all have my address.”

  Alyssa smiled. “We’ll try not to.”

  Following Alyssa, they all walked over to the green clearing in front of the mess hall. It was where they’d held most of the all-camp activities, like games. Jenna sighed, remembering all the good times she’d had there—the gossip, the giggles, the crazy conversations. She wondered what she would be doing next summer. Hopefully, it would involve David.

  “Okay.” Alyssa held the paper bag in front of her and pulled out a small packet. “We’ll start with Sloan. Sloan, I picked a sunflower to represent you because it seemed earthy, enthusiastic, and warm, like you. It always seems to be smiling, and you do, too. So here are your seeds.”

  Sloan came forward and took the little packet from Alyssa. “Thanks, Lyss.” She paused, then gently ripped the packet open and sprinkled a few seeds into her palm. “Guys, I know I’m the newbie and that I’ve only been coming to camp one year, but I’ve learned so much from all of you. I’m so glad I got to know you and that I had at least one year at Camp Lakeview before it closed. I’ll always remember our protest. That was an amazing day in my life.”

  Alyssa pulled a small spade out of the bag, and Sloan crouched down, opened a hole in the ground, and carefully planted a few sunflower seeds. Then she stood up.

  Alyssa pulled another packet of seeds out of the bag. “Candace, for you I picked a violet. Because it’s really beautiful, even though it does kind of blend into its surroundings.”

  Candace smiled. “It blends into its surroundings?”

  Alyssa laughed. “Well, maybe it mimics its surroundings.”

  Candace tilted her head. Everyone knew she had a habit of repeating everything everyone said. “Mimics its surroundings?” she asked, then came forward and took the packet from Alyssa. Tearing it open, she said, “Guys, I know I’m not as talkative as some of you, but I love coming to camp. I’ve loved getting to know you guys. And I’m so glad I’ll still get to hang out with Brynn, at least, and keep in touch with you guys on the blog.”

  She carefully planted a few violet seeds next to Sloan’s sunflowers.

  Alyssa pulled out another packet. “Val, for you I picked a marigold. It’s steady, it’s loyal, it’s bright, and it’s beautiful.”

  Val smiled and came forward, taking the seeds. “Thanks, Alyssa,” she said. “I can’t even tell you guys how much I’ll miss you. I’ve loved getting to know you all and seeing you change through the years. We’ve had so many crazy times together. Remember all the Color Wars?”

  Everyone laughed, remembering the crazy competitions.

  Val crouched down and carefully planted her marigolds. Then it was Brynn’s turn.

  “Brynn, for you I chose a dahlia,” Alyssa explained. “Because it’s bold, colorful, and dramatic.”

  Brynn came forward and took the packet. “Thanks, Alyssa,” she said. “Guys, I don’t even know where to start. I’ve always loved to pretend, but you guys taught me how to be real, how to have better friends than I even imagined, and how to trust myself.” She swallowed. “I’ll always remember acting in the camp shows and seeing you guys all in the front row, clapping like crazy. So thank you for that.”

  She knelt and planted her seeds.

  Alyssa pulled out another packet. “For you, Gaby, I chose a miniature rose,” she said. “Because it’s beautiful and it smells really sweet, if you can get past the thorns.”

  Gaby faked shock. “Are you saying I have a thorny personality?”

  Alyssa looked sheepish. “Um,” she said. “Maybe a little thorny? But sweet underneath.”

  Gaby shook her head. “I told you, I’m a much nicer person than I used to be.”

  Alyssa smiled. “Actually, that’s true. But I’ve known you all along, so you get the thorns.”

  Gaby just laughed and took the packet. She turned around, about to speak, and tears formed in her eyes. “Guys . . .” she said. “Guys, I know I haven’t always been the easiest person to get along with. When I came to camp, I was a little bossy, and then I lied to you guys about my brother . . .” She paused. “I just wanted to say, though, that you guys are the best friends I’ve ever had. Honestly. You’ve always been there for me, even when I was less than perfect to you.” She swallowed. “I’ll miss you guys so much. So thank you.”

  She knelt and planted the miniature rose seeds.

  Alyssa pulled the next packet of seeds out of the bag. “For Jenna,” she said, “I chose daisies. They thrive in any location, and they’re fun and don’t take themselves too seriously.”

  Jenna stepped forward. “Oh, you guys,” she said with a delighted smile. “Seriously, I . . . I don’t even know what to say. I feel like Camp Lakeview is a part of me. I’ve never had as much fun in my life as I’ve had here. All those prank wars,
competing in sports, getting to know David . . . I don’t know what I’m going to do without this place.” She paused and wiped a tear from her eye, looking as surprised as anyone that she was actually crying. “Like, thinking about next summer, I just . . .” She stopped herself before she started all-out sobbing. “I love you guys,” she finished quickly. “And I’ll miss you like crazy.”

  Jenna planted her seeds and stepped back into the crowd, enveloped by hugs. Alyssa pulled out the next seed packet.

  “Priya,” she said, “for you, I chose the sweet pea. Because it’s bright and playful.”

  Priya came forward, smiling. “Thanks,” she said, taking the seeds and kneeling down. “You guys, I’ve had so much fun here over the past three summers. When I first came, I thought I would just have a blast hanging out with Jordan. But then I met all of you, and I realized what fun really is. All the hanging out, sharing secrets, crushing on boys—I really love you guys. We have to stay in touch. Promise!”

  “Promise,” echoed a few of the girls as Priya planted her seeds.

  “Tori,” Alyssa went on, pulling out another seed packet, “I brought you hyacinth. They’re glamorous and they smell really sweet. You’ve been so great about keeping us up to date on the latest trends, sharing all of your dad’s inside secrets with us.”

  “Thanks.” Tori smiled and took the packet. “You guys, I’m so glad I met all of you. When I came to camp the first time, I thought I’d hate it. Sleeping in a cabin and sharing a bathroom with nine other girls? No thanks. But you guys made this place feel like home. Now I can’t imagine what I’ll do without Camp Lakeview.” She looked at Nat. “I’ve made some of the best friends of my life here,” she said softly, her voice breaking. “I’ll miss you so much.”

  Tears spilling over, Tori knelt down and planted the hyacinth bulbs. As she stood up and Nat enveloped her in a hug, Alyssa continued.

  “Chelsea,” she said. “I got you snapdragons because they’re bright and feisty and have a quick mouth.”