Gap Year Project

by Kim O'Cain

  The entire team was looking up at these giants in amazement. Who knew that trees had families? What an interesting adventure this day is turning out to be, Ashlyn thought.

  “There’s a fallen tree up ahead. We’ll need to cut the section blocking the trail. We try to leave as much of nature untouched as possible,” said Chuck, as he led the team to inspect the tree.

  He continued as they approached the massive fallen tree whose trunk was the height of her bedroom, “You can see, when that tree fell, that splinters and debris were scattered for hundreds of feet. We’ll leave all that and let nature take its course.

  Back to the van, everyone. We’ll block off the entrance until we get this cleared. We don’t want any super hikers trying to climb over this and get hurt.”

  The team returned to camp to retrieve saws and the necessary equipment to remove the fallen tree. There was a large warehouse full of equipment, and several members of the Sycamore unit ran the operation. Units had to check in and out the materials they borrowed and report any damage or broken equipment. Ashlyn didn’t know what most of the equipment was called or what they did. The thought of having to use a huge saw really scared her.

  “Finally, this is what I’m talking about. Look at all these tools. I can’t wait to put these babies to use. Can you just feel the power?” asked Matt, who was standing next to Ashlyn but looking directly at the shelves that looked like a personal Home Depot.

  “Nope, not at all. Do you actually know what any of these are used for? Have you used any of these before?” she asked curiously.

  “Sure, I know what they are. But no, I’ve never used most of this stuff,” he replied, eyeing the shelves with awe.

  Ashlyn started laughing at his wide-eyed ogling of all the tools. He looked as if he was going to drool all over the counter.

  “Matt, seriously. Get over it. You should see yourself. Do you need a tissue for that drool?” replied Ashlyn, enjoying Matt’s happiness.

  “Have you ever used any tools?” he asked distractedly.

  “If you call a hairdryer a tool, then yes, and often. But nothing like what’s in here. I’ve never even held a shovel. Guess my real initiation begins today,” Ashlyn said, gaining a little confidence just knowing that Matt would be close-by.

  “Cool. I mean. I guess we’ll all be learning how to use this stuff,” Matt said eagerly.

  The unit retrieved the necessary tools and loaded them into pick-up trucks while the team members filled the vans for the return trip to the trail. Ashlyn sat next to Matt and listened to him talk about his misadventures with a hedge trimmer and his mom’s boxwoods. Apparently, it’s much harder to make a topiary that looks like your pet Jack Russell terrier than one would think. His parents never let him use the trimmer again.

  After going through all the safety protocols and demonstrations on how to use the equipment, they began the work to cut, trim and move the log. Ashlyn got a turn handling the biggest saw she’d ever seen which made her entire body vibrate just holding it. It left a ringing in her ears for hours even though she had the proper ear plugs. Hopefully, she wouldn’t have to do that very often.

  In a few hours that section of the log was removed, cut into smaller pieces, and placed along the sides of the trail out of the way. Everyone worked together and when someone needed help, at least one other team member jumped in to support them.

  The work went fast and smoothly. In the afternoon they returned to camp for class. Ashlyn still had some ringing in her ears. She walked silently towards class when someone grabbed her wrist. She jerked her hand and looked up to see Derek. Thankfully, it wasn’t Campbell.

  “Hey, I was calling your name. Are you okay?” he asked, looking concerned.

  “Oh, hey. Sorry, I can’t hear very well. I used a saw and now I’ve got some ringing in my ears. I didn’t hear you,” replied Ashlyn.

  “Already a pro at heavy machinery? Look, after dinner let’s meet at the parade ground picnic tables.”

  Ashlyn quickly replied, “Sure.”

  “Sorry, I’ve got to run. The Oaks are building a new elementary school for the town. Theirs was destroyed in a fire a few years ago, and the kids have been stuck in trailers.” said Derek before he ran to meet his team.

  Ashlyn yelled back, “See you there!”

  Trish stealthily joined Ashlyn asking, “And who was that? Blondie already has a boyfriend, and you’ve been here a day?”

  “Oh, that’s Derek. We’re old friends from summer camp,” replied Ashlyn sheepishly.

  “Well, he’s hot. And if it doesn’t work out, send him my way, will you?” asked Trish with a playful smile.

  Ashlyn blushed. She hated it when that happened, but she couldn’t help it. Maybe she did have deeper feelings for Derek. He was really good looking. He’d grown into a man. And she wanted to get to know him better.

  Ashlyn once again had a hard time focusing in class. She kept playing scenes from Camp Hilldale in her mind. Surprisingly, many of them included Derek. But he was right. She had been totally into Michael Bottelo, a kid from Malibu who lived a block from the beach, surfed for PE at school, and skateboarded everywhere. He had been aloof and quiet, but really into Ashlyn. She never talked to him again after camp ended.

  Class was over, and she had some free time which she desperately needed. She went to her bunk and started journaling. She always felt better after writing down her thoughts and feelings. It helped put things into perspective at least most of the time.

  Before she finished, the loudspeaker announced that physical training would start in ten minutes in the gym. Everybody had training at the same time. There were different circuits set up in and around the building.

  Luckily, Blake was so tall that it was easy to find the Birchers. Ashlyn spotted Derek and gave him a big smile and wave which he quickly returned. Trish nudged her and whispered, “Looks like someone’s stoked to see you.” Ashlyn giggled and nudged her back.

  “Hope you’re not sharing any of our Birch secrets with our rivals, Waters,” said Blake, shooting daggers at Ashlyn.

  Ashlyn’s face dropped, and all she could think to do was roll her eyes at Blake. His jaw clenched in a stern frown but relaxed as Kate walked to the front of the group to join him.

  So, I agitate him, and Kate relaxes him. Whatever. I can say hello to whomever I want, thought Ashlyn.

  “So, we’ll begin our training today. We’ll start with sprints, then do weights and finish with stretching. For sprints, we’ll run at 80% for thirty seconds then walk back for a minute and a half then do another sprint for a total of five times. We’ll work our way up to eight times. It’s a great workout and you’ll feel it,” said Blake, as he got the timer on his watch ready.

  Trish leaned in and whispered, “Nope, I’m not gonna do this. This is not happening. I don’t run—no way.”

  “Come on. It can’t be that bad. You’re not going to die.” “They’re trying to kill me. Please let my mom know I love her if I don’t make it.”

  “Do you have some kinda medical condition? Do I need to really worry about you?” asked Ashlyn with concern.

  “Have you ever seen a chicken run? We’ll, it’s worse than that. Believe me,” replied Trish.

  Ashlyn laughed with relief that it wasn’t something serious.

  “I’ve never seen a chicken run. I really think you’re being too hard on yourself. You’ll be fine. Just breath in through you nose and out of your mouth. I’ll be right here. Go. It’s your turn,” Ashlyn said encouragingly as she gave her a gentle push.

  Ashlyn couldn’t help but laugh quietly as Trish ran to the finish line. Her short legs took small jerky steps and her head did a back and forth bob. It was like nothing she’d seen before, and it looked a little painful.

  “Nice job. See, you made it, and you’re still alive. Nice form too,” laughed Ashlyn. “Oh, and by the way, the Colonel called—he wants his chicken legs back.”

  Trish tried to laugh but could barely catch her breath.<
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  Running was something Ashlyn loved, and the sprints were hard but fun. After her winning sprint the night before, she was ready for another round.

  Training ended, and the masses flocked to the cafeteria for dinner where the Birch unit was given VIP champion service and seating. Ashlyn felt great to be part of the winning team and get the hard-earned rewards.

  Ashlyn wanted to sit with Derek but knew she should stay with her unit on their first night after winning. Trish sat next to her, and Sally and Amy sat across from her. She hadn’t spent much time with either of them and looked forward to getting to know them better.

  Sally was from Fort Collins, Colorado and Amy from Casper, Wyoming.

  “So, how’s it going? You were drafted, so I’m sure there’s a lot about this place that you weren’t expecting,” said Sally, looking intently at both Trish and Ashlyn.

  “You got that right. Never thought I’d be hanging with a bunch of strangers in the sticks fixing wood posts, using a chainsaw the size of a car, and running in a forest. But it’s not so bad. Food’s good. Work’s not too hard. So far people aren’t making any trouble for me, so I’d say I’m good for now,” replied Trish, as she speared bright green peas from her metal cafeteria tray.

  “What about you, Ashlyn? How are you holding up?” asked Amy.

  “Yesterday, I wanted to run as far away from here as possible. But after the win, I kinda changed my mind. It’s not what I ever imagined doing this summer or, well, ever in my life. But it’s getting better. Everyone in Birch is pretty cool. What about you? How do you like it?” asked Ashlyn, genuinely interested.

  Amy replied after swallowing a mouth full of peas, “You know it’s starting out pretty good. I always wanted to visit the redwoods. It’s been on my bucket list since I learned about them in fourth grade. I put it as my first option but never thought that I’d get it. And here I am living with ancient giants.”

  “I wanted to go to the Florida Keys and do reef restoration. But this is a pretty amazing place. Everyone’s been really nice and helpful,” said Sally.

  “Is that what you want to study? Reef restoration?” asked Ashlyn.

  “Yep, I know this sounds so corny and not so PC but when I was four, my grandparents brought me to Sea World in Orlando. I fell in love with the ocean. They even adopted a manatee for me—Henry. They took me to the beach as often as they could. I read everything I could about the oceans and sea life, but I was most interested in protecting it. There’s a lot of restoration projects along the coral reefs in the Atlantic. Someday I want to be part of that.”

  “I thought I might get a jump start through GYP, but it didn’t quite happen the way I planned. Instead I ended up in the forest, but at least I get paid and that’ll help with college tuition,” said Sally.

  “Did you spend a lot of time with your grandparents?” asked Trish.

  “Yeah, I lived with them. They adopted me and my younger brother when I was six. My mom had me when she was in college, and my dad left before I was born. She got in a really bad car accident and hurt her back. She got addicted to pain meds and couldn’t take care of us. So, we went to live with my grandparents, and they raised us,” replied Sally matter-of-factly.

  Trish responded, “Same with me. About my mom. She had me when she was fifteen and chose meth over me. I bounced from family friends and my grandparents for a few years until I landed in foster care at five. I lived with eleven different families until I got caught. And now here I am as part of my parole. Never thought I’d be sitting here on my eighteenth birthday.”

  “Today’s your birthday?” asked Ashlyn, surprised.

  Sally and Amy looked at Trish with utter shock. Not that it was her birthday, but that she had dropped a bombshell of a story that made them feel disturbed and uncomfortable.

  “Yep,” replied Trish with not much enthusiasm.

  Ashlyn could see the look of fear and concern on Sally’s and Amy’s faces. She too was at a loss for words for a few seconds but quickly recovered her emotions and said, “Happy Birthday. I hope you have an amazing year of adventures and fun.”

  In an effort to change the subject and lighten the mood, she followed with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” and soon the entire cafeteria had joined in the celebration.

  Now it was Trish’s turn to blush before a rigid frown appeared on her face, but it didn’t last long. Before the end of the song, she was still looking down but smiling. Her whole body seemed to relax.

  “I can’t believe you just did that. Everyone is looking at me,” Trish said under her breath.

  “Why shouldn’t they look at you and celebrate you?” asked Ashlyn.

  “News flash. I’m not really into the ‘look at me I need attention thing.’ I’m not thirsty,” replied Trish.

  “I know, but it’s your birthday. Everyone deserves one day to be celebrated. So, eat it up. And you’re welcome,” said Ashlyn, as she winked at Trish and kept smiling.

  Ashlyn wasn’t trying to be vindictive or mean. She really believed that birthdays where the most important personal day you could ever have. She hoped this wouldn’t affect her new friendship with Trish. She was really beginning to like her.

  Sally got up the nerve to ask Trish, “So, you said you are on parole. Um, maybe it’s none of my business and you don’t have to answer, but what did you do?”

  “I got caught selling pot to some kids at school. I’m paying my price to society. The end,” replied Trish, going from joy back to embarrassment.

  “Even though your mom left you for drugs, you chose to sell them to kids?” asked Sally incredulously.

  “Hey, look. I didn’t wake up one day and say, ‘I think I should sell drugs to kids.’ My foster dad was a dealer and that’s what I had to do or get beaten. I didn’t have a choice,” said Trish defensively while she picked at her peas, deliberately not making any contact with the women at her table.

  There was a long, uncomfortable silence. No one knew what to say. Selling drugs to kids was the absolute worst thing Ashlyn could think of doing, but being forced to do it was unthinkable—and being forced by the people that were supposed to care for you and love you. She couldn’t imagine a life like that at all.

  Trish continued quietly, “I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I wasn’t going back to the last foster place. If I did what I was told, he left me alone. So, I did what he said, and I got busted. He did, too. Locked him up for a long time. So, don’t judge me. And, no, I don’t do drugs,” replied Trish, feeling hurt and self-conscious.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say,” replied Sally.

  “The people who make and sell drugs should be locked up forever or worse. It took away our moms, and we will never get them back,” replied Trish, looking sadly at Sally who nodded in silent agreement.

  “I’m done. I’ll see you back at the bunk,” said Trish, as she got up with her tray and left the table.

  “Ashlyn, I wasn’t trying to be mean. I can’t imagine what she’s been through. I thought my mom leaving me was bad. But wow, not as bad as hers. Please let her know I didn’t mean to offend her,” said Sally.

  Amy was looking down at her uneaten veggie lasagna. “I’ve never met anyone who was in jail. I really didn’t think I’d meet anyone here that had been. We’re only eighteen and nineteen years old. I really feel blessed to have had such a normal life. To think I used to complain when my mom didn’t buy the bread I liked. Like that was the biggest problem I faced sometimes. I feel like a jerk. I know I didn’t do anything, but still.”

  “I can’t believe she sold pot to little kids. It’s crazy. She deserved getting caught. I know she thinks she didn’t have a choice, but she could have said something to a teacher or someone else,” said Sally, feeling anger and sadness take over at remembering her mom’s decline into a zombie.

  “I know what you mean. I felt the same way when she told me. But I think she’s really sorry for what she did. She wants to put that in the past and start a new life. I li
ke her. She’s very tough, but she’s fun, too,” said Ashlyn trying to stand up for Trish.

  She left the cafeteria feeling sad for her friend. The day’s events and the work out hit her like a brick. She suddenly got very tired.

  For the second time that day, someone grabbed her wrist, and it made her so pissed.

  “Hey, trying to sneak away?” asked Derek.

  “Oh, hey. Sorry, I just got so tired and wrapped up in my thoughts that I forgot about meeting you. I’m sorry,” replied Ashlyn, lighting up at seeing Derek.

  “Do you want to reschedule for tomorrow? Is everything okay?” asked Derek.

  Ashlyn thought for a second. On one hand she really wanted a shower and to go to bed, but on the other, she really wanted to be with Derek.

  “No, let’s hang out. I need a good laugh. If you’re still like the kid I remember, then I’m sure my sides will be hurting soon enough,” said Ashlyn, perking up.

  They made their way to the picnic table furthest from the crowd. They easily fell into conversation. Ashlyn felt at ease with Derek. He reminded her of her friends at home whom she missed dearly—everyone but Campbell. She hoped he wouldn’t see her and interrupt her time with Derek.

  “Do you remember that ditzy counselor, Sparky?” asked Derek.

  “Yeah, she was very pale, insecure, and couldn’t have been more opposite than her name,” replied Ashlyn.

  “Were you in my engineering class?” he asked.

  “Yes, are you talking about the prank?” asked Ashlyn.

  Derek started laughing, “God, that was so bad of us. We really did a number on her.”

  “I still can’t believe she actually fell for it. Poor thing. I hope she recovered,” replied Ashlyn.

  “I never thought it would work. The entire class is sitting in those stupid desks facing the front of the room when she gets called outside. I say ‘Everyone grab your notebook and sit crossed legged on the floor. When she says everyone sit in your desks, we all respond “Sparky, we ARE in our desks” and just keep repeating it. I’ll ask if she’s feeling okay and if she needs to sit down for a minute.’ OMG. It worked, and she left thinking she was having a mental breakdown. I do feel bad about it, but that was funny,” said Derek smiling at the memory.