by Kim O'Cain
“It sounds so mean now, but it was hysterical when we did it. I never saw her after that. Really, she wasn’t cut out to be a camp counselor,” replied Ashlyn.
“No, she wasn’t. Enough about her. What do you want to study at Blythe?” asked Derek.
“Architecture. I’m going to be a partner in my family’s firm, Waters and Waters. What about you?” asked Ashlyn.
“I thought that might be your firm. Your grandfather designed the engineering building at John Adams University that bears my grandfather’s name—James L. Lewis. It’s a small world. Have you ever seen it?” asked Derek.
Ashlyn smiled, “Only in pictures, but it’s one of my favorite designs that he created. The neoclassical elements are so fitting for that university. It’s a beautiful campus. Are you interested in engineering?”
“Noooo. International Studies. I’m going to Harvard. It’s a family tradition—fifth generation. My family would love it if I went into engineering, but it’s not my thing. I really can’t stand math,” replied Derek.
“You said you were supposed to be in Amsterdam. What were you going to do there?” asked Ashlyn.
“Well, besides the obvious, not much. Party it up until school starts. I’m burnt out. But no, back to bunks with strangers. I went to boarding school in New Hampshire. I was looking forward to a summer with my own room and bathroom. Oh well, at least I’m here with you,” said Derek just as a loud speaker announcement for lights out in thirty minutes blared from a tree next to them.
“Guess we better go,” said Ashlyn, sad that they didn’t have more time to talk. As they started walking to the yurts, Derek held her hand. And Ashlyn let him. They walked hand-in-hand only a short distance to the next picnic table then, he gently let go.
She felt warm and safe with him. She gave him a sideways glance and couldn’t help but smile. But her smile turned to concern. Um, this could get tricky, thought Ashlyn. It was against the rules to date fellow recruits. Was she willing to potentially get in trouble for him? She wasn’t sure.
He walked her to Birch yurt said goodbye and then walked away with a huge smile. Ashlyn feel asleep easily and feeling as if she had something to look forward to tomorrow.
Ashlyn woke up early the next morning and went into the stairwell to call her mom.
“Ashlyn, I’m so happy to hear your voice. I was getting a little worried. Lupe told me that you called but my calls went straight to your voicemail. How are you? What happened with Campbell?” asked Dana, delighted and worried at the same time.
“Mom, I’m okay. Actually, I’m better than okay. Campbell is not in my unit—thank God. The first day he was being a complete jerk. But I made a scene in front of the whole camp, and he stopped. I hope that he’ll leave me alone from now on. We’re so busy that I doubt I’ll see him much at all,” replied Ashlyn, happy to hear her mom’s voice.
Dana was relieved to hear that Ashlyn was not in any real trouble with Campbell.
“You sound much better than I thought you would. So, tell me what’s going on. What are they making you do?” asked Dana, wishing she could talk to her in person.
“So much has happened in just a few days. You’re never going to guess who I met. Do you remember my seventh-grade summer camp at Hilldale?” asked Ashlyn excitedly.
“Of course, I remember. Is it that boy from Malibu?”
“No, it’s Derek Taylor. He’s not in my unit, but we sat at the same table in the cafeteria and started talking. I didn’t recognize him at first, but he remembered me. We’ve been hanging out,” Ashlyn replied grinning.
“Oh, that’s so nice that you’ve found an old friend,” Dana couldn’t help but smile at hearing the joy in her daughter’s voice. Maybe she could relax a little. It was so difficult letting her go into the complete unknown.
“Did Lupe tell you that we saw a bear? I’m still freaked out about the forest. But, Mom, it’s so beautiful here. The trees are huge. It’s so quiet. My teammates are okay, too. We won this competition the first night, and we get two extra days off, which I can’t wait to use. How are you? How’s dad?” Ashlyn asked, not wanting to dwell on the fact that she was still stuck here. They talked for a few more minutes before Ashlyn had to finish getting ready for morning inspection. She was dressed and made her bed before half the other women were up.
“Well, you look happy this morning,” whispered Trish, as she climbed down from her bunk.
“I slept great and feel rested for the first time in a very long time. Hey, about yesterday. Sally didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” said Ashlyn, hopeful that Trish had forgiven her.
“Look, it’s no one’s business what I did. I just wish I hadn’t said anything. I know I don’t belong here. I kinda thought I’d get a new start. But I messed that up royally,” said Trish, as she made her bed.
“I really think Sally and Amy want to be friends. But you have to admit that was a lot to lay on them. I think it just brought up a lot of feelings, especially for Sally. You’re gonna have to see them every day. Just think about it? Okay?” replied Ashlyn, hopeful that Trish would put aside her shame and embarrassment and try to make it work. A year is a very long time to avoid people you are surrounded by twenty-four seven.
“I know,” said Trish annoyed.
Ashlyn and Trish walked to breakfast together in silence. Ashlyn was re-playing in her mind the evening before with Derek. She was looking forward to seeing him later that day.
Someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.
“Derek,” said Ashlyn, and looked up blushing only to see that it was Campbell.
“And who’s Derek? You’re blushing, Ashlyn. Do tell,” said Campbell, still holding her wrist tightly.
“Let go!” said Ashlyn, giving him a look that could kill.
Campbell let go, but didn’t back away.
“Already got a boyfriend? You’re such a slut, Ashlyn,” he said loudly so everyone nearby could hear, and several people turned to look at them.
Ashlyn’s face got redder, and she wanted to strike out and hit him. But she took a deep breath, turned around and walked away holding her head high. She decided not to give him any more of her time or energy. There were people and things she wanted to spend her energy on and Campbell Williams would never again be one of them.
She felt total peace at completely detaching from him and his toxic behavior. Ashlyn wanted to skip to the parade ground but settled for a brisk walk and a huge smile. Matt and Trish caught up to her.
“Want me to take him out, Blondie?” asked Trish seriously.
“No. He’s not worth it. Come on. I’m starving. I hope they have those amazing biscuits today,” said Ashlyn, and they walked the rest of the way bantering about the day’s agenda.
Ashlyn would see Campbell nearly every day after that, and often he was next to Bethany looking as if he wanted to be anywhere else but there. Ashlyn would smile at him and then turn her attention to the people around her. She knew anything other than being positive would send her into another cycle of anxiety and fear about what he would do to her. Ashlyn knew that her team members were looking out for her and would help her in an instant. And strangely, Campbell didn’t try anything. He left her alone.
The next several weeks flew by, and Ashlyn settled into a routine with project work in the morning, afternoon class, training, then dinner and hang-out time alone with Derek. She looked forward to their time together. Sometimes they would walk around the camp or just sit on a bench and talk for an hour or so before going to their separate yurts.
They had a lot in common and laughed a lot. Skiing was both their favorite hobby. They had both been in Telluride at the same time during spring break just a few months ago. They loved traveling. It was one of the big reasons Derek chose International Studies. He wanted to live abroad one day. He spoke four languages: Chinese, German, and Spanish in addition to English. They talked about traveling together after their service time was over.
They decided to go through count
ries and cities alphabetically and see who had visited the most places. They had both visited every continent and between them over fifty countries. Neither had been to Bali or Bhutan, but those were high on their list to visit.
“I’m so excited that we get to work together. Or at least in the same area. We’re planting trees and a learning garden at the school. I saw the plans, and it’s really going to be a great place for the kids to have an outdoor classroom.
And I’m even more stoked for our days off this weekend. What should we do? I hear there’s an amazing Italian restaurant in town. There’s a huge sculpture garden not far from there that’s supposed to be pretty interesting,” said Ashlyn, with enthusiasm at the thought of getting out of camp for a few days with Derek.
“Well, actually I have plans. I made them before we got together. I have a buddy that lives about an hour away. He’s gonna pick me up Friday after dinner. I would ask to invite you, but it’s a guys’ only weekend. I’m sorry. I can see your feelings are hurt,” said Derek, as he caressed her face.
“Oh, of course you should go. We’ll have another weekend to hang out. But I was looking forward to just the two of us. I shouldn’t have assumed anything. I’m fine, really,” said Ashlyn, mustering up conviction even though she felt rejected. She had assumed that they would hang out together. It never occurred to her that he would make plans with other people. They had spent every day after dinner together for the last two and a half months.
“You know I want to spend time with you, too. Alone. Just the two of us. I should have said something earlier. I promise our next weekend off will be amazing. Anything you want to do. Okay?” asked Derek.
“Yeah, okay. But don’t have too much fun without me.” replied Ashlyn, still trying to cover her disappointment.
“You got it, Babe,” said Derek.
“Really, I’m Babe?” asked Ashlyn playfully. And Derek tickled her side, making her laugh and lightening the mood. Derek was so great at helping her to be in the moment. It was another reason she really liked him.
The rest of the week was full of new challenges and experiences. But Ashlyn thrived in it. Because she had experience reading construction plans, she was asked to lead the learning garden project. She fell in love with it. Seeing an idea on paper come to life in 3-D was exhilarating. She felt confident and happy. And collaborating with her team members and working with the school kids made it much more fun.
Being from the East Coast, she was unfamiliar with the West Coast plants and trees, but she quickly learned them. The learning garden was to be surrounded by a grove of oak trees that in several years would grow to be like parents watching over their children—towering above them strong but lovingly, providing them with shelter and soft whispers of peace and calm.
The garden included a vegetable and herb garden as well as a fruit orchard that would provide food for the cafeteria and snacks, a Zen garden with small boulders to sit on, a water fountain for the birds, and a horseshoe classroom in the middle.
“You mean you want me to make a mud pie? I’m not gonna get in trouble?” asked one of the second graders. The school kids were helping build the garden starting with the cob benches for the classroom. The benches were made with a mixture of clay, sand, and water that covered bales of straw and were formed into different animal shapes, including a bald eagle with its wings spread out, making the backrest for the bench. It was a tribute to the GYP
“Yep, we are going to make mud pies and then cover the straw. You can get as dirty as you want for this school project,” replied Kate, with a conspiratorial grin.
The kids squealed and jumped up and down at being able to play in the mud and not get into trouble. They were excellent crafters. There were lots of questions and exploration about the tools and materials. There was so much pride and joy as they accomplished even the smallest part of the project. Their fun was infectious. The whole GYPgroup involved in building the school and garden was enjoying the work. There was laughter, joking, and lots of playing. It felt so good to have moments of total freedom to goof off and just enjoy being with the kids.
The students also made prints in the concrete stepping stones and pathways using leaves from the trees being planted in their garden. Inspirational quotes were stamped into the low walls that flanked the entrance. One of Ashlyn’s favorite quotes by Margaret Mead was included, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Ashlyn thought how true those words were. Look at what we accomplished. I never would have made a difference in these kids’ lives and built this amazing space for them and with them if I hadn’t been drafted. She was so filled with joy and didn’t want this project to end. It took her by complete surprise that working outside with plants and kids was so fulfilling. Ashlyn couldn’t remember ever doing something that made her feel so content. And to think that being drafted into nature jail was the reason.
“Wow, Ashlyn, this is amazing. You are amazing. You’re going to make a great architect one day,” said Derek, as he stood beside her looking at the finished garden.
“Thanks. It’ll be hard to top this one. You know I think landscape architecture is what I really want to do. I want to give this type of gift to my clients. I’m not sure how my dad will take the news, but I feel like this is really me,” said Ashlyn with pride.
“Well, I’m sure your dad just wants you to be happy,” replied Derek.
Ashlyn was having second thoughts about being a partner in her dad’s firm. This project and the inspiration she felt was literally planting the seed for a different life path. Maybe she could study landscape architecture at Blythe and then start her own company. She had seven more months to figure it out. But she was beginning to see the possibility of having her own life, and that was very exciting.
“Hey, Babe. I’m heading back to camp, and I probably won’t see you before I go. I’ll text you when I get there. Have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” replied Derek, as he winked at Ashlyn. She wanted to hug him and kiss him and tell him to stay but knew she couldn’t.
“Go. Have fun with your guys. I don’t want to know what you’re going to do. I’ll see you on Sunday after dinner,” replied Ashlyn, and waved good-bye.
Chapter 10. Assumed
Several Birchers were heading south and renting a cabin to go hiking and fishing. Even Trish decided to go on the trip. It wasn’t Ashlyn’s idea of fun. And it left her feeling isolated and alone.
Some of the other units were all going into town for a movie and dinner. But Ashlyn didn’t feel like being around a crowd. She decided to stay at camp and read a book her friend Stephanie had recommended, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
She couldn’t sit still long enough to even start the first sentence. Ashlyn decided to go for a walk around the camp. She didn’t dare go on a hike on one of the trails without a partner. As she reached the bottom step, she heard Blake’s voice.
“Mom, I can’t just leave to come help. I’ve got a job to do here. I’m sorry, but I can’t drop everything. I’ll send you my check. It’s going to be okay. We’ve always gotten by. No, don’t worry. I’m okay. I gotta go. I’ll call you in a few days. Yeah, I love you too. Bye, Mom,” said Blake, as he flung open the doors and stomped away.
Ashlyn waited a minute to give him space. She didn’t want him to know she had eavesdropped on his conversation. She couldn’t help but wonder what was going on with him.
Blake was a very private person. He and Kate were clearly a thing and trying to keep it under the radar just like she and Derek. They stuck to themselves most of the time.
Fall was in full swing. She was so happy to be able to wear her own clothes for a few days. She had her favorite sweater and scarf. She carried a jacket in case she got cold. Ashlyn had spent extra time washing and blow drying her hair and even put on makeup, hoping to make her feel a little better.
“Hey, watch where you’re going,” was w
hat Ashlyn heard before being startled by hot liquid running down her front.
“Oh, god! I’m sorry,” replied Ashlyn, looking down at the mess.
“No, I’m sorry, Waters. I wasn’t paying attention. Here use this,” said Blake, as he started to blot the coffee with his hat. They both looked up at each other, and it was like deja vu.
“Uh. That was you. I spilled coffee on you. Before. In New York. That was you,” said Blake, making Ashlyn blush.
“Yeah, that was me,” replied Ashlyn, looking straight into his eyes and into his soul.
Blake was still holding his hat to her chest and quickly retrieved his hand. Her heart began to pound, and her palms started sweating.
“I’m sorry,” he said sternly, handing her his hat and briskly walked away.
What was that? How could she still feel this way? She was dating Derek. That wasn’t quite the reaction she was hoping to get. She needed to clear her mind. Ashlyn walked directly to a bench made from a fallen redwood tree that was positioned in front of the tallest tree along the perimeter of the parade grounds. It was her favorite tree.
Today there was no one around. Normally, she would have felt a little jittery being so close to the forest and all alone. But today, she welcomed the solitude. The air was crisp. The sky was a pale blue with a few small wispy clouds that flew by and over the mountain. Hundreds of giants saluted her as she got closer to the bench. She could hear a few Stellar Jay’s in the distance and some small birds flitting in the brush close to the ground nearby. The noise she heard above all else was the gentle rustle of trees beckoning her to sit and be part of the chorus.