EVERGREEN: S1E2 - Cliques And Cliches

As 6 PM rolled around, the calm was suddenly shattered as the loudspeakers around the camp crackled to life, its harsh noise echoing through the area. The girls, nestled by their blankets after getting to know one another, groaned as the sound jolted them awake.

The room, which had been filled with the gentle sounds of chatting and breathing, now became tense with anticipation. Everyone froze, their attention immediately drawn to the crackling speaker, wondering what announcement could be so urgent at this hour.

In the moonlight filtering through the cabin’s windows, the girls exchanged glances, each of them silently bracing for whatever the loudspeaker might bring. The air was thick with a mix of curiosity and unease as they waited, ears tuned to the static-filled speaker, wondering what news could be important enough to disrupt the peaceful evening.

"Welcome to Camp Evergreen!" The cheerful voice of Mr. Garrett, the Head Camp Counselor, boomed over the loudspeaker. "This is your Head Camp Counselor, Brad Garrett. I hope you’re all settling in nicely this evening because we’ve got a fantastic summer ahead. Right now, I need everyone to gather in front of the mess hall for our official welcome and some exciting announcements!"

"Those loudspeaker systems should be illegal," Candace agreed with a groan.

“Good ol’ Mr. Garrett,” Robin added.

Jackie rolled her eyes. “Every year with this guy,” she said jokingly.

Jodi rolled over in bed, chuckled and smiled. “He means well.”

Heather, not in the mood for another camp pep talk, leaned back in her bed, and responded with her usual sarcasm. "Oh great, more camp pep talks. Just what I needed."

The girls exchanged knowing glances but kept quiet as they quickly got ready for the evening ahead. They moved in a practiced, almost synchronized manner, taking turns at the two small bathroom sinks. The room filled with the sounds of running water, the clatter of toothbrushes, and the quiet rustle of clothing as they prepared themselves to face the rest of the camp.

Robin leaned in close to the mirror, carefully applying eyeliner with the precision of years of practice, while Jodi tied her hair up into a simple ponytail, her face set in quiet determination. Chelsea stood nearby, patiently waiting as Jackie finished putting the final touches on her mascara, her focus intense as she perfected her look.

Heather, true to her confident nature, took only a few moments to get ready. She quickly changed into a more revealing shirt, her movements calculated. Jodi, catching sight of this, watched silently, her thoughts clear—Heather was clearly aiming to catch Brian’s attention today. There was a brief flicker of unease in Jodi’s expression, but she didn’t say anything.

Candace, on the other hand, kept her look simple and natural, eschewing any extra effort to glam herself up. She finished quickly and stood by the door, waiting for the rest of the girls with a patient, almost indifferent expression.

One by one, they began to head out to the mess hall. Jodi and Candace shuffled outside first, their movements unhurried as they stepped into the evening moonlight. Jackie continued to doll herself up, making sure her mascara was perfect before finally deciding she was ready. She and Chelsea exchanged a quick nod before leaving the cabin together, making their way toward the mess hall.

Heather lingered behind, checking her reflection one last time, a smirk playing on her lips as she basked in the memory of the attention she garnered earlier in the afternoon. Satisfied with her appearance, she followed after the others, her confident stride making it clear she was ready to turn more heads today.

Robin, always the perfectionist when it came to her makeup, was the last to leave. She hurried out of the cabin, still finishing up as she rushed to catch up with the rest of the girls, who were already making their way across the campgrounds. The early evening air was crisp, filled with the sounds of nature and the distant chatter of other campers, as the girls headed toward the mess hall, each of them carrying their own thoughts and expectations for the evening ahead.

"Wait for me!" Robin shouted as she jogged to catch up.

The campers gathered in front of the large, rustic mess hall. There was a buzz of excitement and curiosity in the air as they clustered together in various groups. Mr. Garrett stood on a small stage with a microphone in hand, a broad smile on his face.

"Welcome to Camp Evergreen, everyone! We’re thrilled to have you here for what’s going to be an unforgettable summer! Now, to kick things off, I’m excited to announce our annual main event—The Evergreen Field Day Games!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm echoing across the campgrounds. A few campers groaned, clearly not as thrilled with the announcement, but the overall energy was electric. Amidst the noise, Heather rolled her eyes, her expression dripping with sarcasm as she offered a half-hearted, exaggerated clap. Mr. Garrett’s announcements slowly faded into the background as Heather leans towards the Jodi and the others. 

"Wow, what a surprise. Another camp tradition. Riveting," Heather said rolling her eyes. "How many more of these ‘exciting’ announcements do you think we’ll have to sit through? I’m already counting the seconds."

Jodi glanced at Heather, sensing the tension beneath her casual disdain. Candace and Robin exchanged looks, each unsure how to respond to Heather’s obvious disinterest. Chelsea, ever the peacemaker, simply offered a polite smile, hoping to keep things light.

As the excitement from Mr. Garrett’s announcements continued to ripple through the crowd, Brian, standing with his group of jock friends, glanced over in Heather's direction. Their eyes met, and Heather’s demeanor shifted in an instant. The sarcasm and disinterest from moments ago vanished, replaced by a confident, charming smile. She lifted her hand in a small, confident wave, her eyes gleaming with purpose.

Brian caught her wave and, for a brief moment, returned the smile, though it was more subdued than hers. The interaction was quick, but it was enough to make Heather’s smile widen, her confidence clearly boosted by the acknowledgment.

Standing nearby, Jodi couldn’t help but notice the exchange. A pang of jealousy shot through her, her stomach twisting as she watched Brian's attention briefly shift to Heather. Her eyes narrowed slightly, the discomfort gnawing at her as she tried to push the feeling aside.

Despite her best efforts, the brief interaction between the two lingered in Jodi’s mind, casting a shadow over the otherwise cheerful atmosphere. She forced herself to focus on the announcements, but the unease stayed with her, a reminder that this summer might be more complicated than she had hoped.

"Alright, enough standing around!" Mr. Garrett’s voice boomed again. "Let’s all head into the mess hall for our first meal together. Remember, the friendships you make here could last a lifetime!"

As the announcement ended, the campers began to file into the mess hall, the familiar ritual of sorting into their respective cliques playing out naturally. The jocks, with Brian at the helm, clustered together, exuding confidence and camaraderie. The burnouts and smokers, with their laid-back demeanor and easy laughter, gravitated toward a corner table near the windows. The band geeks and nerds settled into their usual spots, already animatedly discussing the latest music arrangements and whatever science fiction novels they were currently obsessed with. The rebels, known for their non-conformity and disdain for rules, sat a table away from the counselors’ line of sight, where they can escape unnoticed. The drama kids, passionate about theater and the performing arts, picked a table near the edge of the room where they could rehearse lines without much interruption.

Amidst this organized chaos, Jodi, Chelsea, Candace, Jackie, and Robin made their way to a table near the middle of the mess hall. Their group, while not fitting neatly into any of the established cliques, found a comfortable spot somewhat separated from the others. The table, though centrally located, felt like a small haven where they could relax and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of fitting into any specific group. They began to chit-chat as trays of food were placed before them.

"Looks like everyone’s already back in their usual spots. Nothing ever changes," Jackie smirked as she glanced around the room.

Candace leaned back in her chair with a playful grin. "Well, except us. We’re the wildcards, right?"

"Wildcards or not, I’m just glad we’ve got our own space. No drama," Robin chuckled, adjusting her makeup in a small compact.

As the conversation flowed around the table, Jackie couldn’t help but subtly side-eye Robin, her thoughts still lingering on the news of Robin's acceptance to the modeling program at Fashion College of Evergreen.

"Looks like Heather’s wasting no time," Chelsea nodded toward the jocks’ table.

Heather confidently strode over to the jocks’ table, her presence commanding attention. She moved with purpose, her earlier smirk firmly in place as she approached Brian and his friends. The energy at the jocks' table shifted slightly as she drew nearer, a few of the guys glancing up, curious to see what she was about.

Jodi, catching sight of Heather's approach, felt another pang of jealousy but tried to keep her focus on the conversation at her own table. Despite her best efforts, her eyes kept drifting toward Heather, watching as she seamlessly integrated herself into the group, her confidence and charisma on full display.

"Looks like Heather’s making her move," Jackie commented at Jodi casually, but with a hint of edge.

Jodi stiffened slightly but didn’t respond, unwilling to give away just how much it was bothering her.

"Well, she sure doesn’t waste any time, does she?" Candace half-joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"She’s definitely not shy, that’s for sure," Robin added, though her attention was split.

The girls exchanged glances, each of them aware of the unspoken tension but choosing to focus on their own group. Jodi forced a smile, trying to stay engaged with her friends, but the sight of Heather laughing with the jocks, especially Brian, lingered in the back of her mind.

At the jocks' table, Heather settled in comfortably, her laughter mingling with theirs as she effortlessly became part of the group. Brian seemed to enjoy her company, though he remained relaxed and friendly, not giving away too much of what he was thinking. The easy camaraderie between them was hard for Jodi to ignore, even as she tried to focus on the conversation at her own table.

Suddenly, Chad, who had been nursing a bruised ego after being brushed off by Heather earlier, spotted an opportunity to regain some attention. With his usual swagger, he got up from the jocks’ table and sauntered over to where Jodi and her friends were sitting. His presence was immediately felt, as his confident stride and cocky grin drew the eyes of a few campers nearby.

"Oh my god. What does he want?" Jackie muttered, clearly annoyed.

Chad stopped at the edge of their table, leaning casually with one hand resting on the back of an empty chair. He locked his gaze on Jodi, his grin widening as he prepared to deliver one of his signature cheesy pickup lines.

"Is it just me, or did it get hotter in here the moment you walked in?" Chad grinned, with exaggerated charm.

The table fell silent for a moment, everyone taken aback by Chad’s sudden appearance and over-the-top attempt at flirting. Jodi’s eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of confusion and mild embarrassment crossing her face as she processed what just happened. She glanced at her friends, unsure how to respond to Chad’s blatant attempt to win her over.

"Wow, Chad, that was… something," Jackie raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Do lines like that actually work for you?" Robin chuckled, unable to hide her amusement.

Unfazed by the light teasing, Chad straightened up, still grinning. He winked at Jodi, clearly enjoying the attention, even if it wasn’t the reaction he was hoping for.

"You’d be surprised. Just thought I’d see if I could make someone’s day a little brighter," Chad played along with a shrug.

Jodi, still a bit flustered, forced a polite smile, trying to navigate the situation without encouraging Chad too much. "Uh, thanks, Chad… I guess?"

Sensing that he might not be winning Jodi over just yet, Chad decided to turn up the charm. "Hey, no need to thank me. Just thought a pretty girl like you deserved to hear something nice."

Jackie, who had been watching the exchange with nothing but mild irritation, rolled her eyes and decided to step in. "Alright, Casanova, how about you let Jodi finish her dinner without the show?" she teased, with a sharp edge.

The tension at the table eased as everyone laughed, the moment breaking the awkwardness that had settled in. Realizing he wasn’t going to get the reaction he wanted, Chad took it in stride.

"Well at least she’s nice," he joked, raising his hands in mock surrender before giving one last wink to Jodi and sauntering back to the jocks’ table, his cocky grin still firmly in place. As he left, the girls exchanged amused glances, relieved that the moment had passed without too much drama.

"Well, that was… interesting," Candace grinned.

"Yeah, but hey, at least you’ve got options, Jodi," Robin nodded, still chuckling.

Jodi laughed along with them, the earlier tension easing as they shifted the conversation back to more lighthearted topics. But as the laughter continued, Jodi couldn’t help but feel a lingering sense of unease, knowing that the summer ahead might be filled with more unexpected encounters and complicated emotions.

"Wait, Jackie," Robin began, her eyes lighting up mischievously, "didn’t you used to date—"

Jackie felt a sudden jolt of anxiety as Robin started to speak, the grin on her face suggesting she was about to spill something from the past. Jackie knew exactly what memory Robin was recalling—the brief, awkward fling she’d had with Chad Thompson during freshman year of high school. It was a time she’d rather forget.

Before Robin could finish, Chelsea, always attuned to the subtleties in the group's dynamics, noticed the look on Jackie's face. She could tell that whatever Robin was about to say might not go over well, especially given the already delicate balance at the table. Sensing the potential for another awkward moment, Chelsea quickly jumped in, her voice light but firm.

"Jodi! Why don’t you go shoot your shot with Brian? You’ve got nothing to lose," Chelsea said emphatically, trying to steer the conversation in a more positive direction.

The crisis averted, the conversation moved on, and Jackie couldn’t help but feel thankful for her friend’s quick thinking. That old secret would remain just that—a secret. Jodi looked down, her thoughts swirling as the chatter continued around her. The laughter and excitement at the table felt distant, muffled by the conflict brewing inside her. Her eyes darted over to Brian, who was now fully engrossed in conversation with Heather at the jocks’ table. The sight sent a pang through her chest, a mix of insecurity and longing tightening its grip on her.

"Maybe… maybe later. I just don’t want to make a fool of myself," Jodi said softly.

The girls exchanged subtle looks of understanding, their eyes reflecting a shared awareness of what Jodi was going through. They knew her well enough to recognize that this wasn’t just about Brian or Heather; it was about Jodi’s own fears and insecurities, the internal struggle she’d been grappling with for a while.

"You won’t make a fool of yourself. But don’t let someone like Heather walk all over you like that. You deserve better," Candace said seriously.

Jodi nodded, appreciating their support, but she still seemed unsure. She sneaked another glance at Brian and Heather, her stomach tightening at the sight. Suddenly, Mr. Garrett approached their table, a warm, welcoming smile on his face.

"Good evening, ladies! Welcome back to Camp Evergreen! It’s great to see familiar faces. I hope you’re all ready for tomorrow’s Field Day Games. It’s going to be a blast!" Mr. Garrett said cheerfully.

The girls, caught slightly off guard by his sudden appearance, responded with polite smiles and nods, each offering their own version of a friendly greeting.

"Thanks, Mr. Garrett. We’re looking forward to it!" Chelsea smiled.

Candace nodded with a polite grin. "Sounds like it’s going to be fun.”

"Oh, we’re ready!" Robin added cheerfully.

Jackie muttered sarcastically while looking at her phone. "Can’t wait."

"We’ll give it our best shot, Mr. Garrett" Jodi said softly, with a smile.

Mr. Garrett turned to Jodi with a smile and said warmly "It’s good to see you again, Jodi! I’m looking forward to seeing you fly past the competition in the relay race tomorrow! By the way, wow’s the leg?" Mr. Garrett asked curiously.

"Oh, Mr. Garrett, that was four years ago. It’s been healed forever. I’m back to full speed," Jodi chuckled.

"Oh, right,” Mr. Garrett replied. “Time really does fly, doesn’t it? Well, I’m glad to hear you’re doing well. You’ve probably outpaced all of us by now. I expect you to win your race tomorrow then!" Mr. Garrett laughed in acknowledgment.

"I’ll kick some butt, Mr. Garrett. Don’t you worry," Jodi replied confidently.

As Mr. Garrett smiled and moved on to the next table, their attention was momentarily drawn to Heather, who suddenly got up from the jocks’ table. She moved with her usual confidence; her expression neutral as she stepped away from the group.

"Now’s your chance, Jodi. Go talk to him. You’ve got this," Robin grinned, nudging Jodi.

Jodi replied, unsure "I don’t know, Robin.”

"Oh my god, Jodi. Just go!" Candace encouraged, pushing her a little.

Chelsea mouthed for Jodi to go, while Jackie looked down at her phone, ignoring everyone at the table. Jodi hesitated, her heart racing, but she started to gather her courage. After a moment, she took a deep breath and stood up, her eyes locked on Brian across the room. She started walking toward the jocks' table, each step feeling like it took an eternity.

Brian was distracted, laughing and talking with his friends, oblivious to her approach. But then, as if sensing her, he turned and locked eyes with her. Time seemed to slow down for Jodi. She couldn’t believe it was finally happening—her chance to talk to Brian after so many years.

"This is it…" Jodi murmured to herself, smiling nervously, trying to steady herself as she got closer. Brian’s expression was warm, his gaze friendly and curious. But just as she was about to speak, Heather suddenly appeared from the side, holding a plate of food. She stepped in front of Jodi, her expression snarky.

"Geez, did they run out of anything less boring in the clearance section," Heather snapped, just loud enough to stay out of Brian's earshot.

For a second, Jodi was thrown off, her mind scrambling to react to Heather’s sudden and unexpected appearance. The tension in the air was palpable, and Jodi felt her heart rate quicken, unsure of how to handle the moment.

But before she could even begin to respond, Brian smiled warmly at Jodi. His expression was genuine and kind, completely bypassing Heather’s attempt to dominate the interaction. The warmth in his eyes was directed solely at Jodi, as if Heather wasn’t even there.

"Hey, Jodi. How’s it going?" Brian asked casually, friendly.

"Oh, hey, Brian. I’m good, thanks. How about you?" Jodi replied, surprised but smiling.

Heather, momentarily caught off guard by being sidestepped, shifted her weight slightly, her confident demeanor wavering just a bit as she realized she wasn’t the center of attention. She recovered quickly, though, her expression hardening as she took a step back, clearly not pleased with how the moment had played out.

"Doing well, thanks. Looking forward to the Field Day Games tomorrow. You girls ready?" Brian nodded, still smiling at Jodi.

Jodi felt a small rush of relief and gratitude that Brian was engaging with her so naturally. The flicker of determination she felt earlier started to grow, bolstered by the fact that he was genuinely interested in talking to her.

"Yeah, it should be a lot of fun," Jodi replied, relaxed, with a bit more confidence. “We’ve been talking about it.”

Heather casually sauntered over to where Brian was sitting, her tray in hand. She slid into the seat next to him, flashing him a confident smile before turning her gaze back to Jodi.

"It’s a shame, really," Heather said, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "We were just talking about you, Jodi. But I guess the conversation's over now." She shrugged, as if it were out of her control, before turning her full attention to Brian, leaving Jodi to process the sting of her words.

Sensing she’d overstayed her welcome, Jodi nodded, smiled at Brian, and turned to head back to her table. As she walked away, she could feel Heather’s eyes on her, but more importantly, she felt Brian’s eyes on her too. She returned to her friends, who were all grinning, clearly impressed by her courage.

"See? That wasn’t so bad," Candace said supportively.

Still feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, Jodi sat back down and let out a sigh. "Oh my god, that Heather," she grunted.

"I know. She’s a real piece of work," Candace stated.

Robin assured her. "Hey, don’t worry. Baby steps, okay?"

"You two should go to the camp dance together," Chelsea added.

Jodi managed to keep a smile on her face, feeling a small surge of confidence after the exchange with Brian despite Heather’s attitude. However, not everyone at the table shared in her quiet victory. Jackie’s expression darkened, shooting a sharp glare at Chelsea, clearly unhappy with her involvement in Jodi’s affairs.

Jackie’s irritation ran deeper than just this moment. She was still smarting from the sting of Robin getting into FCE, the school that had rejected her. Jackie had no need to sabotage Robin; after all, she would be out of the picture next year, leaving Jackie to focus on her own path. To make matters worse, Jackie hadn’t appreciated how close Robin had come to accidentally blabbing about her brief, and somewhat embarrassing, history with Chad from freshman year.

Jackie’s thoughts swirled with frustration. It felt like everyone else was meddling in things they didn’t understand, making it harder for her to deal with her own insecurities and disappointments. But instead of voicing her concerns, she remained silent, letting her resentment simmer beneath the surface. As her right hand began to tremble, she quickly moved with subtle precision, her eyes flickering to make sure no one was directly looking at her. With a quick motion, she slipped her hand into her pocket, discreetly retrieving a small pill, shielded it from view as she brought it to her lips, and popped it in her mouth.

Chelsea, sensing the tension but not fully understanding the depth of Jackie’s feelings, caught the glare out of the corner of her eye. She shifted uncomfortably, realizing that perhaps her attempt to help Jodi might have overstepped some invisible boundary with Jackie. The usual warmth between them felt strained, and it hung in the air, unspoken but noticeable.

Mr. Garrett, who had been making rounds, now stepped up to the front of the mess hall. He tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention. The room gradually quieted as the campers turned to listen.

"Thank you all for being here and making this summer one to remember already. I’ve got some news to share with you all…" Mr. Garrett began, his voice sincere.

The campers waited in anticipation.

"After many wonderful years as the head counselor here at Camp Evergreen, I’ve made the difficult decision to step down at the end of this summer," Mr. Garrett continued, his voice wavering slightly.

The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation as the campers absorbed the news. The lively, light-hearted atmosphere that had filled the mess hall just moments before evaporated, replaced by a tense, almost palpable seriousness. Faces that had been lit with laughter and excitement now turned solemn, brows furrowed in thought as the weight of the announcement settled over the group.

"Oh no! Mr. Garrett!" Jodi murmured to herself, softly.

The other girls, except for Jackie, each wore expressions of unease, their eyes meeting in silent understanding. Whatever the news was, it was clear that it had cast a shadow over the group, dampening the mood and leaving them all feeling a bit lost.

But unlike the others, Jackie’s expression remained unreadable, her face a mask of stoic calm. She didn’t mirror the sadness of her friends; instead, there was a certain resolve in her eyes, as if she was steeling herself against the uncertainty. Whether it was a defense mechanism or something deeper, it was clear that she wasn’t allowing herself to be swept up in the same emotional tide as the others.

"I’ve been dealing with some health challenges…But I want you all to know, this isn’t goodbye by any means. I’ll be here for the rest of this week, and I want to see you give it your all, especially in tomorrow’s relay games," Mr. Garrett’s voice wavered as he almost teared up, but he held it together, looking out at the sea of young faces with a mix of pride and sadness. The campers were stunned, unsure how to react. Some looked on with concern, others with confusion.

"So, let’s make this summer the best one yet. Play hard, have fun, and let’s make some memories, because that’s what this is all about. Now, it’s time to get some rest. You all have a big day tomorrow," Mr. Garrett said, smiling through the emotion.

He stepped away from the microphone, and the campers began to stir, quietly discussing the unexpected announcement as they prepared to leave the mess hall. The atmosphere was somber, with the weight of Mr. Garrett’s news hanging over everyone.

Jodi and her friends stood up, still processing what they just heard. They exchanged looks, each of them feeling the impact of the news in different ways.

"I can’t believe he’s leaving…" Jodi said softly.

"Yeah, it’s going to be weird without him," Robin sighed.

After hearing the news, the five girls eventually dumped their trays of finished meals near the garbage cans, and walked out of the mess hall together, the mood quieter than before. As they headed back to their cabin, the sense of change and the uncertainty of what was to come lingered in the air.

The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the cabin windows, casting gentle shadows across the room as Jodi, Robin, Candace, Jackie, and Chelsea settled into their cozy beds for the night. The atmosphere, though relaxed, carried a sense of togetherness that wrapped around them like a warm blanket. Outside, the rhythmic chirping of crickets added a soothing soundtrack to the evening, blending seamlessly with the girls’ laughter as they changed into their sleep clothes.

The events of the day—both the highs and the lows—lingered in their minds, but for now, they focused on the comfort of being in each other’s company. The cabin felt safe, a haven where they could let their guard down and simply be themselves.

"So, Jodi… I’m telling you, you and Brian would make such a cute couple. Right, Candace?" Robin grinned playfully.

Jodi blushed, trying to hide her face with her blanket.

"Absolutely. It’s like something out of a romance movie," Candace teased.

"Yeah, Jodi, what’s the deal with you two anyways? You and Brian were friends in middle school, right? So why is it so hard to talk to him now?" Jackie raised an eyebrow as she spoke, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of snark.

Jodi hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her blanket as she struggled to find the right words. The dim light of the moon filtered through the cabin, casting a soft glow on her face as she stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"It’s just… things were different back then. We were just kids. Then, we started hanging out with different people. And now, I don’t know… We actually hung out a lot in eighth grade," Jodi sighed, sharing.

"Really?" Chelsea asked happily, surprised.

"Get some, girl!" Candace teased.

Jodi chuckled at Candace’s joke. "Yeah, well, we used to ride the same bus. We sat next to each other and played poker. We played basketball together in gym class.”

The other girls listened intently, their attention focused on Jodi as she began to speak, her voice quiet and a bit hesitant. However, Jackie, sitting on her cot, avoided the conversation, her eyes glued to her phone as she scrolled through it absentmindedly. The soft glow from the screen highlighted her face, contrasting with the darkness in the cabin.

Jodi’s voice trailed off as she realized she was almost talking to herself, the words slipping out as her thoughts drifted to the past. Memories of Brian flashed through her mind—those carefree days when they were younger, when everything felt simpler and less complicated. She remembered the laughter they shared, the innocent adventures, and the way she never had to question where she stood with him back then.

"We even went trick or treating together as Bonnie and Clyde. He would always let me trade my candy corn for his Snickers, even though those were his favorite. It’s funny how things change. I used to know him so well… we used to be so close," Jodi shared, reflecting.

Jodi noticed Candace start fidgeting in her seat, eager to say something. "Candace, are you okay?" she asked.

Candace paused for a moment before cracking a joke. "You need to stop torturing us and talk to the damn guy, already. Like, for real this time."

The girls laughed together, with the exception of Jackie, who was still engrossed in her phone. But the sound of her friends’ laughter finally caught her attention. With a slight frown, she tossed her phone onto her bed, deciding to focus on what was happening in the moment.

She glanced around at the other girls, seeing their smiles and the way they were leaning in toward Jodi, clearly engaged in the conversation. Jackie softened slightly, realizing she’d missed something important and didn’t want to be left out.

"Well, Jodi, you two obviously used to be really good friends," Robin said thoughtfully.

"I know, but then we got older. He started playing football and dating some of those cheerleaders," Jodi replied, slightly upset.

Candace scoffed. "Ugh. Cheerleaders.”

Jodi spoke with a serious tone, her voice faltering as she searched for the right word. "I mean, the less time we spent together, the more I missed him. It just felt like our worlds were splitting apart. And now, every time I want to catch up with him, I get nervous because he got so…" 

Candace assisted with another joke. "Let me help you out. Hot as fuck?"

"Yes! I just feel like I might say something stupid now," Jodi chuckled.

Jodi and Chelsea made eye contact, and Chelsea smiled at her. All the girls nodded in understanding, each thinking back to their own experiences with crushes and relationships. Jackie grinned, ready to share her own stories.

"Trust me, dating this past year has been a rollercoaster. I’ve met some guys, but they just don’t get me. They see the sarcasm and confidence, but there’s more to me than that," Jackie shared.

"Okay, Miss Love Guru, what about Chad? He seems like your type," Candace teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Jackie suddenly burst out laughing, the sound breaking through the soft, nostalgic atmosphere in the cabin. She shook her head, a mix of genuine amusement and nervous energy in her laughter, trying to keep the conversation light and steer it away from any potentially awkward revelations.

"Chad? He’s cute, but he’s too intense for me. The guy’s all roided up like the Tasmanian Devil. I need someone who can keep up with my sarcasm and not get all serious about it," Jackie laughed.

Robin, who had been listening quietly, suddenly chimed in, her tone reflective. "You know, dating can be such a mixed bag. I’ve been on a few dates, and let me tell you, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be," she said thoughtfully.

The other girls looked at her with interest, sensing a story coming on. Robin sat up in her cot, a playful smile on her face.

"Ooh, do tell! We need to hear this," Jodi said excitedly.

"Alright, alright. So, I went out with this guy a few months ago—super cute, right? We met at this local fashion event, and he seemed perfect. Great style, funny, really charming… or so I thought," Robin grinned, continuing.

The girls leaned in, eager to hear more.

"So, we go out to dinner, and everything’s going great. But then, halfway through the meal, he starts talking about how much he loves taking selfies. And I don’t mean the occasional selfie—this guy was obsessed. He pulls out his phone and starts showing me his Instagram feed, which was just… him. Everywhere. Same pose, same smile, every single picture," Robin shared, rolling her eyes.

"No way! Did he at least take a picture with you?" Candace laughed.

"Oh, he tried. But get this—he made me redo the picture three times because he wasn’t happy with how he looked. Not me—him!" Robin replied, shaking her head.

The cabin erupted in laughter, the girls picturing the scene.

"That’s hilarious! What did you do?" Jodi giggled as she asked.

"I excused myself to the bathroom and texted my friend to call me with an 'emergency.' When I got back, I told him I had to leave. He was so disappointed—he even tried to snap a 'goodbye' selfie as I was walking out. I was like, 'No thanks!' and bolted out of there," Robin grinned.

Jodi laughed. "That’s priceless! Dodged a bullet there, Robin.”

"Yeah, but it made me realize how much some guys can be into themselves. It’s like, if you’re going to date me, at least pretend to care about something other than your own reflection," Robin shook her head.

Chelsea, still chuckling, turned back to Jodi, her tone becoming more serious and encouraging. "Well, Jodi, despite Robin’s current hate-streak on men, I think you should definitely reconnect with Brian. Just be yourself, and don’t be afraid to stand out. Show him who you are now, not just who you were back then," she said softly.

As Chelsea spoke, Jackie's eyes narrowed, her earlier laughter fading into a sharp glare directed at Chelsea. There was a tension in her posture, a silent warning that this conversation was treading into territory she wasn’t comfortable with. Jodi, meanwhile, listened intently, considering Chelsea’s words as her mind raced with the possibilities of what reconnecting with Brian might mean.

Before Jodi could respond, the soft creak of the cabin door swinging open interrupted the moment. All the girls’ heads turned in unison as Heather stepped inside, her presence instantly shifting the atmosphere. The easy, intimate mood that had filled the room moments before evaporated, replaced by a palpable tension.

Heather’s eyes swept across the room, taking in the sight of the girls huddled together. A smirk played on her lips as she noted their sudden silence, clearly enjoying the way her entrance had disrupted their conversation. The confident, almost predatory glint in her eyes suggested she knew exactly the effect she was having on them.

"Well, isn’t this cozy? Did I interrupt a little slumber party?" Heather asked sarcastically.

The girls exchanged quick, uneasy glances, unsure how to respond. The warmth and comfort of their earlier conversation now felt distant, overshadowed by Heather’s imposing presence.

"Just talking about old times, you know… nothing too exciting," Candace tried to keep things light, but with a hint of caution.

Heather raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying Candace’s attempt to brush things off. She took a few steps further into the cabin, her smirk never fading as she looked around, almost as if she was sizing up the group.

"Old times, huh? Sounds… cute. Aren’t we here to make new memories, though?" Heather casually tossed out the question, her tone snarky and sarcastic. “After all, that’s what Mr. Barrett said,” Heather remarked, purposefully referring to the head camp counselor by the wrong name.

“Mr. Garrett,” Jodi corrected her.

Heather’s words hung in the air, laden with unspoken implications. The girls remained quiet, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Jodi’s earlier thoughts about Brian and her friends’ advice seemed distant now, pushed aside by the immediate discomfort of Heather’s presence.

"Yeah, new memories. That’s what camp’s all about," Jackie finally broke the silence.

The subtle tension between Jackie and Heather was deep, each of them holding their ground in a silent battle of wills. The room remained still, the easy camaraderie from earlier completely replaced by an undercurrent of rivalry and unease.

For now, the conversation was over, the room’s atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts and shifting dynamics as Heather’s smirk lingered, a reminder that this summer might not be as simple as any of them had hoped.

"Goodnight, everyone," Jodi murmured.

The others echoed the sentiment, their voices soft and subdued. Heather merely rolled her eyes as she lay down, pulling her blanket over her shoulder. The cabin gradually quieted as the girls settled in, the excitement and uncertainties of the day giving way to exhaustion. As they drifted off to sleep, each of them was filled with thoughts of what tomorrow might bring.