18 Crush 'em sports

MONDAY. 7:00 AM.

Jenny's face softens a little. "Adrian?"

I quickly cut in, "No, he's not the reason everything's so annoying. How could he?"

"No I mean, is he the reason we're leaving this morning?" She asks. "He didn't look so happy last night finding out that we were here."

Okay maybe I don't want to admit it but he's actually, kinda, maybe a little bit part of the reason why Campeek! is currently annoying. Last night was just awful, I felt like a complete dumb wannabe camper and that's not even the reason I came here, my reason apparently doesn't want me here.

And that makes everything suck right now.

That same whistle sound snaps me out of my thoughts, making my heart skip a beat. I groan out loud when I see Mr. Sprayberry peek his head into our tent with indeed a whistle in between his lips.

"The hell Mr. Sprayberry?!" I yell frustratedly at him. Gosh, everything on this camping trip hasn't been going my way. And I really hate it when things don't go my way, that's why I make my rules.

"KIns!" Jenny punches my arm and I shoot her a frown then she frowns back and I sigh, giving up.

Here it is, our little telepathic ability.

"Sorry." I murmur to him and he frowns at me for a moment then shrugs it off. He pulls the whistle away from his mouth, replacing it with a smile as he steps forward into our tent.

"No worries. But you should know though," He points his whistle at us. "Just because you're sophomores doesn't mean you get any special treatments." He turns to Jen. "You'd have to do everything together with the Juniors and Seniors and the exact same way." Then he shoots us a sympathetic look. "Sorry about that."

I face my head down, not wanting to deal with this anymore. If he wants us to get back to New Oleen, then he should just get the bus ready, there's no need of being sympathetic.

I hear Jenny's chirpy voice again. "oh it's no problem coach since Kinsley so happily and desperately wanted to come. We'd be alright."

I suddenly feel irritated so I raise my head up, "Why are you speaking like that?" I ask Jen with a frown on my face. "I told you we aren't staying at Campeek! we're going back to New Oleen."

Jenny pouts.

"About that…" Mr. Sprayberry trails and I turn to look at him. "You guys can stay."

"What?" My voice sounds small and I hate it. Do I really want to stay in camp that badly just because of Adrian? I guess I really do like him that much.

"Mr. Price came up to me last night going on and on about how wrong it was to let sophomores go on Campeek! But you're very lucky we have people like Madison, who would-"

I interrupt, "Madison?" What does she have to do with this? My mind travels back to the events of last night and I remember Madison leaving with Adrian. She couldn't have possibly… No way.

"Yes. She fought for you guys staying at Campeek! and I agree with her, it's better for you guys to experience all this at a younger age."

"Really?" Jen asks with aww. "wow, She is so nice."

I lower my head, thinking about the possible reasons she would do that. We aren't friends, why would she do something nice for me.

"And Adrian finally agreed." Then Mr. Sprayberry chuckles in an old, raspy voice which made me see the similarities between him and his son, Benji- he too laughs in a weird way. For a man whose wife is currently fighting for her life on her sick bed, he is very lively and always looking for the best in others and trying to train young minds to become their very best. That's why he's the coach for the lacrosse team. I'm glad he's the teacher in charge of Campeek! this year. It must be hard for him sometimes but he still stays strong.

"The bond between those two is like one I've never seen before." He continues talking and it takes me a moment to realize he's talking about Adrian and Madison. That, makes my stomach turn.

"Well, I officially announce you both as 2020 first campeek! sophomore campers!"

Jenny squeals excitedly beside me and moves to hug my sides and I force a smile at her. I'm glad at least one of us is having everything their own way. Only if I can enjoy this camp and not mind Adrian.

Well doesn't matter.

I am Kinsley Bardot, daughter of a once-soldier and daughter/best friend to the manager of the biggest stores in New Oleen. I can do anything, yeah it's even in the bible. I will get Adrian to notice me and fall in love with me, nothing will stop me.

"Okay girls, it's a new day and camp starts now, so be out in 5!" Mr. Sprayberry blows the whistle as he walks out, causing me to jolt in shock.

Gosh, that whistle! "Fuck!"

"Your three chances are gone." Jen groans.

---

I inhale lightly with my eyes closed and head faced upwards, letting the warm morning sun hit my skin. I exhale loudly with a smile as I look back down at the whole camp arena.

Last night I went to bed with a heavy feeling in my guts, thinking I wouldn't be standing here today instead I'll be on one of the camping busses on my way to New Oleen but here I am, standing in the middle of the field with Seniors and Juniors playing around, laughing, talking and smiling.

Someone grabs my arm from behind and I quickly turn to see Jenny standing beside me with an excited smile on her face. "Alright! I'm done with the bathroom. We can now start our camping activities."

When I found out the school had provided the essentials we need, like bathroom supplies and an actual bathroom! I couldn't believe. At least I won't have to be scared of snakes while pooing in the forest.

I give her a shocked look. "I'm surprised you're excited for this agenda, since you're the lazy one who's afraid of contact sports." I tease her.

She slightly hits me causing me to chuckle. "I'm not lazy. My dad doesn't just let me do much of outdoor activities apart from gardening."

I nod in agreement.

After Mr. Sprayberry delivered the great news, we quickly got dressed and joined the gathering of students to find the Ethics teacher educating us on our camping agenda for today- Sports and Workout. She backed up the agenda by adding that our current modern world involves a lot of agility; running to work when you're late; running after the bus; running away from serial killers, we have to be physically ready for this hectic world. If we aren't, 'Many would die' – her words, not mine.

"But, my dad's not here now, so this means I get to do whatever I want!" She yells out loud, pumping her fists in the air.

Many peoples shoot her weird looks, thinking she's crazy but I understand better than anyone else. I've been with Jen and I know how restricted she has been to a lot of things because of her father. This is considered freedom for her.

Instead of being embarrassed by her, I join in to celebrate. "Me too! I get to do whatever the duck I want."

She shoots me a glare and I shrug. "What? Since I can't say those words, I improvised."

She shakes her head lightly, "well then I feel bad for ducks."

"What did I just hear you say?"

We both turn our heads to see Lennon walking towards us in his Lacrosse jersey. I roll my eyes, knowing what he's about to say.

"Don't think of doing anything. I'm watching you." He completes and runs off to join the rest of his team mates. I resist the urge to give him the finger.

Jenny chuckles. "Wait, your mum sent him to-"

I quickly cut her off, "Let's not talk about that."

She laughs the more.

"Uuh! So what should we do now?" Jenny thinks out loud as she looks around the field filled with students playing different sports, while I still sulk upon the fact that Lennon is acting as my babysitter. "Let's go swimming! Most of the girls are swimming and remember you promised me you'd teach me how to." Jen pleads, pointing in the direction at the far end of the field where a bunch of girls swim and come out of the water then go back in at intervals.

I scan the whole camp field. There are a variety of sports here; some play basketball, baseball, tennis, football, swimming- or rather, water poly- and others… Lacrosse.

That's when it hits me; another God sent opportunity. Adrian's right there about 7 meters away playing Lacrosse with his team mates while Coach supervised them. Ben decided to play basketball even if he is on the lacrosse team. Madison, on the other hand is currently in the water. There is absolutely nothing stopping me now.

"Umm, how about we play Lacrosse?" I turn to Jenny.