“Yeah, me too.” That was all I had. I hung up and put my attention back on my grill.
“Okay,so parents, as you know, Friday will be the first field trip for the kiddos. Since this one involves leaving the mainland, chaperones are being requested.” It was like every hand went up as soon as the camp counselor said the golden word,chaperone.There were a few chuckles before she continued.
“Easy, there’ll be a sign up sheet, we just ask that we keep the number to a minimum of three per age group. For those parents not signing up, we ask that your child or kiddos have a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. If you can, please send themin their bathing suits. The basics will be covered, including the ferry ride and lunch. You are more than welcome to send extra money if you would like, but again, it’s not needed. We leave earlier than normal that day to catch the ferry. So please make sure your kiddos are here no later than seven-forty. If you miss us here, you are more than welcome to drop them at the ferry no later than eight. Whoever isn’t there by then will be left behind. We will also be back later since we will be taking the ferry back. So pick up will be around the four o’clock hour. Any questions?”
The group of parents stood around listening to the counselor giving us a rundown of the scheduled field trip for this Friday. Of course, I was the parent who took off so I could chaperone. I trusted strangers with a lot, but leaving the mainland with my Jo-Jo was out.
“Hi, owner of the ferry here. Since it is a boat ride, some might not know, but please be mindful of sea sickness. It happens more often than not. They have medicine you can send with your child that day, if that’s an approved medication.” I searched around for that voice until I laid eyes onhim.
Olive, he’s the owner?
“Ah yes, that brings me to our next order of business, the camp will provide that as well if needed, but only to those children whose parents signed the approval to administer the medication to their kiddos. If not, I was told the staff has natural techniques to help soothe the motion sickness.” The counselor looked to him for confirmation and he nodded.
“Is it too late to sign the form?” I asked as I raised my hand. Did I already sign the form for Jo-Jo? Yes, but I also needed a non-weird reason for him to notice me.
Why, Olive?
I couldn’t answer my own question and I was glad the counselor just went ahead and answered it without calling me out.
“No, it’s not too late. We have extra forms for those who would like to sign it for their kiddos.” My attempt for him to put his eyes on me worked. Mr. Floyd looked my way, offered a nod, and I smiled.
The counselors dismissed the parents not long after, with some headed to the main pavilion to sign the form, while Jo-Jo was dragging me toward the playground where I had my new book and their snack of the day with me.
The girls appeared not even a minute later with Jo-Jo near the swing. When I noticed little mama trying to get on the big kid swing, I jumped up to help her get into the baby one.
“Whoa, Neela, let me help you, sweetie.” I looked around for their dad who I knew was just here. I didn’t see him though, so I assumed he left the girls since he knew I was here.
Great, Olive, he thinks you’re a freaking babysitter.
I began to push the swing for Neela.
“Thank you, Ms. Liv,” her sweet little voice sang out, making me smile and remember why I even started staying later at the park with them and it wasn’t for their dad.
It was for them and for Jo-Jo.
“You’re welcome, pretty girl. Where did y’all’s dad go?” I asked them both as I looked over at Ceona doing her best to kick her legs out to get the swing started. I chuckled as I stepped away from Neela to assist in the process.
“He’s right here.” His deep, rich, rough voice startled me, causing me to jump back, releasing Ceona’s ropes before I was ready but had her giggling from the high impact.
“I had to stop by my car for you and Jo-Jo’s surprise. I forgot all about the parent meeting this afternoon at pick up or I would’ve opted for something that wouldn’t have melted in five minutes.” He had a cup tray in his hand with a variety of slushies. The two big kids immediately left their swings while I picked Neela up to free her so she could get her cup.
“Oh wow, thank you. Well, we appreciate the gesture, nonetheless. Jo-Jo, can you tell Mr. Floyd thank you?” I said just as he passed me the white one.
“Thank you, Mr. Floyd. Can I have the purple one?”
“Sure can. And you can call me, Lando.” I jumped in adding the proper title for Jo-Jo.
“Aht aht, Mr. Lando to you Jo-Jo.” He nodded and the kids took off while Highland and I made our way to the bench where my book and bag full of fruit snacks and sport drinks for the kids were.
“Well I guess I’ll save these for tomorrow.” I said as I motioned toward the bag.
“Damn, so you really bring snacks everyday for them? I mean the girls said you did but Ceona sometimes exaggerates in her truth telling.” I snickered at him low key calling her a liar.
“Yes. I try to switch it up and always make it something that will hold them over while they’re still here and include something that will hydrate them and me. It’s a decent eighty-five degrees today and they have been in it all day.” I shrugged as I took a sip of my partially melted slushie, instantly tasting the alcohol with the coconut flavor.
My eyes bugged out. “Oh wow. Well, I see why I got the white one.”
“Oh yeah, Ceona wanted to do wine, and even though I could’ve added it to a red one, I tried to keep ours different from the kids.” I nodded as my nose scrunched and I tilted my head to the side.
