Once they realized I wasn’t angry, they saw how funny it was and joined me. When we calmed down, Amber asked, “So what do we do?”
“Nothing. I’ll take the bag to where they’re collecting the garbage and leave it there.”
“What if she asks for it?” Amber asked.
“I doubt she will, but you can always say that Lori took care of it. I’d bet she’ll be relieved.”
“So, we’re good?” Amber asked.
I brought them in for a group hug.
40Mic Drop
Everyone gathered on the baseball field where the end-of-camp Awards Ceremony was taking place. Even though the humidity was oppressive, there was a palpable excitement in the air—the boys sat on the bleachers by first base, facing the girls sitting at third. The benches were filled with happy campers ready to cheer on their friends and their accomplishments. A makeshift podium had been set up in the middle on the pitcher’s mound.
When it was over, Bethany took the microphone and said, “We have one last award of distinction to bestow on a very special person, and it will be presented by Zelda and Hazel Kramer.”
I was sitting on my soccer-mom chair next to Abby, chatting and cheering on the campers when I saw my children take the microphone.
“What’s going on?” I asked Abby.
“Beats me.”
I looked across the field and caught Teddy’s eye. He shrugged.
“The special person award is for going above and beyond your duties and for saving a camper’s life,” Hazel said.
Zelda grabbed the mic. “And being the best mom. Lori Kramer, please accept your award.”
I was dumbfounded. Abby had to pull me out of my chair and give me a little push. I pulled my shoulders back and strode toward the proud faces of Zelda and Hazel.
Bethany had tears in her eyes as we embraced. Then my kids hugged me, handing me a loving cup made from clay. It was glazed a shiny emerald green and was hefty for something the size of a small soup tureen.
The crowd shouted my name, over and over. Zelda handed me the microphone.
I gripped it tightly to steady my nerves. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. I scanned the crowd and saw the Cubs jumping up and down. Mike and Anya were off to the side, fists pumping the air. Bob and Teddy wolf-whistled. I was surprised to see Chip next to them, clapping and grinning.
It took me a moment to appreciate what was happening. I thought of Gary Cooper inThePride of the Yankees, echoing his thanks across a baseball field. I held the mic and said, “I want to thank everyone here for making this the most exciting and rewarding summer for me and my kids.” I held the loving cup over my head. “We’ve come to love Woodlands.” I looked at Zelda and Hazel, who were smiling and nodding. I stopped to choke back tears.
In my peripheral vision I saw Teddy and Bob running toward me, yelling and pointing. I turned the other way and saw Jack barreling toward me with a wild gleam in his eyes. Instinctively, I stepped back as he lunged at me, tripping over the microphone wire and falling flat on his face. He seemed confused—like he didn’t know how he’d ended up on the ground. When he managed to stand, he snatched the microphone from my hand and shoved me. The loving cup fell and shattered at our feet. He looked down at the broken shards and then at me, sneering,seemingly happy that he had broken my trophy. I glared at him, hoping he felt the repulsion I had for him.
He screamed into the mic, “This ismycamp andIdecide who gets awards and Lori and her troublemaking kids are not worthy.” He was red in the face shaking with fury. He pointed his finger in my face, not aware or not caring that the entire camp was watching.
I hissed into his ear, “Let’s see who’s worthy when you’re out on your ass, and I’m running the camp.” I grabbed Zelda’s and Hazel’s hands and left him standing there with his mouth gaping open.
Jack went completely ballistic, wildly waving his arms while shouting into the mic, his words incomprehensible. I half expected foam to gurgle from his mouth—he was acting like a rabid dog.
Bob and Chip were trying to wrest the mic from him.
“What the hell are you doing? I’m not the problem, that bitch Lori is.” He was trying to shake loose from Bob’s grip. “Get your fucking hands off me.”
“Why was Jack cursing at you?” Zelda asked.
“I don’t know.”
“He smashed the trophy we made for you.” Hazel was trying not to cry.
I hugged them. “Thank you for the beautiful trophy and for what you said about me. I love you both so much. I’ll explain everything later, once I figure it out. Go join your groups.”
