Walking with Zelda to the bathroom reminded me to put my grievances in perspective. No one was hurt. Everyone was where they were supposed to be, and I was grateful to be with my daughter on the day she got her period.
I’d deal with Jasmine back at camp.
When the buses pulled up in front of the gate leading to Girls Camp, I was relieved to be back home. Home. I was surprised that after only a few short weeks, I considered Woodlands home.
The cramps had subsided, but there was still a dull ache in my head that wasn’t helped by the endless singing and chatting on the bus. I couldn’t wait to take a hot shower and crawl into bed.
Marilyn was there greeting everyone asking, “Did you have fun?”
I counted heads for the umpteenth time that day as the girls tumbled off the bus. It reminded me of arrival day, watching a stream of girls descend the stairs. I was proud of how far I’d come and confident that I knew what I was doing.
I pulled Jasmine aside before she walked up the steps to her cabin.
“You had one job to do today, take care of four campers, and you managed to screw it up. I wouldn’t be as angry as I am right now if you at least owned up to it, but the fact is that you were unconcerned about a missing child.”
She blankly stared back at me.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” I couldn’t believe how much I sounded like my father, or worse, Jack.
“You’re overreacting. Everything turned out fine.”
“I just gave you an opportunity to take responsibility, and you didn’t. I have no choice but to write you up.”
She crossed her arms. “What do you think Bethany and Marilyn will say when they find out one ofyourcampers was lost?”
She was calling my bluff—I’d underestimated her.
I stared directly into her eyes and abruptly turned away, nearly bumping into Marilyn, who said, “Lori, can you meet me in the lounge after you tuck in your bunks?”
Was I in trouble? Had Marilyn overheard my conversation with Jasmine? “Sure.” I caught up with Bethany. “Marilyn asked me to meet her later in the lounge. Do you know why?”
“Huh, me too. I wonder what that’s about.”
“I was afraid that maybe I did something wrong,” I said.
“Are you kidding? You’ve been busting your ass ever since you got here. We all have,” Bethany said.
I paused for a second. “Thanks.”
Marilyn and Jack stood at the back of the staff lounge facing the group with big smiles on their faces. It looked like all the DLs from both Boys and Girls Camp were already there as well as Bob, Teddy, Mindy, and Gilda—the senior staff.
When Abby and I walked in together, Jack said, “Our outstanding lower camp DLs have arrived. What can I get you ladies to drink? We have sodas, iced tea, and juices.”
I whispered into Abby’s ear, “We’re outstanding while everyone else is inside sitting.”
“Come on in, we have plenty of food for you,” Marilyn said.
I stood next to Mindy and said softly, “I don’t want a stinking 7UP. What I need is a gin & tonic.”
“Once the Bergers leave,” she said under her breath.
Laid out on the kitchen counter were several pizzas and an assortment of sushi. I was a bit of a sushi snob. In my real life I’d never consider eating a tuna roll from Costco, but right then it looked extremely appetizing.
Once everyone had food and drinks in their hands, Jack stood in the middle of the room and said, “I want to thank everyone for their hard work these past couple of weeks. I know I don’t always say the right things.”
There were some snickers coming from the crowd. Mindy whispered in my ear, “You think?”
It was difficult keeping a straight face.
