Ten minutes ago, I had been on my way to the gymnastics shed when Lars pulled up next to me in his truck. Stepping up and leaning into the open window on the passenger side, I’d spotted a pack of cigarettes on the seat.
“I’ve never tried a foreign cigarette.”
He grinned. “Lori, you smoke? Shame on you!”
“Only when I’m frazzled and exhausted, you know, Woodlands.”
“Hop in. I’m on my way to the laundry shack. Join me, and you can try one.”
Down the hill, the Cubs had been removing their sneakers and getting ready to tumble. Three gymnastic coaches and four Cub counselors were with them, so I got in.
Now I had to think fast.
“Cubs one and three are at gymnastics, and the others at tennis.” I coughed. “I’m indisposed in my cabin.”
I figured using the code for I’m on the toilet was the best excuse.
There was a terse, “Meet me at the infirmary. I’ll explain when you get there.”
Lars offered to drive me, but I was already running, my heart pounding. I got to the infirmary in record time. I pushed open the screen door. Bethany was standing next to Erica, the head of gymnastics, who was profusely sweating as she spoke on the phone explaining what happened, I assumed to a parent.
“Becky fell off the balance beam and broke her arm.”
My throat went dry. I was barely able to ask, “Can I see her?”
Bethany ignored my question. “Where were you?”
I walked toward the exam rooms and said over my shoulder, “In my cabin.”
Becky, ashen, was sitting on the examination table. Nurse Ella was putting her arm in a sling. I sat down next to her.
“May I hug you?”
Becky immediately started crying. I held onto her and rubbed her back, letting her get it out. I felt incredibly guilty. What if Zelda and Hazel were hurt, and their DL wasn’t with them? I should’ve been at the gymnastics shed, but, no, instead I was off smoking a cigarette. Not only bad for my health but against camp policy. This was the third time smoking had gotten me into trouble: the bear, nearly burning down my cabin, and now this. Tonight, I would have to tell Teddy I couldn’t smoke with him anymore.
Nurse Ella said, “We’re taking our very brave Becky to the hospital for X-rays and a cast. I’ve already contacted her family.”
Bethany walked in and placed her hand on Becky’s knee.“Don’t worry, we’re going to take good care of you.” She gave me a stern look. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
I whispered into Becky’s ear, “I’ll be right back.”
She was trying to hold back tears. “Will you come with me to the hospital?”
“Absolutely. I’ll hold your hand the entire time.”
She had the saddest expression as she nodded her head.
Bethany was in the room across the hall. “Were you smoking?”
“What?”
She sniffed my hair. “I can smell it on you. I don’t really care if you were or not, but not when you’re supposed to be with the campers. I’ll have to report this to Jack, and he’ll want to fire you on the spot.”
I didn’t want to admit to smoking so instead I said, “I will make sure to follow all of Woodland’s policies closely.” I wanted to add except for the drinking one, but now was not the time to call Bethany out about breaking rules.
Bethany looked me in the eye, and I could tell she was trying to figure out what to do. “Okay, we’ll stick to the story that you were indisposed.”
23A Moment of Truth
