My mom wasn't really the type that likes when her children have been to leave on a trip whatsoever, with her knowing exactly where it was or who they're with, so sometimes during school camping, which I would say don't come so often, I had a hard time convincing her to let me go.
It all really went back to 2021, when this really popular cheerleader from my school, who is equally a student, went missing during camp. It was a horrible story. She was later found in the woods, under a pile of dried leaves. She had been killed by an unknown person.
This case was quickly investigated, and all roads led back to her boyfriend. Yes, he was the murderer. Can you imagine having someone like that around school and other students? I mean, he is a student, but boy, he's a dangerous one.
Since then, Mama was a bit strict about my camping activities for school, pro.
"Mama, please, everyone would be there." Mom: "Melanie, I know. I will think about it, but first, you don't, like, have a boyfriend, do you? Which I will say there's nothing wrong if you do, but how much do you know him?" Well, the first question was if I had a boyfriend. I don't. But the last part hit me. How crazy — a guy who's my friend from grade school, and then later came back to my life, which I don't know if it was a coincidence or was it planned? I was driven away by my thought, then I heard Mom say, "You can go get your things ready." "Awww, thank you, Mom!" I ran upstairs.
We are leaving tomorrow and staying for three days. They will also be responsible for the feeding, but also you can come along with your junks, sis. Yeah!
"I will too."
I had to pack up this evening, and I was a bit nervous and disturbed, like, what if I was the last to come down the bus and I fell off in front of everyone? Or what if we are in the camper cafeteria and I fart and everyone knows it's me?
This is my first camp of the year as an adult, if you may allow me, and all of a sudden my mind is like this train station filled with what if's.
Maybe I would have a good time, and maybe, God, I hate to say it, maybe Luca would ask me on a date, like just a me-him thing. As I stood in front of my mirror asking my reflection this question, I noticed a shadow on my wall. "What?" I asked in annoyance.
"Chilly tiger, what are you doing, talking to your imaginary friend?" my brother asked, teasingly. "You are talking to your imaginary friend, Miller," I fired back. "What, am I 8? Well, just add one to it and there wouldn't be any different. The first number is smaller, so maybe you're eight." "Get out!" I threw a pillow at him and slammed the door. "Pillow," I can hear him call out and laughing, "drop it by the door or add it to your zero collection, you need it more." "I answered."
Mom knocked on my door during lunch. "Mrs. Williams called." I raised my eyebrows, confused. "Who's Mrs. Alejandro?" "Oh, Melanie, Luca Alejandro." "Oh," I exclaimed. "Sure, why?"
"Oh, they're out of town, so she wants me to check in on her boy." "Oh, thank God," I sighed relief.
Mom: "Melanie, I don't understand you." "Oh, I thought he was going to sleep over." Mom: "He's not a child in that sense. We just have to go check on him, that's it." "We?" I asked. Mom: "Well, isn't he your friend? Of course you're coming with me." I groaned into my pillow. "Fine, when are we going?"
"In an hour. You can get ready now or later, just don't waste my time, please."
We had packed spaghetti and meatballs and sauce, just in case, and also drinks and snacks, though I wasn't in support since we are going camping tomorrow, he wouldn't need it.
We got to his place, and I thought he was one of those boys that actually do stuff when their parents are gone for business or vacation, but he was just in the living room watching TV, and also the place was super clean. I convinced myself they had someone coming to clean.
When I walked in, because the door was open, and for some reason he didn't hear the knock, so Mom was unloading the stuff we got him and I took the first one inside. He was surprised to see me. He smiled and got up, and my mind told me he was going to give me a hug, so I started doing the hand-cross sign and mouthing "my mom came with me," just on time before she comes in. Mom: "Melanie, would you stop," she said. "What is up with you? Luca, dear, don't mind Melanie, she's always like this when she doesn't wanna do something." Luca: "Hey, Mrs. Hudson, how are you?" Mom: "I'm good. This place looks the same. How long have your parents been gone?" she asked. Luca: "Two days ago, ma'am." "Oh, and you tidy?" Mom asked. Luca: "Yes, I always do." Mom: "Mmmh, well, your mom's lucky."
We placed everything we brought on the kitchen table and stayed for some minutes. Mom kept asking about school and the camp tomorrow.
We branched to a grocery store and got a list of junk food for myself, and it was hard to convince Mom to buy them. Then we drove home and made dinner, and just then I realized I was going to be somewhere in a cabin or hall by this time tomorrow, and it made me cry silently. I don't even know why, but I can't even pretend to be happy and not feel other things too.
I got my stuff ready and placed them where I can see it before I go downstairs and go upstairs tomorrow again. Sometimes I forget the important things.