Camp Dreamz

I couldn't believe it. I refused to believe it. My own mother was sending me off to a camp. 'A camp to realize my dreams and accomplish them: Camp Dreamz'. What in the world was that supposed to mean? It was lame enough for people to try and help me 'grasp' my potential, but to think it made it sound cool to end a name with 'Z'. Yup, definitely wacko.

I was driving there with Jeb, my dad, but I prefer to call him Jeb. His brownish blonde hair was combed back and mixed in with a few grey streaks. But, I never thought of Jeb as old. His face was set with the disapproval of me going to camp and not seeing me in a while. He and my Mom had argued before sending me there. Mom was for it and Jeb against it. He loved having me home and so did Mom. So why was she sending me here? Sometimes, I don't understand adult's minds, you know?

Every now and then, I would peek at my father's face. His lips were arranged in a stubborn line. A permanent scowl was on his face, but his eyes were the most pleasant thing in the world. They were like melted chocolates and it was easy to look at the bright side of things when you got lost in them. Those were one of the many things I was thankful to share with him. I had his hair, attitude, interest you name it. Once every five minutes, my father would glance at me and ask if he wanted me to turn back, despite Mom's intentions. But, I would just say no, because the argument he and my mom had went on forever. I wouldn't want to just waste it.

Who knows? I might actually like camp, if I was patient enough. And we all know how good I am at that.

As we were crossing the line of states, I couldn't help but notice how different Arizona was from California's San Diego. There was more deserted area, instead of busy streets. I always thought of Arizona as a desert with tumbleweeds and whatnot. It was filled with greenery and bushes- kind of like what a camp would need. Jeb suddenly stopped near a sign saying ''Camp Dreamz: Realize 'em!'' *gag*

We started to unpack the trunk and I looked around, realizing it was too green. Not the-garden-sunshiny-green, the damp-it's- gonna-rain-soon-green. Now, I'm not really a snobby city girl. I like a challenge and that's why I love hiking and outdoorsy type things. Yet, this place was covered in bushes, shrubs, trees, vines, you name it. I was surprised I could actually read the sign.

As if reading my thoughts, Jeb said ''Oh come on, Max. It's not that bad. You'll learn to appreciate the um, killer vines,'' he looked around too, ''and them mud puddles every, you know, metre.''

We looked at each other and burst out laughing. He leaned in closer and whispered ''Watch out for any quicksand!''

Giggling, I fished out my last bag and looked at my dad.

''You'll do fine. When they're done with you, consider yourself realized of your dreams.'' He made air quotes for the last part. I sighed. He was just trying to lighten my mood and support me, even though he hated the idea of sending me away.

''Yeah, well, tell Mom I love her, kay?''

''Will do. Come here, kiddo.''

He gathered me in a warm hug. I wasn't much of a huggy person, but since I wouldn't see him in a while, I put one arm around him and gave him one of my rare Max hugs.

''Love you.'' he whispered.

''Love you too, Dad'' I whispered back.

We broke apart and started off to where the signs were asking us to go. It wasn't like a rainforest, but it was close enough. Mud was splattered on my combat boots and shins. My predictions of it being a damp, rainy area were right. Soon, tiny droplets of water hung in my hair because there was a slight drizzle and Jeb and I caught the raindrops that fell through the trees. This was like hiking and I liked it, despite my promise- which I made to myself- to hate this place as much as possible. I breathe in and Jeb smiled. ''We're searching for cap headquarters, not hiking.''

I look at him and went back to walking the trail. After ten minutes or so, we found camp headquarters. It was a small building, painted beige. The red porch held an assortment of chairs and a coffee table placed in the middle. Regardless of the weather, it looked inviting enough. Suddenly, a guy's face was visible from a window and he appeared in the doorway. He was twenty something and wearing camping shorts and a button-up shirt, I could see he was really into the whole camp thing. Nonetheless, he had kind eyes and smile.

When he saw us, he opened his arms as if Jeb and I were his long-lost best friends. Beside me, Jeb grinned and walked forward. I stayed where I was and took the opportunity to look at camp.

''Don't mind her. Just observing.'' I could hear Jeb assure.

There was a lake nearby, where the clearing the areas was cleared of all trees. It reminded me of a nice oasis. Beside it were the cabins and they were close to each other so the campers could open their windows and talk through them. Many already were. They looked comfortable. Lucky for them! I noticed there was a climbing wall with water spilling down from the top- like a waterfall. There were many obstacle courses too. I was actually starting to like this place. Huh.

Jeb and they guy were too busy talking to notice me frowning. From the corner of my eye, I saw a woman escape the doorway and come to stand near them. She had red hair and a pretty face. But, for some reason, I didn't like her. Now, I'm not usually that picky of people, but this lady had such an over-confident face that I couldn't help but wonder if what it would look like if I decked her. I turned to get a better look that the trio.

Jeb was close to saying goodbye and leaving. The guy kept talking about how I would definitely like it here and all the things camp had to offer. The lady was listening intently on their conversation and smiling once in a while. From what snatches I got of their conversation, I learned that guy's name was Alex and the lady's name was Brigid Dwyer. My father gave Alex my paperwork and turned to stand beside me.

''I got to go now, kiddo. I'll call you tomorrow, okay? Follow Alex and Brigid around, they'll show you your cabin and your scheduled activities.''

Woah, woah, woah. They already had me scheduled? So, all I would we doing was what they wanted me to do? No time to myself? This was going to be a long two months.

I think I must've looked pretty depressed because Jeb added '' You'll have tonnes of time to check the camp out too. Plenty of free time. ''

''Whatever'' I grumbled.

I turned to Alex and Brigid. They were staring at me curiously, like wondering if I was a trouble-maker, or something. Yet, Alex's eyes said, Oh well, go on and have fun! While Brigid's said, I'm going to keep an eye on you. I glanced back at Jeb who was getting ready to leave and had already taken a few steps back on the trail. He waved and I did too. I stared off until he disappeared.

Then, I remembered Alex and stepped towards him, introducing myself. I tried not to glare at Brigid.

''I'm Alex Abate, director of camp and activities. This is camp's, um, nurse you could say.''

I shook hands with Brigid. ''I'm actually a scientist studying the woods around camp and its many plants. But, since almost every day, a camper comes to me with an injured arm or leg I became a sort of doctor. I don't plan on staying long.'' She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

I smiled back too and tried to say something nice back, but words wouldn't escape my mouth.

Alex, who noticed the tension- and wanting to break it-, spoke up. ''Yeah, so how old are you Maximum?''

I looked at him. ''Fifteen, but my birthday's coming up in a few weeks. You can call me Max- Maximum's a mouthful. But, Jeb prefers it.''

''Oh, wonderful. We'll try to celebrate your birthday here then!''

''Um, no, that's not really necess-''

''Come along!'' He started off towards the cabins, not even acknowledging he interrupted. Gosh, forget what I said about liking it a weensy bit- I hated this place already.

I stalked off towards him, but Brigid stayed behind. Good, I thought.

Alex stopped at Cabin #7. It was pretty middle-sized. There were four bunks, and a single one beside window. I could tell people had already been here and picked their bunks. The single one was vacant which was a surprise, so I took it and stashed my stuff beside it. I'd put my clothes and essentials in the bed-side drawer later. Sitting on my bed, I took another look at the cabin. There was a small bathroom at one corner. Everything was pretty neat. Thank God.

''I hope you'll like it here,'' Alex said. ''I placed you in with people who are almost you're age. Lissa is fifteen. Monique's twelve. Alicia's sixteen and so is Felicity.''

He looked at me to make sure I was listening. ''Um, okay. Thanks.''

Alex explained to my schedules, when lunch and dinnertime were.'' Don't miss it. We will be taking roll there.'' He gave me my schedule paper and left.

I read it.

Daily Schedule for Miss Maximum Ride

8:30- Breakfast.

9:00-Rock climbing

10:00- Music with Fang and Iggy (bring instrument if possessed.)

11:00-Breaktime.

11:30- Swim in lake or volleyball.

12:30- Lunchtime.

1:00- Baseball

2:00- Self-Defense or Fencing

3:00-Breaktime

5:00- 6:30- Hiking in woods

Notice: Dinner is at 8:00.

Follow your schedule. It has been arranged according to your interests. Fail to attend any event will receive an hour of kitchen duty. If unable to attend an event, discuss this with camp director, Alex Abate. Changes may occur if needed. Thank you for your co-operation. Have a great summer at Camp Dreamz!

My blood boiled. How did they expect me to 'attend all events' if I barely even knew the camp? And who the heck were Fang and Iggy? Were they like a band or something? I was frustrated, angry, and confused. Never a good combination with me. When I had gotten to the part where it said that events were plan according to my interests, I almost tore up the paper. My parents- my Mom was up to no good again. I didn't like half the things on the schedule! But, since I wasn't going to be petty, I decided not to ask Alex to change the list.

Instead, I would go through this stupid schedule, like the responsible almost sixteen-year old that I am. *laugh*