“Great,” I said, staring at my father whose expression was now one of concern instead of hope.

“So you’re assigned to a counselor, of course,” Mary chimed in, “and yours is…let’s see…”

“Ashley,” her husband said, checking his authoritarian clipboard for confirmation, “yes, ma’am. Ms. Davies is the one.”

“Right, right. Ashley Davies is assigned to that group. Anyway, there are 8 other girls in your cabin—all sixteen years-old, just like you—and then Ashley sleeps in there as well. You’re to treat her just like you would any other person whose job it is to make sure you’re safe, happy, and having fun! Got it? And trust me, she’s a fantastic counselor. Always a favorite.”

I was running out of half-assed exclamations, “Good.”

“She’ll walk you down to the cabin and help you get all set up and everything. So say goodbye to the folks and I’ll get Ashley up here, okay?”

Mary and Joe walked away, giving my parents and I the opportunity to say our goodbyes. As much as I resented these people who brought me into the world, I still hoped they would see their mistake and remove me from this insane one.

“I can’t stay here. Please don’t make me stay here!” I begged.

“Spence, you’ve got to learn to be an adult…learn some independence for once.”

“Dad, are you serious? You want me to learn to be an adult by making crafts and friendship bracelets for a month? Really?”

“It will be an excellent experience for you, Spencer,” my mother said, “wrapping me in a loose hug.

“No, no it won’t.”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s happening. You need some time to just be a kid and have fun. Just let yourself enjoy something for once.”

“Thanks, Dad. That was an awesome pep talk.”

I could tell he was attempting to convince himself as well. My father hated people like Joe and Mary. He was an academic. The kind of man who perused collegiate book stores in tweed blazers in search of the latest psychiatric journal or study.

“Stop with the sarcasm, please.”

But suddenly I wasn’t listening. Distraction in the form of an incredible brunette was all I could see. And everything was silent as she walked towards me.

Wait, she was walking towards me.

Shit.

“Spencer?”

“Um…yeah? I’m…I’m Spencer.”

“Cool, well I’m Ashley. You’ll be in my cabin. We haven’t decided on a name yet because we were waiting for you.”

“Um…yeah.”

I could think of nothing to say. And even if I could, forming over two words would be a ridiculous task. But she smiled anyway, and it overtook her entire face, her brown eyes lighting up and leaving me breathless.

“Okay, so are you ready or…”

“I’m ready.”

“Have fun, Spence. We’ll see you soon,” my mother said, pulling my father along behind her.

With them gone, I could focus on Ashley completely. But there was no time.

“Let’s go.”

She walked a few feet in front of me as we crossed the camp grounds. I had to admit that it was beautiful. Tall pine trees surrounded us as we made our way, and the pond shone in the sunlight. If it weren’t for the activities and the people, this summer could have potential.

“Why are you so far away?” Ashley asked, shielding here eyes from the sun as she waited for me to catch up.

“It’ll never happen again.”

“So, are you excited…nervous a little bit?”

“Anxious, I guess. I don’t usually thrive in large groups.”

“Trust me, I’m usually the exact same way. But the girls are really nice and of course, the boy’s camp is just over there,” she said, pointing across a large wooden fence, “I think it’ll grow on you.”

“Really?”

She smiled again, and I knew I had to remember what it took to make her do that, “Really. I swear.”

“I have no choice but to believe you.”

We arrived at the cabin in all of its rustic, dismal beauty. Even though I wanted to focus on the fact that I was at camp against my will or the fact that when I got home, my brother would still be gone, it was harder in the light of Ashley’s smile.

And I didn’t mind at all.