The Katie Chronicles Installment 6

Chapter 20 - The Adventure Begins

     The days flew by, and suddenly it was Friday, the day of their camp-out. True to their word, the kitchen staff had packed a large cooler with hamburger patties, onions, carrots, and a variety of other foods. The girls took turns pulling the cooler up the path to their cabin.

     “Listen up, ladies,” piped Lou. “It’s rest time, and you need to take full advantage of it. We have a long hike ahead of us this afternoon and a camp to set up once we get there. You’re going to need lots of energy, so on your bunks and no talking.”

     Katie was pleased to see another letter from Mazie lying on her bunk. She hoped this letter would make more sense than the last one.

                    Hey, Katie,
                    I hope you are having enough fun for for two
                    people, because I'm not having any fun at all!
                    My mom's belly is huge, which means I have to
                    pick up everything she drops on the floor.  And,
                    in case you didn't know, pregnant women are
                    very clumsy.  Mom drops everything she touches.
                    At least there will be several more helping hands
                    in the future.


                    Oh, News Flash.  My life will be getting worse.
                    If you think "Duffel-Bag Girl" is bad, wait 'til you
                    meet my cousin.  And, you will.  My aunt and my
                    cousin are coming to live with us at the end of the
                    summer.  You haven't met Whiny, Grouchy, and
                    Complainy, until you've met CeeCee.  Mom says
                    I have to share my room with her!  Aaaaagh!


                    Gotta go,


                    Mazie
                

     Wow, thought Katie. And I thought I had it bad. At least my pain in the neck is gone when camp is over. Poor Mazie has to live with hers indefinitely. Grabbing a pen and some paper Katie composed a quick letter to Mazie.

                    Dear Mazie,
                    I feel your pain, and it sounds like you
                    need a break.  Parent's Day is a week from
                    tomorrow.  Why don't you ride down with
                    my parents?  It would be great to see you,
                    and I could introduce you to my new friends.

                    Gotta go.  We're getting ready to leave on
                    our camp-out.

                    I hope you can come.

                    BFF

                    Katie
     “Grab your flashlights, water bottles, and bug spray,” instructed Lou. “Remember, you have to carry anything else you decide to take, so pack lightly.”

     The cabin filled with excited chatter as the girls loaded their backpacks with essentials for the evening. Alicia and Libby stuffed Skittles, M & M’s, Sour Patch Kids, and gum into their packs. Erin slipped her Camp Wickamonga Hoodie over her head as she zipped her backpack closed.

     “It could get chilly out there tonight,” said Erin.

     “Good point,” agreed Katie as she rummaged through her dresser to find her own. “Got it,” she said, tying it loosely around her waist.

     The screen door slammed as Lou entered the cabin

     “Get your packs on your backs, and let’s make tracks, ladies,” said Lou.

     “Alright,” cheered Alicia

     The girls quickly swung their backpacks over their shoulders and gathered on the porch for last minute instructions.

     “I’ll make this short and sweet,” said Lou. “Rule #1: No one leaves the campsite without a buddy. Rule #2: Leave the forest the way you found it. Take only memories. Leave only footprints.”

     “Do we have a map?” asked Ava. “Which way do we go?”

     “No map needed,” answered Lou. “Follow me.”

     And with that, Lou led the gaggle of girls out past the stable and into the tree-line that surrounded the camp. Single file, they marched into the woods following a well-worn path created by the many campers that had gone before them. It didn’t take long for the girls to begin whistling as they marched.

Hwoo-hoo, hoo-hoo-hoo Hoo Hoo Hoooo


Hwoo-hoo, hoo-hoo-hoo Hoo Hoo Hoooo


Hwoo-hoo hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo


Hoo Hoo Hoo hoo-HOO Hoo hoo-HOO hoo-hoooo

     Lou’s long strides had the campers hustling to keep up. The path narrowed and the brush grew thicker as the girls hiked further into the woods.

     Erin playfully picked up a large stick and brandished it like a sword. “On guard!” she proclaimed as she turned and poked it toward Katie and Caroline. Katie immediately brought her hands up in front of her chest, turned, and raised her leg as if to deliver a defensive Karate kick. Laughing, Erin retreated and began using her “sword” to hack at the brush along the trail.

     “How much further?” whined Caroline. “I’m hungry and I’ve got blisters on my heels.”

     “Oh, put a sock in it, I mean . . . uh, on it,” offered Erin. “No body wears hiking boots without socks.”

     “I didn’t bring any socks with me,” moaned Caroline. “My feet are going to fall off if I take another step.”

     “OK, OK, Caroline. I have a spare pair in my backpack,” said Katie. “Have a seat on that log while I find them.”

     Erin stood impatiently as Katie rummaged through her backpack.

     “Uh, Katie” warned Erin, “The rest of the group is getting pretty far ahead. Don’t you think we should catch up with them?”

     “You go ahead, Erin. This will only take a sec, and we’ll be right behind you,” replied Katie.

     “Are you sure?” asked Erin.

     “Absolutely,” answered Katie.

     “OK, then,” said Erin. “See you in a few.”

     As Erin scrambled to catch up with the others, Katie handed Caroline her extra pair of socks. Caroline unlaced and removed her boots to reveal two raw, blistered heels.

     “Ouch!” said Katie as she stared at Caroline’s feet. “I’d be complaining, too, if my heels looked like that. You’re going to need more than a pair of socks. I have some Neosporin and some band-aids in here somewhere.”

     “How about crutches? Do you have those in there, too?” asked Caroline sarcastically. “I mean, for real, Katie. Do you ever do anything wrong?”

     “It’s just band-aids,” said Katie. “I think my mom put them in my backpack before I left home.”

     “There you go, you’re doing it again. You won’t even take the credit for being smart enough to bring band-aids. Why are you always so nice?” Caroline asked.

     “I’m not always nice,” said Katie. “I do lots of mean things.”

     “Name one,” said Caroline. “I bet you can’t name a single one.”

     “Sure I can,” insisted Katie as she racked her brain to think of something she had done lately.

     “Uh, just last night, I threatened to step on your head,” said Katie. “That was really mean.”

     “That doesn’t count,” argued Caroline. “Everybody knows you wouldn’t have done it. What have you actually ever done that was mean?”

     Katie’s mind quickly went to the short-sheeting prank. She wasn’t sure she wanted to own up to that just yet. Moments passed as she considered.

     “There. My point exactly,” said Caroline, “If you have to think that hard, there isn’t anything there. You’re a saint.”

     “Well, that’s just not true. I did do something, and it was mean, and it caused pain,” spouted Katie.

     “Alright then. Let’s hear it.”

     Caroline’s determined, thought Katie. Perhaps now is as good a time as ever.

     “OK. Promise not to get mad?” Katie asked.

     “How can I promise that?” replied Caroline sheepishly. “I get mad at everything, and everybody, all the time. But, I’ll try not to. How’s that?”

     “OK. Well, remember the other night when you lost that . . . er . . . that thing, and you got real upset?” Katie began.

     “Oh, that. I found it. I over-reacted,” said Caroline.

     “Well, the reason you lost it is because I was playing a prank on you. Erin and I short sheeted your bed. I was trying to get back at you for locking me out during rest time. I was seeking revenge. That’s pretty bad,” Katie admitted.

     “Are you kidding?” exclaimed Caroline. “You short sheeted my bed? That’s priceless. I didn’t know you had it in you. Where in the world did you come up with an idea like that? I thought short sheeting was a lost art.”

      Katie stared warily at Caroline. “You mean you aren’t mad?

     “What’s there to be mad about?” asked Caroline.

     “Caroline,” Katie said incredulously, “You get mad at everything.”

     “Yeah, well, you’re kind of growing on me,” Caroline replied.

     “Great,” said Katie, “So, while you’re in a forgiving mood, I’d better tell you the rest.”

     “There’s more?” exclaimed Caroline. “What did you do? Saran Wrap the toilet seat? I’ve been waiting to use that one myself.”

     “No,” replied Katie. “No more pranks, nothing intentional, it’s just that . . . that thing you lost . . . the picture . . . well, I saw it. It must have fallen on the floor when Erin and I were short sheeting your bunk. I went back the next day and found it. I put it back on the floor and then dropped my hairbrush that night so you would find it. I know about your dad. He’s a soldier in Iraq, isn’t he?”

     “Not this time,” replied Caroline. “His first deployment was to Iraq, but this time he’s in Afghanistan. He left two days before I came to camp.”

     “Gee, Caroline,” said Katie, “You must be really proud of him and really scared, too.”

     “I know I should be proud,” said Caroline, “but mostly I’m just scared . . . and mad. My dad’s never around like other dads. I saw you and your dad the first day of camp. He looked nice. You two were having fun together. I bet he’ll be here on Parent’s Day, too.”

     Katie nodded her head.

     “Wait a minute,” said Caroline, “Speaking of Parent’s Day . . . what about “Operation Iraq”? Aren’t you the one who started that whole thing?”

     “Guilty,” replied Katie, “Only now . . . I think it’s “Operation Afghanistan.”

     “Gee, Katie, you really do rock,” said Caroline, “My dad and the other guys will love the care packages.”

     “So, Caroline,” asked Katie, “does this mean we’re . . . friends?”

     Caroline rolled her eyes and smiled.

     “Yeah, I guess so. But, Katie, I’ll still have to grouch and complain from time to time. I have a reputation to uphold, you know.”

     “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” replied Katie.

     “Wow,” said Caroline, “we’ve been sitting here a long time. Find the Neosporin and the band-aids. We need to catch up with the others.”

Chapter 21 - Lost

     Suddenly aware of the lengthening shadows, Katie searched frantically for the items.

     “Here,” she said tossing the Neosporin to Caroline, “Quick, put this on while I find the band-aids.”

     Her now nervous fingers rifled through her backpack. The path is marked, she thought. All we have to do is follow the path.

     “Finally,” she cried, “the band-aids. Hurry, Caroline, we’ve got to go.”

     Caroline quickly applied the band-aids and pulled on the socks. After lacing her boots, she stood ready to go.

     “Calm down, Katie. Camp Wickamonga has never lost a camper yet,” she said confidently.

     Once on the trail, Katie regained her confidence, too. The path, though narrow, was easy to see. In high spirits, they linked arms and returned to whistling the marching song. After a while, the foliage seemed to grow denser, and the girls slowed their pace. Suddenly, as if taken by the same thought at the exact same moment, they stopped and turned to face one another.

     “Are you thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?” asked Caroline with a stricken look on her face.

     “I’m hopin’ I’m not thinkin’ what you’re thinkin’, “answered Katie, “‘cause I’m thinkin’ we’re lost.”

     “HELP!” yelled Caroline, “H-E-L-P! Is anyone there?”

     “Caroline,” soothed Katie, “Let’s think for . . .

     “Don’t think,” cried Caroline, “Just scream! Help! HELP!”

     “Caroline! CAROLINE! Get a grip! The first rule is to remain calm. We need to assess our surroundings,” insisted Katie.

     “OK, Katie. I’m calm. And, I calmly choose you to assess our surroundings . . . while I calmly . . . SCREAM! HELP! HELP!” shrieked Caroline.

     OK, thought Caroline, one of us is calm. That’s a start. What would Dad say? ‘Stay calm and stay put.’

     “Listen, Caroline, if we keep walking, we could get further from the group. I think it’s best to stay put and let them find us.”

     “And what if they don’t? You do realize they wouldn’t even look for me if I weren’t with you. Furthermore, I’m pretty sure that orange ball sinking in the west is the sun, and once it’s gone, it can get pretty dark out here.”

     “You worry too much,” said Katie. “There’s at least another hour of sunlight left, and I bet Lou has already notified camp security. There’s probably a whole search party out by now. Our biggest worry should be how we’re going to explain why we didn’t stay with the group. Let’s just sit down under this tree and . . . Not that tree, Caroline! It’s poi . . .”

     Caroline leapt backwards as if shot from a cannon.

     “Just kidding,” giggled Katie.

     “You . . . you . . . “

     “Go ahead, Caroline, say it,” prodded Katie.

     “You’re mean!” spat Caroline. “As if being lost wasn’t bad enough.”

     “Sorry,” teased Katie, “I’ve been learning from the best.”

     The girls sat down and leaned against a tree. The setting sun brought a coolness that caused the girls to shiver. Katie was grateful for Erin’s earlier reminder to bring her hoodie, but feeling guilty, she offered it to Caroline as she untied it from around her waist.

     “No thanks,” said Caroline. “You were smart enough to bring it, so you should be the one to wear it.”

     “Actually, it was Erin who thought of it,” replied Katie. “How about we take turns? You wear it the first 15 minutes, and I’ll wear it the next.”

     “I thought you said they were already looking for us . . . that they’d find us any minute. If I wear it 15 minutes and you do too, we’re already talking 30 minutes before we are found.”

     “Just put it on,” said Katie as she helped Caroline into the hoodie. “We’ll be found . . . and soon. I’m sure.”

     The girls huddled close together against the tree. For a time, neither one spoke. Both girls were aware of woodland sounds they hadn’t noticed earlier in the day. A snapping twig nearby caused them both to jump.”

     “So, Caroline,” asked Katie. “Did you study ecosystems in science last year?”

     “Uh, yeah,” muttered Caroline. “Your point?”

     “Well, I was just wondering if you remembered what kinds of woodland animals stroll around at night . . . stepping on twigs.”

     “I think it’s time to scream again,” said Caroline. “Maybe someone will hear. On the count of three let’s both scream. One . . . two . . . three . . . “

     “Caroline! Katie!”

     “I didn’t do that. Did you do that?” asked Katie.

     “Caroline! Katie!” came the cry again.

     “Over here,” the girls screamed in unison. “Over here.”

     To their relief and amazement, the brush parted and Kiefer and Lizzie stepped through.

     “Fancy meeting you here,” teased Lizzie. “By the way, did you hear the one about the two campers who got lost in the woods?”

     Katie and Caroline just glared.

     “Seriously,” said Kiefer, “Are you girls OK?”

     “We’re fine,” said Katie. “I freaked, but Caroline stayed calm and knew all of the right things to do. I would still be walking in circles if Caroline hadn’t insisted we stay put.”

     Incredulous and confused, Caroline opened her mouth to speak, but Katie shook her head and winked. After all, what are friends for, she thought.

Chapter 22 - The Campout

     Kiefer blew his whistle twice, a signal to the rest of the search party that the girls had been found.

     “Let’s get you back with the others,” he said. “I wouldn’t want you to miss out on anymore of the fun. This way,” he added motioning back the way they had come.

     Within minutes, they could hear the familiar chatter of the other girls and see the glow of a campfire already ablaze.

     “Think you can make it from here?” asked Keifer.

     “We’d have to be idiots to get lost this close to camp,” said Caroline.

     “No comment,” said Kiefer as he and Lizzie waved and headed back.

     Turning toward each other Katie and Caroline rolled their eyes and headed reluctantly in the direction of the glowing light from the campfire. As they made their way into camp, Lou jumped up and ran toward them. She wrapped them both in a huge bear hug.

     “I’m so glad you’re back! I’d ask you where you’ve been, but obviously, you don’t know. You were lost,” cried Lou. “We’ve been so worried.”

     “It’s my fault,” said Caroline. “I had blisters and Katie stopped to help me. We started talking, and . . . well, time got away from us.”

     “Well, you’re here now,” crooned Lou. “That’s all that matters. Our hobo meals are just about ready to eat. I hope you didn’t ruin your dinner with nuts and berries out there in the wilderness.”

     “Katie, Caroline,” shouted Erin as she ran toward them. “I feel just awful. I should have stayed with you.”

     “Yeah, and then three of us would have been lost,” said Caroline.

     “Good point,” said Erin. “Actually, I wasn’t worried about them finding you. I knew Caroline’s mouth would be as good as one of those emergency transmitters they use to locate crashed airplanes. Those things keep making noise for days,” added Erin.

     “HA-Ha! Look who’s developed a sense of humor,” said Caroline. “By the way, I’m starving. Did anyone think to throw on an extra hobo meal for Katie and me?”

     “We’ve got you covered,” piped Lou. “Two hobo meals coming right up.”

     Lou helped the girls pull their meal packets from the coals. As the campers tore open the foil, the air filled with the delicious aroma of roasted meat and vegetables. Erin had a reputation for being a picky eater, but something about the hike, the crisp night air, and the fact that she had made her meal herself had her enthusiastically chowing down on veggies she normally wouldn’t touch. All of the girls agreed that this was the best food they had had since they arrived at camp.

     Remembering Rule #2, to leave only footprints, the girls scrambled about picking up any foil that hadn’t made it into the trash bag. Once the campsite was clean, Lou added another log to the fire and everyone sat down on the logs that surrounded it.

     “It wouldn’t be a campout without a sing-along,” said Lou. “We’ll start with a favorite of mine. Just repeat each line after me.

     “Goin’ on a bear hunt

          (Goin’ on a bear hunt)

     But I’m not afraid
          (But I’m not afraid )

     ‘Cause I’ve been on one before

          (‘Cause I’ve been on one before)

     And it turned out fine

          (And it turned out fine)

     Wait just a minute

          (Wait just a minute)

     What’s that I see?

          (What’s that I see?)

     Lou continued leading the chant, which led them through a field, across a river, up a tree, and into a cave. Her facial expressions and hand motions were a sight to see. When they came to the part of the song where they entered the cave, they came face to face with a bear. At this point, they had to quickly recite the song in reverse as if running to escape. Everyone looked so silly. By the time the chant was finished the girls had dissolved into giggling masses.

     For the next half hour, Lou taught the campers a variety of campfire songs. Some of the girls shared ones they had learned other places. Ava, who happened to be from Tennessee, taught the girls the Tennessee Wiggle Walk, which had them flapping their arms and squawking all around the campsite. Exhausted from all their antics, the girls collapsed into heaps around the fire.

     “And now,” said Lou, in a deep mannish type voice, “comes the telling of the campfire ghost story. Wuh-Ha-Ha-Ha-HA-HA-HAH!”

     As if on cue, all of the girls screamed and grabbed their neighbor. And then, Lou began:

     “Once, there was a man who had a wife with a golden arm. For many years, they lived happily in a small cottage in the woods. Sadly, one day, the man’s wife died. A funeral was held, and the woman was buried in a nearby cemetery.”

     “Alas, the man was lonely after his wife’s passing. He would sit each day and think of her . . . and her golden arm. How stupid it was to bury the golden arm with his wife. The arm was worth a fortune. If he had the arm, he would be rich. He could travel the world. And so, that night he hatched a plan.”

     “The next night, dressed in black from head to toe, so as not to be seen, he crept stealthily into the graveyard carrying a bag and a spade. He approached his wife’s grave and began to dig. An owl perched in a nearby tree watched his every move. Still, the old man continued to dig until suddenly . . . his spade struck something hard. The casket. The man dug faster and faster knowing he would soon have the arm. At last, the lid was exposed. Carefully, he began to open it. C-r-e-e-e-a-k. The man looked
around to see if anyone had heard. C-r-e-e-e-a-k. And the lid was open.

     There lay his wife . . . and . . . the golden arm. Quickly the man removed the arm and placed it in his bag. He closed the lid, shoveled the dirt back in place, and returned to his cottage where he hid the arm under his bed.”

     “That night, as the man lay in bed with the golden arm safely under him, he thought he heard a noise. Was it the wind? WOO-OOO-OOO”

     Again, the girls screamed and huddled closer together. Their eyes were wide as Lou continued.

     “Or had the front door opened? The man lay very still . . . and listened . . . Silence . . . And then, he thought he heard . . . footsteps. At first, they sounded very faint, but gradually they grew louder. As the footsteps came closer he heard a familiar voice, ‘Who has my golden arm?’ The man shivered in his sheets. ‘Who has my golden arm?’ He pulled the sheets over his head. ‘WHO HAS MY GOLDEN ARM?’ . . . YOU DO!’” screamed Lou as she reached and lunged for the girls.

     The girls jumped, and screamed, and grabbed each other. Although most of them had heard the story before, it didn’t matter. They screamed every time.

     At Lou’s insistence, the girls began to settle down. Those sleeping in tents had set them up with Erin’s help while the hobo meals were cooking. The other girls began to unroll their sleeping bags and place them in carefully selected spots near the campfire. Although Caroline preferred the idea of sleeping in a tent, Katie and Erin had both chosen to sleep out under the stars. Feeling somehow connected to Katie after their time together in the woods, Caroline too opted for the full adventure.

     “Mind if I sleep out here with you guys?” she asked.

     “The more the merrier,” replied Katie.

     “How about you, Erin?” she asked hesitantly.

     “You bet,” answered Erin. “I may tease you a lot, but camp wouldn’t be near as much fun without you. Besides, you’re grouchy enough to scare away any wild animals that might show up.”

     “G-R-R-R-R,” growled Caroline, but for once, she didn’t feel the least bit grouchy.

* * * * *

     The next morning, the campers woke to the chirping of birds and the smell of bacon frying. One by one, they crawled out of their tents and sleeping bags and the chatter began.

     “I couldn’t sleep a wink,” complained Alicia. “Ava snored the entire night.”

     “Me?” exclaimed Ava. “I don’t snore!”

     “Right,” teased Alicia. “That was a train that roared through camp.”

     The other girls giggled.

     “Try sleeping with Libby,” complained Rachel. “She talks in her sleep. I mean it’s freaky. Her eyes are wide open, but she’s not making any sense. It sounds like ish-kee-bobble-mursh-kee-boom.”

     “Yeah, well, at least I don’t have morning breath,” retorted Libby. “Get a mint.”

     “OK, ladies, breakfast is ready. Let’s eat up, pack up, and head back to camp.”

The Katie Chronicles Installment 5

Chapter 16 – What’s Missing?

     Reveille crackled through the speaker system as the girls in Cabin D began to stir. Unusually quiet, they went about their morning routine. Caroline was no longer pink. Instead, her face was puffy and her eyes were red. She dressed without speaking to anyone and headed up the path to the dining hall alone. Erin and Katie were the last to leave the cabin, purposely lagging behind so they could talk.

     “That was some scene last night,” began Erin. “Caroline totally lost it.”

     “I know,” replied Katie. “I feel really awful.”

     “Yeah, well, I do too, but honestly, Katie, it wasn’t our fault. She never even knew her bed was short-sheeted.”

     “What do you suppose was missing?” Katie asked, “It had to be something small enough to keep under her pillow. Did you notice anything when we were messing with her bed?” asked Katie.

     “Nothing,” answered Erin.

     “What do you think we should do?” asked Katie.

     “I don’t have a clue,” Erin replied. “How can we help her find something, if we don’t know what we’re looking for? Let’s just play it cool for now and see what happens.”

     “I guess,” mumbled Katie, even as her conscience filled her head with guilty thoughts. After all, they had messed with Caroline’s things, and something had turned up missing right after their prank. Even Katie could see where they were the most logical suspects. She had heard Caroline snuffling late into the night. Whatever was lost had to be pretty important for Caroline to freak out the way she had.

Chapter 17 - Making Plans

     Katie and Erin reached the Dining Hall and seated themselves at Cabin D’s table. Caroline’s head hung over her plate of pancakes, and an awkward silence hung over the normally chatty group of girls.

     “Where were Lizzie and her jokes when they needed her?” thought Katie.

     “Well, ladies,” piped Lou, “We have some planning to do. This Friday night is our cabin camp out. We’ll be hiking into the woods where we will pitch camp for the night. Has anyone ever put up a tent or built a fire?

     The girls all eyed one another. Surely, there was a girl scout in the group.

     “I’m not allowed to play with matches,” mumbled Rachel as several girls nodded in agreement.

     “I saw them do it on Survivor: Pearl Island,” offered Alicia. “They had some kind of magic rock and dry grass.”

     “It’s not a magic rock,” Caroline said with a sneer. “It’s flint. And, the dry grass is called tinder. Making a fire is not a big deal. My dad let me do it the last time we went camping, before . . .”

     Caroline stopped abruptly.

     “Before what?” asked Ava.

     “Nothing,” snarled Caroline. “I’m just saying, it’s not a big deal.”

     “Great! Caroline will be the keeper of the flame,” said Lou. “Now, any pup tent pros on the premises?”

     “I can put up a tent, if that’s what you’re asking,” stated Erin.

     “Alright,” said Lou. “Cabin D girls rock! We’ll head out Friday afternoon after rest period. Now eat up. It’s almost time for your first activity.”

     Having broken the silence, the girls began to chatter enthusiastically about Friday’s camp out. The events of the night before were forgotten in their excitement.

     Still, Katie couldn’t help noticing Caroline’s puffy eyes. Whatever was missing was important, and Katie somehow felt responsible.

     Erin gulped her juice and nabbed the last piece of bacon as the girls pushed their chairs in and headed out the door.

     “I’ll race you,” Erin said to Katie, but Katie’s answer surprised her.

     “You go on ahead,” replied Katie, “If anyone asks where I am, tell them I went to the Infirmary.”

     “Are you sick?” asked Erin.

     “Just cover for me. OK?” said Katie as she headed back in the direction of the cabin.

Chapter 18 - The Photograph

     Making her way up the path, Katie tried to think of all the things that were important to her. She had an opal ring, her birthstone, that Nanny had given her on her tenth birthday. However, she would never bring anything that precious to camp. She also had a lucky coin her dad had given to her. Even now, it was in her pocket. She reached in and rubbed it, all the while hoping she would find Caroline’s lost item.

     The screen door squeaked as Katie pulled it open, and the floorboards creaked as she walked across the cabin. Katie was not comfortable breaking camp rules, but she was determined to make things right where Caroline was concerned. Her eyes scanned the room looking for anything unusual. As she reached Caroline’s bunk, she began to search in earnest. Katie crawled on the floor to check under the bed. She swept her arm back and forth beneath it, but only managed to grab a hand full of dust.

     Disappointed, Katie stood and tried to think where to look next. Her eyes fell on the dresser positioned at the end of the bunk. Perhaps something had rolled under it. The furniture was sturdy, made to withstand many summers of campers. Katie grasped one end and tried to pull it away from the bed. It was heavy, but she finally managed to make it move. When she had created a tiny space between the dresser and the bed, she squeezed behind the dresser and started to push. Looking down she saw more dust and . . . something else. The corner of what looked to be a piece of paper stuck out from under the dresser. Katie reached down and picked it up. As she turned it over, she saw that it was a photograph. A man, about the same age as Katie’s dad, dressed in army camouflage standing by a jeep. At first, Katie couldn’t make a connection, but suddenly she realized its importance. She had to talk to Erin. Carefully, she slid the photograph up under her shirt and ran toward the stables.

     “Psst, Erin,” Katie whispered from her hiding place behind a tree. Class had ended and all the girls were on the path headed toward the Canteen. “Over here,” she hissed as Erin turned in her direction.

     “I think I found what had Caroline so upset,” said Katie, as she pulled the picture from under her shirt. “Look at this.”

     Erin looked at the picture and then at Katie.

     “Oh, yeah. This explains everything . . . Not!” replied Erin.

     “Sure it does,” said Katie, “Who do you think the man is?”

     “Uh . . . a soldier?” answered Erin with a bewildered look at Katie.

     “Yeah, that,” said Katie, “but who? Think about it.”

     “I dunno, Katie. You’re clearly the detective here.”

     “Caroline’s dad!” exclaimed Katie in an exasperated voice. “It’s her dad, and he’s a soldier, and he’s wearing camouflage. What does that tell you?”

     “Uh, Caroline couldn’t find him last night because he was wearing camouflage?” Erin asked, grinning at her own humor.

     Katie shook her head and gave Erin a “You’re hopeless” look.

     “He’s in Iraq, Erin. Caroline’s dad is in Iraq . . . fighting in the war. How scary is that!”

     “Wow,” said Erin. “I’d be scared to death if that was my dad.”
 
     “Ya think?” Katie said. “Caroline’s not a bad person. She’s a scared person.”

     “No, I’m pretty sure she’s a bad person,” Erin insisted with a hint of a smile. “So, what are you going to do with the picture?”

     “I’m not sure,” answered Katie. “Maybe I can just slide it back under her pillow and pretend like it was there the whole time.”

     “Sounds good to me,” agreed Erin, “Now we’d better hurry if we want to grab a snack at the Canteen before we go to crafts.”

     Katie carefully wedged the picture in her waistband and under her shirt. She would place it back under Caroline’s pillow at rest time.

Chapter 19 - The Plan

     Ivy was all smiles as the girls entered the crafts room. She quickly pointed out a variety of colored rolls of plastic lace on the table.

     “Choose two colors, ladies, and you can get started on your key chains. I hope you found time to practice,” she chirped. “You might like to choose some decorative beads, too.”

     Katie noticed Caroline carefully selecting blue and white lace, followed by a handful of red star-shaped beads.

     “That combination looks great together, Caroline,” said Katie. “Do you mind if I make one like yours?”

     “It’s a free country,” replied Caroline, “Do whatever you want.”

     Katie selected her materials and slowly began weaving the laces. The “double-cross” certainly didn’t come as easy to her as it did to Caroline. However, as Katie worked with the red, white, and blue materials, she began to weave a plan in her head. It is a free country, she thought, and it’s guys like Caroline’s dad who make it that way.

     With a new motivation to complete her keychain, Katie’s hands began to fly. By the time Ivy gave the signal for clean up to begin, Katie had completed one keychain and begun another.

     As the other girls raced out the door, anxious for lunch, Katie lagged behind. She replaced scissors in the wire holder and swept up snippets of colored plastic lace that had fallen to the floor.
     “Thanks, Katie, for sticking around to help with clean-up. I noticed you made some really great progress today,” said Ivy.

     “Yeah, I finally got the hang of it, and, uh, well, I was wondering if I could take some extra lace back to the cabin with me tonight. I really like making the key chains, and well, it’s sort of relaxing.”

     “I know exactly what you mean,” said Ivy as she gave Katie a quick squeeze. “Take all the laces you want, Sugar. I’m just pleased you’re enjoying my class. And if you find this relaxing, you might like to try my knitting class on your next rotation.”

     Katie grabbed enough lace and stars to make several more key chains and scrambled out the door.

     “See ya tomorrow,” she yelled as the screen door slammed shut behind her.

     She stuffed the laces and beads into her pockets. I’m glad I wore my cargo shorts today, she thought as she made her way to the mess hall.

     The rest of the girls were half-way through lunch when Katie slid into her seat next to Erin.

     “Where have you been?” Erin whispered.

     “Later,” Katie mumbled as she reached for a taco shell and began spooning her favorite fillings into it.

     “Okey, dokey, ladies,” Lou began. “Let’s talk about the camp-out.”

     “Are we really going to sleep outside, on the ground?” groaned Alicia.

     “On the ground, definitely. Outside, if you want the full adventure. Or in a tent, if you don’t,” answered Lou.

     “Full adventure,” Erin whispered to Katie, as Katie took the last bite of her taco and nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

     “We’ve already established that Caroline can build a fire,” Lou said, as she winked and gave Caroline a thumbs-up. “Now let’s discuss our menu. The kitchen staff needs to know what items we will need to take with us. They’ll have a cooler packed for us at lunch on Friday, but we’ll have to do all of the prep at the campsite. Have any of you ever eaten a hobo meal?”

     The girls stared blankly at one another. No one seemed to have any idea what a hobo meal was.

     “Great,” exclaimed Lou. “Another piece of the adventure has just been added. Trust me, you’re gonna love it!”

     Katie and Erin glanced sideways at each other and shrugged. Caroline would build the fire and Lou would plan the menu. There definitely was an adventure in there somewhere.

* * * * *

     “OK, give it up,” insisted Erin with a very determined look on her face. “I hope you’ve come up with a plan to get back at Caroline for that nasty trick she played on you yesterday.”

     “I’ve got a plan,” said Katie, “But not exactly the kind you were thinking of. I couldn’t stop thinking about Caroline’s dad and all of the other soldiers in Iraq. Here we are at camp, having the time of our lives while they’re over there putting their lives on the line everyday. I thought we could do something for them.”

     “Way to go, Katie,” muttered Erin. “I’m plotting revenge, and you’re contemplating kindness. I’m thinkin’ maybe I should be feeling pretty bad right about now.”

     “Sorry, Erin, I don’t mean to come off like Mother Teresa,” apologized Katie. “Revenge crossed my mind at first, too. It’s just . . . I dunno . . . I like this idea better.”

     “Well, let’s hear it then,” urged Erin.

     Katie pulled a keychain from her pocket and showed it to Erin. “See this?” she asked.

     “We’ve established the fact that I’m hard-hearted,” sneered Erin, “But I’m not blind. I see it.”

     “Well, Parent’s Day is coming up, you know.”

     “Katie. Focus,” said Erin as she pointed two fingers quickly at Katie’s eyes and then to her own. “I thought we were talking about key chains.”

     “OK,” blurted Katie. “Here it is in a nutshell. We make key chains. Lots of them, and when the parents come on Parent’s Day, we sell them. We use the money to buy . . . I dunno, stuff soldiers like, but can’t get easily. Chewing gum, mints, whatever. We’ll find out. Then, we’ll make care packages and mail them to Caroline’s dad and the soldiers in his troop. We’ll get the whole camp involved. If each girl makes just 2 key chains a day, and there are 64 girls here at camp, and we have 2 weeks until Parent’s Day, and we sell the key chains for $2.00 a piece . . . Well, I’m no math whiz, but I think that’s a lot of money.”

     “I’m pretty good at math,” said Erin, “And it is a lot of money. Don’t forget some of that money would have to pay for the supplies. And I don’t think our parents could buy all of those key chains.”

     “Maybe not, but my dad could take some to work with him and sell them there. Other parents could do the same. We could take orders. Who knows how big this could get. It’s for a good cause, and I know we can do it,” insisted Katie.

     “OK,” said Erin, “I’m in. But what about Caroline and the picture? How are you going to get the picture back?

     Katie looked straight at Erin with that oh, so familiar grin.

     “Don’t tell me,” said Erin shaking her head. “You’ve got another plan.”

     “Stick with me, kid,” replied Katie. “I’m just getting started.”

* * * * *

     True to her word, Katie had a plan. That night as the girls crawled into their bunks, Katie “accidentally" dropped her hairbrush to the floor.

     “Uh, Caroline,” Katie casually requested, “Could you hand me my brush? Clumsy me dropped it. I think it’s between the bunk and the dresser.”

     “I just got comfortable,” grouched Caroline. “Can’t you get it yourself?”

     “I could,” Katie began sweetly, “But I’m afraid,” she continued with a sneer, “that I might STEP ON YOUR HEAD, ON MY WAY DOWN.”

     Grudgingly, Caroline threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. Crawling on her hands and knees, she reached under the bunk and swiped her hand back and forth searching for the rogue hairbrush. Huffing and puffing, she complained the whole time.

     “Being on the bottom bunk doesn’t make me your slave,” Caroline hissed. “Did it occur to you to be a little more careful with your belongings? It could have fallen on my head!”

     Katie waited expectantly. She had managed to place the picture of Caroline’s dad under the bunk while the girls had played their evening game of German Spotlight.

     “Did you find it?” she finally asked, as Caroline suddenly grew quiet. “Caroline? Caroline!”

     “I found it,” Caroline answered in a strange voice.

     “Great,” replied Katie as Lou turned out the lights. “Just put it on the dresser. I’ll sleep better knowing it’s where it belongs.”

     Yeah,” mumbled Caroline, “Me, too.”

* * * * *

     The rest of the week went by in a flurry of excitement. Once Katie shared her idea with the other girls, they couldn’t make key chains fast enough. For the time being, Katie kept the part about Caroline’s dad to herself. “We’ll be supporting our men in uniform,” she had said as she explained the project. The important thing was to get the key chains made and sold.

     The girls dedicated every spare minute to “Operation Iraq,” a name Erin had bestowed upon the project. Some of the girls had already written their parents letters explaining the project and asking them to take orders. Katie couldn’t wait for Parent’s Day. She was anxious, of course, to see her mom and dad, but even more excited to see how successful “Operation Iraq” would be.

The Katie Chronicles Installment 4

Chapter 13 - Double Crossed

     After lunch, the girls returned to their cabin for a short rest period before their afternoon activity and free swim. They could read, write letters, or nap during this scheduled quiet time. Lou had gotten their mail and delivered it to their bunks while they were out. Katie was happy to find a letter from Mazie lying on her bunk when she climbed in.

                    Dear Katie,
                         I got your letter. Can’t wait to hear the full story on “Duffel-Bag Girl.”
                    You’ve got me curious.  My mom is doing well, really well, make that
                    really, really, really well. As for me, I’m not so sure. I think I’ll leave you
                    curious, too.

                         I miss you bunches. I was invited to a sleep-over at Lucy Whitaker’s
                    house. It was OK, but her mom made us go to sleep at 11:00. Whatever!


                                                                                 Write back soon.

                                                                                 Love ya,

                                                                                 Mazie

     That’s supposed to leave me curious? thought Katie. Did I miss something? All she said is that her mom was doing really well. Nothing curious in that.

                    Dear Mazie,

                         I’m curious about what I should be curious about. Your mom’s fine.
                    You went to a sleepover and actually slept. Did I miss something?
                    Camp’s great! “Duffel-Bag Girl” isn’t.
                                                                      Wish you were here.

                                                                      Love,

                                                                      Katie

     Next, Katie decided to write a quick note to her parents. I really acted like a jerk, she thought as she reached for her stationery box.

                    Dear Mom and Dad,
                          I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time about camp. You were right.
                 It is fun.  I’ve already made a good friend. Her name is Erin. She likes all
                 the same things  I do. We rode horses and climbed a rock wall today. 
                 Next is arts and crafts and then free swim.
                                                                                       I miss you!
                                                                                       XOXOXO
                                                                                       Katie

     With her letter signed, sealed, and ready to be delivered, Katie lay back on her bunk and wondered how to pass the remaining twenty minutes of rest time. She still couldn’t understand why the camp had said no iPods. This would be the perfect time to kick back and listen to some good music. Katie considered counting ceiling tiles like she did during testing week at school. (She always finished early and had to sit quietly until the other students had finished.) However, the ceiling was made of wood and
didn’t lend itself to counting. Finding herself about to doze off, she was startled with a kick from down below. Leaning over the edge of her bunk, she glared questioningly at Caroline.

     “I’m bored,” mouthed Caroline.

     “So, what am I supposed to do?” Katie mouthed back.

     She glanced around to see if anyone else was awake. The cabin was quiet except for Lou’s snoring. The only other sounds were the buzzing of insects and the chirping of birds drifting in the open window by their bunk.

     “Let’s sneak out,” Caroline mouthed as she glanced sideways and motioned her thumb toward the window.

     Katie dropped her jaw and gave Caroline an “Are you crazy?” look. She rolled back onto her bunk, determined to ignore Caroline, which turned out to be easier said than done. Suddenly, her mattress lurched upward with a firm kick from below. Katie frantically grabbed at the headboard to keep from falling off. Once secure, she leaned angrily over the edge, only to find Caroline in position to deliver another F10 shockwave.

     “Stop it!” hissed Katie. “You’re gonna get us in trouble!”

     “The only way I’ll stop is if you leave with me. I can be very persistent.” she whispered with an evil smirk on her face.

     Katie was in a real dilemma. If she stayed, Caroline would continue harassing her until they both wound up in trouble. Kitchen duty was not Katie’s idea of fun. Maybe, just maybe though, if she slipped outside for a few minutes she could talk some sense into Caroline. Then they could climb back in and no one would be the wiser. It seemed to be the only workable solution.

     Hesitantly, Katie nodded she’d go. Ever so quietly, she lowered herself to Caroline’s bunk. Caroline motioned for Katie to go first. Knowing the uselessness of arguing with “Duffel Bag Girl”, Katie straddled the windowsill. Carefully, she brought both legs to the outer edge and jumped. The window was a little higher than she expected and she landed hard on the ground below. A bit dazed, Katie stood, brushed herself off, and turned to find Caroline grinning menacingly from inside as she slid the window closed and locked it.

     Duped and desperate, Katie wondered what to do. Maybe Caroline would come back in a minute and open the window. Then again, maybe pigs would fly. Katie thought about each window and whose bunk was next to it. If she could get someone’s attention they might help her back in. Unfortunately, the windows were just above her head. If she made enough noise to attract someone’s attention, it would probably be enough to awaken Lou, also. Slowly, Katie realized that she would just have to face the consequences. Lou would do a bed check at the end of rest time and Katie would be missing. Resigned to her fate, Katie walked to the front of the cabin and sat down in a porch rocker.
      Shortly, she heard the now familiar crackle of the speaker system followed by Ms. Vanden Bosch announcing the end of rest time. She listened as the girls inside the cabin began to move about. As expected, she could hear Lou taking roll.

     “Erin?”

     “Here.”

     “Libby?”

     “Here.”

     “Rachel?”

     “Here.”

     “Ava?”

     “Here.”

     “Caroline?”

     “Here.”

     “Katie?”

     No answer.

     “Katie?”

     “I think she’s in the bathroom,” offered Erin.

     “No, not in there,” said Alicia as she returned to the bunkroom.

     “What’s up?” said Lou. “Does anyone know where Katie is?”

     The room was silent, until Caroline piped up. “I wasn’t going to say anything,” she began. “I didn’t want to get my friend in trouble, but I saw her sneak out the window during rest time. I tried to stop her. I warned her she’d get in trouble, but she wouldn’t listen.”

     “Really?” asked Lou. “That doesn’t sound like Katie. Anyway, where would she go?”

     “Well,” replied Caroline. “I think she may have gone to see that Kiefer guy. You know, the one with the guitar.”

     Katie had heard enough. She pulled open the screen door and marched into the room, ready to give Caroline a piece of her mind. But, before she could open her mouth, her dad’s voice was in her head reminding her to “Kill ‘em with kindness.”

     “Here I am,” said Katie. “I’m really sorry for breaking the rules.”

     “Where did you go?” questioned Lou. “What was so important?”

     "Uh, well,” unaccustomed to lying, Katie was at a loss for words. Think quickly, she said to herself. “Well, you see, uh, I was . . . I was . . .homesick. Yeah, homesick. And well, I started to, umm, umm, uh, I started to . . . cry. And well, I didn’t want anyone to hear me, so. . . I climbed out the window. Stupid, I know. I just wasn’t thinking.”

     “Aw,” said Lou as she swung an arm around Katie’s shoulder. “It’s not unusual to get homesick your first time at camp. I just hope the next time you’ll come and talk to me instead of jumping out the window.”

     “So, I’m not going to be punished?” asked Katie.

     “Well, I should move you to the bed next to mine where I can keep a closer watch on you,” said Lou.

     Katie’s heart raced with excitement. A new bunk, she thought, away from ‘Duffel Bag Girl’. What could be better?

     “However,” said Lou, “Everyone deserves a second chance. So-o-o-o, I’m gonna let you stay with your friend.”

     “That’s really too nice of you, Lou. Really! I probably need some kind of punishment, to cure my evil ways. It’s OK, really. I’ll just move my things.”

     “No, Katie,” replied Lou. “I can tell you’re sorry. Moving away from your friend would probably increase your homesickness. Let’s just put this all behind us and start fresh.”

     With that said, Lou blew her whistle and hustled the girls out of the cabin to their next activity.

     Erin grabbed Katie as she came out the cabin door and pulled her behind some shrubs. They watched as Caroline headed up the hill to the arts and crafts cabin. When she was safely out of sight, the twosome emerged.

     “Can you believe that girl?” exclaimed Erin. “She was ready to feed you to the dogs. Lucky for you, Lou didn’t bite. Now, I know you aren’t homesick, so why the big story? Please tell me you weren’t protecting Caroline.”

     “I didn’t plan on it,” replied Katie. “But suddenly the words were coming out of my mouth.”

     “Yeah, well, I didn’t buy it. So, what’s the real story? How did you end up outside?”

     “Oh, I climbed out the window, just like I said. It was Caroline’s idea, and I knew she wouldn’t let it go. So, I agreed to do it. My plan was to talk some sense into her and crawl back in. Unfortunately, she had a plan, too. She told me to go first, which I did. El stupido! She closed the window and locked me out.”

     “No way,” cried Erin, “We can’t let her get away with this!”

     “It’s water under the bridge, Erin. Like Lou said, let’s put it behind us and start fresh.”

     “Huh uh. No way. That girl has to pay, and I have the perfect plan. I’ll tell you about it after class. Last one there is a Caroline clone,” Erin yelled as she took off up the hill.

Chapter 14 - Arts and Crafts

     When Katie and Erin arrived at the arts and crafts cabin, they found a barefoot lady in a tie-dyed dress passing out plastic lace and colored beads. She appeared to be a leftover from the “hippie generation,” what with her granny glasses and silver gray, waist length hair. Any uncertainty about this vanished when she flashed the peace sign and asked the girls to take a seat. As they glanced around the cabin, they found examples of her handiwork displayed everywhere. Suspended from a ceiling rafter was a large macramé owl. Strands of colored beads marked the entrance to the supply closet, and brightly colored, tissue paper flowers adorned the walls.

     “I hope you girls are feeling creative,” the lady began, “because that’s what this class is all about. My name is Ivy, and I will be your instructor. Today we will begin with a basic box stitch. Hopefully, everyone will master it by the end of class. Tomorrow you can choose the laces you would like and begin making your very own key chain.”

     After a quick demonstration, the girls picked up their laces and hesitantly tried to repeat the moves they had seen Ivy’s nimble fingers complete. It wasn’t as easy as it looked. Ivy moved among the girls correcting and encouraging as she went.

     “Remember, ladies, weave strand one diagonally across strand two and under strand four. Then weave strand three diagonally across strand four and under strand two. It’s a simple double cross motion,” encouraged Ivy as she continued to move from girl to girl.

     “Congratulations, Caroline, You’ve made excellent progress. This double cross motion can be quite difficult, but I can see you’ve mastered it.” praised Ivy.

     Katie nudged Erin and muttered under her breath, “No surprise there. Caroline can’t ride a horse, and she can’t climb a rock wall, but she’s a master at the “double cross.”

     “I’m afraid it’s time to clean up now, ladies. You may take your practice lace with you and work on that in your free time. I’m sure Caroline can help those of you who still need help.”

     The girls gathered their materials and headed out the door.

Chapter 15 - The Prank

     As soon as Erin saw Caroline disappear up the trail, she pulled Katie aside. “OK,” she said, “Here’s the plan. Tonight when everyone is playing German Spotlight, you and I will slip back in the cabin, and we’ll short-sheet Caroline’s bed.”

     “Short-sheet her bed? What’s that?” asked Katie.

     “It’s just a prank. Kids have been doing it since the beginning of time,” said Erin. “I learned it at church camp last summer.”

     “I don’t know,” replied Katie as her dad’s voice once again echoed in her ear. “Let’s just forget about it. Now that I know what to expect from Caroline, I’ll just be more careful.”

     “Forget about it? That means she gets away with it. You’ll spend the rest of the summer looking over your shoulder, wondering what she’ll do next. No, we have to do it. No one gets hurt, but Caroline will learn a lesson. Are you with me?”

     “I guess,” said Katie reluctantly.

     The girls spent the remainder of the afternoon at the pool. At dinner, they shared stories about the day’s activities. After the evening sing-along and devotion, they raced back to the cabin for another game of German Spotlight before bedtime. Erin and Katie put on their jammies, but when the other girls dashed out the door, they hung back.

     “Quick,” said Erin, “We’ve got work to do.”

     “Are you sure about this?” asked Katie nervously.

     “You bet I am,” replied Erin. “Now, grab her blanket and pull it off,” she instructed as she snatched Caroline’s pillow and flung it to the floor.

     “The first thing we have to do is reverse the top sheet. Turn it so the hem is at the bottom.”

     Together the girls pulled the sheet loose, turned it and smoothed it out. Erin carefully tucked the bottom of the sheet in at the top of the bed.

     “Now,” said Erin, “Here comes the short sheet part. Instead of tucking the sheet in at the bottom, we fold it up, like this, so the hem is where it always is. We place the blanket back on top; tuck it in, and. . . Voilá! The bed looks just like it did before, only when Caroline crawls in and tries to stretch her legs out, she won’t be able to. Wait ‘til you see her. She’ll have to remake the entire bed. It’ll be priceless! Now hurry, smooth out those wrinkles, fluff her pillow, and put it back in place”

     Just as Erin and Katie finished, Taps began to play over the loudspeaker. Quickly, they darted into the bathroom to hide. Soon the cabin filled with the giggling and chattering of the other girls. Casually, Erin and Katie slipped out of the bathroom and joined the others.

     “Alright, ladies,” warned Lou, “Lights out in ten minutes. Let’s hit the bunks.”

     Erin glanced over at Caroline who was just getting ready to crawl in to hers. Katie was purposely rearranging items on her dresser to assure herself a clear view of the event. Caroline pulled back the covers, sat down on the edge, swung her legs up, and pushed her toes just under the covers.

     That a girl, encouraged Erin silently. Push those feet in and see where it gets you.

     However, things don’t always go as planned, and Caroline’s next move wasn’t the one Erin and Katie expected. Instead of snuggling down under the covers, Caroline turned and lifted the corner of her pillow as if looking for something. Katie and Erin watched as a puzzled expression appeared on Caroline’s face. Caroline pulled the pillow back further and ran her hand underneath. Puzzlement turned to agitation as Caroline turned and knelt on her bunk. Frantically, she threw the pillow behind her and began to run her hand between the mattress and the headboard. In a frenzy now, she jumped out of bed and began snatching the covers from the bed.

     “Where is it?” she cried.

     Flailing her arms, and crawling on her hands and knees, she began to cry hysterically while searching beneath her bed.

     “Where is it?” she screamed.

     Katie and Erin, as well as all of the other girls watched wide-eyed as Lou approached Caroline. Gently, Lou place her hand on Caroline’s back. Caroline flinched and shot a “Don’t touch me look” at Lou.

     Backing off, Lou glanced questioningly at all of the girls as if to ask, “Does anyone know what this is about?”

     Katie and Erin’s guilty eyes met. Sure, they had short-sheeted her bed (No signs of that now, thought Katie) Caroline had completely stripped her bed in her wild search for the missing. . . the missing. . .

     “Caroline,” cooed Lou. “If you will just calm down, we might be able to help you.”

     “Calm down? I’ll calm down when she gives it back,” snarled Caroline as she fixed her eyes on Katie. “She’s been out to get me ever since we met.”

     Lou turned to Katie, as did all eyes in the room. “Katie, do you have something that belongs to Caroline?”

     Shocked, Katie shook her head and sputtered, “I. . . I . . . I don’t know what she’s talking about.”

     “She’s lying,” hissed Caroline, as she stomped toward Katie’s dresser. Before anyone could stop her, she pulled open a drawer and started tossing Katie’s belongings over her shoulder. “It’s in here somewhere,” she screamed.

     Lou grabbed Caroline’s hands in mid-snatch. “Caroline, please, tell us what’s missing and we’ll help you look for it. Whatever it is, I’m sure we can find it.”

     “You can’t help me! It’s gone, and I’ll never get it back. Just leave me alone,” Caroline choked as she grabbed her sheets and attempted to remake her bed.

     “Here, let me help you,” offered Katie meekly.

     But Caroline would have none of it.

     “I don’t need your help. I don’t need anybody.”

     And with that, she crawled into her bed, turned her face toward the wall, and pulled the blanket over her head.

     “If you change your mind, I’m here for you,” Lou said quietly as she motioned the other girls into their bunks. “Things will look better in the morning,” she added as she turned out the lights and settled in for the night.

* * * * *

     Katie didn’t sleep much that night. She was totally confused. Although she and Erin had most certainly short-sheeted Caroline’s bed, they honestly hadn’t taken anything.  She felt guilty about the prank they had attempted to play, but there really was no prank since Caroline totally pulled her bed apart. She’d give anything to be able to talk to Erin, but it would have to wait until morning. Restless and more than a little guilt ridden, Katie finally dozed off.

The Katie Chronicles Installment 3

Chapter 9

Kill ‘Em With Kindness

     As Katie lay in bed thinking about her first day of camp, she was filled with mixed emotions. She had never been shy about sleepovers at her friends’ houses. Although she loved her parents, she had never really gotten homesick. She liked an adventure, and so far, it looked like Camp Wickamonga had plenty of those to offer. Katie had connected with Erin very quickly, and all the girls loved Ava. Alicia, although pretty as a porcelain doll, had surprised them all with her tomboy ways. Libby and Rachel had already paired up like she and Erin. They were both wild about horses and couldn’t wait to sign up for horseback riding. Though she knew all of the other girls by name, she hadn’t had a chance to get to know them yet; however, they appeared to be friendly and ready to have fun. Katie realized she was getting sleepy. The last thing she heard was a quiet reprimand from Lou to Libby and Rachel telling them to “rein it in for the night.”
     Unfortunately, her sleep did not last long. Around 2:00 A.M., she was awakened by the sudden movement of her bed. Startled, and perhaps a little frightened, she hung on and waited. The movement stopped and Katie determined she must have been dreaming. But no sooner had she convinced herself of this, than her bed began to move again. It was a sort of jiggle. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, stop. Katie waited. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, stop. During this second
series, the bed began to squeak as if playing an accompaniment to go along with the movement. Trying to ignore it, Katie rolled onto her side and placed her pillow over her head; however, it was useless. The jiggling began again. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, stop. The intervals between movements grew shorter and shorter. Finally, Katie rolled onto her stomach, leaned her head over the edge of her bed, and glared at Caroline. The movement of the bed matched Caroline’s every move as she scratched first her right leg, then her neck, her left leg, and then her back.
     “Psst!” Katie whispered. “What’s going on down there? Are you rockin’ yourself to sleep or what?”
     “Yeah, that’s it, Nerdburger, I’m rockin’ myself to sleep . . . or just maybe, the Benadryl Nurse Kim gave me just wore off. I’m thinkin’ it’s the Benedryl.”
     “Gee,” said Katie, “That’s going to make the rest of the night miserable…for both of us…”
     “Yeah, well, I’m really sorry,” hissed Caroline. “Somehow I think it’s going to be worse for me. I’m going to be awake and itching, but you’re just going to be awake. Think you can handle it?”
     “What I was thinking,” continued Katie as she quietly climbed down from her bunk, “is that I might be able to do something to help. I had a bad sunburn once, didn’t put sunscreen on like I was supposed to, and it really itched. My dad put cool compresses on it, and it felt much better. Maybe that will work for poison ivy, too.”
     “Well, you’re the one who got me in this mess, so I guess it’s only fair for you to try and help me out.”
     “My thoughts exactly!” Katie said, thankful for the dark that hid the exasperated look on her face. Why do I even try? she thought as she tiptoed through the cabin to the washroom.
     Any other time Katie might have said what she was really thinking, but at 2:00 in the morning it wasn’t worth the effort. Besides, Caroline was bound and determined to be disagreeable. She’d probably been like this her whole life, so Katie figured it wasn’t going to change overnight. Dad always said, ”Kill ‘em with kindness,” and that was what Katie decided to do with Caroline."
     “I’m counting on you, Dad,” Katie whispered to the air as she placed the wash- cloth in the sink of cool water.
     Returning to their bunk, Katie miraculously found Caroline fast asleep. Katie shook her head, placed the damp washcloth on the dresser, and climbed ever so carefully back into her bed. A fresh pine scented breeze blew through the nearby open window and the night sounds quickly lullabied Katie to sleep.

* * * * *

     Katie was having a nightmare. A big pink monster with a terrible roar was chasing her through the woods. Just as a large pink claw reached out to grab her, she awoke to the sound of Reveille playing over the camp speaker system. Grateful to escape what would no doubt have been a gruesome demise, Katie jumped out of bed and headed for the washroom. She quickly showered, brushed her teeth, and fastened her ponytail with a scrunchy. Slowly the other girls began to rise.
     “Mornin’,” grunted Erin as she scuffled past Katie in the hall. “Don’t tell me you’re a morning person.”
     “Actually I am,” winced Katie, “but I’ll try not to let it show.”
     The pink monster was just pushing her covers back as Katie returned to dress for the day. Caroline’s face was so swollen there were just tiny slits where her eyes should have been. It was impossible to tell whether her eyes were open or closed. Her mouth on the other hand left no room for doubt . . . definitely open.
     “Don’t tell me we have to wake up to that noise every morning for the next six weeks. That’s enough to ruin your whole day,” complained Caroline.
     “I kind of like Reveille,” remarked Katie as she turned to eyeball Caroline, “And I refuse to let any other noise I may hear ruin my day.”
     Zipping her shorts and pulling her orange Camp Wickamonga t-shirt over her head, Katie was dressed and out the door. Lou stood just outside with a clipboard, checking off each girl’s name as she left the cabin. With only one person unaccounted for, Lou stuck her head inside the door and yelled,  “Everybody out. Two tardies at breakfast and you’re assigned Kitchen Duty.
     As Katie reached the top of the hill, she looked back to see poor Caroline hopping out the cabin door with one leg in her shorts and the other still out. Her hair stuck out at odd angles, obviously uncombed, and . . . she was still pink.

Chapter 10 - Make “Em Laugh

     Katie seated herself and Erin slipped in beside her just as Ms. Vanden Bosch asked the campers to join her in a moment of silence. A large bowl of scrambled eggs was passed around the table followed by a basket of bread and a plate full of crisp bacon. As Lizzie, their server, poured juice for the girls she entertained them with her quirky humor.
     “Have you heard the one about a waitress who walked up to a guy to take his order?” Lizzie asked.
     “No-o-o,” said the girls.
     “But I bet you’re going to tell us,” moaned Alicia.
     “What can I get you, Sir?” the waitress asked.
     “I’d like an undercooked egg, some cold greasy bacon, and an order of burnt toast,” the man replied.
     “I’m sorry, Sir, but we don’t serve that kind of food.”
     “Well, you did yesterday,” the customer snorted.
     The girls rolled their eyes and chuckled.
     “That’s just the kind of joke my dad would love,” said Katie.
     “Mine, too,” exclaimed Erin. “What is it with dads?”
     The girls were just finishing up as Caroline arrived at the table.
     “That’s one tardy, Caroline,” said Lou. “You’ll have to do better tomorrow.”
     Caroline opened her mouth, ready to launch a tirade on camp rules, but for once thought better of it and just said, “Could somebody pass the bacon . . . please?”
     Startled, all of the girls reached for the bacon at the same time, anxious to reward such civil behavior. While Caroline was finishing her breakfast, Lizzie returned to begin clearing the table.
     “Hey, Sunshine,” Lizzie quipped, “I thought we were missing one smiling face. By the way, have you heard the one about the girl in the restaurant?”
     “No-o-o,” said the girls.
     “But I bet you’re going to tell us,” the group moaned in unison.
     “A waitress walked up to a girl to take her order. The girl said, “How much is a soft drink?”
     The waitress answered, “99¢.”
     The girl then said, “How much for a refill?”
     “Refills are free,” replied the waitress.
     “Well then,” said the girl, “I’ll just have a refill.”
     “On that note, I think we’ll leave,” announced Lou, smiling at Lizzie. “If you’re thinking of becoming a comedian, my advice is, don’t quit your day job.”
     “See ya, Lizzie,” the girls said as they pushed in their chairs and headed out the door.

Chapter 11 - Rock Climbing

Once outside, the girls made their way to the campers’ kiosk where they found their activities for the next two weeks posted. Each camper would have three activities she had chosen on her camp application. In addition, she would have one activity selected by the camp staff. Everyone would enjoy free swim in the afternoon.
     Katie loved rock climbing and was pleased to see it was her first rotation activity. Even better, Erin was in her group. As they joined hands and celebrated, they heard a familiar groan followed by a disgruntled complaint.
     “Oh, joy,” complained Caroline, “Somebody has rocks in their head, and I have to climb them. I didn’t sign up for rock climbing. Nobody in her right mind would strap on that flimsy harness and scale a wall that high with everyone watching. I doubt that it’s safe. My parents definitely wouldn’t approve.”
     “ ‘Scuse me,” Caroline said grabbing the nearest counselor. “There’s been a mistake. I’m on the rock-climbing list, and my parents won’t approve. You’ll need to reassign me.”
     “Not to worry,” said the counselor. “All schedules were reviewed and OK’d by parents at registration. Aren’t you Caroline? Your mom was especially pleased that you would be trying something new. So I guess you’re good to go.”
     Erin and Katie listened to the conversation and grinned at one another.
     “Hey, Caroline,” they said. “We’re in rock climbing, too. We’re headed that way. Want to come with?”
     “What choice do I have?” grumped Caroline. “My future seems to be set in stone.”
     “Good one,” chuckled Katie.
     On the way to the wall, Katie and Erin shared rock-climbing stories.
     “My first climb was at the mall,” said Erin. “My brother bet me a Cinnabon that I couldn’t make it to the top, so I had to do it. I did the beginner wall, but I rang the bell and I got my Cinnabon.”
     “We have a rock wall in our gym at school,” said Katie. “Last semester I finally mastered the advanced wall. It was pretty scary. The footholds were hardly wide enough for your feet, and the handholds were much smaller, too. My whole class stopped what they were doing to watch. It was pretty intense, and I might not have made it, except Josh Wapner yelled, ‘Come on down, Katie. I’ll show you how it’s done.’ Like I was gonna let that happen! So, I pulled myself together and made it to the top.”
     “Wow, Katie, you’re way ahead of me. I only made it half way up the intermediate wall the last time I tried,” said Erin. “Of course, I didn’t have Josh Wapner motivating me.
     “How about you, Caroline, have you climbed before?” asked Katie.
     “Yeah, sure,” answered Caroline sarcastically. “Don’t you remember? You were there, Katie.”
     “Huh,” replied Katie, thoroughly confused.
     “Last night, when my poison ivy was itching so badly; I definitely was climbing the walls then.”
     “You’ve got a point there,” giggled Katie.  
     “You’re pretty funny when you’re not complaining,” said Erin.
     “For real,” agreed Katie. “But no joke, Caroline, have you ever climbed?”
     “Never,” replied Caroline. “There’s a reason why you got the top bunk. I’m scared to death of heights.”
     “AHA,” thought Erin, “Tough girl has a chink in her armor.”
     “Look,” cried Katie, “There’s the wall. Wow, it’s a lot higher than the one at school.”
     After a demonstration by the instructor and a brief review of the safety rules, the girls were ready to begin. At least, Katie and Erin were.
     “How many of you are beginners?” Lindsey, the instructor asked.
     No one answered.
     “That means everyone has climbed before,” said Lindsey.
     Katie and Erin quickly turned to Caroline.
     “Tell her,” they urged. “You don’t want to start with intermediate. Hurry up!”
     “Right,” hissed Caroline. “I’m not going to be the only one on the beginner wall. Everyone will laugh at me.”
     “So what,” said Erin, “They’ll be laughing because you’re pink, not because you’re a beginner.”
     “And that’s supposed to make me feel better?” said Caroline. “If I’m going to do this thing, I’m going to do it right. Don’t either of you dare say a word. I’m on top of this, or at least I will be,” she hissed as she pushed to the front of the line.  Once again, Katie and Erin rolled their eyes and shrugged.
     “Some people have to learn the hard way,” whispered Erin, “and you can’t get much harder than a rock wall.”
     “So, who would like to go first on our intermediate wall?” asked Lindsey.
     “I will,” volunteered Caroline.
     “Great,” said Lindsey, “So you’ve climbed before?”
     “Sure, lots of times” answered Caroline with a bit of a swagger. I’ve climbed the wall at the mall, and my school has a rock wall, too.”
     Erin and Katie looked at each other and mouthed, “Huh?” as Lindsey handed Caroline her harness.
     “You can slip that on, Caroline, while I get my next volunteer started on the advanced wall. I’ll be back to check your couplings in just a sec. “Who wants to go first over here?” Lindsey asked as she turned her back to Caroline and headed toward the remaining group of girls.
     Katie was anxious to climb, but she didn’t want to miss Caroline’s ascent, so she didn’t volunteer. Instead, she and Erin turned to watch Caroline just as she began pulling the harness awkwardly over her head.
     “Pssst! Caroline!” they whispered loudly. “Not over your head. Like this,” Erin said as she mimed stepping into a harness.
     Confused, Caroline looked at Erin questioningly.
     “Take it off your head,” hissed Katie, as she too acted out the proper procedure.
     Caroline untangled the harness from around her neck, and attempted to place her legs correctly, but she only managed to get the first leg in. As she lifted her second leg, she lost her balance. Having nothing to brace herself against, she began hopping around on one leg, making an occasional attempt to get the second leg in. Just when Erin and Katie were sure she would topple, Caroline managed to slip the other leg in place.
     “Great,” said Lindsey, returning from the advanced wall, “I can see you’ve done this before. Let’s just check those couplings and you’ll be ready to hop to it.”
     “Oh,” whispered Erin from the corner of her mouth, “She has hopped to it, and around it, behind it, and through it.”
     Both girls convulsed with giggles as Caroline turned and glared. The glare was immediately replaced with a look of sheer terror as Caroline turned back to face the wall. Mustering all of her courage, she placed her foot on the nearest ledge and groped around looking for two good handholds. As she grabbed the second and highest hold she bravely lifted her one secure foot into the air and felt around for a toehold. Her knuckles were clinched tightly, and she could feel her hands losing their grip. Suddenly, her hands slipped and she dropped, a whopping six inches to the ground.
     “Has this wall been inspected recently?” Caroline quizzed. “That rock was loose and caused me to slip.”
     “Try again,” said Katie. “You almost had it.”
     So, Caroline reached and stepped, stretched to grasp a higher handhold and pulled her second leg up above the first. Eyeing her next handhold, she reached and grasped it firmly. Almost automatically, her foot found its next placement. Gaining her confidence, she managed two more upward maneuvers. Quite pleased with herself, she turned and looked down to grin victoriously at Erin and Katie.
     “I should have started with the advanced wall,” Caroline boasted. “You all made it sound like rock-et science. I could do this with my eyes closed.”
     As Caroline turned to continue, her right foot slipped. The sudden jolt caused her to lose her handholds, too. Instantly, she found herself swinging wildly through the air.
     “Get me down,” she yelped as she flailed her arms and kicked her feet wildly. “Somebody get me down!”
     Lindsey had hold of the guide rope which normally raised or lowered the climber, but for some reason it wasn’t budging. “Caroline,” she said soothingly. “You’re going to be fine. We have a small problem, more like a glitch, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. You may be up there a while, but I won’t let you fall. Take deep breaths and think pleasant thoughts.”
     “Great,” mumbled Erin. “I was pretty sure she’d be okay until Lindsey said that. If Caroline’s safety depends on her having “pleasant thoughts”, she’s in desperate trouble.”
     “Katie,” snapped Lindsey. “I can’t let go of this rope. You’ll have to run get help. Kiefer’s an expert with this gear. Run to the pool house and tell him we need him to come. And Katie . . . hurry!”
     With a knowing nod, Katie dashed off. She could hear Caroline’s high-pitched shrieks as she made her way quickly down the path to the pool. She barged into the guard house and, seeing Kiefer, gasped, “Rock wall. . . Caroline . . . HELP!”
     Kiefer needed no further explanation. The look on Katie’s face said it all. He was out the door and halfway up the trail before Katie could catch her breath.
     “Kiefer, thank goodness you’re here. There’s a snag in the guide rope and I can’t lower her,” explained Lindsey. “She’s freakin’ out, and I don’t know what to do. I’m not sure how much longer I can hold this rope.”
     Kiefer looked at the group of girls that had gathered to watch. “You two,” he said, “Help Lindsey hold this rope. I’ll climb up and talk her down.”
     In short order, Kiefer scaled the wall to where Caroline was dangling. “Caroline,” he said as she swung wildly by. “You’ve got to quit screaming and listen to my instructions. I’m here to help you. You have to calm down or you’ll never stop swinging. Quit kicking your feet.”
     “I’m not kicking my feet,” wailed Caroline as she swung past once again . . . kicking her feet.
     “Caroline,” cajoled Kiefer. “If you calm down, I will be able to grab you and have you on the ground in no time. Just relax. Take slow deep breaths and focus.”
     Gradually, Caroline’s wails became whimpers. The arc of her swing became smaller and smaller, until finally, Kiefer was able to reach out and grab her. She clung to him like a drowning victim to a lifeguard.
     “OK, Caroline,” said Kiefer. “You’re going to have to let go of me and find a foot hold and a handhold. We have to unlatch your harness because the guide rope has a snag, but I’ll be right beside you all the way. You can do this.”
     “No,” pleaded Caroline. “Don’t unlatch my harness. They’ll be nothing to catch me if I slip again!”
     “I know you’re frightened,” soothed Kiefer, “but unless your want to remain suspended up here for the rest of your life, this is what we have to do."
     Not liking the alternative Kiefer had offered, Caroline slowly removed one hand from around his neck and felt along the wall for a handhold.
     “I’ve got one,” she exclaimed as her left foot found a secure place, too.
     Still harnessed, she released her hold on Kiefer and found places for her right hand and foot.
     “That’s great, Caroline. Now all we have to do is undo the harness and climb slowly down.”
     For one instant the panic returned to Caroline’s face. Her mouth opened as if to scream, but the realization that all the campers’ eyes were on her caused her to rethink her situation. And so, she gave Kiefer a nod, which said, “Go ahead. I’m ready.”
    Cautiously, Kiefer unlatched the harness with one hand while holding onto the rock wall with the other. Together they felt for a lower handhold and a matching foot placement.
     “You’re doing great,” encouraged Kiefer as they continued their descent. “Just one more step and you’ll be close enough to jump the rest of the way.”
    Caroline’s heart was racing like a wind-up toy, but she listened to Kiefer and found her footing. When she looked back over her shoulder, she could see that she was just inches off the ground. With a sense of accomplishment and a sigh of relief, she stepped down to feel solid earth beneath her.
     Suddenly, all the campers were swarming around her, giving her hugs and congratulating her. Anxious to regain her dignity, Caroline wormed her way out of the huddle of girls. With a flick of her hair and an upward tilt of her nose, Caroline shrugged her shoulders and headed for the cabin.
     “They really should have that wall inspected,” she called over her shoulder. “A less capable climber might have been killed.”
     “You’re welcome,” murmured Kiefer as Lindsey, Katie, and Erin rolled their eyes and shook their heads. It was going to be a very long summer.