Back to the Dream Page
"Good morning beauties," Joey says, putting his tray of breakfast foods down and sitting between Kassandra and Vicky. "How are you two lovely ladies doing this morning?"
"Fine," Vicky returns, giving him a smile before continuing to eat her breakfast. "You?"
"I'm better now that I am in the presence of such beauty."
Kassandra laughs. "Knock it off Joey. You can't fool us with your smooth ways. What do you want?"
"I'm wounded," he says, faking a big pout.
"Right," she returns. "Come on Joey, out with it."
"Fine, fine, fine. So I was wondering if you would consider pairing up with my cabin for the competition tonight."
"What competition?" Vicky asks.
"The one where co-ed teams are formed and it's basically hostages and capturers."
"Huh? I'm so confused."
"Don't worry. It will all be explained tonight," Kassandra says with a smile. "But basically it is two cabins combined to play some sort of activity mainly for the campers. It was on the schedule for tonight. Half the team becomes pursuers of the other teams, and half are targets. Pursuers have to wear an orange vest to identify that they cannot be captured. Once you are caught, you are dead and held hostage in the team's headquarters. There are strategies involved, but each team has their own. It's actually a lot of fun. Lasts about an hour or so."
"So wait. Basically we let the kids loose to run around wherever and they have to catch each other?"
"Well, there are boundaries but yes. We have to play as well. One counselor must be running around to be caught while one must stay with the pursuers or at the base. It's complicated but you'll enjoy it, I promise."
"It is definitely one of the highlights of the camp," Joey adds. "Kassandra over here is becoming quite the champ so I thought it best to align myself with her team this morning before it was too late."
"Vicky, don't listen to him. Trust me, I am not that good. If I was, I wouldn't have been caught and tortured a few years ago by a certain twin," she says, looking pointedly at Joey.
"What? What did you expect would happen when you got caught? It took me the entire hour to finally catch you!"
Vicky laughs. "Well, this definitely does sound like an interesting night. I better go find someone who will team up with me!"
"If you start now, you'll be ahead of the game," Joey responds. "I know Jason or Vince haven't asked anyone yet. Then again, usually counselors don't join up until later."
"Good. Then I have some time to strategically think."
"That you do."
They continue to eat their breakfast until Kassandra notices that there are only twenty minutes left until her first class. "Well guys, I have to get going. Time to teach those older campers the ways of the boats. This should be interesting."
"Good luck," Vicky says. "I had the older ones yesterday and they were just out of control."
"Don't worry. I think I know how to take care of them," she says with a wink.
"Hey, are you guys still only using those small boats?"
"Yup. It's only for a few weeks so we can get them adjusted to being on the ocean and rowing. We'll let them use the real sailboats in the final two weeks I think. They're safely tucked away in the usual facility."
"Too expensive to have them break right away huh?"
"I guess. I don't blame Kathy for not wanting them to be used until later though. They can get pretty torn up if the kids aren't respectful."
"That's true," Vicky comments. "Well, I better get moving as well. I have to get some materials together for class."
"Cool. I'll walk with you then."
Joey makes a face. "I suppose I will just stay here, all by myself then."
"Joey, I don't think you'll ever be by yourself with all those stares you are getting," Kassandra teases, indicating to the tables of girls looking at him ever so often. "So I'll see you later today to discuss strategy for tonight?"
"Sounds great," he replies with a smile. "We're going to have fun tonight!"
"I don't doubt it."
"Hey Tara, how's your journal going?" Vicky asks, taking a seat next to the red head.
"It's okay. We're supposed to just reflect on how these woods make us feel, right?" Tara asks. "Just put it in words?"
"Right. Today is just about reflecting on how you perceive the woods here. How were your classes yesterday?"
"It was okay. I had more fun with Kassandra and Jason this morning sailing, but the poetry class was pretty interesting. Maybe we'll get into reflection poetry soon. I like being out here."
"I can make sure to mention that to Allison and May. I'm sure they would enjoy that."
"Really?" she asks, bright eyed. "Can you perhaps talk to Joey and Maya too about improving that theater class?"
"What do you mean? You didn't enjoy the kissing lesson?"
"Kissing lesson?" Tara asks, eyebrow arched. "What are you talking about?"
"I thought that was on their lesson plan for you older kids. Were you their last class?"
"Yup and there was definitely no kissing. In fact, Maya said there would be no theater kissing so we shouldn't get our hopes up."
"Hmm, that's interesting," Vicky says. 'I have to remember to tell Kassandra that one.'
"How much time do I have left?"
Vicky looks down at her watch and stands up. "Ten more minutes. You have plenty of time."
Tyler watches as Vicky gets up warily, having overheard the conversation. 'Man Seth, you have got yourself in some trouble now,' he thinks, walking over to see how another camper was doing with his reflection.
It had been tense between Vicky and Tyler ever since they had an argument over Seth's character yesterday before classes began. Tyler had kept his stance that Seth was just misunderstood and made a mistake. Vicky had kept the stance that Seth was a creep and didn't deserve Kassandra. 'Admittedly, with this new development, I wouldn't blame her for thinking that,' he thinks, turning to face her as she approached.
"How do you think they are doing?" she asks, taking a seat on the log behind them.
"I think they are coming along. This was a good idea of yours. This way we really know how to teach them on the importance of the woods and how to treat it. Brilliant idea," Tyler responds, smiling.
"Thanks. Hey, I know we got pretty heated over that conversation yesterday. What do you say we put it behind us? We were both sticking up for our friends. I just don't want to have to work with this tension for the rest of the summer."
"I totally agree. Forgotten already."
"Good," she says with a smile. "Are you as curious about this game tonight as I am?"
"Definitely. I heard it is usually a blast."
"That's the idea I'm getting. I really am curious as to what this night will hold for us."
"I don't think you are the only one. Did you know that Kassandra and Jason were the champions last year? I heard they are a fierce team to mess with. They train their kids well."
Vicky laughs. "I wouldn't be surprised. Those two always seem to make a good pair whatever the situation is. Makes you wonder huh?"
"Who knows? From what has happened so far, I wouldn't put it past anyone for anything to happen, you know?"
"True. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how tonight goes."
After dinner, Kathy announced the rules of the game, the boundaries, and how to register your team. This year, the reward was that the two cabins that capture the most people end up with one free night to do whatever they want off grounds. However, there was a new rule. Once captured, there is a chance of escape if the prisoner is not guarded and another team member comes to rescue the person. This made the game that much more challenging because now the teams would have to not only try to capture other team members but try to figure where their own members were caught. She gave each cabin an hour and a half to figure out their teams, to register, and to get ready. The game would last one hour within the boundaries and all the rules would be enforced by the staff, excluding the counselors.
Joey immediately gathered up his cabin, including the reluctant Doug, and brought them over to the Fawn cabin, where Kassandra and her girls were waiting.
"We're joining up with them?" Tara asks, shocked that it was not the boys from the Eagle cabin as she sees the boys of the Trout cabin come in.
"Joey and I felt that this year, this combination of people would make an awesome team," Kassandra answers. "Besides, I think with this new rule, we'll work out even better. Does anyone have a problem?"
After a few moments of silence had passed, Joey smiles. "Then it is settled. Why don't you guys mingle together for a little bit. Kassandra and I have to discuss our game plan."
The campers instantly start talking with each other, getting along pretty well. Kassandra is amused when she sees that Caitlin and Doug instantly start talking to each other exclusively. 'And here I thought she was gone over Christian. Then again, I can understand her confusion,' she thinks.
"So what do you want to do?" Joey asks. "This new rule causes a bit of a deviation from normal strategies."
"This is true. I was thinking nine of us run around as targets, as per rule. I don't know if you want to guard or be running. But anyway, the nine left behind, we could leave a counselor and three campers here to watch the grounds. The other five would be allowed to run around and capture. What do you think?"
"I think that I'll stay behind but would rather leave three campers to guard the door and run around trying to capture. They can only go through the door by legal rules so three campers are good enough. Should we let our charges decide what part of the team they want to be on?"
"That sounds like a good idea. I can't believe I am going to be bait again."
Joey laughs. "I remember when you were bait last year. You did fairly well."
"Yeah, but I almost didn't make it because of you."
"Yeah, but you and Jason did win, didn't you? Why do you think I joined forces?"
"Sniff, it wasn't for my looks?" she kids, earning a laugh from Joey.
"Joey! We want to get going here. What's taking so long?" one of Joey's boys asks.
Joey lets out a sigh. "I swear these kids have no patience. Right there!"
"We better go," Kassandra says. "Plan's all set. Good luck with your chase."
"Good luck running," he says, leaning down and giving her a kiss on her cheek. "Beware. There are some vicious creatures out there."
Kassie laugh. "Like wolves?"
"No, males with hormones!"
She continues to laugh as they approach their group, satisfied with how determined their group looks. "Here's the plan…"
"Jason, are you sure about being a capturer? You may be better at being bait," Maya says, looking at her partner in the game. "The kids are all together and ready to start in five minutes, but I am not too sure about being the bait."
"Don't worry Maya," Jason replies. "You'll do great. It really isn't that hard. You can only be captured if the other teams get your flag that is hanging there on your waist. If they have it, you have to go with them. There's no way out, so just make sure you don't accidentally drop it either."
"Easier said then done. What if I get dirty?"
Jason groans inwardly. 'How did I get stuck with her? Oh yeah. Kassie was taken, May was taken, and all the other girls weren't in sight when Maya had cornered me.' Without answering, he turns around and walks over to his group to see how they are doing.
"And, we're off!" Seth shouts, letting the campers run away from base to find shelter or other campers to capture. He smiles seeing the campers run in all different directions, excited about the game before taking off himself. 'Now, to find that one special bait.'
Seth begins wandering the woods, capturing a few campers easily as they were too slow for him, returning them all to home base. He smiles smugly as he realizes that his group has captured at least ten campers in the first twenty minutes. 'Now I wonder where Kassandra is hiding.'
He begins jogging through the woods, passing up other campers who are bait in order to find his picked out captive. Seth smiles as he catches a glimpse of her and tries to catch up but loses her again as she sped up sensing someone chasing her, into the crowded woods. 'You can run but you can't hide forever.'
May looks out into the woods, smiling as she hears shrieks of delight and fear of being caught in all directions. 'This is definitely a good round. Only fifteen minutes left,' she thinks, looking at her watch. She looks over at the other camper that was left with her to guard the door and sees how much he wants to go and try to capture some more captives. "Do you want to go and run? You have a vest on so you can go chase some bait down if you want."
"Can I?" he asks, a smile brightening his face.
"Sure. Go on, I'll be fine here."
Without another word, he leaves, leaving May all by herself when she hears a male chuckle. Turning she spots one of the twins walking towards her.
"Are you sure that was a wise idea? Now you're all alone, and I know that there are four of my own in there," he says, leaning on the wall next to door.
"Joey?"
He smiles and walks over to her, on the other side of the doorframe. "What's wrong May? You look worried all of a sudden," he says, noting her guarded look. Before she could move away, he puts an arm on either side of her head, smiling at her.
May takes in an involuntary gulp of air. "What do you want?"
"Just admiring you. You know, you too have really turned out to be quite a looker since I first met you."
May closes her eyes, not believing this was happening. 'Why now?' she wonders, trying to calm her breath. She loses her thoughts though when she hears the door open and feet leaving the base. May's eyes open wide at the realization that she was just duped.
"I can't believe you used that seduction tactic!" she exclaims in outrage. "That isn't legal!"
Joey chuckles. "May, you should know by now. Everything is legal in this game. Hey, I meant what I said though."
"Right!" she exclaims, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I did. You have become a beautiful young woman, and I know Tyler is one lucky guy. You better keep a close eye on that door. I only let me campers out in all fairness."
"Gee, thanks," she says with sarcasm.
"Hey, don't take it too personal here. It's a game, and like I said, I wasn't lying."
May sighs. "I know it's a game, but you should get out of here before Tyler shows up. He'll kick your butt for pulling this stunt."
"I'm sure he would. Have a good rest of the game!" he calls out, running back into the woods, leaving May to wonder how she would explain the escape of the four former captives.
"Five minutes left. Come on Kassie, you can do it," Kassandra tells herself, looking around her carefully. The woods had quieted down, meaning that most of the bait was captured and it was only the pursuers left. 'Not a good situation.'
She looks around the tree and searches for any sense of movement. Kassandra lets out a sigh of relief only to scream as a hand covers her mouth and she is spun around, only to face her attacker.
"I finally found you," Seth replies with a predatory smile. "I was looking for you this entire game. You really know how to hide, don't you?"
Kassandra murmurs something that he can't understand because his hand is still over her mouth. He moves it and she says, "I just know how to save myself, usually."
Seth steps towards her, pinning her to the tree she was hiding behind. "So, what do you think of you and me trying the dating thing again? I think we cleared the air enough yesterday."
'Is he serious?' she wonders, staring at him in disbelief. 'Not after that lie I caught him in thanks to Vicky.' Kassandra takes in a deep breath and lets it out. "Well Seth, I believe that any relationship is built on attraction and trust."
"I couldn't agree more. The attraction is definitely there," he says, pushing harder against her, kissing her neck, nibbling on it.
'Eww,' she thinks to herself, trying to keep calm. "Perhaps, but the trust isn't," she manages to say, placing her hands on his shoulders to push him away.
Before she could though, he captures her wrists and pins them above her head. "Why are you being so difficult?" he demands, anger evident on his face. "I tried to woo you the right way, but you are just so difficult now that I know no matter what I do, you won't let me get near you anymore willingly."
"Willingly? Seth, I would never want to be with someone who lies to me about kissing another girl for a class when he can't be man enough to admit to his own guilt. Now let go of me!"
"I love it when you're wild," he says before smashing his lips onto hers.
Kassandra begins to thrash wildly, trying to get free, but opens her eyes immediately when she realizes his weight pinning her to the tree is not there anymore. She gasps in disbelief as she sees both twins pulling Seth off of her.
"That is the last time you are going to get near her!" one of them yells, pushing him up against a tree while the other brother approaches her.
"Are you okay?" he asks with genuine concern. She nods her head but gratefully steps into his embrace to lay her head on his shoulder, realizing that she was actually sobbing. "Shh," he says, stroking her hair. "We won't let him hurt you ever again."
"Dude, let him go. We'll deal with him later. We have to get Kassie back to the home base. The game is over and we all need to report to the bosses or they'll worry, not to mention that we have to take care of the campers."
The other twin nods his head, saying something low and probably threatening to Seth, who nods his head with a fearful look in his eyes before running off. "You all right?" he asks, turning is attention to Kassandra.
"I'm fine now," she says. "Thank you both. You never seem to fail being there for me. I really appreciate it."
"We'll always be here."