Once Upon A Summer Camp

"Why do you work every summer? Why can't you just go on vacation like a normal person?" Lizzie asked me. It was the first free weekend we had since school let out for the summer. We were sitting in her backyard, on the hammock her dad had stretched out between two trees.  "Camp Rainfall is my favorite place, Lizzie. Besides, I have no money." I replied. "I'm broke and I need to save up for college."  Lizzie Myers is my best friend. We've known each other since 2nd grade. She was trying to get a book from the top shelf, but she lost her balance and her book hit me square in the face. One trip to the nurse's office later, we were friends. "But, haven't you been working there for the past three years? Don't you have a good little nest egg by now?"  My face tightened. I didn't have any savings. My little brother, Sam, had gotten into a car accident in February, and I had to use all of my savings for his medical bills. My mom already had enough to do, what with working two jobs just to pay rent.  But I didn't want to tell Lizzie that. I went to Greenbrooke High School, which, as you know, is full of bullies who throw their weight around with money. I had to study hard to keep up with my scholarship. Lizzie's parents are rich too, but her dad only got a lot of money because he developed a new type of metal to be used for airplanes.  "No, I have savings. It's pocket money. You know my mom. She doesn't want me to spend any money that isn't mine." I laughed.  Lizzie laughed too. "I'll miss you. When are you leaving? We have to spend some time together before you head to California for college." "I'm leaving in about two weeks. Camp starts on the 20th of June this year." I smiled at her. "Awesome! I'll drop by. Help you pack." Lizzie said. "No, you don't have to. I'm not gonna have much of a wardrobe. It's gonna be camp t-shirts and shorts for the next two months!" I giggled. Just then, my phone rang. "Sorry," I said. "I probably need to get home." Lizzie frowned. "Fine. Want me to walk you back?" "Nah, I'll be fine." I hopped off the hammock only to slip on the wet grass.  Lizzie laughed at me.  LATER My mom rents this apartment on the east side of town. It's walking distance from the diner, where she works nights, and from the hardware store, where she works days. It's shabby, but it's home. The paint is peeling and we have more than a few leaks, but it's kept us warm and dry when it gets hard. Per usual, I jam my key into the door, jiggle it a little, and push to get the door unstuck. "Charlotte? Lottie? Can you come over here and help me?" My brother Sam called from the room the two of us share. Ever since that accident in February, he's had chronic pain in his legs. He needs my help when it flares up and he can't move. "Coming!" I called back. I put my keys on the table and walked over. He was lying on the ground, a pencil just under the radiator.  "Stuck?" I asked, as I helped him to his feet. "Yeah, this math problem sucks. I hate algebra." He groaned. He was out of school for a long time because of his accident. Greenbrooke Middle School, where he goes, was kind enough to extend his school year so he wasn't behind for his first year of high school. "Alright," I said, cracking my knuckles, "Let's see if your genius sister can help you out with this one." An hour or two later, when we had almost finished the worksheet, the power went out. "Did we forgot the electric bill? Again?" Sam looked at me. His big brown eyes reminded me of a stray puppy. "No, we didn't," I sighed. "I paid it on time. The landlord is probably just being a creep again." "I'll get Mom to deal with it, okay?" Sam took my hand. "You should get some rest. You're gonna be away for a long time. I want you to spend what you've got with me."  I smiled. "I'll take a nap, and then I'll make dinner. Okay?" Sam smiled back. I walked to my side of the room and lay down on my mattress. Camp could not come soon enough. I would tan, free of charge, and then my freckles wouldn't make me look like I had the chicken pox. My light brown hair would lighten to golden. And best of all, I'd have a great summer. I'd be Cabin Head, set some rules, and make my last year at camp a good one.