Page 69 of Lost Boy
Joel’s eyes bore into mine from behind his glasses, silently telling me to pay attention.
“I said, as team captain, I’m going to need you to head to the campsite early. As in right now, after school.”
I close my eyes and drop my head, letting it bang loudly against the metal lockers. That may not be the most mature thing to do, but I’m not thrilled to spend my weekend doing trust falls.
“Is this a punishment?” one of the juniors asks.
“No. But both teams have been harassing and humiliating each other for too long.”
He continues, pacing in front of us with his hands clasped behind his back. “This behavior is unacceptable. Coach Patterson and I have both decided this trust-building weekend is imperative. You’ll be separated from the Jaguars but partaking in the same exercises. Youallneed this. I know many of you live on the lake, but you’ll be on the non-residential side, deep into the forest, so don’t let it fool you. Youwillbe camping, and youwillbe roughing it. There will be trust-building exercises, obstacle courses, and sportsmanship classes. Camp Dakota is challenging and fun. And yes, there will be a test at the end. And you will need to pass it to play in next Friday’s championship game.”
With that comes another round of groans, and I join them this time.
“That’s how serious this is, guys!” Joel shouts over all the bitching and moaning around me.
“Coach Rivers,” I say, raising my voice over the crowd. The guys immediately simmer down, listening to what their captain says. “It can’t possibly be a good idea to be at this camp at the same time.” I’m trying to sound reasonable because what Joel and Coach Patterson are asking seems completely unreasonable and risky.
“Well, something needs to be done before a prank worse than a donkey happens. These actions have no business in high school basketball, and Coach Pat and I decided an intervention was needed before something happens that we can’t come back from. There are counselors on staff at Camp Dakota who’ll camp right along with you. You guys aren’t working with the Jaguars, but you’re not in this alone, either. The counselors are great at what they do, and they’ll help rebuild the trust within this team. Things got out of hand, but we can end the season strong. And with integrity. What do you say?”
He’s trying to amp us up like he does before our big games. Some guys nod a little, and it’s ridiculous how quickly they change their tune.
Jamie slides over to me. “We can’t trust any of this.”
I close my eyes, sighing deeply, before opening them and watching some of the younger guys talk excitedly with Joel.
“I know,” I say, continuing to stare straight ahead. “Come early with me?”
“Bet. I wouldn’t leave you to the wolves, dude. There’s no way Seth, Dustin, and Rich won’t try something if they know our team is there too.”
Shit. He’s right.
“Have my back?” I hold my fist out, and Jamie knocks his into mine.
“Always, bro.” He leans closer. “You gonna have Fal come?”
Jamie knows we’re dating. He figured it out after the very first time he saw us together. Perceptive mother fucker.
It shouldn't be too hard to convince Joel that camping would be better than Fallon staying home alone. “Yeah,” I whisper.
“That’s kinda dangerous.”
I turn toward my best friend. “You don’t think he should?”
“I’m not sure, dude. It’s not my call. But it’s risky for a few different reasons. You two have chemistry, and now that you’re together, it’s even easier for some people to pick up on. Like me. And maybe Seth.”
“They don’t control me, though, Jamie.”
God. I’m so close to just telling them. Iwantto tell them. Or better yet, show them. Just kiss him right in front of their faces with the campfire roaring behind us. All cozy and shit.
“You’ve come this far, Cruz. Don’t get reckless now. I have enough fires to put out because of Cole. Focus on the game first. You only have a week to get through.”
Jamie, always the voice of reason.
Too bad, though. Because my boyfriend isdefinitelycoming.
* * *
We cross into the Acadia Nature Preserve through the giant blue and white sign that people like to stop and take touristy photos by. The lake glistens to our right, the afternoon sun sparkling like diamonds sprinkled across the surface. It’s nearly blinding to look at but breathtaking nonetheless.
