Page 122 of Faux Real
Whoeverthoughtitwouldbe a wise idea to bring a bunch of horny teens to a place with secluded cabins and minimal chaperones was a bloody fool. We’ve only been at Camp Louise for a day and I’ve seen enough dicks to last a lifetime. Apparently, the risk of being stung by poison ivy or stinging nettles doesn’t deter my classmates from banging in the woods. It’s quite funny actually, watching our teachers pretend that the yelps coming from the forest are wolves and not the euphoric moans of teenage girls.
“Okay, who’s next?” Mrs. Patella chirps, motioning to a bench set up next to the campfire. There are only twelve of us participating in this stupid game. I glance through the burning flames, my eyes trying to read Kennedy’s lips as she chats with Maxine. “Someone volunteer or else I’m going to pick one of you!”
“I’ll go!” Marcie exclaims, stumbling toward the bench. She giggles as she sits down next to Jasmeen. I suppose playingBus Stopwhen you’re tipsy is more fun than when you’re sober. “Ello Gov’na!”
Oh, Christ. Why am I even here?
“So, I have everything set up for tonight,” Cliff whispers, shoving a marshmallow in his mouth. “I found this clearing just through those trees—” He points east. “Got a blanket set up, some lanterns, Max’s favorite snacks. I think she’ll love it.” He pauses, swallowing. “Wanna check it out?”
I blink. “Do I want to see where you plan on having sex later? No, Clifford, I do not.”
Cliff’s eyes widen. “I do not plan on having sex with Maxine,” he whispers in a harsh tone.
“No?”
“No!” Offense flashes across his face. “I’m going to ask her to be my girlfriend.”
“Ah,” I hum, stealing another glance at Kennedy. Maybe I need to do something more romantic. More extravagant. More memorable. “Well, I wish you all the best.”
“Just come take a look,” Cliff begs. “Please? I don’t want to fuck this up.”
I groan. “Fine but make it quick.”
“Why?” Cliff asks as we stand up. “So you can get back to creeping on Kenny?” My jaw clenches. “Yeah, it’s noticeable.”
“Just walk.” I shove Cliff’s shoulder, using all my willpower not to look over my own. Fuck’s sake. How much longer will this continue? I’m on the verge of hiring a damn skywriter.
Flashlight in hand, Cliff leads us through the campgrounds, a variety of music blaring from different cabins. At least everyone else seems to be having fun. Lots of fun based on the giddy screams and woohooing. We pass the last cabin, my least favorite people perched on the wooden stairs.
“Oh my God!” Corrine laughs, scrolling through her phone before shoving it in Larisa’s face. “This is totally going to go viral! Look at your face!”
“Don’t post that!” Larisa whines, trying to snatch Corrine’s phone. “Delete it!”
“No way!” Zeek chuckles, winking at Corrine. “Post that shit.”
“You guys stop!” Larisa pleads with a concerned frown. She looks up at Sawyer. “Make her delete it!”
Sawyer gives her an unbothered shrug. “Not my phone. Not my video. Not my problem.”
“Corrine!” Larisa huffs, standing up aggressively. “Delete it!”
Corrine smirks, pressing a finger to the screen. “And post!”
“Don’t worry, Larisa,” Zeek says, wrapping his arm over her shoulder. “It’s funny, no big deal.”
Larisa rolls her eyes. “You guys suck.”
Zeek’s head snaps up as Cliff and I come into view. “Well, if it ain’t the losers of Hilton out for a nicel’ttlestroll,” he says with a God-awful cockney accent. Am I a joke to these people? “Going to the woods to hold hands, are we?”
“Ignore them,” I mutter, nudging a stiff Clifford to keep walking. “They’re the losers.”
“Yeah,” he grumbles, turning onto a path that leads through the trees. “I know.”
“How far of a walk is it?” I ask, my phone ringing in my pocket. “Hold on a second—” I answer the call. “Freddie? Everything okay?”
“Hi, Ollie,” Freddie sings as Cliff motions for us to keep walking. “Everything is fine, just wanted to say hi.”
“Really? In that case,hi,” I reply, knowing exactly why he’s calling. “Guess I’ll go now.”
