Chapter Text
Monet was miserable. She was miserable and she was angry and upset. She sat in the back of the car watching the city fade away into highways then trees. She couldn’t believe she’d be spending the entire summer before her senior year in the middle of nowhere at some stupid camp surrounded by snotty nosed children. She’d spent almost an entire month trying to convince her mother not to send her away. Her mother had denied that she was sending her away to get her out of her hair, but Monet knew that was why. Camille insisted that it was because Monet needed the volunteer hours on her college applications, that she couldn’t just skate by on the perfect grades her mother had paid for. Monet had even gone to her father with puppy dog eyes as a last resort but he’d fallen for the bullshit lie her mother had told him so it was a lost cause.
Now she was pouting in the back of her car as her driver took her miles and miles away from her friends and family and her entire social life. Her parents (more specifically her mother) must have instructed her driver not to talk to her because he hadn’t answered a single question she’d asked since she’d gotten in the car. He’d only shot her an annoyed look and kept driving when she pretended she was getting carsick and begged him to stop the car. It couldn’t have been fun for him, spending his Saturday driving her out of the city instead of with his family or whatever, which is why it annoyed Monet even more when he didn’t take her up on her offer of him dropping her off at Luna’s and him going home early. She knew the girl would let her hide out at her place for the summer if she showed up and Monet had practically packed her entire life in her suitcases so she’d never have to go home, her parents would never know. It’s not like they’d call to check on her at all over the summer anyway.
Monet felt the storm cloud over her head grow even darker as she saw a camp entrance up ahead. Camp Silver Lake. What a stupid name. What a stupid camp, I hate it here and I want to go home. Monet cursed her mother and every person involved with getting her in this camp as her driver pulled to a stop. A man and a woman stood near the entrance, the man’s smile wide and overly happy and the woman’s sweet and welcoming. Monet couldn’t help but roll her eyes as her driver moved around the car to open her door.
The couple approached her when she stepped out. “You must be Monet, you’re the last camp counselor to arrive. Everyone else is getting settled into their cabins. You can drop your bags off in your cabin then come meet everyone in the mess hall when you’re done,” the man spoke first, the upbeat tone of his voice throwing Monet off. God, did this guy have an off switch?
“Sorry about him, he’s just a big kid at heart, he gets excited about camp every year. This is David, I’m Charlotte, we’re so happy to have you here with us this summer. You’re gonna be in charge of the purple cabin this year, they’re good girls, I think you’ll have fun. Counselors cabins are down that way,” she pointed off towards the row of cabins farther back. “Your name’s on the door, you can’t miss it, I promise. You have a roommate, so you’ll have to work out the bunk situation, but we’ll get out of your hair for now. We’ll see you when you’ve finished dropping off your things.”
Monet turned to look back at the car when Charlotte and David walked away. Her driver had already opened the trunk and began tackling the mountain of bags. Monet didn’t offer to help in any way, payback for him ignoring her in the car. She began to make her way towards the counselor cabin, taking in the camp grounds. It was a beautiful camp, she couldn’t deny that. The kids cabins were right behind the counselor cabins, in front was a big clearing with picnic tables. On the other side of the clearing was the mess hall and what Monet assumed were offices or something. Farther past the mess hall was a big lake with clear water that reflected the sun. This beautiful landscape and she couldn’t post any pictures because they’d be taking her phone for two months. She sighed in frustration and walked faster to her cabin.
Charlotte was right, it was very easy to find her cabin. There was a piece of paper taped to the door that read Counselor Monet & Counselor Zoya. Great, so her roommate’s name was Zoya. She hoped the girl wasn’t completely insane or weird. When she opened the door to the cabin, there was no one there. There were bags thrown on the bottom bunk though. Absolutely not. Monet grabbed the girls' bags and threw them on the top bunk. She didn’t want to have to crawl up and down that stupid ladder every day. If she was going to be stuck here for 2 months, she at least wanted the bottom bunk. She sat down on the bed, the cheap bedspread made her skin itch. Her driver came in a few minutes later, huffing and struggling to carry all her bags. It was his own fault, he could’ve made more than one trip. With one more annoyed look her way, her driver exited the room, going back to the car. Monet pushed her bags over towards her bunk before leaving the room. She watched the driver get back in the car, start it up, and drive off, leaving Monet stranded for two whole months. Monet thought this was some form of unnecessarily cruel punishment.
With a sigh and one last look at the road out, Monet began to make her way towards the mess hall. When Monet arrived at the mess hall, there were 11 other counselors sitting around chatting with each other like old friends. They probably were old friends, Monet’s sure she’s the only counselor here that didn’t come here as a kid or something. There were other staff standing around too. Charlotte noticed Monet first. “Ah, there you are. Everyone say hello to our new counselor, Monet. I expect everyone to make her feel extremely welcome this year,” Charlotte put her hands on Monet’s shoulders when Monet made her way towards where the woman was standing. There was a chorus of hello’s and hey’s. Monet’s attention immediately went to a girl in the front though. She had on a pair of overalls over a cropped white t-shirt, her curly hair was in a bun, she was gripping a camera in one hand and there was an amused look on her face as she watched Monet. Monet wanted to know what was so funny. Great, she just got here and she was already at the bottom of the social ladder at this stupid camp. She needed to do something to take her place at the top before people got the idea that she was a pushover.
“I know you guys get tired of hearing this speech every year, but we have a newcomer, so we’re gonna have to go over it,” David said as some of the counselors groaned. Monet took a seat, pointedly ignoring the way the girl with the camera’s eyes followed her. “I know, I know, but it has been a whole year, you guys probably need a refresh on all this stuff anyway.”
“I could recite this speech word for word, we don’t really need the refresh,” a girl sitting next to the camera girl said. Monet was sure she’d seen her around school or something. Oh god, she was probably gonna turn everyone against Monet before she even got the chance to introduce herself to anyone. The girl with the camera laughed lightly at what the girl had said. Monet needed to get out of here as soon as possible.
“That’s good to know, Shan. Maybe we’ll let you give it on your last year, as a treat,” Charlotte teased. Shan, Monet needed to remember that name so she could crush her social life as soon as she got home.
“Okay, well welcome to Camp Silver Lake everyone. I’m the owner David and this is my wife Charlotte. This camp was opened by my grandfather and passed down to my father, then to me 15 years ago. I’ve practically lived at this camp since I was born, I had all my first big milestones here. I took my first steps here, learned to swim here, had my first kiss here, first girlfriend, even got married to that first girlfriend right here on camp grounds,” David grabbed Charlotte’s hand and smiled at her before turning to address everyone again. “So it’s safe to say I understand how important camp is to some of these kids. We make it our mission here at Camp Silver Lake to give kids an unforgettable summer. Every counselor will be assigned to a cabin, there’ll be six kids in each cabin for you guys to watch over, from age 8 to age 14. Make them feel safe, help them get adjusted, but most importantly, make sure they have fun. Summer camp is a place where you make friends you’ll have for the rest of your life, where you make memories you’ll never forget, maybe even where you find love.”
Barf in my mouth, can you get any more cliche? Monet rolled her eyes. Charlotte took over the rest of the speech. “Now the kids don’t get here until Monday, but we want you guys to spend the weekend getting to know each other, get reacquainted, get used to the grounds and everything. We’ll have dinner at 7, you guys are free to wander for now.” Charlotte dismissed the group of people.
“Oh wait, phones,” David seemed to remember. A few people groaned. “You guys know the rules. We want you to enjoy yourselves without phones, if it’s important, your family can call my office. We’ll keep them locked up safe, don’t worry,” David said as he grabbed a basket on one of the tables and began going around the room, holding out the basket for counselors to drop their phones in. Monet pulled her own out of her pockets, checking it one last time as David made his way to her. She had a few texts from her friends.
Luna La: Good luck girl, don’t die in the wilderness
Julien Calloway: Miss you already <3
Her friends had renamed their group chat FREE MONET as a sign of solidarity or something and there were a few texts from them.
Aki Menzies: Is Monet at camp yet?
Max Wolfe: I think so, I’m missing my partying buddy right now
Luna La: RIP Monet, you’ll be missed
Monet was about to send one last text goodbye when David approached her, shaking the basket a little with an annoyingly bright smile on his face. Asshole. Monet pouted. “If I called my parents right now and told them to write you a check, would you let me keep my phone?” Monet begged, even though she knew her parents probably wouldn’t even pick up the phone. David didn’t respond, his grin turning amused as he shook the basket again. Monet sighed and dropped her phone in the basket. She watched her entire life be carried away in a stupid woven basket. She heard snickering next to her and turned to glare at the source. Of course it was camera girl. She quickly shut her mouth when Monet looked at her. God I hate camp.
Once everyone had given up their phones, they were free to do whatever. Monet opted out of the friendfest they were having and decided to go back to her cabin. It was an alright cabin, could be a lot better, but at least there were two dressers and a little curtain partition on one side that she could pull for some privacy. She was unpacking her things, wondering if her roommate would mind if she used a few of her drawers too when said roommate walked in. Of fucking course Zoya was camera girl, Monet could never catch a break. Zoya whistled while Monet tried not to roll her eyes.
“I see you’ve made yourself at home. You know, I would’ve given you the bottom bunk if you’d asked, you didn’t have to throw my stuff,” Zoya laughed as she took the strap of her camera from around her neck and set it on the dresser.
“Yeah well you weren’t around,” Monet said, going back to unpacking. She paused with a pair of shorts in her hand and turned to look at Zoya. “Why were you laughing at me in the mess hall? I don’t appreciate being the butt of the joke and I didn’t come here to deal with social hierarchy bullshit, especially with a bunch of nobody camp counselors.”
Zoya looked confused for a second before she seemed to remember. “Oh, I just thought you looked funny,” she rephrased when she saw the angry look on Monet’s face. “Not in a bad way! It’s just, you’re wearing Chanel. To a summer camp. You can’t deny, it’s kind of funny.”
Monet gave nothing away. It probably does look weird, some new girl rolling in decked out in designer and looking very, very out of place. Zoya continued when Monet said nothing. “What’s a princess like yourself doing at a summer camp anyway? This doesn’t really seem like your thing, you seem more like a yacht club and summers in Paris type of girl.”
“You shouldn’t assume anything about me based on my looks, who knows, I could really love spending my summer in the middle of nowhere babysitting. You don’t know anything about me,” Monet shrugged, going back to putting her clothes away again.
“You’re right, sorry,” Zoya said quickly. “But I’ve never seen you around here, I’m sure I’d remember your face.”
“Well, if you must know, my mother is forcing me to be here and I plan on drowning so she feels guilty for the rest of her life,” Monet gave up on putting her things away and stood up, dusting off her pants.
Zoya laughed at her response. “Yeah, for some reason, that makes more sense.”
Monet looked the girl up and down. She was trying not to judge, she truly was. But the girl was wearing overalls. She looked like such a dork, it actually hurt Monet’s eyes. Maybe a small part of her thought the girl looked cute, but the most present emotion she was feeling was embarrassment. She tried to push it down. The girl seemed nice, she didn’t need to be a bitch to her, maybe she could use her somehow. It’s her first day here and Zoya had the advantage, she has history with everyone here. Monet knew it wouldn’t be in her best interest to make enemies on the first day, especially when she would be outnumbered. She pushed back the insult on her lips and decided to ask the girl a question instead. “So, what am I gonna have to do for the next two months?”
Zoya’s face lit up at the question. “You’re gonna have so much fun here, don’t worry. I’m pretty sure you’re getting a cabin of older girls, 13 and 14 year olds. They’re usually really nice, they do like pranks though so I’d keep an eye out. But once they’ve tested you, they’ll warm up. I’m watching over the older kids too, but I know all their tricks, I used to do the same thing, it’s like a tradition.”
“Great, stuck in the middle of nowhere and being terrorized by children, this is going to be a great summer,” Monet plopped down on the bed with an eye roll.
“Don’t worry, it’s not too bad. The girls are smart, but they can’t outprank the prank master. I once got pranks banned for the entire summer in my time,” Zoya looked proud of herself before she sighed wistfully. “I had to hang my prank master jersey from the rafters when I became a counselor though.”
Nerd.
“Sounds like you have a lot of bad karma built up, you might get a camper just like you as payback now,” Monet said instead.
Zoya smiled at Monet. “You scared of a bunch of kids? Don’t worry, I’ll protect you, princess.”
Monet didn’t dignify that with a response, ignoring her statement completely, “So when do counselors get to have fun here? Or am I actually gonna have to spend my entire summer around children during every waking moment?”
“No, they send two counselors into town every week on Friday for pizza day, we’ll probably have to do that at least once. We can get essentials when we go too, or ask someone else to when they go. There’s a spot I can show you where the counselors can meet up to hang out once the kids are asleep too,” Zoya lowered her voice to a whisper even though they were the only two in the room. “Sometimes Andre steals the truck and goes into town to go to the bar or get drinks, don’t tell Charlotte or Dave.”
Monet brightened up at the idea of sneaking back to civilization. “Well why didn’t you say that earlier? Finally, something actually fun.”
“Oh c’mon, the kids are fun. I bet you’ll have more fun with them than you will sitting around in some bar while Andre relentlessly and shamelessly flirts with you. I saw him drooling as soon as you walked in,” Zoya laughed.
Monet hadn’t noticed, even if she did, ew. “Good to know,” Monet looked at her nails, uninterested.
“Yeah,” Zoya dragged out the word. “Just a heads up, if you’re thinking of going down that road, I wouldn’t get too attached. Andre’s more of a summer fling kind of guy, he’s had a new girlfriend every year since we were 12. I love him, but dude is allergic to commitment.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Monet finally looked away from her nails. “Where are the showers in this place?”
“They’re over by Shan and Gwen’s cabin. We get up at 7 every morning, shower then breakfast, after breakfast we start doing activities with the kids. My personal favorite is archery, but I do-”
“Running children and flying deadly objects, sounds safe,” Monet cut her off.
“It is very safe if you have great counselors, which we do,” Zoya smiled, not even angry at the interruption. “But I was saying, I always love crushing the competition in the end of summer relay. Reigning champ since I was 9 here, as both camper and counselor.”
“Sounds like you’ve really been thriving in this camp,” Monet said sarcastically.
“I have, thank you. Charlotte and Dave are friends with my dad. They met at this camp actually, they let me come a year earlier than I was supposed to because I was so excited. This place is basically a second home to me.”
Was everyone at this camp just sunshine and rainbows all the time? “Cute,” Monet grimaced.
“I’m gonna go talk to Shan before dinner, I just wanted to drop in and say hi before then,” Zoya grabbed her camera before she opened the door, and looked at Monet one last time. “I’ll see you at dinner then?”
“Yep,” Monet stood up from the bed and went back to unpacking.
By the time she’d put everything away, it was time for dinner. She had taken the liberty of using 2 of Zoya’s drawers. From the looks of the girl’s bags, it didn’t look like she’d need the rest anyway. The girl packed surprisingly light for a 2 month stay away from home.
Monet began to make her way to the mess hall. The sun was beginning to go down. The air was still warm, but there was a slight breeze settling over now. It was a beautiful sunset scene. Monet decided to be mature and not pout because she couldn’t take pictures. She thought about Zoya. Maybe she could ask the other girl to borrow her camera.
When she walked into the mess hall, everyone was already in their little groups, chatting and eating. Zoya spotted her and waved her over. She was sitting with 2 other people, the girl from earlier, Shan, and a boy. The boy turned towards her, looking like a deer in headlights when he saw Monet. Monet took a deep breath and decided to get food before she took a seat, just to stall. The options were prepackaged sandwiches or a salad bar. Monet didn’t know how fresh those sandwiches were, so she settled on making a small salad, grabbing a water bottle before making her way towards the table.
“Guys, this is my roommate, Monet,” Zoya said excitedly once Monet had sat down next to her.
“We know,” Shan, who was in front of Monet, said. It took every ounce of willpower in Monet not to set the girl on fire with a glare. Instead, she kept a sweet smile on her face.
“Monet, that is a beautiful name. I’m Andre,” the boy introduced himself. He was handsome up close, dark skin, short hair and perfect teeth. More someone for Julien though, if the girl could pull herself out of Obie’s orbit for more than 2 seconds. Or maybe Max, he wasn’t looking for any commitment and it seemed like Andre wasn’t either, they’d understand each other. Monet wondered if he liked boys, although that didn’t really matter, everyone was attracted to Max.
She had nothing else to do and, from first glance, she wasn’t really interested in any of the girls here, so Monet smiled shyly at Andre, batting her eyelashes to really lay it on thick. She might as well have fun over the summer even if she had no interest in him. From what Zoya had described, he seemed like a playboy. Monet liked the game more than anything. And she loved the attention.
Monet heard Shan muffling a laugh in front of her. She shot the girl a dark look as Zoya asked, “What’s funny?” The girl was completely oblivious.
“Nothing,” Shan said, regaining her composure. “You know, I think I’ve seen you around my school before. You go to Constance?”
Monet’s smile was so obviously fake, even she knew it. This girl knew exactly who she was, everyone at that school did. “Sure do,” Monet tried to sound sweet, but it felt strained.
“Oh wow, you go to Shan’s school? You must be loaded,” Andre said, trying to get Monet’s attention on him.
“Look at her outfit, of course she’s loaded,” Zoya laughed.
“Yeah, you do look kind of expensive. I don’t know much about fashion and all that though. Maybe you could teach me,” Andre wiggled his eyebrows. Zoya fake gagged, which was exactly what Monet felt like doing. Boys were so predictable.
“She’s the richest kid in Constance, way out of your league,” Shan said. Monet tried not to narrow her eyes at Shan. She didn’t know what game the girl was playing. Everyone at Constance knew she was a lesbian. Was she not telling him so she could hold it over Monet’s head? Trying to make her look like a manipulative bitch playing with poor Andre’s feelings?
“The richest kid in a school full of rich kids? Wow, you really are loaded, princess,” Zoya paused suddenly. “Wait, are you like an actual princess? Am I in the presence of royalty right now?”
Andre looked especially interested now, his eyes were practically heart shaped. It made Monet’s skin itch. She laughed, pretending to be shy like she didn’t regularly flaunt her wealth at home. “No, I mean, I guess you could say I’m the princess to a biotech and pharmaceutical empire, but my sister is probably gonna be the one to take over the company when my mother is forced to step down, since she’d never stop working willingly. I’ve never really been interested in taking over the family business, it’s always been more Margot’s thing, that’s what she’s studying in college anyway.”
“You have a sister?” Zoya asked, surprised. “Sorry, you just have only child energy. Maybe all rich kids do, I’d never believe Shan had a brother if I hadn’t seen him myself.”
“We’re not exactly close anymore, so I kind of am, in a way,” Monet shrugged, but she felt a pang in her heart. She used to idolize her sister. Margot was Monet’s best friend. When their parents were too busy to show up for Monet, Margot made sure she was there. Margot was there for every silly little recital, for every stupid play that probably didn’t matter in the long run, but it mattered to Monet at the time, so that meant it mattered to Margot. Monet remembers her theater obsession when she was 8. She was in every play she could possibly be in. Eventually, her parents got tired of showing up, they had more important things to do, but every show, Monet would look into the crowd and her eyes would almost immediately find Margot, the 12 year old eagerly cheering her little sister on.
That was around the time Monet realized her “ew boys” sentiment was more than just a phase, that she much preferred to be around girls, that girls were prettier and better in every way. Monet didn’t even know what the word lesbian meant until Margot told her. One of the girls in her class had apparently come out as a lesbian and Margot told her in their daily debriefs they did every night before she would put Monet to bed.
“What’s a lesbian?” Monet had asked, tucked into bed while Margot sat on the edge ranting about her school day.
Margot looked at her, thinking about how to phrase it so Monet’s 8 year old brain could understand. “It’s basically when a girl likes other girls. She wants to do all the things you do with boys with a girl, like get married and kiss and stuff,” Margot was being awkward now.
“I wanna marry a girl,” Monet said simply. “I think I’m a lesbian.”
“Oh, wow, um,” Margot didn’t know how to respond. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, boys are gross,” Monet scrunched up her nose. Monet noticed the surprised look on her sister's face and continued. “Girls are pretty and they smell nice. Why are you looking at me like that? Are lesbians bad?”
Margot smiled at her sister. “No, they’re not bad, kid. You just caught me off guard. I think most boys are gross too.”
“Are you a lesbian too?” Monet asked, excited to have something in common with her big sister.
Margot laughed at that. “Not exactly, no. Don’t worry about it, kid.”
Monet thought about what girl she was going to marry. Luna was her best friend, Margot always said she should marry her best friend and Margot knew everything. She could imagine taking business trips with Luna and spending the day with her, from her understanding of her parents' marriage, that’s what a married couple did. She couldn’t imagine kissing her though, maybe she’d ask her tomorrow at recess. There was also Julien, but Monet could barely make it through an entire play date without Julien annoying her, she didn’t want to spend every day with Julien. She also thought of Audrey, but everyone in their class knew Audrey had a crush on Aki, so that was a no. She thought of her wedding, her daddy walking her down the aisle. The thought made her gasp.
“Should I tell mommy and daddy? Do you think they’d be proud of me?” Monet asked her sister. “I should probably tell them. Luna’s mom too, so we can plan our wedding.”
“I don’t know, kid, do you want to tell them?” Margot seemed apprehensive. Their parents had never given any indication of being homophobic, from what she knows, her parents had been donating to queer charities since before either of the girls were born. But then again, it was always different when it was your own kid, even though it shouldn’t be. She didn’t want to give her little sister bad advice, she’d hate for her to have to deal with something like that so young.
“I think so. Why do you have that look on your face again? You said being a lesbian isn’t bad, so mommy should be happy that I’m not doing a bad thing, right?” Monet sat up in her bed now, she was nowhere near tired now.
“I know and it’s not, it’s just…some people, bad people, think it is,” Margot didn’t think she’d have to explain sexuality and homophobia to her sister tonight, but Monet always loved doing the unexpected, even at her young age.
“Mommy and daddy aren’t bad people, are they?” Monet had puppy dog eyes now, Margot hated seeing the little girl sad.
“Of course not kid,” she kissed the top of Monet’s head. Monet smiled brightly, content now. Margot pulled away as Monet laid back down, tucking herself back in. “So you’re marrying Luna then?”
Monet went on explaining all the conveniences of marrying Luna and Margot just listened, enjoying every second until Monet tired herself out. Monet surprised her the next day when she blurted “I’m a lesbian!” at the dinner table, Margot had choked on her drink, their mother found it less than amusing.
Margot was the one person who supported whatever Monet did, she understood Monet. That made it so much harder when she left for college and basically cut Monet out of her life. That’s not exactly what happened, but that’s how Monet saw it. When Margot left for college, things had been okay, she still called her almost every night. Monet was 13 at the time, she’d needed her big sister more than ever as she was starting her high school journey. But eventually, Margot got busy, she had exams and study sessions and new college friends to hang out with. Monet didn’t like feeling like an afterthought. She was already dealing with it with her friends, they were all getting boyfriends and reinventing themselves for high school, she didn’t want to have to deal with it from her own sister.
Monet eventually stopped trying. She stopped calling her sister, she stopped texting her, she stopped talking about her, she declined her calls. Margot didn’t come home for winter or spring break her first year, Monet pretended she didn’t care. When Margot came home for the summer, she stayed in the house for about a week before she got her own apartment. Monet made sure she wasn’t in the house when Margot was there. She was hurt and angry at her sister, she didn’t want to see the other girl.
With Margot gone, Monet had the burden of dealing with their mother all alone. Growing up, when their mother would say something more harsh than necessary or downplay any of Monet’s achievements, Margot would be there to tell her how great she was, how it didn’t matter what their mother said or if their parents weren’t there because she had her. It hurt more than anything to lose the support system she had. She pretended like she didn’t miss her sister. Instead of talking to her sister every night like she used to, she started going to parties with Max, parties that they were probably way too young to attend, but it kept her mind off things. But the more she partied with Max, the more her mother criticized her, the more her mother criticized her, the more she missed her sister. It was all just some fucked up cycle and she hated it.
Zoya must have noticed the mood change, so she spoke up, “Well, I’m an only child. I’ve always wanted a sibling, the kids here are basically like my little sisters though, so that’s nice.”
“I have three brothers,” Andre tried to contribute to the conversation to get Monet’s attention. He continued when she looked at him. “The twins stopped coming when they turned 13, they thought it was embarrassing. The youngest isn’t old enough to come yet. The boys here are basically like my replacement brothers until I get home. They’re just as annoying, trust me.”
“They’re only annoying to you because you only come to hit on the counselors every year,” Shan said.
“That’s not true, I love it here,” Andre shot Shan a look that almost made Monet laugh. It was funny that he thought Shan was hurting his chances when he didn’t have a chance with her to begin with.
“Anyway, are we going to the spot tonight?” Zoya changed the subject, fiddling with her camera.
“Don’t ask stupid questions, Zoya,” Shan responded. Zoya looked up and rolled her eyes at her friend.
“Why is that a stupid question?” Monet spoke up.
“Counselors always go to the spot when they get here. It’s like a party to kick off the summer, they do it every year. The counselors before us used to tell us stories about it when we were just campers, apparently they used to be wild parties, but I guess we got stuck with a boring group because all we did last year was stand around and talk,” Andre said, annoyance coming through near the end.
“How long have you guys been counselors?” Monet asked.
“This is our second year. You can apply to be a counselor when you’re 15. Most counselors stop coming back when they’re 18, they start doing summer internships or college stuff or whatever. Next year is probably gonna be our last year,” Zoya pouted.
“You’re a junior? How old are you?” Monet did the math in her head.
“16, my birthday’s in October,” Zoya replied. Monet nodded.
“Mine was 3 weeks ago,” Andre cut in once again to get Monet’s attention off of Zoya. Monet noticed the way Shan rolled her eyes at the boy.
She opened her mouth to speak, but a girl approached their table. “Hey,” the girl addressed Andre. “Some of the guys said they wanted alcohol for tonight, so we were wondering if you could go into town. We’ll keep an eye on Dave and Char for you.”
“Sure, just give me a second to go grab my fake,” he was already standing up. The girls watched him hurry out of the building as the other girl went back to sit with her friends.
“Is he the only one that can drive or something?” Monet asked, turning back to Zoya and Shan.
“No, he’s just the only one stupid enough to steal the car,” Shan replied.
“And they sent Simone to ask him because they knew he’d say yes to her,” Zoya had turned her attention to her camera again.
“He dumped her right before her grandma died two summers ago and he still feels guilty,” Shan added. Monet just looked at her, she still wasn’t sure what the girl’s intentions were, sure she was being nice, but Monet had been nice plenty of times right before destroying someone so she couldn’t be too sure.
Zoya sat her camera down with a sigh. “Which is dumb because he couldn’t have predicted her grandma’s death and she’s already told him she forgave him. He’s still convinced he has to be her servant every summer.”
“She rarely ever asks him for anything. She’s better than me, I would 100% abuse that power. I’d stick him on canoe duty every day,” Shan said.
“But don’t worry, he doesn’t have feelings for her or anything, if you’re interested in him,” Zoya said quickly.
“Yeah,” Shan said slowly, making eye contact with Monet. She looked amused. A silence fell over the trio before Zoya sighed and stood up, stretching.
“I’m gonna go shower,” she grabbed her camera and walked off, leaving Shan and Monet alone.
“What’s your game here?” Monet asked, whipping back around to look at Shan once Zoya had left.
Shan laughed nervously. “Game? I’m confused.”
“Why didn’t you tell them I’m a lesbian? Why didn’t you tell them how I am at home? What are you planning?” Monet interrogated her.
“I didn’t tell them because that’s not my business to share, I’m not plotting against you in secret or something. I don’t come here for petty drama, there’s plenty of that at Constance. I come here because it’s fun and the people here are decent humans,” Shan stood up as well. “Just a word of friendly advice, I’d drop the Regina George act, no one likes a mean girl. It’ll be much more fun for you and the kids if you just tried to be nice instead of trying to bring high school drama here. And I know you can be nice, I’ve seen it. You’re in a new place with new people, you have nothing to prove here, just have fun, make new friends. I promise I won’t tell everyone at school that you actually have a heart.”
Monet watched her leave the mess hall without looking back. She had to commend her, the girl was brave. She was also right. Monet was in the middle of nowhere with people that probably didn’t care about how much money she had or how many followers she had. At Constance, Monet felt she had to prove herself, to her mother, to her friends, to everyone. That’s how it had always been. Monet didn’t want to just be a part of the elite, no that was boring, she wanted to rule the elite. She didn’t care if people loved or hated her, as long as they knew her, as long as she was important. She got the recognition she wanted, she got to the top of the stupid social hierarchy that Julien insisted was nonexistent and she’d spent so much time proving to everyone that she deserved to stay there, that she was worth their attention.
Here though, she didn’t have to rule with an iron fist. These weren’t rich kids that Monet needed to keep in check, they were just kids trying to have fun at summer camp. She wasn’t Monet de Haan here, she was just counselor Monet. The kids didn’t deserve to suffer because she was a little pouty about not being able to party all summer. She wasn’t heartless, in fact she had a soft spot for some kids. She didn’t want them to remember her as the bitchy counselor. Besides, starting drama here wouldn’t help her in any way. She’d be trapped with a camp of people who hated her and no contact with the outside world, it sounded like a nightmare.
She began making her way towards her cabin as she decided she would try to be nice this summer. Not because Shan told her to, but because it was in her best interest. Once she got to the cabin, it was empty. She decided to wait for Zoya to finish her shower so they could make their way to this spot that she kept talking about. She paced the room in complete boredom waiting for the girl. She didn’t understand how people survived without phones, she felt like she was going crazy.
A few minutes later, the door to their cabin opened. “Thank god, I was so bor-” she paused when she saw Zoya standing in the doorway, in nothing but a towel. “Where are your clothes?”
“In this cabin?” Zoya said, moving past Monet to the corner of the room and pulling the partition for privacy.
“You just walked all the way from the showers to here in a towel?” Monet asked.
“I don’t like having to carry all my stuff over there and I’m definitely not keeping it in there, it’d be gone by next week,” Zoya was moving around. “Don’t worry, I won’t be flashing you or anything.”
“Yeah, please don’t,” Monet sat on her bunk. “When is the party?”
Zoya peeked her head from behind the curtain. “We’ll make our way over when I’m done. Can you hand me my shorts?” Monet did with an eye roll. “Where’s Shan?”
“I don’t know, she left the mess hall before me,” Monet responded.
“She’ll probably meet us over there,” Zoya paused and Monet heard rumbling. “I think you guys will get along. And when you come back next year, you guys can tell us all about your cool rich people school. You can also tell your friends that you met the coolest girl on the planet here and you’re sad that you had to leave her. I’m talking about myself now, of course.”
Monet scoffed at that. “That’s funny.”
“No seriously, you and I will be best friends by the end of the summer, I can feel it,” Zoya pulled the curtain back so she could see Monet, fully dressed with a smile on her face.
“If you say so,” Monet smiled at the girl sarcastically. Yeah right. Monet would probably never talk to this girl again after this summer and she sure as hell wasn’t coming back next year. Next year she planned to spend as much time as she could partying with her friends all summer before they all parted ways. Well, before they parted ways with her, Monet wasn’t even sure if she wanted to go to college.
“I do say so and I’m never wrong so it must be true,” Zoya grabbed her camera and opened the cabin door again, motioning for Monet to follow her.
They walked in silence for a minute. Monet couldn’t take her eyes off Zoya’s hands as they fumbled with the camera that was strapped around her neck. “What’s with the camera? I don’t think I’ve seen you without it all day.”
Zoya looked down at her camera then back at Monet. “Oh this? I’m kind of like the camp photographer here, I basically take pictures for their websites and brochures and stuff.”
“Do they pay you for it?” Monet asked.
“No, I do it for free and they let me keep my camera all summer so I can take pictures for my portfolio,” Zoya shrugged.
“Do you want to be a photographer or something?” Monet was curious now.
“Yeah, I’ve wanted to be one for as long as I can remember. My dad said I was practically born with a camera in my hand. My mom, she had this old polaroid camera and she used to take pictures of literally everything. He gave me her old camera when I was 10. I don’t really have the money to buy film all the time, so I don’t use it, but I take it around everywhere I go. I never really knew her, but it feels like it brings us closer somehow. My dad got me this one for my 15th birthday so I could take more professional pictures, he’s really supportive.”
Monet noticed the sad smile on Zoya’s face. She sensed her mother was a sensitive topic, but she couldn’t stop herself from asking, “What happened to your mom? If you don’t mind me asking,” she regretted her question almost as soon as it left her mouth, Zoya already looked uncomfortable.
“Um, she died when I was born,” Zoya was looking at the ground now. Monet felt like a piece of shit. She shouldn’t have asked, the girl obviously didn’t like talking about her mom. In her defense, it’s better for her to know now than to make a stupid comment later not knowing that Zoya’s mom had passed. Plus, Zoya was set on them being best friends by the end of summer, so she’d probably have found out either way.
“I’m sorry,” was all she responded with. There was really nothing else she could say.
“It’s okay, I have a really great dad, he’d always tell me stories about her and how great she was. Honestly though, I know it sounds bad, but it’s kind of hard to miss a person you didn’t really know. I mean, sometimes I feel sad that I never got those mommy-daughter moments, but I had my dad for those,” Zoya’s smile was genuine as she talked about her dad, “He read practically every parenting book on the planet, he was one of those parents. When I got my first period, he was more excited than I was because he could finally say the speech he’d been preparing since I was like 5. It wasn’t a good speech and I wanted to die from embarrassment at the moment, but looking back, it’s sweet that he tried to learn as much as he could.”
Monet understood, to a certain extent. Her parents had handed her and Margot off to nannies and sitters from the moment they got home from the hospital. They had a billion dollar company to run after all, they didn’t have time to have all those meaningful moments with their children. Monet couldn’t remember the last time she had a conversation with her mother that wasn’t Camille nitpicking at every little thing Monet did or telling her how disappointed she was with her. Both of her parents had practically been nonexistent in her life since she turned 14, aside from the odd family dinner. She didn’t really know her mother either, she’d stopped missing her by the time she was 10. Margot was the one she had all her serious talks with and when Margot left, her friend’s parents were the adult figures she went to. So she didn’t think Zoya was a bad person for saying she didn’t miss her mom, Monet didn’t miss hers either.
“I’m glad you had your dad,” Monet smiled at the girl.
Monet felt Zoya watching her as they walked before the girl suddenly called out, “Wait!” Monet paused immediately as Zoya held her camera up.
“The sun is down, the lighting is terrible,” Monet complained as she understood what Zoya had stopped her for.
“No, you look amazing right now. The low light is good,” Zoya said as she snapped a picture.
“I don’t know if I should take that as an insult,” Monet’s eyebrows scrunched together and Zoya snapped another picture. “Really?”
“As your new best friend, I think it’s my mission to take pictures when I think you look good,” Zoya moved the camera from her face and began looking at the pictures she took. Satisfied, she let the camera hang around her neck again and continued walking.
“That’s it? I don’t get to see them?” Monet followed closely behind her.
“Nope, I’ll send you all the fantastic pictures I take of you after camp is over,” Monet couldn’t see her face, but she knew the younger girl had a playful smile on her face. “You don’t mind if I put some of these in my portfolio, do you?”
“Depends, I need final approval,” Monet moved to walk beside the girl. At least she didn’t have to ask Zoya to take pictures for her now, the girl was willing to do it without being prompted.
“Of course, princess,” Zoya laughed. Monet nodded her head and they walked in silence until they got to a clearing with a makeshift fire pit and old empty beer cans lying around. Most of the counselors were already there, some had flashlights in their hands, illuminating the area a little bit. Monet noticed Andre wasn’t there though, which meant neither was the alcohol.
“Did he get caught or something? Why isn’t he back yet?” Monet asked Zoya.
“No, he never gets caught. Dave and Char go to bed ridiculously early and the rest of the staff just doesn’t really care what the counselors do. He’s probably on his way back right now,” Zoya explained, looking at the group of people in front of them. “I could give you a rundown on the counselors while we wait though? I have kind of hogged your attention since you got here, but I had to establish my role as best friend before anyone else could claim you.”
“Of course you did,” Monet laughed.
“Yes, so basically there’s 6 boys and 6 girls. That,” she pointed to a couple, the girl from earlier and a guy were laughing together, “is Simone and her boyfriend Sam. They met pretty soon after Simone and Andre broke up and she convinced him to be a counselor last year. They're a really cute couple. He really supported her when her grandma died and she helped him after he got his top surgery. The campers think those two are like peak relationship goals.”
Monet nodded along, trying to remember the names with the faces as Zoya continued, pointing to a group of three, two boys and one girl. “That’s Shan’s roommate Gwen with Marcus and Nolan. Nolan and Gwen are the twins, though they don’t really act like it. They might seem like they’re getting along now, but you’ll probably have to break up an argument at least once between them this summer. Or maybe that’s just how all twins act, I don’t know. Anyway, Marcus is the oldest counselor, he’s 20. He just does this to get out of the house over the summer, but he’s cool. Kind of like the older brother here.”
Monet watched as Gwen shot Nolan an annoyed look and she already knew those two would probably be the free entertainment she needed this summer. Zoya pointed to the last group of 3, another group of 2 boys and 1 girl. “Lastly, there’s Riley, Ben, and Caleb. They like to pretend like they don’t love camp, but no one’s forcing them to come here, we know they come because they love us. You guys would probably get along.”
“Sure,” Monet said with a smile even though she had no intentions of getting to know these people. She said she’d be nice this summer, not that she’d go out of her way to be friendly with the other counselors. Besides, Zoya had already attached herself to Monet and the girl seemed to know the camp better than anyone, it’d probably be best to stick with her.
“I just saw Andre pull in, he’s probably gonna need some help,” Shan said loudly as she walked into the clearing. Marcus and Ben gave each other a look and left to go help Andre. “Why is the fire not lit? We’re supposed to be having fun tonight.”
The other counselors began looking around for logs and sticks to throw in the pit. “Does anybody have a lighter?” Nolan asked once the pit looked good enough to light.
“No, but I learned how to start fires in boy scouts,” Sam shrugged. The other counselors began checking their pockets and looking around again.
“I got it,” Riley pulled a zippo lighter out of her pocket, lighting the fire with ease. Maybe Zoya was right, Monet would like her.
As everyone watched the fire to make sure it stayed lit, the boys came back with the alcohol, some shitty beer and cheap vodka. Monet rolled her eyes, if it was the best he could do, she’d take it, but next time she was definitely going with him and taking her card.
“Finally, now the party can start,” Shan said, taking one of the beers from the package in Andre’s hands. She offered it to Zoya, who shook her head, before offering it to Monet next, who did take it, popping it open and taking a sip. She grabbed one for herself and Andre before letting him go set the drinks down on the ground.
“How was it?” Shan asked when Andre made his way back over to them, handing him a beer.
“God, this is terrible,” Monet held the bottle away from herself to look at it. She wasn’t a beer drinker, but the other option didn’t look too good either so she was stuck.
“Yeah, sorry. All the good stuff was taken, a lot of people are throwing beginning of summer parties apparently,” Andre gave a sheepish smile. Monet knew that of course, Max and Luna were probably having the time of their lives at a party right now without her. The beginning of summer parties in her social circle were always unforgettable, if you were the type that didn’t get black out drunk completely, and she couldn’t believe she was missing them. She had a bitter taste in her mouth now and it wasn’t from the shitty beer.
Monet watched the rest of the counselors as they passed a bottle of vodka around. Simone took a sip, immediately grimacing and handing the bottle to Sam. She said something to Gwen before they both took off out of the clearing.
“If you imagine it’s a milkshake, the beer is actually really good,” Andre said, breaking the silence in the group.
“I don’t think anything would make this beer good,” Shan replied, gagging as she took a sip of her own.
“I know,” Andre sighed.
“You did your best,” Monet offered with a smile.
“Thank you, it’s nice that someone finally acknowledged my efforts,” Andre shot a look at Shan.
“Maybe you should take Monet with you next time,” Zoya discreetly gave Monet a thumbs up. Bless her heart. The girl seriously thought she was helping Monet by setting her up with Andre, it was downright comical.
“Sure, if you’re down,” Andre looked at Monet hopefully. Monet was starting to feel bad. It’d been less than 24 hours, but the boy seemed genuinely interested in her, he didn’t seem like he had bad intentions. Maybe she should shut this thing down quickly. Knowing herself, he’d probably try to flirt with her when she was in a bad mood and she’d end up snapping on him. She had decided to be nice this summer, dragging a boy along with no intention of actually being with him wasn’t what anyone would classify as “nice.” He seemed like a good guy, just a little eager to find love, but only finding fickle summer camp relationships that fizzled out quickly. She knew she’d probably have to let him down easy.
“Actually, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something?” Monet asked him. His eyes widened with excitement. Zoya was equally as excited, probably thinking she was playing cupid and her arrows worked immediately.
“We’re gonna go talk over there somewhere,” Zoya grabbed Shan’s arm and pulled her away. Shan gave Monet a confused look as she was being dragged.
Andre looked at her with a bright smile once the girls were out of earshot. “What did you wanna talk about? I’m a great listener, some might say it’s my best quality besides my stunning good looks.”
“I’m gay,” Monet said quickly.
Andre paused, Monet could almost hear his brain processing what she just said. “You’re what?”
“Gay, a lesbian, strictly for the girls. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have flirted with you or made you think I could possibly be interested earlier, but you seemed happy and I didn’t wanna make it awkward between the group so I didn’t shut it down,” she decided he didn’t need to know she actually just planned on leading him on the entire summer.
“I am such an idiot,” Andre put his hand on his head and laughed.
“No, you’re not, it’s not like you knew,” Monet tried to make him feel better. Being nice was so much work.
“Does anyone else know?” he asked.
“Shan does and I’d prefer if this stayed between us honestly,” Monet replied.
“Why? People wouldn’t hate you for it, this place is pretty open. Marcus is gay and everyone loves him,” Andre said, suddenly concerned.
“No, it’s not that I’m afraid or anything, I’m out to everyone at home, I just don’t think anyone needs to know really, it’s not that important. I’m only telling you so you won’t waste your time,” Monet explained.
“That makes sense. I’m really sorry if I made you uncomfortable by the way, I'm glad you told me, I’ll back off now, I promise,” Andre held his hands up.
“You didn’t, I liked the attention,” Monet smiled at the boy. She saw Zoya giving her a thumbs up from the corner of her eye. “I should probably tell Zoya though, she seems pretty adamant on getting us together suddenly.”
“Or, we could just not. It’ll be funnier watching her think she’s some master matchmaker,” Andre smiled, subtly looking at Zoya.
“We’re going to prank the self proclaimed prank master?” Monet was impressed with the boy’s plan. She loved scheming, of course her schemes were usually on a much grander scale and often cost teachers and senators their jobs. But this was just harmless fun, she’d definitely done a lot worse.
“Let’s see how long it takes her to notice,” Andre replied.
“I think we’re going to have a beautiful friendship, Andre,” Monet patted his chest twice. She could see Zoya vibrating with joy in her peripheral vision.
“I think so too,” he lifted up his beer bottle, signaling for her to clink hers against his. He shook his beer bottle when she didn’t move, “C’mon, we’re beer buddies.”
“Is everyone at this camp as corny as you?” Monet asked, but she still hit her bottle against his before taking a sip, she tried to hide the disgust on her face this time.
“Nope,” he took a sip too although swallowing it looked like a chore. “You are coming with me on the next beer run though right? This is absolutely atrocious, you probably know what to get.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure we get the decent stuff. Maybe that’s why you guys had such a shitty time last year, your alcohol choices suck,” Monet laughed. She set her beer down on the ground and Andre followed, setting his down too.
“There weren’t many options and I’m not exactly drowning in money here,” Andre defended himself.
“Well I am, so we’re definitely getting better drinks next time,” Monet paused. “And we’re gonna work on your flirting too, I have no idea how you’ve managed to have a different girl each summer with that flirting.”
“Hey, I was thrown off my game! I’ve never seen a girl as beautiful as you in my life, I was nervous,” Andre laughed.
“You use that line on all your girls, Casanova?” Monet asked, tilting her head.
“I didn’t realize this talk was going to be an attack on my game. How do I even know I can take advice from you? How many girlfriends have you had?”
“I don’t do girlfriends, but I think the dozens of girls I’ve had in my bed would argue that my game is pretty good,” Monet said matter of factly. “We need to work on getting you a girlfriend outside of one you’re trapped in the middle of nowhere with for 3 months. It's time to step up to the big leagues, girls that aren’t your coworkers.”
“But it’s so much easier dating girls from here, I grew up with them, I already know them so we can skip past the whole get to know stage,” Andre groaned.
“Is it really easier? I mean, your options are pretty limited and everyone here already knows how you are, you need to expand your dating pool. Maybe that’s why your relationships don’t last, you completely skip over the best part.”
“I wouldn't call the get to know you phase the best part, but sure,” Andre nodded his head. Monet saw Simone and Gwen come back with bottles of orange juice from the mess hall. They passed them out and people started mixing their drinks, trying to make the disgusting vodka taste better. As Shan and Zoya made their way back over towards them with a bottle of vodka, plastic cups, and orange juice, Andre made one more comment, “You said you’ve slept with dozens of girls, what was that like?”
Monet rolled her eyes as he laughed, “Don’t be weird.”
“I think, the belated birthday boy should get the first drink,” Shan said once they had reached them. She handed most of the orange juice bottles to Zoya as she opened the vodka, pouring it very heavy handed, then adding orange juice.
“Are you trying to kill me?” Andre took the drink from her hand.
“Maybe a little,” Shan replied as she began mixing drinks for her and Monet. Zoya once again opted out, Monet wondered if this would be a regular occurrence. Monet took a sip of her drink, thankful that Shan put more orange juice than vodka in hers.
They spent the night drinking and talking. Monet was tipsy about an hour in. She didn’t complain when Zoya began taking pictures of her and the small party around them. It’d been less than a day and she felt like so much had happened already. Monet was way out of her comfort zone, she was nowhere near her comfort zone in fact and she hadn’t even met the kids yet. But, as she looked at the counselors laughing and talking around her, at the fire still going strong, at Zoya snapping pictures of every moment, she thought, maybe this summer would be okay.