Kassandra walks with Caitlin to a secluded bench in the woods and smiles at her junior counselor. "So, are you going to tell me about last night? You've put if off for most of this morning and early afternoon."

Caitlin laughs. "Well, it wasn't as if I was avoiding you. I had to go help out with that arts and crafts free activity Cindy and some of the other counselors were doing. Man, the gossip I heard there!"

"That can wait. Tell me about you!"

"Fine, fine. Christian and I had a really good time. I noticed you were dancing with a few of the male counselors. Did you enjoy yourself?"

"I did, but back to you! Why do you keep trying to avoid this?"

She blushes. "Well, I'm trying to avoid because, well, I was a bit forward and kissed him."

"You what?" asks a shocked Kassandra.

"I kissed him. At first, I freaked out because I thought he didn't want me, but then he grabbed me and pulled me back for another one. Man Kassandra, he kisses so well!"

Kassandra laughs. "Well, I am glad that everything turned out so well for you."

"So far, but who knows what the future will be. I haven't seen him around today. He's off with Jason and their cabin doing some guy thing he said." Caitlin notices the odd look that quickly crosses Kassandra's face. "What gives?"

"Huh?"

"You looked so freaked out a few seconds ago."

"Oh, it's nothing. Tell me about this gossip."

Caitlin hesitates but mentally shrugs it off. 'If she wants to tell me, she'll tell me.' After gathering her thoughts, she begins with May. "You heard about May and that townie right?"

"I know that Andrew came to the dance but haven't seen May all day either today. What happened?"

"They kissed! Some of the counselors were talking about how pissed Tyler was when he saw it. He stormed right out. Then again, there seemed to be a bit of a stir about Seth and Maya. Apparently, they had an intense make out session after a preview set of kisses during the dance but were caught by a bunch of the younger campers. Vicky and Vince had lots of questions about things after that."

"Are you kidding?"

"Nope. I think Kathy already scolded the two for it. I mean, it must have been pretty intense for it to have gotten reported."

"Geez, was the kissing bug going around last night or what?"

"You aren't upset?"

"About Seth and Maya? Of course not!" Kassandra exclaims. "I wish them the best to be honest. I don't really care all that much for either at this point."

"That's the attitude!"

"Besides, I have better things to worry about."

Caitlin gives her a look. "Like what?"

"Well I do need to find out another way to make more money. The salary for being a counselor is good but I need more for school next year."

"If you need help, let me know. You know I'm more than willing, even if it means doing night watch all the time."

Kassandra smiles and gives Caitlin a big hug. "You know, you really are a wonderful friend. You are going to make one hell of a counselor next year, I swear it."

"I can only hope Kathy will take me back."

"Of course she will! It's rare that she won't take back junior counselors."

"I guess you're right. I mean, even as counselors there are only a few that I've seen leave, like Vivian. Whatever happened to her?"

Kassandra looks at Caitlin curiously. "Do you mean to tell me you don't know?"

"Well I mean, I heard rumors that she broke that counselor-camper one night stand rule, but I didn't think she'd do it."

"Believe it," she replies. "I'm not going to get into any more details but she did get involved with a camper and was fired because of it. Usually, counselors are let go only if they do some major rule breaking like that."

"Then why wasn't Seth fired for what he did to you? Wasn't that offensive enough?"

"It's all Kathy's discretion. I mean, technically, he didn't break a rule."

"Technically, he almost raped you. That's a federal crime!"

Kassandra shrugs her shoulders. "I'm sure she had her reasons, and I am understanding of the fact that she doesn't have enough male counselors as it is without making the exception of Joey and Jason."

"I guess. What are your plans for the rest of tonight?"

"Well, I was going to see if you wanted to take our girls into town for ice cream. Kind of an ice breaker in some ways I guess. Or do you have plans with Christian?"

"Nope. That sounds like a great idea though."

"Good. Can you do me a favor and let the girls know? I have to go down to the docks to check on a few things. You know me and double checking things."

Caitlin laughs. "That I do. Sure, go and do what you need to. We should leave about seven right? Just enough time to be back for curfew?"

"Absolutely."

"Okay, see you then!"

"So I heard about your brother and Seth exchanging some blows and words last night," Vince says to Joey who is sitting on the dock next to him, enjoying the sun.

Joey is silent for a few moments then says, "I am sure, whatever it was, that Seth had it coming to him. We traditionally never fight without a cause you know."

"I can understand that."

"Are there that many people talking about it?"

"Oh, no, I don't think so. I just overheard Tyler and Seth talking at brunch about it. Seth could barely sit up without wincing. Must have been a hard punch or kick."

Joey smirks. "Well, he's deserving of that, and a lot more."

Vince gives him a weird look but pushes it aside. "So, how'd last night go?"

"Okay I guess. I danced with a bunch of the female counselors but didn't take one back with me. I guess that job was left up to Seth and Maya. Man, the way gossip flies around here."

"Yeah, it reminds me of high school. But, at least I know that piece of gossip is true. I almost wanted to deck them both for being stupid enough to do it in an area where there were younger kids around. You should have seen it man. Maya had that top of hers down at her waist and yeah… Let's just say I had a bunch of curious nine year old males on my hands."

Joey shakes his head. "Yeah, that sounds pretty bad. So who reported them?"

"Didn't need to. Bob came by and saw them. Of course, he was brought by all of the kids screaming because they were all walking together for some odd reason. I never quite figured that out."

"Probably safety in number in the big scary woods," Joey comments with a smile. "I remember how terrified we were of the woods the first couple of years of camp."

"You scared?"

"Yeah me, and everyone else who were of the younger persuasion. Back then, The Wild Woods was a great deal underdeveloped. It wasn't until recently that all of these cabins were renovated or added. I'm sure Kathy didn't have the funds for that type of stuff until the past few years."

"I see. You guys really must have had a good old traditional camp experience."

"It was a lot like the one the kids are experiencing now but a little more rougher. I suppose that's how I ended up in the mischief that I did."

"So that's your excuse?" Vince asks in disbelief. "I'm sure there was a deeper reason to it."

"Well you do get a bit bored as a camper at times, and when a hot counselor begins to flirt with you, you don't have much of anything else to stop you or interest you."

"You're The Wild Woods Stud!" Vince says with a laugh. "I can see it now. Man, knowing your history, Kassandra would be crazy to get with you!"

"Hey! I'm a nice guy. I just have, well, experience she doesn't."

"Wait, she's a virgin?"

Joey nods his head. "To my knowledge. That's why it was such a big thing that she almost got raped. Well, I mean, more than if she wasn't. She's one of those girls that doesn't believe in premarital and all."

"Wow. And you're still into her?"

"Shut up Vince. I mean, I am really attracted to her. I'm not going to lie. But I don't know if it's something I really want to try quite yet. That's why I didn't try anything last night. I don't want to hurt her."

"It's understandable. Man, you really are a good guy deep down aren't you?"

Joey laughs. "I guess, just like you. But, since I have the established rep here, I think it's appropriate to say that I'll kick your behind if it ever gets out!"

"Right. Don't worry buddy. Us nice guys stick together, especially the underground ones."

The two laugh at that and continue enjoying the warmth of the sun while watching their guys playing a short distance away, doing whatever they chose to do. There are a few playing Frisbee with Doug while others are just enjoying the sun like the two and talking, while others are off running around doing something.

"What's so funny?" Kassandra asks, approaching the pair with a smile.

"Oh, Joey was just telling me a story about last night and the woman he took back to his cabin," Vince volunteers, earning a glare from Joey.

Kassandra raises an eyebrow. "And you were laughing?"

"Well we were but not at the girl. We were just talking about the state we found Maya in last night."

"Enough said. Don't need that mental picture of those two again."

"Aww, jealous?" he asks.

"No!" she exclaims. "Just mind scaring is all. Must have been for your campers as well."

"You can say that again. I'm not too pleased with them right now. I'm sure Vicky isn't either."

"I can imagine. Are the kids okay though? No mental scaring or anything?"

"None that I've noticed. I guess we'll see though. May have a nightmare or two later on this summer."

All three laugh. "So any plans for tonight Kassie?" Joey asks.

"Going out with my girls is all. I figured it's time I introduce them to the town for the year."

"Sounds like a good time. Is this strictly female or can myself and my guys come?"

"Sorry Joey. Just us girls. With it being the first weekend for them, I want to make it a bit special and a bit get to know each other better, you know?"

"I can see it. Maybe next time."

"Sure thing," she replies. "Well, I just finished checking over the stuff I needed to. See you both around?"

"Yup," Vince says, silently laughing as he watches Joey stare after the departing figure. "Man, you've got it bad."

Joey rolls his eyes. "Enough with that already! Remind me not to have any mercy on you next time you get into someone or something."

"Haha."

"Hey May, I'm so glad that everything worked out for you and your date last night. Did you two do anything afterwards?" Allison asks, joining May on her walk back to Rabbit.

"It was a great time. Nothing after. Just walked him to his car and walked back to Rabbit."

"Oh really?"

May sighs. "Okay, what's being said about me now in this little gossip world we call camp?"

"Well nothing except you looked really happy with him."

"Really? I don't believe that."

"Okay, perhaps you know the ways of the camp gossip system too well. Everyone is talking about how you two kissed and how angry Tyler looked afterwards."

May stops in her tracks. "You mean he was watching?"

Allison nods her head. "Yeah, and so was the rest of the camp. I really don't know how all of this gets around."

"Ah, the naïve mind. Well see Allison, there's this thing called the gossip pond. Everyone is addicted to it and keeps going to the stream that fills it if you know what I mean."

"Meaning people are gossip addicts?"

"Well plainly, they are addicted to getting the dirt on everyone here. Nothing better to do I suppose."

"Probably. There was definitely a lot of kissing going on last night. You and Andrew. Maya and Seth. Caitlin and Christian. Of course all the campers forming little summer couples. It is kind of cute with the exception of Maya and Seth."

May laughs. "That's true. There is a pair that you seemed to have overlooked though. I don't think anyone really noticed. I'm not even sure if I noticed."

"What do you mean? Who?"

She shakes her head. "No way. Not my dirt to tell."

Allison raises her eyebrow. "That's a first for around here. It has to be someone you care about for you to be all hush about it. Oh my God, Kassandra kissed someone!"

May decides to stay silent and look at the ground.

"Who was it May? You have to tell me!"

"I don't and I won't. Besides, I'm not even sure. I just saw it quickly and didn't take the time to look. Now don't go spreading that around. I'm sure she doesn't even want to talk about it if I know her."

"That's so exciting!" Allison squeals.

May rolls her eyes at her friend's excitement over this piece of gossip. "Who knows? I don't know if it was wanted or not."

Allison calms down. "Hmm, that is true. Although, I was going to ask you what was up with Vicky and Seth last night."

"Vicky and Seth?" May asks with surprise.

"Yeah. They were dancing pretty closely. I would have thought she would have stayed away from him after what he did to Kassandra."

"So would I, but I guess it just shows we really don't know her. I mean, it has only been about two weeks of knowing her."

"But you said it yourself. Camp time is pretty fast and you get to know people rather easily."

May shrugs. "Goes to show you that you never truly know anyone, even yourself."

"You know, that's so true and a nice saying. No wonder you're poetry class leader!"

"Right," she says with a laugh. "Anyway, I have to get going. I promised Andrew I'd meet him later tonight after dinner and I wanted to go over some things with Hillary. See you later?"

"You bet," Allison says, heading off to her own cabin.

"So you finally kissed her huh?" Jason asks, chuckling softly at the blush that was appearing on Christian's cheeks. "It's about time."

"Well, to be honest, she kissed me. But don't worry. I took over from there," Christian replies, earning some laughter from their boys.

"You mean you actually had the balls to make a move on that chick? Awesome!" Steve comments, causing a bunch of the guys to agree with 'Yeahs.'

"Well it is a bit complicated with females you know. Especially the ones you care about."

"So you really care for her huh? I'm sure that will make her really happy," Mike says.

"Are you being sarcastic as usual?" Jason asks.

"No. I meant it. By the way Jason, nice pick of hiking into the hills and just chilling. It's nice out here."

"Thanks Mike. Now where did you hide the real Mike?"

The group laughs and Mike smils. "Just trying to be more like you sir."

"Okay, now I know you're sick!"

After the laugher dies down, one of the boys asks, "So are you going to tell us who you were kissing last night Jason?"

Jason gets a surprised look on his face, which Christian notices. "What are you talking about?"

"Well some of us saw you kissing some girl before you left. Who was it?"

"Are you sure it was me and not Joey?"

"Come on guys, it probably was Joey. After all, he is the one with the reputation for being the ladies' man here," Christian throws in, trying to protect whatever secret Jason is hiding.

"Well that's true enough," Steve admits. "Sorry man."

"It's okay," Jason replies. "Actually, I was wondering if you guys had any ideas on what we should do for next weekend's activity. The counselors are going to get together to plan out the remaining weekends so you all have fun activities to do but I wanted to know what you all thought."

"Ice skating!"

"Bonfire!"

"Laser tag!"

"Drinking party!"

"Strip club!"

"Movies!"

"Bowling!"

"Drag racing!"

"Whoa, slow down there guys. Some of those, I know will get shot down in an instant so I'm going to ignore them. So I have ice skating, bonfire, laser tag, movies, bowling, and maybe those mini-car races?"

"Sounds about right," Christian says. "Besides you guys, legally, you wouldn't be able to do those two unsaid things."

The group groans. "Christian, you have no fun!" Steve kids. "We were just kidding."

"Yeah right."

"Okay, so we weren't. Point is, we aren't going."

"That's about right."

"Anyone have plans for tonight?" Jason asks, ending the joking feud.

"Nope. Just was going to hang out at the beach," Christian replies.

"Hey, that's a great idea! He is useful for something!" Mike kids.

Jason rolls his eyes. "All right! Enough picking on poor Christian. We'll all go to the beach and chill there instead of up in these hills right now. Sound workable?"

After everyone agrees, they get up and begin their hike back down to the camp. 'Man, these guys sure are hard on each other. They'd be even harder on me if they found out about last night.'

Next Day
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