“Anderson… Oh I see, I just met your brother a few minutes ago, he and Curtis were pulling a prank on Jessie and Kate, guess Curtis still hasn’t outgrown his practical jokes.” Remarked Todd with a soft chuckle.
“It looks like Aaron hasn’t either… But at least they quit pulling pranks on Claire and I like they were on the bus.” Replied Ellie as she tried not to sound as annoyed as she was feeling.
“Claire? Do you mean Claire Welsch?” Asked Todd as he recognized Claire’s name.
“Yeah.” Replied Ellie in a slightly nervous tone of voice.
“Wow, she’s a lot braver then I thought she was, I thought that after what happened to her at Earl Greensley’s castle last year she wouldn’t be returning to Camp Greens Lake this year, guess I was wrong about that.” Concluded Todd in a surprised tone of voice.
“It seems like practically everybody that has been at Camp Greens Lake before has heard about that, but I don’t think that Claire wants to be reminded about what happened.”
“Neither does Oz Wilson, did you know that he’s going to Camp Greens Lake this year instead of Camp Knox.”
“No, but now I do.” Replied Ellie.
Todd was about to respond when the sound of the horn of a bullhorn could be heard. A sound that was followed immediately by a loud and authorative female voice.
“Attention campers--or should I say haunting scavengers, if you all would kindly gather around then we can get you all sorted into your assigned cabin groups!”
“That must be “spy” Malloy, See you around Ellie.” Said Todd as he departed from Ellie and headed towards a group of boys that he recognized from camp.
“It’s nice to know that not all of the boys at this camp are creeps.” Thought Ellie silently to herself as she realized how polite and curtitious Todd had acted towards her.
“I wonder what “spy” Malloy looks like.” Thought Ellie silently to herself as she wondered towards the front of the crowd where a tall and slender Asian woman dressed in a tan khaki shirt and shorts. An attire that along with her tan colored hat made her look like a park ranger. As Ellie was able to get a better look at the woman she realized that she had long jet black colored hair that was pulled up into a bun and tucked beneath her hat, and that she was holding onto a dark brown clipboard. A clipboard that along with her white and red bullhorn were the same tools that Claire had told her that “spy” Malloy would be holding.
“Oh Ellie, there you are, glad to see that you didn’t get lost.” Greeted Claire as she spotted Ellie and joined her up front behind where “spy” Malloy was standing on top of skull rock.
Ellie was relieved that Claire had found her. For amongst the crowd of campers it was nice to know at least one of them. It was a way to feel slightly more secure then someone would if they were amongst a sea of strangers.
“There are some rules that I must go over with all of you, and do not make me have to repeat them more than once!” Hollered Tai through the bullhorn so loudly that she caused a few campers that had been standing directly in front of her to cover their ears and to back slightly away from her.
“Rule one! Respect and honor your fellow haunting captivators, head tribes people, trail blazers and camp coordinators! For those who are new to camp that rule is referring to your head camp counselors and fellow campers!”
“Rule two no coed or other cabin integrating, that means that each camper is to stay in their assigned cabin and only in their assigned cabin!”
“Rule three no vulgar language or obscene gestures!”
“Rule four never go anywhere alone, Something of which I must stress is extremely important for all campers, head tribes people, and trail blazers to follow, breaking this rule is dangerous and is the cause of many disappearances in the past at Camp Greens Lake!”
After stating camp rule number four “spy” Malloy stopped and paused for a moment. Something that indicated that she had witnessed something bad in the past as a result from someone breaking this particular camp rule. But “spy” Malloy didn’t let this stop her. For she pushed her emotions aside and continued to list off the remaining camp rules.
“Rule five, stick to your assigned schedule! Campfire will be nightly at twenty hundred hours till eleven hundred hours here at skull rock, curfew is thirty minutes past eleven hundred hours and wake up time will be at o seven hundred hours with break at o eight hundred hours and lunch at twelve hundred hours, and dinner will be at seventeen hundred hours!”
“Rule six no rough housing, horse play, or silly antics, they will not be tolerated!”
After stating camp rule number six “spy” Malloy paused for a moment to emphasize the importance of camp rule number seven. A rule that was the most important camp rule of all. “Stay on the trails, and within the safe zones of Camp Greens Lake, areas and trails marked with no trespassing signs are considered forbidden zones at the request of Giles Greensley! Other forbidden zones include Cheeve’s fishing dock, and past the buoys that are at the end of the swimming area in Greens Lake! Also note that Bonnie Greensley’s barn and Earl Greensley’s castle are off limits unless supervised by a trail blazer or head tribes person!”
“Rule number eight stick to your cabin groups posted activity times and activities!”
“Rule number nine know your place and obey the rules! Rule breaking is extremely dangerous and it will not be tolerated at Camp Greens Lake!”
“And lastly rule number ten have fun.” Concluded “spy” Malloy as she finally managed to finish listing off all of the camp rules.
“Is she done yet?” Mumbled Jessie as she unexpectantly appeared behind Claire and Ellie which caused Ellie to give a start in response to Jessie’s voice.
“Not yet Jessie we still have to be sorted into our cabin groups.” Whispered Claire as she pressed a finger to her lips signaling for Jessie to be quiet.
Claire had just finished saying this when “spy” Malloy began to speak into her megaphone again.
“Considering that we have just under three hundred twenty campers this year I will ask all of you to be patient as I introduce to you the head tribes people that will be assigned to the eight cabin areas at Camp Greens lake!”
After “spy” Malloy finished saying this four male and four female head tribes people camp counselors waved a long pole with a colored flag on it, four of them from the right side of the crowd of campers, and the other four of them from the left side of the crowd of campers that had gathered around skull rock.
On the left side Ellie noticed a green, black, brown, and white flags that were being held by male head tribes people and on the right I noticed a purple, orange, yellow, and pink flag that were being head by female head tribes people. Something that gave Ellie an idea as to which way she would be heading to her assigned cabin site.
“At the green cabins we have head tribesman Ray!” Introduced “spy” Malloy as the head tribesman holding the green flag looked around as if he was unaware that “Spy” Malloy was signaling for him to come forward.
“Ray!” Called out “spy” Malloy in frustration.
“Oh s-s-sorry I’m here!” Replied the man who was holding the green flag as he stopped at a pile of belongings that belonged to the members of his green cabin group. Members that he began to list off stammering once in a while as he struggled to properly pronounce a few of the names on his list.
“I can’t believe “which way” Ray returned this year, I would have thought that he would have got lost or something by now.” Commented Jessie as she recognized the green cabin counselor.
“Jessie, that’s not a very nice thing to say; besides so far Ray’s doing better than last year, at least he hasn’t knocked anything over.” Commented Claire as she struggled to find something nice to say about “which way” Ray.
“Not yet he hasn’t.” Corrected Jessie as “which way” Ray continued to list off members of his cabin group.
While Claire and Jessie continued to comment on “which way” Ray Ellie glanced over the head tribes people so that she could see what they all looked like. All of the head tribes’ people were wearing a colored T-shirt that matched the colored flag that they were holding underneath a short sleeved light brown kaki vest and matching light brown khaki shorts. Attire that made it look like they were a cross between an outback survivalist, and a forest ranger.
As for “which way” Ray he was short and plump with thick black rimmed glasses and buzz cut dirty blond hair. Features that matched his clumsy gestures and stance.
After “which way” Ray was introduced a short a plump red haired woman with big green eyes, and short and frizzy red hair was introduced by “spy” Malloy as Patty the purple cabin’s head tribeswoman.
“Nice to meet all of you! This is going to be a great year at camp Greens Lake!” Greeted Patty with an overly excited snort. Then she stepped up to a pile of belongings and began to list off names from her cabin group.
“Oh great “perky” Patty is back, oh how exciting.” Remarked Jessie in a falsely enthusiastic tone of voice.
“She only gets on your nerves if you let her Jessie, besides she’s not that bad… Once you get used to her.” Responded Claire to Jessie’s remark.
“Speak for yourself Claire, you didn’t have her for a head tribesperson two years ago, the moment she starts trying to get us to sing those annoying camp songs, I’m running away in the opposite direction, there’s only so much perkiness one person can take.” Countered Jessie.
“I had her three years ago Jessie, and if her singing annoys you then you’ll just have to learn to tune her out.” Suggested Claire.
The next head tribesman that “spy” Malloy introduced was the black cabin’s counselor Lyle. As Lyle stepped forward to introduce himself her lowered the black lensed sunglasses that he was wearing to reveal a pair of intensely blue eyes. From Lyle’s tan colored skin and muscular build to his long dark brown hair that was tied back with a leather string Lyle was very attractive looking. Features that added to the confident and smooth way that he talked and presented himself as he listed off the campers that were in his cabin group.
“Alright! We’re in the same cabin group!” Exclaimed Curtis in an excited tone of voice as he gave Aaron a high five and then walked over to where Lyle was still listing off names from his cabin group.
“I’m with Curtis again… What are the odd of that happening again.” Commented Todd as he and another short boy who was hiding behind the hood of his light weight black hooded sweatshirt started to make their way past Claire, Jessie, and Ellie towards the front left area that Lyle was standing with part of the black cabin groups at.
Todd passed by Jessie, and Claire easily and then he gave a quick and friendly wink at Ellie and then smoothly made his way past them. Ellie could feel her cheeks redden in embarrassment. It was the first time that a boy that she liked recognized her. Something that Ellie wasn’t quite used to.
“Ellie… I take it that you meant Todd Green already, that didn’t take you very long.” Said Claire as she realized that Todd and Ellie had already meant.
“Claire?” Interjected the short boy in the black hooded sweatshirt who now had pushed back his hood to reveal a pale skinned face with pale green eyes, and short and spiky jet black hair.
“Oz?” Asked Claire in a slightly confused tone of voice as she started to recall who he was.
After Claire said this Oz pulled up his hood and headed towards the black cabin group just as Lyle called off an “Oz Wilson.” Something that confirmed who he was.
“Wow Claire, I can’t believe that after last year in Earl Greensley’s castle that Oz Wilson actually came to Camp Greens lake, maybe he likes you or something.” Suggested Jessie in a teasing tone of voice.
“Thanks a lot Jessie.” Replied Claire in a sarcastic tone of voice as her face flushed red in embarrassment.
“Sorry Claire, Oz just acts kind of weird around you, and the fact that he switched from Camp Knox to Camp Greens Lake, I guess I’m just sort of surprised.” Responded Jessie as she realized that she had embarrassed Claire.
“All haunting captivators for the black cabin are here and accounted for and in record time!” Exclaimed Lyle with a triumphant whoop.
“Thanks Lyle but this isn’t a competition.” Interjected “spy” Malloy through her megaphone.
“Hey Claire, we haven’t got a nickname for Lyle yet… Wait I think I got one, how about “competitive” Lyle?” Suggested Jessie as she quickly came up with a nickname for Lyle.
“Sounds good to me, go ahead and spread the word.” Agreed Claire as suppressed the urge to laugh at Jessie’s excitement.
“Don’t worry I will.” Agreed Jessie as she quickly departed from Claire, and Ellie telling every camper that she meant about Lyle’s new camp nickname.
After Jessie departed from Ellie, and Claire “spy” Malloy just finished introducing the orange cabin head tribeswoman Jean.
“In case you haven’t already caught on yet Ellie, Haunting captivators have given nicknames to each head tribesperson, It’s just something that has been done for as long as I can remember at Camp Greens Lake, Lyle replaced “slick” Rick this year at camp and by the looks of it he’s the only new head male tribesperson.” Explained Claire as she quickly surveyed the other head tribe’s people.
“Oh I see.” Said Ellie in a half distracted tone of voice as she began to visually the head orange cabin’s head tribesperson who “spy” Malloy introduced as Jean.
Jean was tall, and slender with long blond hair that she had pulled back by a tie dies scrunchie. She also had big blue eyes that accented her slender and athletically built figure. Features that along with the flirty and poised way that she spoke and carried herself made nearly all of the makes at camp Greens Lake gawk and stare at her in admiration.
“That’s “lean” Jean, I was in her cabin group the first year that I was at Camp Greens Lake, She was so leanant that she had a lot of trouble keeping the male haunting captivators out of her cabin barracks, which was until “spy” Malloy started going on her nightly patrol duty, then things sort of changed.” Informed Claire.
Ellie realized that the crowd of people that had been gathered around “skull” rock was already starting to thin out and that her feet were starting to hurt from standing around for so long.
“I wish there was a faster way of doing this, it is painfully long.” Groaned Ellie as she shifted her weight to her other foot to allow the blood to circulate back to her other one.
“Don’t worry, we’re half way there.” Replied Claire as she tried to sound more positive then she was actually feeling.
“Spy” Malloy then introduced the brown cabin head tribesman. A mysterious and short pale skinned head tribesman with shaggy black hair, and dark brown eyes. A head tribesman that Claire informed Ellie was nick named “tall-tale” Pete from his story telling, and tattle telling tendencies.
After “tall-tale” Pete’s brown cabin group was introduced “Spy” Malloy introduced the yellow cabin head tribeswoman. A head tribeswoman who stuttered as she read off the names of the haunting captivators that were in her cabin group. Gen’s stuttering, and jumpy mannerisms made sense when Claire informed Ellie that her nick name was “jittery” Gen.
“Jittery” Jen was tall and slender with short light brown hair, and dark brown eyes. Eyes that were covered with a pair of thin rimmed circle lensed glasses. Something that accented her jumpy features to give her a stereotypical nerd label.
After “spy” Malloy introduced “Jittery” Gen she introduced a gray hair, pale blue eyed head tribesman who had a golden military whistle. Something that Claire warned Ellie that “Harpin” Harold tended to use a lot.
Lastly “spy” Malloy introduced the last camp counselor who was in charge of the pink cabin group. A camp counselor who was short and slender with mid length red hair, and dark green eyes. Features that along with an Irish flag crested ring that she wore indicated that she was Irish. Something that was confirmed as she introduced herself.
“I be here before, as some of ya know, For if ya had my sister Luna, surely ya have heard her say something about me, something that I hope was kind like I hope you lot will be, now I shall call of ya names for attendance purposes, if ya don’ hear ya name, please see Tai right away.” Informed Anella as she introduced herself and then started to list off the haunting captivators that were in her cabin group.
“Looks like we’re in the same cabin group after all, that’s good to know.” Remarked Claire as she realized that we were the last cabin group to be sorted.
“That means you’ll have me in your cabin group as well.” Interjected Jessie as she rejoined Claire and Ellie.
“Jessie it’s not polite to interrupt.” Interjected Crissy who Anella just happened to call off right after she spoke.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt, anyways I have a nickname for Anella, how about “angel” Anella?” Asked Jessie in an excited tone of voice.
“Sure… and if you let Kate Blake take credit for that nickname then she will be sure to spread the word around Camp Greens Lake.” Informed Claire.
“That’s how I did it with “competive” Lyle, trust me Claire, I know how this camp works.” Replied Jessie as she headed over towards a group of two girls that were standing about ten feet away from us.
At first Ellie felt confused by what was going on. But as she heard “angel” Anella list off her, Jessie, and Claire’s name Ellie was relieved that the sorting was finally finished and they all could finally head back to their assigned cabin sites.
Fifteen minutes later…
After a long hike down a long dirt path which was only interrupted by a brief crossing at Marcine’s (shaking)crossing bridge Ellie was relieved that she and her fellow pink cabin haunting captivators had finally arrived at the pink cabin campsite. A camp site that consisted of a central log cabin and four smaller log walled huts. Huts that had a pink wooden sign with the numbers one to four marked on them.
“Why is it that the counselor’s cabin always seems to be nicer then the counselor’s cabins?” Whispered Ellie to Claire as she realized how small and dingy the four outer huts seemed compared to the central cabin.
“Their not that bad Ellie, Just wait you’ll see.” Replied Claire.
“Okay ya lot, Attention please, Thank ya, As ya already noticed each cabin be assigned a number, A number that ya best remember considering that it will be where your belongings be thanks to your trail blazers and some of the other staff of Camp Greens Lake.” Informed “angel” Anella as she warmly welcomed everyone to camp and explained that each cabin had a clip board that assigned approximately ten haunting captivators to one cabin.
“Okay ya lot, It be quite late tonight, Anyone who be hungry feel free to meet in the longer area of the central cabin, There we have cheese sandwiches or hotdogs, Food that be gone by the end of the night I hope… As for ya cabin group check in with the trail blazors who be just outside of your barracks, I shall be in the central lodge if ya need me, Good night.” Informed “angel” Anella as she politely dismissed herself and everyone else so that everyone could get settled into camp.
“Are you feeling hungry?” Asked Claire as she turned towards Ellie to decide what they were going to do next.
“Not really, Mostly tired.” Replied Ellie as she unintentionally let out a yawn.
“Obviously… I’m not all that hungry either, the easiest way to find the cabin that you’re in is by spotting your luggage just outside of it, I know “angel” Anella said that our names are on clipboards with each trail blazer, but it’s easier just to find our cabin by our luggage.” Informed Claire as they passed cabin one, cabin two, cabin three, and then lastly arrived at cabin four where they both discovered their luggage piled up next to a tan skinned blond haired woman who was wearing a light blue khaki shirt with a pink undershirt and tan outback khaki shorts.
“Good day shellas, Glad you found your way here.” Greeted the blond haired woman in a thick Australian accent.
“Glad to see you again too Shelly.” Replied Claire as she instantly recognized the trail blazer.
“Cricky Claire Welsh, You got my cabin barracks again, Guess I won’t have a hard time identifying who you are… Who’s your friend?” Asked Shelly as she marked Claire’s name off of the clipboard that was hanging on the door frame of cabin four.
“Shes- -“ Started Claire.
“- -I’m Ellie Anderson.” Finished Ellie as she politely interrupted Claire so that she could introduce herself to Shelly herself.
“Anderson... Good you’re here to, that’s almost everyone in your cabin group.” Stated Shelly as Ellie and Claire grabbed their things and hauled them to one of the last empty bunk beds that was near the back door of the cabin.
“Do you want top bunk or bottom?” Asked Claire as she dropped her things on top of a trunk that was at the foot of the bed.
“I’ll take the top, thanks Claire.” Decided Ellie as she threw her hiking backpack on top of the top bunk bed which after she did rolled off the top of the bed and spilt out it’s continents all over the floor just as another camper’s suitcase managed to tumble off the top of the bunk bed and spill out it’s continents as well.
“Oh great.” Mumbled Ellie in both frustration and embarrassment.
“Anderson… Is that you?” Asked Jessie as she met up with Ellie identifying her as the other person who had managed to spill their stuff.
“Yes- -Sorry for the mess Jessie.” Replied Ellie as her cheeks began to flush red in embarrassment.
“Don’t worry about it Ellie, crap happens.” Responded Jessie as she continued to pick up her things as Ellie started to pick up hers.
Feeling aggravated and embarrassed Ellie hurriedly stuffed al her things back into her hiking backpack and then she stopped as she pricked her finger on something sharp.
“Ouch stupid thing!” Exclaimed Ellie as she dropped the sharp object that she had grabbed. Something that turned out to be an eighteenth century styled dagger wrapped with a blood red ribbon tied to the handle of it.
“Oh Ellie, I wouldn’t be calling that stupid if I were you, do you have any idea whose that is?” Asked Jessie as her eyes widened in alarm.
“Jessie what- -Whoa, please don’t tell me that you brought that thing in here.” Remarked Claire as she headed to the opposite side of the bed and then interrupted herself in mid-sentence as she recognized what item Jessie had remarked on.
“I certainly did not, I have no idea where Lucas Greensley’s bloodshed dagger came from!” Retorted Jessie.
“L-L-Lucas Greensley, oh no not another one.” Remarked Ellie as she clasped her hand over her finger to keep it from bleeding.
“What do you mean another one?” Asked a short and pale skinned girl with short and black spunky hair.
As Ellie was able to get a better look at the girl Ellie realized that the girl had dark green eyes and that she was wearing black baggy punk pants and a black T-shirt with a white skull in the middle of it. Attire that matched the girls punk- Goth attitude.
“Oh Ellie was just referring to another accident Marsha, that’s all.” Replied Claire as she quickly answered for Ellie.
“Accident… No offense but with you around I guess I shouldn’t be to surprised, here it will help to stop the bleeding.” Remarked Marsha as she handed Ellie a torn piece of a black bandanna that she could use to wrap her finger with.
“Thanks… Um what are we going to do with the dagger, should we tell Shelly about it?” Asked Ellie in a concerned tone of voice as she wrapped and then knotted the bandanna around the finger that she had pricked herself with the dagger.
“No!” Replied Jessie, Claire, and Marsha in unison.
“Why not?” Asked Ellie in a confused tone of voice.
“Because she’ll tell “spy” Malloy on us, and we’ll all be sent home from camp.” Informed Jessie.
“Jessie’s right, “spy” Malloy will be severely harsh on us if she finds out.” Agreed Claire.
“Harsh, that’s an understatement Claire, “spy” Malloy will go ballistic.” Corrected Marsha.
“Then the best thing that we can do is…” Started Jessie as she put a sock over her hand and then pulled the dagger up and out from in-between the floor boards and then rushed to the back door of the cabin opened it and then threw it as high and far away as she could where it landed somewhere with a splash.
“Problem solved, now it’s gone.” Concluded Jessie as she shut the back door of their cabin and then headed back over to her bunk bed.
“The dagger might be gone, but that doesn’t mean that it’s curse isn’t.” Reminded Marsha.
“C-c-curse, don’t tell me that this cabin has a curse on it.” Interjected a soft and timid voice that belonged to a tall and slender girl with big brown eyes and long black braided hair.
“Of course it doesn’t, uh what’s your name anyway?” Asked Claire as she realized that she hadn’t meant the big brown eyed girl that joined their small group before.
“I’m Aiyana Waki, it’s native American for wise shelter… I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but considering that a curse was mentioned well I’d like to know exactly what it’s all about.” Requested Aiyana in a voice that was just barely loud enough for everyone to hear.
As Aiyana spoke Ellie realized that Aiyana was wearing blue jeans, and a loose white cotton T-shirt with a tan leather vest over it. A leather vest that matched her leather moccasin like shoes. Attire that along with the beads that were embroidered into to leather matched the Native American features that she had.
“Curse, oh you don’t want to hear about a curse, don’t be silly.” Replied Claire as she tried not to sound as nervous as she was feeling.
Aiyana was about to respond when she was interrupted by a tall and slender long blond haired girl with big blue eyes. Someone who from her designer fit jeans and silk lined jean jacket looked like a runway model more than a camper.
“Is that who I think it is—Why it is, Claire Welsh, I’m surprised that you like actually came back to camp Greens Lake this year, especially considering that you and that Oz Wilson kid like got trapped in Earl Greensley’s dungeon last year, if I was you I surely wouldn’t of like returned to camp Greens Lake again this year.” Interrupted the runway model look alike girl.
“Claire has just as much of a right to be here as anybody else does Kate, so for once keep your big mouth shut!” Interjected Jessie as she jumped off the top bunk bed and purposely landed between Claire, and Kate.
Not expecting Jessie to come off of the top bunk bed Aiyana cowered slightly and retreated to claim the open bunk bed that was beneath Jessie’s. As Aiyana did this Crissy, and another girl with long light brown hair, and maple brown eyes who was dressed in designer jeans and a fitted blue half sleeved flannel shirt made her way up to Kate who was glaring furiously at Jessie.
“Kate that’s go finish unpacking our things at our bunk, if we hurry we might have some time to socialize with some of the other campers before campfire tonight.” Suggested the light brown haired girl.
“Your like right Dawn, besides the like only curse that this cabin has is the one that Claire like brought into it.” Concluded Kate as she flipped her hair back over her shoulder and turned to leave to follow Dawn back to their bunk.
“Looks like Kate hasn’t changed at all from last year, I can’t believe I got stuck in the same cabin with her again… It’s a good thing that she wasn’t here earlier, otherwise she might have spotted Lucas Greensley’s bloodshed dagger.” Informed Jessie as she accidentally revealed to Marsha, Aiyana, and Crissy that Lucas Greensley’s bloodshed dagger had been in our cabin.
“That’s what cursed you, I hope that you got rid of it.” Said Marsha as she realized what Ellie and Claire had been talking about.
“Oh Jessie got rid of it alright, and as unfortunate as it is to of had it in our cabin we must not let anybody else know that it was in here in the first place.” Explained Claire as she stressed how important that it was that they kept Lucas Greensley’s bloodshed dagger a secret.
“That’s the second unfortunate circumstance of the day Claire, do you guys have any idea who brought it inside of the cabin?” Asked Crissy in a concerned tone of voice.
“At first I thought it was Jessie- -“ Started Claire.
“- -Hey you know I’d never do that Claire.” Interrupted Jessie.
“I said at first I thought it was you Jessie, but considering that our luggage was handled by a lot of people after it was unloaded from the bus, I guess it could be anybody.” Explained Claire with a frustrated sigh.
“It might even be the same person who was responsible for Bonnie Greensley’s ax that that was discovered in our bus’ tire.” Concluded Ellie as she realized that Lucas Greensley’s bloodshed dagger and Bonnie Greensley’s ax might have been taken by the same person.
“Well whoever it is, they better be careful that “spy” Malloy or Giles Greensley doesn’t catch them, or there will be more than a few curses that they will have to deal with.” Explained Crissy.
“We better make sure that nobody else discovers that Lucas Greensley’s dagger was in our cabin, the best thing that we can do is to keep it a secret between the five of us.” Explained Claire.
“You mean like a cabin secret, sure Claire, I won’t tell anybody.” Agreed Jessie as she realized what Claire was trying to do.
“I won’t tell anyone either.” Agreed Ellie.
“Considering the current circumstances I won’t be telling anybody else about it as well.” Agreed Crissy.
“Don’t worry I won’t tell anybody, as far as I’m concerned nobody really did anything wrong.” Agreed Marsha.
After Marsha said this Claire, Ellie, Jessie, and Marsha turned to face Aiyana indicating that they were ready for her to answer.
“Oh me… of course I won’t tell anyone.” Reassured Aiyana.
“Then it’s settled then, come on Crissy, that’s finish unpacking.” Said Marsha as she realized that there was no need to discuss anything further about Lucas Greensley’s cursed bloodshed dagger.
“Good idea.” Agreed Crissy then she and Marsha headed back to their bunk bed to finish unpacking the rest of their camp things.
“Sometimes I wonder if I really am cursed or something.” Stated Ellie with a sigh as she picked the remaining things that she had dumped out of her hiking backpack arranging her things inside of her hiking bag so that it was somewhat organized.
“Oh Ellie the bloodshed dagger curse is only temporary, a person only bleeds for as long as they have direct skin contact with it, it’s only a superstitious curse, you don’t actually think that it really cursed you, do you?” Asked Claire in a concerned tone of voice as she stopped arranging her things in the trunk that was at the foot of her and Ellie’s shared bunk bed.
“It’s not the dagger that cursed me, it’s Aaron, he’s the one who made me come here, being his twin is far worse than any stupid bloodshed dagger curse.” Explained Ellie as she clarified what she meant by what she had said.
Claire was about to respond but she stopped as she was interrupted by the last camper in their cabin that she hadn’t meant. A camper who was dark skinned with long brown braided hair. Aside from the girls big dark brown eyes the girl wore a multicolored shawl that had all of the cabin colors woven into it with a blue and red outer outline. Aside from the shawl the girl wore a white short loose sleeved blouse, and a long loose brass colored cotton skirt. A skirt that matched her large hoop earrings. All attire that gave her a slightly gypsy appearance.
“None believer still, if you ask Serena it is best to believe.” Explained the gypsy girl as she indirectly introduced herself as Serena.
“I thought you looked familiar from somewhere, please don’t give Ellie a hard time like you gave me in Earl Greensley’s castle last year, leave the story telling to “tell- tale” Rex.” Stated Claire as she realized who the gypsy girl was.
“Claire you return to Camp Greens Lake, Serena surprised you did, for not many return after they see a ghost of the Greensley family.” Explained Serena in a far off and warning tone of voice.
“Must everybody keep bringing that up, no offense Serena but I’d appreciate it if you kept me out of your ghost stories.” Replied Claire as she patiently reasoned with Serena.
“Alright, if you say so, Serena have feeling you want her to leave, so Serena will, just consider Serena’s warning that all nonbelievers are in for the worst if they aren’t aware of the nonbeliever’s curse.” Warned Serena then she gracefully turned on her heel and walked away to return to her bunk while humming an unfamiliar tune.
“Great, that’s just great.” Grumbled Ellie to herself the moment that Serena left.
“What are you mumbling about?” Asked Claire in a confused tone of voice.
“Oh nothing really, Serena just seems a little weird, was she that weird when you first meant her?” Asked Ellie the moment that she was sure that Serena was out of earshot.
“I wouldn’t consider Serena weird Ellie, essentric, and superstitious perhaps, but that doesn’t make her weird, she’s just as weird as about half of the Camper’s at camp Greens Lake.” Stated Claire as she indirectly defended Serena.
“Claire you give Serena to much credit, when it comes to being weird Serena’s a pro, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was the one who was responsible for the two supposive “accidents” that happened.” Injected Jessie as she butted into Claire and Ellie’s conversation.
“That’s not jump to conclusions Jessie, Serena couldn’t have been responsible for the “accidents” She wasn’t even on our bus.” Concluded Claire.
“She didn’t have to be Claire, Bonnie’s ax was discovered outside of the bus, and considering that our belongings were handled by a lot of people Serena could have easily slipped Lucas’ dagger into my duffel bag, come on Claire you remember all of those unexpected accidents that happened at Earl Greensley’s castle last year, accidents that Serena always seemed to be around when they happened, Serena would do anything to get people to believe in those stupid ghost tales of hers.” Explained Jessie.
“G-g-ghost tales, d-d-don’t even joke about things like that, the last thing that we need is to see an actual g-g-ghost.” Stammered Aiyana in a small and nervous tone of voice.
“Aiyana- -“ Started Jessie but before Jessie had the chance to finish what she had to say Aiyana quickly walked away from the bunk that she was sharing with Jessie indicating that she didn’t want anything more to do with the conversation that Jessie, Claire, and Ellie were having.
“Wow Aiyana’s sure jumpy, She’s almost as jumpy as “jittery” gen.” Commented Jessie.
“Jumpy or not, I just hope that you don’t scare Aiyana to death with those pranks of yours Jessie.” Said Claire in a tone of voice that indicated that she wasn’t impressed with Jessie’s pranking tactics.
“Oh give me a break Claire, Aiyana is going to be fine, besides you know that I only prank those who deserve to be pranked, I don’t prank innocent bystanders like Curtis did and probably still does.” Reassured Jessie.
“Just don’t do anything that might get our cabin into trouble Jessie.” Warned Claire.
“Of course not Claire, I’d never do a thing like that, now if you will excuse me I have some unfinished business to take care of.” Replied Jessie as she quickly disappeared out the back door of the cabin unintentionally slamming the screen door after a loud squeak.
“I guess there’s no stopping Jessie when it comes to pranking people, I just hope that Jessie doesn’t take things to far this year.” Concluded Claire as she realized that there was no use in trying to stop Jessie from pranking people.
“Aaron has a tendency to do that as well, I just hope that neither one of them end up pranking an innocent bystander by mistake.” Responded Ellie as she rolled her eyes in annoyance.
“That’s hope that they don’t, at least now that Jessie is pranking again both Aaron and Curtis will be pranked back from the pranks that they pulled on the bus.” Explained Claire as she measured the positive things of Jessie’s pranking.
“That is true, it’s about time that Aaron got pranked back, something which I’ve been waiting to happen to him for many years.” Concluded Ellie.
As many things that had gone wrong at Camp Greens Lake Ellie was comforted in knowing that Aaron would finally be pranked back. Something which Ellie knew Aaron deserved.
About two hours later at the first camp fire…
“Okay Shelia’s we better get a move on, come on, we don’t want to be late for the first camp fire.” Announced Shelly as she peeked her head inside Ellie’s cabin door to gather up the rest of the camper’s that were inside of it.
“Do we like have to go Shelly, for if you ask me we like shouldn’t have to gather around a fire sitting in like the dirt.” Complained Kate.
“There are logs for us to sit on, and if we can get a good seat… A seat that is away from the ashes of the fire, and out of the wind filled smoke section.” Explained Shelly as she managed to persuade Kate to join our cabin at camp fire.
“Shelly makes a good point Kate, besides we don’t have to sit with our cabin group, you can choose who you sit by.” Added Dawn as she helped Shelly persuade Kate to come with our cabin to the camp fire.
“Oh you’re like so right Dawn… you guys like heard Shelly, come on, Move it!” Stated Kate as she eagerly and hurriedly headed out the front door of our cabin nearly running Shelly over in the process.
“Sorry about that.” Apologized Dawn to Shelly as she excused herself and met up with Kate who was following another cabin group down to the camp fire.
“Kate better not be like that the entire time we are at camp, or I might smack her upside the head or something.” Said Jessie in an annoyed tone of voice.
“I assume you were being sarcastic shelia… no worries, some people are just like that, I’m used to it, now come on, that’s head on down to campfire, we don’t want to be late.” Responded Shelly in a calm and reasoning tone of voice as the rest of our cabin group gathered towards the front of the cabin and then filed out the door.
Once our cabin group was outside of our cabin Shelly had us stop for a brief moment.
“Now shelia’s does everyone have their torches?” Asked Shelly.
“Torches?” Asked Jessie in a confused tone of voice.
“She means flashlights Jessie.” Explained Crissy as she held hers up to visually show what Shelly had meant.
“That’s exactly what I mean, good, now if you lot will all follow me and stick to the trails then we’ll be there in no time.” Concluded Shelly as she started to lead the way down the dirt and wood chipped path out of the pink cabin campsite.
“Does this “tell tale” Rex really tell ghost stories at campfires every night?” Asked Ellie in a tone of voice that she hoped didn’t sound as bitter as she felt.
“Yeah pretty much Ellie, but they’re not exactly your typical ghost stories, some of “tell tale” Rexes stories are based on real events that have happened at or around Camp Greens Lake.” Replied Jessie.
“As corny as some of the stories are, “tell tale” Rex only tells a couple of them, most of them on the first and last night when all of the campers will be at camp, the rest of the campfires are mostly marshmallow roasting and typical camp sing alongs.” Added Crissy.
“I just hope that “tell tale” Rex’s stories don’t get on my nerves.” Stated Ellie.
“Oh Ellie, you just need to give them a chance, trust me they aren’t that bad.” Said Claire in an encouraging tone of voice.
“All right, I guess it won’t kill me to at least give it a try.” Replied Ellie as their cabin group stopped at what looked like a swinging rope bridge.
“Okay shelias, I only am going to tell you this once! Don’t run across the bridge! And cross with no more than five people across it at a time!” Shouted Shelly loud enough so that everyone was able to hear her.
“I guess we’ll have to wait till the others finish crossing.” Said Crissy as she stopped with Jessie just a foot away from the bridge to wait for Aiyana, Claire, and Ellie.
“Is this bridge safe?” Asked Aiyana in an uneasy tone of voice.
“It’s safe as long as you are, If we don’t run I’m sure that we won’t end up like—Oops never mind… Sorry Jessie.” Apologized Crissy as she realized that she had almost revealed something to Aiyana, Claire, and Ellie.
“It’s alright Crissy, I’m sure that Claire has already heard about it, and judging from the distance of Shelly’s flashlight and the campers that have followed her, it looks like nobody else has fallen in… an
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