Even though my eyes were closed I hadn't slept a wink that night. Every bed that squealed and person that shifted in their bed was a constant ringing in my ears. Once the bells chimed and I could hear groans from my fellow bunk mates I opened my eyes and pulled myself out of the bed. Most of my packing was already done but I still had to get ready for the day and pack up my bed stuff. Just like the weather could sense our mood it was dark and gloomy with the promise of rain on its way. We raised the flag for the last time and then headed in for our last breakfast. Today was going to be a short day because we didn't have a lot of time left before we went back on the bus and headed home. The last day would be over before I even knew it. I scrambled to get everyone's information so that I had a way to talk to them when I got home. Even people that I had never spoken a word to wanted to be able to talk to me when we all left. Camp is like a drug. The people that have had the privilege to go to any camp when they are figuring out who they want to be understand the euphoria and strong instant connections that you can make in such a short time with people you would never know existed otherwise.
I made one promise to myself when I got out of bed. No matter what has happened this week today was a new day. The last day. I was not leaving camp holding grudges or thinking about what I could have done differently. I shared smiles with Alex and conversations with Bella. I was curious what exactly was going on with them because Bella wouldn't go near us when we were together and constantly shot me dirty looks when she didn't think that I was paying attention. Alex on the other hand was happier then ever. He did little things like bringing me my favorite candy Livewires and opening up doors for me. I liked it, but lets be honest who wouldn't love a little attention they didn't ask for. He unlike others though would be stuck with me on the way home in the bus because my stop was on the way to his stop.
The very last thing we did at camp was have a ceremony hug line and then headed to our chosen buses. I soaked up all the moments I could with my friends and got off the bus at my stop. My parents and sister Meegan were waiting for me at the bus stop and helped me put my stuff in our truck. I snuck one last glimpse at the bus as it drove away and mentally locked that week away. When my parents asked about what happened I gave them the sparks notes version leaving out any mention of Alex. I loved my parents but they had an idea of who I was supposed to be and who I was going to grow up as. Most of the things that happened at camp they would never know about because it didn't fit into who they want me to be. We pulled up to my house and as I got out I couldn't help myself and looked quickly at the park having a feeling. Instantly I locked eyes with the one guy I wished I didn't have to deal with. I was trying to live as long as I could in the memories that I made the past week and the girl that I had changed into because of them. He slowly raised his hand in a hello and I could hear his friends calling him. After probably only a few seconds but what felt like a life time he put his hand down and turned to run after his friends. I headed inside to finish the rest of my summer and wondering if I would be able to experience the magic of ACCA again....