Chapter 30
THIRTY
INDY
“This has to be a prank,” I demand.
Everyone’s eyes are on Summer now, and my brows draw together when I look at her.
“That’s the same writing that was on Jare’s door,” Mr. Harris says, looking at me, and then Summer.
So many voices, all saying various confused thoughts. I don’t understand what any of this has to do with Summer, much less how she could be a murderer.
“This is ridiculous,” I let out a bitter laugh, begging anyone I look at to believe that there is no way this can be true. “Theres no way–”
“It’s true,” Summer whispers, holding her head high and looking Sheriff Folley directly in the eyes. “And I’ve been getting messages just like these, since before I ever got here.”
My stomach bottoms out.
My heart feels like it’s about to explode from beating so hard.
I can’t believe that.
No. I don’t believe that. We were getting closer, she was letting me in… How could she do this to me?
Why?
“Can I see the notes?” Sheriff Hartley asks, and Summer nods, turning around and walking to her cabin.
She doesn’t look at me before walking off. Doesn’t offer me any words to clear the confusion. My heart’s beating so hard it threatens to crack and fissure, but I take deep breaths and calm it down. I can’t believe this is true. Something's wrong, and Summer is just scared.
I need to let her tell me what’s going on. I need answers, and I only want them from her.
“I’ll start callin’ families,” Mama says, turning and grabbing Mrs. Harris to go with her. Papa walks up beside me, wrapping me in his arms.
“Papa, this can’t be true. I know she’s not a murderer,” I say, shaking my head and walking with him to the mess hall.
“I believe you, BeeBee. We gotta let the sheriff do her job.”
“I’ve got to tell the kids they’re going home. I hate letting them down, especially since I can’t explain why.”
“I’m sure they’ll be upset,” Papa says, patting my back. “But it’s for the best.”
I know that, but I also remember what it’s like to be a kid and not understand why something happens. It sucks, honestly, and I can’t help but feel like Summer is going to disappear on me and I’ll be left with that same feeling.
“She’s a good person, Papa, I know she is…
I–” I can’t finish the thought because the truth is, I knew she had secrets, and I still went to her.
I knew she wanted this to be purely physical, and I pushed to get closer to her anyway.
I only hope that after she talks to Hartley, she’ll want to stay so we have the chance to be something more.
“You really like her,” Papa says, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts.
“I do,” I admit, for the first time out loud. “I think she’s incredible, and worth listening to. There’s more to this than a few angry messages, I know there is.”
“She’s a good one,” he agrees, looking out over the camp. “I’m rooting for you two, BeeBee.”
The kiddos took the news about how I expected, there were tears, and lots of questions. Some I couldn’t answer, and others I just didn’t know how to. Helping them all gather up their stuff, I made sure to give them their goodie bags they would have earned at the end of camp.
Each one’s got a compass, bandages, and a small flashlight inside. They all light up when they get them, and compare goodies while they wait. I know some might have to stay another night or two since the parents hadn’t planned for early pickup, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
Right now, all I want to do is find Summer and make her understand that I want her to stay. I need her to know that I’m on her side no matter what, and that while she might not be perfect, I think she’s pretty damn close.