7. Chapter 7
Chapter 7
ELLE
A ct normal. Just keep moving and don’t turn around. I repeated this mantra like a broken record, yet the urge to look back was almost unbearable. There was something about Gray that left me in a tangle of emotions. He wasn’t overtly flirtatious, yet there was an undeniable warmth in his interactions. Was there an underlying interest, or was he merely being friendly? Regardless of my confusion, I had to hurry off; there were pressing matters at hand.
Fueled by an inner urge to make my stay meaningful, I had set my sights on engaging in community work. As soon as the church service concluded, I was on my feet, eager to explore the local conservation efforts. My homework the previous night had pinpointed three promising venues around the campgrounds, all conveniently within walking distance. The plan was to sign up for volunteer programs. I’d make an afternoon of it, sight see, and have some lunch along the way.
As I shuffled in line at the last conservation center on my list, I couldn’t help but practice my spiel in my head, fine-tuning every word and hoping it would land better this time around. The air inside was stuffy, filled with the scent of paper and pine, a contrast to the fresh ocean breeze outside. I looked at the pictures of loggerhead turtles and marine life displayed on the walls as I waited. The elderly couple in front of me finished with their requests, and I stepped up.
“Hi, I’m just in town for a few weeks and wondered if you had any projects I could volunteer for?” My voice wobbled a bit, betraying my nerves and the string of rejections that preceded this moment.
The receptionist, her eyes crinkling in what I read as a pre-emptive apology, offered me a sympathetic smile. It was warm, but I could sense the ‘but’ hanging in the air before she even said it. “Sorry, my dear. But we only take volunteers on a long-term basis. Short-term help means too much paperwork. If you can commit to more than six months, I’d love to get you signed up.” Her tone was gentle, like she genuinely regretted having to turn me away.
I sighed, a mix of disappointment and resignation washing over me. “I understand, thank you anyway.” I tried to keep my voice steady as I turned away.
Back at the campgrounds, I decided to seek out Brenda. Since she’d helped me with a mechanic, I figured she might have some helpful contacts.
I found Brenda exactly where I expected, in the reception area. But instead of her usual bustling self, she was perched on that old creaky sofa, her foot elevated on a stack of magazines with a makeshift ice pack wrap balanced precariously on top.
Concern instantly replaced my own troubles. “Oh no, what happened?” The words tumbled out of me as I rushed over, my previous disheartenment temporarily forgotten.
Her pained smile greeted me. “Hello, honey. I twisted my ankle on the church steps, would you believe it?”
“Oh dear, Brenda. I’m really sorry.” Seeing her like this, so vulnerable and yet trying to maintain her usual cheeriness, tugged at my heartstrings.
She let out a resigned sigh, her gaze drifting momentarily to the window as if she could see her plans dissolving before her eyes. “Me too,” she lamented. “Worst timing ever. I was supposed to help with our church’s summer camp during the day and cook for all the leaders in the evening. But never mind about me. How can I help you?”
I shifted uncomfortably, hating to add to her burdens. “Actually, I was looking for a community project to get involved in. Maybe a soup kitchen or volunteering at a home for the elderly?” I said, my voice hesitant.
Brenda’s eyes lit up. She pondered for a moment, the wheels in her mind visibly turning. “Grace Bay has a soup kitchen, but it’s only open one evening a week. Would that work for you?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, feeling a sense of purpose ignite. Finally, something felt right.
As Brenda shifted her leg and winced, a thought struck me. “I wish I could help you,” I offered.
Her laughter, tinged with a hint of resignation, filled the space between us. “Oh, if only you could take a bit of this pain off my ankle, or better yet, magically heal me! This week, of all weeks, I needed to be bustling around, not nursing this stubborn leg.”
I chuckled. “Well, I can’t do the magical bit,” I admitted, “but perhaps I could lend a hand with your summer camp activities? I’ve never done it before, but I’m eager to learn and help out. Actually, a part of my road trip plan involves engaging in community projects along the way, and I haven’t found one yet. Any chance this summer camp falls into that category?”
Her eyes, reflecting a mixture of surprise and curiosity, scanned my face as if trying to read my sincerity. “Yes, many of the kids come from homes where their parents are more concerned with their phones than their own offspring. We get to tell the kids about Jesus, and they get to create fun vacation memories. You’ll make an impact if you join us. If that’s what you’re asking?”
“I’m in,” I said, and sat down next to her, the decision feeling right in my bones.
Her face brightened, a spark of hope igniting in her eyes. She laughed at my eagerness. “Hold on a second, hon. I know you came to church. But would you call yourself a Christian?”
Without hesitation, I affirmed my faith, feeling a deep connection to the values and beliefs we were discussing.
“Wonderful. Do you, by any chance, have a Child Protection Registry Background Check? It’s a long shot, I know, but... ”
“Actually, I do. I’m a teacher by profession, so all my paperwork is in order, including my clearance to work with children.”
The relief and surprise on her face was palpable. “Truly? If you’re genuinely willing to step in, I’ll need to have a word with Amy, our camp organizer, to see about arranging things. You’d be stepping into my shoes as a camp leader, but don’t worry, you’ll have a co-leader to guide you through. I can manage most of the cooking, but I wouldn’t turn down an extra pair of hands in that department either.”
“That sounds perfect,” I said, my voice tinged with excitement. “I just have to sort out my van tomorrow. I want to visit the mechanic first thing, so I might not get to the camp at the start time. Would that still work?”
Brenda, with her silver hair clipped back in a messy bun, nodded understandingly. “Yes, your co-leader can manage on their own for a bit. If you give me all your details, I can get everything set up with Amy. If you have a reference from your home church, that would be even better. Like a pastor’s phone number or something? I know Amy will want to do a thorough background check. ”
I pulled my phone out and immediately sent her all the details. I stood up, the sofa springs creaking slightly. Brenda attempted to stand too, but I motioned for her to stay put. “Thank you, Brenda,” I said, my heart swelling with gratitude and excitement.
I turned to leave, but Brenda called me back. “Oh dear, I forgot to mention this is an unpaid position. But you will get free accommodation on the campground and free food Monday through Friday. Will that be okay?”
I nodded as I wasn’t expecting to get paid. But the free accommodation and food would be a highly appreciated bonus.
Stepping out of her little hut, I was on top of the world. My road trip, was finally taking shape. And now, with the prospect of doing something meaningful like this camp, I was overjoyed. I couldn’t wait for tomorrow!
“Are you serious?” I asked Andy from Andy’s Auto Repair the next morning. He nodded, his red hair falling across his face. I just hoped his skills as a mechanic were better than his skills as a wordsmith. Andy’s Auto Repair wasn’t exactly creative; it must have been the first name to pop into his head. But Dave had recommended Andy, and I was inclined to trust Brenda and Dave.
It felt as though I’d been dealt a triple blow to the stomach. One, the bill to fix Mabel was steep. That meant more late nights copywriting for me. Oh well. Two, it would take at least two weeks for some parts to arrive. Three, Andy said he’d have to send Mabel to a specialist mechanic for the bumper, so I would be van-less for about ten days. This was a lot to digest on a Monday morning. Thoughts of Brenda’s offer of free accommodation floated through my mind, and I hoped that meant staying in the dormitories and not just on a campsite.
“Okay. Thanks Andy. I don’t think I have a choice but to go ahead. Please, just remember, I have a teeny-weeny budget.”
Andy gave another solid nod. “Of course. We’ll try to get you the best price on everything. I’ll even throw in some free labor.” The clinking of metal in the background hinted at the labor he mentioned, and I wished I didn’t have to accept his offer of free work.
“Thank you so much. And thanks for squeezing me in today.”
“Sure, no problem. Anything for a friend of Dave’s,” he said, his bright smile stealing my attention away from the grease marks smeared about his face.
I returned to my campsite, and as I pulled up, I gently pressed the brakes. The last thing I needed was for the bumper to fall off entirely. I sat in my van and stared straight ahead. This was not how it was supposed to be. This was not part of the plan. Almost a month in one place because of car trouble? This trip was supposed to be free of responsibility and full of fun. What now, God? I didn’t want this responsibility. Everything seemed to be looking up yesterday with the prospect of the summer camp. Now this?
Responsibility had been my middle name for years, and I was sick of it. I mean, c’mon God, cut me some slack here! All I wanted was a bit of a break, a chance to live a normal life. But every time I tried to let go of all that responsibility and conflict, it seemed to cling even tighter. I took a deep breath. Positive. I needed to stay positive. I checked my phone, and two unread emails stared back at me. No thanks. I would deal with those later.
Instead of wallowing in my disappointment, I got myself ready to join the summer camp. I would be an hour late. But I promised Brenda I would still attend today, and I wouldn’t let her down.