Mystery

As our school bus turned onto a dirt road, I bounced on the seat. “Oh Em, I’m so excited I’m gonna pee!”

She laughed as she said, “Gross! Get away from me.”

In a quiet voice, I asked, “Are you sure Jase will come?”

She whispered, “Ron said they’d take a canoe and expect them here about 11 or so.”

We grabbed our duffels from under our seats and joined the line of girls. A camp counselor greeted us, checked names and assigned our cabin, then handed a list of rules to us.

I looked around the compound. The sparkling blue lake, massive greenery of forest surrounding it, and ten numbered log cabins. It was a pleasant April afternoon, but too cold for swimming.

Em led the way to No. 4, which was the second from the lake. Bette and Vic were right on our heels. I slung my duffel on the lower bunk to the right. Bette sighed and headed across the room. It didn’t take long to unpack our jeans, tees, and hoodies. I waited until they left before asking, “How far away is Camp Olympia?”

“Bout two miles west along the shoreline. Can’t even see it from the dock.” Em bit her lip. “Dee, please don’t argue with the staff. Just nod and do what they say. I don’t want their attention on us.”

When I opened my mouth to complain about the undercooked hot dog, Em poked my ribs. “Thanks for the yummy food.” She mumbled, “shut it,” as she pushed me toward a table. She hissed, “Keep a low profile.”

I did my best to enjoy the festivities around the campfire. Jodi, recently returned from a Texas trip, dressed in cowboy boots and hat, came forward with guitar in hand. Her fake country twang made my nerves jangle. When I squirmed, Em pinched my arm. After three songs, Jodi quit caterwauling. I barely clapped.

Back in the cabin, Em and I shrugged off pants and left them on the floor. Vic muttered, “Slobs.”

I ignored her and slid under a quilt. The bed shook as my bestie went up. I closed my eyes, pretended to sleep, but listened to their chatter. Checking my watch when Bette snored, I found it was 10:15. I waited until I heard one from Vic before I got up.

The frame creaked, then Em stood beside me. I held my breath as I forced myself into my pour-on jeans. With hoodie on, I grabbed my flashlight and put it in the pocket. The door squeaked as I opened it. We both stood silent for several seconds. Outdoors, I let out a relieved breath.

We crept across the courtyard, then ducked between the cabins. A few yards past those, we entered the woods. The trees cast eerie shadows in the glow of our flashlights. Twigs snapped underfoot no matter how I stepped. “Sorry.”

Em whispered, “Shush. Voices carry out here.”

We finally reached the sand. She took off jogging and I followed. I was panting when she slowed. She gasped, “kill your light,” as she turned off hers.

A small fire lit the beach ahead. Em dashed forward to hug Ron. I hung back, looking at Jase. Tall, blonde, and athletic. A mythical Greek god. He added more driftwood, then turned and smiled at me. Heart hammering, I approached. When he took my hand, I thought his touch was magical.

We chatted with Em and Ron for several minutes. When they began to suck face, he led my bestie away.

I chattered nervously. Jase touched my arm and said, “You’re so beautiful. I will never hurt you.” He pulled me close. I shivered with anticipation. Our lips met. It was divinely marvelous as our kiss lingered, growing into a desire for more.

I worried if I had done something wrong when he pulled away. He fumbled in his pocket.

A sudden spotlight enveloped us. Blinded and immobile, I was lifted from the ground.

***

“Dee, what’s with you. If you don’t get up, nothing good will be left in the cafeteria. Bette and Vic went over 10 minutes ago.”

Aching all over, I struggled out of bed. “I don’t feel good. Something weird happened to me and Jase.”

“I don’t know any Jase.”

“Em please don’t tease me. My head hurts.”

She raised her voice. “Dunno what you talking bout.”

“Oh pullease. He transferred here in October. We met up with Ron and Jase last night.”

“We did not! You’re delusional. Ron and I broke up last weekend. You know not to mention his name. That’s downright mean.” She slammed her way out.

Em wouldn’t sit or talk to me on our way home.

On Monday, I visited the school office. “Miss Hanson, I’m worried about Jason Argos.”

With an odd look at me, she asked, “Is this some sort of prank? We’ve never had a student with that name.”

***

“Commander.”

“Make your report.”

“Argonaut retrieved.”

“Was there a problem?”

“No…but…”

Her gaze shifted from paperwork to glare at me. “What?”

“Ma’am, we barely arrived in time.”

“So what?”

“I think our Routine Operation eXecutive Interface Encoder has failed in this enterprise.”

“Explain.”

“New memories were implanted in everyone. However, one had a Hera proclivity. She resisted all attempts to wipe the Argonaut from her mind. Jason has already had more modifications than any other Titan. Roxie just cannot downgrade his charm gene any farther. He is irresistible. Worse yet, as soon as Jason comes near a comely girl, all he wants to do is procreate. If this continues, we may have to wipe the planet again.”

“You scientists always predict doom and gloom. Dismissed.”