#circus camp

The day had come...the day that Davey ventured through the woods just at the outskirts of town. Well, he didn’t necessarily venture by himself of course, he was of course seated in the luxurious passenger seat of his cousin Harper’s car. 

Their luggage was in the backseat, ready for a while of being camp counselors at Camp Jubilee.  Never did they really expect to be in such a situation until Davey’s in-law suggested the idea one night.

“Thanks for letting me drop off Peggy, by the way.” Davey mentioned as he watched the trees that the car passed by as it drove deeper into the woods. “Sucks that I can’t bring her along.”

“Yeah.” Harper nodded, focusing on the road as he finally drove by a large sign reading “CIRCUS CAMP JUBILEE”. “Looks like we’re almost there.

Davey looked to the front as Harper made a right turn, cabins in the distance now coming into view as well as a variety of recreational areas such as an archery station.

“Wow. I honestly am not sure what I expected of this camp.” Davey laughed to himself. “Considering it’s a circus camp and all. Guess I just expected more...circus and not that much camp.”

Soon enough, Harper and Davey found themselves in the parking lot that was stationed right beside a building much larger than the rest. It was clearly some important building, as they could tell that others would already be gathered on the inside due to all the parked cars.

“Looks like Ben’s here already.” Harper pointed out as he and Davey saw a parked motorcycle. “How the hell did he bring all his luggage on a motorcycle?”

“Knowing Ben...he found a way.” Davey laughed before he got out of the parked car, giving himself a good stretch as Harper also got out. “Wonder if everyone’s in there. Seems like a lunch hall or something.”

“Ugh. Where am I going to put all my things?” Harper reached into the back of his car, attempting to unload the large luggage that seemed to be stuck under Davey’s. “What the hell do you have in there?”

“Clothes, what else?” Davey looked back at Harper who was still struggling, then noticing someone walking by not too far from Harper, making the former smirk. “Hey Harper. Heads up.”

“What?” Harper looked up at him, then looking behind to see what Davey was looking at. Soon enough, Harper released his luggage with a gasp.

Not too far from their location was Carney who eventually noticed the pair, and he gave a bit of a smile before approaching them.

“Hey there, we’ve been waiting for you guys to show up.”

“We’re the last ones?” Davey quirked an eyebrow, while Harper leaned against the car and twirled a bit of his hair.

“Oh yeah. All the counselors are already inside. You guys were the only ones left and we didn’t want to start without you guys.”

“Oh that’s so sweet, Carney.” Harper commented with a slight giggle, causing Davey to roll his eyes. “I sure do hope you can take us over there, so we don’t get lost, ya know.”

“It’s literally just inside.” the clueless Carney motioned to the building. “But uh, yeah, I can take you over. I was just coming back from dropping off some equipment.

“How many counselors-” Davey attempted to question as he followed behind Carney, since Harper had immediately latched onto Carney’s arm.

“So Carney, is this the counselor shirt?” Harper drew a line on Carney’s chest, the latter looking down and nodding.

“Yeah. Well, this is the hoodie. Mine’s sleeveless, obviously.”

“Did you rip-off the sleeves yourself?”

“Haha, actually, I was flexing for the kids and the sleeves ripped off.” Carney replied before Harper gave a flirtatious giggle, once again making Davey roll his eyes.

“Oh Carney, you’re SO funny!” Harper exclaimed as they all made it to the building’s door, then realizing that everybody inside stared at them. Well, that had actually started when Harper’s loud laughter could be heard from outside. “Haha...hi.”

“Hi there!” a single, cheery voice replied to Harper as he and Davey followed Carney deeper inside. “Glad you guys could finally make it. Lots of traffic I imagine?”

“No, just had something to do before that.” Davey replied as he now realized who it is had been talking to him and Harper. A male around their age: a male with pastel pink hair and golden eyes that reflected under the lighting of the room.

“Understandable. No matter, all that matters is that you’re here! Please, both of you, take a seat wherever you’d like so we can begin orientation.”

“Carney, where are you sitting?” Harper fluttered his eyelashes at Carney who tapped his chin.

“I guess wherever I can.”

“I’ll sit with you.” Harper giggled as he remained latched onto Carney, the latter of course not realizing the situation but still not minding as he finally found a spot among the other counselors. That left Davey standing alone as he searched for a familiar face. Soon enough he saw Ben who didn’t bother turning to him, his attention instead on the female who leaned her head on his shoulder. Hopefully they didn’t mind Davey joining in.

“Heeey Ben.” Davey whispered as he took a seat beside his cousin, the latter turning to the side to look at Davey. Ben blinked once as he made sure that situation was really happening, right before he gave a deep sigh.

“Was there nowhere else to sit?” Ben spoke as he looked down at Davey, Bingo looking from behind Ben with daggers pointing straight to Davey.

“I mean...yeah, but, I saw you and thought it’d be nice to sit with you.” Davey gave a small laugh before noticing Bingo. “Hi Bingo.”

“Davey.” she replied rather coldly, gripping onto Ben’s hand. 

Davey cleared his throat before looking to the front where that male still stood with a clipboard in hand, smiling as he took note of all the counselors there.

“Alright everybody! I and the rest of the staff are so glad that you all came here to join our team of counselors. My name is Trevor and I have been a counselor for quite the few years. I was in fact a camper here until being considered too old for it! I will be the one conducting the meeting today for both new and old counselors.” the male introduced himself as Davey cursed under his breath. “ Today I will teach all there is to the job which we will try to make not a job but instead a fun role. We are here to make the circus camp experience fun and enjoyable for the campers who will be coming by next week, but let’s try to have fun while we do that.”

“Was he really a camper all this time or is that part of the act?” Harper asked as he stared at Trevor, almost scanning him for any imperfections.

“Yeah.” Carney nodded with a soft voice.“Him, me, Ally and Bingo have been here since the first year we could start. He’s pretty dedicated.”

“Huh.” Harper made a face. “He just seems so pretentious. Especially with that pink hair. Pinky-Pie looking ass.”

“Shhh.” a counselor in front of Harper turned around, making Harper frown deeply.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Harper hissed at the person who turned back to the front.

“Is there a problem back there?” Trevor asked before Harper shook his head. “Do you need me to be louder?”

“Your voice is loud enough.” Harper replied, rather loudly before he turned his attention to his shorts that were already hiking up his thighs. They were quite beyond his thighs in fact. “God, can’t we just get into the activities already? This is so boring.”

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a nail filer before he began to fix his nails, not bothering to pay much attention to Trevor.

“Like every other autumn season, the last night here we will be holding a Halloween party in this very hall. I hope all of you got the message and brought your Halloween costumes.During that night it is mandatory for every counselor to attend, whether or not they are in costume. That’s the night campers like to sneak away since we’re all busy with the party.” Trevor continued to speak as he looked through the list in his hand. “Speaking of, we are all deadlights here, counselors will always be deadlights unless there has been an exception made. This season, the camp has been reserved for deadlight children only so it’s necessary to keep more of an eye on the kids. That, however, gives us the liberty to look like our clown selves for the season. That was yet another mouthful, has anyone got any questions about anything I’ve said so far?”

Davey didn’t entirely like the idea, but it was best he ask now rather than wait to find some other person who could answer his question. He was an adult. He had to act mature.

“Yes, Davey?” Trevor smiled at Davey who had raised his hand.

“Yeah, is there a set schedule for anything?”

“Yes, thank you for bringing that up. 7 am is wake up call for both campers and counselors. Showers are to be finished by at least 8 am as breakfast will be served around that time.” Trevor started before a series of groans were heard, making him chuckle. “I know, I know. Let’s be grateful wake up is at 7 and not 6 like it used to be.”

“What time are the activities? All of them, whatever it is we’ll be doing.” another counselor raised their hand.

“Schedules all differ on the counselors and what activities they will be doing with their assigned campers. The higher ups have been working on schedules for those things and they’ll be handed out at the start of next week. However, schedules I can tell you now are the following,” Trevor cleared his throat, looking up for a moment after hearing a rude scoff from one of the counselors, but he didn’t think much of it. “Lunch will be held at 12 pm. Free time comes after words, beginning from 12:30 to 1:00, ending thirty minutes later. Dinner will be held at 6 pm and lights out will be at 10:15 pm. However, lights out may not always apply to counselors if they are needed for anything.”

“Anything?” Harper smirked with a snicker as he continued filing his nails, but he was soon interrupted when a hand grabbed his nail filer and snatched it away. “Hey!”

“Have you mentioned the dress policy, Trevor?” a woman’s voice was heard as she looked down at Harper.

“I was getting to that, just explaining a bit of the schedule.” Trevor looked over the clipboard before looking at the woman. “Guys, some of you have already met her and I understand some may be related to her already, but this is the camp’s director Zeta. She overlooks everything and reports all to the camp’s creator and owner of the woods’ circus Cuckoo.”

“It is so nice to meet all you now.” Zeta spoke in a very apathetic tone. “I expect the best from all of you for Cuckoo and I made sure to look through your applications quite thoroughly, so I hope you understand that we picked the best we could find. I hope this season of camp is fun for you all and that you make it that way for the campers who are our priority.”

Zeta then looked down at Harper, shoving the nail filer into her own pocket before she leaned down to Harper’s eye level.

“Trevor, make sure to go by the dress policy thoroughly. I do not want any counselors dressed inappropriately around the children.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Trevor will continue with this meeting. If anybody needs me for any reason at all, I am on the second floor with the rest of the staff.” Zeta announced once she stood straight, turning around to leave, but not before leaving one more hushed comment for Harper. “Change out of those shorts when the kids arrive and pay attention, or else. Any sass and I will have you out faster than you realize it.”

Harper watched Zeta leave and once she was gone, he furrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms before looking to the front where Trevor once again began speaking.

_____________

After another lengthy amount of talking and answering questions, Trevor stepped down from the stage before overlooking the crowd of counselors.

With the talking and introductions done, Trevor had announced that it would soon be time to tour the campsite and all of its areas. But for now, all the counselors were given the chance to grab foods and snacks that had been set up for all of them.

“Davey, you can leave now.”

“Nah, nah. I think I’ll hang out with you guys for a bit more. Harper’s too busy hitting on the himbo over there and I don’t know anyone else here.”

Trevor skimmed the crowd once again, face brightening as he caught sight of long strawberry blond hair. He recognized it as belonging to none other than Davey, the guy he met not too long ago.

“Davey! Hey!” Trevor called out as he carefully maneuvered through the crowd of counselors, having Davey, Ben and Bingo all turn to look at him. “Hi guys! Hello Bingo.”

“Hey Trevor.” Bingo gave a slight wave as she held onto Ben’s arm. “Nice meeting.”

“Thank you, I tried my best.” Trevor slightly bowed his head before looking at Ben and Davey, soon lifting his hand up at Ben. “Ben, I’ve heard, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Ditto.” Ben nodded as he accepted his hand and shook it. 

“And, Davey! I’m so happy to see you join us. I’m sure Ally will be ecstatic to see you here.” Trevor grinned. 

“Yeah, uh...thanks.” Davey awkwardly gave a nod.

“I’m looking forward to working with you guys, I’m sure this season is gonna go so well I feel.” Trevor continued as the trio nodded. “Also! I have to mention it to everyone, but I’ll be taking everyone’s sizes at the end of the day and checking on what top style you’d like for your counselor shirts.”

“Sounds good.” Ben nodded, soon eyeing Davey and then Bingo. “Trevor. Bingo and I are gonna get some food. So if you’ll excuse us.”

“Oh sure! Grab as much as you want.” Trevor nodded before waving to the pair who made their way out, Davey trying to signal to Ben to come back and not leave him alone with Trevor. “So, is there anything you’re looking forward to Davey?”

“Um….yeah, I...well, the whole job has me pretty excited.” Davey slightly shrugged. “The activities, the teaching, the kids...hopefully babysitting my nephews has prepared me for my assigned campers.”

“I’m sure it has. I’ve heard from Ally about your cute nephews, what are their names? Basil and Rowan?”

“Yeah. That’s it.”

“Ally has told me about the little guys, I had the fortunate chance of even meeting the little guys.”

“Is that so?” Davey blinked as Trevor nodded. “Huh.”

“But I’m sure you’re prepared. It’s a little nerve-wracking but it feels like second nature after just a while with the kids.” Trevor reassured him, placing a hand on Davey’s shoulder in hopes of comforting him. “You really grow attached to them in the end and just hate to see them go once its time.”

“Wow.” Davey nodded slowly, right before he heard a loud gasp come from somewhere in the crowd. He immediately recognized it as being Harper’s, especially because he instantly rushed over to see Davey.

“Davey!”

“W-What is it?” Davey replied as an excited Harper shook him, showing him a paper titled “Assigned Cabins”.

“I’m sharing a cabin...with Carney!” Harper basically squealed, settling down after a good while before realizing that Trevor had been there the entire time. “Oh. Hi.”

“Hello, you must be Harper, yes?” Trevor offered his hand to Harper who looked down at it, almost offended. Eventually, Harper accepted his hand and shook it in a standoffish manner. “It’s so nice to meet all of Ally’s friends.”

“Yeah?” Harper made a face before retrieving his hand, then looking back at Davey. “Have you seen Ally?”

“No, not yet.” Davey shook his head.

“Well, find her dummy-head!” Harper threw his hands in the air before taking hold of Davey. “I’ll be taking my friend now, Trevor. See you around.”

“Oh! Yes, of course. You guys enjoy yourselves and eat as much food as you’d like.”

“We will.” Harper replied before taking Davey away, leaving Trevor to stand among the crowd of counselors. “I’m telling you, that guy seems so pretentious. Drop the act buddy, nobody’s falling for it.”

“Yeah…” Davey replied as he walked with Harper, the two coming to the food table where Harper began serving himself a plate of everything that contained any trace of chocolate.

“Seriously, I don’t know how we’ll survive with that guy in charge. Seems like such a teacher’s pet.” Harper continued rambling as he set down his paper, Davey grabbing it before looking around the counselors. He soon spotted a head of blue hair, making him smile as he recognized Ally.

His smile suddenly faltered as he then noticed Trevor in front of her, striking up a simple conversation with her.

“Damn, he found her before me.” Davey muttered out before he looked down at the paper, eyes soon widening as he read his name.

“What is it?” Harper asked with a mouth full of chocolate muffin as he took notice of Davey’s shocked expression.

“My...my cabin partner.” Davey gripped onto the paper as Harper leaned over to look at the name, his face also presenting a bit of shock.

Right beside Davey’s name was his partner’s name: Trevor Drake.