Campfires & Rainbows

Chapter 23

"Good morning, campers!" a cheerful Head Counsellor Dean spoke out to the crowd of hungry children.

"You are all probably well aware that a newspaper article about our camp was released yesterday. It has been shared 7.5 million times around social media. People are getting the news, some are hating but so many are supporting! I have some announcements mostly good, one bad."

Many kids exchanged looks, we were anxious about the bad news.

"First things first, we have received thousands of donations to pay for a lawyer."

Cheers erupted and many kids clapped.

"Second, an anonymous donor offered to pay for the creation of another camp just like this one over by the East coast in Virginia. While I have gotten many more donations to start another camp in California. We need more money to make sure the camp in California happens but since it's only been the first night, I'm not too worried about the shortage."

This is amazing, the waiting list will shrink for sure. And more kids will get the love and support they need.

"This camp is also going to advertise itself a little differently. Since we're out of the closet," he laughed at his own reference. "Parents will be suspicious of any conversion camp therapy ads. Although they will still be out there just in case.

Many schools have reached out to us with ideas. They want to create a system where if a kid wants to go to the camp the school will send us their information and we haven't worked out the details yet but it'll be a lot easier. The parents don't have to know. The school will notify the parents their child requires a mandatory summer camp with the school to work on grades and such. As for religious schools, we have a few ideas but haven't worked out the kinks."

This is great, more kids can come. Kids who are out can come. I love this news but he mentioned something about bad news... The more he talks the closer he gets to the bad news.

"If any of your parents attempt to come to the camp, we have security guards stationed at the camp entrance. If any of your parents try to pass through they will immediately be arrested for child abuse. They deliberately sent you to a conversion camp which is abuse. They have been notified the consequences and will most likely stay away. If you don't want your parent to be your legal guardian anymore come by my office sometime and we'll talk about some options."

I don't want my parents to go to jail, I still love them even though they sent me to a conversion camp. But some kids' parents do need to go to jail... like Asmaa's dad.

"Oh! And I have one surprise for you! A new person has rejoined our camp! Please give Asmaa Almasi a warm welcome!!!" Literally the whole camp stood up looking for Asmaa, she was nowhere. Then, suddenly the Cafeteria doors flew open and in came Asmaa. The lesbian we all know and love.

"ASMAA!" I yelled, tripping over myself to get to her. I finally reached her practically tackling her. "I'm so sorry, I'm so so so sorry, I didn't help." Tears of happiness, or maybe regret, threatened to spill out. I wasn't sure which maybe both. The rest of the wolf cabin joined us into a group hug. While the rest of the camp swarmed around us cheering.

Once everything settled down and we all sat down Dean continued, "Now for the bad news."

It's as if the whole camp help there breath in anticipation.

"Tomorrow's field day and you're all going to have to do a lot of running!"

Everyone sighed in relief but soon after analyzing what he said those sighs turned into groans.

"Hey babe, can I talk to you for a second? " Quinn grabbed my hand leading me away from my group of friends.

" Lesten I've been a bitch these past few weeks. You deserve better. I'm so sorry for pressuring you into doing stuff, I should've stopped to ask if you were okay with it. I'm sorry. " She hugged me tight, burying her face into my neck," I'm so sorry. "

The guilty tears began to spill out, she pulled away and noticed my teary face." Devin, what's wrong... Are you okay? "

The tears came faster," No, I'm, I'm sorry. I'm a horrible girlfriend, I'm horrible. You're amazing and don't diserve me. " the tears came out faster.

" Oh my gosh, Devin,just tell me what's wrong. "

" I... I kissed Tiny. "

She was silent.

" A-and I'm sorry, and... and I understand if you wanna break u- "I choked on my words and began sobbing.

" Sh sh sh... It's okay. I'm glad you told me. It's okay, just... don't do it again okay? "

" Mmmh"I went in to hug her, berrying my wet face into her shirt.

Later that night, while we were laying around our cabin, eating ice cream and watching SPLIT, a knock came at the door.

It was Dean. Tiny reached over and paused the movie.

"Ladies, I want to ask if any of you would be okay with being a witness at court against your parents. I know being a witness can be dangerous but if nobody stands as a witness, our chances of winning become slimmer, the more witnesses the better our chances. Despite all the good news I gave you this morning this camp is still in trouble."