There's a Bat in Bunk Five Read Online Free PDF Page B

kidded around but never really talked. I know that he’s a senior in high school and from Connecticut.
    â€œI think we better stick to telling them about the cookouts and stuff,” I say. “I’d hate to announce anything prematurely.”
    â€œGive it time.” He grins again.
    We write the letter together, each contributing every other line. It doesn’t make much sense, but it’s fun to do. Being with Ted is fun. Usually I’m kind of shy around boys, but he’s easy to get along with.
    People are beginning to go down the hill.
    The breakfast bell rings.
    Ted and I race down. He beats me, by a lot.
    I collapse on the grass. “I’m really not in shape for this.”
    â€œI like the shape you’re in.” Ted smiles.
    I blush. I’m not used to this.
    Jimmy comes up to us. “Ready for the invasion of the campers?”
    I nod, still out of breath.
    The campers are really arriving today, after lunch.
    Jimmy moves on to talk to Ryan Alys, one of the guys on the grounds crew.
    I stare at Jimmy.
    â€œOne of the smitten, I see,” Ted says.
    I look at Ted.
    â€œIt happened last year too. At least half the females fall in love with him.”
    I blush again.
    â€œYou’ll develop better taste soon and see that theonly person that Jimmy loves is himself.” Ted raises his eyebrows.
    The bell rings again for breakfast, and we go inside.
    Corrine and Mark, Ted’s head counselor, are sitting together and we join them.
    â€œReady? The kids’ll be here soon,” Corrine reminds me.
    â€œCan’t we just keep camp the way it is?” I beg.
    She laughs and shakes her head. “The moment of truth, the final camper lists, will be here shortly.”
    Barbara comes over to our table, says, “Morning. Bunk assignments. Enjoy your day,” and hands us the cabin rosters.
    Mark says, “No problems evident on my list. Can’t wait till the kids get here.”
    He looks over Corrine’s shoulder at our list. “You’ve got Ginger Simon? What’s she doing in with the eleven- and twelve-year-olds? Why are you stuck with her?”
    â€œSandy said she wouldn’t take her again, even if it meant losing her job. You know how Barbara can convince you to try anything. So I said we’d take her, but should be given combat pay.”
    I sit there listening. How come no one asked meabout taking a problem camper? I guess because I don’t know the kid. “What’s the problem?”
    Corrine shrugs. “I’m not sure. I know her parents are divorced and that she’s got a real chip on her shoulder. But she’s a fine artist. Last summer she did some really nasty things, was cruel to a lot of people, and was a general disturbance. Barbara wants to give her another chance though, thinks maybe we can reach Ginger and help her.”
    â€œBarbara’s always involved in causes,” Mark says. “I don’t think this is going to be one of her better choices.”
    Ted says, “Let me know if I can help.”
    I have this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. How can they doubt that Barbara’s right? Am I wrong to think everything she does is perfect? Maybe I can show them all and be the one person who is able to reach and help Ginger.
    I scrape off the burnt parts from my French toast and cover it with syrup. Calories that will go straight to my hips.
    Corrine finishes and says, “I’m going out for a quiet walk. It’s probably going to be my last chance of the day. Marcy, I’ll meet you back at the bunk to finish getting ready.” She waves good-bye.
    â€œSmile, Marcy. Ginger is only one twelfth of the cabin. It’ll be all right.” Ted pats me on the arm. “And I’ll be around to give you a hand.”
    Mark laughs. “After you finish working with our seven- and eight-year-olds. That’s not going to leave you with much spare time. Although