Page 105 of Disharmony

“Ash,” Desiree calls me back as everyone, including McCallister, files out of the room. “Can I speak to you for a second?”

“Sure,” I murmur, hanging behind and readying myself for an earful.

“I know McCallister is hard on you…” Desiree sighs. “But I know you’ve got this, okay? You can do it. If you want extra practice, you’re always welcome in my dance studio.”

“Thanks, Desiree,” I reply. At least not everyone is out to get me. “I’ll bear that in mind.”

She smiles. “I know you won’t let me down.”

* * *

After class, I return to the cabin to grab a hoodie. Even though it’s the peak of summer, there’s a cool breeze in the air. Something crinkles underneath my Vans as I open the door, making me panic. Oops, there goes one of Cookie’s many craft projects.

I bend to retrieve an envelope with my name on it. It doesn’t have a postmark, so someone must have slipped it underneath while we were out.

My first reaction is to flush the mysterious package down the toilet. Re-decorating my cabin twice over may not be enough for Tiffany, and it could be part of a prank. I turn the paper over in my hand; it isn’t leaking any foul-smelling liquid at least. It feels like there’s something small and soft inside, squeezing it doesn’t seem to provoke an explosive reaction at least…

I tear the paper open and shake it causing a circular jacket patch to fall onto my palm. It has the message sewn over an embroidered white heart on a black background.

Illegitimi non carborundum.Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

I peer inside, checking for a card or note, but nothing. It’s strange, but the reminder couldn’t have come at a better time. I carefully place it in a drawer and remind myself to thank Cookie and Leila when I see them later. Who else would have given such a thoughtful gift?

I need to hurry as I’m already late to meet Cookie at the lake. When I get there, she’s sitting on a laid-out towel on the sand, flicking through a stack of papers in front of her. Her face lights up when she sees me and waves me over.

She starts to pack up as she asks, “How did it go?”

I frown. “I thought we were hanging out here?”

“Oh no,” she replies. There’s a mischievous glint to her eyes. “We’re going somewhere better.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see!” She smiles, already swinging her purse over her shoulder and making me take two steps for every one of hers to keep up with her enthusiastic strides. “How did rehearsals go today?”

“They could have been better, but Desiree offered me extra dance lessons which might help” I reply. “Thanks for the gift, by the way. I needed it.”

“Gift?” Her brow furrows. “What gift?”

“The patch for my jacket?”

She looks even more confused now. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t worry,” I say quickly, assuming it must have been Leila.

We continue along the tree-lined path and follow the signs to the main stage.

“I have a surprise for you,” she says, forgetting about the package as the main stage comes into view. Instead of being abandoned like usual, a small group of campers mill around, talking to each other through headpieces. “Rehearsals start tomorrow.”

“How can I forget?” I mutter under my breath.

“But we need a vocalist to help us with a sound test before then,” she says. “I thought you might like to try singing on the big stage.”

“Me?” I gasp. If Tiffany finds out I’ve been given this opportunity, she’ll lose her shit. There isn’t a lot that goes on in Camp Harmony that she doesn’t know about. “You’ve gotta be kidding.”

“Yes, you.” Cookie laughs as the spotlights on the stage power on. “So, are you in?”

It’s a stupid question. “Of course, I am!”

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