Page 60 of Disharmony

The vague recollections I have of Leila being upset have stayed with me, but I haven’t seen her since. She must be sneaking into the kitchen or getting snacks from Claudia because she hasn’t shown up in the mess hall at scheduled meal hours.

“I don’t know.” Cookie bites her lip in concern. “I tried going to her cabin, but nothing. Na-dah. She’s turned into a hermit and won’t see anyone.”

“What about her roommate?” I press, annoying myself for not knowing more about Leila’s living situation. “Have they seen her?”

Cookie plays with a golden bead on her dread. “Leila bunks alone.”

“Alone?” I frown. “I thought everyone had to share?”

Only campers paying a fortune to stay in the VIP area across the lake have the privilege of privacy, and I know Leila isn’t staying there.

“There are… reasons.” Cookie’s voice trails off. Reasons she doesn’t want to get into. “But I’ve been leaving chips and peanut butter at her door. Every time I go back to check, they’re gone, so she’s definitely in there.”

“Let’s stop by on the way,” I say. “No one can live on chips and peanut butter forever.”

“Sure,” Cookie agrees brightly. “It’ll be good for her to get out. Are you ready to go?”

The first open-mic of the summer is happening in the mess hall. Although people perform in camp all the time, this is a special occasion. Any camper can sign up for a slot and share original work. I didn’t sign up to participate this time. I’m already enough of a freak show.

I nod at the binder under her arm as we leave the cabin. “What’re you taking that for?”

“Notes,” she replies. “If I want to build contacts, I need to remember everything that happens here. Some of these people are going to be on every billboard and commercial for the next ten years. I’ll be damned if I forget a detail about their performances. The details are important.”

This is why Cookie is damn good at what she does. She understands the importance of things that others may forget about. One day, she won’t need to carry a heavy binder wherever she goes. People will want to work with her because of her fantastic reputation.

“You should be performing,” Cookie says for the third time already today. “We need more content for your socials. Remind me again why you didn’t sign up?”

I shrug dismissively and start walking faster.

“Is something going on?” Cookie asks. “You seem a bit… distracted… and I’m not just talking about recovering from the party.”

I wanted to keep my conversations with Ripper secret, but I can’t see him this weekend without help. Who will cover if anyone comes looking for me when I’m off-site? Plus, I need help getting there.

“Actually,” I begin, deciding it’s now or never. “There is something on my mind… well, someone.”

“I knew it,” she declares. “Is it Brick? Have you changed your mind about him?”

“Brick?” I shake my head at her like she’s gone crazy. “No… it’s… someone else.”

Her eyes bulge. “A camper?”

“Seriously, Cookie?” I scoff. “Conor and Declan are the only decent guys around. Who else is there? Or do you think I’m hooking up with one of the Lionhearts? Puh-lease!”

She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and links her arm through mine. “Who is this mystery guy then?”

“I met him at the Basilisks’ gig.”

“Please say it’s not the guy with the mohawk!” she groans. “He’s hot and all, but I saw him make out with at least three girls that night.”

“No,” I reply. “It’s not him.”

“And you’re not telling me who?”

“Not yet,” I say. “Not until I know whatiteven is. We’re friends right now, that’s all. But I do have a favor to ask…”

“I can see where this is going.” Cookie smiles mischievously. “You want me to cover for you, huh?”

“He asked me to meet him in Wilderton on Saturday. I don’t have any classes or rehearsals scheduled, but…” I sigh, “you know what the rules are.”

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