Gran and Pop-pop are outside waiting for me when I arrive. Pop-pop hugs me right away. Gran steps up for a hug but stops when she sees that I’m all wet. I refrain from telling her that it’s because I just finished washing clothes in a wash bucket. Alice: I’m thinking we could go to…
Mr. C invaded my dreams several times last night. Dreams so vivid and real that I’m ashamed even to face him this morning. It makes me grateful that I promised to visit pop-pop and gran today. I quickly change and grab food, hoping to be gone before Mr. C, and everyone else emerges from their…
The clouds gather once again, and the rain begins. The soccer ball is too slick to continue. Craig: Are you hungry? There’s a vending machine close by. Prosperity: Yeah, sure. I could eat. He shows me where we can get some food. There’s even a microwave, which is beginning to feel like a luxury. I…
A steady rain the next morning keeps me in a deep sleep until well after everyone has left the camp. There’s no notes or any other indication to let me know where they all went. It appears that I’m on my own today. I figure the best way to use my time is to eat…
I’m still cursing Mr. C out in my head as I arrive back at camp. As soon as I get there, I receive a call from my boyfriend, Byron. Byron: *on the phone* I didn’t hear from you yesterday. How’s Sulani? I’m tempted to play it up as I did with Gran-Alice, but my last…
Prosperity: Gran! What are you doing here? Alice: I’m here checking out the aquarium. Why else would I be here? Prosperity: I’m just surprised to see you. Alice: You seem upset. Is everything okay? The last thing I need is for Gran-Alice to suspect that things are less than kosher with the conservation group. I…
My first night sleeping in a tent is not so great, mostly because I’m sharing a tent with Piper, who alternates between giggling and grinding her teeth in her sleep all night. No wonder she had a tent to herself before I arrived. Keith and Miles share the tent across from ours. Wild and Harper…
After getting off the phone with Peri, Alida greets her birthday guests…including her foster sister, Claudia, and Claudia’s husband, Theo. But the party doesn’t get started until Michelle arrives. Alida: There you are! Long time no see. Alida gives Michelle a big hug. Michelle: I know…I’m sorry. Getting this stylist business off the ground is…
I’m not sure that this place is all that I thought it would be. I’m here looking for freedom, but this is slave labor, and for what…to live in a tent? At least there’s the beach… …and living near a beach does have its perks. Sexy Guy: Hey there! Prosperity: Hey you… But I have…
Gran-Alice and pop-pop have already started their day when I get up and get ready to move out. I find Gran-Alice at her computer. Prosperity: Good morning, gran! Alice: Good morning, Peri. No chance I can talk you out of leaving today? Prosperity: It’s already a done deal. Alice: Well, we’re going to miss having…
