Allison O'Brian on Her Own

by Melody Carlson

  “That would be lovely,” Heather said, and Allison wanted to smack her.

  “That would be lovely,” Allison mimicked when Lola was out of sight.

  “Gee, Al, you’ve got the old Brit accent down just about right,” Heather teased. “Come on, Allison, be a sport. Poor Lola isn’t having much fun as it is.”

  Allison reluctantly went to find a table in the dining car with room enough for three. She and Heather eagerly pored over the menu, and Allison secretly hoped Lola had become lost somewhere in the caboose. They waited almost twenty minutes before Lola joined them in the crowded dining car.

  “Sorry, have you been waiting long?”

  “It’s okay,” Heather replied. “It gave us time to make up our minds. We’re trying the teriyaki tonight.”

  “Hmm,” Lola browsed the menu. “That sounds exotic.”

  When they had ordered, Lola turned to Allison. “Was it worth it? Running away, I mean.”

  “Actually, Lola, it was. And it was the only way I ever would have met my grandfather, not to mention discover that Dad was alive.”

  “That certainly threw me for a loop! I thought James had died in the war. I always kind of liked him, and I never did understand why Marsha—” She checked herself. “I just don’t know why their marriage didn’t work. Of course, your grandmother Madison was against it from the start.” Lola lit a cigarette and blew out a long puff of blue smoke. “But he’s still just as handsome as ever. I wonder what Marsha will think?”

  “How long will she and Stanley be in Istanbul?” Allison asked.

  “A few more weeks at the very least. They’ve run into some snags. Ever since the war, life’s gotten a lot more complicated over there. Why anyone would want to shoot on location in Istanbul beats me.”

  “I think it sounds terribly interesting,” Heather said.

  “Only if you like dirt and flies. I’m just glad I didn’t have to go. Thank goodness for Stanley. I sure hope this doesn’t ruin their marriage.” Lola laughed.

  It was dark outside now, and Allison observed their images reflected in the dining car’s large plate-glass window. She could still see the faint outline of landscape whizzing by; a lone cow, an occasional tree or fence post. Lola pulled out a tube of lipstick and a little mirror, and Allison watched her reflection in the window as she expertly painted her lips dark red. Lola wasn’t unattractive, but her face was long and her nose narrow. She wore too much makeup, giving her an even harsher look.

  “Heather,” Lola scolded. “For heaven's sake, take off your sunglasses. How can you even see? The sun went down ages ago.”

  Heather laughed and removed the dark green glasses. Her pale eyes were pretty, but there was a blankness to them.

  “Heather, you’re an extremely nice-looking girl. Have you ever considered an acting career? I believe you’d have a very photogenic face.” Lola reached across the table and tilted Heather’s chin to the right and nodded in approval.

  Heather giggled nervously. “Thank you, but I doubt very much they use blind girls in movies.”

  Lola’s hand dropped and she stared into Heather’s eyes. “My goodness, you’re not joking, are you?”

  Heather shook her head. “I could just imagine myself tripping over the scenery and knocking into cameras. If I was supposed to kiss the leading man, I might kiss the horse instead.” Allison burst into laughter at Heather’s description, and even Lola had trouble hiding a smile.

  “Does this camp know about your handicap?” Lola asked in a serious tone.

  “Well, no . . .”

  “But then neither did you, Lola,” Allison pointed out. “At least not until now.”

  “I can’t believe we’re almost there!” Heather exclaimed. Allison watched anxiously for road signs as they sat in the backseat of the hired car.

  “I can’t believe I let your father talk me into this,” Lola said from the front. “This place is out in the middle of nowhere!” She turned to the driver. “Are you sure you’re not lost?”

  “I told you already, ma’am, I know this area like the back of my hand.” He pulled his cap down over his forehead and mumbled to himself about city women.

  “There’s the sign, Lola!” Allison blurted out. “Lakeview Christian Camp, one mile!” The driver turned down the dusty gravel road and sighed in relief.

  “Now, Allison, remember,” Lola began in a hushed voice. “I won’t take any responsibility for Heather’s . . . uh . . . well, you know what I mean!”

  “I know, Lola, we’ve got everything under control. Just relax.”

  They pulled up to an immense building constructed entirely of logs. A tall wooden flagpole stood in front. “This is it,” the driver proclaimed proudly, as if they hadn’t noticed. He unloaded their bags and waited for Lola.

  “You’re sure your father took care of everything, Allison? Do I need to sign anything?”

  “No, Lola, you’ve got all the information in that envelope, and Dad wired money for our fees. Don’t worry, you’re rid of us at last.” Allison couldn’t hide her sarcasm.

  Lola frowned with uncertainty. “Well, you girls have fun, now.” She shifted her purse from one hand to the next. “And drop me a card—let me know how things turn out.”

  “We will, Lola. Thanks for everything,” Heather said politely. Allison watched the car drive away in a cloud of dust, then turned and squinted up at the lodge.

  “Hello, new campers!” A large, buxom woman in khaki shorts clumped down the front steps. “You must be Allison and Heather. I’ve been expecting you. I’m Miss Campbell, the assistant director.” She slapped them both on the back. “Well, you’ve missed half the season, but I hope you’ll enjoy the rest. You’re lucky you had John Stewart in there pitching for you, ‘cause we don’t usually take in stragglers like this. Of course, even God has mercy on latecomers.” She laughed at her own joke and slapped them on the back again. “Hey, Monica!” she yelled across the grassy green knoll that led down to the lake.

  A tall brunette who appeared to be their age looked over and ran up the hill toward them. “Yes?” Monica stood before Miss Campbell almost at attention, then glanced at Allison and scowled.

  “Monica, please show our new campers to their quarters.” Miss Campbell turned back to the girls. “As you know, the boys’ camp is on the other side of the lake. Their grounds are strictly off limits. We do share the same mess facilities, but boys are seated in the north hall and girls in the south. Fraternizing is allowed during free times, but you’ll find that there are precious little of those. We will keep you busy around here.”

  Suddenly, Allison felt herself standing at attention like Monica. “Yes, ma’am,” she answered as if she were now in the army. “We’re looking forward to it.”

  “And pick up some supplies and uniforms on your way,” Miss Campbell added to Monica.

  Allison looked at their pile of luggage. “Should we take these, too?” she asked. Miss Campbell nodded and went back up the steps. As she tried to gather her bags, Allison looked down at her high heels. Not exactly hiking material, she thought. Heather’s weren’t much better. Hopefully they didn’t have far to go.

  “Heather,” Allison suggested, “let’s just take a few things now, then come back for the rest after we change.” She glanced at Monica. “Is that okay?”

  Monica shrugged and took off up the hill behind the lodge. Allison grabbed Heather’s hand and followed along the dirt trail. They tripped and stumbled behind Monica until they came to a smaller log building. Monica went inside as they dropped their bags and gasped for air.

  “Here, I hope these fit.” Monica shoved khaki uniforms at them. She piled on blankets, pillows, and other household supplies.

  “We can’t begin to carry all this stuff,” Allison said.

  “It’s okay. You can make more trips.” Monica took a mop and a bucket and headed on up the hill.

  “Heather,” Allison whispered. “You wait here, and I’ll come back and take you up slowly.” Alli
son dashed after Monica, who seemed part mountain goat, and they climbed and climbed. They passed a number of small log cabins along the way but continued on upward.

  “Say, Monica,” Allison puffed. “Where is this place, anyway—top of the world?”

  “Almost,” Monica answered. “But when you come late like this, it’s the best we can do.”

  Allison’s heel caught on a root and she tripped for the umpteenth time. She set her suitcase by the path and removed her jacket, which was covered in trail dust and debris. She laid it on her suitcase to pick up later, then continued on.

  At last they came to a forlorn cabin high up on the hill. It looked like it had been abandoned for years. Monica opened the squeaky door and tossed her scanty load on the grimy floor, then turned to leave.

  “Is this where we’re supposed to stay?” Allison exclaimed in disbelief as she stared at the shabby cabin. The screens were coated with dust, the floorboards were uneven, and the bunkbeds looked as if they hadn’t been slept in for years, at least not by humans.

  “That’s right. Welcome to Spruce Cabin,” Monica said.

  “Looks more like Sparse Cabin.” Allison groaned.

  “At least you have a nice view.”

  Allison turned around and followed Monica’s gaze. She was amazed at the view before her. The lake shimmered below like a sparkling sapphire framed in green trees. From up here, the camp looked spectacular. “It is beautiful, but Spruce Cabin could use a little sprucing up, don’t you think?”

  “That’s what the broom and mop are for. You see, no one’s used this cabin since—” Monica got a peculiar look in her eye.

  “Since what?”

  “Oh, nothing really. It’s just some people think this cabin is haunted, but you don’t believe in ghosts, do you?”

  “No, I guess not.” Allison looked over her shoulder warily.

  “It’s just nonsense. Don’t let it bother you. By the way, you’re Allison O’Brian, aren’t you?”

  “How did you know?” Allison couldn’t remember any introductions.

  “John Stewart mentioned you when camp started. He was really worried about this redhead he’d met on the train. When he heard you were coming he was thrilled.” Monica turned on her heel and disappeared down the trail.

  Allison quickly unloaded what few belongings she had managed to carry up the hill. She slipped on her loafers and headed back down to fetch Heather.

  “I was starting to wonder if I’d been abandoned,” Heather called as Allison plodded down the trail.

  “I’m sorry, Heather. It’s quite a hike. Do you have some sturdier shoes in that bag?”

  After Allison slowly led Heather up the hill, she situated her with the layout of the cabin, then they both changed clothes and Allison dashed back down the hill to bring up the rest of their gear. It took two more trips before she was able to dump the last load in their cabin. She collapsed on the bed and wondered if her legs would ever function again.

  “I’m sorry, Allison. I’m not much help, am I?”

  Allison glanced around the room and noticed the neatly made bunks and the swept floor. Even the pine needles were gone. “Well, it looks like you’ve been busy, too. It actually looks better in here.”

  “I beat the mattresses before I made the beds. I swept the floor as best I could, but it still feels gritty.”

  “It sure is an improvement. We’ll need to find some water to scrub this floor—it’s disgusting. And if we’re going to spend several weeks here we can at least start out clean.” Allison got her second wind and located a pump next to an ancient-looking outhouse. Allison swept down cobwebs while Heather scrubbed screens, and before long the cabin was almost homey. In the supply bundle, Allison found a small ball of clothesline and strung it between the cabin and outhouse.

  “Heather, just follow this line when you need to visit the facilities. I’ll string up a couple more so you can go out from the cabin a ways. You’ll have to be really careful because there are some drop-offs nearby. If you want to go anywhere else, we’ll have to go together.”

  “I hope I’m not going to bog you down—”

  “Heather Amberwell, don’t you dare think that! I’m just thankful you came. In fact, I like this little cabin up here. It’s kind of like we’re all alone in the wilderness. And the view is fantastic. The lake looks like a bright blue jewel down there, and the sky is so close you can almost reach out and touch it.”

  “I like it, too. It reminds me of when we used to go to Scotland. Even the air smells kind of like that. . . .” The faint sound of a bell ringing below drifted up the hillside, interrupting their quiet moment.

  Allison looked at her watch. “That must be the dinner bell. It’s a good thing, too. I’ve never been so hungry in my life!”

  Allison tied a piece of clothesline to the back of her belt for Heather to hold as they went down the hill. She took it slow and easy and wondered how it would feel to be in Heather’s place.

  In the mess hall, everyone was standing with bowed heads while Miss Campbell prayed. Her long-winded blessing gave the girls plenty of time to slip in unnoticed before she proclaimed a hearty amen. They sat by themselves at a corner table and ate hungrily.

  “At least the food is good,” Allison commented as she took a bite of tender roast beef.

  “Yes, it’d be tasty even if we weren’t starving.”

  “You know, Heather, I’ve got this funny feeling about that Monica. I don’t think she likes me very much.”

  “Allison, you’re awfully suspicious! Monica seemed like a nice enough girl to me. You just haven’t given her much of a chance.”

  “Good evening, ladies, and welcome to Lakeview.” John Stewart stood next to their table and looked at Allison. His eyes were just as blue as she remembered.

  “John Stewart, it’s you! Can you believe this? We’re really here!”

  He grasped her hand and shook it warmly. “And who’s your friend?” He looked at Heather, and as if on cue she turned her head away.

  “This is Heather. She’s kind of shy.” Allison gently jabbed Heather with her elbow. This was their plan when Heather went without sunglasses in the evening. She’d play the part of the shy friend. John looked back to Allison.

  “Where are you staying?”

  “Spruce Cabin.”

  “Spruce Cabin? You’re kidding! They put you way up there?” Allison nodded and John scratched his head. “That’s weird.”

  “It’s okay, John. We cleaned it up and we like it. It has a beautiful view.”

  “Has anyone filled you in on the schedule yet?”

  “Well, not really, but we only just got here.”

  “I probably won’t see much of you ladies. I’m head counselor for the younger teens, and I’ve got a bunch of boys who really keep me on my toes. Last night they put a big snake in the girls’ shower room. Don’t tell, though. No one knows who did it.” He winked knowingly.

  After dinner, Allison and Heather walked down to the lake. The other campers returned to their cabins to prepare for the evening campfire, but the girls decided to avoid the long hike back up and then down again. Instead, they sat on the dock and Allison described the lay of the camp to Heather.

  “There’s a boathouse on the east side of the lake and a long, narrow dock with about twenty rowboats and canoes tied to it. Over to the west looks like a sports area, with nets and ball diamonds and whatnot. Then there’s a roped-off swim area just to our left with a floating dock. The shore looks nice and sandy with lots of inner tubes strewn about, and there’s a long rope swing tied to a tree branch that extends out over the water—it looks like fun.”

  “Sounds swell. I can’t wait for tomorrow, but right now I sure miss Grace and the boys.”

  “I know how you feel. Even though I only got to spend a couple of days with my dad, I really miss him. And Grandpa, too.”

  Heather reached for Allison’s hand. “I understand what it’s like to lose someone you love. Some of those feel
ings never go away . . . they just get easier.”

  The bell rang again and this time it sounded much louder. They heard laughs and hoots from other kids as they poured from their cabins. Allison noticed they wore sweaters and sweat shirts and carried flashlights. It was getting cooler now and a breeze stirred, making small dimples in the lake.

  “You know, Heather, we don’t even have a flashlight to find our way back when it gets dark. I don’t know about you, but I might get us lost.”

  Heather laughed. “A flashlight won’t do me much good, but I’m not very familiar with the trail, either. I’m so tired I wouldn’t mind just returning to our cabin for the night. Do you think anyone would notice or care?”

  “Not if they don’t see us. Besides that, it’s getting cold and we didn’t bring sweaters. We’ll come better prepared tomorrow night.”

  Allison made sure no one noticed as they slowly wound their way up the hill. The climb seemed a tiny bit shorter this time.

  “After a few more trips, I just might figure this trail out,” Heather said with confidence.

  “You’re kidding! How?”

  “Mostly by counting, timing, and just getting the feel of it—it’s hard to explain.”

  The sunset filled Spruce Cabin with a warm, rosy glow, giving it an air of rustic charm. It seemed to welcome them home, like an old friend that had been rescued from a life of destitution.

  “Guess what color the sky is right now?” Allison asked.

  “Pink,” Heather answered without missing a beat. They laughed and stepped inside just as a gray squirrel scurried across the floor and out the open door.

  “What’s that?” Heather squealed, clutching Allison’s arm.

  “Just a cute little squirrel that’s probably been living here all summer. I hope he doesn’t mind being evicted.”

  “I hope he didn’t discover Muriel’s box of treats.”

  “That’s right!” Allison exclaimed. “That walk made me hungry again—how about you?” She fiddled with the kerosene lantern until she finally got it to work. It cast a friendly radiance across the room. They slipped into their flannel nighties and ate coconut macaroons and chocolate fudge on Heather’s bed.