Camp Club Girls: Elizabeth

by Brumbaugh Green, Renae;

  Elizabeth nodded. “Thank you. I will.” When she got to the door, she saw the look on Bailey’s face. She knew that look.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “Come with us,” Bailey said.

  Moments later the three girls stood on tiptoes in a snowbank next to the faculty lodge, trying to peer into a window.

  “Are you sure this is the right room?” Elizabeth asked.

  “No, but I’m pretty sure.” Bailey hopped up and down, trying to see inside. It was no use. The more she hopped, the more she packed down the snow.

  “And what makes you think this is his room?” Elizabeth gave up trying to be tall enough. The window was out of reach.

  Kristi leaned against the wall. “During my last class, I remembered something I forgot to tell you all. When Robert dropped his things, he dropped a key with the number 117 on it. Since all of these buildings are similar, I figured out where room 117 would be in our lodge. First floor, east wall, second window from the back. I’m hoping this building has the same layout.”

  “Well, there’s only one way to know for sure. One of us has to go inside and get a look at the room numbers,” Elizabeth said.

  “That’s easier said than done. They’ve got a guard dog at the entrance.” Bailey looked annoyed.

  “A guard dog?”

  “She means an attendant,” Kristi clarified. “There’s a woman at the front desk, and you have to show your faculty ID to get in. I guess they don’t want us bothering the VIPs while they’re resting.”

  Elizabeth leaned against the brick wall and thought about something she’d read in her schedule. She was starting to form a plan. But they might need help…from Mary-Lynn.

  Later that evening, Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror in her room and tried not to laugh.

  “Unbelievable,” whispered Bailey.

  “You’re good,” Kristi told Mary-Lynn.

  Mary-Lynn gave a few finishing touches to Elizabeth’s hair and make-up, then stood back and surveyed her handiwork. “Perfect. You look just like a Dolly Parton wannabe. I’m so glad you asked me to give you a makeover! I’m a little surprised, though. You don’t really seem the Dolly Parton type to me.”

  Bailey giggled. “She’s too tall to be Dolly Parton.”

  “She’s too skinny. She needs more padding,” Kristi commented.

  Mary-Lynn looked Elizabeth over from head to toe, then opened Bailey’s suitcase and began rummaging around. She pulled out some socks and tossed them to Elizabeth.

  “I may be good at what I do, but I’m not a miracle worker. This is as good as it’s gonna get.”

  Confused, Elizabeth began to put on the socks.

  The other three burst into laughter. “Um, Beth? Those aren’t for your feet!”

  Elizabeth finally got the message when Bailey pointed to her chest.

  A short time later, Elizabeth waited in the shadows by the faculty building, watching the various faculty members walk by in celebrity costumes as they left their lodge. There was a fake Carrie Underwood, a fake Johnny Cash, and a fake Reba McEntire. She held her laughter as she saw the dignified Mr. Forrest dressed as Willie Nelson.

  I hate to miss their show tonight. The celebrity spoof should be hilarious! But this may be the only way to get into this building, she thought. She fingered the fake faculty ID Kristi had made and hoped the receptionist wouldn’t ask to see it up close. It wasn’t perfect, but would be fine at a distance.

  Finally, when it seemed the coast was clear, she stepped out of the shadows. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the building and walked in, head held high, as if she belonged.

  The receptionist gave her a puzzled look, then laughed. “Great outfit, Dolly,” she said. “I didn’t see you going out. Did you forget something?”

  Elizabeth nodded, waved, and kept walking. The woman didn’t try to stop her.

  Rounding the corner, she walked down the long corridor to the second door from the end. Room 117, just as they had thought. With a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, she turned the knob. It was locked. They hadn’t talked about her trying to get in Robert Kranfield’s room, or she would have brought the key with her. But as long as she was here, she might as well try. When would they get another opportunity like this? And the building was empty, except for the receptionist.

  She pulled a bobby pin from her oversprayed hair and unfolded it, thinking of the countless times her little brother, James, had locked her out of her own bedroom.

  I never thought I’d be grateful for your stunts, little brother. But it’s given me some good practice, she thought.

  She poked it into the tiny keyhole and began wiggling. Soon she heard a click, and she pushed the door open.

  With one last look around, she stepped into the room. Joshua Conrad posters covered the walls. Why would he take the time to hang posters, when he’ll only be here a few days? Joshua Conrad flyers and magazine covers were scattered on the bed and dresser. The guitar. Look for the guitar.

  Something in the closet caught her eye. She turned around and gasped.

  Found and Lost?

  There, leaning against the back wall of the wide-open closet, were three different guitars. Pretty fancy ones too. Could one of these be Kristi’s?

  Elizabeth moved closer, examining each guitar without touching it. One was shiny black with little flowers painted on the side. The middle one was a rich purple—an electric guitar. The final one was bright red with a lightning bolt on it.

  But no, none of these seemed right. What was it Kristi had said about the guitar? It was very valuable. But hadn’t she called it, “beat-up” looking? No, these guitars were in mint condition.

  She abandoned them and continued looking. She hadn’t planned to search the room—only to verify that this was the right room. She knew the others would be waiting for her report. They’d gone to the faculty show, in hopes no one would notice Elizabeth’s absence. If anyone asked about her whereabouts, they could just point them to the ladies’ room or something. But here she was, in Robert’s room, going through his things.

  What was that? Footsteps in the hall, followed by voices, caused her to freeze. She looked around for a hiding place, and then let out her breath as the voices passed by and continued down the hall. I’ve got to get out of here before I get caught. She started toward the door, opening it carefully and peering into the hallway. Clear.

  As an afterthought, she rushed to the window and tried to unlock the latch. She struggled with it for a moment, but it was stuck. She finally gave up.

  With one last look around the room, she stepped into the hallway. She was about to shut the door when something under the bed caught her eye. Was that a guitar head?

  The very corner of a black head—the handle—stuck out from under the bedspread. She could see two of the tuning pegs. Then she heard more voices.

  Do I go back in? Do I leave and come back later? Oh God, what should I do?

  The voices came from the lobby. Was that Lori’s voice? And Robert’s? She quickly backed out of the room and shut the door. Keeping her head down, she walked quickly up the hallway, nearly bumping into Robert as she turned the corner.

  Head down. Don’t make eye contact. Oh God, please don’t let them recognize me!

  Robert said, “Oh, excuse me, ma’am. I didn’t see you there.”

  With a laugh, Lori exclaimed, “Great Dolly Parton getup. You’d better hurry—they’ve already started the show.”

  Elizabeth nodded and kept walking. She pushed her way through the double glass doors, and then took off running. She had to find the others.

  Her breath made little white clouds in the cold air, and the snow crunched under her feet. Her high heels slowed her some, and she nearly lost her balance more than once. These boots were made for walking, not running!

  She was only a few feet from her destination when her foot caught on a patch of ice. She slipped, going down on her well-padded bottom, her hair falling
in a teased mass over her eyes.

  “Elizabeth. Is that you?”

  Oh no. It can’t be.

  “Elizabeth, are you all right?”

  Slowly, Elizabeth brushed her hair out her eyes. Sure enough, Mr. Forrest was standing over her, his fake Willie Nelson braid hanging over his shoulder. He reached out a hand to help her up.

  “Oh, uh…hi, Mr. Forrest.” She took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet. “You have to be careful on these icy sidewalks,” he told her.

  She brushed herself off and tried not to think about her throbbing backside. “Thank you,” she said.

  Mr. Forrest eyed her curiously. “That’s quite a getup you’re wearing. You look like you should be part of our show.”

  Elizabeth laughed nervously. “Yeah, it’s the funniest thing! My friends…uh…they dressed me like this and, uh…”

  “Say no more,” the man said. “I can recognize a dare when I see one. You’re a good sport. What, did you lose a bet? Oh, never mind. I don’t even want to know. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, you’d better get in there. Willie Nelson’s on in about five minutes, and you wouldn’t want to miss him!” He winked and headed around the building, toward what she assumed was the backstage entrance.

  Dusting herself off, she entered the building and slipped into the auditorium, where she found Kristi and Bailey waiting for her in the back row. Mr. Forrest was just making his entrance onto the stage.

  “What happened?” Bailey whispered.

  “I think I may have found the guitar!”

  “You went in his room?” Bailey exclaimed.

  “What? Did you bring it with you?” Kristi asked a little too loudly.

  The people in front of them turned. “Shhhhh!” they hissed.

  “Sorry,” Elizabeth whispered. Leaning closer to her friends, she said, “There wasn’t time. Besides, what if it wasn’t the right guitar? He had several guitars in his room.”

  Kristi leaned her head against the back wall. “Great. So close, yet so far.”

  Bailey said, “What are we gonna do now?”

  Willie Nelson finished his song, and the audience roared with applause. Elizabeth joined them, and Bailey hooted and hollered. One of the “shushers” from the row in front of them turned, and this time, he caught sight of Elizabeth’s costume.

  “Hey, it’s Dolly Parton!” he called out.

  Several others turned and pointed. Before long, someone started chanting, “Dolly! Dolly!”

  Elizabeth looked like a deer caught in the headlights. She had thought she would report to her friends, then slip back to her room to get out of the crazy getup.

  Mr. Forrest was still on stage. A slow smile spread across his face, and he leaned into the microphone. “That’s right, folks. We have a surprise visit from Ms. Dolly Parton! Come on up here, Dolly.”

  If ever she had wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole, she wanted it now. Oh God, no…please no…she prayed.

  Bailey gave her a gentle shove into the aisle, and the crowd roared its approval. Breathe, Elizabeth. Breathe!

  Slowly, she put one foot in front of the other and began making her way to the front of the room. A voice whispered in her head, Play the part.

  As the applause rang in her ears, she took a deep breath, then forced herself to relax, forced herself to smile. Mr. Forrest held his hand out to her and escorted her up the stairs to the stage.

  “Hello, Dolly! We’re so glad you could join us this evening. Are you going to sing us a song?”

  Elizabeth let out a nervous, high-pitched laugh. Play the part. She spoke in the deepest Southern accent she could manage, and said, “Why Willie! I wouldn’t want to sing right after you! You’re a tough act to follow!”

  Mr. Forrest placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder. “Oh, nonsense. You’re a legend. These people want to hear you sing!”

  She couldn’t think of any easy way out of this situation. Phrases of country songs floated through her mind, but she couldn’t think of a single Dolly Parton song. Not a single one! Oh, why did I ever think this was a good idea? I’m going to blow my cover, right here in front of everyone.

  Then again, no one here knew it was really her. Well, almost no one. She realized that the costume—ridiculous as it was—gave her a certain freedom. She could hide, in a way, because the people weren’t looking at Elizabeth. They were looking at some unknown person dressed as a country music legend.

  Sing a hymn! Of course! Almost all country singers sang hymns at their concerts.

  “Well Willie, I suppose I could sing just one little song before I have to be on my way. I wouldn’t want to disappoint your audience, after all!”

  Seating herself at the grand piano, she played a few warm-up chords.

  “This is a song my Grandpa always loves for me to sing.” She began playing “Amazing Grace,” and the room grew quiet. In a quiet voice, she sang every word, every verse, allowing herself to get lost in the music. She pictured Grandpa sitting right there, listening to her. Just last week, she had sat in his living room and sung this very song for him.

  As she finished the last notes of the song, she sat in silence, relishing the feel of the grand piano beneath her fingers, and she almost forgot she was singing in front of a room full of people. Dressed as Dolly Parton.

  There was no sound in the room for several long seconds. Then, she heard one person’s applause. Then another, and another, until the entire room was on its feet. They’re giving me a standing ovation!

  She stood and bowed.

  No Lord, she prayed, they’re giving You a standing ovation.

  She realized, in a whole new way, that Mrs. Crenshaw’s words were true. For a brief moment, Elizabeth had forgotten about herself. The costume had allowed her to leave her shyness, her insecurities behind, and she just worshipped God. And because of it, she led the entire room in worship. It didn’t matter at all that no one knew it was Elizabeth under all that make-up and hair. What mattered was that they experienced God.

  Mr. Forrest leaned forward and whispered, “Well done.”

  She smiled at him, and he directed her backstage, toward an exit. The other faculty members smiled and told her what a great job she’d done. As she passed by, she heard them whispering, “Who is that?”

  “I have no idea. Must be a friend of Rick’s.”

  She pushed open the heavy door and made her way around the building, to the sidewalk. Bailey and Kristi were waiting for her.

  “That was amazing!” Bailey exclaimed.

  “Honestly, Elizabeth. You belong on the stage!” Kristi told her.

  Elizabeth could feel her heart pounding within her chest. “Thanks, y’all. Now, I’ve got to get out of this ridiculous getup!”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Bailey said with a sly grin. “I think it’s a good look for you.”

  Elizabeth gathered up a handful of snow and tossed it in Bailey’s direction, then took off running. Unfortunately, her boots slowed her down, and Bailey’s aim was excellent. So was Kristi’s. Before reaching her lodge, she was covered in snow and slush.

  “Oh well. I needed a shower, anyway,” she called from the building entrance. When Bailey and Kristi caught up with her, she stuffed a handful of the icy crystals down each of their coats, and then entered the building. She knew they wouldn’t continue the snow war indoors.

  A short while later, Elizabeth emerged from a nice, hot shower that wasn’t nearly long enough. Wrapped in her fluffy robe, she found Bailey and Kristi waiting for her. Bailey held the phone in her hand.

  “I’ve got the others on the line. Tell us again what you saw in Robert’s room.”

  Elizabeth shared every detail.

  “You’ve got to get back in that room,” Sydney said.

  “Yeah, but when? Robert will be sleeping there at night, so you can’t go then. One of you will have to miss a class in the morning, and sneak back in,” said Alex.

&nb
sp; McKenzie let out a heavy sigh. “I hate that you’ll have to do it in the daytime. Someone might see you. Do you think Robert goes out at night?”

  “I don’t know,” Elizabeth replied.

  “Hey, do you think Robert and Lori are dating? If they are, they may go on a long moonlight walk…or something,” Bailey suggested.

  “The conversation I heard didn’t sound like they were in love,” Elizabeth said.

  “We may just have to wait until tomorrow morning, and go during his first class.”

  “We can’t,” said Kristi.

  Elizabeth and Bailey looked at their friend. She’d remained silent up until that point.

  Kristi pulled out her schedule. “You guys must have forgotten. Tomorrow, we’re taking a field trip to one of the studios.” She paused and looked at each of them. “And guess which studio it is?”

  Later that night, Elizabeth lay wide awake, staring into the darkness. They had gone to bed early since they had to be at the buses at 8:00 a.m. If they wanted breakfast, they’d have to be at the dining hall by seven fifteen.

  She was certain that had been Kristi’s guitar under Robert’s bed. Why didn’t I just grab it? But then again, I did run into Robert and Lori on the way out. They would have seen it. But I could have dropped it out the window. But no, it might have been damaged. And without knowing for sure it was the right guitar…

  Elizabeth continued to toss and turn, trying to figure out how to retrieve the stolen guitar. She sat up in bed. Was someone tapping on the door?

  “Did you hear that?” Bailey whispered through the darkness.

  “Yes. What time is it?”

  “Eleven twenty-seven.”

  Elizabeth fumbled to find the lamp on the bedside table. Squinting, she made her way to the door, Bailey close behind her. It was Kristi. She was bundled up in her coat and scarf, and she held a flashlight.

  “I can’t sleep,” she said. “I’ve decided to go spy on Robert’s room. I know he’s probably asleep, but I have to do something.”

  “Well, you’re not going alone. Give us a minute to get dressed.” Elizabeth held the door open for her friend to enter.