Chapter 11: Revolution

A couple of weeks after semenary, Vera addressed the breakfasting campers.

“This week we’re going to change things up. The men from Cabin 1 will switch places with those from Cabin 2. Cabin 3’s men swap with Cabin 4. And so on. Each of you should feel comfortable with unfamiliar new partners after this exercise.

“In other words, you have an hour after meeting and pairing up to get to know each other, to seduce each other, and to do your best to make each other happy. That’s how it is sometimes: you encounter someone and realize you’re interested and attracted. When that happens, you can’t be passive. Man or woman, you have to express outwardly your inner feelings, not just let a possible match wander away. Find out if the person is open to you, uncommitted, or flexible. You owe them and owe yourself to inquire.

“Now, at camp, for this swap to work, you have to work out any conflicts. That is, if Betty and Veronica are both wanting Archie, they have to Rochambeau—that’s rock, paper, scissors—to decide.

“Before you ask, Archie can express a preference, but it’s not a good idea, because if Betty loses and isn’t Archie’s choice, she might feel resentful. And with daily rotations, Archie’s going to end up with Betty later in the week anyway. Also, the women are picking, not the men. Just like real life. Sorry, boys.”

As Vera expected, conversations erupted all around the dining hall.

“Oscar, what do you know about the guys in Cabin 6?”

“Oh, I know a lot. Two of them have so much acne that tiny little astronauts can be seen exploring the craters on their face. Another has so much greasy body hair that he never wants to wear a coat. The fourth one is so stupid he has to be led inside during rainstorms; otherwise, he would drown from looking up with his mouth open.”

Felicia giggled and punched him in the arm.

“You don’t need to be so jealous. I’m finally starting to get over my resentment when your eyes bug out and you drool when a big chest wanders by.”

“I’m sorry, Felicia. I’m trying to control myself.”

“Just remember that thirty years from now, when I’m still perky and those women’s tits have sagged so far, they might be stepping on them.”

“Oh, you’re mean!”

“Just realistic. Someday I’ll take you down to Florida to meet my Gran. She’s over sixty and never wears a bra. The older men can’t keep their eyes off her. ‘Still got it,’ she says.”

Felicia folded her arms and waited for the proverbial light bulb to illuminate over his head.

“Wait a minute. You said, Gran, someday, and thirty years?”

She simply smiled.

“You mean, after camp—”

Patiently, she waited.

“You want to be my girlfriend? Even after we leave camp?”

Still smiling, she nodded.

“Mm-hm.”

“I can’t believe it! You’re serious?” Stunned and sputtering, he swayed in his seat at the table.

“If you want,” she said coolly.

Helen was on his left, sounding irritated.

“You need to kiss her, dumb ass.”

Oscar shook his head slightly, as if to realign the rack of marbles inside. Then he used his hand on her chin to turn her face and kissed her with just enough pressure to show his deep feelings.

“Thank you,” he breathed.

“I love you too, dork.”

Felicia paired with Jaden from Cabin 6. Already, she was having concerns about him. He seemed out of sorts, or out of place; somehow, he showed signs of discomfort.

“Jaden, please tell me about yourself.”

“Oh, I’m nothing special.”

“Oh, that’s not good enough. Is there someone special to you back in Cabin 6?”

“No, not really. All four of them seem OK to me.”

“OK, let’s try something different. I’m Felicia Younger, at your service, from across the river in Trenton. I have a younger brother; he’s 14, and he’s still scared of girls. Instead, he plays a lot of cooperative video games. Jaden, do you play video games?”

“Um, I used to. But my parents thought I spent too much time in my room on the computer.” He sighed heavily. “I think they were right. Before this camp, I never had, well, I never dated.”

“Sounds to me like coming here is a good thing for you. Are you liking us girls more now?”

“Oh, I like girls. I’m doing all the sex stuff. It’s just, well, I have trouble with the talking part.”

“No shit, Sherlock!” thought Felicia, plowing on.

“I want to know, Jaden. Tell me about your family, your plans for the fall, what you do for entertainment, and anything else you want to share. Trust me, the better we know each other, the better it will be when we’re together in bed.”