Push - Chapter Ten
Title: Push
Fandom: Camp Rock
Genre: Alternate Universe Drama/Literary Fiction
Rating: PG-13, maybe higher (for language, implied violence, and intense/ possibly scary situations)
Information: Most musicians can’t fathom not performing, no matter what demons may stand in their way. Sometimes they just need a little push.
PREVIOUS CHAPTER: http://leftygirl02.livejournal.com/180021.html
Author’s Note: So after a very long break its back. Still not sure if I like it, but it's done (Doesn't that make you want to read this one? Ha)
Two days; had it really been that long? Jake rubbed her eyes before glancing out the cafeteria windows again. It didn’t seem possible, yet she knew it was true. Her cell phone screen, her mom, and even the small calendar kept in the kitchen had all told her it was now Friday, meaning two days had passed since the craziness of Wednesday. Compared to that brouhaha, all the camp drama seemed rather tame.
Fortunately the speculation among the campers over what had happened in practice hut three had settled, of which Jake was thankful. She had no real idea what Brown had told anyone in regards to the reason for such a mess, and frankly she really didn’t care. Not when it came to that day; the day of craziness. The day she had finally met the young man whom she had run in to the first day of camp, only to have been told of his departure.
Jake snapped her head forward again. She was for the ninth - tenth, or maybe twentieth? - time zoning out. She had been feeling rather disjointed since those two evenings ago, which her logic told her was silly. She hadn’t known Nate; they’d spoken only two sentences to each other.
“You…” If she allowed her thoughts to slip, Jake’s mind still saw the dark eyes looking at her, the look in them reflecting that hauntingly gripping look. “I… I ran into you…”
“Yeah, yeah you did.”
“Sorry about that…”
If only she’d been given the chance to say goodbye. She and Shane had pulled onto the grounds upon their return from the hospital just in time to see a car leaving. The sight had made Jake’s heart drop. It was silly; a silly reaction. Yet the fact remained that she had been hoping for the chance to talk to him, if only to say goodbye. Now though that opportunity was gone.
Enough of that, now. Adjusting the blinds to allow sunlight in Jake continued getting the cafeteria through its morning opening prep work. Early morning sunlight danced across the floor. The worship hymnal her family’s congregation always seemed to sing on Sundays suddenly came to Jake’s mind, odd to her since it really had nothing to do with the sight before her now.
“This is the season for a new anointing; This is the season for a fresh outpouring…”
Jake grabbed hold of a chair leg before setting it down on the floor. One down… she scanned the room. Only another 49 or so to go.
“This is the day, this is the day, This is the day that the Lord has made…” her mind sang. Jake let out a sigh and set down another chair. It may be a day the Lord had made, yet it would still be a long one.
#
Mitchie yawned heavily as she crossed through camp from her cabin. One thing was certain to her; if she came back next year, there would be no more breakfast shifts. It was hard enough trying to get up in time for them without the added threat of waking her cabin mates in the process. Sure the camp grounds were pretty this time of day, yet her bed was a much better sight.
She was just pulling out her key to the cafeteria when Mitchie noticed a white lump on the balcony which surrounded one side of the building. What on earth? She stopped to let her tired thoughts catch up with what her eyes were seeing. Food delivery? No, that comes after breakfast…
She moved towards the balcony again. From closer viewing the lump looked less like boxes and more like a pile of sheets. This isn’t the laundry hut. Why would someone leave their stuff here? Mitchie stepped onto the stairs and poked the lump experimentally. To her surprise her finger didn’t go down at all, but rather hit something hard and solid. Something solid which shifted as her fingers touched it. Mitchie’s hand recoiled and a shriek escaped her throat as a gruff voice spoke from under the cloth.
“Can’t a guy get some peace!” She recognized that voice all-too-well. The sheet was thrown off in a huff, revealing a scowling Shane Gray.
Mitchie swallowed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean… sorry.”
Shane groaned again, a hand traveling towards the mop of hair which while disheveled still managed to look pretty good. “You said that already.”
“Sor-“ Mitchie stopped herself. Not that it appeared to matter much. It seemed Shane’s pissed-off look began right from the moment he was awake. She watched him drop his hands roughly to his lap.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded.
“You’re - well, outside the cafeteria,” Mitchie explained quickly, at the same time taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm her still-racing heart. His look changed to one which suggested he thought her words just now had been downright idiotic. Mitchie held up the key to illustrate her next sentence. “And I need to get inside.”
“I… God…” Shane glanced around then looked towards the sky. Mitchie kept her eyes on his face, forcing herself not to look downward towards his chest, the muscles of which were still somewhat defined underneath the white beater he wore. His tone changed as their eyes met once more, shifting as if he had just realized something horrible. “God! What time is it?”
Mitchie blinked. “Um, well it’s seven-thirty. Or close to it anyway. Breakfast is served at eight, so I-“
“Seven-thirty, as in the seven-thirty which comes before noon?”
Mitchie blinked a few more times. “Yeah. If you want to hang around here I can get you-“
“Seven-thirty,” Shane repeated absently, shaking his head and shifting so he was on his knees. “This is what it looks like.”
He didn’t sound impressed. Mitchie found herself struggling for something to say in response. “Um-“
“People get up for this?”
“Well, some of us have work to do,” Jake’s voice sharply called from towards the doorway before them. Mitchie hadn’t even heard the door being unlocked much less opened.
Shane pulled himself to his feet, his face showing just how much he liked being scolded. He folded his arms. “And some of us,” he snapped, mimicking Jake’s tone, “have sleeping to do.”
“That’s what cabins are for.” Jake crossed her arms. “Why are-“
“You’ll have to get up in half-an-hour anyway,” Mitchie offered. For his part, Shane just glared, yet not at her. His eyes didn’t leave her sister, creating a rather awkward pause. Mitchie cleared her throat. “Look, I’m in - I know you have a nine am class today, so if you want to eat before-“
“There was an ‘if’ to that sentence of which I liked the sound.” Shane bundled together his sheet and pillow under an arm. “Now if you excuse me, the huts should be open by now.”
“The - why?” Mitchie asked.
Shane glanced her way then spoke very slowly. “Because. I. Need. Some-where. To. Sleep.”
“Don’t you-“ She had no time to finish before he was gone. She began to call after him when Jake stopped her.
“Don’t mind Nick Carter two-point-oh, Mitchie. The stick must’ve gotten stuck further up his butt last night.” The words sounded bitter, and yet something odd about them. Mitchie sighed before heading into the building. The lights were already on and the chairs moved to the floor, meaning the dining area was ready.
“Wow, you’re fast,” she commented, hoping to break at least some of the tension from earlier. Jake, however kept quiet, an oddity for her. Jake was a morning person. Mitchie turned to find her still in the doorway staring out towards the field. “Jake?”
Jake cleared her throat and shut the door. Maybe it was the lighting, yet Mitchie thought she saw her sister’s face changing color. “Yeah?”
“What’s going on? You’ve been odd lately.”
“It’s nothing.” Well, that was a lie. Mitchie’s eyes trailed from her sister to the doorway again. It was then that she realized what - or actually, who - Jake had been…
“Is this about..” she began, raising an eyebrow in the process.
“No!” Jake interrupted. She shoved her hands into her pockets. “No, Mitchie. Don’t get one of your ideas, please.”
“Hey, honey,” Mitchie suddenly felt two hands grab onto her head and her body being pulled into someone else’s. Her mom’s voice came near her ear. “Sleep well?”
Mitchie nodded. Connie kissed Mitchie’s forehead, bringing a small smile to her face. “Thanks, Mom.”
“You still look tired, mija. You sure you slept okay?”
“Any time before noon and she’s dead to the world. You know that.” Jake had grabbed the tray of table shakers and was already towards the counter.
Connie let out a small laugh. She turned back to Mitchie. “Well then, stay away from anything that can catch fire. Now, come on.”
Mitchie just looked towards her sister, whose face had seemed to gloss over in the matter of seconds since speaking. Something was bothering her; it didn't take a genius to figure that much. Mitchie felt her curiosity double as she suddenly became determined to find out what it was.
#
He’d known better than to be outside where the fan girls were this time of day. The schedule here was as clock work, meaning he could now time their appearances. And no girl was supposed to have been at the cafeteria before breakfast. None. Stupid camp; it really was going to be a long summer.
I hate my life.
Shane paused to adjust the sheet and pillow under his arm. Brown’s rules really had no protocol for what to when one slept with a chainsaw, one which’s sound somehow had sliced through the barrier he’d set up that morning consisting of two pillows and a set of blankets. Somehow Shane hadn’t noticed the sound before, or at least it hadn’t bothered him so much until this morning. That was why he had abandoned his cabin for someplace quieter.
No matter; since he was now fully awake thanks to the stupid girl and Jake, he might as well go somewhere else. Shane walked the path slowly towards his cabin. The sound was gone; could it be he’d… Shane opened the door forcefully upon his entrance. The empty bed across from his was the first thing he noticed. Oh; right. Well now maybe he could have some peaceful sleep.
Or perhaps he could have some fun. A smile crossed his face. Shane ran down the steps, his load still in hand as he did. He made his way towards the huts, knowing exactly which one to enter. Ignoring the barrier set up by Brown the day before Shane went inside hut number three. In the middle of cleaning supplies and trash bags he found the dark haired menace himself.
Before the other young man had time to speak, Shane grinned and called, “Hey, little bro. Miss me?”
#
Wait, he did what?” Jake paused midway across the kitchen from the counter which only seconds ago had been her destination, the tray of sugar shakers still in her hands.
“He - oh, you heard me,” Mitchie replied.
Actually she hadn’t. Whatever the crime or rude act, she shouldn’t have been surprised; it was Shane Gray they were talking about. More like that Mitchie had been talking about non-stop. The intensive talking hadn’t let up since they’d reached the kitchen. Mitchie had an idea about something for sure, and Jake had a sinking suspicion on just what it was all about.
“Nevermind; I don’t want to know. But... no one said or did anything about it?” she asked, still unsure of what they were talking about in the moment.
“Well, no.” Mitchie bit her lip. “I mean, he’s-“
“I know, I know, Shane Gray.” How deep did fan devotion go, anyway? Think I’m getting a migraine, Jake thought bitterly as her sister continued babbling along. Jake screwed off the lids of the shakers on her tray angrily. A twisted thought crossed her mind then as she wondered if the girls around here were really so… what was the word, shallow?... as to stand all the crap just in order to say they had been in the presence of the Shane Gray. Jake shuddered, yet the anger inside continued to grow. “That’s just stupid, Mitchie. It’s pathetic, that’s what it is, going gaga over a guy like that, especially him!”
Mitchie looked hurt. “Why do you care, anyway?”
“I don’t!”
“Could have fooled me.”
Jake groaned. “I’m just - sick of his crap, that’s all. He acts like he runs this place. The way he’s been acting, I’m surprised someone didn’t do something to him.”
“Do something, what do you mean?”
“Like put shaving cream in his hand, or maybe take some scissors to that hair of his.”
“You mean, cut his hair?” Mitchie gasped, causing Jake to laugh.
“Well, it’s what I’d do. He looks overdo for a trim, anyway. Oh Mitchie, I’m kidding.” Only she wasn’t fully.
Mitchie shook her head. “You’re crazy.”
“And you’re piddling again.” Connie side stepped around Jake, bringing with her the second tray of sugar shakers. “Less yapping, more work please.”
“Alright. I’ll start the dishes.” Mitchie grabbed the apron on her way towards the back.
Jake sighed as she grabbed the container of sugar and began refilling the shakers.
“Are you okay, mija?” her mother asked as she flashed a glance of concern her way. Jake gave back a small smile, hoping it would deter any questions. Slowly she began filling the shakers, although her heart wasn’t in it.
“Yeah, sure,” Jake replied sullenly, snapping back to attention. Clearing her throat she added, “Sorry. I’m just zoning out again.”
Connie brushed some of the white powder from off the counter. “I’ve noticed. You sure you’re okay? Something on your mind?”
Jake shook her head. Her mom continued watching, prompting her to finally ask, “Why?”
“Well, you’ve been standing there putting flour in those shakers, that’s all.”
Jake gasped and looked down to find her mom was correct. No way; she could have sworn it had been the right canister she’d grabbed off the shelf. Quickly she began scooping together the shakers which had already been done. “Oh, Mom, I’m so, so sorry-“
Connie reached over and cupped Jake’s chin into her hand. “I know you are, mija. Does this have anything to do with what happened Wednesday?”
Yes. Jake sighed, unsure of what to say at first. Her mom was still waiting for an answer. Jake sighed. “Yeah, sorta.”
“Mija.” The two shared a hug for a moment. Connie squeezed her daughter tighter than usual, which brought some comfort to Jake. “Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. Take this batch of cookie dough to the walk-in then gather the trash.”
“Yes ma’am.” Jake grabbed the bowl and was about to begin on her way when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked back towards to mom. “Something else?”
“Take your time with the trash. Walk around; get some fresh air,” her mom instructed.
Taking a walk sounded like about the last thing Jake wanted to do at the moment. “But, Mom, Mitchie’s-“
“I’ll worry about Mitchie. You do as you’re told. Now.” Connie took hold of both of Jake’s shoulders and pushed her towards the cooler. “And I’d better not see you again for at least ten minutes, you hear me?”
Jake stumbled her way towards the back gripping tight on the bowl. The last thing she needed would be to drop it, although that would be her luck right about now. She took great care in making sure she had completed her tasks correctly and not missed anything.
As she made her way to the back steps she felt herself relax a little. It’s going to be a good day, she thought to herself. You’ll see. It’s gotta get better. Her mind slipped back to the lyrics she had sang earlier.
“This is the day, this is the day…” Jake sang under her breath. She dropped the bags of trash into the dumpster then dropped the lid. She flinched slightly at the loud clang the lid made as it closed again. Opps. She turned and walked out of the area again. “I will rejoice, I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it…”
That hadn’t taken long at all. The kitchen dumpster was only a few feet from the building. It made Jake wonder briefly why Shane had been so lazy that afternoon when this had been his duty. Ugh; why had her thoughts gone back to him? Jake pushed up the sleeves of her long-sleeved shirt. It had been silly to wear it, anyway. She could tell even now it was going to be a hot day.
Her mom had been right about one thing; she needed to not think for awhile. She’d go where her feet took her then. Jake passed a few of the practice huts, the song still on the edge of her breath.
“That the sons and daughters of the king of glory may arise and shine…” The line reached her head just as she passed the row of cabins, making her chuckle. She imagined hardly anyone was ready to rise and shine just yet this morning. As she walked around the cabins Jake took extra care towards not making any unnecessary noise. Some movement was coming from various buildings, yet not much. Music could even be heard playing in the wooded area nearby. These kids were dedicated, Jake had to give them that.
She allowed her thoughts to wander as she continued throughout the grounds. It was day four of camp; how many more did that leave? Hopefully those which remained would be less adventurous. Jake pondered on how things were going back at home and how her dad was doing. She should write him a letter tonight.
The reflection of sunlight on water caught Jake’s eye. Her feet had taken her to the lake. She felt tempted to take off her shoes as she walked the shore, casting her eyes downward. A small line of buildings came into view all-too-soon. Her stomach lurched at the sight. Her feet had taken her right to the cabin. The Gray brothers’ cabin; no, just Shane’s now. Turning quickly on her heel Jake headed back in the other direction. Hurriedly she resumed singing as well.
The song fell silent as she reached the clearing near the practice huts once more. One in particular caught her eye, the one with a taped up window on its door. That must have been where all the commotion had taken place. Jake wondered just what story Brown had come up with to tell the campers. Maybe she would ask later.
Actually, that wasn’t a bad idea. She’d never actually been given the chance to talk to Brown within the last day or so, not since being at the hospital. Things had been too busy for that. Life didn’t stop for anything, after all. Jake paused, continuing to look towards the cardboard and tape where once glass had been. The whole walk thing had been a bad idea after all. No sense in dallying any longer.
Turning again Jake went around the building and began making her way back towards the kitchen. The sound of voices came from behind. Jake turned, entertaining the thought that they might be coming from inside the building itself. It died upon seeing campers running through the field towards the kitchen as well. It was almost time for breakfast, after all.
#
“So where were you this morning?” Caitlyn asked as she, Lola and Mitchie made their way through the food line. It seemed her presence had been missed this morning. Before she could answer another voice carried from across the room.
“Mitchie, over here.” Tess made a motion with her head for Mitchie to come join her and the other two girls at the table. Mitchie bit her lip. That was right; they needed to discuss their performance of Satuday.
“Sorry,” she hurridly whispered to Caitlyn who was still getting the last bit of food in line. “I’ll catch you at lunch, though.”
“That’s what you said about breakfast,” Lola interjected. “And dinner yesterday.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I promise though, lunch. Us. You two and me.” She didn’t wait for an answer before hurridly making her way across the cafeteria. About halfway across was when she saw the figure of her mother in the room. Uh, no; not when I’m sitting with them, please.
“Hi, girls,” Connie called cheerfully. The other girls at the table were staring at her, making Mitchie want to sink to the floor.
“Um, hi,” she called, trying to sound friendly enough to appease her mom while also maintaining aloofness as not to gain suspicion. “Yummy breakfast.”
She regretted the words as soon as she said them. Connie put a hand on her hip. “And what would you know about it, you haven’t touched anything.”
“Breakfast carbs are a huge no-no,” Tess informed the older woman as she pushed away her plate. Mitchie sent her mom a fierce look, attempting to speed up the growingly awkward conversation. Her mom cast back a knowing look, the sort only a mother could look. Mitchie quickly looked away and stared back at her plate.
“Oh, pardon me,” her mother was saying. Mitchie didn’t allow her eyes to leave the plate in front of her. “I just wanted to meet Mitchie’s new friends.”
Mitchie listened as the other girls at the table introduced themselves. Thankfully, her mom didn’t have the chance to make her own introduction before headed back towards the kitchen. Only then did she raise her eyes again.
“That was weird,” Peggy commented.
Across the table Tess had an eyebrow disdainfully raised. Mitchie forced herself not to swallow as the blonde looked towards her. “You know her?”
“Yeah.” Mom, why’d you have to put me on the spot? Mitchie’s mind reeled only a few seconds before the words came. “Don’t you? She’s famous.”
“Famous?” It was Ella who spoke this time.
“Well yeah,” Mitchie took a bite of her food as she contemplated what more to say. “I mean, she’s just about the best celebrity chef out there. She worked for Nick and Jessica before they broke up, and you know, folks like that. Thought you knew that. We’re lucky we even got her here.”
The words came out faster than Mitchie could have managed to stop them. She couldn’t help but squirm though. It would only be a matter of time before the truth came out. Maybe she should…
“You guys! Look at this,” Tess declared motioning to the phone in her hand. Mitchie had to get up from where she had been sitting to see the screen, which made her the last to get there. Looking over Tess’s shoulder she found the web browser opened to a familiar site, a picture engulfing the screen. As the other girls whispered and chatted, Mitchie continued to stare.
No… way…