Girl on the Run by B. R. Myers

the morning, Spencer,” Lacey ordered, totally ignoring my mouth hanging open at her pathetic response. Who knew Lacey was such a pushover?
    â€œI hope you’re feeling better for the talent show tonight,” one of the cupettes cooed as he strutted by her. He didn’t even slow.
    â€œYou know he’s faking,” I said to Lacey.
    â€œNo, it’s true,” one of the girls defended. “He has allergy-induced asthma.”
    Lacey and I exchanged a look.
    â€œWhat’s he allergic to?” I asked.
    â€œShellfish.”
    I looked over at Liam and Duff, who were rolling their eyes.
    â€œWell, it makes sense,” the cupette continued, flicking her own little blond ponytail. “We’re on the beach.”
    â€œOf a lake,” Liam said.
    Duff gave a few signs. I caught his eye then signed back a few words they’d taught me. The twins grinned back, and we had a bit of a laugh at the cupette’s expense. Each day they taught me new words, and I had to admit, the inclusion felt good.
    Lacey frowned at us. “I’m not going to be held responsible for his death,” she said. “Besides, his dad owns the camp. I’d be fired for sure if he complained.”
    Spencer had made his way all the way up the slope without dying. He disappeared into the cabin. No wonder he’s a little shit, I thought. Everyone rewards him for it.
    As our two groups claimed canoes, it was obvious Liam was the favourite. The girls were actually fighting over who would race with him. In the end he chose Duff, who watched the whole scene looking bored.
    Scotty, the only one close to being human, brilliantly manoeuvred to get a pretty girl with almond shaped eyes in his canoe. Her jet black hair was dyed pale blonde at the ends. She was too cool to be hanging out with any of us losers from Cabin 4A. Still, she smiled at Scotty when she handed him her oar.
    I was still sore about the eel joke, but I had a soft spot for Scotty. It wasn’t his fault he got stuck with Cabin 4A. I was beginning to suspect the “A” stood for arseholes. Besides, I’d learned my lesson. Never underestimate these little brats. I had to keep my senses sharp. I needed to stay in the moment and always be prepared for the next attack.
    It was like the Pink Panther movies with Peter Sellers that Grandma loved to watch. Living with Spencer and the twins made me feel like Inspector Clouseau. Arriving home he would be attacked by the martial arts expert, Cato. The only difference was that in the movie, Cato was hired to keep the inspector in good fighting shape, while my Catos just wanted to embarrass the hell out of me.

FIFTEEN

    D evin cornered me in the main hall at lunch.
    â€œJ.J.,” he said, pulling me aside, “I want to see you tonight.”
    I pictured myself hiding under the covers with the window closed. “Tonight? Isn’t it supposed to rain?” I crossed my fingers under my tray of tacos and watermelon slices.
    He ran a hand through his hair and grinned. “I don’t mind getting wet. Besides, there’s this place I want to show you. Secret…you know.”
    I tried to open my mouth, but I all could think of was Barney’s huge pink tongue mopping the kitchen counter. My stomach flipped. It was time to shut this thing down. “Look, Devin, you’re a really nice guy and I’d like to keep things…uh, simple. The truth is I don’t want a boyfriend right now.” Or your tongue down my throat.
    He tilted his head—I swear just like Barney does when you tell him no more treats. “It’s not you,” I said quickly. “It’s me. Um…I’m worried about getting fired, and uh, the boys might start pulling pranks on you. And—”
    â€œI’m not looking for a girlfriend,” he interrupted.
    Oh.
    He stepped closer. “So, if you’re not looking for a boyfriend, and I’m not looking for a