Chapter Text
NATALIE
Tuesday arrived hot already. As counselors, they had to wake up half an hour before the kids to get ready and wake them up with a loud horn. Natalie had already been awake for a while; it wasn’t that she was a morning person, she was just getting used to not being at home. The morning air was warm, the sun creeping through the trees outside, casting soft beams on the wooden walls of the cabin. She showered quickly, slipping into the orange shirt – the camp uniform – and some comfy shorts. As she tied her shoes, she thought about the day ahead and the 70 kids waiting for her.
She made her way to the living room, where Jonathan and Robin were already sitting on one of the couches. The two of them were already deep in conversation when Nat walked in.
“Morning, Nat,” Jonathan greeted her, looking up with a smile.
“Morning,” Nat greeted them and took a seat on the empty couch. “Just us?” The other three were nowhere to be seen.
Robin grinned and leaned back on the couch. “You know, Steve is literally a bride at a wedding. He takes forever to get ready.”
Natalie smirked, plopping down in the armchair nearby. “Jackie is literally a Barbie doll. It’s like, the entire Yellowjackets' existence is just waiting for her to get ready before anything can happen.”
Robin raised an eyebrow. “You guys sound like a really codependent team. You and Jackie talk like you’re always together.”
Natalie took a second to think before responding. “Yeah, Jackie’s all about team bonding. She thinks if we get along off the field, we’ll play better on it. That’s her whole thing. It’s like a team-building strategy, I guess—and it’s generally mandatory.”
“Mandatory quality time?” Robin laughed, and Nat smiled, because that was exactly what she thought when she first joined the team: Jackie Taylor was insane for that.
Jonathan asked this time, “So, everyone just listens to Jackie, huh?”
Nat chuckled. “Yeah, pretty much. Jackie’s got this way of getting everyone to listen to her. Most people don’t mind following her. Except Taissa, of course.”
Robin tilted her head, intrigued. “Taissa? Why’s that?”
Natalie let out a little huff. “Well, Taissa’s still a little bitter because she wasn’t chosen as captain.”
Robin leaned in, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Do you think Taissa’s better than Jackie?”
Natalie paused, her mind shifting into that familiar tactical mode as she reflected on both players' styles. “They’re different,” she said, carefully choosing her words. “Jackie’s all about the team, like I said. She’s strategic and she plays for the team, she’s a collective player. Taissa? She’s more… individual. She’s got that drive to stand out, make the play. She’s kind of a solo artist. But both of them? Yeah, they’re definitely in the top five.”
Robin’s voice dropped into a tone more teasing than curious, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “So, the team listens to Jackie and you’re on the team. So you just... listen to Jackie? Like, does she tell you what to do? You like following orders from a pretty girl?”
Natalie rolled her eyes, the motion almost automatic, as she leaned back in her seat. “No,” she said flatly. “I don’t just listen to her. But… sometimes, it’s not the worst thing to follow her lead. She knows what’s best for the team.”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “So, you guys are friends, then?”
Nat shrugged slightly, her fingers tapping the side of the couch as she considered the question. “Not really,” she answered, the truth hanging in the air between them. “I mean, on the field, yeah, we’re teammates. But off it, I’m closer to Lottie and Laura Lee. Jackie’s always with Shauna.”
Her thoughts shifted, unbidden, as she spoke those words. Jackie and Shauna. Nat really didn’t like how those two were always together. It wasn’t the friendship itself—it was the way Jackie gave so much of herself to Shauna, and how Shauna, in turn, would turn on her like it was nothing. Everyone could see how much Jackie did for Shauna, but Shauna didn’t seem to appreciate it half the time.
In the back of her mind, Nat couldn’t help but feel like Jackie deserved better than that. She deserved someone who actually gave a shit about her—not someone who played hot and cold, pulling Jackie in one minute and pushing her away the next. Shauna was… well, Shauna was crazy. Everyone could see it, even if they didn’t want to admit it. She wasn’t a steady presence in Jackie’s life—not the way Jackie deserved—and that pissed Nat off.
Not because she cared about Jackie. Jackie’s life wasn’t her business. She just hated watching people not get what they deserved. And for how obnoxious Jackie Taylor could be sometimes, she was a good friend to Shauna. And lately? Shauna was anything but.
Fatin finally appeared, looking effortlessly put together. She plopped down on the couch beside Jonathan with a lazy grin, glancing at the group. “So, who’s going to be last?” she asked, stretching her legs out in front of her.
Nat and Fatin exchanged a knowing look before Nat smirked. “Jackie,” she declared confidently. “She’s definitely going to be last.”
Robin grinned and leaned back. “You think so? I’ve got my money on Steve. That guy takes hours on his hair. It’s the most important thing in his life, clearly.”
Jonathan nodded, tone playful. “Yeah, I second that.”
Robin laughed, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, have you seen him? It’s like he spends more time on his hair than I do getting ready for the day.”
Before Nat could answer, the door opened — and there she was. Jackie.
She stepped into the room with a confidence that felt almost cinematic, her presence unmistakable. She wore faded denim shorts, the camp’s bright orange t-shirt, and a matching bandana tied around her head. Her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and she held a clipboard in one hand. She looked like she’d just stepped out of a summer camp movie.
Her smile was wide, infectious — and Nat couldn’t help but watch her for a moment longer than necessary.
One thing about Jackie Taylor: that girl was never seen without a smile. Always upbeat, always perfect, never messy, never sad or angry. Except on the field.
The field seemed to be the one place where Jackie let her guard down — where the glossy exterior melted away. There, she wasn’t the perfect prom queen, all charm and sunshine. She was fierce. Determined. A little reckless. Honestly? Kind of badass.
Nat kind of liked that version of Jackie Taylor. It wasn’t exactly the one standing in front of her right now.
“So, who’s last?” Jackie asked, her voice bright and lively, completely unaware of the silent assessment Nat had just made.
“Steve,” Robin immediately declared with a grin. “You’ve got that counselor vibe going today, Jackie. Look at you.”
Jackie laughed, glancing down at herself, clearly pleased. “Hey, I am a counselor,” she said with a wink. “I’ve just been waiting for the right moment to show it.”
Steve entered shortly after, still adjusting his hair with his fingers as if he were about to be photographed for GQ: Camp Edition.
Robin raised her hands in triumph. "That’s a man that probably packs a separate bag just for hair products."
“Gotta keep the brand consistent,” Steve replied, as if it were a compliment
With the group finally complete, they all stood up to head to the main dining hall. The sun was already beating through the windows of the cabin, and the smell of pancakes and scrambled eggs made Natalie feel hungry, which was rare for her first thing in the morning. Some of the kids had already begun to trickle in, still groggy, in pajamas and messy hair. Javi bumped them with a crumpled face that showed he had just waken up.
“Hey, can we be in the same group today?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with light anticipation.
Jackie lowered her head slightly, smiling. “I’ll see what I can do, okay?”
Nat watched the interaction without saying a word, but inside she thought: He really likes her. It wasn’t news. Ever since she had briefly dated Travis in their second year, she had spent some time with Javi too. She liked him. He was sweet, smart, and fiercely loyal to his brother. And, for some reason, to Jackie as well.
It made sense. Jackie always treated him well, like... genuinely well. As if he wasn’t just the coach’s thirteen year old son. He was always around during practices, and whenever she saw him, he was with Jackie and Shauna. Javi turned to her.
“Hey, Nat! Good morning!”
She gave him a half-smile, genuinely. “Morning, kid. Already scoping out the activities for the day?”
He nodded. “Yeah, kind of. Do you guys already know what we’re doing?”
“Not yet, but I’m guessing we’ll find out soon,” Nat replied, then gave a quick nod of goodbye. “Go grab some food before it’s all gone.”
“Got it!” Javi said, already heading for the line.
She and Jackie grabbed their trays and headed toward the counselors' table, the noise of the bustling cafeteria surrounding them. As they sat down, Nat glanced at Jackie, who was carefully cutting up her food. Jackie wasn’t eating. She was just moving the food around her plate, pushing the scrambled eggs to the side, taking a small forkful, and then setting it back down. Nat let it go—she was too grateful for the coffee in front of her; she couldn’t really wake up without it.
They ate in between small talk: they were still getting to know each other.
The low hum of conversation was interrupted when Hannah walked in, clipboard in hand, a smile already on her face as she made her way to the front of the table. “Alright, folks, here’s the plan for today!” Everyone straightened up a little, turning their attention to her. “This morning we have two options: a painting workshop outdoors and a volleyball game,” she announced, giving them a brief moment to process the choices. “You can pick who goes where—just make sure we have enough help for each activity.”
Fatin immediately spoke up, eyes bright with her usual enthusiasm. “Nat, Jackie, you two should totally go for volleyball. You’re athletes! It’s your thing.”
Nat raised an eyebrow, shaking her head. “Uh, yeah. We’re soccer players, not volleyball players. I work way better with my feet.”
Jackie snorted. “Seriously. I can’t even serve a volleyball without hitting someone in the face.”
Jonathan chimed in, his voice casual. “Well, I actually like volleyball. I can go. I’m pretty decent.”
Steve, who had been absentmindedly looking at his reflection in his coffee mug, suddenly perked up. “I’m feeling artsy today,” he said, dramatically flipping his hair out of his face, “so I’m definitely hitting up the painting workshop. Outdoors, too. Can’t miss that.”
Robin, who had been playing with the spoon in her coffee cup, looked up with a shrug.
“I’m kinda in the mood for some physical activity. I think I’ll join the volleyball people.”
Fatin raised an eyebrow, nodding knowingly. “Obviously, I’m going for the painting workshop. I’m an artist, after all,” she added, gesturing dramatically to herself, the corner of her mouth twitching into a playful grin.
Jackie made her decision with a flourish. “Yeah, I’m not in the mood to sweat right now. I’ll grab a brush and paint something beautiful.”
Nat shot her a look, arms crossed, leaning back in her chair. “Well, I guess that makes it decided for me, huh? Volleyball it is.”
Jackie smirked at her. “Guess so. Hope you don’t mind getting sweaty, Nat.”
“Well, at least I’m good at running,” Nat shot back, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “But don’t come crying to me when you realize you’ve spent the whole morning surrounded by paint with no escape.” Jonathan chuckled, shaking his head as he stood up to grab his coffee.
“All right, I guess that’s settled then,” he said, gathering his things. “Let’s get this day started.”
The counselors began to get up, some heading toward the volleyball court, others to the painting area. The decision was made, but as they dispersed, Nat couldn’t help but glance at Jackie one more time. It was a rare moment of peace for the both of them, and Nat had to admit—she liked the quiet exchanges they had. Even if it was just over something as simple as picking teams for a game or a workshop, there was a comfort in it.
JACKIE
Jackie walked alongside Steve and Fatin as they led a group of kids toward the painting workshop area—a shady patch near the edge of the trees, where easels had been set up with wide palettes of color and jars of cloudy water for rinsing brushes. The morning sun was rising higher, but under the trees, the air still felt fresh, and the light flickered through the leaves in golden shards.
Fatin clapped her hands dramatically. “Alright, tiny Picassos, pick your weapons of mass creation!”
The kids giggled and scattered toward the supplies. Steve grinned, hands on his hips. “I’m sensing chaos in our future.”
Jackie laughed softly, turning to them. “Do either of you even know how to paint?”
“Absolutely not,” Fatin said without hesitation. “But I look great pretending.”
“Same.” Steve added. “I have the aesthetic, not the technique. But my ex was great on in, so I think I can fake it. You?”
Jackie smiled, but her answer came a bit quieter. ““Not really. I always preferred sports. Shauna is the artsy one.”
“Shauna again,” Fatin said casually, sitting up on her elbows. In some moment, she sited on the grass with a brush and a canvas. “You keep bringing her up like she’s a mythic creature. Is she just part of your tragic origin story?”
Jackie rolled her eyes but didn’t answer that.
Fatin smirked but didn’t push. “You don’t need to be good to enjoy it, by the way,” she added, showing Jackie and Steve the canvas. “Look at this. Total garbage. Still therapeutic.”
Jackie glanced at her. “That’s your pitch?”
“Yeah. That, and that I’m hotter than your average therapist.”
Steve gave her a slow clap. “Wow. Brave of you to say that out loud.”
“I am indeed a brave girl,” Fatin said breezily.
Jackie focused for a moment in found a place for herself and her art process and when she looked up again, sitting in the grass, Steve was crouched between two kids, very seriously coaching them on how to draw a dolphin.
“You’re putting too much pressure on the brush,” he said, in full Serious Counselor Mode. “You gotta let the bristles do the work, dude. Like this—see? Gentle, like petting a cat. Or, like... fluffing your hair.”
The kid blinked at him. “I don’t have hair like yours.”
“No one does,” Fatin said from her spot in the grass, not looking up. “That boy’s hair defies logic and humidity.”
Jackie snorted before she could stop herself. “Honestly, I thought it was a wig when I first met him.” The kids laughed.
Steve gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? This,” he motioned to his hair, “is the result of years of trauma, over-conditioning, and learning the perfect wind angles. Respect it.”
Jackie grinned despite herself. “Respectfully, it’s insane.”
Jackie dipped her brush into the nearest blue, dragging a hesitant streak of sky blue across her paper. It wasn’t perfect. She hated that. But she kept going.
Beside her, Steve squinted at her paint. “You know what that needs?”
“If you say glitter, I swear—”
“I was gonna say a dolphin.”
Jackie shook her head. “You and the damn dolphins.”
“It’s my thing,” he said proudly. “Some people bond over shared trauma, I bond over sea mammals.”
Jackie looked at the two of them — Steve with his big heart and goofy metaphors, Fatin lounging like a bored heiress covered in paint, somehow managing to look perfect anyway — and felt a flicker of something in her chest.
Comfort.
She hadn’t expected to enjoy their company this much.
It wasn’t Shauna. It wasn’t her team. It wasn’t control. But it was… something new.
“You guys are weird,” she said finally.
“Thank you,” Fatin and Steve said in unison. Fatin followed: “That’s an important characteristic in an artist.”
A laugh echoed from down the hill, catching her attention. She looked up toward the volleyball court, squinting slightly.
From where she sat, the game was more a collection of movement than anything distinct — the blur of orange counselor shirts, the rise and fall of the ball in the air, the sudden burst of applause from a good play. But one figure caught her eye, even from a distance: Natalie.
Jackie couldn’t make out her expression, but she could recognize the shape of her — lean and quick, that low athletic stance she always fell into during a game, like she was bracing for impact. She had her hair up, the sun catching in the lighter strands. There was something sharp about the way she moved, all tension and instinct.
Without really thinking about it, Jackie’s pencil started moving. She paused once, tilting her head as she looked down at the sketch forming on the page. The scene was loose and impressionistic — nothing too defined, just the general energy of the volleyball game captured in broad strokes. A few figures in motion, arms mid-swing, the volleyball suspended in the air. From a distance, it was hard to make out details, but Jackie managed to get the essence of it: movement, teamwork, the kind of focus that came with being mid-game.
One figure stood out a little more than the rest — she wasn’t even sure why — but Natalie had that kind of presence. Intense without meaning to be, a bit rough around the edges, but focused. She leaned back slightly and studied the sketch. It wasn’t bad. The perspective was a little off, and she’d probably shaded too much on one side, but it worked. And more than that, it felt like something real — a moment that belonged to the day.
Jackie smiled faintly, then reached for another pencil to add some light around the trees, letting the sounds of the kids behind her — laughter, frustration, paintbrushes clattering — fade into the background. It was nice, being out here. Even if she wasn’t artistic, even if this wasn’t really her thing, she could admit it was kind of peaceful – therapeutic, as Fatin had putted.
In a general way, it was a nice morning.
Jackie only saw Nat again hours later when walking to lunch.
The two groups reunited on the trail back to the main cabin, voices overlapping in tired but happy energy. The painting crew was a walking rainbow—Steve had smudges of every color on his shorts, Fatin’s arms looked like a canvas, and Jackie had flecks of green and yellow all over her knees and forearms. Her hair was starting to fall out of the ponytail she'd tied hours ago, and a streak of blue paint had dried along her jawline.
The volleyball group looked rougher—dirt, sweat, and sunburn on full display. Natalie, in particular, was noticeably sunburned, her fair skin tinged with a sharp red along her shoulders and cheeks. Her shirt clung to her back, and her usual scowl had softened into something less guarded, worn down by the heat and the game.
“God, you guys look like a walking Jackson Pollock,” Nat said, squinting at them as they approached.
“Better than looking like we ran a marathon in a desert,” Fatin shot back, glancing pointedly at Natalie’s flushed face and already-reddening shoulders. “You okay there, sunburn?”
Jackie gave Nat a quick once-over and raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, seriously. You’re already burning.”
“I’m fine,” Nat muttered, swiping sweat from her temple.
Jackie pulled a small bottle of sunscreen from her back pocket and held it out. “Here. Before you melt.”
“I’m not gonna use that,” Nat replied, brushing it off with a wave of her hand.
“Aha. Got it. You’re one of those,” Jackie said, eyes narrowing playfully. “What is it—denial? Government conspiracy? You just really want skin cancer?”
“None of the above,” Nat grumbled. “I’ll put it on before the lake later, alright?”
“Mhm,” Jackie said, tucking the bottle back in her pocket. She didn’t quite believe her. “I’ll remind you. Aggressively.”
They walked side by side, the rest of the group chatting ahead or behind them. Jackie pulled a folded sketchbook page from her clipboard, handing out to Nat, who took from her hand. “I did this during the workshop,” she said casually.
It was a rough sketch, the kind born from observation rather than perfectionism. You could make out the outline of the game, the net, the players mid-action.
Nat raised her eyebrows, impressed despite herself. “That’s not bad.”
“I know,” Jackie said, with mock confidence.
“I mean—” Nat nodded at the figures, “—you even got me kind of right.”
Jackie smirked. “You’ve got a very recognizable stance. Aggressive. Ready to launch yourself at someone.”
“Thanks. I think,” Nat said, shaking her head. But there was a small smile tugging at the edge of her mouth. Nat was ready to give it back when Jackie said “You should keep it as a memory of the epics high and lows of summer camp volleyball.” Nat snorted.
“Sure, Cap. Thanks.” Nat folded the paper and putted in her pocket.
They walked the last few steps toward the cabin in a quiet beat of mutual understanding. During lunch, the six of them spread out along the table, sunlight streaming through the cabin windows lighting up their sweaty, paint-smeared faces. The smell of homemade
food hung in the air, mixing with the sound of lively conversation.
Robin, Nat, and Jonathan sat in one corner, still laughing and teasing each other about how the volleyball game had turned into a full-on battle.
“I swear, we almost won that game,” Robin said, leaning in a little, her voice teasing.
“Yeah, sure, we did,” Nat replied with a smirk, shaking her head. “If by winning you mean you barely got a ball over the net, then yeah, sure, we almost won.”
Jackie, from her spot across the table, watched them for a second, the ease in their interaction standing out to her. She noticed how effortlessly they got along, how comfortable they seemed in each other's presence.
Robin’s laughter was easy, light, and Nat... well, Nat was always a little guarded, but she didn’t have her usual walls up in that moment. Jackie’s gaze flicked between them for a moment, her mind running a little faster than she could keep up. It was strange how they just clicked. They seemed to have this easy rapport—no awkward pauses, no forced small talk.
Huh. Maybe something could come of that. Her thoughts shifted again, and she raised an eyebrow as she considered teasing Nat about it later. She wasn’t sure why she cared, but she did. Just... interesting.
Jonathan, always the one to lighten the mood, turned to Jackie with a grin. “So, how was your little art session, huh? Get in touch with your inner Van Gogh?”
Jackie chuckled, shaking her head. “Something like that,” she said. “Fatin is actually pretty good at it, I have to admit. Steve... well, Steve’s got his own style.”
“I call it abstract with dolphins,” Steve piped in from across the table, looking proud of his slightly uneven and definitely less-than-impressive attempt.
Jackie raised her glass, raising an eyebrow at him. “I’m sure that’s what you’ll say when someone asks you what it is.”
Fatin joined in, leaning back in her chair. “Steve’s abstract with dolphins approach is something else. But honestly, it was pretty fun. Painting outside felt like a nice change of pace.”
As the conversation continued, Jackie noticed Nat glance over at her, a quick flash of something behind her eyes. Then, just as quickly, it was gone.
“So, what’s the plan for the afternoon?” Jonathan asked.
“Well,” Fatin said, stretching out her legs under the table, “we’re headed to the lake for some swimming, I think?”
“Swimming?” Jackie echoed, raising an eyebrow. “That sounds fun.” She hadn’t really thought much about swimming, but the idea of being in the water had a certain pull to it.
“I love swimming,” Nat said. “Always have. There’s something about being in the water that just feels... right, you know?” Jackie blinked, a little surprised. She didn’t realize Nat was into that kind of thing.
“I didn’t know that about you,” Jackie admitted, genuinely curious now.
Nat shrugged, looking down at her plate. “It’s just one of those things I do whenever I need to clear my head.”
Jackie nodded, her interest piqued. But then she realized, the conversation had shifted to her.
“What about you, Jackie? You’re a swimmer?” Fatin asked with a mischievous grin, clearly expecting a no.
Jackie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling a wave of unease. She didn’t want to make it a big deal, but at the same time, she’d never really been one for swimming. Her parents had never taught her.
“I, uh...” Jackie hesitated, looking at the table for a moment, then meeting Fatin’s eyes. “I don’t know how to swim, actually.”
The table fell silent for a second. Nat raised her eyebrows, her tone incredulous. “You don’t know how to swim? But you’ve got a giant pool at home.” Jackie tough about how her mother was always high in valium or something else and her father was never around. Who would’ve taught her? Shauna tried once, but she was not very patient.
Jackie shrugged, avoiding her eyes for a moment. “Yeah, but... no one ever taught me. My mom was always too out of it, and my dad was busy working. So... yeah.”
The mood at the table shifted slightly as the others absorbed the fact. Jackie wasn’t usually one to admit something like that, but it just felt like the right moment to say it.
Steve leaned forward with a grin. “Well, there’s no better place to learn than at summer camp, right?” he said with an exaggerated wink.
Jackie forced a smile. “Maybe. We’ll see.” Nat was still staring at her with wondering eyes, but Jackie didn’t look back at her.
As the conversation continued at lunch, Javi and Max made their way over to the table, looking excited. Javi was all sweaty, his hair a mess, and Max was carrying a backpack full of summer essentials she probably thought were crucial for the day.
"Hey, guys!" Javi said, flashing a big grin as he plopped down in the chair next to Steve. "You ready for the lake? We're having a race to see who swims fastest!" He was always full of energy, and it was impossible not to notice the way he talked with such enthusiasm. The lake talk went on, but Nat’s eyes were still on her and Jackie was still avoiding it, so she wasn’t really listening.
It didn’t took long for the group to start gathering things to go to the lake, the kids racing ahead, eager to jump in and start their fun. Steve and Jonathan, naturally, followed them, keeping an eye on the energetic bunch. Robin and Fatin, on the other hand, had other plans.
“We’re just going to work on our tans for a bit,” Robin said with a grin, throwing a look at Fatin that nodded along. They went ahead.
Nat stood up too, brushing the crumbs from her hands and glancing toward the others. But before she could take a step, Jackie called out to her.
"Hey, Nat," Jackie said, her voice light but firm, like she was giving an order, "go grab some sunscreen from the cabin before you head to the lake. I’ll wait for you here."
Nat paused mid-step, a teasing look crossing her face. "Yes, Captain!" she said with an exaggerated salute, rolling her eyes. "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I come back with a perfectly even tan," she added sarcastically, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Jackie smirked, watching Nat for a moment. "I don’t care about your tan, just don’t want you turning into a lobster," she teased, her tone easygoing.
Nat groaned but didn’t argue, heading for the cabin. Jackie chuckled to herself, watching her leave, the playful banter making her feel oddly lighthearted. It was a small thing, a simple exchange, but somehow it felt like another step in the right direction for their growing friendship. Jackie really wanted that. Nat was part of her team and Jackie was her captain, they had to get along.
"Don’t forget the SPF 50!" Jackie called after her, but Nat didn’t turn around, only raising a hand in acknowledgment as she walked away, a grin still on her face.
It didn’t took long for Nat to come back with her face a little bit white from the sunscreen. Jackie laughed and spread it for her, Nat looking deep into her eyes. Jackie cleaned her throat and collected her hands to herself.
“We should go.”
“Yeah.” Nat agreed.
They walked slow until they found a quiet spot by the lake. There was a wooden deck that jutted out into the water, and they settled down, each with their legs hanging over the edge.
Jackie glanced at Nat, noticing how sunburned she looked. Her skin was pink from the exposure, and her blonde hair stuck to her forehead with the heat. The whole look, though, gave her a strange, almost effortlessly cool, summer vibe. There was something about her, the casual way she carried herself, the way the sun caught her hair, that made her look... beautiful. It wasn’t the first time Jackie had thought it, but it was the first time she was really aware of it.
Nat noticed Jackie staring and raised an eyebrow. “Staring much, cap?
Jackie shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Just thinking summer really suits you,” she said, her tone casual but there was something in it, something that made Nat pause for a moment.
“Of course, Taylor,” Nat replied, grinning. “Can’t argue with that.”
Jackie smiled and, after a beat, leaned back a little, eyes squinting at the bright sky. “So... what’s the deal with you and Robin?”
Nat turned to look at her like she was crazy. “What?”
Jackie’s grin was teasing now, mischievous. “You two seem pretty cozy, getting along so well. What’s going on there?”
Nat shook her head, laughing. “It’s nothing, Jackie. Seriously. Robin’s cool, but she’s not my type.”
Jackie raised an eyebrow. “Not your type, huh?” She leaned in a little, clearly curious now. “So what is your type?” Before Nat could respond, Jackie grinned and raised a hand as if to guess. “Let me take a wild guess. You’re into those weird, brooding rockers, right? Like Travis Martinez and Kevyn Tan?”
Nat burst out laughing. “Kevyn and I are just friends! But yeah, I guess you’re not wrong... Travis and Kevyn are definitely the type of guys I usually go for.” She smiled a little at the thought, but then her expression softened. “But that is for guys, anyway.”
Jackie leaned back again, sensing there was more to the story. “And for women?”
Nat hesitated, and for a moment, Jackie could see the uncertainty in her eyes. “I... don’t really know,” she said, shrugging as though it didn’t matter. “I guess I haven’t figured that out yet.”
Jackie’s curiosity wasn’t satisfied yet. “Well, when you do, I want to know,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes.
Nat gave her a mock salute. “Yes, Captain.”
Jackie laughed softly, feeling a warmth in her chest as she turned her gaze back to the lake. There was something about their conversation, something easy and relaxed, that made her feel a little lighter
Nat leaned back on her hands, squinting up at the sky. After a beat, she turned to Jackie, her voice casual but curious.
“So... is Jeff really your type?”
Jackie blinked at the question, caught off guard. Her immediate instinct was to defend the relationship, but then she paused. She looked out over the lake, her fingers tapping absently against the wood of the dock.
Jeff. Her perfectly safe, perfectly curated high school boyfriend. The one her mom adored because he was everything she thought a good boyfriend should be—blond, blue-eyed, polite, athletic, christian. The kind of guy who never caused a scene, never asked too many questions, always looked great in family photos.
She shrugged. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “Jeff’s... fine. I think he’s more of a high school thing, y’know? I don’t see it being forever. I can see myself with someone better.”
Nat raised an eyebrow. “So what’s after Jeff, then? What does ‘someone better’ even mean?”
That question landed a little heavier. Jackie opened her mouth, then closed it again. No one had ever asked her that before. Not even herself. What did she want? She always just assumed things would fall into place—college, a good boyfriend, a nice life. But now, faced with the question, she realized she had no actual idea.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted, looking over at Nat. “I guess... when it’s the right person, I’ll just know.”
Nat gave a small nod, not pushing further. “Huh.”
Jackie smiled faintly, almost apologetic. “Not the most romantic answer, I know.”
Nat smirked. “Nah, it’s honest. That’s good.”
They sat there for a while, letting the quiet settle in again. The sounds of the lake, kids laughing, and the sun high above them made everything feel suspended for a moment. Jackie wasn’t sure what any of it meant, not yet—but somehow, talking to Nat made her feel a little closer to figuring it out
Before Nat could say anything else, a sudden splash hit the water near their feet, followed by a loud thud as a volleyball bounced off the dock and landed right next to them.
“Oops!” a voice called out.
They both turned to see Will—Jonathan’s younger brother—standing knee-deep in the lake with a sheepish grin on his face. “Hey! You guys wanna play? We need two more!”
Jackie raised an eyebrow at Nat with a teasing smile. “Looks like volleyball’s stalking you today.”
Nat let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “It really is. I’m gonna start having nightmares.”
Before she could protest further, Javi popped up beside Will in the water. “Come on, Nat! Jackie! It’s more fun in the water anyway.”
Jackie stood up and stretched dramatically, glancing back at Nat. “Well, I did say I wasn’t in the mood to sweat... but I didn’t say anything about a splash.”
Nat rolled her eyes but stood up too. “If I end up with a volleyball to the face, I’m blaming all of you.”
They both stepped off the dock and into the cool lake water, the sun beating down on them as they joined the other campers. The water volleyball game was chaotic —balls flying in random directions, exaggerated dives that resulted in more splashes than points, and kids shouting each other’s names like it was the championship.
Jackie surprised herself by actually getting into it, even laughing uncontrollably when Nat completely missed a serve and blamed the “sun in her eyes.” Nat, in turn, teased Jackie for yelling every time the ball came near her.
Time passed without them noticing. The sunlight shifted, golden and soft as the afternoon wore on, casting shimmering reflections across the lake. Everything felt easy. The weight of complicated feelings, quiet reflections, and unspoken questions faded beneath the sound of water, laughter, and the occasional triumphant “YES!” from Steve playing a little too hard on the other team.
By the time the counselors called the game, everyone was soaked, smiling, and just tired enough to feel like the day had been worth it.
Jackie looked over at Nat, hair slicked back and cheeks flushed, and thought—not for the first time—that this summer might be different than she expected.
NATALIE
The sun was already beginning to lower behind the tree line when Natalie stepped outside the cabin, hair still damp from her shower and the sleeves of her shirt rolled up. The air was warm and soft against her skin, that kind of late summer heat that clung to you. She pulled a cigarette from the carton she kept hidden in the lining of her duffel bag and lit it with a practiced flick, taking a slow drag as she leaned against the railing of the porch.
She exhaled, watching the smoke curl upward before the breeze took it. The day had been good—surprisingly good. She’d actually had fun. Robin and Jonathan had great energy, constantly joking but never annoying. She’d lost a water volleyball match to Javi of all people, and the kid hadn’t shut up about it since. Her skin was still tingling, faintly stinging from the sun, and her shoulders felt heavy in that nice, exhausted way.
Her eyes closed for a second, taking it all in, and when she opened them again, Jonathan had joined her.
He offered her a small nod before pulling out his own cigarette. “Mind if I join?”
Nat gestured toward the open space beside her. “Free country.”
They smoked in silence for a moment before Jonathan spoke. “So, you ready to humiliate yourself at karaoke tonight?”
She scoffed. “I don’t do karaoke.”
“That’s what they all say until Wonderwall starts playing.”
Nat grinned around the filter of her cigarette. “If you touch Wonderwall, I’ll throw something at you.”
Jonathan laughed. “Damn, you wound me. We actually have a garage band back home—me, Robin, and Steve. We are… passionate.”
Natalie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? What kind of stuff?”
“Grunge, mostly. Some early alt rock. Think Nirvana, Pixies, a little Smashing Pumpkins when Steve could hit the high notes.”
“That’s not bad,” she admitted, genuinely surprised. “I grew up on a lot of that. My uncle was obsessed with Soundgarden.”
“Good taste runs in the family,” Jonathan said, bumping her shoulder lightly with his own. “You ever sing?”
“I sing alone, in my car, when no one’s around to hear me.”
He chuckled. “Fair enough. We’ll see how brave you get after the first hot dog and soda.”
She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at the edge of her mouth. When he finished his cigarette and flicked the butt into the gravel, he glanced toward the cabin.
“Think our princesses are ready yet?”
Nat smirked, following his gaze. “Let’s go find out.”
Back inside, Fatin’s voice could be heard from the bathroom, singing something dramatically. Jackie was already out, sitting on the couch with Steve, her damp hair pulled back loosely and her legs tucked beneath her. She was laughing at something he’d said, her face bright and still slightly flushed from the day in the sun. She wore a soft, sleeveless top and cotton shorts, and there was something about her in that moment—comfortable, natural, kind of glowing—that caught Natalie off guard.
The summer suited her, too.
It was weird, noticing that.
Jackie looked like a girl in a movie: perfect lighting, flushed cheeks, damp hair, laughing at just the right moment. And sitting next to Steve—Steve with his perfect hair and rich-boy charm and jokes that actually landed—Nat found herself wondering.
Would that be her type? Someone like Steve?
She thought back to the conversation they’d had earlier by the lake. Jackie had said Jeff probably wasn’t forever. That she wanted something different, something better.
Steve kind of was Jeff. Just… upgraded. Less bland. Funnier. Actually seemed to care about things. But even as Nat watched them together, she didn’t feel anything that looked like chemistry between the two. Steve made her laugh, sure—but so did everyone else. It didn’t feel romantic.
Fatin stepped out of the bathroom with her usual perfect timing, tossing her towel aside with theatrical flair, already fully dressed and ready for the evening. She wore a light flowy skirt, a linen shirt tied at the waist, and her hair was pulled into a messy bun that somehow looked effortlessly intentional.
“Okay, people,” she said with a lazy smile, “once the kids are in bed… campfire, drinks, and embarrassing confessions. Are we in?”
Steve, already standing in an open floral shirt and a backwards cap, raised a hand. “Obviously. I’m even bringing the cooler.”
“I’m down,” Robin said as she slipped on her sandals. “But only if Jonathan sings It’s all coming back to me now at karaoke.”
Jonathan, finishing up fixing his hair in the mirror, turned with mock offense. “Seriously? That again?”
“It’s all coming back to me now is your moment,” Jonathan chimed in with a teasing grin. Nat gave a small, amused smile, watching the energy flow between them.
“You’re all dramatic as hell,” she said, grabbing her hoodie off the chair. “But yeah, I’m in.”
“That’s the spirit,” Fatin said, clapping her hands once. “Now let’s go wrangle the children.”
The group started moving, walking together toward the cabins where the kids were already gathering—loud, excited, and very hungry for the barbecue dinner ahead. The sun was nearly gone now, painting the sky in soft orange and pink, and the warm breeze felt like something tailor-made for summer nights.
Jackie lingered beside Nat for a second as they walked, pointing to the horizon as if it explained everything.
“This time of day always feels made up, doesn’t it?” she said.
Nat looked up, and for a brief second, forgot she was supposed to be keeping her guard up. She stared at Jackie briefly as the girl stared at the sky, Jackie was kind of magnetic and Nat hated that sometimes she had the same effect on her that she had on everyone else. It pissed Nat off that she wasn’t immune from Jackie Taylor. “Yeah. It’s like something out of a movie.”
Jackie smiled, eyes still on the sky for a beat longer before nudging her forward. “Come on, Nat. Dinner time.”
Dinner was loud, messy, and full of energy—the way summer camp dinners were supposed to be. The kids were buzzing with excitement about the karaoke night, scarfing down burgers and grilled veggies between bursts of laughter and anticipation. The counselors were just as animated, some helping the younger campers with plates, others already debating what songs they might hear (or be roped into singing) later.
After eating, Nat and Jonathan were the ones setting up the karaoke machine near the main firepit outside, arranging the mic, testing the sound, and flipping through the battered songbook that had clearly survived more than a few summers.
The first performances were classic camp chaos—some off-key, some unexpectedly good, all of them cheered on with the same wild enthusiasm. Max and Finn did a ridiculous rendition of "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls, switching up the lyrics and dancing with exaggerated flair. One older girl – Ellie - sang “You Oughta Know” with a level of fire that made most of the counselors exchange amused glances. Then a group of little ones gave a sweet, slightly out-of-sync version of “I’m a Believer.”
Jackie and Nat watched from a bench just off to the side of the crowd, their knees nearly touching. They laughed together through the whole thing, Nat’s arms crossed over her chest, Jackie leaning forward with a hand over her mouth every time someone missed a note or hit an unexpectedly dramatic high note.
“So,” Jackie turned to her, eyes glinting, “what are you gonna sing?”
Nat scoffed immediately. “Me? Absolutely nothing. I don’t do karaoke.”
Jackie raised an eyebrow. “You don’t do karaoke?”
“Nope.”
Jackie smirked, then leaned closer like she was about to let Nat in on a secret. But instead of saying anything, she whispered something to Javi, who was sitting nearby with Max and a few other kids. Nat narrowed her eyes, suspicious.
A few minutes later, the plan was clear.
“Nat! You have to sing!” Max cried, tugging on her arm.
“Yeah, come on! You have to! You promised!” Finn added.
“I literally didn’t,” Nat muttered, glaring at Jackie, who was looking at her with a perfectly innocent expression—and just the tiniest curl of a smug smile.
“C’mon, Nat!”
“Please.”
Nat sighed dramatically. “Okay, okay, fine! But I swear to God, Jackie, you’re dead for this.”
Jackie grinned, completely unfazed. “Worth it.”
Nat walked up to the mic, rolling her eyes as the kids cheered and clapped. She chose “Criminal” by Fiona Apple—moody, sharp. Her voice, rough around the edges but clear, made a few people actually stop talking and pay attention.
Jackie was one of them.
When Nat finished, she came back to the bench, cheeks a little flushed, not sure if it was the singing or the way Jackie had been watching her.
“You’re gonna pay for that,” Nat muttered, sliding back into her seat.
Jackie bumped her shoulder lightly. “I didn’t know you could sing like that.”
Nat rolled her eyes again but couldn’t quite hold back a smile.
Robin and Steve took the stage next, launching into a half-joking, half-impressive version of “I Got You Babe” that made the crowd laugh and sing along.
The night was settling into that perfect camp energy—warm air, kids yelling over each other, laughter echoing through the trees.
Getting the kids to bed had been a battle. They were all high on post-karaoke energy, the kind that only summer camp nights could deliver—sugar, adrenaline, and the sheer thrill of having slightly more freedom than usual. Nat had ended up reading the same page of a bedtime story three times to a group that refused to stop giggling under their blankets.
But now, finally, the cabins were quiet, the stars were out, and Nat was looking forward to the drinking part of the evening.
She hadn’t had a drink since four days before arriving at camp, during that chaotic party in Kevyn Tan’s basement. God, that had been fun. And Nat loved being drunk. Not in the messy, spiraling kind of way—but in the freeing kind. It made everything lighter. And tonight had all the ingredients to be a good kind of drunk night. The people were cool, the weather was nice, and she and Jackie always got along better with a drink in their hands.
Jackie was a fun drunk. Bubbly, bouncy, the kind who wanted to dance and shout lyrics to songs. She could be annoying sober, sure, but drunk Jackie? Way more tolerable. Kinda endearing, even.
People got drunk in all kinds of ways.
Jackie got cheerful.
Nat got looser, more mellow.
Shauna got angry—until she eventually threw up.
Laura Lee cried. Always.
Lottie laughed at literally everything.
Van and Tai? Terrible at hiding their thing once the alcohol hit.
And Mari… Mari got really touchy. Like, handsy, cuddly, whispery kind of touchy.
But for the most part, Nat liked being drunk with the Yellowjackets. It had always been a weirdly comforting mess—like they all got to let go of the pressure for a while. She kind of missed it. Not the chaos, just... the ease of it.
Steve was the last to plop down onto one of the logs circling the fire pit, his hair still slightly damp and sticking up in the back like he’d run a towel through it once and called it a day.
"Putting the boys to bed was a whole saga," he announced, grabbing a beer from the cooler at his feet. "I felt like I was negotiating with a pack of caffeinated raccoons."
Jackie laughed, leaning back on her palms and stretching her legs out toward the fire. “Same here. My girls wouldn’t sleep until I braided every single one of their heads. And we’re not talking simple braids—they wanted, like, camp aesthetic braids. French, fishtail, two-strand twists. I didn’t even know I knew how to do that.”
Fatin, already mid-sip of her drink, snorted. “You braided their hair? Okay, Counselor Jackie.”
Jackie smirked. “They threatened to stay up all night if I didn’t. I panicked. It was survival.”
Nat chuckled, flicking ash from the cigarette she’d lit as soon as they’d settled in. “You give off bossy older sister energy. It checks out.”
Jackie turned her head slightly, eyes narrowed in mock offense. “Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?”
Nat shrugged, a lazy grin tugging at her lips. “Depends on how many little sisters you’ve traumatized.”
Jonathan reached over to pass a lighter to Robin, who was already hunting for it in her bag. “This feels like the start of a weird reality show: Counselors After Hours.”
The fire cracked and danced in the center of the circle, casting flickering shadows on their faces. The cooler was open, drinks in hand, the kind that had clearly been hidden away until the kids were asleep. Nat herself had a beer in her hand and she glanced at Jackie who had one, too.
Steve raised his. “All right. Game time. Never Have I Ever.”
Groans and cheers mixed in the air as everyone shifted into position. Robin sat cross-legged, already smirking. “This is about to get messy.”
“I hope so,” Fatin said, flipping her hair dramatically. “I came here to drink and judge all of you.”
“Okay, I’ll go first,” Jonathan said, adjusting his beanie. “Never have I ever... lied about being sick to skip school.”
Everyone drank, except Jackie. She raised an eyebrow.
“You never?” Nat asked, surprised.
Jackie shrugged. “I like school.” Nat rolled her eyes, because of course Jackie Taylor liked school.
Fatin leaned toward her. “Okay, Counselor Barbie.”
Jackie rolled her eyes but smiled. “Fine. Someone else go.”
Nat was next, of course. “Never have I ever... hooked up with someone at a party and pretended I didn’t remember the next day.”
Fatin and Jonathan both drank.
Steve blinked. “You pretended you didn’t remember?”
Jonathan laughed. “I was 15 and full of poor decisions.”
Jackie sipped too, and when Nat raised an eyebrow, Jackie just said, “Sophomore year, winter formal afterparty. It was complicated.”
Steve grinned. “Jackie Taylor? I’m shocked.”
Jackie gave him a look, then nodded toward him. “Your turn, pretty boy.”
Steve thought for a second. “Never have I ever... gotten in a real fight.”
Nat drank without hesitation. Everyone else hesitated.
“Define real fight,” Fatin said.
“Like, punches were thrown,” Steve clarified.
Jonathan and Fatin both sipped. Jackie didn’t.
“I’ve yelled at people,” Jackie offered. “Does that count?”
“Nope,” Nat said. “Even if words are your weapon, Captain.”
Fatin took over. “Okay. Never have I ever... questioned my sexuality.”
There was a pause.
Nat drank, calm and deliberate.
Robin followed.
Then slowly, Jonathan.
Jackie didn’t move.
Steve stayed still too.
Fatin drank last, with a little shrug and a, “Come on, look at me.”
Nat couldn’t help but glare at Jackie. She sometimes found herself thinking about Jackie’s whole situation. Not on purpose—it just happened. It was kind of impossible to be a student at Wiskayok High and not occasionally analyze Jackie Taylor. Jackie acted so sure of herself, so straight it almost felt like a performance. But Nat had her doubts.
There was the weird friendship with Shauna—too intense, too close in a way that didn’t always read as platonic. But then again, there was Jeff.
Jackie had been dating Jeff Sadecki for, what, two years now? And they weren’t shy about PDA—if anything, they were obnoxious about it. That said, Jackie never really seemed into him. Which, fair. It was Jeff Sadecki.
And everyone knew Jackie had refused to sleep with him, which, while completely her choice, had become part of the school rumor mill. Not that Nat bought into that crap—but still. It made you wonder.
She didn’t know what to make of it exactly. Maybe Jackie was just going through the motions. Maybe she didn’t know what she wanted. Or maybe she did and was just really, really good at pretending she didn’t.
All Nat knew was, Jackie Taylor was officially on her watchlist.
The firelight painted Jackie’s face in warm gold, hair a little messy from the wind, her eyes impossible to ignore. Jackie looked away.
“You’re up,” Nat said, voice low but teasing.
Jackie raised her drink. “Never have I ever... skipped curfew and blamed it on someone else.”
That one got everyone, even Steve, who groaned dramatically.
Jonathan took a long sip from his drink and gave a mock-sinister smile as he glanced around the firelit circle. “Okay, okay. My turn.” The group fell into a hush, everyone bracing.“Never have I ever… been part of a high school team that people were actually afraid of.” Nat laughed, Jonathan really liked the whole “violent soccer team” thing.
Nat drank casually. Because yeah, people were kind of scared of the Yellowjackets.
Jackie did too, her lips twitching with a knowing smile as she raised her beer.
Robin laughed. “The whole violent soccer thing.”
“You guys told us that Shauna is always nearly suspended.” Fatin pointed and Nat rolled her eyes. Shauna, Shauna, Shauna, god. Shauna seemed like a presence Nat just couldn’t get rid of. They were miles away from Wiskayok, and it felt like Shauna Shipman was always right there beside her, like a demonic presence you couldn’t shake off. Unfortunately for Nat, Jackie furrowed her brow at her when she saw Nat roll her eyes. Nat quickly looked away, feeling a slight tension, and when their eyes met again, Jackie had a confused expression, as if trying to figure something out. Apparently she choose to let it go, because in a second Jackie grinned mischievously.
"You know, I think you all would love to know that Natalie is the third player on the team with the most yellow cards."
Robin smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I could totally see that."
Nat’s smirk grew. "Oh, you want to know why she didn't tell you who’s second on the list?"
Jackie quickly looked away, her grin widening as the group started to realize it was her, their faces filled with surprised expressions.
Fatin laughed, shaking her head. "That's my girl."
Steve raised his hands, pretending to be shocked. "Oh my god, Jackie Taylor is a violent girl?"
Robin and Jonathan burst out laughing, their amusement clear.
Jackie shrugged casually. "In my defense, it was always necessary."
Nat raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with playful challenge. "All twelve times in the last twenty games?"
Jackie shot her a glance. "You counting how many yellow cards I’ve gotten now? You paying a little too much attention?"
Nat rolled her eyes, her tone mocking. "I’m not counting. It’s the giant chalkboard in Coach Ben’s office with the tally. It’s hard not to notice."
Jackie didn’t flinch. "I don’t regret a thing. I was just defending the team."
“You’re always so crazy when it comes to defending the team,” Nat laughed. “You literally punched a girl in the stomach the second she said something about Taissa, and you don’t even like Taissa.”
Jackie shot her a playful look. “Me?! What about you? You think I don’t remember that time a girl from Mckinley shoved Mari on the field and you almost broke her leg?”
Jackie pointed at her with a smirk. “For Mari! And it’s common knowledge that Mari is a bitch.”
Nat grinned. “Yeah, of course she’s a bitch, but she’s like... our dork. She’s been a bitch to me plenty of times, but how many times has she been a bitch for me? With others?”
Jackie nodded, a sly smile on her face. “I mean, yeah. That’s what a team does, Nat.”
Nat leaned back a little, crossing her arms. “That’s what your team does, Cap. You taught us that.”
Before Jackie could respond, Fatin cut in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Man, are we interrupting something here? Do you guys want some time alone to declare your undying love for each other?”
They both rolled their eyes at the same time.
“No, we can save it for later when we’re alone.” Jackie winked at Nat, who rolled her eyes with a smile.
Jackie Taylor could be really dorky sometimes. Nat kind of liked it.