Chapter Text
Max stared out the bus window, squeezing the stress ball inside his hoodie’s pocket. He looked at the other passengers, some new faces, some old.
He didn’t spot Neil or Nikki anywhere on the bus, his only true friends in this hell of a camp. It was honestly concerning, considering they’ve been coming to Camp Campbell for two years straight.
It was Max’s fourth time being sent to this camp, he’s honestly used to it by now. At the end of the school year, his parents pack up his things, and he’s sent here.
Max honestly wonders what they’ll do once he reaches the age limit, they’ll probably still find a way to send him though.
Max gave out a sigh as the bus reared to a stop, presenting the camp to the windows. He stood up, slouching with his hands in his pockets as he walked out of the bus.
He noticed David standing by the entrance, smiling as chipper as usual. He rolled his eyes, walking over while standing right next to him.
David peered down at Max, “Welcome back to camp, Max! Can you believe you’ve been here already four times! I sure cant.”
Max sighed, “Yep. It must be horrifying to you.”
David smiled as he watched the other campers walk off the bus, “You know, you’re almost at the age limit. We sure will miss you, Max.”
The new campers stood in front of David, as the recurring ones made themselves at home, already picking their tents, “Yeah..” Max replied, looking around for two certain people.
David had already started introducing the new campers the ropes around the place as Max wandered off, walking towards old camper’s he’s known.
“Have any of you seen Neil or Nikki?” Max asked them, his voice monotone.
Everyone shrugged, no’s coming from all around. Max pinched the bridge of his nose, of course his only friends would ditch him for some other camp. Neil probably got tired of everyone already and went to a real science camp, where Nikki was probably tricked into going somewhere fancy by her mom.
Max sighed, slouching more as he walked off, bumping into Gwen. She noticed the sour look on his face, well, Max always had a sour look, however this one was different.
“What’s wrong, Max? Besides being trapped here again.” She gave a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. Max looked up at her with an annoyed expression before letting out a deep breath.
“Neither Neil or Nikki are here this summer..” Max usually didn’t let people get to him, besides David, but the only people he’s grown onto weren’t with him and it was.. Strange. Gwen smiled down at Max, “Well, that’s not entirely true.”
Max raised a brow, as Gwen continued to smile.
“Get to the shit, Gwen.”
Gwen took hold of Max’s sleeve, walking him towards the mess-hall. She opened up the doors, revealing someone in a white coat sitting at a table messing with some metal.
Max looked at Gwen confused, she smirked at she looked at the person, waving her hand.
“Hey, Neil!”
Max’s eyes widened as Neil looked up, smiling as he had trouble getting out of the chair before he walked over to Max and Gwen.
He had definitely changed a bit over the year, he was even taller now. His wardrobe changing to a white lab coat, still the yellow turtleneck, and black pants. Neil still had the weird coward posture, however he didn’t look that much scrawny anymore. He could definitely pick up Max.
So this is what a fifteen year old looks like.
Shit.