Introductions
James led Peter into the cozy kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed tea greeting them. An old television was showing the news, the sound was far from amazing and crackled every now and then. “Recently, it has come to our attention that there has been a significant increase in gun violence in the bigger cities. It is still unclear why this is happening and what can be done about it. Until that is known, we advise you to be careful at all times, and to inform the police about any suspicions you might have.”
James’ smile faltered for a moment when he heard what the reporter said, just a split second but enough for Peter to notice. "I want you to meet Alexi, our other counselor. I think you two will get along," he said, placing Peter's bags near a rustic wooden table. As he rummaged through the cabinets, a muttered curse slipped from his lips. "Bollocks, where did those biscuits vanish to?"
In his search, a green, handmade cup with flowers painted on it teetered precariously on the edge of a shelf. Peter's eyes widened and he stepped forward, as if to try and catch it, just as it crashed to the floor, shattering into a million pieces. "Ah, not my lucky cup!" James groaned, staring at the ceramic fragments with a slight pout on his face.
"Oi, what's the commotion out here?" A female voice, tinged with a playful sound, echoed from the adjoining room. The speaker stepped into view, and Peter found himself observing a tall, slender figure with light, messy hair and an outfit that made her look homeless and cool at the same time. It took him a second to notice a piercing in her nose and through her eyebrow. This wasn't the type of person he had expected here.
Alexi's gray eyes flickered with amusement as she took in the scene. "Please tell me you're not juggling the crockery again. We're already short on kitchenware as it is. If you want to go and play clown please just use some of the rotten eggs.”
James turned, a sheepish grin replacing his frustration. "Ah, no, that was just my lucky cup meeting its tragic end, nothing more."
"That old thing? It was hideous anyway."
"Why are you always so mean? I'm always nice to you!" James shot back, but his eyes twinkled with humor.
Peter, who had been quietly taking in the exchange in the background, felt a very small smile tug at his lips. Alexi's straightforward manner and James's easygoing nature were starting to melt the icy wall of his anxiety. Maybe, if the others were as nice as these two, he could find his place here among the shattered cups and banter.
Alexi's gaze, sharp and probing, shifted across the room, landing on Peter. Her brow furrowed, a wince crossing her features as she fiddled with an irritated piercing on her left eyebrow. "Thought we still had an hour before anyone was supposed to show up," she said, half addressing James but quickly turning her attention to Peter. "Has he offered yousomething to drink yet?"
James opened his mouth to reply, but Alexi cut him off with a wave of her hand in his direction. "I was speaking to our guest, not you, darling."
"Rude. As always," James muttered, but with a grin that softened the rebuke.
Peter, feeling the weight of their attention, cleared his throat. "Uh, yes, he made some tea." He lifted his cup slightly, as if to confirm his words, but quickly put it back down again when it burned his hand.
Alexi crossed the room with long strides and extended her hand, shaking Peter's so firmly he feared for his circulation. "I'm Alexi. Alexi Fotheringham, if we're getting very formal. And you are?"
"Peter Pettigrew." Peter watched as Alexi scribbled something on a very worn piece of paper which honestly looked like it would turn into dust any second now.
"Right, so you're here without horses, correct? You'll be using one of ours, or two, I suppose, since you drive?"
"Yeah, I wanted to bring my own, but transportation was a hassle," Peter explained.
Alexi poured herself some tea, taking a contemplative sip before making a face because of how hot the tea still is. "Transportation is always a nightmare, whether you’re hiring a horse taxi or hauling them yourself. But don't worry, our horses are top-notch, even for driving. I tried once, ended up bulldozing everything in the ring. I got banned for life, a shame, honestly, I was having the time of my life."
Peter, caught terribly off-guard by Alexi's comment about her reckless driving adventure, hastily took a sip of his tea, only to wince as the scalding liquid burned his mouth.
"Lex," James began, in a sing-song voice, "I think I hear a car in the driveway. Fancy welcoming the newcomers with your delightful charm?"
The glare Alexi shot at James was lethal enough to fell a lesser man, but it only served to coax a melodious laugh from him. "Oh, lighten up. You're here to face your people-fear, remember? Can't do that hiding behind your favorite human shield. Lex, who knows? Maybe, among this lot, your Mr. Right, or Mrs. Right, might just be stepping out of that car."
Shaking her head with a reluctant smile, Alexi set her cup down. “You’re hopeless,” she muttered, but her tone was light, lacking its usual sharpness.
As she strolled towards the door, James called after her, “Remember, charming and welcoming! Let’s not scare them off on the first day!”
Ignoring his comment and flipping him off, Alexi steeled herself, straightening her shoulders as she prepared to play the role of the warm and friendly counselor. She opened the door just as the sound of voices and car doors closing reached their ears.
James watched her leave, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He had seen the way Alexi could light up like the sun around the right people, and he couldn’t help but hope that this summer might bring someone special into her life, despite her protests.
"You said there'll be eight of us in total, right?" Peter ventured, attempting to fill the void left by Alexi's departure. "Are any of them returning campers?"
James shook his head, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Nope, all fresh faces this year. It's thrilling, isn't it? Meeting new people?"
It was surprising how excited James seemed about meeting new people. That was something that Peter, and apperantly Alexi as well, would never be able to understand.
Peter couldn't think of anything less thrilling. The prospect of new faces brought more anxiety than excitement. "Depends on your definition of thrilling, I suppose," he managed, offering a small, unsure smile.
James seemed to sense Peter’s apprehension. “Hey,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on Peter's shoulder, “you’ll be fine. Everyone’s here to have a good time, just like you.”
Peter nodded, not entirely convinced but grateful for James’s reassurance. Just then, a burst of chatter approached, growing louder as the new arrivals made their way towards the kitchen. The sound marked the end of their brief respite, the calm before the storm of introductions.
James stood up, his demeanor shifting to that of a welcoming host. “Ready to meet your fellow campers?” he asked, with an impish grin that was both encouraging and mischievous.
Peter took a deep breath, steadying himself. He wasn’t sure if he was ready, not that that mattered, the moment had arrived. Peter realized that this summer was about to become a journey he hadn’t quite anticipated.