~ The Last day for camp, The Chastfield ~

"What can we do right now?", Stella asked the rest. "The camp coaches are off duty so we are free to do as we please. What can we do?"

"Probably a last camp night at the beach", Adrian suggested and the rest agreed.

"Get ready guys, grab all marshmallows and matches and food and drinks and flashlights you can get. We're going last camp night out at the beach", Stella said and Gabriella and Rhonda whooped.

It took forever for Patra and Kendrick to get to the lodge and another eternity to pack. Throughout the rest of the week they hadn't talked to each other and received room service at different times. Whenever they met in the living room or she ran into him at the balcony where he was always sipping Bourbon, her eyes would widen and she'd freeze in shock for a few moments then turn to her room. As they walked down the stairs because the elevator was in use, their arms kept brushing against each other. And they felt that jolt of electricity every time. No matter how hard she tried.

They finally made it down after eternity of silence.

"Let's start with a mini talent show", Stella said as she drew a big 'X' on the sand when that had settled down on the beach. "If you've got any talent, step right on the 'X' and show us what you've got". Gabriella and Maurice did a mini Pentatonix. After Michael danced to some music, showing off his acrobatic skills and Adrian rapped, it was getting pretty boring.

"Patra, don't you have a talent. Come on", Maurice said.

"No, I don't think__", Patra began to protest but Rhonda started cheering her and soon the others joined in. She sighed and finally stood on the big 'X'. Then she sang one song she had composed when she tried loosening up in her room, behind closed doors.

Didn't I tell you when I touched your hair
That my love will always be with you even when I can't be there
And didn't I show you when I kissed your lips
That I will always hold and I'll never ever leave...

As she sang on, tears forming in her eyes, everyone listened, captivated by her voice. Kendrick was dumbstruck. She had a package of beauty and an amazing voice. He thought as his eyes wandered up her features to her hair and he suddenly wondered why she always had her hair in a neat bun.

When she was done, it took a moment before the clapping became sporadic. Stella was stunned, proud of her friend and she whooped as Patra took her seat beside Kendrick.

"Like hell, that was on hell of a voice. Who knew she had such an amazing voice. What else do you have up your sleeves", Gabriella said.

"What of her hair?". Patra's eyes grew wide like saucers and she shook her head to protest but the elastic band was yanked off her hair by Adrian and a voluptuous length of hair came tumbling down. Kendrick did a double take at the sight as well as the others. Even Stella was as astonished as she was when she saw it for the first time.

"Whoa! You are Rapunzel dwelling amongst us", Damien said.

"And you cage yourself. You're suffering, Patra, bless your heart". Patra smiled sadly.

"If I don't see your hair like this on Monday morning with. You'll have me to contend with", Damien said and everyone except Kendrick who was still bewildered from from all from the shock said a 'me too' and laughed.

Then the awkward silence except for the sound of the cackling fire reigned. Then to ease the tension they told ghost stories. When they were tired to say ghost stories or crack jokes, they packed up and returned to the hotel.

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"It was a nice camping trip. Don't we agree?", Mr Spencer said when they reached the school premises the next day. They all nodded. Miss Diaz took over with some little pep talk. Patra moved uneasily in her seat. Instincts told her something was wrong but she couldn't grasp what it was.

As soon as the talk was over, her phone rang. She packed her stuffs and walking down to the restaurant, she answered the call. It was her cousin.

"Hey", she said, smiling.

"Aunt Patra", he replied, sniffling. Patra frowned.

"Rod? What's wrong?"

"You need to come to Seattle Grace Hospital, now", she asked, fear and concern lacing her voice.

"What's going on? Is everything wrong?"

"Come now. Mama's dying", Roderic said. Her heart sank faster than the Titanic.

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She rushed into the hospital, towards the reception.

"Hello?", she smiled feebly at the receptionist.

"Welcome to__", the receptionist greeted.

"Sorry, I'm looking for a newly admitted patient that goes by Deborah Gullienõ". The receptionist got to work immediately.

"Deborah Gullienõ, ICU floor 3, room 34. Oh, I'm sorry, she's supposed to be at the aforementioned room but she's still in the ER. She was involved in a fatal accident resulting from sporadic exchange of gun shots. Three bullets went through her leg and stomach. They are battling to save her life", Patra sighed and tears trickled down her face.

Hours later, when her aunt was being wheeled into her room. Patra gasped as she tried to suck in air. Everything around her felt as though she were in a vacuum and she was surviving in her own breath.

"She barely made it but she's alive but not ready to open up her eyes. Let's just say we  give her a few days. I'm pretty sure shell recover", the doctor said and she nodded weakly. Roderic entered the room and Patra pulled him into an enveloping hug and more tears fell down her face. She thanked the doctor and took her cousin home.

Devastated by the news, Patra's uncle had taken to drinking alcohol. Of course, he took it once in a while but it was like a brewery was being run in their home.

"Uncle, what have you done? Take a look at   yourself. You aren't a good role model to the family. Roderic would be disgusted to see you in this state", Patra chided. True to her word, Roderic wasn't impressed with his father drinking. He just went upstairs to his room.

She was too tired to think so she left her uncle to drink to stupor while she retired to her room for the night.

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Hi beauties,

Here's an update. Sorry it's not long but it's pretty early, don't you think?

So, question of the chapter: Favorite music artiste? Mine's Cardi B...

XOXO
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