Turns out Alexander's foster parents had adopted him over the period he'd been away at camp, not doubt thinking that he would actually be straight when he returned. And they were so disappointed that it didn't happen, that they actually sent him back the following year.

Alexander didn't mind as much this time though because he knew that Aaron would be there. He was the pastor's nephew after all. His new parents dropped him off, once again snapping at him to abide by God's will, yada yada yada. Alexander didn't listen.

He clutched his suitcase tightly before making his way to the main building where that absolutely ridiculous introduction was held. He, once again, completely ignored the nun that tried to hand him a bible and continued on his way.

He grinned when he saw Aaron standing at the church entrance, and just like last year, was nervously holding out slips of paper.

"Aaron!" He called, waving his hand. Aaron looked up in surprise at his name and his eyes widened when they landed on Alexander.

"Alexander?" He said once they reached each other. "What are you doing here?"

Alexander sighed and waved his hand about. "Stupid new parents want me to magically be straight. They're infuriating."

Aaron sighed and shook his head. "I don't really like extremists like them. I don't uh, necessarily believe in God, but if He does exist, he wouldn't want this. Sometimes I feel like He's just sleeping and that's the only reason people get away with these types of things."

"I wouldn't be surprised." Alexander said cheerfully. "And you weren't this non-believing last year, what happened?"

Aaron shrugged. "This whole religion thing was kinda shoved onto me. My mum and dad were religious, but not nearly as much as Uncle Timothy." Aaron shuddered. "He's an extremist. He thinks everything other than Christianity is wrong. It's awful."

"Geez, that's ridiculous." Alexander said, shaking his head. Aaron nodded in agreement.

"Aaron! Come here!"

They both turned to see pastor Edwards standing in the building, beady eyes staring into their souls.

"Coming Uncle!" Aaron called back.

"NOW!" 

Both boys flinched at that and Aaron reluctantly left, shooting Alexander an apologetic smile.

Alexander just shrugged, still happy to have seen his friend again, before walking into the building as well and going into the assembly area. He once again sat at the back, taking in the terrified faces of the newcomers. Nothing had changed it seemed.

They all waited until pastor Edwards came out, holding his notes. Alexander watched in amusement as people still chattered even when the pastor tried to gain their attention.

"Enough!" Pastor Edwards finally snapped. "First rule, you will listen to me when addressed! Do you understand?"

Everyone fell silent and the newbies stared in fear, but everyone nodded, besides Alexander of course. Edwards cleared his throat before beginning.

 "Greetings ladies and gentlemen. I am Pastor Edwards and welcome to Blessed Hope. Do not fret, we are here to help you. Just follow the word of God and all shall be well. I am sure you all know why you are here?"

Alexander laughed out loud, causing everyone to stare at him in muted shock. The pastor, clearly annoyed, looked at him.

"What is so funny young man?" He demanded.

"I-I'm sorry!" Alexander stammered, wiping fake tears away. "It's just - this is the same speech as last year! Word for word! You didn't even bother to change it up even a little bit!"

Alexander continued to laugh until a nun came over and smacked him over the head. "Ow lady!" He shrieked, glaring at her and holding his wounded spot.

Pastor Edwards simply sighed and shook his head. "That is just an example as to what will happen should you misbehave. Mister Hamilton-"

"Oh so you remember me? That's sweet." Alexander said grinning wildly.

A few held back snickers came out from the campers, causing Alexander to grin even more.

"Sister Judy, please take him to my office." The pastor ordered, face practically red with fury, and the nun that had hit him nodded and led him away.

She pushed him into a familiar office and Alexander sat down in one of the chairs. He watched with mild amusement as the nun stood by the door like some sort of security guard. After waiting for what seemed like forever the pastor entered.

"Mister Hamilton." He said in a clipped tone.

"Please, just call me Alexander." He interrupted.

"Mister Hamilton." The pastor said again. "Why can't you simply behave? If you do not, I will have to punish you severely."

"Whatever old man."

"And one more thing." Alexander turned to him, eyebrow quirked. "Stay away from my nephew." He said coldly. "You've corrupted him enough."

With a wave of his hand, the nun came over and grabbed him roughly and led him away. Alexander actually followed willingly, confused out of his mind.

Corrupted him enough...? What does he mean by that?