chapter four
"emmas fashion show"

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Outside The Cabins ━━ Hacketts Quarry 2021

"LILITH!" Emma's voice rang out across the clearing. "There you are! I need your help with something amazing."

Curious, Lilith made her way over to where Emma was setting up what looked like a makeshift runway near the main lodge. Strips of fabric hung from tree branches, and a collection of odds and ends were scattered on a nearby table.

"What's all this?" Lilith asked, taking in the chaotic scene.

Emma's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Only the most fabulous event of the summer! We're having an end-of-camp fashion show. Using only what we can find around camp!"

Despite her little interest in fashion, Lilith found herself smiling at Emma's enthusiasm. "Sounds fun. What do you need me to do?"

"Help me recruit models and find materials," Emma said, already pulling Lilith towards the arts and crafts shed. "We're going to make this a day to remember!"

As they walked, Emma chatted animatedly about her vision for the show. "I'm thinking we divide it into themes. Like, 'Woodland Chic' and 'Post-Apocalyptic Couture.' Oh! And maybe a 'Campfire Glam' segment!"

Lilith couldn't help but laugh. "You've really thought this through, huh?"

Emma grinned. "Of course! It's going to be epic. Plus, it'll make great content for my vlog."

They spent the next hour raiding the arts and crafts supplies, gathering everything from glitter and pipe cleaners to old maps and bits of rope. As they worked, more counselors and campers joined in.

Nick soon appeared, carrying a box of what looked like old costumes from past camp plays. "Heard we're putting on a show," he said, setting down the box. "Thought these might help."

"Nick, you're a lifesaver!" Emma exclaimed, immediately diving into the box.

Lilith caught Nick's eye and mouthed a 'thank you.' He winked in response, sending a flutter through her stomach.

In one corner, Abigail was patiently showing a group of younger campers how to weave flowers into crowns. Her quiet demeanor seemed to put even the most nervous kids at ease. Nearby, Kaitlyn was leading a team in constructing what looked like armor made from flattened soda cans.

"Hey, has anyone seen Jacob?" Ryan called out, scanning the busy clearing. "He was supposed to help set up the sound system."

Lilith frowned. Come to think of it, she hadn't seen Jacob all morning. "I can help with that," she offered. "I used to DJ a bit in high school."

Ryan looked relieved. "That'd be great, thanks."

As Lilith followed Ryan to where the equipment was set up, she couldn't shake a nagging feeling of unease. Jacob wasn't usually one to miss out on group activities, especially ones that involved showing off.

Her concerns were momentarily forgotten as she immersed herself in setting up the sound system. It felt good to lose herself in the familiar task, adjusting levels and testing connections.

As lunchtime approached, Nick caught up with her, his arms full of what looked like repurposed trash bags. "Hey, fashion guru," he teased. "How's it going?"

Lilith laughed, gesturing to her leaf-covered shirt. "Oh, you know, just embracing my inner forest nymph. You?"

Nick grinned, holding up his makeshift outfit. "I'm going for a post-apocalyptic vibe. Think I'll win best dressed?"

Their laughter was interrupted by Jacob's arrival. He looked disheveled, with dark circles under his eyes. "Hey, has anyone seen the extra rope from the climbing wall? I can't find it anywhere."

Lilith and Nick exchanged a glance, the lighthearted mood dissipating slightly. "No, sorry," Nick said. "Have you asked Mr. Hackett?"

Jacob shook his head, frustration evident on his face. "He just keeps saying not to worry about it. But stuff keeps going missing, and I don't like it."

Before they could discuss it further, Emma's voice rang out, calling everyone to gather for the start of the show. Lilith pushed her concerns aside, determined to enjoy this last bit of summer fun.

The fashion show was a hit. Campers and counselors alike strutted down the makeshift runway, showing off their creative ensembles. Abigail surprised everyone with a stunning dress made entirely of carefully woven grass and wildflowers. Ryan, usually so serious, got into the spirit with a "mad scientist" look complete with a tinfoil hat.

Dylan took to the runway with a dramatic flair, modeling what he called "Tech Support Chic" – an outfit made entirely of old computer parts and tangled wires. The crowd went wild, cheering and laughing at his exaggerated poses.

Kaitlyn's group showcased their soda can armor, marching down the runway in formation like a miniature, shimmering army. Even Mr. Hackett got in on the fun, appearing in a cape made of leaves and a crown of pinecones, dubbing himself the "King of the Quarry."

Lilith found herself laughing and cheering along with everyone else. When it was her turn to walk, she channeled her inner model, striking poses that had the crowd in stitches. As she reached the end of the runway, she caught Nick's eye. He was beaming at her, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

As the sun began to set, Emma took center stage for the grand finale. She had somehow transformed a collection of old maps and compass parts into a stunning explorer-themed outfit. As she twirled at the end of the runway, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"And that concludes our Hackett's Quarry Fashion Extravaganza!" Emma announced, bowing dramatically. "Let's give it up one more time for all our amazing models and designers!"

The applause was deafening. As the excitement began to die down and campers started to disperse, Lilith noticed Jacob approaching Mr. Hackett with a frustrated expression.

"Mr. Hackett, sir," Jacob said, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I can't find some of our camping gear. The rope from the climbing wall is missing too. Do you know anything about that?"

Mr. Hackett's jovial post-fashion-show demeanor faltered slightly. "Missing gear? I'm sure it's just misplaced, Jacob. You know how chaotic things get at the end of summer."

Jacob shook his head, unconvinced. "But sir, this isn't the first time. Remember the canoe paddles last week? It's like things keep disappearing."

Lilith, curious about the exchange, moved closer to listen. She noticed Nick and Ryan doing the same.

Mr. Hackett placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Now, now, let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. I'm sure everything will turn up. Why don't you help Emma clean up after the fashion show? We'll sort out the inventory tomorrow."

Jacob opened his mouth as if to protest, then seemed to think better of it. "Yes, sir," he mumbled, turning away with a dejected look.

As Mr. Hackett walked off, Lilith caught Nick's eye. His expression mirrored her own concern.

"That was weird, right?" Nick whispered, leaning in close. "Mr. Hackett seemed awfully quick to brush off Jacob's concerns."

Lilith nodded, a familiar unease settling in her stomach. "Yeah, it's not like him to be so dismissive."

Ryan joined them, his face thoughtful. "Maybe he just doesn't want to worry anyone on our last night. You know how Mr. Hackett is about keeping the camp's reputation positive."

"Maybe," Lilith agreed, though she wasn't convinced. Something about the whole situation felt off.

Later that night, yet again, she laid in her bunk unable to sleep.
A soft rustling outside her window made her freeze. Slowly, careful not to wake the others, Lilith crept to the window and peered out into the darkness. For a moment, she thought she saw a pair of gleaming eyes at the edge of the treeline, but when she blinked, there was nothing there. So Lilith climbed back into bet, doing her be at to keep the glowing eyes out of her mind.

Tomorrow, they would send the kids off back home, marking the official end of the summer camp season. The realization hit her with a mix of relief but disappointment.

This whole summer, she had failed to find out any substantial information about her brother, Aiden. Months of planning, of crafting a perfect cover story, of earning her place as a counselor at Hackett's Quarry – and what did she have to show for it? A handful of vague clues, strange occurrences that could be explained away, and more questions than answers.

The truth was, she hadn't anticipated how all-consuming the role of camp counselor would be. Between organizing activities, and mediating disputes among campers, she'd had precious little time for her own investigations.

The only time she usually had was after everyone went to sleep, and she didn't think it would be wise to go out by herself. Not with the strange noises in the night. And certainly not after the glimpses she'd caught of... something in the woods.

A pang of guilt shot through her as she thought of Nick, of the way he looked at her with such warmth and trust. Of Emma's infectious enthusiasm, Abigail's quiet strength, Jacob's goofy charm. Even Ryan's stoic presence had become a comfort. These people had become more than just co-workers or even friends. They felt like family.

And she had lied to them all summer long.

How could she have gotten so close to these people while hiding such a crucial part of herself? How could she care for them so deeply while using this job as a means to an end?

It was then that Lilith made a decision. The official camp season might be ending, but her mission was far from over. She would have to come up with a plan, and fast.

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