There's a Bat in Bunk Five by Paula Danziger Page A

pretends to cry. “He looks just like he did when he was alive.”
    â€œExcept that he’s squashed and dead,” Betsy says.
    Risa continues, “. . . so we hope that he rests in peace.”
    â€œOr pieces, ” whispers Ted, coming up behind me and putting his arms around my waist.
    The girls all start to go back into the bunk.
    Bobbie says, “I think we should bury the broom too. I’m never going to touch it. It’s disgusting.”
    â€œWe’ll wash it,” Carl says. “Now, those of us who live in other bunks should think about going back to them. It’s really late.”
    â€œI guess he means me, since they’ve got a house and I’m the only other person not assigned to bunk five,” Ted says with a smile. “Carl, don’t you think I should get special visiting privileges since I saved the day?”
    â€œBack to your bunk or I’ll have you arrested for hunting out of season.” Carl points toward the boys’ bunk area.
    â€œAnd for carrying and using an unregistered broom,” I add.
    Ted gives me a quick kiss good night and says, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    Barbara turns to me. “We’re still friends, aren’t we? You’re not still upset about this morning, are you?”
    I shake my head. “No, I’m trying to learn thatwe’ve all got the right to be human and less than perfect.”
    â€œExcept for me. Remember that I’m perfect,” Carl says.
    Barbara shines her flashlight in his face. “Okay, Mr. Perfect. Then how come you left the coffeepot on tonight, forgot about it, and burned it out?”
    â€œA momentary lapse.” He shines his flashlight into her face. “Let’s go home now.”
    She nods and mumbles something about practice making perfect.
    Corrine and I go into our room.
    The girls have all quieted down and seem to be going to sleep.
    As we change into our pajamas, Corrine says, “Boy, am I glad you two arrived when you did. Did you have a good time in Woodstock?”
    â€œWonderful.” I must have said or thought “wonderful” a million times today.
    We climb into our bunks.
    I tell her about our day and how my panty hose rolled down. After we finish laughing about that, I ask, “Corrine, how old were you when you fell in love for the first time?”
    â€œOh, it’s that serious, huh? Well, the first time I was eleven and he was my fifth-grade teacher. The first time the love was mutual and serious was when I was fourteen. Boy, was that great . . .and very confusing, ending when his parents decided to move to Ohio. We swore our undying love but it’s hard from a distance. After that, I fell madly in love with John, but he broke my heart. I still think about him sometimes, but it wouldn’t have worked out in the long run. Now I’m in love with David. I really miss him. He’s in France. We decided we needed some distance, some time apart. This love I hope is going to last forever. I even have the names picked out for the kids we’ll have someday.”
    I think of Heather and Dylan . . . Ted and my future kids.
    I also think of the comment that Heidi once made about how she doesn’t want any kids. But I do, I think. But not until I’m older, about twenty-seven, and have had a chance to do a lot of stuff.
    Corrine says, “I really think Ted’s great. I’m glad you and he hit it off.” She turns out the light.
    â€œJust remember that camp’s going to be over and both of you live in different places.”
    That’s something I don’t want to think about, not now, not tonight.
    There’s a lot more I want to ask Corrine, about being in love and sex, but I’m too shy to ask and I don’t want to seem like a dumb kid, especially when she’s treating me like an adult. It’s hard to know who to talk to. I’ve never been able to