#the roanokes (lumberjanes)

[yourlocalstingbeans]

Lumberjanes fandom, we have a very overlooked gay people moment in this series.

That time in Faire and Square when they're walking in the forest trying to find the Ren Fair and Molly is like "I don't think there's any evidence Robin Hood was a fox" and Mal just goes "I think you're a fox."

Like? Can we talk about that?

First of all, smoother than butter, I applaud your flirting skills Mal Yoo.

But also! We do not talk about this enough! You're down so. bad, girl!

[faithful-grigori]

“#also don’t worry about the supernatural creatures surrounding you, #they seem friendly”

Obviously I had to draw the Lumberjanes for this year’s Summer Reading theme: Read Beyond the Beaten Path!

[artsymeadowblog]

Stevenson: Lumberjanes

There's this summer camp called Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, and it's got these campers known as "Lumberjane Scouts". These five scouts from the Roanoke cabin, Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley, see this old lady turn into a bear. They follow her into the woods and run into these mean three-eyed supernatural foxes. More of these three-eyed creatures show up, and the girls decide to figure out what's going on at this camp. Throughout the story, they earn or talk about these Lumberjane scout badges. They also say things like "Oh my Bessie Coleman!" and "What the Joan Jett?" And there's each of the first seven issues ends with a mixtape playlist made by one of the characters.

The simplicity of the characters' appearance, with their facial features and body proportions represented by shapes, and the colour palette being used in the book, is aesthetically pleasing and effective in capturing the reader's attention.

[poelouisewalker]

Lumberjanes

The story is set in and around Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, a summer camp whose attendees are known as "Lumberjane Scouts". The five scouts of the Roanoke cabin — Jo, April, Molly, Mal and Ripley — witness a mysterious old woman transforming into a bear, and after following her into the woods, encounter a hostile pack of three-eyed supernatural foxes. As more three-eyed creatures start to appear, the girls task themselves with solving the mysteries surrounding the camp. Over the course of the story, characters earn or refer to various Lumberjane scout badges. The characters frequently invoke the names of notable female pioneers, with phrases such as "Oh my Bessie Coleman!" and "What the Joan Jett?" Each of the first seven issues ends with a track listing for a mixtape prepared by one of the characters.

the art style is simple yet engaging with just two dots and a line for faces that tell you a lot as a reader, for example emotions and thoughts. these simplicities are what make the comic expressive and follows a warmer colour pallet.

[askthe7]

The Lumberjanes by ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Brooklyn Allen, Grace Ellis, Kat Leyh, Faith Erin Hicks (had to look the authors up, sorry if it looks a little weird) is also really good! It's a graphic novel series that takes place in a summer camp, which also happens to be the home of several gods and monsters! The series stars Roanoke cabin, which has Molly(in a wlw relationship), Mal(Molly's girlfriend), Jo(trans mtf, although I don't think it's mentioned until several issues in), April(not Queer I think, but she is very buff!), Ripley(who isn't stated to be queer but is hyper and adorable), and later Jen(cabin leader). The series doesn't focus on the romance in most issues, so if you aren't into romance it's still enjoyable! It's also pretty chill, so if you prefer just some silly shenanigans, it's great!

no one: me: here’s a flow chart of 41 lgbtq+ book recommendations, have fun! disclaimer: this is a very non-comprehensive list since I’m only including books that I’ve read

[poenikolahance]

Lumberjanes: The story is set in and around Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, a summer camp whose attendees are known as "Lumberjane Scouts". The five scouts of the Roanoke cabin — Jo, April, Molly, Mal and Ripley — witness a mysterious old woman transforming into a bear, and after following her into the woods, encounter a hostile pack of three-eyed supernatural foxes. As more three-eyed creatures start to appear, the girls task themselves with solving the mysteries surrounding the camp. Over the course of the story, characters earn or refer to various Lumberjane scout badges. The characters frequently invoke the names of notable female pioneers, with phrases such as "Oh my Bessie Coleman!" and "What the Joan Jett?" Each of the first seven issues ends with a track listing for a mixtape prepared by one of the characters.

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

WOTN Review: Lumberjanes: Somewhere That's Green #1 (Boom! Box)

Even Rainy Days Won’t Slow Down The Lumberjanes Nothing will cheer you up faster than the Roanoke Cabin and its adventures. I’m not sure what the weather is like where you live, but it’s been near constant rain near me. So, this issue was hilariously timed in that regard. Lumberjanes: Somewhere That’s Green #1 is a standalone plot, but still one worth reading. The Lumberjanes always managed to…

[transxfiles]

making these lumberjanes textposts memes is so much fun :]

+ bonus

[bubblestheraccoon]

Lumberjanes As Birds. Based on pretty much just vibes tbh

Mal - Polish Chicken

Molly - American Goldfinch

Ripley - Pileated Woodpecker

Jen - Barn Owl

Jo - American Crow

April - Long-tailed Tit

bonus zodiac hint Wren guess what. type of bird Wren is.

[zodiac-cabin-unofficial]

[froginthecreek]

Lumberjanes aesthetic I made ages ago and promptly forgot about, but here they are anyway because I miss these girls a lot lately

[trufflesandbedlam]

What the junk??

Our Lumberjanes Magnetic Bookmark Epic Collection is live today at our Etsy and our Website. Featuring all five campers from Roanoke Cabin: Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley are here and ready to adventure. 

...

This was actually a request I got from one of our fans a while back. They asked for “any character” representing Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types, so being inquisitive, I went and picked up the first TPB to familiarize myself. Might’ve fallen a little hard in the process. 😬

Go hard or go home, amirite? 

Check ‘em out.

(Will likely open up a request post sometime this the fall on our Instagram too.) ☺️

–

Truffles & Bedlam Website | Etsy | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Instagram 

[maulie-dyke]

So uhhh…remember when I said I’d post stuff for lumberjanes week? Apparently I lied. Here’s my entry for day 1: favourite Roanoke

It’s a Jo cosplay! She has 31 badges, which there are on the sash. There’s also shoes and a hat that goes with it, I can’t find them right now.

@lumberjanesweek

[ohmykittenholy]

something something lumberjanes haha something something unprecedented times

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

[glowcloudwasright]

Drawing the Roanokes always gets me out of art block🌲

Random sketches and lake shenanigans with Ripley, Jen and April

[themangledsans0508]

The Question

Read on Ao3

Summary:  A day eight years in the making. Molly reflects on two struggles and one special day on their anniversary.

Words: 5432, Oneshot

Warnings: Implied/Referenced Homophobia

Characters: Molly, Mal, Bubbles, April, Jo, Ripley

Ships: Mally

Additional Tags: Reflection, Flashblacks, Fluff, Wholesome Love, Marriage Proposal

It was early, the sun rising up over the small cul-de-sac they lived in. It cut through the scattered trees behind their home to shine into the windows on the back of the house, including the windows in the kitchen. The stone tiles that made up the floor were partially illuminated, along with the lower cabinets and some countertops.

It was mornings like these Molly appreciated, where you could see dew on the grass and it was a little brisk outside. It brought her back to camp when the light would wake them up if April and Jen hadn’t already. The morning air that hadn’t been exactly cold but chill enough to keep them awake. Long shadows that were cast from the towering pines to cover the ground.

She wasn’t going to camp for another few weeks, Rosie having sent out two separate notices. The first, having been sent to campers, parents, and counsellors alike said that camp was delayed due to damage from a windstorm. The second letter, one exclusively for counsellors, stated that there had been a raging chimaera that had wrecked some of the cabins- which were now being rebuilt or repaired- and was also still loose and still a threat. Despite the girls offering to help, Rosie and Abigail had declined, insisting they had it under control.

She pulled a pan off its hook, careful not to let it clang against the others beside it. Stepping over Bubbles, who had found a comfortable spot in a sunbeam on the floor, she put it on the stovetop. He perked up at the noise of metal-on-metal and hopped on the counter, chirping pleadingly at her.

“Bubbles, I haven’t even turned the stove on,” she chuckled. He hummed at her, placing his paws on her forearm. She shook her head, greatly amused at her racoon’s antics. “Now step back from the stove, I don’t want you to burn your paws.” He hopped up on the fridge and looked down at her as she got eggs out of the fridge. She had just turned the burner on when arms snaked around her waist, startling her.

“You’re up early,” she smiled. The head that rested on her shoulder hummed.

“Do you know what today is?” Mal asked.

“The twenty-fourth.” She stifled a laugh at the overdramatic gasp when she said the day.

“Betrayal.”

“It’s our anniversary, of course I know.” She turned and pecked Mal’s forehead, then cracked open one of the eggs.

“Do you know what that means?” Mal questioned further.

“It means we’ve been together for eight years,” Molly replied.

“Well, you’re right. But it also means something else. Something arguably more important.”

“You have me stumped. What does it mean?” She could feel Mal’s breath on her ear and she shivered.

“It means I’m cooking,” Mal whispered and playfully hip-bumped Molly out of the way, seizing grasp of the panhandle.

“What- No! Mal! You’re going to burn the house down!” Molly laughed. She grabbed back at the handle but Mal moved it out of her reach.

“No, I won’t!”

“You’re terrible at cooking!”

“I’m not that bad! Come on, eggs aren’t that hard to make!” Molly sighed in defeat, pulling her hands back and holding them up in surrender.

“Okay, fine, you can make the eggs.” Mal put the pan back over the burner and kissed Molly’s cheek, wrapping an arm around her shoulder to give her a squeeze.

“Thanks, babe. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“We’ll see about that. First, you have to cook.”

“Have you no faith in your future wife?” Molly smirked.

“I know you hon, I know what to expect. We’ve lived together for four years.”

“Well, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. Now shoo, out of my kitchen.”

“Wait, this is my house too! It’s also my kitchen!”

“Until I am done, it’s my kitchen. Out.”

“Until I am done reading, it’s my living room. No Mal allowed,” Molly stated. She clicked her tongue a few times and Bubbles jumped onto her shoulders. She walked out into the other room with her arms crossed and dropped herself on the couch.

She sank into the white couch cushions and reached under the nightstand, pulling out her favourite book. The same book she had read over and over since she had gotten it, pages ending up torn and worn over time to the point where they barely clung to the spine. Residue where sticky notes once were, marking spots relevant to the fanfiction she had (and sometimes still did) written. Small pencil sketches on blank parts of the pages of various things, characters, ideas,  initials, and small poems. A book she had owned for eight years, barely longer than her relationship with Mal. She could probably recite it from memory alone. It didn’t stop her from opening it anyways and idly flipping through.

In honesty she was hardly paying any mind to the book, she was lost more in thought.

Eight years was a long time, encompassing some of the hardest parts of both their lives. The last two years of Molly living with her parents, Mal trying to get her music career off the ground, a few too many near-death experiences, Molly getting kicked out, Mal’s dad coming back into her picture, graduating, applying for college, things that would have been overwhelming for each of them individually. But they were together, and when one of them fell, the other held them up. When Mal lost hope in ever being a successful musician, Molly reminded her how amazing her songs were. When Molly was constantly looking over her shoulder at their apartment, Mal reminded her that they were far away from that horrible woman.

Everything they overcame together, every small joke they shared, every first time they experienced, every minor moment they spent together since they had met. She had favourites, but she loved all of them.

                                                                 ~

Six years earlier.

122. She turned the key over in her hand, once, twice. Eight hundred dollars a month. In the same state as camp, but not her home statue. She was due back for a court hearing in a few weeks on a Thursday, meaning she was missing school. At least she knew if she didn’t get charges filed she could sue, and she would.

Her official emancipation, a restraining order, a whole other state, and a new phone number. If that wasn’t enough, nothing was.

Her phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hey, babe. How’d the move-in go?” Mal’s voice cracked through her phone speaker

“It went.” Molly opened the door. The small space had a tiny kitchen, living space, then a bedroom and a bathroom off to the side. It was empty except for the kitchen’s appliances, which did look as if someone had tried to take them. A lone white couch with concerning stains. The counters and appliances were beige, the tile behind it also and then the wall above the tile was a blinding white. The rest of the room was painted sky blue, with dark lining against the floor and stains that were dirt, water damage, mould, or pieces of the wall beneath it. Molly couldn’t tell. Two saucer lights lit the entire room.

“How’s it look?”

“It’s bright.”

“In what way?”

“I can’t tell if the sun is inside or outside.”

“We can change that if you want.”

“It’s fine. Just kind of surprising, I didn’t expect everything to be related to white on the colour scale.”

“Oh don’t tell me the room, is completely white and grey.”

“It’s not, but it’s just kind of blinding.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Not literally, but y’know. I’ll see it this weekend.”

“Are you sure you want to come this weekend?” Molly asked. She opened both the doors to the bedroom and the bathroom, looking at the completely empty bedroom with disappointment. She had hoped the last tenants may have forgotten their bedframe, even if it was a little wistful. “It’s literally just going to be homework on the floor,  an inflatable mattress, and a couch.”

“I don’t care. It’s worth it if I’m with you.” Molly laughed weakly.

“You’re so gay.”

“Gay for you.”

“That’s it, I’m hanging up on you.”

“Wait, no!”

“I’m messing with you, Mal.”

“Oh.” Molly heard the strum of Mal’s guitar. “Are you at your new school yet?”

“Starting Wednesday, so I can get settled in here and at the restaurant. How’s it on your end?”

“Mom hasn’t stopped asking me questions. I think she said that you could live with us at least seventeen times. I don’t think she realizes I’ve told you the same thing at least three times more.”

“Tell her I appreciate it.”

“You can tell her yourself! I’ll give her the phone!”

“No, no, no! I don’t have three hours!” Mal’s laughter was contagious as Molly found herself laughing too. “I love your mom but I need to clean!”

“I know, I was messing with you, Mol.”

“You are a cruel girlfriend.”

“The cruellest. So, have people figured you and Bubbles out yet?”

“God I hope not. I don’t know how strict this “no pets” policy is and even though he is about as well trained as a ten-year-old, people might not like a wild animal living in the same complex as them.

“Oh! People! That reminds me! How are your neighbours?”

“I haven’t met any of them yet. I didn’t see anyone and I don’t really want to go knocking on every door.”

“That’s smart. You never know-” Molly heard a faint unintelligible yell in Mal’s background and her sigh. “Dumb and Dumber are here.”

“Who’s Dumb and Dumber?”

“Don’t know yet. Mom just said “friends” so that means more than one so I’m assuming it's two. I’ve got to go, babe. Love you.”

“Love you too. See you this weekend.”

“See you this weekend.”

                                                             ~

Molly was looking out her window down at the cars driving past her building was when there were four quick knocks on the door. She motioned at Bubbles, who curled up from his position on the fridge. She really didn’t want to deal with people, and Bubbles liked his freedom. She had made it halfway across the room when there were two more quick knocks and she relaxed. She gave Bubbles a thumbs-up and opened the door quickly.

“This place is so weird. It’s the biggest city in the state but it doesn’t have crackheads in every alley? And Jesus, you weren’t lying about this place being bright.”

“Mal! Gosh, it’s been like a month since I’ve seen you in person!”

“You’ve been a busy woman,” Mal said and she gave her a quick kiss. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” She pulled Mal in by the hand and shut the door behind her. “Bubbles has missed you too.” The raccoon dived down from the fridge to attach himself to Mal’s head, chirping excitedly. She picked him up and scratched his chin affectionately. “How has he been adjusting?”

“Well. Except he has seemingly forgotten he’s not allowed to go in the trash. 128 has been complaining about pests in the dumpster because she almost slipped and fell in it.” Bubbles barked at her and she rolled her eyes. “He says it wasn’t him. Oh really, mister? Then why did you need a bath?”

“Ripley must be influencing him. She lives around here, doesn’t she?”

“Town next door.” Mal nodded.

“Thought so. How long before she turns up on your doorstep covered in who-knows-what asking to borrow some obscure thing you totally have?” Molly tapped the side of her chin.

“I’m giving it three weeks max. If she does turn up I’m making sure her parents know where she is.”

“Do you even have their number?” Mal questioned.

“No, but I’m sure Ripley will tell me it,” Molly shrugged. Mal slung her backpack off her shoulder and set it beside the door.

“Speaking of parents, I know you’re worried about your mom,” Mal said slowly. Molly stiffened and Mal held her hand up when she opened her mouth to speak. “But I have a solution. I know how to keep them away.” She opened the bag and shuffled through it, pulling out a folded fabric. She shook it out and Molly broke out in laughter.

“What- Why- How is that going to keep them away?” She asked between chuckles. Mal grinned at her.

“What better way to ward away homophobes than telling them you’re queer?” Mal presented the flag like she was on a game show, shaking it slightly. “Works like, sixty percent of the time.”

“Really? Sixty percent?” Molly shook her head in amusement. “What am I going to do with you, Mal?”

“No idea.” Mal’s enthusiasm faltered briefly. “If you don’t want it, that’s okay.”

“No, I love it. I’m just-” she felt the memories of berating, belittling, endless hours of mockery and insults thrown her way. “It’s just-”

“You don’t have to explain, Mol. I know. Here.” She stepped back and opened one of the counter drawers, placing it inside. “It’ll be in here if you ever want it.” Molly took her hand gently.

“I love you, and I love being with you, and I never want to be with anyone else. It’s- I don’t want to talk about it.”

“No one’s going to make you.” She squeezed Molly’s hand and shivered. “That window wasn’t open when I came in, right?”

“No, it wasn’t. Which means… Bubbles! Get back in here!” Molly had to keep herself from shooting a death glare at Mal for her outburst of laughter.

                                                            ~

Spending too much time thinking wasn’t good for Molly. Really, it wasn’t good for either of them. This time, she didn’t chalk it off as bad. Even if it meant that as a stressed-out high school kid she was up until two on one of her days off.

She carefully wriggled out of Mal’s iron grip and avoided stepping on Bubbles who was protesting her rules by sleeping on the floor. In the kitchen, she opened the drawer and unraveled the flag. She pulled out some tacks she had bought a few days earlier too. Two tacks later and the flag was splayed out on the wall. She felt kind of proud looking at it.

“It looks great, babe. Now this place isn’t so bright, it has two stripes of darker colours.” She jumped slightly. “I hope you didn’t just put it up because of me.”

“I decided I can’t let her make my decisions for me. I hope you’re right about it keeping her away, even if you were just joking.” Mal put her hand on her shoulder.

“If it doesn’t, I’m sure your rabid racoon will.” Molly smiled at her and put her hand over Mal’s.

“Probably. As long as he isn’t still mad at me.”

                                                               ~

Five years earlier.

“Latin is so hard, Bubbles. It’s so confusing.” He crawled over her shoulder and grabbed her pencil, chirping as he underlined different parts of the sentences in front of her. “Buddy, I can’t understand what you’re saying. I can only roughly translate and you’re going too fast.” He dropped her pencil and chirped at her a bit louder. “Look, I’m just going to text Miranda and ask her. It’s just this part I’m having issues with.”

There was some shouting from the hallway and Molly sighed. Her neighbours were home early. Her doorknob jiggled and she froze. Her eyes flitted across the room in search of her phone she had tossed aside earlier. The door opened.

“Yeah, yeah “You don’t live here, you don’t live here” I might not live here but at least I’m not going to get arrested for fucking disorderly conduct. Go drink or something.” Mal slammed the door and Molly’s feeling of fear quickly transformed into confusion.

“Mal, it’s Tuesday, what are you doing here?” Mal’s shoulders slouched and she tapped her nails together nervously.

“I’m sorry, Mol. Something happened at home and I can’t be there right now. I came to the only place that wouldn’t turn me out on my ass for showing up in the middle of the week.”

“What happened?” Mal shrugged. “Okay, that’s fine. Obviously, you can stay here. But I do still have to go to school and work, so it’ll just be you and Bubbles for a while.” She hugged Molly tightly.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.”

                                                             ~

The apartment was rather dark when she got home the next day, with only one light on. It was late since she got out of work around seven-thirty and it took her half an hour to get home. One light in the kitchen was on, and she could hear a video playing on Mal’s phone. She could see Mal sitting on the couch with her knees pulled up to her chest, Bubbles was sleeping on her shoulder.

“Mal?” She waved in greeting. Molly sat beside her and took her hand.

“I’m sorry.”

“You aren’t doing anything.”

“I’m intruding on your space.”

“No, you’re not. You’re fine.” She ran brushed Mal’s hair out of her face. “What’s wrong?” Bubbles stretched himself out and nudged Mal’s cheek.

“You know it’s always just been me and my mom? Since I was four? That’s when my mom and dad split. He didn’t want anything to do with me after. I never saw him again and I was fine with that.” She shifted to lean against Molly’s shoulder. “When I got home yesterday he was right there sitting on the couch. Said he needed somewhere to crash. Then he just starts acting like nothing was wrong. Like he never left. I told him to get the fuck out obviously. Then my mom took his side. His side! Told me to give him a chance. He doesn’t deserve one. I told her I’m not coming back while he’s still there. Now I’m here leeching off you.”

“You’re not “leeching off” me,” Molly reassured. “When I got kicked out, you guys offered to take me in. I didn’t accept because I didn’t want to be a bother. Then remember when I broke my leg at camp and refused to go to the infirmary until Rosie made me? Same thing. Sometimes we think we’re being a burden when we’re not.”

“I know, but that doesn’t make it feel different.” Molly put both her arms around Mal and hugged her.

“Even if it doesn’t feel different, it is.” Mal shot her an appreciative smile.

“Thank you, Molly.”

                                                              ~

Six am on a Thursday morning and Molly was in the bathroom wringing the water from her hair. She could hear Mal talking through the wall although she couldn’t hear what the person on the other end of the phone was saying.

“Yes. Okay. Good. I don’t care. Okay. Love you, see you Sunday.” Molly ran her brush through her hair while she walked out.

“Was that your mom?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“How’s it going?”

“My father left, which is great. She said he wants to talk to me whenever I’m ready, which I’m not. But he apparently wants to be part of my life now.” Molly checked the time. Six-ten. She had about an hour and a half before she had to leave. She took Mal’s hand.

“How do you feel about that?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Why now? Why after fourteen years? Now he’s divorced, he apparently has three other kids, he just got out of jail for DUI, now he wants to turn his life around? Why bring me into it?”

“Mal, I can’t answer that. I don’t know what he’s thinking. In the end, it’s your decision if you want him or not,” she consoled. Mal sighed.

“I need to think about it. I might. I just need some time to know it’s not a lie.”

“I’m here for you, no matter what you choose.”

“I know.” Mal hugged her and nestled her face in the crook of her neck. “You’re the best.”

“You’re the best.”

“We’re both the best.”

                                                              ~

Four years earlier.

“Hey, head counsellor, what is your cabin’s schedule for the day?” Mal walked up beside her and slung her arm over her shoulder, just like she always used to when they were kids. Molly checked her clipboard, tapping the wood with her pen.

“Well, the girls are all trying for different badges. I think I have two heading your way soon. I have a meeting with the other cabin counsellor before too much longer,” she murmured. Mal groaned.

“Do you ever have free time, like, ever?” Mal complained.

“Being a counsellor is a big responsibility. No wonder Jen was always so stressed. And my girls don’t get in nearly as much trouble as we used to.”

“I just miss you.”

“You see me every day.”

“I know I just like spending that day with you.” Molly let out a breathless laugh.

“Isn’t the entire camp going on a hike Wednesday? You can walk with us.”

“I was going to anyway.”

“I formally invite you.”

“I formally take you up on that.”

“Now go do your badge tests, don’t keep the girls waiting.”

“Waiting won’t kill them.”

“No, but they might kill you. Now get moving, Yoo.”

“Fine. See you at dinner.” She kissed her cheek and waved, smiling broadly.

                                                          ~

“Are you a plant? Because you make my heart bleed.”

“It’s a bleeding heart, Mal.”

“I wasn’t talking to you, Jo.”

“I thought it was cute.”

“Thanks, April,” Mal mumbled. Molly chuckled.

Sure, it was loud. Molly’s five campers mixing with April’s six, Hes’s six campers also involved, some beef between the three cabins from a hide-and-seek game with alleged cheating on two ends. They were all shouting accusations and threats at one another after Hes suggested they settle it by having a roller derby.

“We need Ripley. She’d be able to get them all on the same team.”

“Summer school sucks. I had to do it so many times,” Mal said.

“I had to do it one year, but not- Annie! Charlie! Split it up!” Two of the girls, one from April and one from Hes had gotten into a scuffle that had April reaching to grab them both. Jo started laughing and went to help. Mal shook her head with a smile.

“Brings me back. I don’t think this camp ever changes, just new generations of the same type of kids. Speaking of bringing me back, is that the cave?” Molly looked where Mal was pointing.

“I think it is.”

“Wanna go check it out.”

“I can’t leave my girls.”

“I’ll ask April to watch them for you.”

“Mal…”

“For old times sake?” Mal bit her lip.

“Oh, fine.”

“Yes! I love you.” She bounded forward after April who was scolding the roughhousing girls with Hes.

                                                              ~

“Jesus, it’s like nothing has changed.” Mal ran her hand down the wall, feeling the nooks and crannies.

“I don’t think anyone else has really come down here beside us. It’s been like two years, right?”

“I think so.”

“Hey, I wonder if… Hey man!” Loud squawking and hearty laughter.

“SMALL GIRLS. THERE ARE ONLY TWO OF YOU. LAST TIME THERE WAS FIVE. WHERE ARE THE OTHERS?”

“I forgot you spoke in caps lock,” Mal winced. “Yeah, uh, the other girls are all busy. Camp counselling, being trapped in school, the like. We wanted to come down and see if anything has changed.”

“NOTHING HAS CHANGED. WE DO NOT EVEN HAVE ANYTHING TO GUARD, WHICH IS SAD.”

“I bet it is. I’ll bring you something next time, or I can leave Molly here and you can guard her.”

“Excuse me? I don’t think so.”

“WE MUST DECLINE. WE DO NOT GUARD PUNY HUMANS.”

“Hey! I’m not puny!”

“YOU ARE PUNY TO ME.”

“You’re like a Phidias statue of Zeus! How is anything going to be not tiny to you?”

“O-kay before Molly goes all greek on all three of us we’re going to keep moving. Love you, take care of your stones. Have a good day you, and also you Birdman.” She tugged Molly into the next room. “Jesus, I think I forgot how loud he is.”

“Me too.”

“I haven’t forgotten everything else though. Like you almost made Jo lose it in here. Watch out, by the way.”

“Oh, haha.”

“No, seriously.” She grabbed Molly’s upper arm to keep her from taking another step. Molly looked down at the floor and a tile slightly sunken in.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Like, this was before Jen believed us. Before we met Abigail, and before we knew Diane was Artemis. Our second time breaking camp rules! In here.” She waved at all the anagrams up on the dome ceiling. “We never solved most of these!”

“We will someday,” Molly reassured.

“It doesn’t bother me. Maybe someone else will solve it. Someone who’s not us. I hope they don’t have to deal with all the bullshit we did.”

“It wasn’t all bad.”

“You’re right, it wasn’t. This is where we got together. This is also the first place I kissed you.”

“It wasn’t on the lips!”

“Still counts. But I guess if it wasn’t a real kiss, I’ll not real propose to you here.”

“What?” Mal reached into her pocket, pulling out a small box decorated in messy paint. She opened it and held it out to her. Two smooth wooden rings were inside.

“You know, I was really nervous about how I was going to give you this because I didn’t want to do it in front of the whole camp but I also wanted to do it at camp, then I saw the cave and lightbulb.” Molly took out one of the rings and held it in her palm. “It’s a promise ring. A physical promise that we’ll be together. Like a basic pokemon, it’ll evolve into an engagement ring. You don’t need to take it, only if you want to.”

“I’m taking it.” Molly slid it and flexed her fingers. “I love it.” She gave her a soft kiss. “I love it so much.”

                                                            ~

Present day.

“Mol, in case I forget can you tell April she owes me five bucks.” Mal requested. Molly looked up.

“Why does she owe you?”

“Because I made breakfast without starting a fire.”

“I’m surprised.”

“I’m offended.”

“Are you returning the kitchen to neutral territory?”

“Yeah. Go sit down.”

“Did you make sure it was edible first?”

“Babe I swear just go sit at the table we literally never eat at the table.”

“I really picked a nerve with your cooking, didn’t I?” Molly snickered.

“A lot of nerves. All of them actually. Bubbles if you touch the eggs I will let Ripley borrow you for her next club meeting.” He squealed in protest but scurried away when Mal reached for the plate. She set it in front of Molly and avoided looking at her face. “I know it’s not much or fancy or anything but I wanted to make you something since you always make me things.”

It was just eggs and toast. Scrambled eggs and slightly burnt toast.

But it was perfect.

“I appreciate it. Did you make any for yourself? We can split it.”

“I made it for you though.”

“We share everything. Come on, you should get to taste it too.”

“Fine. Just a bite though.”

“Just a bite” turned into half of the breakfast under Molly’s insistence. It wasn’t bad, even if it was it wouldn’t be to Molly. It was made with love, so it was amazing. Mal was on her phone across from her, presumably texting April.

“Did you have any plans for today?” Mal asked suddenly. Molly blinked.

“No, why?”

“The girls want to go hiking. Ripley apparently found a really nice trail on the field trip a while ago.”

“Field trip?”

“With the daycare.”

“I didn’t know daycares took field trips.”

“Apparently they do.” Mal rapped her fingers against her cheek and Molly knew her ring had to hurt a little. “But they want to go hiking if you want. If you don’t want to, we can just hang out here.” Molly thought for a moment.

“Hiking sounds fun. We can hang out later. Is it a long hike?”

“A few miles.”

“Not bad. Sure. What time are we meeting?” Molly inquired. Mal sent a text and they both watched in wait for a reply.

“Two,” Mal announced once they received a response. “And it’s eleven o’two right now, so we have a bit. What do you want to do?”

“You’ve been catering to me all morning. What do you want to do?”

“Watch TV or something? Molly, I’m not good at decisions.”

“TV it is.”

                                                          ~

“Ripley, did you walk this trail at all?” Jo questioned as they backtracked from another wrong turn.

“Nope!” Ripley stated proudly. April nudged past her.

“I’ll lead the way from now on,” she declared. Mal slipped ahead of her.

“I’m afraid I’ll lead the way onwards.” Two synchronized “No!” cried out and Mal held out both her arms. “Then let us settle this like women. First one to the top leads.” With that, both Ripley and April took off. Mal took a dramatic deep breath. “Ah, sweet silence.”

“How long before they realize it was a ruse?” Jo asked. Mal shrugged.

“Probably the top of the mountain, then they’ll be back and still be arguing over who leads when there are literally arrows telling us where to go.”

“There are?” Molly looked around. “I don’t see any.”

“None right here, but around. We’ll come across another one, let’s go.”

It was a lot quieter without Ripley and April, although after maybe half a mile they both came barreling down the path having grown wise to Mal’s scheme. After that, they were bickering, laughing, telling stories, just like old times.

“Okay ladies, we’re here,” Mal announced. The other four spread out to look at the view.

They were on a ledge with a small wooden fence blocking the edge. Two picnic tables and a grill, a little place for a picnic with a beautiful view.

Said beautiful view was of a roaring waterfall, small outcroppings breaking up the water. It dropped about forty feet at an angle that made it so from Molly’s perspective she couldn’t see the bottom. The sun complimented the deep blue all the way down and made the white foam brighter than should be possible.

“It’s beautiful. It’s just like the place we went with Jen!” April exclaimed.

“This state has a lot of hidden spots like this,” Mal explained.

“You knew this was here?” Molly asked.

“Actually, I was the one who planned this,” Mal admitted.

“I’ve been planning everything for months, then camp got delayed and I had to improvise. So Ripley just told me she saw a trail and I scouted it one day while you were at work. I found this and everything else I planned with April. Jo and Ripley are just as confused as you.”

“I’m very confused.”

“Well, eight years ago we became a couple. Four years ago I promised we’ll always be together. And with no less than five pretend proposals over the years, I figured we were ready.” Mal carefully balanced herself on her knee and pulled out a box, a familiar coloured box. She opened it and a silver ring with a small pink gem sat inside. “Molly Powell, will you finally get a better family?”

She didn’t mean to tackle her, she really didn’t. She was so happy she jumped on her and sent the box (which closed, thankfully) rolling through the dirt. She was crying happy tears and laughing and shouting and Mal was too. The other girls were laughing and shouting and congratulating them. Bubbles was licking everyone’s faces.

They did what they do at camp when they’re all happy.

They dogpiled.

Molly was happy. She had grown up. She had changed so much and been through a lot, but she kept her friends. She kept her girlfriend. She kept her racoon. She kept her camp. She kept herself.

She was a survivor. She had survived so many things and she was finally seeing that it got better. She was seeing that everything wasn’t always bad.

Now she would wake up every day to a life she made. Without people who hurt her, but with people who cared about her. She had people who had taken her in, and they were all she needed.

Her friends who were like sisters, her mentors who were like parents, her fiancé who was someone she fell more in love with every day,