#to be clear this isn't a knock on sam (or joan)

[npdclaraoswald]

Constantly rotating this line in my head. The fact that Mark actually talked to Oliver about Damien when he couldn't do that with Sam or Joan

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 16

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words : 5k

Masterlist

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Friday, November 13; 11:45 AM - Room Ona and Alexia.

I'm just finishing packing my suitcase. Bronze told me this morning that she managed, after a long battle with Wiegman, to get my permission for this weekend. I was so happy that I jumped on her. Since Monday's incident, I've managed to stay calm. I'm not necessarily listening in class yet, but at least I've stopped responding to provocations. My flight is in just over two hours. I took the same one as last time. So, I will land in Barcelona in the evening. Bronze organized all my travels since everything had to be arranged at the last minute. For the rest, I took care of it. I called Sam to let Hector know to pick me up. Joan is still unaware of my return. It will be a surprise, his weekend. I'm about to leave. I'm happy but anxious at the same time. I dread my mother's reception. Bronze reassured me about my fears, but I already anticipate my mother's hurtful words. I turn to Alexia, who is on her bed. She’s waiting for her sister, as usual. I place my headphones around my neck just as there's a knock on the door. Bronze enters the room.

- Hey Bronze.

- Are you ready?

- Yep, I was just about to head down.

- How many times do I have to remind you about those headphones? You know they're not allowed outside the room.

- Yeah, yeah...

I take them off unconvincingly. Now is not the time to provoke her before my departure. I move toward Ale to hug her.

- We'll write to each other.

- Of course, I replied. See you Sunday evening! Have a good weekend.

- Thanks, you too.

I smile at her and grab my suitcase. Bronze greets Alexia before we leave the room. I drag my suitcase and tighten the strap of my backpack. I'm a bit nervous. I watch Bronze, who seems to want to accompany me to the exit.

- Anything planned for your first free weekend, Bronze?

- Well... Returning stuff to my ex and a night out with my friends, and you?

- No idea, I shrugged. I’m going to enjoy it as much as possible with Joan and try to see Mapi, I guess... I'll also have to confront my mother face-to-face.

She smiles softly, nodding. She knows I dread this moment. We've talked about it enough. Maybe she has calmed down in two weeks. We quickly reach the gate. I frown, not seeing any taxi.

- I thought you had everything planned?

The last thing I need is to be late and miss my flight! I start to panic. I definitely don't want to miss my flight.

- Relax. Come, follow me.

- And my taxi?

She gestures for me to pass through the gate. I walk out apprehensively, not understanding where she's taking me. She makes me walk to the adjacent street. I slow down when I recognize her car parked on the street. I look at her, waiting for an explanation.

- I’ll be your driver this time. I was planning to go downtown, so it would have been silly to call you a taxi.

My smile widens to the point of showing my teeth. If I expected that! The news delights me. It's certainly more pleasant to share the ride with a familiar face.

- And you had to park your car two streets away from the establishment for that?

- I didn't want to risk being seen together. People might think I'm showing favoritism.

- Isn't that the case?

- No, she giggles. I'm just more demanding with you.

I lose my smile, creating hers.

- Sure, I mumbled.

I get in the car after placing my suitcase next to hers in the trunk. It was the fastest trip I’ve ever had. I cleared my mind by humming along to the songs playing on the radio. I often got the lyrics wrong, making Bronze laugh. I was almost disappointed we arrived so quickly. The atmosphere was pleasant. She took a completely different route than my usual taxis. She avoided all the traffic jams. You might almost think they deliberately take the traffic to waste our time in their old cars. I'm surprised when Bronze parks her car in the airport parking lot and accompanies me inside. She could have just dropped me off, but I’m glad she’s coming with me. At least the wait will be shorter.

- What time do you land over there? Around eleven o'clock, right?

- That's right. I hope to sleep a bit more this weekend. I need to catch up.

- You'll see.

We've just checked in my luggage. Now we can wait in front of the boarding gate. We don't wait long before the intercom announces the gate is open. I tense up at the news. Deep down, I'm reluctant to go back. I'm afraid to face my mother, but I can't avoid her forever.

- It's time, says Bronze.

She stands up first. Thinking we won’t see each other for two days feels strange. We've been together every day since I came back. She’s been watching over me since my detox. Plus, she convinced me to continue my morning runs with her and to catch up on my classes in her office. Sometimes, I even start my homework there now that I’ve made good progress. I like her supervision. At least I know I’m working. I never had that before. I was always dependent on my classes and homework before she came into my life. It’s good she forces me to work in front of her. It makes me impose a regular rhythm on myself, unlike before. Concentration is hard to find with Alexia, who rarely leaves me alone. Sometimes Engen also bothers me, but Bronze quickly puts her in her place. They're so funny to watch together.

- Hand me your phone.

- Why? Are you going to confiscate it?

- No, she giggles. Trust me and give it to me.

I hand it to her, making sure to unlock it as she asked. I frown, watching her type on my screen before giving it back. I immediately check what she did, but she closed everything.

- I hope you won't give it to everyone. Write to me when you arrive or if you have any trouble this weekend.

- You added your number? I understand.

- Have a good weekend, Ona, she replies with a silly smile. Try to enjoy it and don’t forget our deal. I don't want to lecture you again; we've talked about it enough.

- Thanks for everything.

I hug her and kiss her cheek without really realizing what I'm doing. I just needed to show my gratitude. I wanted to pull away out of embarrassment, but she reacted first, wrapping her arms around my back. I let myself enjoy the moment.

- Have a good weekend, Lucy, I murmur before stepping back.

- Thanks. I'll come to pick you up myself Sunday evening. Make sure to come back in one piece this time.

- I'll try, I tease her. See you Sunday then.

I walk away to go through the boarding checks. I turn around one last time to make sure she’s still there. I feel a strange sensation seeing that she is. I give her a little wave, which she returns before I disappear into the corridor leading to the plane. I'm still happy to go home, even if it's not the same excitement as the first time. Seattle will miss me this weekend. It’s strange to think that after fighting tooth and nail to leave for almost a month. I still feel a little knot of anxiety in my stomach. I remember my last flight didn't go well, considering the stewardess who took care of me. I force myself to smile at her. She seems to recognize me too because she doesn’t give me the professional smile she just gave to the other passengers before me.

- Hello! How are you?

- Much better, thank you. Thanks also for what you did last time... I didn't get the chance to say it.

- No problem, she smiles warmly. Have a good flight.

I give her one last smile before moving forward. I find my seat and make myself comfortable by putting on my headphones and phone. I don't know where I get the courage to do a two-hour flight each weekend. It's probably the idea of seeing Joan again that motivates me. I decide to buckle up and lean against the window to find some restorative sleep.

Friday, November 13 - On the plane.

I groan as someone gently shakes me. I blink at the young stewardess. I remove one earphone to hear her say that landing is imminent. I stretch slowly while nodding. She gives me a smile as I fasten my seatbelt before continuing down the aisle. I amuse myself by looking out the window where it is now pitch black. The illuminated city is beautiful from above. I spent my flight sleeping again. Well, at least the two hours passed quickly. I smile softly, realizing I’m finally home. The landing goes smoothly. We're allowed to stand only once the plane is stabilized. I follow the crowd to the exit with just my Eastpak bag. I lower my headphones around my neck when I reach the end of the corridor. I look around. I have no trouble finding who’s waiting for me with a big smile and waving hands. He’s alone this time. No sign of Mapi. I told her about my return, but she must be busy with her girlfriend. I take a deep breath before approaching him. Let's not forget I sneaked out of Barcelona...

- Good evening Ona, I hope you had a good trip.

- Hey... I say timidly. It was fine. I slept

the whole way, so I guess it was good. How are you?

- Good, and you?

- Glad to see everyone again... Is Mom still very angry with me? I ask, biting my lower lip.

I prefer to know what awaits me before setting foot at home. I must have left quite a mess. Bronze said they were informed of the situation and that Wiegman regularly updated them on my condition.

- Let's say it could have been worse. She had time to calm down, but she’s waiting to have a serious discussion with you.

- Yes, I figured, I sighed.

- Everything will be fine, he tries to reassure me.

- We’ll see.

He smiles at me sadly. We both know that won't be the case. We retrieve my suitcase and head to the parking lot. There's a slight temperature change. Here, the sky is clear, and I feel the extra degrees. This change in temperature is strange. In Manchester, snow is threatening to fall soon.(in my universe its snowing in Manchester). Maybe there will be some when I return. I sit in the front since Mapi isn't here. The ride is calm. It's soothing. We talk about trivial matters. I appreciate Hector because he never brings up touchy subjects, like whether I’ve fully recovered from my detox. I finally take out my phone, remembering I have messages to send. I smile stupidly, thinking about my departure. I never imagined she would give me her personal number. It's touching and reassuring at the same time. I know I can contact her at any problem. I first text Mapi to let her know I've arrived, then reply to Alexia that I arrived safely. I then open a new message and look for Bronze's number. I frown when I can't find her in my contacts. I was starting to despair until I saw "Commander" in my contacts. I fiddle with my thumbs, not knowing how to start my message.

Me - 11:39 PM: Hey Luce! Nice to see your name in my contacts 😂 I just landed 30 minutes ago and I'm on my way home :) I hope you have a good evening and/or a good night...

I read my message several times before hitting send. I hope I wasn't too friendly for her... I leave my phone on my lap, waiting for a response from anyone. It doesn't take long to vibrate.

Commander - 11:41 PM: It's past midnight in Manchester, so it will be good night for me �� Sleep well :)

Me - 11:42 PM: At least let me get home before sending me to bed!! Anyway, I slept the whole trip... 🙄 What are you doing still awake ?

Commander - 11:43 PM: Too curious, Ona. Unprofessional 😉 And it's not a reason not to go to bed when you get home!

Me - 11:44 PM: You're no fun! It's nothing personal 😓 Well, I'm not sleepy anymore 🙁

- Did you make any friends? Hector asks.

- Huh? Oh, uh yes. A few.

- It's been a long time since I've seen you so happy just answering a message.

I raise an eyebrow at his implication. His smile makes me believe he doesn't think I'm writing to friends.

- I have no one in my life if that's what you're wondering, I chuckle.

- I didn't say anything... Why do you think of that right away?

I laugh, shaking my head. I can't help it if my instructor makes me smile. She keeps giving me orders from afar. It's quite strange to communicate with her by message, even though there's not much difference in her words. It's like I can hear her voice.

- I'm glad you're doing better since you've been at this school.

Am I better? Now that he says it, he's probably right. School isn't the worst thing that's happened to me in my life. I'm surrounded by wonderful people. Bronze, Alexia, and the others help me feel better. I'll never forget what I've been through, but I'm starting to accept myself and learn to live with my past. I feel less eaten up inside, and it makes me smile again. I wasn't happy here. The only time I pretended everything was fine was in front of Joan. I didn't want him to find out what a lousy big sister he had. I wanted to be the role model he deserves. The vibrations of my phone pull me out of my thoughts.

Commander - 11:49 PM: It's personal. Anyway, you already know what I'm doing. Go to bed, order from your instructor !

I already know? I furrow my brow, thinking. Oh, I think I remember. She mentioned she was going to have a drink with friends. The second part of the message makes me laugh even more. She'll never stop.

Me - 11:50 PM: Stop giving me orders from km away!!!

Commander - 11:51 PM: Sleep well, Ona :)

Me - 11:51 PM: Tsss! You're boring! Hope you don't come home too late!!!

Commander - 11:55 PM: That's not for you to decide 😉 Now stop writing to me. I'm already regretting giving you my number!

Me - 11:52 PM: Mpf... 😒 Stay reasonable at least! Well, you're lucky, I'm almost home! I'll listen to you and go to bed.

Commander - 12:00 AM: Very good initiative :) See you tomorrow.

I smile at her last message, received just as we stop in front of the gate. I'm happy to be able to text her from here. I feel she'll be a great support if needed. I watch the gate open at a snail's pace. Reality hits me hard when I see my residence standing proudly before us. No lights are on, at least. The confrontation will be tomorrow then. Hector pulls the car into the garage before cutting everything off. We get out, and he insists on handling my suitcase now. I let him go ahead and carry it upstairs. I take off my shoes in the hall before following him up. I thank him for everything once we reach my bedroom door. We wish each other good night before he disappears down the stairs. When I enter my room, I see a small lump in my bed. It seems Joan has taken to sleeping in my bed every night. I smile at the thought. I'll gather information tomorrow morning. For now, I make as little noise as possible with my suitcase. I leave it in a corner of the room, then retrieve pajamas from my closet. I give him a gentle kiss on the forehead before locking myself in the bathroom to brush my teeth and undress. I keep only my underwear and complement it with an old T-shirt of my father's that reaches mid-thigh. I love this kind of pajamas. I had to get used to wearing shorts at school because I'm not alone, but I'm much more comfortable like this. I leave the bathroom and finally slip under the covers of my bed. It's a real pleasure to finally sleep in my big bed.

Saturday, November 14; 10:35 AM - Ona's Room.

-ONA !

I jump as I feel a bundle on top of me. Oh my God. I groan at this wake-up call I'm no longer used to. I barely have time to sit up before two arms squeeze me in a hug. I return the hug with one arm while rubbing my eyes with the other.

- Hey hermano, I whisper softly.

- You didn't tell me you were coming back!

- It's better to have a surprise, isn't it?

- No! I'd rather know in advance.

I smile as he moves away, crossing his arms and making an adorable pout. I stretch properly before letting myself fall back on the bed. I'm way too lazy to get up right away.

- Is that your school jacket?

I follow his finger pointing to my desk chair. Indeed, my military jacket is hanging there. It's so loose and easy to wear that I've gotten used to wearing it all the time. Nothing forbids wearing it outside. Bronze didn't say anything when she saw me leaving with it yesterday. She just let me finish my outfit.

- Yes, that's the one.

- Will you lend it to me sometime?

- You'll have to grow a bit first, I chuckle. I missed you, you know.

- I missed you too!

- Oh yeah? A lot a lot?

- A lot a lot! Will you have breakfast with me?

- Yes, just give me a moment to put on some jogging pants.

I barely have time to respond before I see him already leaving. I guess it wasn't a real question... I finally get out of bed to look for joggers in my suitcase. I quickly put them on and step into the hallway to see that he's waited for me. I smile as he reaches out his arms. I don't hesitate for a second to pick him up and go downstairs with him in my arms.

- Mom and your dad aren't here?

- I think they're working.

- Hmm.

I'm relieved to learn that I still have some time to come up with arguments against my mom. I enter the kitchen where I find Sofia and Samuel. I set my brother on a high chair.

- Hey guys, I greet them with a hug each.

- Hey you.

- How are you?

I smile as Sofia closely examines me. I haven't seen them since my rehab, after all. I know she was already worried during my first stint here. She was the one who mostly took care of me. I'm really glad I didn't put her through a second one.

- Much better, don't worry. They took good care of me. How did my mom take it?

- Angry... Very angry. She wanted to send you to rehab again, Sam admits. She changed her mind after a long heated discussion with your director.

- Yeah, I know. Actually, my boss did the blockade. Wiegman handled the negotiations.

- Oh, we weren't aware of that, Sofia admits.

- My mom probably wasn't either. Bronze insisted on taking care of me personally. I stayed in her room for a week.

- She was brave...

- Yeah, I chuckle. I don't know how she managed to put up with me.

If only she knew that the crises she saw were nothing compared to the ones at the camp... She's always taken such good care of me since I got back home. I wouldn't want to upset her for no reason.

- What are they talking about, Ona?

- Nothing, don't worry.

- Did you relapse ?

I close my eyes at his words. Fortunately, he's behind me. How can a six-year-old understand this kind of thing? I showed him too much for his young age, it seems. I gather my courage to turn around

- It’s settled, I assure you.

- You told me you wouldn’t leave again because of this!

- I’m not leaving again because of this.

- You’re lying!

- I’m not lying to you, Joan. If I leave, it’s to go to school, I promise.

- That’s not what they just said!

- I had a slip-up, but it wasn’t my fault, okay? I promise the issue has been resolved at my school. I even promised my supervisor not to do it again.

- You promised me the same thing, and you did it again.

I sigh as I see him on the verge of tears. I feel extremely guilty. It’s hard for someone as young as him to understand.

- I made a compromise with this person, Joan. If I touch it again, I’ll lose a lot. She’s going to help me get out of this, I promise.

- Really? She’s going to help you...?

I’ve just realized the weight of my words. It seems we say things we truly believe under pressure. I release the pressure from my body.

- I... Yeah... She’s going to help me.

I need to face the truth. Bronze is the one who can help me the most. She’s already done a lot. Joan finally lets me get closer. I take the opportunity to hug him. I don’t like seeing him so upset because of me. I lift him to sit him on my lap, then I thank Sam who has just placed our breakfasts on the counter. I smile at him to reassure him of the visible concern in his expression.

- What compromise did she impose on you? he asks.

- I’m not allowed to return in withdrawal, otherwise, she’ll ban me from leaving the camp until the end of the year.

- What do you mean, no leaving?

- No permissions, no field trips... Basically, no outings.

- Oh...

- Yeah, oh, I repeat. I don’t have the right to make mistakes.

- Your supervisor is very strict... comments Sofia.

- Hmm, but very effective.

- Anyway, I like her, Joan chimes in.

- Oh yeah? I laugh.

- Yes! Just talking about her makes you smile when you usually don’t. Plus, you just said she’s going to help you, so I like her even more.

I’m stunned by his arguments. This kid continues to amaze me every time. He’s far from being dumb. He knows I don’t smile much except with him, Sam, Sofia, and sometimes Mapi.

- Oh... I reply in surprise. She would be pleased to hear that.

- Can I see her one day?

- That might be complicated.

The idea quickly fades as he starts telling me what he’s learning at school. He’s just entered the first grade, so he’s starting to learn to read and write.

- So, what do you want to do today?

- Do I get to choose what I want?

- Yep. It’s your day. We’ll do whatever you want.

- I want to go to the ice rink then!

- Alright, I laugh at his enthusiasm. We’ll go to the ice rink.

I’m not even surprised. I got him used to the ice rink at a very young age before I fell into drugs. I used to love that place. It’s been ages since I last went there. I promised him we’d go back once, and I think now is the right time. I finish my breakfast and leave Joan with Sofia while I take a shower. I give myself a bit of time to get ready before going back downstairs. I deserve a little moment for myself. They’ve become rare. Once I’m all ready, I have some time left before lunch. So I join Joan in front of the TV. It’s nice to be able to sit on a couch. Even if it’s cartoons, it’s so much better to enjoy a screen alone. The only place we have a TV at the camp is in the common room, so watching it there isn’t pleasant. I take this time to check my phone, which I haven’t touched since yesterday. Mapi replied saying that I need to reserve my evening for her and that I can’t refuse. I guess I’ll go. At least I’ll have seen everyone this weekend. She could have left me out because of her girlfriend, but she didn’t. People are always different when they’re in a relationship, but not Mapi. The only thing that distances us is my move to Manchester because we don’t see each other as much. She’s my best friend for a reason. Once the message is sent, I go to Bronze’s chat. My thumbs hover hesitantly over the keys. I draft a message that I’m afraid to send. I don’t want to bother her and make her truly regret giving me her number. Also, it’s noon there. It’s not even certain that she’s awake since she was out last night. I take a deep breath and press send without thinking.

Me - 11:27 AM: Hey sleepyhead. Still in bed?

Commander - 11:35 AM: Sleepyhead? I thought you knew me better than that! I bet it’s you who just woke up.

She replied. She replied!!! I really thought I was going to bother her, but it doesn’t seem like it.

Me - 11:36 AM: No, but I slept until 10:30! And you? Do you ever sleep?

Commander - 11:38 AM: Haha! I’m still human, Ona. I just have my habits.

Me - 11:38 AM: Like what?

Commander - 11:40 AM: Running?

Me - 11:44 AM: At noon ? On a Saturday morning?!

Commander - 11:45 AM: At 7:30, my dear 😉

Me - 11:45 AM: I maintain what I think: You’re not normal.

Commander - 11:46 AM: Might as well stay fit if you can’t spend your morning in bed with someone, haha.

Me - 11:46 AM: OK... I was not at all prepared for that kind of response... Now I’m imagining you with a girl...

Commander - 11:49 AM: Get that image out of your head right now! I wasn’t talking about that 😐

Me - 11:50 AM: Too late! I didn’t think of you like that 😂😂😂

Commander - 11:52 AM: You’re really silly! I was just thinking about enjoying the company of someone. Anyway, let’s move on. Is Joan happy to have you back?

Me - 11:54 AM: What a topic change! Oh dear, and I’m the coward! He woke me up this morning by jumping on me. He’s just as sweet as you if you know what I mean 😂

Commander - 11:55 AM: I hope so, you shouldn’t lose the habit of animated wake-ups 😉 At least someone’s happy :) I hope you’re taking care of him this weekend.

Me - 11:56 AM: Of course! We’re going to the ice rink this afternoon :) And I’m seeing Mapi tonight.

Commander - 11:58 AM: Cool. And your parents? Did everything go well?

I sigh as I read the last message. I was about to reply when Sam calls us for lunch. Exactly noon, it’s noon sharp here!

Me - 12:00 PM: My mom is working. I haven’t seen her yet. I’m not going to avoid my scolding according to others. I’m going to eat now, we can talk later if you don’t mind.

Commander - 12:01 PM: That’s normal, but it’ll be fine, don’t worry. Enjoy your meal :)

I smile at her last message. Always words to reassure me. In the end, I don’t think I disturbed her given the way she conversed with me. I put my phone away and head to the kitchen with Joan. He won’t let go. He’s practically glued to me, as if he’s afraid I’ll leave. Maybe he is, since that’s what I did last time. I’m lucky I didn’t hear any reproaches from him. They would have hurt me more than my mother’s. In the meantime, I sense that Sunday night’s departure will be very painful for him. As for me, I almost feel like I belong more in the boarding school than in this house. If my friends and Joan weren’t here, I wouldn’t set foot in it again. For now, I’m enjoying the time I have. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people like them. I’m only realizing their importance now and I plan to make the most of them this weekend..