Note: A thank you goes out to Sarah. Later in the chapter, there will be a Sunkist tuna sighting and she helped me think it up. Also, this is a time-skipping chapter so hold on to your hat.

Chapter Fifty-One

The shooting star incident became one of many sweet moments Jason and Courtney shared that week. Around camp it was uncommon to see either Jason or Courtney alone. Over the week, Jason and Courtney became even closer and loved each other even more.

Jason knew he loved Courtney and Courtney knew she loved Jason. The problem was neither of them could confess their love to the other. Both of them were waiting for the perfect moment. So time ticked by and all they could do was spend every perfect moment together as possible.

About a week later, the camp play took place. Neither Courtney nor Jason took any part in it because drama just wasn’t right of either of them. The drama productions at Everwood were meant for people like Liz who would use any excuse to be over-dramatic. Seeing as Liz was given a lead role, the play went. It wasn’t some wonderful masterpiece of a show but it went well enough.

After the play ended, a bunch of campers started to leave but drama house but were stopped by a bunch of counselors. Then, silent staff gathered everyone outside the drama house. Murmurs and whispers over took the crowd. Without a word, the counselors turned on their heals and started walking to the Lodge.

The whole camp was lead to the front of the Lodge. Everyone sat down on the grass as a skit went on. In the skit, the jealous assistant chef kidnapped the camp chef. It was up the different food products to save the day. The blue team was the Star-Kist Tuna, the white team was the Pillsbury doughboy, the red team was Aunt Jamima, and the green team was the Green Giant.

Even though the whole camp applauded at the skit and all, no one could get excited when the counselors yelled half-heartily, “Welcome to Color War 2003!” Courtney and Jason especially were disappointed. They had heard all about the great themes and elaborate skits of Color War and this was by far not even close to it.

All the counselors then gathered and chanted, “F-A-K-E-O-U-T, FAKEOUTS ARE OUR SPECIALTY. YOU THOUGHT IT WAS COLOR WAR BUT IT’S NOT, SO GO TO BED!”

The next night was very similar to the last one. After a campfire, everyone was rounded up without a word and lead to the front of the Lodge. An eerie silence overcame the group as the sat and watched in anticipation. At last, three cloaked counselors came out.

One of them announced, “This meeting of the Justice League is officially open for business.” Just then, loud music came on and a car pulled up. Out of it came a bunch of people dressed in black with squirt guns.

Gathering around the council, one of them then said, “Ha ha ha! Helpless fools. You thought you defeated us bad guys for the last time but we are back. And it is no use to try to kill us on the spot because the one you truly want isn’t here. I bet you wonder what I’m talking about. Well, little did you know but Genesis Wave has just been planted on Earth. It will detonate in three days, melting the polar ice caps and causing the oceans to overflow. You are all doomed!”

The three cloaked council people then said, “We need you, Justice League to diffuse Genesis Wave before it is too late. Can we count on you?”

Then, all the teams were somehow introduced. Each one of them came by floating dock, sailboat, canoe, or motorboat. The red team was Wonder Woman, the green team was the Green Lanterns, the white team was Batman, and the blue team was Superman.

After all the teams made heroic speeches about saving the day, the council continued, “We stand before you tonight as three members of the Supreme Council. Unfortunately, one among us have done a few corrupt things in the past and it is time they be replaced. The team who successfully diffuses Genesis Wave will take their place. Good luck, you will all need it for the work required to diffuse Genesis Wave is strenuous.”

Fireworks then went up over the lake and fiery arrangements of colors fell into the water. Courtney and Jason watched in awe as gold, purple, green, red, and blue shot into the sky. While the fireworks were going off, all the counselors gathered. Unlike the night before, this time they shouted with all their might, “WELCOME TO COLOR WAR 2003!”

End Note: Let the games begin!

Sk8terGrl8- I think I've already answered this question. I was so sure... Anyway, Courtney and Jason are fifteen. I think I answered it in a serparate thread back in March or something...

Note: Must keep writing…must keep writing…

Chapter Fifty- Two

A cheer erupted for the beginning of Color War. It was louder than the fireworks as everyone expressed their joy and excitement. All the younger campers then left for bed. It was common knowledge that the next day was going to be a busy one so everyone wanted to catch as much sleep as they could get.

The cloaked counselors then went around and rounded up the captains to be. They all were hoarded into the Lodge for and seated at a table. Sitting at the table was Liz, Ric, Brenda, Jax, Jess, Courtney, and Jason. A few minutes later, the camp owner came in with Zander. Zander was the replacement for A.J.

After everyone was seated, the camp owner spoke, “You eight have been chosen to be the Color War Captains for 2003. This is the highest honor Camp Everwood has to offer. The job will be fun, stressful, and will require work and patience. Tomorrow morning you will learn more. When you wake up, you will know what team you’re on. You are supposed go around at 7:00 along with all the other oldest campers and wake everyone else up. Everyone is to be dressed in their team colors when they arrive at the Lodge to begin cheering for their teams. Any questions?”

Jason meekly raised his hand and asked, “Can we find you who we’re going to be captain with?”

The owner responded, “You will find out who is on your team in the morning. Good lucky to you all and goodnight.”

Everyone then filed out of the Lodge silently. Jason and Courtney gave each other a pecking kiss goodnight before parting their separate ways. Anxiety overwhelmed them too much for them to speak. They were both wondering the same thing: if they would be on a team together.

Courtney and Jason each rolled around in bed for a few minutes before sleep overcame them. Courtney had an undisturbed night’s sleep but Jason didn’t. He awoke with a start when he felt someone nearby. It was Sonny tying a piece of cloth around Jason’s wrist. Jason mumbled incoherently as Sonny walked away. Squinting at the cloth, Jason couldn’t make out the color but it looked to be a lighter color. Giving up, Jason went back to sleep.

------------------------------------------------------------

The morning sun wasn’t even up when all the oldest campers awoke. It was around 6:30 when Courtney’s cabin jumped out of bed with a start. She looked at her wrists but didn’t see any indication of her team color.

Panicking, she swung her legs out of bed. While she did that, she caught sight of the white strip of cloth tied around her left ankle. She untied it and ran to her cubby. By this time her whole cabin was bustling with movement. In the end, she chose to wear white wind pants and a white sweatshirt. She put her hair in a high ponytail and took the white cloth that was around her ankle. Tying it around like a scrunchy, she knotted it and was ready to go wake up the younger campers.

It was around 6:52 when she emerged from her cabin. A bunch of the oldest girls were all ready gathering around the commons area of their section. They then all lined up around the cabin closest to the younger girls’ cabins. Seeing who was on her team, Courtney rounded all the people wearing white up.

The mist was still hovering on the lake at 6:59 and everyone was lined up at the edge of the oldest girls’ section of camp. Their section head, Lexi, stood in front of them with a watch. Waiting for the clock to hit 7:00, she watched all the girls try not to start running early. It was 6:59:57, 6:59:58, 6:59:59, then…

“GO,” screamed Lexi. The girls didn’t need telling twice. With Courtney in the lead, the white team charged into every cabin. Courtney would run up the stair of the cabin, onto the porch then run in.

In every cabin, she screamed, “GOOD MORNING WHITE TEAM! WHO ARE MY GIRLS?” A few girls would then raise their hands with a white piece of cloth around their wrists. Courtney explained to them to get up, get dressed in white, and then to head over to the Lodge for cheering before breakfast.

Running to and from every cabin, Courtney became winded. When at last she had finished her rounds, she sprinted over the Lodge so she would be the first one there. Even so, there was someone already waiting for her. Jason stood alone, wearing grey sweatpants and a white tee shirt.

Courtney ran up to him and jumped onto him, hugging him. With her legs wrapped around his waist, she also wrapped her arms around Jason. Chuckling, he set her to the ground and noticed her cheeks were flushed with excitement.

Soon the other campers started to arrive at the Lodge and joined their team in a circle. Jason and Courtney lead the cheers for the white team. In unison, they screamed, “V-I-C-T-O-R-Y. Victory, Victory, that’s our cry! Are we in it? No we’re not. We’re not in it; we’re on top. Let’s go, white team is the best. Let’s go, better than the rest. Let’s go white; we’re the best. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

They lead a few more cheers before it was time for breakfast. All the teams went in one-by-one, running and cheering. The white team was first in and Courtney and Jason lead the way in cheering, “White, white, white!” The teams that followed had more rhythmic cheers and Courtney gave Jason a worried look, as she then made sure everyone was seated.

Courtney and Jason then went around making sure everyone was eating and drinking a lot. Jason went over to the center table and grabbed two pieces of bread. He then went over to Courtney who was learning everyone’s names and stuck it in her mouth while she was talking.

Looking up, Courtney took the bread, understood and started eating. Jason ate some bread quickly too before breakfast ended and most of the campers left. All the captains were rounded up again to sit at the table from the night before.

Jason looked at Courtney and said, “I have a feeling this is going to be a very long day.”

Note: This is a very serious author's note. At the beginning of chapter 52, my note was "must keep writing" and I stuck to it with all the desired details I could muster. I did as I promised and painfully got chapter 52 out. It wasn't supposed to be painful.

Many issues are arising at this time. All my worries that I have sat on for ten months now are resurfing with full force as the time for me to leave for camp approaches. I'm so sorry for what I'm about to do. I just can't go on any longer. I've tried to deny it on and off, but this is my end.

I just felt like you all deserved an apology. As promised I WILL finish Camp Journey before I leave for the summer. The ending will be as I saw it from the beginning but I'm warning you all now, it won't be as well written. I just give up. I realized that I'm robbing you all of my story in the process and for that, I'm truely sorry.

The issue of finishing Camp Journey has been increasing for months now. Now, with nine days left, it is unbearable. To make matters worse, I am leaving on vaction before then. This Saturday I am leaving. I am so sorry everyone...

One of my biggest regrets is that you don't see the story's end as it should be. It is good that you can't see me right now because I'm awfully close to crying and I just about NEVER cry.

So, here it is. Chapter 53, deprived of anything that would make it good... Once again, I'm so sorry... You've all been cheated...

Chapter 53

The first day was indeed a long one. First, the meeting explained everything. While there, Courtney and Jason saw who was on each team. Jess and Zander were on red, Liz and Ric were on green, and Brenda and Jax were on blue. It was also announed that all the captains would be staying in their own little mini cabins. The events of the next three days were also explained.

After moving, the first team meeting began. Then the scavanger hunt which involved a lot of running around took place. Jason led the way while Courtney brought up the rear of the team. They had to go to where clues told them and take a card from an envelope located at each place.

Then came the clue, "The next card is at a dock not frequently visited." All the teams except for the white team were stumped by this clue. They all went running around to every dock while Courtney and Jason led their team to the right place. As a result, they won the scavanger hunt.

After lunch was the swim meet. It was fun and stressful. Unluckily, all the best althetes and swimmers seemed to have ended up on every team except the white team. The only thing they won was the "big splash" competition when Jason pulled off the most painful looking belly flop ever.

The afternoon came and went with individual events after the swim meet. Dinner was quick and the camp then played a four way game of Capture the Flag. Courtney won the game for the team when Jason pulled a fake "I have the flag" that only worked partially. The whole white team cheered in joy when Courtney dove into the white boundries with not one, but three flags.

That night Courtney and Jason had to write the team fight song. They stayed up till three in the morning struggling and bickering about the lyrics before falling asleep in each other's arms.

The were so tired that they forgot to wake up the next morning and missed breakfast. At breakfast it was announced that the white team was in second place but since the captains never showed up, major points were deducted. It just wasn't the white team's day.

After breakfast, a team meeting lasted the whole morning to try and teach everyone the song. Right before lunch, they went. It was to the tune of "It's all for You" by Sister Hasel.

"There is a crisis on infinite earth
And to the watchers, we’ll have to prove our worth.

Finally we figured out that something must be done
Because we realized what would happen if they won.

We’re going to fight with out our bravery.
With Batman on side we’ll be,
The champions of Color War,
Triumphing like never before.

Hard work will take us there
And determine how we fair.

Other teams will challenge us,
If they ever dare.

We’re going to fight with out our bravery.
With Batman on side we’ll be,
The champions of Color War,
Triumphing like never before.

Caped Crusaders, Genesis wave we’ll find
No super powers, strength of body, soul, and mind.

With our intelligence we’ll know what to do.
Our bravery will beat red, green, and blue!

We’re going to fight with out our bravery.
With Batman on side we’ll be,
The champions of Color War,
Triumphing like never before.

We’re going to fight with out our bravery.
With Batman on side we’ll be,
The champions of Color War,
Triumphing like never before."

All the other teams went as well and then it was time for lunch. After lunch, another team meeting was needed for everyone to get jobs for Land and Sea. The whole team broke out into chaos as everyone bickered. People just ended up where ever they were placed.

It was a very windy day out as well so all the inexpeired sailors dumped, all the surfers got blown away, all the canoers lost, and all the kayakers struggling against being swept away. It was horrible.

After dinner, the team played some sports against other teams while the captains started the AlmaMatures. Even with the head start, Courtney and Jason once again struggled to find the right words but in the end, they both agreed it was perfect.

The next morning, they were sure to get up early. Courtney had nerves running through her about the most important events in Color War. The Marathon was coming.

End Note: It's such a pity that I worked so hard for all these months to ruin everything is the tail end... Also, song credit goes out to the white team of 2002 for writing the new lyrics.

Note: A promise is a promise and I WILL end this story.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Courtney and Jason spent all morning trying to teach the white team their Alma mature but nothing seemed to work. The lack of motivation was due to the fact that at breakfast the teams’ standing was announced. White was in dead last. Last at the end of the second day. It seemed hopeless.

All the kids were mumbling the words of the song, not even trying to learn the lyrics. Some of them weren’t even doing that and were picking at their fingernails for playing with their hair. Jason and Courtney tried to keep their patience through all of this. Jason started singling people out but that didn’t work either. No one cared.

After about an hour of this, Courtney burst out into tears. She had enough and had lost all patience. The whole team watched in silence as she ran away crying tears of frustration.

“I’ll be back in a second,” Jason announced before following her. He ran after Courtney, caught up with her, and immediately kissed her with all his might.

“What was that all about,” she asked in shock.

“I might ask the same question to you.”

“Jason, it’s hopeless. Can’t you see that? Even the kids know it!”

“It isn’t over yet. We still have one day left. Besides, we promised to see this Color War through.”

“I know, I know, I just can’t do it! Jason, those kids don’t care. How are we supposed to pull through if they don’t even want to win?”

“It isn’t about winning Courtney. It’s about making the best of a situation and dealing with what you’ve got. Now I’m going back to those kids and teaching them their Alma mature whether they like it or not. Feel free to join me at anytime.” Jason’s voice held firmness and the last sentence even held annoyance. It was clean Jason had also reached his limit.

“I’m sorry Jason. I’m so sorry. I’ve failed you.” Courtney fell to the ground as her tears came out even more rapidly. Jason caught her in those strong arms of his as he pulled her back up to her feet.

With more patience and understanding in his voice, Jason said, “I’m going back. When you feel better come join me. I can’t do this without you Court.” He then gave an encouraging smile before kissing her tear-streaked cheek and returning to the team.

Jason went back to the team with a certain fire in his eyes. He announced, “Listen up, white team. We still have one day left. One whole day and that can make all the difference. Day three counts for the most point in Color War. The marathon and the Alma mature count for a ton of points. Come on, we can do this!”

The team stirred a bit but still didn’t seem very inspired. They went back to work, mumbling the words of the Alma mature. Jason didn’t have to admit it did seem hopeless but he didn’t say anything.

Eventually, Courtney returned to the team. She had a grave determination in her. It wasn’t an optimistic determination but it was determination nonetheless. They spent the rest of that morning working on teaching the white team their song. By lunch time the team could unenthusiastically mumble the words and only get lost once every verse.

After lunch, the Alma mature was forgotten at the team meeting as everyone learned what he or she would be doing for the marathon. Jason passed out slips of paper to everyone while Courtney explained everything.

“Okay, every listen up. The marathon is probably the most important event of Color War. First, we pass along jugs of water until a garbage can is full of water. Actually, everyone has to touch the jugs so we will have three runners, two fillers, and everyone else just stands in a line with their hands out. Once the bucket is full, the rest of the marathon begins. If you have a task early in the marathon, run like the wind to it.

Everyone has one or two tasks. They are stuff like doing five jumping jacks, hopping on one foot to a certain location, being tied up to six people and running, doing leapfrog to somewhere, swimming, kayaking, sailing, rigging the sailboat, and I think you all get the point. Once you complete your task, tag the person who is doing the next task. Feel free to run and cheer your teammates on.

The marathon starts and ends at the Lodge. The third to last task will be someone swimming from the sail dock to the main dock. Then, the will tag someone who is holding a matchbook. The people with the matchbook will run and tag Jason and I who will then proceed to build a fire in front of the Lodge. The marathon ends when the fire burns a piece of rope suspended above the fire into two pieces.

The sheet of paper Jason has handed each of you contains your task, task number, who is before you, and who is after you. Any questions? Seeing none, Jason and I will be back soon. What I need from all of you is to get into a line in order of your tasks. If you have more than one task, go to the first of the two. Get to know the person or people before and after you. We’ll be back in about fifteen minutes.”

Jason and Courtney then left the team who were shuffling to their feet. They went to their captain’s cabin and got dressed for the marathon. They both removed their shirts and pants so Courtney was left wearing only a lace bra and panties and Jason was wearing a pair of red boxers with a mermaid print. Courtney turned around Jason and asked, “Can you help me change bras?” Jason knew she was messing with his mind but was more than happy to play this little game of hers.

Feeling up and down her sides, he finally unclasped Courtney’s white lace bra. Courtney let the straps slide down as she then threw it on the ground. Completely topless, Courtney went searching for her gray sport bra. Jason found what she was looking for and asked, “Is this the one?”

He had to admit he enjoyed watching her breasts swing back and forth while she was looking for it and hated to give up that easily. “Yeah, thanks Jason,” Courtney said, reaching for it. Instead of giving it to her, Jason put it above his head and watched Courtney’s exposed breasts as she reached up, trying to get it. Seeing Jason’s eyes move with her breasts, Courtney exclaimed, “You pervert!”

Jason responded, “Yeah, but you love me anyway, right?” That was a complete slip on Jason’s part. He didn’t mean do say “love” and Courtney now looked at him with wide eyes. Courtney didn’t know what to say so she didn’t saying anything at all.

Reaching out, Jason dared to touch Courtney’s face. She didn’t flinch and back away, which Jason took as a good sign. The comment was almost forgotten as Jason started to move his hand down her cheek, along her neck, and down to her quivering breasts. Right then, they heard a sharp knock on the door.

Carly had no idea why she knocked but something was telling her it was probably a good idea. She had a feeling something was going on in there that she didn’t want to see.

Her suspicions were confirmed when Jason said in a high squeaky voice, “Just a minute.” She then heard a hurried shuffle and badly stifled giggles. A few minutes later, a flushed Courtney opened the door.

“Oh, hi Carly. Sorry to keep you waiting. Come in.”

Carly saw the look on both Courtney’s and Jason’s face and knew she had interrupted something but she acted like she didn’t notice. That act was quickly put to an end when Carly got her foot tangled in Courtney’s lace bra, which had been discarded to the ground and forgotten. Clearing her throat, Carly watched Courtney’s pink face turn beet red.

Getting back to business, Carly gave Courtney and Jason each a white bandana. “Here you go. Sonny ran into town the other night to get these for you. We left a message on them.” Courtney and Jason turned the bandanas over until they each saw “good luck from S and C” written in permanent marker.

“Thank you.” Jason said.

“Yeah, thanks Carly. This is great,” Courtney added. Carly waved Courtney over to sit on the ground next to Carly who was sitting on a bed. Courtney obeyed and felt Carly immediately begin to pull at her hair. Letting out a growl, Courtney tried to stay still as Carly put her hair into French braids. Jason flinched because he felt in pain just looking at Courtney’s face as her hair was being pulled into the braids. Jason and Courtney both put the bandanas on over their hair.

Once they were ready to go, Jason and Courtney thanked Carly again before returning to their team. Everyone was in a line and ready to go. Heading down the Lodge, Courtney felt nervousness in her gut. Jason saw this and rubbed her arm in support. Their team stood ready as a bell rang, signaling the beginning of the marathon.

Unfortunately, their team ended up being the last one to fill their buckets. Jason and Courtney ran around with the teams as they did their tasks. They stayed in dead last through out the whole thing. After the swimmer set off, Jason and Courtney ran to the front of the Lodge. They waited as the person with the matchbook ran up to them.

The white team was the last to have its captains start to build a fire. First Jason struck a match and put it up next to a nest of birch bark. The birch bark caught fire and Courtney soon added in small twigs. By this time, the other teams all ready had decent sized fires going. The green team’s rope was even burning. Liz and Ric kept adding branches as their fire grew and their roped burned. The red team’s rope stated to burn and the green team’s rope was almost burnt when something big happened.

Then, a large gust of wind overtook most of the fires. All the fires were blown out except the red teams because they had made a log cabin style fire while everyone else was making in the tepee style. The blue, green, and white team’s fires all collapsed. The red and green rope re-solidified and the wax re-hardened. Courtney led out a scream of frustration as hers and Jason’s fire collapsed.

They forgot about everything except building the fire. In the background, they could hear their team scream, “BURN BABY BURN” but it seemed like the sound was coming from a different world. They soon started up the small kindling fire again. Soon, they had a roaring fire. Courtney dove in to put a large branch to hold the fire up when she felt a flash of heat against her cheek.

Counselors ran over and dumped water on Courtney. They also poured water on all the other captains as the fires progressed. The white fire continued to grow and burn the rope. The rope split in two as the white team won the marathon. A great cheer went up as Jason and Courtney ran out of the fire pit and to the lake.

Jason picked Courtney up in the water and swept her into his arms, kissing her. They got out and went over to the Med Center as the rest of the team was guided by some of the older campers to their team meeting spot.

At the Med Center, the staff fussed over Courtney and Jason. Courtney had gotten a second-degree burn on her cheek and Jason wasn’t doing too well himself. After they had their burns taken care of, they were given the instructions to take a long shower and go to the Lodge for dinner later.

It was learned later that the red team came in second, blue came in third, and green came in dead last. In fact, it took the green team an hour longer than the blue team to finish.

Jason and Courtney spent the remainder of the afternoon cleaning up and being happy together. They arrived at the Lodge halfway through dinner and when they walked in, a fourth of the Lodge erupted into cheers and clapping. Courtney and Jason smiled as they took a seat and ate dinner.

After dinner, Emily dragged Courtney and Jason to the team meeting.

“I have a surprise for you guys,” she promised.

Jason and Courtney were surprised to see the whole team, on time for once to a team meeting. They all then started to sing the Alma mature. They taken it upon themselves to learn it and they did. Courtney and Jason couldn’t help but smiling as the team sang but they then stopped at the last two lines.

“We have a plan,” Emily explained. “Only the oldest campers sing the second to last line and then only you two finish for a fade out ending.”

“How? When? Why,” Courtney stammered.

“We figured out the points and saw we could win this thing,” Emily said. Bells rang for all the teams to gather at the Lodge.

“Let’s do this,” Jason said and the team cheered and followed him.

They were the third team to perform their Alma mature. It was to the tune of “Umbrella” by Dog’s Eye View.

“Course we loved Everwood 2003,
We had all our dreams and,
It made them all come true.
Now we hate to leave here,
When the end grows near,
10 months, cold winter is our worst fear and…

Everwood had been with us all the way.
Council games in our hearts will stay.

Marathons, campfires,
Red, blue, green, and white,
Together we unite,
We’re tired of this fight.

Torch paddles, traditions,
We have made the best of friends.
Our hearts in this place we love so dear,
Arowhon just never ends and…

Everwood had been with us all the way.
Council games in our hearts will stay.

Sally and Graham
Had our trust in their hands.
Two great leaders,
Onto our feet they’ve helped us stand.
Kira, Todd, and Carson,
You were with us all they way.
For your support and comfort,
We’ll repay you someday and…

Everwood had been with us all the way.
Council games in our hearts will stay.

Crisis on infinite earth,
Together crusaders did fight.
Genesis Wave is now diffused,
At last four teams untie.

Our intuition tells us,
We’ll all be here again.
This summer’s gone by way too fast,
For now to be the end, and…

Everwood, had been with us all the way.
Council games in our hearts will stay.

Everwood we’ll say our last goodbyes,
On this lake, tears will fill our eyes.
On this lake, hear the last loon cries.”

Jason and Courtney’s voices faded out. Tears were running down everyone in the Lodge’s face. After the last team performed, everyone waited for the points to be tallied. The standings of Color War were then announced.

“In last place, green.”

“In third place, blue.”

“In second place…” a batied silence fell over the Lodge. “RED!”

The white team erupted into cheers yet again. They had done it. They won Color War 2003.

“In first place, white.”

Jason and Courtney then snuck away as the end of Color War dance begun. They went to their cabin for one last night.

That night, Courtney and Jason came the closest they ever had to intercourse. They didn’t quite go that extra step but they did perform oral sex on each other. It was one wonderful night to end one unforgettable Color War.

End Note: So I’m not quite done yet but I’m getting there. Sorry I skipped out on the details of Courtney blowing Jason and Jason eating out Courtney. What can I say? I just didn’t feel like writing that. I guess smut just isn’t my thing.

Note: Wow. This is my last installment of Camp Journey. I hope you all liked it. This is the ending as I have been planning it for months just without some of the details but it is basically the same. Also, just a warning that if I have done my job correctly, there is a tearjerker scene or two in this chapter. Actually, there SHOULD be at least one scene like that and anything else is gravy.

Chapter Fifty-Five

The week after Color War was a blur. It went by in a whirlwind of good times with the occasional worrying about the approaching end of summer. As much as no one wanted the end to come, it came anyway.

On the second to last day of camp everyone had activities as usual and everything seemed normal until lunch. Packing announcements were made to a silent Lodge and the occasional tear could be spotted as they left the Lodge after lunch. That whole afternoon was to be devoted to packing.

Jason and Courtney packed as quickly as they could. Since Jason had the least stuff he finished before Courtney and went to her cabin to wait for her and help. He assisted her in packing. Courtney, while packing as fast as she could, was trying to be exact in how to stuff everything into her duffel bags. Jason took her laundry bag and just started stuffing everything in site into it until it was full.

Taking this lead, Courtney started stuffing everything randomly into her duffel bag. She too was done hours early, leaving time with Jason.

“Thanks for helping me pack,” said Courtney in a daze. She just couldn’t believe that this would be her last afternoon together with Jason. Winking at her, Jason took Courtney’s hand and pulled her out of the cabin so they were out of earshot.

“Let’s go swimming,” he suggested.

“How can we go swimming? I just packed all my bathing suits and you saw me do it too.”

“You won’t be needing that.”

“Jason Quatermaine, are you suggesting that we go skinny-dipping,” Courtney said in the sternest voice she could conjure up.

“Damn straight,” Jason growled as he nuzzled Courtney’s neck. Courtney let out high-pitched shrieks and giggles as a response. They ran up to the dock and rid themselves of all clothes before entering the water. After swimming around for a bit, they got out.

Jason immediately began to kiss Courtney and things became serious very fast. After some groping and sucking, Courtney realized this wasn’t their usual stuff; this was foreplay. Panicking in the moment, she pulled away.

Reaching for her clothes, Courtney carelessly pulled them on as Jason gave her confused looks.

“Courtney,” he said, hoping to stir a reaction because Courtney seemed very distant.

“I’m sorry Jason,” she said simply before running away. She just couldn’t do it. Fifteen years of pure virginity and now Courtney didn’t know what she wanted. Shaking her head, she told herself it was all for the best.

That night dinner was open seating. Jason and Courtney sat together, not discussing the events of that afternoon. They were curt yet friendly to each other and the night passed by until it was time for bed. Jason couldn’t take it any longer and ran out of his cabin.

He didn’t care who saw him and what would happen. After all, this was the last night of camp. What could they do it he got in trouble, send him home the next day? That was happening anyway so he could care less. A few minutes of running and Jason found himself at Courtney’s cabin.

Courtney hesitated to come out but she did and walked silently up to Jason to their dock. She had made up her mind and decided what must be done. Little did she know but Jason had also done a great deal of thinking and also knew what he wanted to do. They immediately began to make out at the dock and it was Jason this time that pulled away.

“There is something I need to tell you Courtney.”

“Same here but you can you first.”

Jason took a deep breath before finally expressing what had been on his mind for so long, “Courtney Matthews, I love you.”

Courtney couldn’t believe her ears. He said he loved her. She loved him, and that was for sure. “Jason Quartermaine, I love you too.”

They resumed their kissing and the groping began. Hands flew all over the place and found their way into every crevice. Jason stopped once again.

“You said you had something to tell me?”

“Yeah but you said the first half of it before I could. I was going to say that I love you.”

“What about the other thing?”

“Oh, that. I wanted to ask you to accept my apology for this afternoon and I also wanted to ask you to make love to me tonight.”

”WHAT?”

“I knew! You don’t want me, do you?”

“You couldn’t be more wrong. I want, need you like nothing else. But are you sure about this?”

“I haven’t been more sure of anything in my life except my love for you.”

Courtney and Jason made love that last night together. They slept under the bright stars for the last time and cuddled up together, never wanting the morning to come.

Wishes and wants do not stop the clock and morning came. Courtney and Jason both returned to their cabins in the harsh dawn.

They went to the Lodge with a feeling of foreboding in both of their chests. Breakfast was spent in detachment until the owner got up on a chair and said everyone had to be at his or her bus in ten minutes. Jason was to be going to the bus to New York and Courtney was going on the bus to the airport. This was the time for their separation.

It came. This was that horrible morning they had been dreading since the beginning of second month. A wave of memories flashed through Courtney and Jason’s eyes. They saw happiness in each other.

Tears spilt out of Courtney’s eyes but Jason refused to cry. He felt the need to be strong for his love. They hugged, kissed, and in Courtney’s case, sobbed together. Standing together, Courtney took of Jason’s chain.

“You should take this. I doubt I’ll ever see you again.”

Before Jason could even answer, Courtney pushed it into this hand. Eyes now bloodshot and glossy, Jason pulled Courtney into a final embrace as tears slid down her face. With her head over his shoulder, Jason slipped the chain into the back pocket.

Knowing Courtney hadn’t felt the chain slip into her pocket, Jason said, “I’ll always love you. Never forget me.”

“I wouldn’t dream of forgetting you. My love you won’t die, I promise. Until we meet again, remember this last kiss.” Courtney pulled Jason into a heart-wrenching kiss that was interrupted by a counselor telling them it was time to go.

Giving Jason one last tearful look, Courtney left the Lodge and cried the whole bus ride to the airport. Jason slept on the bus to New York with unease and depression haunting him.

Epilogue

Courtney got off the play feeling horrible. Her mom had met her with her newest husband and took her to her newest house. She was forgotten in about twenty minutes as a heated argument between Janine and her newest husband erupted.

“Jason where are you,” Courtney asked out to the ceiling in her room before getting into her second fit of crying.

------------------------------------------------------------

Jason stepped of the bus to no one. He, Emily, and Skye waited for about an hour until a limo pulled up to the abandoned parking lot after everyone had left. They got in and the limo sped towards the Quartermaine mansion.

A.J. was Jason’s greeting party. He followed him around everywhere and taunted him about how Courtney was no longer around.

“So how does it feel now, Jason?”

And for once, a tear escaped Jason’s eyes and rolled down his cheek. So often compared to a robot, Jason was now crying. A.J. smiled at the look of defeat in his brother’s face. Feeling as though he finally won something, A.J. then left Jason to his own misery about his now ex-girlfriend.

In between the sobs, which were now constant, Jason was able to gasp out to the empty room, “Courtney, I miss you. I need you. What will life be like without you?” Those lines only made him seem to cry harder as grief overtook him.

The End.

Jess’ Farewell

Ok everyone, the end of Camp Journey has come and gone. As most of you know probably know, I am leaving for two months tomorrow. Even though I am glad to be leaving, I have a few last things to say before I disappear. I owe a lot of people some big thank-yous and last minutes notes. There are some people who have multiple notes so be sure to check. I know I rend to ramble a bit but, as always, I never shut up when I feel something is important. So here they are:

Everyone who happened to stumble upon this post: Whether or not you have read Camp Journey all the way through, thanks for at stopping by.

To all my Camp Journey readers: Wow. That was one LONG fanfic. Thank you to the support you have offered me just by reading my work.

To all the feedback givers of Camp Journey: Thanks for the feedback. Although I rarely acknowledged it on the board, it has helped me a lot and on more than one occasion, motivated me to get my act together and write.

To all of the Camp Journey readers who have been reading since the beginning: You guys are truly amazing. You have been reading my stuff since February. I might have been spotty that first month in terms of how long everything took but you guys have been with me the whole way.

To the creators of Journey Online (Vicky and Fatema): First of all, thanks for posting this story. Second of all, thanks for creating this site. Without your hours of hard work, I would still be a diehard Acron fan. Thanks for converting me over to Journey (though I must admit I still do like Acorn to an extent).

To the moderators of the Journey Online Message Board (Vicky, Fatema, and Bri): Thanks for creating a place where I could write and grow.

The FicCritic: Thank you for being the first person to give me honest feedback. I know that you know that I know… (Sorry, I HAD to put that)

Aimee, Bri, and Carrie: You guys have always been great to talk to and have inspired me the whole way. Although I never really got to talk to Aimee as much, I felt like you all deserved your own section. Thanks for being my bitching buddies.

To everyone who deserves an individual thank you: Sorry I couldn’t give you it but I don’t have enough time to write all of these and no one has the time to read them.

To everyone I forgot: Well, you’re all making me feel forgetful. I’m so sorry I forgot you and thank you.

A note to all lurking and reading this but have never posted: Get out there and post. You won’t regret it. Start something; I’m glad I did.

Well, I think I’ve babbled on enough. I’m leaving early tomorrow morning so have a great summer everyone!