Green eyes and Hidden Hopes

Chapter 3

Green Eyes and Hidden Hopes

Daniel’s POV

The clock ticked on mercilessly as I stared at it, willing the minute hand to speed up. I was counting down the seconds until freedom, unable to focus on anything the teacher was saying.

My mind was lost in the hope of escaping, escaping this school, these people, this life where I didn’t quite fit. I just wanted to be anywhere else.

“Please, move faster,” I muttered to myself, frustration knotting my stomach as my fingers drummed on the desk.

After what felt like an eternity, the bell finally rang, filling the air with a collective sigh of relief. I bolted from my seat, hoping to make it out before anyone had the chance to notice me.

"Wait! Before you leave," the teacher called out, "remember that the summer camp begins Monday. The buses will be leaving Saturday morning, so I hope to see all of you there.”

I barely heard her, rushing to the door and ignoring the announcement. Summer camp was never part of my plans. I hadn’t gone before, and I had no reason to believe this year would be any different. But as I stepped outside, a small, rebellious voice whispered in my mind.

What if you try it?

I shook my head. “No, it can’t happen,” I muttered, pushing away the idea.

The thought of spending days trapped with my classmates especially people like Billy and his gang, who seemed to enjoy tormenting me was enough to make me shudder.

With a sigh, I took the long walk home to avoid the school bus. Billy and his friends had already made it clear they’d spend the ride taunting me.

By the time I walked through the front door, my feet hurt, but the silence was a relief. Only my mother was home.

“Good evening, Mum,” I said, hoping to slip past her and hide away in my room.

“How are you, sweetie?” she asked, her voice soft, laced with concern.

“I’m fine,” I replied, trying to sound cheerful, though I knew my eyes betrayed me. I turned to escape the conversation, but she stopped me with gentle words.

“Don’t let what your father said this morning get to you, Daniel. You are special, just as you are,” she said, her eyes warm and full of understanding.

Her words held me frozen in my spot, and for a moment, I felt a tiny spark of peace in my heart. She was the only one who saw past everything and just… accepted me.

“Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, my throat tight with emotion. She smiled, reaching up to smooth my hair.

“And I think you should go to the summer camp,” she continued. “It’ll be nice for you, a chance to make friends. And… maybe you’ll get some time to enjoy yourself away from… everything here.” There was a sadness in her eyes, something she didn’t say aloud. She knew how hard things were for me, even if I never spoke about it.

I nodded slowly, considering her words. She was right. Maybe camp could be my chance to escape the weight of my father’s expectations and the constant feeling that I didn’t belong. Besides, one month away from him sounded like bliss.

Two days flew by, and soon it was Saturday. I stood at the door, my bag slung over my shoulder as my mother tucked my jacket around me. She held me close, her hand lingering on my shoulder as she said, “Be good, Daniel. I’ll miss you.”

Only my siblings told me bye, but only my younger sister goodbye was genuine, the rest just didn't care.

I glanced toward my father, hoping for something, a goodbye, a look, anything to show he might miss me too. But he just stood there, unreadable and silent. I forced a smile for my mother and pulled away, whispering, “I’ll be fine, Mom.”

As I walked toward the school, nervous anticipation buzzed under my skin. When I reached the parking lot where the buses were waiting, I noticed students already crowding inside.

I took a hesitant step forward, but before I could find a seat, a familiar voice sneered behind me.

“Oh, wow, look who decided to show up! The pastor’s kid, at summer camp!” Billy’s voice rang out, dripping with sarcasm. Laughter followed from his friends, and I felt my face heat up as they taunted me.

Ignoring them, I glanced around for a seat, my stomach knotting with each set of eyes that turned to stare. Just then, a voice called out from the middle of the bus.

“Hey, come sit here.”

I looked up, my heart nearly stopping when I realized it was him

Benjamin,

The guy I’d admired from afar. Benjamin, with his easy smile and confident gaze, was looking right at me, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.

My hands shook as I moved down the aisle, mumbling a shaky “okay” before sitting down. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might leap out of my chest.

“I’m Benjamin,” he said, his voice smooth and friendly as he extended a hand.

“D-Daniel,” I stammered, reaching out to shake his hand. His grip was warm, steady, and I found myself wishing I could hold onto it forever.

He looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, then smiled, a genuine smile that reached his bright blue eyes. “You have beautiful green eyes,” he said, his words taking me by surprise.

I felt my face flush, heat rushing to my cheeks as I struggled to find words. “Th-thank you,” I whispered, barely able to look at him.

He chuckled softly, glancing away and giving me a moment to catch my breath. My mind spun, replaying his compliment over and over. No one had ever told me that before, not like this, not with such sincerity.

For the first time, I dared to sneak a glance at him, studying his features from the side. His profile was flawless, his jaw sharp, his eyes focused on his phone.

I wondered what it would be like to just sit beside him like this forever, in this bubble of safety and warmth.

“Finally,” I whispered to myself, relief filling me. I couldn’t believe he was actually talking to me, that he noticed me at all.

The quiet kindness in his words felt like something I’d been starving for, something that made my heart ache in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

As the bus rolled along, I gazed out the window, unable to wipe the smile off my face. Maybe this summer camp wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Maybe, just maybe, it would be the escape I needed, a place where, for once, I wasn’t the pastor’s son or the weird kid, just… Daniel.

The rest of the trip passed in a blur. We exchanged small talk, and each time Benjamin looked at me, I felt my pulse race, his gaze steady, as if he saw something beyond the nervous, awkward boy I always saw in the mirror.

When we finally arrived at the camp, I felt almost disappointed to have to leave his side. As I stepped off the bus, Benjamin was right behind me, his hand brushing my arm for just a second. That tiny touch sent a thrill through me, a spark that seemed to light up everything.

“See you around?” he asked, his smile gentle.

“Yeah… see you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

I watched as he walked away, blending into the crowd of campers. My gaze lingered, heart aching in a way that was both frightening and exhilarating.

Maybe this camp would be more than just an escape, I thought.