“Lucy wasn’t my crush, “ Cal says. “You were.”

You try to hide your shock at hearing this.

“Lucy and I have been training to do a roping demonstration at tonight’s rodeo. That’s why I wasn’t going to be able to go to the dance. I sure hope she gets better soon.”

“I do too,” you say. “I’m really sorry about what I did. I was just so angry when I thought you liked her instead of me.”

“I did like you,” Cal says, “but I’m not so sure anymore, after you pulled that stunt with the snake. I thought you were cool and funny, but now I know you’ve got a mean streak. Well, see you back home some time, I guess.” Cal walks away, shaking his head.

As you board the shuttle, you realize that you totally blew any chances you had with Cal, not to mention hurting your friendship with Lucy. You might be able to patch things up with both of them later, but it’ll never be quite the same again. Now that your Ranger camp experience has been cut short, you face a long, sad flight home.