Camp Happy Trails had a kind of vibe that Laurie thought was classic and outdoorsy in a fun way, though she could have done with a nicer shower setup. Still, she managed to keep her pretty blonde hair well-groomed and her skin clean. Only Laurie could pull off the camp-aesthetic so well while also maintaining her bratty, confident persona. She wasn't down to earth; she was above it. Her cut-off jean shorts and t-shirt looked as good on her as designer clothes did on other people.
In the flickering light of the fire, Laurie's face glowed.
"I could handle him," she said, in her self-possessed, unself-conscious way. "I'd sorta like to see him try," she added, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she leaned closer to the fire.
"I don't know many people who could survive Hans the Butcher," her friend said, shivering a little, though she didn't directly say she didn't think Laurie could. If anyone could, it would be Laurie. "He's so creepy."
The next morning, there was an axe mark in the tree by the fire, directly above where Laurie's head had been the night before. Laurie looked at it, cocking her head to the side. The other girls watched her, eyes wide and scared. Then she laughed, high and feminine and teasing.
"Let's play, then!" Laurie called into the woods. "Come and get me."
Hans' presence followed them around, stalking them. It was like he was drawn to Laurie, but he never let himself get too close. The other girls were terrified, even though they tried to be brave like their friend. It wasn't even bravery, though, not really. Laurie was just unfazed. She continued to taunt him. If she saw his looming figure in the shadows, she'd beckon him closer with a wink. If she heard his footsteps through the camp at night, she'd call out to him, daring him to approach her.