Welcome to Carlin Ranch! A place for troubled youths to find there way. I can’t believe I have to spend the entire summer there. Well I guess it could be worse. I could be on my way to juvie instead. Flipping the brochure over, I see different workshops I have to attend there. They have horseback riding, first aide, camp crafters, and bible studies. Great! I am going to be staying with bible huggers.

"We’re here Ashley" came the sweet condescending voice of my mother. My mother is trying to sound like she gives a shit about me. I guess she is trying to impress the new boy toy. He seems to be big about family.

"…" Opting to roll my eyes instead of replying, I look out the car window taking in my surroundings. My mother has sent me to hell. I bet they don’t even have indoor plumbing.

The car comes to a stop in front of a rather large country style house. A blonde woman that looks to be about the same age as my mother is standing in front of it. "Come on honey. Let’s go meet the director of the camp," She says as we all exit the car. She and her boy toy, that I named Chip, greet the blonde woman. Christine, my mother, goes through too many guys for me to remember their names, so I call them all by the same name. It saves a lot of time.

"Ashley, dear please come meet Mrs. Carlin" Fake! I walk over to them and greet the older blonde-haired woman with my best manners.

"Nice to meet you Ashley. We are going to have a busy summer this year. This is a family run ranch and since you will be staying with us, you are going to help out with all the chores" She smiles, but it is not a warm one.

"Chores?" I croak out. "By the way, how many kids are going to be staying here?" Please don’t let me be the only one.

She smiles that smile again and a cold shiver runs down my spine. "Including you there are going to be four total; however, there is also my children who help out." She takes a handkerchief out of her pocket and wipes the back of her neck before continuing. "Yes you have chores. They will include taking care of the animals, mucking out stalls along with regular household chores."