I was watching Holes, and I don't even know. Let me know what you think?

"I tell you right now, Denise Walker, if you put a toe out of line, you'll be right out there digging holes with those boys," my aunt told me sternly, turning to put up the air conditioner.

"I'd rather be out there," I mumbled miserably, rolling my eyes.

"Excuse me?"

I recognized that as a tone not to cross, so I just shook my head and tried to look as innocent as possible. When my mother decided to fly off to London with her boyfriend for the Summer, I envisioned a time to relax with my friends and lounge around. Too bad that she doesn't trust her nearly 17 year old to take care of herself.

"Your mother warned me about your attitude," my aunt said. "But there isn't much of a mess you can make out here. These boys are trouble, though, so stay away from them. And don't think about wandering off, there's only desert for miles."

So what exactly was there to do? Sit outside and watch tumbleweeds? The prospect made me sink deeper into the couch. Maybe I'd take my chances with the desert.

"There's pool and television in the recreation room. You can go in there during the day when the boys are out digging holes," she finished.

She left the room, tying up her hair as she went and leaving me sitting alone. I sighed and looked around. My suitcase was still at my feet, filled with clothes and any thing I could find that'd possibly entertain me. I severely underestimated how bored I'd be- all I'd taken was a deck of cards, a sketch book and pencils, and five of my favorite books.

When I realized sitting here wasn't helping anything, I decided to go find this room my aunt was talking about. At least sitting and watching TV wasn't entirely mind numbing.

"I'm going to look around!" I called.

I heard some sort of answer in response and took that as an 'Ok' before I walked out of the door.

The heat hit me hard, and proceeded to envelop me as I walked aimlessly. Maybe I should have asked where I was going. I guess it didn't matter though- I wanted to learn my way around anyhow.

I looked around, sand crunching under me. Sweat began to bead up on my forehead and I wiped it away with a frown. If I was hot just from walking, I can't imagine how the boys felt digging holes all day. I guess they sort of brought it upon themselves, but I frankly didn't see what the hell holes did about character. Sometimes I swear my aunt just pulls things out of her ass.

I passed the showers and cringed, lucky that I was at least staying in a nice cool cabin with my aunt that contained indoor plumbing. There were so called "tents" all around, which was where the boys stayed. And then I saw what I was looking for.

I was here for about five seconds when I saw my aunt may be right- these boys certainly had the potential to be "trouble." Everything in the room was broken or in horrible condition, in the very least. I spotted a small mail box when I walked in and reminded myself to write a letter to my best friend Kate later. She wanted to know if I'd survive. At this point, I wasn't quite sure about it.

I bit my lip and looked around. The television I had been hoping for was the smallest one I'd ever seen, and when I turned it in on there was more static than picture. I turned it off with an angry flick and settled myself on a beat up chair.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the pool table was in the best condition of most things in here. Of course, I didn't even know how to play pool. I was never good at anything that contained any sort of hand-eye coordination. I should have taken one of my books along with me. But at this point, I didn't want to go back and see my aunt- there's only so much hostility you can take in one day.

I resorted to tapping my fingers on the armrest and staring hopelessly at the ceiling. My mother had some nerve dropping me like I didn't even matter.

"Denise, two months is not the end of the world. Please stop overreacting," my mother said, rubbing her temples as I glared at her.

"Two months at a camp for delinquents!" I exclaimed. "With an aunt that I haven't seen in two years!"

"She was your father's sister," she said, getting that misty look she got when she was angry and upset about something, "And she'll treat you just fine."

Obviously, my mother didn't remember the fact that even before his death, my father hadn't spoken to his sister in years.

"And what about you? You're my mother and you're not treating me fine at all. I'd be okay at home, Mom. My friends are here, my life is here. Please don't ship me away."

"I feel safe with you under the care of family when I'm not here," she said sternly, her mind made up.

"And why can't I go with you at least?" I asked, the idea of Summer in London looking much better than in the middle of nowhere.

"Dan and I are going to be doing business. It's too much to ask him if my daughter can come along," she said, waving her hand.

"Too much to ask if your flesh and blood, the one who came from your very own uterus, can stay in a hotel room while you do 'business' all day?" I asked.

"Spare me the guilt trip, Denise Lynn, you know I've made up my mind."

I sank farther in my seat, desperation now gripping me. My mother sighed and stood up, smoothing her skirt before beginning to walk out of the room.

"You better pack or else you'll be leaving with only the clothes on your back!" she called just before her outline disappeared.

My mother and I had never seen eye to eye, even when my father died. You'd think being her last remaining family member she'd grow closer to me, but I think I reminded her of dad. And from then, she seemed to push me away.

I bit my lip. Sometimes, it was best just not to think about those types of things. I continued to drum my fingers for a few minutes before I looked at my watch.

It was 3:32. Half a day down. About sixty more to go.

"Hey guys, guess what?" X-Ray asked, wiping his forehead as everyone in ear-shot looked up.

"What is it man?" Magnet asked, pausing his digging.

"I just heard Mom talking to Mr. Sir. Apparently, someone new is joining us," he announced.

The way he said new made Magnet, Squid, and Zigzag raise their eyebrows in question.

"A girl," he finally elaborated. "Apparently, the Warden's got a niece."

"You got my hopes up, X," Magnet said, shaking his head. "Any one related to the Warden must be just as bad as she is."

"Yeah, man. And she might be ugly," Zigzag added.

Squid laughed and went back to digging his hole, but he could tell that everyone was turning the information over in their minds. He didn't have much experience talking to girls. Relationships weren't something he exactly went for, not when he saw the aftereffects in his own parents. People always leave, so why get attached?

Still, he was surrounded by boys everyday. And just cause he didn't want a relationship didn't mean he didn't appreciate the fact that there was an actual female in a ten mile radius. Saves looking at Zigzag's mug so early in the morning.

He sighed, and kept on digging his hole. The Warden's niece. The Warden's niece. He'd gotten in enough trouble to know it well, and he could bet that she would somehow be trouble.

If only he knew how much.