“Of course, Mavis,” Cain replies, ready to assist her.
With a tender expression, my nan leans down and presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head, her affectionate gesture filling me with warmth.
“Night, dear. Have a lovely evening,” she whispers.
“Night, Nan, I love you,” I reply softly, watching her fondly as she prepares to depart.
“I love you, too, dear.”
We haven’t said those words since I was a child.
Before leaving, she addresses the group, her gratitude evident in her words. “Thank you for the food,” she says, her voice filled with appreciation.
With a final smile and a wave, she bids us goodnight, her figure fading into the darkness as Cain leads her away from the warmth of the fire and back towards the main house.
CAIN
I reach out to help Mavis up the steps to the front door and her hand slips into mine. With each careful step, I feel a sense of responsibility and tenderness towards this woman.
“Thank you, dear,” Mavis murmurs softly as we reach the front door’s threshold. With a gentle nod, I open the door for her, allowing her to enter the house’s warmth.
But before she can disappear into the safety of the indoors, Mavis turns back to face me, her expression soft yet knowing. “Cain,” she begins, her voice sweet and tender, “I know.”
I blink in surprise, confusion flickering across my features as I search her face for clues to her meaning.
“I know you are in love with Tessie, dear. I’m not silly,” she continues, her words carrying a quiet wisdom that resonated deep within me.
She reaches out to cup my cheek in a gesture of motherly affection and a lump forms in my throat. I am overwhelmed by the depth of her understanding and acceptance.
“Promise me one thing, Cain…” she implores, her voice gentle yet firm. “Promise me she won’t get hurt.”
I meet her gaze with a solemn nod, a rush of determination flooding my veins. “I promise, Mavis,” I reply, the words carrying the weight of a solemn vow. With a tender smile, Mavis leans in and kisses my cheek, her actions brimming with maternal love and affection.
“Night, dear,” she whispers softly, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance.
“Night, Mavis,” I reply, watching as she closes and locks the door behind her, her silhouette disappearing into the darkness of the main house.
Taking a moment to collect myself, my heart is heavy with the weight of Mavis’ words and my promise to protect the woman I loved.
Yes, I love her. I love Tessie.
I return to the others with renewed determination.
TESSIE
As the flickering flames of the campfire illuminate the clearing, casting dancing shadows across our faces, Cain approaches me with a silent determination that sends a shiver down my spine. Without a word, he lifts me effortlessly from the log, his strong arms enveloping me in a tender embrace as he presses his lips to mine with passion.
Time stands still momentarily as the world fades away, leaving only the warmth of Cain’s kiss and the rush of emotions coursing through my veins. He finally releases me and gently sets me back down. My head spins with dizziness and my senses are overwhelmed by the moment’s intensity.
“Whoa...What was that about?” I manage to stammer, my voice tinged with disbelief as I try to process the suddenness of his actions.
Cain simply smirks in response as he settles into the fold-up chair nearby.
Nate retrieves beers from the cooler and the clinking of glass bottles fills the air as he distributes them to the group. Although I am not particularly fond of beer, it is the only alcoholic drink available, so I accept it with a grateful nod. As I sip the cold, bitter liquid, I make a face of disgust.
I lean forward, prodding the glowing embers with a weathered stick. The night air is cool, a gentle breeze whispering through the trees surrounding us. With a mischievous glint in my eye, I turned to the trio.
“I think we should spice things up a bit,” I declare, my voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Nate, always eager for adventure, raises an eyebrow. “Oh? And what did you have in mind?”
A grin tugs at the corners of my lips. “How about a game of truth or dare?”
The trio’s eyes meet, a silent exchange passing between them before Nate’s lips curve into a smirk. “I’m in. But let’s make it interesting.”
With a swift motion, Nate polishes off the remainder of his beer, the empty bottle clinking against the ground as he sets it down. “Here’s the twist,” he announces, his voice laced with anticipation. “We’ll spin the bottle, and whoever it lands on, gets to ask the question.”
Excitement bubbles within me. We all sit on the ground, the bottleneck pointing toward our eager circle. The fire crackles in anticipation.
Mike claps his hands together. His eager anticipation was infectious, spreading through our circle. I feel Cain settle beside me, the warmth of his hand on my thigh. As Nate’s fingers grip the empty bottle, ready to set it spinning, the anticipation hangs heavy in the air. With a flick of his wrist, he releases the bottle, watching intently as it twirls and twirls before finally coming to a rest, its neck pointing squarely at Cain.
A grin spreads across Cain’s face as he leans in, his voice laced with mischief. “Alright, Mike,” he begins, his tone playful yet probing. “Truth or dare?”
Mike’s laughter fills the air as he considers his options.
“Truth,” he declares confidently.
Cain’s gaze narrows slightly. “Have you ever slept with any other student other than Tessie?” he asks, his words hanging in the air like a dare.
