Truth or Dare

Snickering to myself, I look over to make sure they're not paying attention to me. When I realize they're not, I grab it before he can notice. Wanting to feel the water, I walk past the two of them while sipping on Will's milkshake and head towards the ocean. As I pass, Will's jaw drops when he realizes I have his milkshake. Not paying attention to the game, he gets hit by the ball. Giggling, I know I've won this round with bonus points. This milkshake is better than the one I drank earlier. It tastes like rich fudge and victory.

When my feet hit the water, I feel a sense of calm. I'd love to be fishing right now. It's the best time to catch big fish. Looking up to the sky, I see the stars across it like diamond on black velvet. I feel a connection to my surroundings. A wave of emotions comes over me. Something wet caresses my face. I ignored it thinking it's the ocean spray until I realize that my clothes are dry. Touching my eyes, I realize it's tears. I laugh in confusion. Why am I crying now? I want to wail but I choke it back. There's people here. I cannot let them know how I feel. Showing anything other than happiness is a weakness. I try to shut off my emotions to get these tears to stop flowing, but they just won't stop. It's like a broken faucet.

"Enjoying that milkshake?"

For the first time in years, I feel thankful for the dark. It hides my tearstained face.

"Yes, it's wonderful."

"Is that so?"

"I dare say this is the best milkshake I have ever had in my entire life."

"Isn't that fantastic?"

Seeing that mischievous grin on his face gives me an ominous feeling.

"Why do you ask?"

"I know why that milkshake tastes so good."

"Because it tastes like victory?

"It tastes like a victor. Dillon?"

"What's up?"

"I just can't remember the term for something. Let's say one one person sips a drink, and then they set their drink down and another person comes and takes a sip of that same drink. What's that called?"

"Theft?"

"No, not that one."

"Sharing?"

"No no, it's two words."

Dillon thinks for a moment, and then it's like a lightbulb goes off above his head.

"I know! An indirect kiss!"

"That's the term! An indirect kiss!"

Feeling myself gasp, I realise what has happened. He indirectly kissed me every time one of us took a sip of our stolen milkshakes. That rat bastard! He walks up to me and leans in really close. His lips almost touching my ear, I feel myself get flushed. He quietly whispers to me

"I hope you enjoy that victorious milkshake of mine."

He gives me a wink and walks away. This milkshake doesn't taste as good anymore. Suddenly, it tastes sour. I hand the cup to him and walk away pouting. Overhearing his booming laughter, as I do so I feel myself become determined . I will avenge myself. How dare he steal kisses from me? If he was going to do so, he should've at least done real ones on the lips. Wait, no that's not what I meant. Who does he think he is to steal kisses from me?

We head back to the bonfire and see that Dillon has brought a bottle of vodka and some mixers. Then he magically pulls out three cups from one of his bags, and pours us each a drink.

"Ok, it's decided we're playing truth or dare. Any objections?" Dillon declares.

Seeing this as an opportunity, I have no objections. Dillon seems up to something as well with the way he quickly agrees. With that we start the game.

"Rules are simple. Truth or dare. If you pick truth, you have to answer the question asked of you honestly. If you pick dare, you have to do whatever you're told. No take backs, and if you absolutely don't want to do it, you can take a shot instead of the action."

Seems easy enough. If nothing else there's always the shot option. We do a round of rock, paper, scissors to determine who starts the game and Dillon wins.

"Ok, Will. Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Who was your worst girlfriend?"

"Dare."

"Ah, ah, ah, you know the rules. No take backs."

"Fine. Cas was a nightmare and we'll leave it at that."

"That's a sport!"

"You're turn."

Expecting him to pick me, I brace myself.

"Dillon, truth or dare?"

Well that was unexpected.

"Hmm ... truth."

"Who was your worst girlfriend?"

"Cas of course! She was the actual worst!"

I feel my jaw hit the sand. What did he just say?

"Hold up. Hold up. Hold up. Let me clarify this. You both dated Cassiopeia Alaric?"

"Yes," they say in union.

"Should I even ask?"

"Hell no." they both answer again in union.

"Noted."

"Astra, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Someone's brave!"

"Someone had to be."

"Ok, show us your browser history."

"Dillon."

"Yes?"

"Give me the shot glass."

Laughing while he digs into one of his mary poppins bags, he hands me the shot glass.

"Not so brave now are you?"

"Hey, I may not be brave but I'm also not stupid. There's no way in hell I'm showing you my browser history."

We continue to fool around. I dare Will to bray like a donkey, and Dillon to text Ms. Callista that she owes him money. In return they ask me who my worst kiss was. After awhile I'm feeling a good buzz. It's Will's turn to deal out the truth or dare.

"Astra, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"Sing for me."

"Fine, but I'll have you know I'm not very good."

Dillon gets excited when he hears this.

"What a coincidence. I actually brought a keyboard. You can play it while she sings! Come help me grab it, Will."

Just when I thought he couldn't surprise me anymore, he did. Dillon is just so adorable. After they leave, I feel nervous being by myself at night. I feel antsy until they come back. While they set up the keyboard, I think of something.

"Will, do I have to sing the song you choose or can I pick my own?"

"You can sing anything as long as I can play it."

"Ok. In that case, can you play a slowed down version of 'Dusk Till Dawn' by Zayn Malik?"

"Sure. We'll do it on three."

(Music Recommendation: "Dusk Till Dawn" Baby I'm right here - Slowed (TikTok Version) available on Youtube. Please listen to it on a loop while reading this part to add to the experience of this part of the chapter.)

When Will starts to play, his fingers don't just move—they flow. He's an experienced player. Taking a deep breath I start.

"Not tryna be indie.

Not tryna be cool.

Just tryna be in this.

Tell me how you choose?

Can you feel why you're in this?

Can you feel it through?

All of the windows, inside this room."

"Cause I wanna touch you baby,

and I wanna feel you too.

I wanna see the sunrise and your sins.

Just me and you.

Light it up, on the run.

Let's make love tonight.

Make it up, fall in love, try."

"But you'll never be alone.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

Baby I'm right here.

I'll hold you when things go wrong.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

Baby I'm right here.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

Baby I'm right here."

I wish that there was someone in this world who was like this for me. Someone who cares for me as much as I care for them. But I know it's not meant to be. No one wants damaged goods.

"We were shut like a jacket.

So do your zip.

We will roll down the rapids.

To find a wave that fits.

Can you feel where the wind is?

Can you feel it through,

all of the windows,

inside this room."

At this moment Will decides to sing along with me.

"Cause I wanna touch you baby,

and I wanna feel you too.

I wanna see the sunrise and your sins.

Just me and you.

Light it up, on the run.

Let's make love tonight.

Make it up, fall in love, try."

"I'll be with you from dusk till dawn."

"But you'll never be alone.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

Baby I'm right here.

I'll hold you when things go wrong.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

Baby I'm right here.

I'll be with you from dusk till dawn.

Baby I'm right here."

As we sing those words we look into each other's eyes and it feels like he's staring into my soul. Does he know? Can he see the secret in my eyes?