Page 29 of Reckless Youth
“You know my momma loves you both to death, right?”
“Your mom is an angel,” Sage stated, stepping over a fallen branch, his backpack and guitar swinging heavy on his back as he held another bag of supplies in his left hand.
It always hurt my heart that Sage was motherless. And it made me spit nails that my dad admitted his concerns about Sage when he was doing the very best he could, given the horrible home life and circumstances he had been dealing with for years.
“Guess what my dad gave me today?” My voice came out in a hushed excitement, adding to the suspense that drew both of their interests.
“What?” they both asked with curiosity, but not enough to stop our hiking progress.
I giggled. “Condoms.”
Cam stopped suddenly in front of me and because of my proximity behind him, I ran into his back, with Sage bumping into me, as well.
“What? Are you serious?” Cam asked incredulously.
“Your dad gave you rubbers? Holy shit!”
I nodded.
Sage huffed out a laugh, but it was laced with worry. “Wait, does that mean he suspects something?”
Before I could respond, Cam added, “If he did, he’d had already aimed his shotgun at us and London wouldn’t be on this trip alone with the two of us, dumb shit.”
Sage agreed with a laugh. “That’s true. But kinda weird, don’t ya think? Why now?”
I shrugged, adjusting the straps on my shoulders to avoid their inquisitive stares. I didn’t want them finding out what my daddy said when he gave me the protection. That burden and the weight of that secret felt heavier than the bag I carried.
“Well, he did say he’s noticed the way you two look at me and if you were any other boys, he’d get his shotgun out with a stern warning.”
They both snickered uncomfortably as we started preparing the campsite, setting our packs down and unloading all the tent, camping gear and equipment.
It was mindless work, as we chatted and laughed and joked for the next two hours. The sun was high in the sky by now, the temperature was warm and humid, so after the camp was ready, we got our suits on and hiked down to the lake for a swim.
We’d found this place by accident two years earlier, a little off the beaten path and completely isolated. It was the perfect spot for us where we could goof off, play, sing and laugh ‘til our hearts’ content.
The water was murky but clean as we swam around, cooling off our sweat drenched bodies after the strenuous hike to camp. The boys splashed and dunked each other as I swam in a circular pattern, floating on my back enjoying the freedom from the responsibilities and pressures of the end of the school year. There was excitement, and nervous anxiety about what was to come, but also a level of nostalgia, knowing we would soon be venturing into the unknown. And in different directions.
“Hey, Ariel…whatchya smiling about over there?” Sage inquired, referring to my favoriteDisneycharacter and the movie. The one I made them watch at least a thousand times when we were six-year-olds.
I peered over at them, shielding my eyes from the sun’s glare, seeing the faces of the boys I’d known for as long as I could remember, and the bodies of the men they’d become. Cam and Sage were so very different, each holding a unique appeal that did something to me every time I looked at them.
I continued my aimless float but answered his question. “I’m just thinking about all the great times we’ve had together. And how much I’m going to miss you both when school’s over.”
As if sensing that I needed their comfort, they swam over and surrounded me on both sides, my body floating between them. I became extremely self-conscious of my nearly naked body, the water sluicing between my legs and over my bare belly, my breasts covered only by a bikini top. My nipples puckered against the material, which didn’t escape either of their notices, either.
“Nothing’s gonna change, London,” Cam insisted, his voice raspy and heated as his hand swept up the length of my arm, gliding along with the direction of the swirling water. “Just because school ends doesn’t mean it’ll change us.”
Cam’s heart was bigger than the world sometimes, and when he made a commitment, it meant something to him. He’d made a promise to his father that he’d enlist in the Air Force, and although his heart was set on college, he wouldn’t back down from what he’d committed to do.
The same was true for his friendship with me and Sage. He gave his all to us and would do anything in his power to ensure we were happy. To him, the bond the three of us shared was unbreakable. Impenetrable. Inseparable.
I wanted to believe him and hold that same conviction, believing that what we shared throughout childhood could withstand anything we’d face in adulthood. Even the distance that would separate us come fall.
Sage, sensing my own uncertainty, leaned down and placed a kiss on my lips. An assurance that we’d all be okay. Cam’s hand slipped underneath the waterline and cupped my head as I continued to float. He leaned in and angled his mouth to mine, where Sage’s had just been.
I felt Sage’s hand caress my leg, his fingertips gently stroking up from my ankle, over my shin and the climb of my knee, until he was at my mid-section. He stopped to swirl a gentle pattern over my belly button and the rise of my stomach, continuing further until he reached the swell of my breast.
I gasped when his thumb flicked at my nipple. I looked between the two, who stared at each other and exchanged a wordless conversation. As if coming to some consensus, Cam leaned down again to suck at my lips, as I opened for him and his tongue brushed against mine. I sighed and felt my body succumb to the intense connection.
