Chapter 5
FIVE
As soon asI open my eyes, my head feels heavy from last night”s drinks. I stretch my arm to check the time on the alarm clock. The digital numbers glow brightly in the darkness, showing 6:30 a.m. I turn my head to look at Nate, who is soundly asleep beside me. Trying not to disturb him, I slowly and carefully slip out of bed, my bare feet gently touching the plush carpet. I hear a faint noise from the kitchen, piquing my curiosity. With cautious steps, I tiptoe towards the door, hoping to investigate the source of the sound without waking Nate.
As I make my way into the kitchen, I spot Cain sitting at the table, sipping a steaming cup of coffee. His police uniform is still on, indicating he must have just gotten off work. He looks up and inquires, “What are you doing up?”
I join Cain at the table and mention, “I heard a strange noise from the kitchen. It”s got me wide awake now; I doubt I”ll be able to fall back asleep. How was work?”
Cain reaches for my hand and says, “Sorry for waking you. Work was mostly uneventful, except for dealing with some unruly and intoxicated individuals we had to apprehend.”
I reach for his cup of coffee and he looks at me in surprise. I take a sip, feeling the warmth of the liquid spread through my throat. “Sorry, I was feeling thirsty,” I say, trying to justify my actions.
Cain raises an eyebrow at me, waiting for a response. “How was the movie night?” he asks, his tone curious.
I gaze intently at him, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. I then playfully raise my eyebrows, prompting his eyes to squint slightly.
Cain grabs his cup of coffee and lifts it to his lips. Before taking a sip, he utters, “They better have been gentle.”
I find myself at a loss for words. I take a moment to scan the kitchen, my eyes darting around the room as I gather my thoughts and formulate a response.
“Well...uh…I’m not an anal virgin anymore,” I stutter. I can feel my cheeks turning hot.
Cain appears frustrated as he takes a deep breath and folds his arms across his chest. His eyebrows shoot up in surprise as he turns to me and sighs. “I wish I had been here last night,” he says with a hint of annoyance. “You”re making me a bit jealous.”
Suddenly, a voice startles us and we turn to the left. I see Mike standing at the door frame, his arm leaning against it for support. In a calm tone, he utters, “She is also a squirter.”
I blush as I avoid Cain’s stare, shy of his reaction.
Mike walks in wearing only his boxers. He approaches me with a gentle smile, leans over, plants a soft kiss on my forehead, and greets me with a warm, “Morning.”
I am feeling a bit uncertain about how to approach Mike after what happened last night. I should address it, but having a private conversation with him may be best. He may not remember what happened.
Mike sits beside me and Cain directs his attention towards him. “It seems that you and Nate got lucky last night,” he says with a hint of curiosity.
“Very,” Mike replies with a smug look on his face as he places his hand on my thigh.
Cain rises from the table, casting a curious glance at Mike and me before asking, “What”s happening with college today?” He takes a few steps towards the sink, his footsteps echoing softly across the room.
Mike leans in and places his arm behind my chair. In a calm tone, he says, “Tess is planning to drive in her car. I”ll follow behind her to keep a low profile to ensure that students and other professors don”t get suspicious.”
Cain leans on the kitchen counter and nods in agreement. “That sounds like a good plan.” Despite his affirmation, the situation still weighs heavily on my mind. I can’t shake the feeling that I am being treated like a child. Is it truly necessary for three grown men to constantly monitor my every move? I muster up the courage to voice my concerns, “Do you three really need to be watching me all the time?”
Mike presses his lips tightly together, shooting a quick glance towards Cain before speaking up. “I”ll let you have this one,” he says, his voice laced with a hint of resignation. “I”m going to go and have a quick shower.”
Cain approaches me with confident strides, his imposing figure towering over me as I sit on the chair. I raise my gaze to meet his, only to be met with an annoyed expression. He speaks with a sharp tone, conveying the gravity of the situation. “You don”t understand the seriousness of this matter, Tessie,” he says.
I part my lips to speak, but he abruptly cuts me off.
“I saw that female”s body, stabbed, raped, and with rope around her neck. It wasn’t pretty. I will not let that happen to you. So yes, you will be watched. You were helpless in that forest. You can sit there and say you could have saved yourself, but the truth is you couldn”t. Even if some murdering freaks didn’t stalk you, you fail to forget you’re ours.”
The realization hits me hard. Cain is right; I probably couldn”t have saved myself in the forest. But what bothers me more is the sense of ownership he seems to exert over me, as if I am nothing more than a mere object under his control. It leaves me feeling irritated and frustrated.
I push myself up from the chair, my eyes locked on him with a burning intensity. My lips curl with frustration and anger. I stand there, ready to speak my mind. “I know you”re trying to keep me safe. However, I”m not your property, Cain.”
He leans back, crossing his arms with a smug expression. His eyes scan me from head to toe before he utters, “You are whatever I say you are. You’re the one who said you didn”t want to escape me, remember,” he says, smugly.
I feel the anger building up inside me and I can hardly bear to look at him. Without a word, I turn to walk past him, but he suddenly reaches out and grabs my upper arm, holding it in an iron grip that sends a jolt of pain through my body. I feel his strong hands pushing me backward, causing my body to stumble and fall onto the table. The sudden impact of the hard surface against my skin sends shivers down my spine. He looms over me with his emotionless eyes. Despite the anger simmering between us our lips meet in a passionate kiss.
“I fucking own you,” he growls, taunting me.
I gaze at him with a burning rage and my hand instinctively rises to slap him across his smug face. But before my hand can make contact, he swiftly blocks my attempt with a chuckle as if he knew it was coming all along.
“Nice try.” He laughs.
Our lips meet again and a strange, conflicting feeling rises within me. On the one hand, I am seething with anger towards him, yet on the other, an inexplicable force draws me closer to him. Despite my resentment, I find myself unable to resist him.
In the tense moment, he firmly grips my upper arms and sternly commands, “You need to say that you will behave like a good girl.”
The fucker turns me on so much, but I don”t want him to know at this moment. He will only get pleasure out of it.
“I’ll behave like a good girl...” I mutter.
“Good, because tomorrow I’m taking you out. Now go get ready for college,” he explains as he loosens his grip on my arms.
I don’t reply; I’m still annoyed with him. I quickly disentangle myself and hop off the table as I make my way towards the bedroom. I take a deep breath as I open the door quietly, trying not to wake Nate. The sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow on the walls and his face. I am ready to begin my day.
The driveto college was uneventful as Mike trailed behind me in his car. When we enter the college”s parking lot, I park my car and go to step out. Before I can react, Mike walks up to me, reaches for my car door, and opens it. As he leans in, I can feel his breath on my face and my heart skips a beat. In a sudden move, he kisses me and his actions take me aback. The moment is unexpected.
“We’re gonna get caught,” I hiss.
A faint smile plays on his lips. “I”ll see you in class, Miss Billings,” he says with a casual shrug. I watch him as he walks away, his figure gradually fading into the bustling crowd of college students. I hold off momentarily before finally stepping forward and following in his footsteps.
I enter the classroom and my eyes land on Mike, who’s leaning casually against the wooden desk. Seeing him in class sends a rush of excitement through me, causing my stomach to flutter with anticipation. He”s dressed in a crisp, white shirt and black trousers that fit him perfectly, accentuating his toned physique. His wavy hair falls effortlessly around his face. I can”t help but feel captivated by him, especially in this setting, where he exudes confidence and intelligence.
He slyly winks at me as I walk by. I can”t help but feel my stomach flutter, knowing that our little moment went unnoticed by others. He clearly enjoys living on the edge and taking risks, which only adds to the exhilaration of our unspoken connection.
I prepare myself for the day”s work ahead. The classroom is quiet, with only Mike speaking and starting his lesson. Suddenly, the door creaks open and Rae walks in. Sitting at his desk, Mike looks up and says, “You”re five minutes late. I”ll let you off this time.” Rae apologizes and quickly takes her seat, ready to begin the lesson.
Mike begins his lecture and the room fills with the sound of general chit-chat as his students discuss various subjects. At the back of the classroom, our class sits in front of our computers, working diligently in near silence. Suddenly, Rae turns to me and says, “I can”t believe he let me off. Someone”s feeling pretty happy today.” Her tone drips with sarcasm.
Out of nowhere, my phone emits a sudden and loud ping, and I rush to put it on silent. My phone is indicating the arrival of a group text message. As I reach for my phone to see what it is, I experience a brief moment of confusion. I had momentarily forgotten I was in a group chat with Mike, Nate, and Cain.
Nate
Have a nice day at college, baby. Xx
Me
I will try. Hopefully, I won”t get in trouble and get told off by the professor. ;) xx
Cain
Well, I’m the only one who gives out the punishment.
Me
Of course, you would say that. I do hate you sometimes, Cain.
Cain
I don’t hear you say that when you scream my name.
Nate
LOL xx
What”s for dinner, by the way? xx
Me
Oh, I’m cooking tonight, then? Uhh! Pasta? Xx
Nate
Niceeeee xx
Rae curiously peers over my shoulder. “Why are you grinning at your phone? Who are you texting?” she inquires. “Oh, no one,” I respond as I hastily tuck my phone into my bag, hoping to avoid further questioning.
I inquire about her lunch plans, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction. ”What do you feel like having for lunch?”
To my surprise, she responds with a hint of disappointment. “I won”t be able to join you for lunch today. I have an appointment with my dentist. It”s just a routine.”
I nod understandingly and smile reassuringly. “Ahh, ok. Have fun at the dentist,” I say.
My fingers fly over the keyboard as I type away, determined to make progress on my assignments.
Rae checks her phone and a worried look crosses her face. “You know I haven”t heard from Dan in a while,” she says, her voice filled with concern. My heart sinks and my mind races as I try to think what to say to her. I know I can’t tell her the truth—that Dan wanted to rape me and is now dead. To remain calm and carefree, I reply, “Oh, really? Maybe he”s gone on a holiday or something.”
Rae seems to be showing disbelief and amusement as she responds, ”Dan...Holiday? He has no money.”
“Ok, well, maybe he”s gone to see family…” I reassure her.
“Hey, girls,” Mike interjects abruptly, his tone hinting at impatience. “Get on with your work.” It”s apparent that he overheard our conversation and is trying to defuse the situation.
Rae expresses her frustration by rolling her eyes and exasperatingly sighing. She then swiftly shifts her gaze to the computer screen and begins typing.
The clock strikesnoon and the students start exiting the room in a hurry to make it to the dining hall. Rae picks up her bag and says, “I”ll be back before lunch finishes, Tess.” I give her a subtle nod.
Mike lingers behind after everyone has left. We make brief eye contact and smirks form on our faces. There is a palpable tension between us, but neither of us says anything. Mike walks over to the door and shuts it. He then walks up to me and he kisses me before I can say anything.
He asks, “Will you be joining me for lunch?” I smile and reply, “Yeah, Rae has a dentist”s appointment.” He reaches into his bag to take out his lunch while I take out a water bottle and a salad. As he unwraps his sandwich, he suddenly takes his phone out of his pocket and begins reading the group chat. An expression of annoyance crosses his face as he mutters, “For fuck’s sake. Cain can be such an idiot.”
As I take a bite of my salad, I can”t help but express my confusion. “I mean, seriously, what”s the deal with him? It feels like he”s trying to assert some kind of ownership over me.”
Mike lets out an exasperated sigh and covers his face with his palms. He then leans back on his chair and places his hand on top of his head as if trying to ease the tension in his mind. “Tess, the issue with Cain is that he is accustomed to using women for his pleasure. He has a pattern of making them fall in love with him and then abandoning them. It seems that he enjoys the power he has over them; he has never been willing to commit to anyone.”
I gaze at Mike and my mind is filled with confusion. An unsettling thought creeps up on me and I can”t help but ask, “Is he using me?” The uncertainty in my voice is palpable as I try to discern the truth behind Cain”s intentions.
Mike leans forward, placing his elbows on the table. “You know, he has never really had much faith in women. That”s why he used them. He didn”t want to deal with emotions or anything like that. But with you, Tess, he”s different. He”s not using you. I believe he”s scared of losing you. I”ve never seen him act this way before.”
I sit there, feeling increasingly bewildered. I instinctively cross my arms and lean back into the chair, puzzled by the situation. “Let me get this straight—he”s afraid of losing me, yet he wants to have complete control over me? That just doesn”t add up.”
Mike pauses momentarily and bites his lower lip as if considering his words carefully. “Simply put, we”re not willing to give you up. He just happens to be more assertive and commanding than Nate and I.”
Feeling unsure how to respond to Mike, I take another bite of my salad while he silently eats his sandwich. Suddenly, he breaks the silence and asks, “How come you and Nate weren”t in bed with me when I woke up?”
I am at a loss for words, torn between disclosing the truth or fabricating a lie. My mind is racing and my tongue is tied. I can only muster a hesitant uhh as I struggle to respond coherently.
“Let me guess, you two had your own fun?” he asks, winking at me.
After diverting my gaze from him I turn back, feeling a sense of uneasiness gripping me. With a nervous tone, I firmly utter, “No, Mike.”
As I recount the previous night”s events, I notice his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Trying to be as gentle as possible, I hesitate before telling him, “You woke up screaming at the top of your lungs and shouting, ”I can save them.” At one point, you even jumped out of bed in a frenzy.”
Mike”s eyes widen. He struggles to find the right words and finally manages to ask, “I didn”t hurt you, did I?” He bites down on his teeth and appears to be clenching his jaw in anticipation of a response.
I shake my head and firmly state, “No, Nate quickly moved me out of harm”s way before anything could happen.” I notice Mike”s hand resting on the table, and without hesitation, I gently place my hand on his, hoping to convey my gratitude for his concern.
He jumps to his feet and rushes toward me. He kneels next to me and pulls me into a tight embrace. His words are barely audible, but the warmth of his body and the weight of his arms around me are enough to convey the sincerity of his apology. “I”m so sorry. You shouldn”t have to witness that, Tessie…” he whispers.
I rest my hand on his head and look him in the eyes. “Mike,” I ask softly, “What was it about?”
Mike”s gaze drifts aimlessly around the room; he appears to be at a loss for words and unsure where to direct his attention. After a brief silence, he hastily rises to his feet and utters, “We’ll talk about it when we get home.”
I finish up my salad bowl and nod in response while Mike returns to his seat. He looks at me and asks, “How are you feeling after last night”s tequila?” I pause, remembering the pounding headache that followed this morning. “Bit of a headache, nothing major,” I reply.
Mike lifts his glass and takes a sip, a sense of satisfaction spreading across his face. With a smug expression, he remarks, “You took Nate excellently.”
“I must admit, that was quite an experience. I have never done that before. I think the tequila had something to do with it,” I say, getting up from my chair and adding, “I need to take a quick trip to the toilet.”
As I exit the classroom, my footsteps echo in the empty hallway. Suddenly, my attention is drawn to a group of guys huddled together, their whispers growing louder as I approach. I feel a knot form in my stomach as I try to ignore them and quicken my pace towards the restroom. Their muffled whispers follow me as I enter the restroom, grateful for the temporary escape from their prying eyes.
I exit the toilet stall and am immediately drawn to the sink. I turn on the faucet and watch as the water rushes out, feeling the cool water flow on my hands. I take a moment to look at myself in the mirror, and as I do, I can”t help but reflect on the changes in my life. Just a month ago, everything was dull and mundane, but now my life is filled with excitement and danger. I have three men who have my affection, each with unique qualities. However, amidst all the chaos, I have someone after me wanting to do me harm.
The thought of running away from everyone and everything seems like the best course of action. But the more I contemplated leaving behind my trio, the more I felt a sense of unease and anxiety deep within. Despite these feelings, I know I still want to stay with them, regardless of the challenges that would undoubtedly arise.
The wooden door to the restroom slams open with a loud bang and Rae strides in, her footsteps echoing off the walls. “Tessie!” she exclaims, her voice slightly breathless. “There you are. I”ve been searching for you everywhere, even in the dining hall.”
I approach the restroom door and reach out to hold it open for Rae. As we walk out, I ask, “How did the appointment go?” Rae sighs and replies, “It was just a routine check up.” As we step into the hallway, I notice the group of guys from earlier still gawking at me. I try to ignore them and continue walking with Rae, but suddenly, we hear someone calling, ”Raquel! Raquel!” in the distance.
When Rae and I pivot around, we see a young guy sprinting towards us. He”s dressed in a dark blue shirt and black trousers with his light brown hair is slicked back neatly.
Rae turns her attention to the man. “Archibald, isn”t it?” she asks with a warm smile. The man returns the smile and pauses to catch his breath before responding. “You can call me Archie,” he says with a friendly tone. He glances at me and continues, “I”m in Dan”s computer class. I was just wondering if you have heard from him lately. I know you and Dan are close.”
Rae suddenly opens her mouth wide and places her chin on her finger. She says, “That”s so weird. I was just telling my friend here,” she gestured towards me, “ that I haven”t heard from him.”
Archie turns to me with a curious expression and asks, “Tessie, isn”t it? I was wondering if you might happen to know Dan”s whereabouts.”
A shiver runs down my spine. How does he know who I am? My mind races as I try to think of an answer. I know exactly where Dan is - trapped in the depths of hell. But I can’t reveal that to everyone. I try my best to remain calm and collected, but my thoughts are in disarray as I feel uneasy.
Mike”s voice echoes down the hallway as he interrupts, shouting, “Tessie...Rae…class started two minutes ago!”
Rae tells Archie she will catch up with him later. As Rae and I walk toward the classroom, I still process the fact that Mike intervened in our conversation. I was feeling grateful, I didn”t know what to say to Archie. As Rae enters the classroom, Mike pulls the door behind her, ensuring nobody from the class can see us. He leans in and whispers, “Everything ok?” I look up at him and nod my head. I whisper back, “We”ll speak later.”
After a long day at college,Mike and I finally arrived home and settled down. We notice that Nate and Cain haven”t returned yet, so I start to prepare some delicious pasta for their arrival. Mike puts music on the radio as I gather all the necessary ingredients. The upbeat rhythm fills the kitchen, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of the simmering pasta sauce mixes with the music to create a perfect ambiance.
I start chopping garlic and Mike starts chopping onions. Suddenly, he asks me about the young guy he had seen at college earlier that day. As I answer him, my eyes begin to water a little from the onion fumes. “He was talking to Rae about Dan,” I say. ”He asked if I knew where Dan was. He even knew my name, which creeped me out.”
Mike”s expression turns grim as he tightly clenches his jaw. His voice fills with anger as he demands, “What is his name? I”ll make sure Cain knows about this.”
I reach for the cuff of my sleeve to wipe away the tears. With a shaky voice, I manage to say, “His name is Archibald, but I”m afraid I don”t know his surname.”
Mike mentions that he has the ability to obtain Archie’s surname from the college system. I take a break from chopping and grab a glass of wine.
I observe Mike still standing at the kitchen counter and I can see his hands moving swiftly, adding various ingredients to the simmering pasta sauce. The room is filled with music and I notice Mike bobbing his head to the beat. After a moment of contemplation, I decide to take a seat at the kitchen table. Summoning my courage, I clear my throat and ask, “So last night…” However, Mike doesn”t turn around to face me. He continues to chop vegetables with a sense of hesitation in his voice as he responds, “The screaming, right?”
With a dishcloth casually thrown over his shoulder, he stirs the simmering pasta sauce on the stove before joining me at the table. As he settles into his seat, he reaches for my wine glass, takes a sip, and sits back, sighing.
“Have you ever come across the phrase behind closed doors?” I gaze at him, a tad perplexed, and arch my eyebrows inquisitively before responding, “Yes…”
I gaze at his face and I can see that he is reluctant to discuss the matter at hand. I try to ease the tension by saying, “You don”t have to talk about it if you don”t want to.” However, he quickly interjects, placing his hand on the table, gesturing for me to hold it, and says, “No, no. I want to talk about it.”
As he scratches his head, he begins to speak, “When I was younger, my life seemed perfect on paper. My parents had wealth and I grew up in a grand manor house with abundant staff. I had everything a kid could ever dream of having. From the outside, it appeared that I had it all. However, no one really knew what was happening behind closed doors.”
I sit there, my wine glass in hand, attentively listening to him share his past. I can”t help but take another sip of my wine as I absorb everything he says.
He continues to speak, his voice trembling slightly. “Around seven, I noticed something happening between my mother and father. My father would drink heavily and it would often lead to arguments and fights. I soon realized he was physically abusing my mother day in and day out. Her body would be black and blue.”
I gently place the half-empty glass of red wine on the table and raise my hand to cover my mouth. My voice quivers as I whisper, “Oh, Mike.”
He continues his story, his voice trembling. “When my little sister was born, we thought things might improve. But my father just continued to be physical and controlling. When I started high school, he also turned his attention to me. I was too scared to fight back. My mother wanted to leave him, but she was afraid to go to the police. She knew he had connections and could easily pay them off. It seemed like there was no way out. But then, the gardener came to our rescue. He saw what was happening and offered to help. Together, he and my mother hatched a plan for us to run away.”
I hold Mike”s hand tightly, showing him I”m listening and I care. I notice his eyes start to water and my heart sinks. I can see the pain and sadness in his eyes. My first instinct is to hug him tightly and comfort him, but I know that I need to let him finish speaking first.
He begins to recount his story to me. “It was a regular day and everything seemed normal. The plan was set for that evening to run away and never look back. I went to school as usual, but my mother never came to collect me when the day ended. Confused, I decided to walk home, hoping to find my mother and sister there. However, upon reaching home, the scene that greeted me was far from what I had expected. I could hear the car in the garage and the door was locked. After several attempts, I managed to kick it open and the fumes hit me. The air was thick with the pungent smell of gasoline and I was immediately overcome with fear and panic.”
As his tears flow down his face, I instinctively move closer to him and gently grasp his face with my hands. He sobs uncontrollably, his chest heaving with each breath as I try to comfort him with soothing words and a reassuring touch. “He found out about our plan! He locked my mother and little sister in the car with a hosepipe attached to the exhaust. They died slowly!” he cries out.
“Oh my–” I sob.
The emotions overwhelm me and I feel the tears streaming down my cheeks. Mike”s tears keep falling and our tears mingle as we share this intense feeling.
Mike slumps down from his chair. I draw him close to me, cradling his head against my chest. His shoulders heave with sobs, his breaths coming in gasps.
Mike’s head moves away from my chest and I notice his teary eyes have now turned into a fierce rage. He clenches his fists and grits his teeth before blurting out words that sting like a sharp knife, ”My father was a coward. He took his own life with a gun—a quick death. Death was too good for that cunt. He should have died slowly like they did. I could have saved them!”
he screams.
I sit there in silence, crying with him.
Through his tears, he manages to choke out the words, “My father sensed something was going on. The gardener...he told my father...he told him the plan...to save his own life!”
Mike”s face contorts with anger as he sits up. He grits his teeth and declares with a determined voice, “I got my revenge on him for giving up my mother and sister. I killed him with his gardening shears straight to the throat. I had the pleasure of doing it. Nate and Cain helped me hide his body.”
I should be feeling terrified after hearing his words, but instead, I find myself holding him tightly. Tears stream down my face as I weep with him. The thought of what he must have endured is unimaginable, yet I only want to offer comfort and support in that moment.
We both stand up and embrace each other tightly. I can feel the warmth of his body against mine and I know I never want to let him go. With conviction in his voice, he whispers to me, “I have witnessed too many people that I care about die when I could have saved them. That includes when I was in the army, too. I promise you, I won”t let that happen to you, Tessie.”
I meet his gaze and the words slip out of my mouth, “What happened to your mother and sister was terrible. It”s not always possible to save everyone. You did everything you could, Mike. Please don”t blame yourself.” As I finish my sentence, he leans in and kisses me, a reassuring touch that makes me feel safe.
“Do you think I’m a monster?” he cries.
“Not even close,” I reply, wiping his tears away.
Mike leans in and whispers, “Take my mind off it.” His voice is soft and comforting as I can feel his warm breath on my neck.
I enter the house and a strange stillness greets me. I can sense that Mike and Tessie are around somewhere. The silence is soon broken as I walk into the kitchen. Tessie is bent over the kitchen counter with one leg up while Mike pounds her from behind. The room is charged with the intensity of their intimacy and I can”t help but feel like an intruder in this private moment.
“Jesus! Not near the food!” I exclaim.
Mike suddenly turns his head around and shoots me a sly grin. He scoops Tessie in his arms and carries her off to their bedroom, leaving me with a mixture of amusement and envy. I shake my head and approach the stove, calling them, “Don”t worry, I”ll finish making dinner, then!”
I put some pasta into a pot of water and place it on the stove to boil. As I wait for the water to heat up, I hear some unusual sounds from the bedroom. It seems like Tessie is moaning with pleasure. Although I”m tempted to join in, I let them enjoy their intimate moment without interruption.
I decide to step out of the front door and light a cigarette. The cool breeze gently brushes against my face as I take a deep breath and exhale the smoke, watching it dissipate. I stand there, lost in my thoughts. I notice Cain walking up the steps. He looks at me and mumbles, “Alright.” His face betrays a hint of surprise at finding me there.
As he approaches the door, he pauses and turns to me. “What are you doing out here? Where are Mike and Tessie?” he asks inquisitively. I push open the front door and the sound of moaning and Tessie”s screams of “Mike! Mike!” can be heard from the doorway. Cain snickers slightly, shaking his head in disbelief before entering.
I inhale the final drag of my cigarette and I observe Cain entering the house. He slips off his work boots and coat before asking, “How long have they been at it?” I chuckle and respond, “I”m not sure. I walked in on them fucking in the kitchen.”
I return to the stove to start plating dinner while Cain sets up the table. Suddenly, we hear Tessie shouting and we turn to look at each other with amusement. “Fuck. I”m coming, Mike!” echoes through the house and we can”t help but laugh at the comedic timing. ”Just in time for dinner,” I say with a touch of sarcasm.
Cain and I sit down at the table to begin our meal. Glancing up, we see Tessie and Mike emerging from the bedroom. Tessie is clad in Mike”s oversized t-shirt, the fabric falling off her shoulder to reveal a hint of skin, while Mike is in nothing but boxers. Their faces are flushed with a bright shade of red and their hands are intertwined.
Mike and Tessie take their seats at the table and begin to enjoy the pasta. Cain raises eyebrows and interjects, “You know, having dessert after dinner is customary.” Mike shoots him a sharp glance and retorts, “Ha ha, very funny…”
As we all savor the delicious pasta, a sudden silence befalls us. Breaking the quietness, Tessie curiously inquires, ”So, how did you all meet?”
I pause, placing my fork down, and reply, “Well, when I first moved here, I met these two back in high school. We were all in different years, though.”
Cain interjects, “And as for Mike, I”ve known him since I was seven. I used to bully him relentlessly, until one day I felt sorry for him and decided to take him under my wing.”
“That doesn”t shock me that you were a bully, Cain,” Tessie hisses.
Tension fills the air as Cain glares at Tessie, his fork clinking against his plate as he eats his pasta silently. Breaking the awkward silence, Tessie turns her attention to me. “So you”re thirty, Nate.
I”m curious. How old are you guys?” she asks with a polite smile, attempting to diffuse the tension in the room.
Mike responds, “I”m twenty-nine. Cain is what… fifty?” Upon hearing this, I can”t help but burst out laughing. However, Cain, not amused, retorts, “I’m thirty-one, you shit.”
Tessie picks up her glass of water and takes a sip. Then she looks around the room and comments, “You know, I can”t help but feel a bit youthful compared to you all.”
“Now you are making me feel old when you say that,” I scoff.
Tessie turns her head towards Cain and curiously asks, “What plans do we have for tomorrow?” Cain takes a break from his meal and responds with a sly smile, “It”s a surprise.”
Mike and I exchange glances, feeling puzzled by Cain”s response. Mike decides to speak up, “Going out for the day, are you?”
Cain says, “Well, you have already had your alone time. I think it”s fair that I get some alone time.” Tessie finds Cain”s statement amusing and laughs. “There”s enough of me to go around, guys.”
After devouring my pasta dish, I lean back on my chair, feeling content. I can’t help but ask, “What happened to sharing, guys?” However, Tessie doesn’t seem pleased with my comment and scoffs, “Don”t talk about me like I”m not here…”
I move closer to Tessie, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. With a tinge of regret, I whisper, “I”m sorry, baby.”
Tessie savors the last bite of her pasta, placing her fork gently on the side of her plate. She puts her elbows on the table. With a slight smile, she turns to us and begins to speak. “Don”t get me wrong,” she says. ”I love fucking all of you. But you know, there are gonna be days when I”m just not feeling it. I”m surprised I haven”t gotten a urine infection from all the sex yet.”
We couldn”t resist bursting out in laughter at what she just said.