Tristan wobbles slightly from the drinks as he makes his way to the back room, his friends' excited whispers and chuckles following him. He opens the door and steps into the dimly lit room.
Softly illuminated by flickering candles, a life-size box stands in the center of the room. Tristan mutters to himself as he approaches, curiosity and anticipation mingling in his expression. He opens the box, and his blurry vision sharpens in surprise as he sees a woman inside, dressed in a revealing nightgown.
Woman: (smiling seductively) Happy birthday, Tristan.
Tristan: (blinking, trying to focus) Uh, thanks. Who is— Sarah?
Sarah: Tristan?
Tristan: (in disbelief) So, it's you...
Sarah: (nervously) Yes, it's me.
Tristan: (firmly) Sarah, you need to leave, get out of this room before I make a mistake. Once this starts, there's no going back.
Sarah: (stepping closer, determined) Tristan, I'm ready. I know what I want.
Tristan: (clenching his fists, conflicted) Sarah, you don't understand. This isn't just some game. Once we cross this line, everything changes.
Sarah: (gently touching his arm) I understand, Tristan. I've thought about this. I'm here because I want to be with you. No regrets.
Tristan: (taking a deep breath, his resolve wavering) Are you sure about this? Because once we cross this line, everything changes.
Sarah: (looking into his eyes) I'm sure. I want this, Tristan. I want you.
Tristan: Please, Sarah... I'm not good at this. I'm not looking for something serious.
Sarah: (smiling softly) I know. I'm okay with that.
Tristan steps closer, his heart pounding. He gently takes Sarah's hand, their eyes locked in a moment of understanding and connection.
Tristan: (softly) Okay, Sarah. No regrets?
Sarah: (whispering) No.
Tristan and Sarah share a tender moment, their connection deepening as they embrace the decision they've made. The night progresses, and the room is filled with the warmth of their newfound intimacy.
Tristan: (softly) Sarah, I never expected this to happen between us.
Sarah: (smiling gently) Sometimes the unexpected can be beautiful, Tristan.
Tristan: (stroking her hair) You're right. Tonight feels... different, special.
Sarah: (nodding) It does. I'm glad we're here together, in this moment.
Tristan: (hesitating) Sarah, about us... I don't want you to get hurt.
Sarah: (placing a finger on his lips) Shh. Let's just be here, right now. No need to think about tomorrow.
Tristan: (nodding, relieved) Okay. Just tonight.
Sarah: Just tonight.
They lie together in silence, wrapped in each other's arms, feeling the weight of their decisions and the warmth of their closeness.
Tristan: (whispering) Thank you for understanding, Sarah.
YOU ARE READING
Beneath the Surface
Random"In the shadow of secrets, love still has the power to heal... Her silence hid a secret that could change everything-but love always finds its way back." At St. Claire College, Sarah's quiet determination stands in stark contrast to her overwhelming...
