My Boy

Final Chapter: The Cabin In The Woods

The gravel crunched softly under Jamie's car as he approached Trevor's cabin. Jamie's heart raced, a mix of anticipation and dread coursing through his veins.

He knew he shouldn't be here this early. The invitation had clearly stated 8 PM, but it was barely 6:30. Jamie circled to the back of the cabin, finding the loose window he and Trevor had discovered years ago during a summer sleepover.

As he slipped inside, the familiar scent of pine and old wood enveloped him. Jamie moved silently through the dim interior, making his way to the small closet off the main room. It was perfect – he could see everything without being noticed.

Just as he settled in, leaving the door slightly ajar, he heard a car pulling up outside. Trevor's laugh drifted through the walls, followed by Riley's lilting voice. Jamie's chest tightened.
"I think we've got everything," Trevor was saying as the front door opened. "Alex is bringing the extra drinks, right?"

"Yeah, and Sophie's on snack duty," Riley replied. She came into view, arms laden with bags. "Where should I put these?"

Trevor appeared behind her, his hand resting casually on her waist. The sight made Jamie's stomach churn. "Just on the kitchen counter for now. We've got time to set up."

As they moved about the cabin, preparing for the party, Jamie watched in silence. Every touch, every smile between them was like a knife twisting in his gut. He clenched his fists, willing himself to stay quiet, to stick to the plan.

The minutes ticked by agonizingly slow. More voices outside signaled the arrival of other guests. Jamie recognized Ethan's booming laugh, followed by what sounded like Raph and Tristan bickering good-naturedly.

"Hey, everyone!" Ethan's voice carried through the cabin. "Let's get this party started!"

Jamie took a deep breath. Soon, he told himself. Soon, everything would change.

The cabin quickly filled with chatter and laughter. From his hidden vantage point, Jamie watched as Alex and Zoe arrived, arms full of clinking bottles.

"Trevor, my man!" Alex called out, pulling Trevor into a one-armed hug. "Great place you've got here."

Zoe's eyes scanned the room curiously. "It's so cozy. I love it."

Jamie's gaze locked onto Trevor, noting how his best friend's smile seemed forced, his eyes darting around nervously. Does he feel guilty? Jamie wondered. Is he thinking about me?
Sophie burst through the door next, her entrance as dramatic as always. "The party has arrived!" she announced, holding up bags of snacks triumphantly.

As Riley rushed to greet her, Jamie noticed Raph and Tristan slip in behind Sophie. Raph's arm was protectively wrapped around Tristan's waist, but his eyes were sharp, surveying the room as if looking for a threat. Looking for me, Jamie realized with a mix of bitterness and satisfaction.

"Hey, has anyone seen Jamie?" Zoe's voice cut through the noise as she entered. "I thought he'd be here by now."

Jamie tensed, watching the reactions ripple through the room. Trevor's face paled slightly, while Raph's expression hardened.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon," Tristan said smoothly, shooting a warning glance at his boyfriend.

Ethan, oblivious to the undercurrents, clapped his hands together. "Alright, folks! Who's up for some games while we wait for the guest of honor?"

As Ethan started organizing a round of charades, Jamie observed the group dynamics unfolding. Sophie and Raph huddled in a corner, speaking in low voices and casting furtive glances around the room. Alex stuck close to Trevor, as if sensing his friend's discomfort. Zoe watched everyone with keen interest, her brow furrowed slightly as if putting together pieces of a puzzle.