Academy Everlasting

Truth or Dare

TRUTH OR DARE

Luke prepared us a quick chicken stir fry for dinner and the guys all did their part to set the table, pour drinks, and get out side dishes. I was told to sit and relax, rather than help. North set a large glass of ice water in front of me and told me he wanted it gone by the time dinner was done. I couldn't help but grin at his worry. It was sweet and it felt amazing to have people care so much.

"Alright, Miss Sorenson," Mr. Blackbourne says as we all settle at the table for dinner. "Please explain what happened today at the mall. Any details you can think of would be helpful."

"Well," I say quietly. "Luke and Gabriel were with me in the store as I was trying clothes on. Gabriel went to put something away, I think. Luke had some bags and he wanted to get rid of them so he told me he would be right back. I was supposed to get dressed and meet Gabriel outside the dressing rooms."

I notice Luke and Gabriel exchange guilty glances before turning back to me. I give them my best "Don't even think about blaming yourselves" stare and they each give me a sheepish smile in return.

"So, I guess I got dressed faster than Gabriel expected because when I came out he wasn't there," I said with a shrug. "I decided to go find Gabriel, but before I could leave the dressing area someone grabbed my arm."

North growls and Silas' eyes harden as I rub my bruised arm. Mr. Blackbourne asked for details, so I need to continue with the story, no matter how upset the guys get.

"I turned to see a man wearing a blue shirt and black jeans. He looked like he was in his mid forties, I think. He had dull brown hair, with specks of grey in it. His eyes were a very plain brown color. His skin was weathered, like he worked outside."

I try to think of any other physically descriptive details that would help. After coming up blank I continue.

"He said that I was so young and beautiful," I say, a shiver going down my spine as I recall his voice. "He said he knew my secret and he was going to have it for himself. I don't have any secrets anyone would want to know, aside from being here with you all. I don't see why he would want that, though. I am assuming he just got the wrong person."

The guys are dead silent as they exchange loaded glances with each other.

"What is it?" I ask, anxiously.

With a few more meaningful looks exchanged, Kota tries to smile at me, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "It's nothing, Sang."

There is something they aren't telling me. I can see it in their eyes, they know what that man was talking about. Just as I go to ask what they are keeping from me, Nathan speaks up.

"Peanut, if anything like this ever happens again, you need to tell us right away," He says with a soft yet firm voice. "We want to be sure you are telling us everything, so don't hesitate next time, please."

The irony of the moment is not lost on me. They want me to tell them everything, yet there is something they are keeping from me. They told me they had some secrets I couldn't know about. I understand that. But I also told them to be honest with me if they had to keep a secret from me. They aren't being honest and that upsets me.

"Pookie?" Dr. Green's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I look at him and he seems a bit concerned. I realize they are waiting for my answer to Nathan's request.

"Oh, yes!" I say automatically. "I will tell you all next time, if there is a next time."

"Fucking perfect!" Gabriel yells with a grin. "Now, I say we have some fun to finish off our night."