Summer Camp (Ryllon)

Eleven: Talk

-Ryan-

The lake is peaceful. Some guys and girls are swimming in it, laughing and having fun, but I've decided to stay on the dock with my legs pressed against my chest. Some other campers have grown some sort of fear when it comes to me. Dallon's like my shadow, which I'm beyond thankful for, but I guess he's intimidating to everyone. 

"Not gonna swim?" A guy asks me, and I turn my head. He sits next to me and I quickly realize that it's the guy with Shane and Spencer the other night. 

"Can't swim. Yeah, I know it's a little embarrassing, but... I don't know, every time I'm out there I just start panicking," I explain.

"I get it, my friend is the same way." He pushes up his sunglasses. "I'm Brendon."

"Ryan," I say.

"Can I ask you something a bit... I guess personal?"

"Go ahead."

"Are you and Shane together? Or were you?"

"Uh, no. Never was, never will," I say.

"Did something happen?" He asks worriedly and I subconsciously grab my wrist. He notices.

"Um... he... I'll just say that he tried to get with me even after I said no," I explain.

"He's a jerk. I'm sorry, man," he tells me.

"It's fine. Dallon's making sure no one hurts me," I say, chuckling a bit.

"Ah, yes, the classic," he says, but I frown.

"What do you mean?"

"You know," he says, but I shake my head.

"Can't say I do."

"The most badass, toughest, scariest, hottest most intimidating guy at camp hating and pushing away everyone except the new kid. People have started to question if it's even the same person as last year. He's all serious and... rude, I guess, and this tall, scary guy that has no remorse in making you feel like shit. Then you came along and... well, he protects you and smiles at you and hugs you. But if someone else even touches him," Brendon raises his eyebrows, "let's just say that someone ends up crying."

I frown, because that doesn't sound like Dallon at all. Dallon is such a sweet and careful person. He makes sure I fall asleep, makes sure I eat, holds me when I'm scared or anxious, comes to my cabin every morning and walks me back when it gets dark. Dallon is the sweetest guy here and I'm starting to think that maybe people are just jealous.

I nod, pretending like I'm agreeing, and I continue to watch the water. I feel a bit tired, but I guess that's my fault. I had a nightmare last night. It wasn't good. I woke up this morning, tears on my cheeks and my chest filled with anxiety. I lied to Dallon about being okay, but I think he knows that I'm not. I know he doesn't know about Greg. Well, he knows, but he doesn't know all of it.

"So, do you like Dallon?" Brendon suddenly asks. He looks down, and I suddenly get a strong sense that he's a little jealous.

"Do you?"

He looks at me, but I can see it in his eyes before he can try to lie.

"You like Dallon, don't you?" I ask.

"I'm sorry, I hardly know you and I don't want to be rude, but seeing him holding you just makes me so... I don't know. I've liked him for years and you come along and he seems so gentle and lovey with you."

"Trust me, Dallon doesn't love me. We've just met, what, a week or so ago? However long ago that was?"

"You're not seeing the way he looks at you, then," Brendon says, standing up and walking off. I haven't even been here for a week and I already have someone hating me and trying to have sex with me, someone who is obviously a little mad because Dallon supposedly likes me, and many other campers who send me dirty looks when I'm alone.

I should stop talking to new people.