Under the Bad Boy's Spell

The Family Gathering

"Becca? Are you ready to go?" My mother's voice echoed through the walls of the house.
I rushed downstairs in a black dress. My hair was pinned up with strands framing my face.
"Do you have everything?" My mother asked.
"Yes mom. Now, let's go. We can't keep Caspian and his family waiting." I shot her a satisfied smile and we walked to the car.
The drive to Caspian's house was joyful. My mom and I gossiped and we laughed.
"Welcome. Welcome." Caspian's father graciously invited us into their house.
"The rest are at the back."
Mr Carter led us to the back and we were greeted by the sizzling of the barbecue, the smell of fresh bread, and the sound of joyful laughter. Terry, Lisa and Celeste were sitting around a picnic table babbling away. Caspian came out of the house with a bowl of chips.
It was a wondrous sight to behold. Everyone seemed so happy, with not a worry in the world or a weight on their shoulders.
"You're finally here." Caspian exclaimed after he placed the bowl of chips in the middle of the picnic table.
"Are we late?" I grinned as he walked my way. My mom gave me a squeeze on the shoulder before she joined the others at the table.
"Not at all, milady. You're just on time." Caspian joked and placed a lingering kiss on my lips.
We walked into the house towards the kitchen. I helped him with some of the snacks and the dressings for the burgers.
"I see you and your father are getting along." I said while I threw some chips into a bowl.
"I took your advice. He and I talked and we agreed to at least be civil towards each other. He has changed a lot since last time I saw him, but I am still not trusting him until he proves that I can." Caspian replied.
I smiled and we carried everything outside. Caspian and Terry helped his Mr Carter to barbecue the burger patties while the women sat at the table.
"How are you, Celeste?" I asked as I brought a cup of flavored water to my mouth.
"I couldn't be better. Seeing everyone like this takes me back to the old days where we used to do this all the time." Celeste smiled and her happiness shone from the inside-out like an aura.
"It does seem nice, doesn't it?" My mother added.
"We should do this more often." Lisa commented.
"The meat is finished. Shall we dish up?" Mr Carter yelled from across the lawn. Everyone stood up and walked towards the barbecue to get food.
The laughter and babbling went on the entire time, filling the air with joy and happiness. Mr Carter told us jokes and stories, Terry and Lisa told Celeste how they got together, my mother and Caspian talked about our relationship and Mr Carter and Caspian talked about school and university.
Finally, the time came where we all bid our goodbyes and thanked them for the lovely day.
"Make sure you are dressed and ready to leave at 7 am tomorrow." Caspian whispered in my ear when we hugged.
"Are you still going on with the plan?" I chuckled and looked up into his eyes.
"Your mother agreed. I told her earlier today. Everything is settled for the weekend."
Caspian placed a loving kiss on my temple before he waved me goodbye as I climbed into the car after I greeted everyone.
"That was a splendid evening." My mother said happily as she sat at the dining table with a cup of coffee in her hands.
"I enjoyed myself. Seeing everyone so happy was enough for me." I yawned.
"I am going to go crawl into bed, mom. I have to be up early tomorrow." I winked.
"Remember to use protection." My mother joked. My cheeks flushed bright red. "Mom!" I said embarrassed. "I am eighteen, not eight."
I heard her chuckle as I took the flight of stairs up to my room and I couldn't help but chuckle back. I fell into a dreamless sleep.
My alarm sounded at 5 am the next morning. I lamely silenced it before I unwillingly got out of bed.
I gathered a bag and filled it with clothes for a whole weekend. I got dressed in a skinny jean and flats and put on a light blue T-shirt. I pulled my hair up into a bun and added some mascara to my lashes and lip gloss to my lips.
I tiptoed downstairs, careful not to wake my mom and I boiled the kettle. I can not function properly without a cup of coffee in the mornings.
Two hours later, I heard a hooter. I grabbed my bag and phone and headed outside. I left a note for my mom saying that I had already left with Caspian. It also said that I loved her and I'd see her in 3 days' time.
"I thought I'd have to come and wake you." Caspian chuckled when I got inside the car and dumped my bag in the back seat with the camping equipment.
"Well, you thought wrong." I smiled at him and leaned in to give him a kiss. He returned the kiss before he put the car into gear.
"Where are we going?" I asked as I skipped through the channels on the radio.
"It's a surprise. You'll see. Be patient, Becca." I chuckled and spared a glimpse at me.
"I am. It's just that my curiosity gets to me, you know?" I grinned at him.
He placed a hand on my thigh and gave it a squeeze.
"I know." He replied.
He drew imaginary circles on my thigh with his fingers and I erupted into goosebumps. The feeling was sensational and I whimpered when he removed his hands to change the gears.
We arrived at a secluded camping area after nearly a 6 hour drive and I gasped when we climbed out of the car. It was beautiful! The camping area was right on a private beach. There was place for fishing, jet-skiing and swimming. The ocean was a deep blue and the sea sand was as white as snow. There was no other campers on this side of the camp.
"How did you ever manage to get this place?" I said breathlessly.
"I have my ways. I hope you brought your swimming costume." Caspian said with a sparkle in his eyes.