Challenge 39: Spring has Sprung

[IsabellaRose]

THE CHALLENGE

Write about a spring-inspired topic. Ideas include:

• Thematic spring concepts like new beginnings, renewal, or rebirth
• Tasks people perform in spring like spring cleaning, planting/gardening, trail maintenance
• Celebrations like Spring Break, Easter, Mother's Day, Hanami...
• Spring Fever

Deadline

• Midnight (EST) , 1 Jun 2025

Limits

• 1 entry per person
• no strict word limit, but please try to keep it around 2,000 words- remember, everyone has to read these to vote

Prizes

• 1st Place: 4,000 EcchiCredits
• 2nd Place: 2,000 EcchiCredits
• 3rd Place: 1,000 EcchiCredits

[Minorikawa]

Cherry Blossoms

Spoiler

Age Twenty-Three

Ken panted heavily as he jogged, his feet stomping onto the paved pathway one after the other. Though the sun was warm and his body heated from exertion, the cool spring breeze carrying sakura petals caressed his sweaty brow and provided a brief respite. He had only recently moved into this city for a job, his first real position since graduating from university, and he found that the park was his favorite place to be on his free days. It was the closest environment to his home far outside the city limits. Today, however, it was a bit more crowded than usual due to the blossoming of the sakura, their gorgeous pink color shining brilliantly throughout the park. If anything, he was the nuisance, taking up the pathway and forcing sight seers to move and leap out of his way.

Until he approached the pathway adjacent to the river, where the crowd seemed to be at its thinnest. Then again, so was his air intake. Slowing to a halt, he hunched over, hands on his knees, gasping for breath. From the moment he stepped out of his apartment his feet had been moving, and now his legs ached as much as his lungs burned. Even so, he stood upright, bending his knee and grabbing his ankle, stretching his muscles to ensure he stayed in good shape to keep going.

It was a sudden gust of wind that blew him off-balance, stumbling off the pavement and onto the grass, the sakura petals seeming to whirl around him. By time he regained himself his eyes were drawn to the river bank, where there stood a gorgeous young woman gazing out beyond the water. She wore a dark blue kimono with a pattern of blossoming pink flowers, the sash a brilliant dark pink, and even her hair a bright strawberry hue done up in a bun, held together by a white comb with red jewels. Ken stood there, gaping, just staring at this sudden appearance of a young woman, his eyes studying her perfect posture, her pale and slender neck, the outline of her cheeks from this profile. Blinking, she suddenly turned and caught sight of him, causing him to blush and quickly avert his eyes. She simply giggled, gesturing for him to approach.

"Um, hello," he said softly, scratching at the back of his sweaty head, stepping down to join her at the river bank.

"Hello," she replied and bowed. "Isn't it just beautiful?" Her eyes returned to the other side of the river, where the whole host of sakura trees could be seen, their pink blossoms swaying in the spring breeze. The river reflected their brilliance with the shimmering light of the sun. Ken stammered an affirmative, but suddenly silenced, his eyes only now noticing the beauty of the sight before him. Even at home he'd not seen the sakura in such a gorgeous state.

"It's absolutely beautiful..." he said softly. The young woman turned to him, smiling.

"My name is Sakura," she said. He looked back at her, even her lips lined with a pale pink gloss. A bit on the nose, that name, but it certainly seemed appropriate.

"Ken," he said with a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Age Twenty-Four

Ken had continued to jog in that very same park, but he had not seen her again. Over a few weeks he had forgotten about her, got caught up in his work, managed to even date a girl from the bar he always drank at with his co-workers. Yet it had not lasted. There was something... missing. It wasn't until he found himself back in the park, the sakura petals blossoming once again, that he recalled his encounter with Sakura, the lovely young woman in the kimono. She asked him about himself, his job, his childhood, and most particularly seemed interested in his life experiences in the autumn and winter.

Passing by the river once more, he realized he wasn't as exhausted as he had been last time. His stamina must have improved jogging each day. Nonetheless he paused, gazing down towards the river bank. He gasped, his eyes gazing upon the very same sight as the year before. The same kimono, the same hair, the same comb, standing just the same. Once more she turned, catching him in her sight, and with a smile waved him over.

"I haven't seen you since last year," he said. She nodded, her eyes suddenly downcast.

"Yes, I..." she began, then shook her head. "Did it snow this winter?"

"Oh, um, yes," Ken nodded. He pulled out his phone, his finger dancing upon the screen to bring up a photo album. Sakura leaned forward, curious, almost as if she'd never seen such a device as a smart phone before. "Here," Ken said, highlighting a photo of the park during snowfall.

"Wah! It's so gorgeous!" she exclaimed, snatching the phone from his hand. Her eyes glittered not unlike the frozen branches surrounded by ice, staring at the photo intently. "So that's what it looks like..."

Age Twenty-Five

Ken had not forgotten Sakura this time. She had been in his mind periodically throughout the year, sometimes to his detriment. He had tried dating again, but there was something missing. The women he met were nice enough, and they seemed to like him well enough, but they lacked a quality he couldn't put his finger on. Something that kept bringing Sakura and her smile to his mind.

He jogged once more through the park, only this time carrying a cooler in his hand. He was worried this would not work, feeling the handle warmed by his grip and the sun beating down from the blue sky as the sakura petals once more drifted upon the breeze. His feet carried him back to the river bank, a smile upon his face as he saw that familiar kimono and pink hair. She turned to him, as she did the two years prior, and smiled.

"Good morning," she said, her eyes shining at him before glimpsing down at the cooler in his hand. "What's that?"

"This," Ken said with a grin, "is a special surprise." He sat down upon the grass, Sakura kneeling beside to join him. He popped open the cooler and sighed with relief, the ice packs keeping the snow within mostly intact. "I gathered some in the cooler during the winter," he explained, handing the cooler to Sakura as her eyes widened in surprise, "and put it in my freezer to stay cold." The pink-haired girl covered her mouth with her hand, gazing down into the glistening snow within the container.

"It's beautiful," she said, scooping her fingers into the cold, moist powder. She shivered. "Cold!" Ken chuckled, watching as her trembling digits lifted a handful of snow into her hand. She then leaned forward, her tongue gently licking at the powder, another tremor running up her spine. He could only laugh in amusement as he watched her.

"I never see you any other day of the year out here," Ken said, breaking the silence. Immediately the glimmer from Sakura's eyes dimmed, her lips curving into a sad smile.

"That's because... I..." she began. For several moments there was silence in the air, her eyes watching as the snow began to melt in her hand, water dripping between her fingers. Looking to Ken out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly lunged, yanking the back of his shirt collar back and dumping the snow down his back. He arched, yelping, hands instinctively reaching while Sakura giggled.

Age Thirty-Two

His promotion at work kept Ken too busy to jog as often as he used to. It also kept him too busy for relationships, though he'd abandoned that idea a few years ago. He'd realized what all of those women had been missing. The one thing that Sakura had that no other seemed to.

She appreciated life.

He was feeling more exhausted again, not as bad as that first year, but his joints were starting to ache and his stamina decreasing. He was sweating and panting heavily, yet he crested that hill once again and jogged down that river bank. Despite how routine it had become, he still felt his heart flutter when he saw that ageless face of Sakura turn his way.

"Did you miss me?" he asked with a smile, his hand reaching for hers. Delicate fingers intertwined with his own as the two stood side-by-side, gazing out across the river. There were now buildings being constructed on the other side, and though the beautiful pink line of cherry blossom trees continued to sway beautifully in the wind, there was something tainted by the presence of steel girders and construction machinery.

"Yesterday you were thirty-one," Sakura answered. "The day before, you were thirty." Their fingers grasped one another more tightly. For whatever reason, Sakura only experienced this day of the year. She woke up on a park bench, fell asleep on a park bench, and then the entire year would pass. This has evidently gone on for decades. She has no recollection of when it started, when she was born, or how she came to be. Just that the only day she ever lived was the day the cherry blossoms bloomed.

"I miss you every day," Ken said with a smile. Their hands squeezed together once more.

Age Forty-Seven

His breathing was heavier than ever before, each step dragging more. The inevitability of age began to catch up with him, his joints and muscles screaming in protest with every moment he continued to try and jog through the park. Yet he would not give up this yearly ritual for the world.

Once more he crest the hill, once more he descended to the river bank, and once more she turned and smiled, her hand reaching out to take his own.

"Good morning beautiful," he panted heavily, leaning forward to plant a kiss upon her glossy pink lips. Sakura's eyes closed, taking in the kiss, savoring it as she did every day. When their lips parted she smiled sadly, her fingers tracing the temples of Ken's hair.

"You've got a bit more gray than yesterday," she said softly.

"Well, it has been a year," he said again, kissing her on the forehead.

"Tell me more about your niece," she said with a smile. Across the river bank, many of the cherry blossoms had been uprooted and replaced with housing and businesses.

Age Sixty-Five

"My niece had a child of her own," Ken said with a smile, sitting upon the grass, his arm around Sakura's shoulders as she leaned against him. His arm felt more frail than it had before. Still, his grip on her was strong, as if he was reluctant to let her go. As the days—or rather, as the years—passed, he had stopped talking about his job and the people there and spoke instead about his family, his niece. He did his best to instill in her a love of life, to embrace every day as if it were the only day you were alive.

Now, that niece had a child of her own.

"Here, let me show you a photo," he said. He pulled his phone out, flicking the screen, bringing up a photo of a baby.

Sakura's eyes welled with tears. Could she ever carry the child of Ken? Was there ever a time that could have happened?

Across the river, all of the sakura trees had been replaced by commerce and industry.

Age Eighty-Three

Sakura stood at the river bank, her eyes gazing across at the buildings and skyscrapers that now formed the horizon in the distance. The cherry blossoms that once decorated the other side were replaced by electronic displays and billboards illuminated with artificial imagery, advertising the sakura festival occurring in this very park.

It had been two days—or rather, years—since she had last seen Ken. She could only hope that he was alright, but with human lifespans, and how he'd been the last time she saw him...

With a heavy sigh Sakura brushed a tear from her eye. There was no longer any point in standing upon this river bank. She turned, ready to seek a new place to gaze upon the cherry blossoms, only to stop and gasp as she looked up the hill.

"Ken?!" she exclaimed, but it couldn't be. This man was far, far too young, and his hair was blonde. Ken's was never blonde. Nevertheless, the young man stepped down the grassy hill and to the river bank.

"Are you Sakura?" he asked. His features were softer than Ken's ever were, his eyes a bright green emerald, and yet the similarities were there. The jawline, the chin, the shape of his nose, even his eyebrows.

"Who are you?" she asked, gazing upon him as he approached.

"My name is Kensuke," he said. "My great uncle Ken told me about you, left me this journal." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, pink notebook, the name Sakura written on the cover. "I couldn't believe anything in there was true, but..." Flipping the notebook open, he held it up for Sakura to see. Within was a sketch of her, colored in with pencil, gazing out across the river bank. "It's exactly as he drew-oh! Are you okay?"

Sakura hadn't even realized tears were pouring down her cheeks. She wiped at her eyes, a smile upon her face. "Yes, I'm fine," she sniffled. "Why don't you sit with me? I'd like to read it with you."

 

[NyxAvatar69]

One month had passed since the coup against the king of the underground city, Kingpin.  With the man's death and the subsequent defeat of the mercenaries under the man's employ, the people trapped under Kingpin's rule were free to finally return to the surface.  Alone in a cheap apartment, a man who had many things taken from him as part of Kingpin's schemes sat alone in front of a cheap wooden table.  His once blonde hair had been dyed jet black and his golden eyes lacked the same light they had before a planned encounter led to the deaths of those he formed bonds with while underground.  As he sat alone in silence, one name continued to race through his mind, like it had latched itself onto his thoughts.

'Origin.  That name came up far too much in Kingpin's notes.  But why did I never hear about this figure until now?' he thought to himself.  As the thought raced through his mind, the door to the apartment opened and a man in a white suit stepped in.

"There you are, Kresnik.  I've been looking for you," the suited man said, but he only got a glare in response.

"I told you to stop calling me that,"

"Old habits don't die easy.  You've been Kresnik ever since your first match down here, after all.  You're really planning on going back to your old name?  Calling you Damien again would get pretty boring," the suited man replied.

"Nobody asked for your opinion.  Did you finish the arrangements?" Damien shot back.  The suited man sighed and pulled out a letter from inside his suit, tossing it down onto the table.

"Took a few days with all the transfers going on, but yeah.  Congrats, Damien, you now own your own place in the Village of Outcasts.  You're lucky the person in charge there owed me a few favors.  But why there of all places?" the suited man said while Damien picked up the letter.

"That's easy.  People there keep to their own business.  Nobody will ask any questions."

"I guess that makes sense, considering the damage those church types did to your reputation.  It's probably better to lay low in a place like that," the suited man said as he started walking towards the open door.  He stopped just before heading out, but didn't turn to face Damien.  "One other thing.  We're moving Maya and The Crusader's graves to somewhere topside.  Just figured you'd want to know.  I'll give you a call when they found a good spot," the man added before he stepped outside, leaving Damien alone to finish gathering his things.

 

After one last check over his things, Damien stepped out of the place that had been his home for the past several months and walked outside.  The streets of the underground city were in ruins due to last month's battle.  Buildings were either completely destroyed or long since cleaned out, mana powered streetlights were collapsed on the road and bloodstains were littered about the area.  With next to nobody left in the city, Damien's footsteps echoed through the empty streets.  Ahead of him was his destination, the former site of Kingpin's penthouse, which Damien had destroyed during his battle with the underground's king.  When he thought about his fight with Kingpin, his thoughts would drift back to what he read in the man's notes.

'To think, all of this was just part of a game.  He used every one of us like pawns on a board.  Even though he's dead, the game isn't over.  Maybe Kingpin was just another piece on the board,' Damien thought to himself, making his way past the ruins of Kingpin's penthouse and to the iron door that sat beyond it.  The door had been left wide open, revealing a flight of stone stairs leading up to the surface.  He walked for a few minutes until he reached a second iron door at the top of the stairs.  Light filtered out from the bottom of the door.  Damien reached out for the knob and slowly opened the door.  Light quickly poured into the dark cavern, forcing Damien to cover his eyes with his arm.  When his eyes finally adjusted to the sunlight, he found himself in a large, open field.  A light breeze blew through his hair and the warm early spring sunlight was a relief from the months spent in the cold underground.

As Damien took the time to take his first breaths of fresh air, a long shadow began to loom over him from high up in the air.  The man looked up to find a large bird with beautiful rainbow wings flying through the air above him.  The creature reminded him of an old fairy tale he had heard as a child about a legendary phoenix.  It had been caged and tormented by a cruel, sadistic man.  From having it's beautiful feathers torn off to being generally tortured, because of the creature's ability to revive itself.  One day, the cruel man got careless and left the cage of the phoenix open, and the bird got it's revenge by incinerating the man.  Damien wanted to deny the possibility that the bird he saw flying across the sky was the same as in the story, but the thought reminded him of another task he had to undergo.  He had promised an old friend he would find his sister and deliver his final gift to her.

 

The underground city had taken many things from him.  Damien's reputation had been destroyed when the true nature of his power was exposed.  The people he had come to trust and keep him grounded were senselessly killed to push him to greater power that he didn't even want.  He had nearly lost what remained of his humanity all for the sake of destroying Kingpin.  Even with all the chaos he had endured, Damien had chosen to continue moving forward, and on that day, guided by the rainbow made by the flying phoenix, Damien Kresnik took his first steps towards his new beginning.  His old self had long since died, and a new version of himself had risen from the ashes of the underground to walk a world of chaos once more.

All for the sake of destroying those who ruined his life.

Edited Friday at 01:29 PM by NyxAvatar69

[WickedCadrach]

A Garden Story

Spoiler

“Mom, I’m fine. It’s just… part of the process.” As she spoke, Kara’s words were broken by a soft grunt of effort, and her eyes twitched against a flash of harsh sunlight.

She pulled off one of her thick, yellow gardening gloves with her teeth, hooking a finger through the dark earth to get under the entrenched weed her trowel had been working at. As she did, she tossed her head back, trying and failing to get some of the stray strands of walnut brown hair to break from the sweat on her furrowed forehead and fall back in line with the rest of the simple braid lying against her shoulder. Until you do it yourself, it’s hard to appreciate how much work goes into proper gardening, however, while Kara hadn’t had her palms in the earth in years, this last couple of weeks, it was all coming back to her like the lyrics of a song you haven’t sung since you were a teen.

Kara felt the small, thorny pricks at her palm, wincing and readjusting around the sting—the change in posture also giving the sun another chance to blind her. She could use the trowel, but the weed was in a tricky spot among the tomato stakes and the chives, and if she didn’t get all the roots, it would just be back in a few weeks.

“It’s not good to be alone so much, Kara,” her mother said back, the note of admonishment breaking through both the cellphone’s speaker-phone crackle and the veneer of concern she’d applied. “Sometimes life isn’t what you want. But you can’t just give up. You’re so talented, but if you take so much time from work they will move on. I’ve seen it before. And I’m not saying Jason was in the right, but if you go around looking for problems with people, you’re going to find what you—”

“Mom.” Dropping her head, Kara’s lip drew in, her wide mouth becoming small as she closed her eyes a moment and allowed a breath for the afternoon sun to cook off some of her frustration. Intellectually speaking, she wasn’t about to give any ground to her mother’s typical controlling alarmism, but Kara could feel from the way her heart had suddenly leapt from a walk to a trot that other parts of her were listening. “I’m aware. I get it. I really do.”

The heat felt oppressive now, and Kara’s skin was starting to feel rough in the way that told her she’d need to take a water break soon. But as she looked up, a sudden breeze swept through the garden with a rattle of leaves and a shimmering through the branches of the gnarled pecan tree.

The sun must have moved because now the branches of the pecan tree formed a screen that shaded her, allowing the refreshing wind rattling the stakes and vines to cool her skin and her mind—at least a little.

“Thank you,” Kara mouthed silently, smiling her broad-lipped smile to the tree that her grandfather had planted.

It was her tree, planted in their garden the day she was born, and her grandparents had always made a point to remind her whenever she came to the old house. And just like Kara, the willowy sapling had matured and grown and was now an adult, a productive member of the garden by the rattle of the pecans not quite ready to fall. Yes, quietly doing its duty, her pecan tree was contributing… she was certain her mother would be proud. Perhaps she’d prefer a pecan tree for a daughter. It would certainly be less hassle judging by how much of a burden Kara’s troubles seemed to be to her.

“I don’t think you do ‘get it’, Kara,” her mother rebutted, breaking Kara from her reverie in the same mildly irritated cadence she had heard since childhood. “Look. As long as you’re maintaining the place, your aunt and I are fine with you staying at Grandpa Kip’s old house, but you can’t become a shut-in.”

“I’m not a ‘shut-in’, mom.” The words came out a bit sharper than she meant. But the tense conversation would only get worse if she tried to work in an apology and allowed her mother an excuse to play the victim.

Setting down her phone, Kara grabbed the weed by its thorny stem with her gloved hand, her bare fingers working the soil under it until it shook loose in a small shower of dirt over the brown toes of her boots. And with a relieved sigh, she dropped the choking bit of thorny flora and picked up the phone in her ungloved hand.

“I just need time to figure things out.”

Her mother’s exasperated sigh drew a hard, narrow-eyed frown across Kara’s face, and she swept her thumb up the dark screen on impulse, lighting up the red ‘end call’ bar as she flatly announced, “I have to go. I’m making stuffed peppers, and I don’t want them to get too mushy.”

All of those things were discretely true, and though Kara had yet to even start her dinner, it wasn’t strictly a lie. Her mother being the sort of woman she was, allowed the abrupt farewell: Hurt feelings could always be mended, but an overdone roast could do real harm.

Kara tried not to let that thought hurt her feelings as she hung up, but with closed eyes in the wild quiet of grass and rising frog song, Kara could feel how tight the conversation had wound her heart. It was as if her tendons were twine weaving a net that stopped the organ from releasing a full beat, and when she took her next breath, the breath she did finally draw was halting and stumbling.

Cool shade dappled her sun-toasted skin, and the sigh of leaves settled her breathing as Kara calmed enough to stand. The shade overhead seemed to follow her as she did, and another swell of gratitude to the tree that shared her birthday filled her breast.

When Kara opened her eyes, a curious spot of red against the green made her tilt her head and lean forward, hands on her knees.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, reaching out and running a finger over a bright candle-wax crimson of a strawberry. It was too early, and as she looked over the attached plant she could see the rest of the sensibly developing buds behind it. All was as it should be except for this one firm, red heart—mature and ready to eat.

Blinking a little in confused excitement, Kara’s lips parted in a smile to the softly waving green of the garden and she plucked the ripe fruit, inhaling its sweetness before taking a juicy bite. The pressure to her lips felt like a kiss and the bright taste made the tension melt from her, settling her hips as she leaned against the bark of the pecan tree and indulged in the strawberry’s wild wholesomeness.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to cheer me up,” she said aloud, her eyes glistening a bit at the sugary scintillations on her tongue from the freshly picked fruit while she looked over the garden and the connected pecan tree.

Another gusting breeze rose, pushing the loose strands of her hair behind her ear, and an odd feeling—a sense like the uncertainty of hearing your name called when there’s no one in the house—made Kara pause.

But she was alone.

Just her and the garden, just her and her tree.

***

August heat began to fade as September cool rode North winds down through the treetops to rattle the fence and dance between the clicking pecans. Kara spent more and more of her days in the garden, and one day, without really noticing, she’d begun to leave her phone behind in the house while she did.

Maybe it was the way any errant text or call set off anxious feelings of guilt for simply being here. Though, when Kara did think of it, that explanation didn’t feel totally honest. No, it wasn’t so much about keeping the world out as it was about acknowledging what this garden had become to her.

It was peace. It was comfort. It was holy ground.

Every time Kara pulled a weed and saw the herbs grow all the taller and stronger for it, each moment she saw the small green knots of fetal fruits and berries blossoming into full ripe color, and even in the muddy days where rain had poured the night before and she saw the wash of muck threatening to bury the delicate undergrowth between the taller stalks… Kara felt love flowing from her into the soil. And the more time she spent kneeling and crouched in the green, the more she felt a part of those low bushes and vine-wrapped stakes—as if she could feel her love of the garden flowing back from the plants into her, as if the garden loved her as much as she loved it.

Kara never felt this impression more than when she rested from her work, lying with her back to her pecan tree, her hip nestled in the roots the way she used to rest between Jason’s thighs in bed, the thick trunk like his chest against her back. And it seemed whenever she opened her eyes from those moments of rest, the garden would have a new gift for her: a berry growing brighter and larger out of the bush, a tomato that seemed to rush ahead of its brothers and swelling red as if trying to catch her eye.

Even quieter moments felt this way to Kara. A loose leaf fell from her twin, the pecan tree, landing on the tip of her nose as soft as a butterfly kiss before slipping to the ground. And each time she lay against the bark, it seemed the branches knew whether she was chill and needed the afternoon sun to come and warm her, or if the heat of the day was too much and to move to shade her. Sometimes it felt that the branches would move in time with her rising hand, providing their relief before her own fingers could find the right angle to protect her eyes.

Kara soon found she didn’t miss Jason the way she had when she first came here. It didn’t sting to think of her ex every time he strayed across her mind, and when her mother’s calls brought his name back, Kara had begun to feel a numb indifference… an annoyance rather than the mingled doubt and yearning that had plagued her at first—at least during the daytime, while the sun was shining and her silent companionship with leaf and loam felt strongest.

Maybe that was why it was so easy to leave the phone behind, to not think of him during the sunlight hours.

…the garden was a friend… and like a friend, it felt rude to interrupt their time together to take a call or to walk one of the dozen digital paths offering glimpses of what the man she’d lived with was doing now.

Compounding this feeling was the way she’d begun to speak to the garden, each plant feeling like a member of a small circle of friends she could be completely honest with. But out of all of them, Kara found her most rewarding ‘conversations’ came during those moments of rest, leaning against her pecan tree.

But that was during the day.

At night, in the chill of her bed, Kara tossed restlessly. In the dark, all her mother’s words and the whispers of her own doubts needled at her. What if she was becoming a shut-in? What if this time wasn’t healing but actually making her weaker? Why was it taking so long to feel right again? To feel like herself?

If she didn’t need him, then why did she feel so alone?

Groaning in her bed, her face scrunching in agony, Kara pressed her palm to her forehead, the insistent pressure helping, if only a little. Light struck her eye and through the slit in the curtain of her bedroom, Kara saw a full moon shining over the back garden, her pecan tree sitting in the chill night air, waving in night breezes as if beckoning to her.

Without really thinking, Kara wrapped her blanket around herself, bare except for the loose band T-shirt covering her to her hips and the soft, comfortable shorts she put on to sleep, she padded through the house, the hinges creaking as she gently settled the screen door closed so that it wouldn’t whip shut with a bang.

She walked barefoot through the trod grass, following the path she walked every day to the garden as dry stalk and blade crackled and scratched at her bare ankles, the wind mussing at her walnut hair and tugging it free from her improvised, bedsheet cloak.

“Hey…” Kara said to the tree, licking her lips as she did. For some reason it felt like she needed to offer the greeting before lying down as she usually did. Under the moonlight it felt… different. Meeting someone in the day is certainly not the same as coming to them in your pajamas… in the middle of the night… under the stars…

Kara felt the flicker of a crooked grin on her lips. It was silly to feel this way over a tree, even a tree as special to her as this one. But she also couldn’t bring herself to ignore the feeling. And so instead of sitting in its roots, Kara sat down cross legged in front of the pecan tree, staring up into the trunk and branches.

“I guess you can’t sleep either,” Kara joked, her voice low and a bit rough with fatigue. But as she did, she felt the anxious fears that had been pricking at her mind killing the meager attempt at levity, and she began to blink and then shiver and then to cry. A tear broke from the corner of her eye as she bent forward, wrapping the blanket closer about her shoulders as she hunched into the awful feeling folding her stomach in half.

On the back of her neck, Kara felt the small brush of a fallen leaf, or perhaps one from the nearby stalks moving with the wind. Either way, the tender feeling set a ripple through her spine that opened her throat, and she began to give her wordless pain voice.

“It’s not that it hurts to give so much and get nothing back,” Kara croaked out, coughing a little as she did and swallowing to clear her voice. “You don’t give just to get. It’s not about that. It’s not a trade. I wasn’t with him because I wanted something back from him. I mean… I did, but it wasn’t why I was with him.”

Kara didn’t bother explaining to the pecan tree that she was talking about Jason again, her twin tree had been listening to her idle processing and small moments of reflection for days on end. If it knew her at all, it would know what pain she was talking about.

“But to pour your love into someone and see them… rot…” Kara winced, hugging her stomach under the blanket as the words boiled up through her. “To see them dying… their glow disappearing, their eyes getting harder, their words getting sharper…” Painful memory welled up behind each phrase as the ghost of the man she’d tried to leave behind seemed to stab at her all over again. But the words were already flowing, and Kara wasn’t going to stop until they were out.

“You start to wonder. What changed? Maybe you overwatered? Too much sun? Too little? Was the soil not right?” Was I too needy? Too mothering? Too boring? Was I just the wrong person from the start? Talking to herself, thoughts and words wove in a sudden gush as Kara laid bare her pain to the moonlight and her silent friends. “Perhaps if you’d seen it… you could have let them go. If you let them go, they could set their roots somewhere good, where the ground wasn’t poison. Because maybe you were the poison all along.”

And that was really it. The insecurity of it all. When someone is one way, and then after being with you… after being yours… then they’re another way… one has to wonder…

The garden rustled around her, and Kara instinctively grabbed at her covering. But she did not feel the expected chill.

A moment of unease made Kara stiffen where she sat. There was no breeze. No cold, night wind to make the leaves shake.

But they were moving.

It took her a moment to realize it, and Kara felt her breath catching as she tried to listen through the blood drumming in her ears. But despite the lack of guiding currants in the air, the stalks and vines around her were shifting, moving as surely as stretching fingers and arms in the sleepy movements of someone rousing from a deep slumber.

The smell of earth and verdant life seemed closer suddenly, as rich as it did whenever Kara turned the garden soil. And the coriaceous texture of mature vine flesh traced behind her ear, curling over the slope of her neck tenderly and drawing a ticklish tension into the tendons there.

Kara started, turning on her hip and tangling in her blanket as she let out a gasp, the whites of her eyes bright and stark as she faced the dense green of her garden with her heart thundering against her ribs.

Vines were lifted and curled toward her like twists of green smoke running parallel with the ground; fruit bloomed and ripened before her eyes in pulses like heartbeats. Leaves turned in the windless air, coming together and parting with shuffling scrapes that hissed like the faint breath of a sleeper. White and yellow honeysuckle wove between them, growing up between her vegetables and joining green strawberries that swelled into full, red sweetness so quickly that Kara wiped her eyes in disbelief.

And in front of her face, a swirl of leaves, flowers, and fruit curled in, meeting like a spiral in highlights of cream white, gold, and red.

A face appeared then, or the illusion of one. Formed from the plants, the shape of a nose developed around a strawberry, white honeysuckle eyebrows arched over dark hollows that stared at her sightlessly. But instead of pressing forward, the lips and mouth seemed to form deeper back, as did the nose and the leafy brow. In fact, the whole appearance of the face felt like staring into the inside of a mask… all the right features present but with shadows inverted from what they should be.

It was a dream. That was the only explanation. But despite her mind’s rejection of the evidence of her eyes, Kara’s heart knew that what she was seeing was real. Her garden was alive. No, that was oversimplifying. It was no more alive than it had ever been—she’d always felt the ground and plants here were brimming with life—it was simply alive in a new way, a way she didn’t expect. And even if she were asleep against the pecan tree and would start awake with the morning sun, Kara felt sure that this vision was no nightmare. There was a reality to it that she felt in her bones and in the prickling gooseflesh of her skin under her tightly curled fingertips.

Her heart was racing, her feet and hands freezing as the surreality of the moment fought for purchase in the logic of her mind like trying to plant smoke in rocky soil. Her vision swam and darkened at the fringes as the face tilted, the vine at her neck stroking her lovingly while another coiled in slow insistence around her far shoulder to form a thin embrace.

She knew in that moment, she was looking into a living face: The face of her silent twin, who shared her birthday.

“Kara…” the face whispered.

And the last thing Kara felt as consciousness fled was the way the green tendril supported her head, lying her down in the grass gently as her nerveless body collapsed into the shock and exhaustion pulling her down.

 

Edited Saturday at 11:06 PM by WickedCadrach
Fixed Italics

[IsabellaRose]

This is entirely too long and completely ineligible for the contest, but for some reason I started writing about spring break and just kept going. It's probably a mess. I rewrote a couple parts and found one whole section that was duplicated when I gave it quick read through, so it's distinctly possible I missed something else glaringly terrible and you'll find some duplicate paragraphs where I copied instead of cut. I hope not, but who knows. 

Spring Break

Part 1

Spoiler

The early morning sun was blinding if Emily looked toward the east, making her squint as she approached the RV. The vehicle was a beast, towering and gleaming under the spring sun, and it was already buzzing with activity. Her friends, a motley crew of upperclassmen, were loaded in, laughing and shouting over each other. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety, and pulled open the RV door. Her backpack, filled with clothes, toiletries, sunscreen, random essentials, and a handful of condoms (just in case), felt heavy on her shoulder.

"Emily, you made it!" Sarah, a vivacious senior with a contagious laugh, greeted her from the driver's seat. "Come on in, we're just getting started!"

Emily forced a smile, trying to match their enthusiasm. "Yeah, I couldn't miss this," she replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. She climbed into the RV, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. Joints were already being passed around, and the air was thick with smoke and anticipation. She spotted Jake, a handsome senior with a mischievous grin, lighting up a bong. He winked at her, and she felt a flush creep up her cheeks.

"Here, Em, have a sip," Jake offered, handing her a solo cup filled with a bright blue liquid.

She hesitated for a moment, then took the cup, her hands trembling slightly. The liquid was sweet and strong, and she coughed lightly as it hit the back of her throat.

"Easy there, killer," Jake teased, patting her on the back.

Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She looked around the RV, taking in the familiar and unfamiliar faces. There were people she recognized from classes, parties, and the dining hall, but also a few she didn't know – friends of friends, she assumed. The energy was electric, a mix of excitement and pure, unadulterated freedom. She felt a pang of envy, wishing she could match their confidence and ease.

As they pulled out of the parking lot, the RV erupted in cheers and chants of, "Spring break! Spring break!" Emily joined in, her voice barely above a whisper at first, but gaining volume as the chant continued. She looked out the window, watching as the familiar campus buildings gave way to the open road. This was it, her first spring break, and she was determined to make the most of it.

The RV was loud as they drove south, all laughter, music, and more concurrent conversations than she’d ever heard in the same small space at once. Emily sat on a bench seat in front of a narrow table, her back against the cool wall, as she watched her friends interact. She tried to hide her nerves, forcing a smile and nodding along to their conversations. Inside, her mind was racing. She had heard the stories of drugs, drinking, and endless sex, and she was both excited and terrified. What if she chickened out? What if she was too boring, too shy, too inexperienced?

Her thoughts were interrupted as someone plopped down next to her, handing her a joint. "Puff, puff, pass," said Greg, a friendly smile on his face. She took it, her fingers brushing against his, and brought it to her lips, taking a tentative puff. She coughed, her eyes watering, and everyone laughed.

“First time?” Greg smiled in a very non-judgmental manner. "Don’t worry, you'll get the hang of it.”

As the joint made its way around the RV, Emily felt herself relaxing, her nerves easing. She looked out the window, watching the scenery pass by in a blur of green and blue. The sun was warm on her face, and the hum of conversation and laughter was soothing. She took another puff, holding it in this time, and felt a wave of relaxation wash over her.

Her thoughts drifted to what lay ahead. She had heard so many stories, seen so many videos and photos from past spring breaks. She wanted to experience it all – the freedom, the excitement, the sheer madness of it. But at the same time, she felt a pang of anxiety. What if she couldn't keep up? What if she was too shy, too reserved for this wild ride? It was more than she’d ever experienced before.

She took another puff, her eyes closing as she exhaled. She could do this. She would do this. She was determined to embrace the spirit of spring break, to let loose and have the time of her life. With a deep breath, she opened her eyes, a newfound resolve in her gaze. She was ready. Ready for the drugs, the drinking, the sex, and the endless fun. Ready to make memories that would last a lifetime.

Part 2

Spoiler

The RV rumbled down the highway, a rolling party that showed no signs of slowing. Emily, now comfortably numb and relaxed, found herself drawn into the vortex of conversation, laughter, and shared experiences. She leaned against the cool metal wall, a solo cup in her hand, her eyes glazed over with a happy, content smile. A game of Truth or Dare had begun, and Emily had been dragged into it since she was sitting right in the middle of everyone playing. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Lisa, a cute, freckled redhead, turned to Emily, a mischievous glint in her eye. "New girl starts. Truth or dare, Em?" she asked, her voice loud enough to be heard over the music and chatter.

Emily hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never been good at these games, but she was feeling brave. "Truth," she said, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Lisa grinned, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Have you ever kissed another woman?" she asked, leaning in slightly, her voice low and suggestive, almost as if she were about to make it happen if it hadn’t before.

Emily felt a flush creep up her cheeks, her heart pounding in her ears. She shook her head, her eyes wide. "No, I haven't." Her voice was barely audible.

“But I bet you wanted to,” said Lisa, moving closer, her eyes locked onto Emily, the seductive gaze mesmerizing.

It took Emily too long to react. She sat frozen like a deer in headlights, and when she finally shook her head and tried to make a show of being amused, everyone laughed at her obvious discomfort at being in Lisa’s sights.

The game continued, and as others started picking dares, the atmosphere grew more and more charged. Emily watched as her friends performed silly and scandalous tasks, their laughter and cheers filling the RV. When it was Lisa's turn, she chose Dare and Greg smiled mischievously.

“I dare you to kiss Emily,” he said, and the RV fell silent, all eyes on the two women as they stared at each other, the tension between them palpable.

Lisa slid closer to Emily. She leaned in close, her eyes locked on Emily’s.

"May I?" she asked, her voice low and husky, her hand reaching up to cup Emily's cheek.

Emily nodded, her breath hitching as Lisa's thumb gently stroked her cheekbone. She felt a rush of emotion, a mix of excitement, confusion, and anticipation. Lisa leaned in, her breath hot on Emily's ear.

"Only if you’re okay with this," she whispered, her lips brushing against Emily's earlobe.

Emily nodded almost imperceptibly and whispered, “I’m okay.” She closed her eyes, her body responding to the touch, her lips parting slightly in anticipation.

Lisa's lips were soft and gentle against Emily's, the kiss slow and deliberate. Emily's hands found Lisa's waist, pulling her closer as she deepened the kiss, her tongue exploring Lisa's mouth. She felt a rush of desire, her body pressing against Lisa's as they lost themselves in the moment, forgetting about the crowd of people around them. The room fell silent, the only sound the soft moans and gasps of the two women as they kissed passionately. Emily's fingers tangling in Lisa’s hair as she pulled her closer, not wanting the kiss to end.

Finally, almost regretfully, Emily pulled away, her cheeks flushed and her breath coming in quick gasps. She looked into Lisa's eyes, seeing her own desire reflected back at her. She felt a wave of embarrassment and confusion, but also a spark of something else – excitement, maybe even hunger. She wanted more.

Suddenly, the room erupted in cheers and whistles, the spell broken as they remembered that they had an audience. Lisa smiled, her eyes shining with amusement and desire.

"I think someone enjoyed that a little too much," she said, her voice low and suggestive. She winked at Emily, her hand squeezing Emily's thigh before she slid back to her own seat. But Emily noticed she didn’t slide very far, and their hips remained touching. Lisa’s hand remained on Emily’s knee beneath the table. Emily tried to control herself but she was breathless and kept glancing sideways at Lisa.

The game continued, but Emily was only half-present, her mind still reeling from the kiss. She could still feel Lisa's lips on hers, still taste her on her tongue. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She had just kissed a girl, and she had liked it. A lot. The realization sent a wave of confusion and embarrassment through her, but she pushed the thoughts down, determined to keep the good times rolling.

As the night wore on, the RV pulled over at a rest stop. Emily, feeling bold and adventurous, suggested they play a game of strip poker. The group cheered in agreement, and soon, clothes were flying and bodies were entangled in a jumble of limbs and desire. Emily found herself straddling a guy she barely knew, Bob maybe?, her body moving in time with his as they made out passionately. She felt a rush of excitement, her body responding to his touch as she lost herself in the moment.

As the strip poker game wound down and the rest of the group either passed out or paired off, leaving Emily alone. The RV was filled with the remnants of a wild night – empty red solo cups, scattered clothing, and the lingering scent of marijuana and sex. Emily noticed Jake stepping out of the claustrophobic bathroom and their eyes met across the chaotic scene. They were both half-dressed, Emily in just a bra and a short skirt, her bare feet feeling the cool floor of the RV. Jake was shirtless, his muscular torso on full display, wearing only his boxers. They had both been drinking and smoking, and the combination had left them in a state of blissful relaxation and heightened sensitivity.

"Emily. I have to admit, you're a wild card," Jake said, a playful smirk on his face as he leaned against the counter, his arms crossed casually over his chest. "I never would have guessed you had it in you."

Emily raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Oh, yeah? And what exactly do you think I have in me, Jake?" she replied, her voice teasing as she took a step closer to him, her hips swaying gently.

Jake's eyes darkened with desire as he pushed off from the counter, closing the distance between them. "Well, for starters, I didn't think you'd be such a good sport about losing your clothes." His voice was low and husky and he was dangerously close.

Emily found that she liked him this close, but she made no move to touch him and remained silent.

He reached out, his fingers tracing the strap of her bra, sending shivers down her spine. "And I definitely didn't think you'd be so... enthusiastic about the drugs, and the games."

Emily felt a rush of excitement, her body responding to his touch. She leaned into him, her hands resting on his bare chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. " I'm full of surprises, Jake," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe you should try to find out what else I have up my sleeve."

“You don’t have any sleeves,” he said, grinning as his hands roamed her body, his touch sending waves of pleasure coursing through her. He leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss. Emily moaned softly, her body arching to meet his as she kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck. They kissed deeply, their tongues exploring each other's mouths as they lost themselves in the moment.

Jake's hands moved to her skirt, his fingers hooking into the waistband as he slowly pulled it down, his eyes never leaving hers. Emily stepped out of it, now standing before him in just her bra and panties. All their friends were sleeping or passed out around them. It felt dangerous, thrilling. She could feel the cool air on her skin, but Jake's touch was hot and insistent, his hands roaming her body, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

Emily pushed Jake back gently, a mischievous glint in her eye. "My turn," she said, a slow smile spreading across her face as she hooked her fingers into the waistband of his boxers, pulling them down slowly. Jake stepped out of them, his erection springing free, hard and ready. Emily's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't hesitate, her hand wrapping around him, her thumb circling the sensitive tip.

Jake groaned, his head falling back as he enjoyed the sensation. Emily took advantage of his momentary distraction, pushing him back until he was forced to sit down on the chair where she’d been sitting. She climbed atop him, straddled him, her knees on either side of his hips, her body pressing against his. Jake's hands gripped her hips, his fingers digging into her soft flesh as he pulled her against him, his hardness pressing against her, only the thin fabric of her panties keeping them apart.

They started to grind against each other, their movements slow and deliberate, their breathing coming in quick gasps. The sensation was incredible, the friction and pressure building a fire within Emily, her body aching with need. Jake's hands roamed her body, his touch setting her skin on fire, his mouth capturing hers in a passionate kiss.

Jake pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "Em, I don’t want you to think... I'm not looking for a girlfriend. If you're not cool with that, it's totally fine. We can just be friends," he said, his voice low and serious. "I don't want you to feel like I'm taking advantage of you or anything."

Emily nodded, a slow smile spreading across her face. "I’m a big girl, Jake. I know what I’m doing.” Did she though? She was so high and drunk that she may not be capable of making good decisions… but it felt so fucking good. She’d only been with one other guy, her high school sweetheart. She wasn’t exactly experienced. But she had promised herself that she was going to cut loose with no regrets.

“Just enjoy this," she said, her voice steady and sure. “No strings, just this moment.” She leaned in, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss, her body pressing against his as she ground against him.

He pulled her close, his hands roaming her body as they made out passionately. " I want you so bad."

She moaned softly, pressing her hips down into him, her mind a blur of pleasure and desire. “Then take me.”

Jake, his muscles taut with anticipation, effortlessly lifted Emily as if she weighed nothing, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. He stood up, his hands firmly supporting her beneath her thighs, and carried her across the small space, sitting her down on the kitchen counter, the formica cold against her bare skin. He pulled her panties aside, his eyes never leaving hers, a hungry, intense look in his eyes as he positioned himself at her entrance, ready to take her right there on the counter.

Emily lifted her hips slightly, her breath hitching in anticipation. She looked into Jake's eyes, seeing her own desire reflected back at her. She felt a rush of excitement, her body aching with need. Condom, she thought, but didn’t say it as his tip moved barely inside of her. Condoms be damned. She flashed him a playful smile and she wrapped her legs more tightly around Jake's waist, her heels digging into his back, urging him on.

Jake pressed against her, his strong hands gripping her thighs as he held her up effortlessly. She could feel the heat of his erection, the tip pressing against her, and she took a deep, shaky breath, anticipating the moment. When Jake first entered her, Emily's eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan escaping her lips. She felt a mix of pleasure and relief as he filled her, inch by inch, his thickness stretching her not quite uncomfortably, warm inside of her. It was an intense, overwhelming sensation, one that left her breathless and aching for more.

"Oh, God," she whispered, her voice hoarse with desire as she opened her eyes to look at him, her legs tightening around him, urging him deeper. She thought she could feel every vein of his shaft as he moved slowly, deliberately, giving her time to adjust to his size.

He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers, his breath hot on her face as he began to move, his hips rolling in a slow, sensual rhythm. They both looked down, their eyes locked onto the point where their bodies joined, watching as he slowly slid in and out of her, the sight incredibly erotic and intense.

 "You feel so good." His voice was low, his eyes locked onto hers.

Emily moaned, her body trembling with pleasure as she held onto him, her nails digging into his back, her hips moving in sync with his, meeting his thrusts with eager lifts of her own. The sensation was incredible, the friction and pressure building a fire within her, her body aching with need as he moved in and out of her, their breaths coming in sync, their hearts beating as one.

"Fuck, you're so wet," Jake groaned as his hips moved in a steady, relentless rhythm. "And so tight."

Emily moaned, her body trembling with pleasure as she watched him move in and out of her, the visual stimulation heightening her arousal. "Jake," she gasped, her voice breathless and desperate. "Fuck, yes. Don't stop."

Jake moved his head, kissed and sucked at her neck, her collarbone, her breasts, his teeth grazing her sensitive skin, marking her. He pounded into her, his hips moving faster, his breath coming in ragged gasps, their bodies slapping together loudly in the small space of the RV kitchen.

"You like that?" Jake’s words were dirty in her ear. "You like watching me fuck you?"

Emily nodded, her body trembling as she clung to him, her orgasm building with each powerful thrust. She did like it. She liked him talking dirty to her, too. "Yes," she hissed. It was really hot, but she felt dirty saying so. “I'm so close... keep going."

Jake obliged, his hips moving in a frenzied pace, his body tensing as he pounded into her. He could feel her tightening around him, her body convulsing as she neared her climax. With a final, powerful thrust, he sent her over the edge, her cry of pleasure echoing through the RV as she exploded around him. He followed soon after, his own release ripping through him, his seed spilling into her as he groaned her name, his body shaking with the force of his orgasm.

With Jake still deeply inside her, Emily wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, holding him close as he leaned into her, his body pressing against hers. She could feel his heart hammering in his chest, matching the rapid beat of her own. They stayed like that, motionless, their breathing slowing as they came down from the intense high of their passion. Emily's legs were still wrapped around his waist, keeping him locked against her as they just breathed, their foreheads resting against each other, their eyes locked, sharing an intimate, vulnerable moment in the aftermath of their intense encounter.

When she moved her head onto his shoulder and they both relaxed some, spent and breathless, she felt content and happy, her body sated and her mind at ease. She looked toward the back of the RV where the beds were and saw Lisa peeking through the gap in the curtains watching them, a small smile playing on her lips. Emily felt a weird rush of arousal, wondering if Lisa had been watching them the whole time. The thought sent a shiver of excitement down her spine, and she felt a flush creep up her already flushed face. Lisa held her gaze for a moment longer, then disappeared into the darkness beyond the curtain.

Part 3

Spoiler

Emily woke up with a pounding headache and a mouth that tasted like a used dust mop. She groaned, rolling over on the floor where she had eventually passed out, trying to block out the harsh morning light streaming into the RV. Her body ached, and she could feel the remnants of last night's activities – sore muscles, tender skin, and a lingering sensation between her legs that made her stomach flip with a mix of pleasure and worry. She tried to remember – had they used a condom? She couldn't recall, and the thought sent a wave of panic through her. She remembered the intensity, the passion, good god… the size of him, and the sheer abandon with which they had given in to their desires. But had Jake pulled out, or had he come inside her? She found she couldn’t remember, and the uncertainty gnawed at her, adding to her already throbbing headache.

A couple hours, a few Advil, and a few bottles of Gatorade later, the RV rumbled across the Florida border and Emily felt a surge of excitement that helped shake off the remnants of her hangover. The sun was bright, the sky was clear, and the promise of spring break adventures lay ahead. She hopped into the passenger seat and rolled down the window, letting the warm Florida air rush in, filling her lungs and revitalizing her spirit. Emily took a deep breath, her worries about the previous night fading as she embraced the moment. She turned back to her friends and saw faces flushed with excitement and anticipation. It made her feel a rush of camaraderie. This was her time, her adventure, and she was ready to seize every wild, crazy moment that came her way.

In another couple hours, the RV rolled to a stop in a bustling spring break hotspot in Florida, and the door swung open to reveal a chaotic scene of sun, sand, and screaming spring breakers. Emily stepped out, her senses assaulted by the cacophony of music, laughter, and the salty tang of the ocean. She took a deep breath, inhaling the excitement that filled the air. She was no longer the shy, nervous girl who had set out on this journey; she was a changed woman, ready to embrace the wild spirit of spring break.

Her friends spilled out of the RV, already shouting and cheering, their arms loaded with coolers and beach gear. Emily joined in, her voice loud and clear as they made their way to the beach. The sun was blazing, and the sand was hot beneath their feet, but the cool ocean water was a welcome relief. They set up camp, a makeshift party complete with a portable speaker blasting music and a cooler full of ice and beer.

Emily danced and laughed with her friends, her body moving to the beat of the music as she lost herself in movement and joy. She felt alive, free, and completely uninhibited. She headed to the restrooms with Emily, Greg, and Jake. On the way back, she watched as a blonde bombshell with a dazzling smile pulled Jake into a dance. They flirted shamelessly, their bodies pressed together as they danced. Emily felt a pang of something – jealousy, maybe? – but it was fleeting. She knew that Jake wasn’t her boyfriend, but that feeling had surfaced anyway. She reminded herself that in this crazy, free world of spring break, she didn't have to worry about labels or commitments. She could just enjoy the moment and the company of her friends.

As they parted ways with Jake and his new conquest, Emily, Lisa, and Greg and headed back towards their friends' makeshift camp, a group of three guys caught sight of them and whistled appreciatively.

"Hey there, ladies!" one of them called out. "Want to play a game of beer pong with us?"

Lisa grinned and looked at Emily, who shrugged and smiled back. "Why not?" Emily said, feeling a surge of excitement.

They followed the guys to their table under a multi-colored tent, where red solo cups were set up at either end. The rules were simple: each team had to bounce a ping pong ball off the table and into the cups at the opposite end. If a ball went into one of the cups on your end, you drank the beer in it. The first team to clear all the cups on the other end won.

One of the guys, a tall, dark-haired stranger named Alex, caught Emily's eye and smiled. "These guys are pushovers," he said, his voice low and encouraging. “You’re going to do great.”

Emily felt a flush creep up her cheeks as she smiled back at him, suddenly nervous and excited. She stepped up to the end of the table beside Lisa with Greg cheering them on from the sidelines. They took their positions, ping pong balls in hand, and faced their opponents. Alex stood nearby, cheering them on enthusiastically.

"Come on, you got this!" he shouted, his eyes never leaving Emily.

To their amazement, both balls bounced perfectly and landed in the cups. The crowd around them cheered, and Emily and Lisa high-fived, grinning from ear to ear. Alex whooped and hollered, his face lit up with excitement.

"That's my girl!" he shouted, winking at Emily, then he turned to one of the guys at the other end of the table. “She’s going to take you down, Scotty!”

And she did. Her and Lisa won quickly, and then beat the next team to step up. Opponent after opponent fell to an inexplicable winning streak. No one could beat them, and the crowd grew wilder and more rowdy with each victory. Alex stayed by their side, cheering them on and flirting with Emily between games. She found herself drawn to him, his charm and confidence making her heart flutter.

As the night wore on, the games continued, and Emily and Lisa's winning streak showed no signs of stopping. Alex's attention was intensely focused on Emily, and she could feel the chemistry between them growing with each passing moment. She found herself stealing glances at him; his flirtatious advances were starting to feel good. Finally, as they prepared to face their final opponents, Alex leaned in close to Emily.

"You're amazing, you know that?" he said, his wide grin infectious. "I've never seen anyone run a table like this."

Emily felt a shiver run down her spine but tried to ignore it. "Thanks," she said. "I think you bring me luck."

He grinned, his eyes bright. "Then let's keep the streak going," he said, giving her a gentle squeeze before stepping back to cheer them on.

They took their positions and began the final game. The crowd was wild, their cheers and shouts drowning out the music as they watched the intense showdown. Emily and Lisa bounced shot after shot, their movements synchronized as they danced and joked, not taking this even remotely seriously.

In the end, it was Emily who sank the final shot, the ball bouncing wildly off the table and into the last remaining cup. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Lisa threw her arms around Emily, their bodies pressed together as they celebrated their hard-earned victory.

"We fucking did it, Em!" Lisa shouted, her voice hoarse from cheering. "We're the beer pong champions!"

Emily stepped back from Lisa, grinning stupidly. They had both had too much to drink, and were grinning and dancing as people shouted congratulations and screamed for the Beer Pong Queens. Alex rushed over, sweeping Emily up into a tight hug, his lips capturing hers in a passionate kiss. She kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck. The crowd cheered and whistled, their voices a blur of sound as Alex spun Emily around in the air.

When they finally pulled away, Lisa was grinning at them, her eyes shining with playful amusement. She winked at Emily, then at Alex, and then practically threw herself at them in a big hug.

As the night wore on, Emily found herself dancing with both Alex and Lisa, their bodies pressed together as they moved to the beat of the music. She felt a rush of excitement, her body responding to their touches as she lost herself in the moment. When she met Alex’s gaze, she saw her own desire reflected back. She felt a wave of embarrassment, but also a spark of excitement, maybe even hunger. She wanted more, and she knew that the night was far from over.

Part 4

Spoiler

As Emily and Alex walked towards his hotel room, the night air was warm and thick with anticipation. The sound of their footsteps on the pavement was drowned out by the distant hum of the spring break party, a relentless pulse of music and laughter that seemed to follow them everywhere.

"Where do you go to school?" Alex asked, his voice casual and friendly. “And where are you from?”

Emily nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I got to Penn, but I'm from New York. Not the city part, the cow part."

Alex laughed. "That’s a common misconception. I’m from Boston, so I get it. People assume New York City if you say New York. I go to school down here, University of Florida. I wanted sun and warmth." Alex flashed her a smile that made her stomach flutter. "What's your major?"

Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "I'm in the BSE program in Artificial Intelligence. I'm going for my PhD in Machine Learning."

Alex whistled softly. "Damn. You must be a smart girl. That's cutting-edge stuff. I'm going for my MBA, but Artificial Intelligence… damn. That’s impressive."

But Emily was only half paying attention. Her mind was racing through a million questions. Am I going to his hotel room to have sex? Is that who I am on this trip? The wild, carefree girl who hooks up with guys she just met?

They reached the hotel, and Alex led her inside, his hand lightly touching the small of her back. The gesture sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. His room was on the second floor, and as they stepped inside, Emily took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The room was dimly lit, with a two queen-size beds taking up most of the space. There was a small table by the window with two chairs, a desk, and a dresser with a big tv on it. Clothes, empty cups and beer cans, chip bags, and pizza boxes were everywhere.

Alex closed the door behind them and turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. "You, uh… want to get high? My roommate left me some pretty good stuff."

Emily nodded, trying to act nonchalant. "Sure, why not?"

Alex pulled out a small baggie of joints from the dresser drawer and took one out. Emily’s mind was still racing. Maybe I should just go with the flow. Who cares if I have sex with him? It's just a fling, right?

They sat on the edge of the bed, passing the joint back and forth, the smoke curling around them, filling the room with a sweet, earthy scent. Emily took a few hits, eventually felt the now familiar buzz spread through her body, relaxing her muscles and calming her nerves.

"So, tell me more about Emily," Alex said, leaning in closer, his eyes locked on hers.

Emily took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "There's not much to tell. I'm just a regular girl, trying to find my way in the world."

Alex smiled, his hand reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nope. Not buying it. Regular girls don’t rule the beer pong table all night and major in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. You’re a different kind of girl. I bet if I could get you talking you’d prove to be passionate and know what you want."

Do I? Emily wondered, her heart pounding. Do I know what I want?

Before she could answer, Alex leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, and he pulled back quick.

“Did I misread the moment? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

Emily laughed. “Relax. I came back to your hotel room with you, right? It wasn’t for milk and cookies.”

“You don’t want my cookies?” Alex feigned disappointment and made her laugh again.

She liked that. She liked a guy who could make her laugh. She leaned in and kissed him this time. It started just as light as the first time, but quickly deepened, becoming more urgent and passionate. Emily wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

His hands explored her body, tracing the curve of her waist, the small of her back, sending shivers down her spine. Emily could feel the heat between them, the electricity that crackled in the air. Oh my God, she thought. This is happening. I’m going to sleep with a guy I just met.

As they kissed, Alex's hands began to wander, exploring every curve and contour of Emily's body. She could feel his confidence growing, his touches becoming more assured and purposeful. He gently pushed her back onto the bed, his body hovering over hers as he continued to kiss her, his tongue dancing with hers in a rhythm that made her head spin. Slowly, he began to trail kisses down her neck, his hands cupping her breasts, his thumbs circling her nipples through the thin fabric of her shirt. Emily arched her back, pressing into his touch, a soft moan escaping her lips. She could feel the heat building between her legs, a throbbing ache that demanded attention.

Alex seemed to sense her need, his kisses moving lower, his hands deftly unbuttoning her shorts. He pulled them down slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, a silent question in his gaze. Emily nodded, giving him permission, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of her panties, pulling them down as well, his movements slow and deliberate. He took a moment to admire her, his eyes dark with desire.

Her face reddened with embarrassment. She’d never had anyone sit there looking at her girly bits. It was… weird. Then he leaned down, his breath hot against her inner thigh, and she felt a fresh wave of embarrassment wash over her, her body trembling with a mix of nerves and excitement. Alex started slow, his tongue tracing gentle patterns on her inner thigh, teasing her, building her anticipation. He looked up at her, a small, uncertain smile on his lips, as if seeking her approval.

Emily couldn’t do it. She worried she’d taste bad, like old fish, or… or… whatever it was that girl parts tasted like. She wanted him, but not like that. She couldn’t… her hands reached down to tangle in his hair and pulled him up to kiss her, barely giving him a moment down there. She started to apologize, her voice small and quiet as she whispered against his lips, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, I just... "

Alex kissed her to quiet her, then pulled back to look at her. "It's okay. We won’t do anything you don’t want to do," he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

Emily kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. She could feel the heat between them and a part of her wondered if she should offer him the same thing he’d offered her... should she give him a blowjob? She’d never actually done that before. Maybe him offering to do it for her was his way of telling her what he wanted.

Alex broke the kiss and Emily looked at him, his eyes locked on hers, a smile playing on his lips. She felt a rush of emotion, a mix of gratitude and desire, and she knew that she wanted to do that for him. She wanted to feel him in her mouth, to do something with him she’d never done before. Should I do that? She wondered, her eyes tracing the contours of his face, his body. Does he expect that? Is that what he wants?

Alex seemed to sense her inner turmoil, his smile fading, replaced by a look of concern. "Emily, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Emily nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to sort through her thoughts. "I am. I just... I want to make sure you're happy too."

Alex's face lit up as he stood, pulling off his shirt, his smile returning, wider and more genuine this time. "I am happy, Emily. More than happy. But if you want to make me even happier..." he trailed off, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Emily took that as her cue. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands reaching for his belt, her fingers fumbling with the buckle in her haste. Alex helped her as she pulled his pants down, his boxers following suit. His erection sprang free, hard and ready, surprising her, and Emily took a moment to admire it, her heart pounding in her chest.

She started slow, her hand wrapping around the base of his shaft, her tongue tentatively licking the tip. She could taste the saltiness of his pre-cum, and she heard Alex's sharp intake of breath, his hips bucking slightly. Emboldened, she took him fully into her mouth, her head bobbing up and down, her hand moving in tandem with her mouth.

Alex's hands found their way into her hair, his fingers tangling in the strands, guiding her, urging her on. She could feel his pleasure, his desire, and it spurred her own, her body responding to his, her movements becoming more confident, more assured.

She looked up at him, her eyes locked on his, and she could see the raw desire in his gaze, the pleasure that she was giving him. It empowered her, made her feel sexy, desirable, and she redoubled her efforts, her mouth and hand working in unison, her tongue swirling around the sensitive tip of his cock.

Alex's breath came in short, sharp gasps, his hips bucking in time with her movements, his fingers tightening in her hair. She could feel him getting close, his body tensing, his breaths coming faster, and she knew that he was on the edge. But just as suddenly, he pulled her off, his hands gripping her shoulders, his eyes wild with desire.

"I want to be inside you," he growled, his voice hoarse with need. "I want to feel you, all of you."

Emily nodded, a slow smile spreading across her face as she leaned back and he climbed atop her. His held himself up with an arm to either side of her and she felt small under him. Her eyes locked on his as she reached down to take hold of him and slowly, deliberately, guide him into her. He moved slowly, an inch at a time, pulling back out to move in a little deeper each time. He moved slowly, inch by inch, until he was fully sheathed inside of her. It was intense, and she took a moment to just breathe, to just feel.

Alex started to move, his hips thrusting, pushing, his body taking control. He set a steady, relentless pace, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, his eyes never leaving hers. Emily could feel the pleasure building, the friction and pressure sending waves of sensation through her body.

But she wanted more. She wanted to be in control, to explore this newfound confidence and desire. "Alex," she whispered, her voice hoarse with need. "I wanted to be on top."

A slow smile spread across Alex's face, and he obliged, rolling them over smoothly, keeping himself sheathed inside her. Emily straddled him, her body adjusting to the new position, her hands planting on his chest for leverage.

She took a moment to savor the feeling of being in control, of having him at her mercy. Then, slowly, she began to move, starting with a gentle grind, rolling her hips in a circular motion, taking her time, savoring every second. She could feel Alex's hands on her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh, but he let her set the pace, his eyes locked on hers, mirroring the intensity of her own gaze.

Emily leaned back, her hands resting on his thighs for support, and started to ride him in earnest, her movements slow and deliberate at first, a sensual dance meant to drive them both wild. She could feel him hitting all the right spots, the friction building, the pleasure coiling tight in her belly.

"Holy shit," Alex groaned, his head falling back, his eyes closed, a look of pure ecstasy on his face. "You’re so good."

His words spurred her on, and she picked up the pace slightly, still keeping it slow and deliberate, but adding a slight bounce to her movements, taking him deeper, harder. She could feel the sweat beading on her brow, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps, but she didn't rush. She had all the time in the world, and she was going to make the most of it. She wanted to memorize every second, every sensation, every look that passed between them.

She pushed off his thighs, leaning forward again, hands on his chest. Alex's hands left her hips, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her down to him, his lips finding hers in a passionate, hungry kiss. She could taste the desperation in it, the need, and she knew that he was close, that he was on the edge.

She didn't let up. She kept moving, her body taking over, her instincts guiding her as she rode him, her hips rolling, her body gyrating, her inner muscles clenching around him, milking him, drawing out his pleasure, his desire.

"Oh God," he groaned again, his voice a warning, a plea. "I’m close. So close."

She smiled against his lips, her movements becoming more urgent, more insistent, matching the rhythm of his heartbeat, the desperation in his voice as she studied his face. He was somewhere else, his mind and body disappearing down a path that had only one end. She could feel her own orgasm building, the pressure in her belly coiling tighter, the pleasure spreading through her body like wildfire.

And then, with a deep thrust, Alex came, his body tensing, his fingers digging into her flesh, his lips capturing her cry of surprise and pleasure as she joined him, her body convulsing, her inner muscles clamping down on him, milking him for all he was worth. She hadn’t expected to come when he did, seemingly because he did, but it had happened, and it was truly amazing. She rode the waves until the sensations subsided, and when it was over, she laughed in amazement and then lay her head down on his shoulder.

They stayed like that, their bodies entwined, breathing in ragged gasps, hearts pounding, their sweat-slicked bodies shivering with the aftermath of their passion. Emily could feel Alex's release, the warmth of it inside her, and she knew that future Emily was going to have a panic attack about the lack of a condom. But she had given her first blowjob and kind of liked it, and she’d made him come. She was sexy enough, she was woman enough to make that happen, and that knowledge sent a wave of satisfaction through her, leaving her smiling against his chest as lifted herself off of him, feeling him fall out of her, and then slid down to lie beside him, arms and legs wrapped around his, head on his shoulder. She felt exhausted, sated, and completely, utterly happy.

 

Half an hour later, Emily still lay beside Alex, her body still tingling with the remnants of their passion. As she traced her fingertip over his chest, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She looked at him, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath, and she smiled softly. Spring break was about flings and fun, she told herself, her decision made. I'm not going to overthink this. I'm going to enjoy the moment and not worry about what it means.

With a final, lingering look at Alex, she slowly and quietly extracted herself from his embrace. She gathered her clothes, dressing quickly and silently. She didn't want to wake him, didn't want the awkward goodbyes or the uncertain promises of seeing each other again. As she slipped on her shoes, she took one last look at Alex, committing his sleeping form to memory. This was fun, she thought, a small smile playing on her lips. And I'm going to remember it just as it is, a spring break fling, a night of passion, a story to tell.

With that, she turned and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. The hotel hallway was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of non-stop spring break parties, a relentless pulse that seemed to follow her everywhere.

Emily took a deep breath, steeling herself for the night ahead. She knew she had to get back to the RV, to her friends, to the rest of her spring break adventure. And as she walked away, she felt a sense of liberation, of empowerment. She was embracing the carefree spirit of spring break, the freedom to explore, to experience, to let go.

This is who I am this week, she told herself, her steps light and confident. I'm the girl who has fun, who takes risks, who lives in the moment. And I'm not going to apologize for it.

With a final glance back at Alex's door, she turned the corner and disappeared into the night, ready to face whatever came next, her heart light, her spirit free, and memories of Alex etched forever in her mind.

Either the beginning of Part 5 or an Epilogue, maybe?

Spoiler

Emily made her way back through the now-quiet streets, the earlier bustle of spring break revelers having dissipated as parties moved into hotel rooms and private spaces. The public areas were much less crowded, and the usual cacophony of music and laughter had faded to a distant hum. She walked with a spring in her step, feeling a mix of exhilaration and freedom after her encounter with Alex.

As she approached the area where the RV was parked, she slowed her pace, her brows furrowing in confusion as she looked around. The RV was nowhere to be seen. She turned in a circle, scanning the area, her heart beginning to pound with a rising sense of panic. Where could they have gone? She wondered, her eyes darting from one empty spot to another.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Maybe they just moved it to another spot, she told herself, but the unease in her stomach persisted. She walked further, her steps quickening as she searched for any sign of her friends or the RV.

As she rounded a corner, she realized with a jolt of panic that she had left her phone in the RV. The absence of her phone added a layer of isolation to her predicament; she had no way to contact her friends, no way to let them know she was looking for them. She felt a brief surge of panic, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

What if they left without me? She thought, her heart sinking. No, they wouldn’t do that… clearly something happened and they had to move the RV. Cops or something.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Think, Emily, think, she told herself. You can figure this out.

She retraced her steps in her mind, checked the landmarks she could see, making sure she was in the right spot. She scanned the much thinner crowd for any familiar faces. She was getting her panic under control now as she reminded herself that her friends knew she was out here. They would come looking for her once they realized she wasn't with them in the RV. She decided to head back to the main thoroughfare, where the crowds were thicker, and hope to spot someone she recognized.

As she walked, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for sneaking out on Alex. Maybe I should have woken him up, said goodbye properly, she thought, but she quickly shook the thought away. No, this is spring break. It's about letting go and living in the moment, and maybe that means getting lost to find what I really need. With a renewed sense of… wonder? Curiosity? Whatever it was, she was determined to leave worry behind, to live in the moment, including taking whatever this was, being lost and alone. This was her ticket to something new, something she’d never experienced before.