Wanting to stay.

There was something sweet in the air today, I could smell a floral essence somewhere.

As my legs carried me to my favorite spot on the small island, up the hill, looking out over the ocean.

I took a moment to breath, then started my Yoga practice.

Since we had been all alone, we rarely wore clothes. I was wearing my purple lace panties and a matching purple tank top.

The floral scent filled my nostrils once again. I recall that smell when I was a child.

I had found some delicate orchids growing in the forest. It reminded me of a time when I was at my happiest.

I reached up in a sun salutation stretching my arms up like I was holding a giant beach ball, then folding over to scrape the ground.

I went down to the ground and back up in a series of movements that left me out of breath.

Mmmm...I had forgotten how good it felt to move my body this way.

As I finished up I took several deep cleansing breaths and inhaled the rich vanilla, jasmine and herbal mix of those orchids nearby. I felt safe here.

Releasing my long brown hair from a band, I let it hang loose around my shoulders and back.

Somewhere down by the water, I heard a chopping noise.

Eivan was cutting up firewood to replenish the supply that we had gone through during our stay here. We were already making plans to come back once we left.

I slowly made my way back to the cabin, my feet crossing over eachother as I walked in the warm sand.

" What's all this?" I said looking up surprised as Tommy held out a light yellow sun dress for me to put on.

There was a newly made trellis covered in beautiful white and pink orchids. It arched over the path that led to the cabin door.

Eivan was just putting the last of the flowers onto it. He gave me a warm smile.

Both men were wearing fairly clean clothes and had even pulled their hair back neatly.

Eivan had placed a white napkin over his arm, Tommy gestured to a small table with one single chair.

A candle was in the center, it's flame dancing in the breeze.

" Welcome to Paradise Cafe. Please madam, have a seat." Eivan pulled out my chair.

Tommy went to the fire and removed the lid on something that smelled wonderful.

" For your dining pleasure madam, grilled snapper and wild mushrooms."

Tommy took the food and placed it onto my plate.

"Bon appetite." He said as he stepped back.

Eivan poured the wine.

" Pinot grigio for the lady." He held the bottle of whiskey for me to inspect, I pretended it was wine.

" Very nice." I smiled as I put it to my lips and sipped.

Both men served me like I was a royal princess.

I ate the food with gusto, having built up an appetite the past few days.

Then a soft sound came from the cabin. My mother's old turn table record player. It was playing the beach Boys, one of my favorites too, Kokomo.

Aruba, Jamaica, ooh, I wanna take ya

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

Key Largo, Montego

Baby, why don't we go?

Jamaica come on let me take ya.

Tommy sang to me. His voice was crazy good. I watched as he walked under the trellis and held his hand out to me to join him for a dance. Our first dance.

I stood up and went into his arms as he sang the song to me alone.

We swayed to the music as our bodies pressed together fitting perfectly, of course he was much taller than my 5'7" frame.

I would say at least 6' 3" But I didn't mind having to crank my head back to look up at him.

The smell of those flowers and the soft wind captivated me.

My wavy hair was gently blowing around my face.

Once the song ended, Eivan sauntered over to me. He took me from Tommy and swayed with me to the sound of the crashing waves.

No music needed. I danced to the movement as he led me.

" This is our last night here. We decided to make it your night love. We want you to remember this night." his voice was deep and sensual to my ears.

The sun was setting soon so we all held hands and walked to the beach.

I sat between Eivan's legs as he held hands with Tommy.

They glanced at eachother over my head. I felt so happy that they were finally content and in a good place.

Life was going to change for us soon. I wasn't even sure that Adam wouldn't try something.

He wasn't one to give up on something he put his mind to.

My stomach flipped thinking about everything as I got nervous.

"We won't let anyone take you from us ever again beautiful." Tommy ran his hands through my hair.

I nodded as I bit my lip.

I wasn't so sure. I also needed to tell them that I slept with Adam. I was scared that they would be angry with me.

I honestly was angry with myself. But I had dealt with Adam's s****l pressure before.

I knew he would have forced me, I knew it in my gut.

Especially after that slap in the dean's office. They didn't know about that either.

All of these things circled my mind. I wondered if I could just stay behind and stay here instead.

If I could somehow convince them to leave me behind, I think it would be for the best.

I felt safe here.

***********

The sun dipped behind the horizon as the sky went from orange to dark blue.

I was wringing my hands, thinking about Adam.

And...what about Ronald Parsons being out of prison.

I grabbed the old bottle of whiskey and took two quick shots.

The boys were busy talking about football season and school.

They were packing their things as I sat by the campfire and drank.

I didn't have much to pack. But I had already convinced myself I was staying on the island.

Once the boys realized I was still outside they both came out to get me for bed.

I stared into the fire, fairly drunk now.

" Well, you two all packed then?" I slurred.

Tommy sat me on his lap as he took my spot.

" You ok babe?" he ran his hand through my hair.

I bit my twisted lip.

" I am ok." I lied.

" Then why all the booze?" Eivan asked, taking the bottle from me and throwing a drink back.

" I slept with Adam when we were in the hotel." I said flatly, staring ahead.

" You what?" Eivan spit out his drink.

" He came to my bed and I knew, I knew he would force me so I pretended to..." I trailed off.

Tommy kissed my cheek.

" Awe babe, I'm so sorry. Why didnt you tell us? Were you afraid?" he asked, knowing I'd never sleep with Adam otherwise.

I nodded. My eyes filled with tears, knowing they were disappointed in me.

Like when I told my family about what Ronald had been doing to me. They were disappointed.

Eivan took my hand and kissed it.

"He called me a w***e and slapped me in the face when we were in the dean's office." I admitted.

"What the f**k?" they both said.

"What did the dean do?" Eivan asked as he held his fist tightly in anger.

" Nothing, I think she was just as frightened of him as I was. He threatened...."