Chapter 7

Talking in my room seemed not a good idea at all, so away from the confines of my room, we found ourselves beneath the oak tree in the backyard, a few meters away from the house. The evening air was crisp and fresh, while the bright moonlight was bright enough to see our faces. Despite the refreshing air, the tension between us remained the same.

Standing and facing each other, I looked at them in the eye. Once and for all, this had to be cleared out. “This has to stop,” I said, and I felt like their stares pierced through me.

Carl nodded in agreement, leaning casually against the tree. “Yeah, it’s gone on long enough.”

Caleb crossed his arms, his expression hardening. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s time to put an end to this.”

“Right.” I shot back, frustration bubbling within me. “If you continue fighting just because of me, let’s end this. That’s what you both want anyway.”

“That’s for the best.” Carl sighed, narrowing his eyes. I couldn’t read his expression.

Caleb’s expression mirrored Carl’s, his tone sharp. “It’s not fair to any of us. Keeping you this close is impossible. Fuck friendship.”

I gasped sharply at Caleb’s words, feeling like my heart sank to the ground. I intended to talk to them to end their misunderstanding, not our friendship.

“I’ve had enough, Sasha. I can’t be your friend, either. I can’t give you what you want.” Carl said, making me recoil as if physically struck.

“Is that it?” my voice trembled, casting my eyes to the ground. I had this feeling it would come to this. Even if I didn’t want to admit it, the time would always come to this. “I understand though. I know we can’t keep up with this anymore. I’m sorry that I have been making this difficult for both of you. You guys don’t need—”

“—Date me, Sasha.” Caleb cut me, making me look at him. He looked determined and serious.

“Date you”?

“If you date Caleb, you’ll have to try me as well, Sasha. No more friendship. We can stop this friend Zone thing. I want the real one.”

" We’ve tried it before. It didn’t work.”

“Because we were still friends,” Caleb cocked his head to the side. “This time, no more friendship. If we don’t work. We separate ways. That’s the end of it.”

Carl nodded his head.

“Date you. Date both of you.” I repeated, incredulous. “Isn’t that crazy? Look at yourselves, busted lip, bruised cheek? I don’t want any more fighting. You’re asking me to choose between you like it’s some kind of game.”

“It’s not a game, Sasha. We’re serious. We want to give this a real shot.” Caleb’s expression remained resolute.

“We’re not going to fight again.” Carl firmed. “If you give us a chance, we promise there won’t be jealousy. No fight between us.”

The proposition left me speechless, my mind reeling with different emotions hard to resist.

But...why not try this time?

I couldn’t keep the idea out of my mind despite my attempts to push it away. The thought of dating both Caleb and Carl again seemed absurd and reckless, but a part of me couldn’t deny the excitement that dawdled in the pit of my stomach. What if it could work? What if we could find a way to make it work without chaos and jealousy?

I was confused, but I found myself drawn to the possibility of exploring something unconventional with the two men who were important people in my life.

So, against my better judgment, I agreed to give it a try.

The market was bustling, and the vibrant array of stalls caught my attention. I could also scent the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and the earthy scent of ripe fruits and vegetables. This seemed different from the city. I liked the scent of the place and the atmosphere. I liked it. Caleb should have come with us to see this, but he chose the company of the horses.

I got so engrossed checking for fruits that I didn’t notice Carl already disappeared somewhere. Perhaps, he went into one of the shops around. He said he had to buy some tools and stuff for the farm. He knew this place better than I did, so he knew where to find me.

I began to weave my way through the throngs of people, checking each stall I passed. This was fun. A simple kind of fun. I ventured further into the maze-like labyrinth of the market, and the crowds grew denser. The narrow alleys seemed to stretch endlessly before me, and I felt a bit disoriented. It looked chaotic twists and turns.

Panic began to claw at the edges of my mind as I realized that I had lost my way. I searched my phone, and shit, I left it in the car. Frantically, I tried to go back, but I stopped. Where exactly?

Desperation surged within me as I continued to wander aimlessly through the maze-like market, my heart pounding in my chest as I struggled to find my way back. Carl, where are you?

“Excuse me,” a woman called out. “Are you lost? Sorry, but you look lost.”

Startled, I turned towards her, relief flooding through me that I could ask someone. “Yes. Yes. I’ve been trying to find my way back, but I seem to have gotten turned around.”

The woman offered me a sympathetic smile. “Don’t worry, I know this market like the back of my hand. I can help you.”

Grateful, I stepped beside her. As she led the way, I couldn’t help but observe her. She looked just about my age. She was shorter and pretty. Her short black hair suited her. Even in jeans, she looked attractive.

“Thank you so much,” I said, keeping up with her stride.

“No need to thank me,” she said kindly. “We all get lost sometimes. Just remember to keep your wits about you, and you’ll always find your way home.”

“Actually, I’m not from around here.”

“Ah, I see. Visiting?”

“Yes, my boyfriend lives here, and I am here for a few days. He’s off buying supplies for the farm, and I thought I’d explore the market while he’s busy.”

“Well, you certainly picked an interesting place to explore,” she smirked proudly.

“That’s for sure. I just didn’t expect to get so turned around.”

The woman laughed. “Don’t worry, happens to the best of us. But you’re in luck – I know this place like the back of my hand. Where did you last see your boyfriend?”

“Around the fruit stalls area.”

“Alright, let’s head that way then,” the woman replied, leading the way. “We’ll find him in no time.”

As we weaved through the crowd, the woman engaged me in light conversation, asking about my visit to the town and sharing tidbits about the place. Her easygoing demeanor put me at ease, and before long, I found myself enjoying our conversation. She mentioned a festival in a week and invited me.

Finally, we emerged into a clearing near the fruit stalls. And there, I immediately spotted Carl. He stood there, his brows furrowed as he looked around. But before I could call him, the woman next to me screeched excitedly, and ran to him, calling his name. “Carl!”

My heart sank as the woman jumped on him, looping her arms around his neck. Did she just push her chest against his chest? A while ago, I was thankful for her, but now, I felt like snapping her neck.

I felt a surge of jealousy rising from the pit of my stomach as I watched the easy familiarity between them. I knew he didn’t notice me as he laughed with her. She was excitedly telling him something inaudible to my ears without letting my Carl go.

My feet slowly walked to where they stood, and just as my eyes dropped to the woman’s hands around Carl’s arm, he noticed me.

“Pumpkin, you worried me.” He said, and the woman looked at me, this time, her eyes held a surprise.

“You know her?” she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension, then, she gasped. ” Oh, Carl’s your boyfriend?” her hands slowly let go of his.

“Yes, he is,” I replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

Carl looked at me, an emotion crossing his eyes before it was gone in a second. A grin stretched his lips. “Sasha, this is Antonette. I called her Tony,” he said. “We grew up together before I moved to the city.”

Right, we didn’t even introduce ourselves.

“What a coincidence. She lost her way, Carl. Glad I was there to bring back your damsel.” She said, and I felt a weird emotion creeping into her tone. The friendliness in her eyes was gone as well. “It’s nice to meet you, Sasha.”

“Likewise, Antonette,” I nodded curtly. Smiling, I looped my arm into Carl’s. “Thank you for your help. I hope to see you around.”

Her eyes lingered on my hand for a moment. “Sure, I would love to hang out with you. How about that festival? Carl will bring you there for sure.”

Carl seemed to tense up before he replied. “We’ll be there.”

I watched her disappear into an alley.

On the way back, Carl whistled, looking happy, his eyes focused on the road as he drove. I wondered why. Was he thrilled to see that woman?

“Is that woman special, Carl?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light despite the unease swirling in my gut. “You seem thrilled.”

He glanced at me, a bemused expression on his face. “Special? Tony?” he chuckled. “Nah, she’s just an old friend. Haven’t seen her in years.” His jaw clenched. I knew when he lied. We may only have been friends for a few years, but I knew when he lied.

“Old friend, huh?” I echoed, trying to sound nonchalant. “Looked like you were having quite the reunion back there.” I raised an eyebrow.

He laughed, shaking his head. “Come on, Sasha. You know me better than that. Tony’s just... Tony.”

“You’re lying, Carl.” His smile faltered. “You’re right I knew you better. You never told me you had a childhood friend. When Caleb and I went with you here, many times, you had never mentioned her.”

“I didn’t think it was a big deal, Sasha. Tony and I haven’t really kept in touch over the years.”

“Well, it seems like she’s kept you in mind,” I retorted, unable to hide the edge in my voice. “The way she was hanging onto you back there.”

He was silent for a moment before he glanced at me. We were almost home. “We had sex before.” And that blasted in my ears. “On the eve of HarvestHaven Festival. She seduced me and said she liked me. We were young and impulsive. What happened happened.”

“Thank you for your honesty.” I took a deep breath, relieved to know that I was right. The change in the air around her and the look in her eyes told me she wanted her.

“That’s it?”

His question made me look at him. “Do you expect me to rejoice?”

“I’d expect you’d glare at me or get angry.”

I chuckled. “No, I won’t do that. We all have the past. I had sex once when I was young.”

The car suddenly pulled to a stop which made me feel a jolt in my stomach.

His eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, there was silence between us. “You did?” he asked, his voice low and incredulous.

“I did when I was 15. I was curious.”

“You did not tell us?”

“I didn’t think it was relevant,” I replied defensively. “It’s not like it’s something I’m proud of. And I’m telling you now, aren’t I?” I sighed. “What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal is honesty, Sasha. I thought you trusted us enough to tell us everything.”

“I do trust you, Carl. I trust Caleb,” I insisted. “But some things are just... difficult to talk about. Why would I even share with you that I lost my cherry when I was 15, and it sucked?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Next time, don’t keep things from me.”