Poison Rose of Avalon

Liora jumped out of bed, quickly discarding the swimsuit as if shedding an awkward second skin and changing back to her favourite previous outfit, a red high-neck top paired with loose blue jeans.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she typed out a message to Daran, feeling guilty.

"I'm not comfortable swimming. Can we do something else?" The send button felt heavier than it should have.

'I hope Daran doesn't cancel on me,' Liora fretted.

She had one friend in the entire school who wished to go swimming with her, and now she was backing out, not wanting to upset Caspian. It felt like a mess of tangled priorities.

Liora was starting to grasp a sliver of reality. Who knew juggling friends and a boyfriend could be a brutal sport? Not that she had much experience in this arena, of course.

But then her mind danced to Caspian specifically, the way he called her 'My beautiful Ora.' That phrase alone brought a smile to her face, allowing her to brush off the unsettling word 'the doll' that seemed to follow.

A soft giggle escaped her lips as she nibbled on her lower lip, a rush of delight washing over her.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her from her flitting thoughts. Relief flooded her chest, reading Daran's reply. He wasn't upset. Instead, his message made her smile: "Let's explore!"

Daran wasn't like the others. He wasn't just tolerating her. He was proving he truly cherished their friendship.

***

They strolled along the lakeside, and gentle ripples reflected the clouds overhead. And a narrow path stretched out ahead, disappearing into a dense forest that climbed toward the mountains.

The crunch of gravel beneath their shoes was the only sound, aside from the occasional rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze. Liora's eyes drifted to the mountains, the peaks hidden in mist.

"Who's in your family?" Daran's voice cut through the quiet, as natural as if it had been waiting for the right moment to surface.

"My mother and I," Liora replied softly, her gaze fixed ahead, avoiding his.

They had never really talked about their personal life before. Their encounters at school were limited to discussions about teachers, books, and assignments and quietly venting their frustrations about bullies.

"And your father?" His question was tentative, his eyes searching her face for any sign of hesitation, making him curious why she did not mention her father.

Liora's steps faltered. Her hand brushed a stray strand of hair from her face as she spoke in a barely audible tone, "He's… gone."

Daran slowed his pace to match hers. "I'm sorry. I did not know. If I may... can I dare to ask what happened?"

Her chest tightened, her hands curling into fists. Liora's lips parted, but the words were trapped behind a knot in her throat.

The air around then felt noticeably colder. "He... he was..." Her words faltered like her steps, and she struggled to take another step.

The cherished memories of her father rushed over like a mighty tide, followed by his final days.

"You don't have to say a thing, Liora. I shouldn't have pried," his voice gentle, realising his mistake.

Before he could steer the conversation away, Liora blurted out, "He was murdered."

The raw bitterness underlying her words struck like a sharp note in an otherwise calm melody. She hadn't planned to say it, but the truth spilled out, stark and unfiltered.

Daran froze. "Murdered? Liora, I—" He stumbled over his words, unable to process what he heard.

"It was my uncle," she continued, her tone colder now, each word coated with venom.

Daran's eyes widened in shock. "Your... uncle?" The word came out like a bitter taste he couldn't swallow.

She nodded sharply, "Yes, my father's younger brother. He destroyed everything. He killed my father." Her tone hardened. "I'll find him one day,"

"What will you do when you find him?" Daran asked carefully, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.

Liora seemed so fragile and carefree; she had an enchanting spark of light, making her appear almost ethereal and witnessing, in a matter of moment, another side to her, a side tinged with something far from bright; that thought unsettled him.

"Maybe kill him." Those words had no innocence or hint of hesitation. It was as if Liora had transformed into something unrecognizable, a vessel possessed by a dark force.

The intensity in her words sent a chill through Daran, but he quickly masked his reaction.

"Sometimes holding on to the past only makes the wounds deeper. Don't you think?"

Her gaze snapped to his, defiant yet hollow. "Letting go doesn't bring my father back. I will do what our legal system failed to do."

Daran held back from pressing further. What he saw was a daughter standing before him, deeply scarred and seeking justice for her father, something the adults had let slip away. He nodded, respecting the storm raging inside her.

As they continued walking, the tension between them slowly eased, but there was still a weight in the air. After a moment, Liora's voice softened, almost as if she needed to shift the focus away from her own pain.

"What about you?" she asked abruptly.

"I'm an orphan," he replied simply, his voice devoid of bitterness, as if he had long since made peace with the fact.

Liora stopped in her tracks, her head tilting as she turned to him. "You're… what?"

"I've been at the orphanage since I was born. This scholarship is the reason I'm here."

Her face flushed with guilt. How could she have been so absorbed in her own struggles that she hadn't learned such a significant detail about him?

Could it be that they were both concealing their troubled pasts? Perhaps that's why they never ventured into the family discussions.

"Sorry, I did not know," she murmured, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

"It's fine," he said with a faint smile. "I don't really talk about it."

"Aren't you curious about your parents?" she asked hesitantly.

Daran shook his head. "What's the point? They made their choice, and I've made mine. Life goes on."

His words left Liora momentarily speechless. She glanced away, the faint sounds of the forest filling the void between them. There was a quiet strength in his acceptance, a strength she wasn't sure she had.

They continued walking and soon reached the base of the mountain. The slopes were adorned with a lush carpet of wildflowers, vibrant shades of poppies and anemones.

The sound of trickling streams fed by the melting snow from higher altitudes. Butterflies danced from flower to flower, adding splashes of colour to the already picturesque landscape. 

In the distance, the peaks of the mountain were still dusted with the remnants of winter snow, gleaming in the sunlight. The sight of the mountains in spring was a feast for the senses.

The whole place looked like a renowned painter had painted the masterpiece of his life. Liora wanted to capture that scenery in her memory to keep it secure till her last breath.

"This place is stunning," Liora murmured, taking it all in.

Daran pulled out his phone, a smile tugging at the corners of his lip. "It's a perfect spot for pictures. And today, you will be my model, and I am your photographer."

The change in his tone was refreshing, and Liora couldn't help but laugh, her voice light and carefree. "You're so bossy. Fine, tell me where to stand. Since I cancelled your swimming plans, I guess I'll be your model for today."

"Over by those rocks, where the light hits just right." his passion for photography lit up his face.

"You think I'm model material?"

"You're perfect," he replied, adjusting his phone camera.

Her cheeks flushed with a playful glow as she struck different poses for the camera. Daran's passion for photography was infectious, and soon, they were both laughing, leaving behind the heavier moments they had just shared.

"These photos are going to be amazing," Daran said, snapping shot after shot. "You've got that perfect face and figure, Liora. I think you are going to be my future model."

Liora giggled, flattered by his generous compliments, while playfully striking a pose. "Did you just add me to your plan?"

"Of course, babe. Be ready to bear it."

Liora burst into laughter once more. Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she threw her head back.

"Babe? No one has ever called me that. Though it sounds cool. I have heard other guys using 'babe' when talking to their female friends." Liora said excitedly.

"If it makes you happy, I'll call you 'babe,'" Daran suggested. "Friends can have fun nicknames for each other." He skillfully seized every moment of her infectious laughter, preserving the genuine and candid moments for posterity.

"Then what should I call you?"

"Perhaps, baby?" Daran teased playfully.

Liora again burst into laughter. "But you are not a baby anymore. You are grown up now."

"Babe - Baby sounds good together, does it not, 'Babe'?"

Liora started to analyse babe-baby in her mind. She kept repeating it until it felt right. 'It does.'

She tilted her head, her expression softening. "It's fun, giving each other nicknames. It makes things feel... closer."

Daran raised an eyebrow, lowering his phone with a smirk. "Closer, huh? Don't get too attached. I might start charging royalties for the pleasure of calling me 'Baby.'"

Daran chuckled, shaking his head as he lifted his phone again. He decided to let it play out. Liora's innocence and strong character are what attract Daran the most. He wondered, 'How does she not realize that "baby" is often reserved for someone special?' He couldn't wait for Liora to uncover the truth. After all, having a little fun with friends never hurts anyone. Or so he thought.

He adjusted the lens, capturing the sunlight as it framed her figure. There was something about the way she carried herself; every shot gave the impression that each one could grace the cover of a magazine.

*****

Liora and Daran had returned to the campsite, ready for a night of festivities. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in vibrant shades of orange across the evening sky. They quickly changed into fresh outfits to match the lively atmosphere.

Liora opted for her beloved dress in a striking red, its soft fabric flowing gracefully to her knees. The dress swayed with every step, beautifully complemented by her red ballerina shoes, while her hair tumbled freely around her waist.

Daran opted for a simple light blue shirt paired with black jeans and sneakers, presenting a casual yet stylish look.

The campsite had been transformed into a buzzing fairground, with colourful stalls lining the area, promising a unique activity or delicious treat.

The boys sported crisp button-down shirts and tailored trousers, some layering their outfits with sleek jackets or vests that added effortless sophistication.

The girls, on the other hand, wore vibrant dresses—flowy sundresses, chic midis, and colourful patterns that captured the youthful energy of the gathering.

Few groups navigated the "Trap in Mirrors" maze, their laughter rang as they stumbled through the tricky reflections.

Others lined up at the card reader's booth.

The ring toss and face-painting stations drew steady crowds, adding to the buzzing atmosphere.

Liora and Daran strolled leisurely, weaving through the fairgrounds until they stopped at the first food stall. The aroma of freshly baked pizza sizzling in a wood-fired oven wafted toward them.

They continued discovering a pasta stall featuring creamy sauces and handmade noodles.

Not far off, antipasti platters displayed a mouthwatering array of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables, glowing softly under string lights.

Then came dessert. Liora's eyes sparkled at the sight of tiramisu trays, and their layers were dusted with cocoa powder.

The gleaming cannoli shells filled with creamy ricotta, spotted with chocolate chips and candied fruit.

With a rumble in her stomach, Liora couldn't hold back. "I want to try it all," she confessed, excitement dancing in her eyes.

Daran chuckled, clearly amused. "You should see your face right now! Come on, let's sample everything."

*******

The night fell, and the clock passed 9 PM; at the drinking stall, the trio, surrounded by their classmates, enjoyed the atmosphere, each holding a beer or a wine.

Girls' glances flitted toward Kai, Donovan, and Logan like moths to a flame, their delicate attempts to catch attention as subtle as butterflies.

But the three remained impassive, their cool detachment untouched by the flirtatious gazes.

Finally, one girl, Kiara, mustered the courage to speak, her curiosity outweighing her nerves. "Are you guys... together, together?"

The question hung in the air for a beat before laughter erupted from the trio, sharp and sudden like a summer storm. Logan, ever the reserved one, offered a sly grin.

"Why?" His voice was low, teasing. "Got something specific in mind?"

Kiara blushed, trying to recover her composure. "It's just... curiosity."

Logan leaned back on his chair, his grin deepening. "Well, for the record, I'm an advocate for equality. I like both."

His words hit like a thunderclap, shattering the group's expectations with his boldness.

Kai, ever the jovial among three, chimed in, smirking. "And Donovan? He's got a thing for brunettes with beauty marks, especially near their left eye."

Kai continued nonchalantly, "As for me, I like women taller than me taking the lead."

Donovan shot Kai a bewildered look. "What—" 'What nonsense is he spouting now?' Donovan looked at Kai in disbelief, 'Since when do I like…'

It all clicked. The memory of a girl on the bus and her striking features—brown hair, a beauty mark near her eye—flashed in his mind, the pieces coming together.

Logan and Kai both made up preferences on the spot to deter the girls from pursuing them further. Not that they were wholly opposed to casual flings; they simply weren't interested at this moment.

Meanwhile, Donovan scanned the crowd to try to catch a glimpse of the girl from the bus, but she seemed to be nowhere around.

The girls exchanged looks as if something unknown had been through them, their curiosity now edged with frustration

Kiara asked, her voice tinged with irritation, "Donovan, don't tell me you're actually interested in her?"

"Her who?" one of the boys, Sebastian, asked, intrigued.

"The girl who purposely sat on Donovan's lap in the bus—God, these whores! Money suckers will do anything to grab the attention of rich guys," the Kiara sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Ah! The one who got those guys jailed." Sebastian remarked.

The trio exchanged subtle glances, seemingly unaware of the conversation. What could the girl from the bus possibly have to do with those four arrogant, obnoxious bastards being in the detention centre?

"Liora, right?" another guy among the group supplied.

"Yeah, her," another girl confirmed. "Tonight, she'll pay." A wicked smile spread across her face, reflecting the expressions of the others.

The entire group turned their attention to Donovan, eager to hear what he had to say.

Playing it cool, Donovan shrugged with feigned ignorance."I have no idea what you guys are talking about," he stated casually, taking a deliberate sip of his beer, although an unsettling uneasiness began to creep into his chest.