Chapter Eleven

Elena

I wake before the break of dawn, as if I planned it that way. I hoped that a good night's rest would clear things up in my mind, but instead, my mind feels even more restless. I can't stop thinking about that lake, how I don't really want to endure those curious gazes and whispers first thing in the morning. Perhaps I could pop over to the lake, take some nice photos, and come back before anyone notices I was even gone. I smile at the thought. It sounds like a perfect idea.

Silently, I slip out of the cottage, careful not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the entire village. It seems that most of them are still asleep, apart from a few people walking by, heading to the dining hall. I stay hidden behind a wall until I can't hear their voices any longer.

It is still dark, although the sun is slowly coming out. A cool breeze stirs the air around me, carrying the scent of adventure as I navigate the narrow pathways I'm still not familiar with, avoiding the telltale creaks beneath my feet. I successfully reach the inside of the cave, walking outward. The village slowly disappears behind me, as that special moment between day and night embraces me with its hushed stillness. I can hear crickets all around me and the occasional owl's hoot.

I try to remember what Rock said. He mentioned the east, so that's where I'm headed. I keep walking slowly, feeling the lake beckon to me. Strangely I'm not scared. Actually, I welcome being alone, away from everyone, hoping that it might put things in perspective. I don't know how, but maybe…

The forest floor crunches beneath my cautious footsteps. I know this might be dangerous, but I can't help but feel unwelcome at their village, just like I felt unwelcome in Pinehaven. The cool night air carries the earthy fragrance of pine and damp moss. Wilderness is all around me, and although this is the first time I find myself at a place such as this one, I feel welcome.

Tall stoic trees stand watch, their branches intertwined to create a cover overhead. As I move deeper into the woods, hoping that I am headed in the right direction, shapes start to morph and dance right before my eyes, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. I can still hear the chirping of crickets as a backdrop to my solitary journey.

Anticipation heightens with every step, and I squeeze my bag with my camera. Finally, a break in the trees reveals a breathtaking sight. The lake before me is a vast expanse of shimmering water, bathed in the soft glow of the moon. Ripples traverse its surface, catching the celestial reflections. I feel in awe of the sight before me, and I know that I have to take photographs here.

For a moment, I wish that the guys could be here with me. I know Rock mentioned that meeting they would have this morning, so I know that they won't be able to join me. This sight is too beautiful to be enjoyed on one's own. But I won't let that stop me.

Eager to capture the moment, I retrieve my camera from my bag and carefully set it up on a small tripod. The soft clicks and whirs of the camera echo in the quietude of the early morning as I adjust the lens, in an effort to frame the ethereal beauty that reigns around me.

Each snapshot is a moment frozen in time. The interplay of the morning light through the leaves, the delicate dance of shadows on the forest floor, the mirror-like surface of the lake reflecting the heavens above. The shots are pure perfection. I couldn't have imagined anything more beautiful than this place.

I experiment with long exposures, capturing the movement of the leaves and the subtle ripples on the lake's surface. The result is a visual symphony, a series of photographs that convey the serenity and mystique of the early morning landscape.

Several hours slip by unnoticed. The tranquility of the morning envelops me like a comforting cloak, but when I turn around in the direction I came from, I see two silhouettes emerging from the shadows. Immediately, my pulse quickens. I remember the two men from Pinehaven, and my mind conjures the most frightening images. I strain to discern the approaching figures, hoping it's not them.

I think about hiding in the nearby trees, just to be on the safe side, but I decide to remain out in the open. As the figures come closer, a knot of tension tightens in my chest. Finally, I recognize them. The tension in my shoulders eases immediately, and a smile breaks across my face. Their voices are carried by the wind, dispelling the initial fear that gripped me so hard, without any warning.

Rock is the first one to speak. "We've been searching the whole village for you."

Cal, holding two sandwiches in his hand, adds with a grin. "Yeah, we were ready to organize a search party. Good thing we found you before we had to send out the village militia."

"I was just eager to come and see this lake," I explain.

"I see," Cal gestures at the tripod and the camera. "Did you take any good shots?"

"Marvelous ones," I nod. "The view is truly breathtaking."

"Did I tell ya?" He winks at me. Then, he offers me the sandwiches.

"Are those for me?" I wonder, accepting the offer.

"Mhm," he nods. "We figured you probably left very early, and you'd be hungry by the time we reached you."

I wasn't even thinking about food, but now, holding these two sandwiches in my hands, I realize that I am actually starving.

"You were right," I smile. "Thank you."

"Why don't we sit by the lake so you can eat in peace?" Cal suggests.

"That's a great idea," I agree.

We find a place by the lake shore, taking a seat, all three of us. I unwrap one of the sandwiches that Cal brought, appreciating the simple yet thoughtful gesture. As I take a bite, the crunch of bread echoes in the quietude, punctuating what is already promising to be a warm, sunny day.

Rock has been silent all this time, gazing at the sun-kissed lake. "This place is really something else."

Cal immediately nods in agreement. "Back in the village, everything seems so different. Here, it's like we're in a different world."

We fall into a contemplative conversation about the beauty of raw, untouched nature, our voices merging with the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft lapping of the lake against the shore. Then, Rock turns to me with a curious expression.

"Elena, do you have a place like this back where you're from? A serene spot that just takes your breath away?"

I pause, chewing thoughtfully on the question. The truth is, my hometown is a town like any other, with nothing this beautiful in it. A wistful smile plays on my lips as I respond honestly. "No, nothing like this. And I think, even if there was something, it would not even come near this lake. There is something uniquely enchanting about this place."

Suddenly, Cal's face lights up with an unexpected burst of energy. Without warning, he leaps to his feet, breaking the tranquility of our contemplation.

"Hey, I just got a crazy idea," he tells us. "How about a swim?"

Rock and I exchange surprised glances, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected proposition. The lake, sparkling under the daylight, mirrors the vivid blue sky above, almost inviting us to come in and take a dip.

"No way!" Rock smirks, but it's obvious that he's amused by Cal, as always.

Little by little, I am starting to see the dynamic of the two, and I realize that they complement each other in a way that makes them both perfect.

"Oh, come on, you old bat!" Cal teases him.

"Who are you calling an old bat?" Rock replies, getting up.

I do the same, my eyes widening. "You don't mean to agree with this, do you?"

"I think he's just bluffing," he tells me a little silently, but Cal has overheard him.

"Bluffing?" Cal exclaims. "I'll show you!"

"Oh, crap," Rock blinks heavily as he speaks.

It seems that Cal has taken matters into his own hands. With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, he starts shedding his clothes one piece at a time, leaving a trail of laughter as well as a trail of clothes. Rock and I exchange another glance, half in disbelief, half in amusement, as Cal continues with his playful striptease.

Cal grins, now standing before us in nothing but his underpants. I can't take my eyes off of him. The sunlight is accentuating the contours of his chiseled physique, casting a golden glow over his toned muscles. His carefree demeanor and the playful sparkle in his eyes only seem to add to his boyish charm, creating an image of effortless confidence.

"Well…" he shouts loudly and theatrically, "if you guys won't join me, then I'll just have to make a splash all by myself!"

Without further ado, he sprints towards the lake's edge and launches himself into the water with an exuberant whoop. The surface erupts in a burst of sunlit droplets as Cal's bold leap creates a spectacular splash. Rock and I explode with laughter, unable to take our eyes off of him.

When he surfaces again, he shakes his head, and wet strands of his hair slide down his face in a boyishly charming manner.

"The water is awesome!" he tells us. "Come on in!"

"We'll just take your word for it," Rock assures him. Then, he turns to me. "Unless you want to join him."

"Not a fan of swimming in freezing lakes," I admit with a chuckle.

"Same," Rock nods, as I near him, our eyes still watching Cal have fun, diving down, then surfacing a few moments later. Then, Cal bursts out of the water with infectious enthusiasm, as droplets cascade down his drenched underpants. He rushes towards Rock, his outstretched arms aiming for a friendly hug. I manage to jump to the side, leaving Rock exposed. Caught off guard, Rock finds himself enveloped in a wet hug.

Laughter echoes as Rock playfully pushes Cal away, pretending to be annoyed. "Cal, you're making me all wet! Get off!" he exclaims, his mock indignation failing to conceal an amused smile.

Dripping with water, Cal grins like a mischievous water sprite. "Ah, come on! A little water never hurt anyone!"

Still dripping and grinning, Cal turns to me then.

"No, no, don't you dare!" I warn, shaking my head as I take a step back.

Grinning with glee, Cal closes the distance between us and presses his wet body against mine, leaving me with a sudden, unexpected chill. Laughter bubbles between us, a spontaneous eruption of joy.

"There!" he exclaims victoriously. "Now you're all wet. You might as well take a dip!"

"No way," I shake my head. "All you managed to do is make me cold."

"I could think of a few ways to warm you up," he winks at me again, and I know what he means. Worse yet, I like it.

But Rock interrupts us. "Maybe it's best we head back."

"Why?" Cal wonders. "My clothes aren't even dry yet."

"Are you in a rush to go back?" I wonder, approaching him. Without thinking, I gently place my hand on his arm. Electricity hits me momentarily as our gazes lock.

"Well… no," he clarifies.

"Then, we could stay here for a little while longer?" I suggest.

He ponders it for a few moments, then he smiles. "Do you want to?"

"Mhm," I nod, smiling back at him. "I feel… at ease here."

I didn't want to tell him that their village is making me feel unwelcome, because nothing has really happened. No one has been mean to me, no one has said anything. And yet, I can't shake the feeling that they don't want me there, that the only reason they are tolerating me is because of Rock.

"Alright then," his voice pulls me back to the present moment. "We can stay."

I gaze at the lake, for a moment wishing that we could stay here forever like this.