truth or dare - game on series #1

Stella

The dorm room was warm, the soft glow of the desk lamp casting shadows across the walls. I sat cross-legged on my bed, my phone resting on my knee, my fingers absentmindedly drumming against the screen. Bree was sprawled on her bed, flipping through a textbook, but I could tell she wasn't actually reading. She kept glancing at me, waiting for me to say something.

"He should be calling any minute now," she finally said, smirking. "I bet he's still celebrating."

I smiled, though a small part of me was anxious. "Yeah, probably. I just want to hear about it. I know how much this win meant to him."

I had been thinking about this game all day. I hated not being there, but my doctor's appointment wasn't something I could skip.

Bree shut her book and sat up. "You're nervous."

I let out a breath. "Not nervous. Just... I don't know. I guess I just hope everything went okay. His dad was there, and you know how that usually goes."

Bree's smile faltered. I told her enough about Cameron's dad to understand. "Well, he won. That's something, right? Maybe his dad will finally give him a break."

I wanted to believe that, but I wasn't sure. Cameron never talked much about the details, but I could see the way it weighed on him. The pressure, the constant need to prove himself.

My phone buzzed, and I practically jumped. The screen lit up with Cameron's name, and relief washed over me. I swiped to answer, bringing the phone to my ear.

"Hey," I said, smiling.

But the voice on the other end wasn't Cameron's.

"Uh, Stella? It's Luke."

My stomach dropped. "Luke? What—where's Cameron?"

Bree sat up straighter, immediately on alert.

Luke sighed, and I could hear the concern in his voice. "That's the thing. We don't know. He left his phone in the locker room, and no one's seen him since he talked to his dad. He just... took off. We figured maybe he came to you."

My chest tightened. "No, he's not here. Are you sure he's not with anyone else?"

"We've checked everywhere we can think of."

Panic started to creep in, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Okay. I'll let you know if I hear from him."

"Same here."

I hung up, staring at my phone like it could somehow give me more answers. Bree was already watching me, worry in her eyes. "What happened?"

"He's missing," I whispered. "No one knows where he is."

Bree's mouth parted slightly, and then she was standing. "We'll find him. You know he wouldn't just disappear for no reason."

I nodded, already grabbing my jacket. "I need to go look for him."

Bree hesitated. "Stella, you're exhausted. And stressed. You know what that does to you."

"I don't care," I snapped, then softened. "Bree, it's Cameron. I can't just sit here."

She crossed her arms. "Then I'm coming with you."

I shook my head. "No. I need to do this alone."

"Stella—"

"I'll be careful," I promised. "But I have to find him."

Bree exhaled sharply but didn't argue further. "At least text me. And if you feel even a little off, you call me. Got it?"

I nodded, already heading for the door. My heart pounded as I stepped into the night, determination pushing me forward. I had to find him.

The cold night air burned in my lungs as I ran through the dimly lit streets, my heart pounding in my chest—not just from the exertion, but from the fear gripping me. I knew where he was. That park near his childhood home, a place he used to escape to when things got bad. His safe space.

I just hoped I remembered the way correctly.

My breath came in short, sharp gasps, and my legs ached, but I didn't slow down. I shouldn't have been running—God, I knew better than anyone how dangerous this was for me. The risk of a seizure was real, but I didn't care. Not right now. Not when Cameron was out there, hurting, and possibly alone.

Streetlights cast long shadows as I navigated my way through the neighborhood. The streets were mostly empty, the occasional car passing by, but I barely noticed. All I could focus on was getting to him, praying that I wouldn't be too late. That he wouldn't have disappeared somewhere I couldn't find him.

Finally, I spotted the entrance to the park, and relief surged through me. I slowed down, pressing a hand to my side as I tried to catch my breath. The park was quiet, deserted at this hour, but I scanned the familiar landscape, my heart hammering as I searched for him.