truth or dare - game on series #1

Cameron

I sat on the cold dorm hallway floor, my back against the door Stella had just slammed shut in my face.

I should've left.

But I couldn't.

Every part of me screamed to stay, to make sure she was okay. Rationally, I knew she wouldn't appreciate it. But rationality had nothing to do with the way my chest tightened at the thought of something happening to her while I wasn't here.

I let my head fall back against the door, exhaling sharply.

How had it come to this?

A few weeks ago, Stella and I were the perfect couple, happy. Tonight, I was sitting outside Stella's door like some desperate idiot, willing to sleep on the floor if that's what it took to feel like I was doing something—anything—to protect her.

Footsteps echoed down the hall, making me lift my head.

Bree.

She stopped mid-step when she saw me, her eyes widening before narrowing in immediate suspicion. "What the hell are you doing here?"

I sighed, running a hand down my face. "I—" I hesitated, but what was the point in lying? "I can't leave her alone."

Bree crossed her arms, studying me like she was trying to figure me out. "You talked to her?"

"She opened the door and then slammed it in my face."

Bree let out a short laugh, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah, that sounds like her." Then she frowned. "But that doesn't explain why you're still here."

"I told you," I said, more firmly this time. "I can't leave her alone. What if something happens?"

Bree shook her head. "Cam—"

"I mean it," I cut her off. "I'll sleep here if I have to."

She blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sheer determination in my voice. "You're being ridiculous."

"Maybe." I leaned forward, resting my arms on my knees. "But I don't care."

She sighed, rubbing her temple like this conversation was physically draining her. "You're impossible."

I smirked, just slightly. "So I've been told."

Bree rolled her eyes, but the usual sharpness in her expression softened just a little.

For a moment, she just stood there, looking at me like she was seeing me for the first time.

"You really love her," she finally said. It wasn't a question.

I nodded without hesitation. "I do."

Bree exhaled slowly, shaking her head. "God, this is a mess."

I let out a dry laugh. "Yeah. Tell me about it."

She stared at me for a long moment before sighing again. "Fine. Do whatever you want. But don't expect me to bring you a blanket if you're actually planning on staying here all night."

For the first time that day, I smiled. "Noted."

Bree rolled her eyes again, but as she unlocked the door, she hesitated. "For what it's worth... I believe you."

My breath hitched, but before I could respond, she slipped inside, closing the door behind her.

I leaned my head back against the wall, staring at the ceiling.

At least someone believed me.

Now I just had to make Stella believe it too.

Stella