Copyright (c) 2022 Ada Stuart, All Rights Reserved.
This work may not be published whether for fee or free without this copyright.
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A few words from the author:
This year, I feared I wouldn’t be able to take part in this contest. My entire family came down with COVID, but the symptoms differed despite having the same illness. For me, it got stuck on my brain. Resulting in something my doctor called a mild ‘Alzheimer’s’. I hope I never catch the real thing, to be honest. I’ve struggled to form words and sentences for about a week now. And the short-term memory is terrible. Even writing a simple SMS takes more brain cells than I ever could have imagined.
Anyway, I’m on the mend, but the experience has taught me how much you take for granted until it’s no longer there. And also, I realise how terrible it must be to have Alzheimer’s. My deepest sympathies go to those who have it or know someone who does. I definitely know where my next charity donation will go.
In the meantime, I did manage to piece together a short story for the competition, and I hope you will enjoy it. And as always, votes and comments are highly appreciated.
Enjoy and take care!
Ada
“What’s the long face, kiddo?” Caleb asked as he sat down beside Bea.
Great. The cavalry had arrived. Her brother, Lucas, had probably put Caleb on the usual sister duty while he was off somewhere. Too bad Caleb was the older version of the man she had a crush on. No wonder since he was his older brother. But where Will was easy-going and vibrant, Caleb was more calm and boring. Particularly when he took his babysitting duties too seriously.
“I’m not a kid, you jerk,” she flung at him, hoping for a reaction.
“You’re younger than me. So, ‘kiddo’ suits you.”
“Right. Why are you here?”
He shrugged his shoulders.
Bea groaned. “Are you babysitting me? Did my brother put you up to this? Of course he did. Why can’t any of you remember that I’ve 22? I can look after myself.”
“Your brother knows you too well. Quit evading my question. What’s bugging you, kid?”
She nodded to the dance floor. “Why doesn’t Will see me? Do you know?”
“You’re not his type.”
She laughed. “Everyone else seems to be his type.”
“Exactly. Will is the use-you-and-move-on-type. Always has been. You’re wasting your time pining after him.”
“I like him.”
“So do I. That doesn’t mean I want to bed him,” Caleb said with a grin.
She gave him a push. “Funny. Really funny. What does he see in her?” She nodded to Will’s latest conquest as they were dancing close together.
“An easy target.”
“So if I dress like that and go for him, he’ll succumb, right?”
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that. Will knows both your brother and me will kick his ass if he tries anything, kid,” he said with a silky smooth voice.
She sighed. “Piss off, Caleb. I don’t want a bodyguard.”
“This was the only available seat,” he said easily.
“Yeah right. I know what to do. But, first, you two will stay the hell away from my choice.”
“We can try to look the other way for a while. That’s all. But Will is busy this evening, so just sit back and relax. Set your eyes on someone else. Someone worthy.”
“Good idea. I have to get rid of my virginity problem,” Bea blurted out.
She saw his shocked expression right before she heard his glass drop to the table. The content splashed over his shirt. He jumped up.
“Damn,” he muttered as he started cleaning the mess with a paper towel.
She grabbed some and helped him. “I know beer doesn’t taste good,” she teased him. “But you might consider pouring it into the drain next time.”
“Don’t spring something like that on me.”
She laughed. “Why not? Would you like to give me a hand?”
“Don’t even say it. Your brother will kill me.”
“Actually, it’s not a bad idea. I trust you.”
“I don’t,” Caleb muttered. He started carrying the empty glass to the kitchen.
She followed him. “Honestly. It would solve the problem.”
“What problem?”
“I need more experience. You can help me.”
“Is this some kind of sick joke? Did Lucas put you up to this?”
“No. I just came up with the idea. But it would be absolutely perfect. We can help each other.”
“What on earth are you talking about?”
“You and me, helping each other.” She pushed her fingertip to his chest to spell it out to him.
He shook his head before he grabbed hold of her arm, pulling her with him. “Come here, right now. You’re not making any sense around this noise.”
He pulled her with him out of the house. Finding a quiet corner at the back where no one else was around.
“Alright. What is this about? Start at the beginning.” Caleb gave her a stern look as he towered over her with his arms crossed. He looked as if he was already fed up with her antics.
What else was new? She’d lost count of how many times her brother and Caleb had made fun of how gullible and stupid she was compared to them. As if being five years older gave them any great wisdom, except for in sexual experience. But that was their fault. How was she supposed to gain any experience with two large brutes staring daggers at every man? Even now, they took turns watching her so she couldn’t meet anyone.
It was way past time she attacked the bull by the horn or whatever. They had to realise they couldn’t control her life. If only they would be busy with their own girlfriend. She had hoped they would let free the reins when Lucas had found a girlfriend. But it seems that Caleb had stepped in as guardian angel instead of her brother.
“I’m interested in your brother, Will.”
“Yes, I got that part. Keep going.”
“He obviously prefers worldly women with more experience.” Bea bit her lip before jumping in deep. “So, I’ve concluded that I need to gain more experience.”
“Right. And what happens then? You believe he will just fall into your lap?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. But it’s worth a shot.”
He shook his head. “No, no, no.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Look, Bea. You’re a smart young woman.”
She groaned in anger. “Oh, don’t give me that crap, Caleb. Just say you won’t help me, and I’ll find someone who will.”
“You’re going in there and grab some bozo asking him to fuck you?”
“More or less.”
“For fucks sake. You can’t do that.” He sounded more agitated now. It was almost fun to watch him lose his temper.
“Of course I can. It’s a free country and free will or whatever. Besides, I’m fed up with waiting. And I’m definitely fed up with having you two preventing me from experiencing anything. So unless you agree to help me, I’ll find someone who will.”
He sputtered something incoherently.
“Are you alright?” she asked. “Or are you having a stroke or something? I’ve heard it’s possible even if you’re not 30 yet.”