Vacation Ends (Page 23)

~~~(POV: Dannon Mayer)~~~

~~~(Location: Beach, Small Tropical Island, Caribbean)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 22nd, 12:45 PM EST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 21 Years)~~~

Cassie and Nicole stand next to each other and let the waves rush and pull back from their feet. Whatever they talked about yesterday has changed them a little, I don't know what it was. I made sure not to listen.

It's Sunday afternoon, and I've gotta get them back to OSU before tomorrow. Which isn't a problem. What is a problem is how they've left packing up the camp to me.

A small sigh escapes me as I slowly disassemble the tents. I'm not in a rush here, so no point in using my super speed. I've been using my powers a lot. It's nice just taking my time on a regular task.

I haven't heard Mom call me for anything. She's probably enjoyed her own vacation away from me. It's natural that parents want a break from their kids. I bring a lot of problems with me, and they affect her too.

What happened with those two government officials, Mr. Adkins and Mr. Jackson, has been on my mind. It was the first time I dealt with people like them.

I'll have to get used to the idea that more and more are weaseling their way into my life. Some want to use me, and others want to control me. Whether it's out of fear or desire for my power.

They'll use any justification they can get their hands on to do so. It's a dangerous and cruel world. Even for someone like me. One of the things I'm worried about is what the scientific community will come out with.

Scientific studies will start being published soon. What they'll say or how accurate they'll be will play a large role in how people react or perceive me.

Most of the world knows my name, the only places that don't are the ones without internet or suppressing news. I know it's only a matter of time before the volatile places on Earth start asking for my help.

Interfering in global politics isn't something I ever planned on doing, but I told myself that if people were suffering or being senselessly slaughtered, I'd do what needs to be done.

One day it'll come, but I don't know when.

And that's more ammo for the people who'll try anything to control or get rid of me. After all, I'm not a human.

My thoughts on this particular subject are put on hold as my two friends make their way over. While I was in my head, most of the packing had been finished. Now, all that's left is for them to tell me when they're ready to head back.

Nicole smiles as she passes me for her backpack, and Cassie has a displeased look on her pretty features. I cock an eyebrow at her, and she gives a mocking pout.

"I don't wanna leave!!"

Her voice is in a whining tone, and you can hear the sadness mixed in. It's a place you never want to leave, but we've all got lives back home. They've got college, and I've got a shitstorm waiting for me.

"She's not the only one. Promise you'll take us back here soon?"

Nicole pops up next to me, and she's bundled up for the flight back to Oregon. I give her a small smile and nod my head. We both turn to watch Cassie aggressively pack her clothes. She's gotten real fond of this place.

When I first discovered it, I stayed here for a couple of weeks. It was during my travels after high school.

"I'll bring you both back here the next chance I get. I don't know when that'll be, though. A lot of problems will start cropping up for me."

The disappointment I try to sneak past them doesn't get very far. I can tell they want to ask me about it, but I don't give them a chance. They're both packed and ready. I slink my arms around them and bring them in.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!

The sky cracks, and the familiar screams of the two girls at the sudden launch follow it. As they regain composure, my mind drifts to another issue. I hope everything is alright for them back at OSU. I haven't asked since I'm afraid of what I'll hear.

Being friends with me is bound to be seriously inconvenient. I'll have to ask them about it sometime.

Just not now.

~~~(POV: Nicole Deymer)~~~

~~~(Location: Oregon State University, Dorm Room C12, Corvallis, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 22nd, 9:59 AM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 20 Years)~~~

The sudden jump in time zones is a tough thing to adjust to, but I'm grateful for the vacation. Dannon just left, and Cas is busy unpacking in her dorm. Leaving me to do the same. The first thing I'm doing is taking a shower.

That's the one thing I wish I had on that island. Other than that, it was perfect. It's a vacation to remember for more reasons than one.

Cassie admitting to me that she likes Dannon wasn't that much of a shock, what did take me by surprise was the fact she was so determined about it. Telling me that she'll compete with me if she had to is the first time I've seen that from her.

She's my best friend and someone I trust with my life. I don't know how long she's kept her feelings at bay for Dannon. I do know that she'd never do anything to hurt me, that's probably why she hasn't done anything with him.

When we were kids, there were times I saw Cassie watching him. Longing eyes and deep sighs. I looked at him the same way. Yet, she never tried anything with him. She knew how I felt and made sure to stay out of the way.

A lot of women can't say the same thing. The stories of betrayal I've heard keep me up at night sometimes. I'm lucky to have a friend like Cassie.

I had my chance, and I never did anything.

It's time that Cassie had hers.

That doesn't make it hurt any less.

After a few seconds of this terrible pain roaring through my soul, I lift my head and stand up from my bed. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror on my dresser, and tears are falling from my eyes freely.

I've loved Dannon most of my life... Now I know how Cassie feels... Watching from the sidelines...

How she did this for so many years says so much about her character.

If there were more Cassies in the world, it'd be a better place.

My pity party comes to an end as my phone buzzes. Telling me that I've got a message. I pick it up from my bed and unlock the screen, seeing a text for Dannon. As I open it, a picture greets me. One of the three of us.

All playing in the sand and waves of the beach at the island we were staying. Dannon is a smart guy, and I think he knows that something weird is going on with Cassie and me. He's just not arrogant enough to think it's him.

That's who Dannon is. He'd consider other possible reasons instead of being the reason himself that women are acting weird.

When I have a kid, I'll need to take some lessons from Eloise. She raised a one-of-a-kind man. Not including the powers he's got.

Or that he's an Alien from another planet.

Classes and my degree are what I need to focus on. Since Cassie is taking her shot with Dannon, I'll need something to distract myself. Maybe I'll work so hard that I get the best grades in my classes.

The next few weeks, or months, will be hard on me. But it's not like there are many things a broke college girl can do. Time to dive into studying.

~~~(POV: Cassandra Freidman)~~~

~~~(Location: Oregon State University, Dorm Room B7, Corvallis, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 22nd, 10:38 AM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 21 Years)~~~

I stare at the picture of the three of us on the beach... The longer I stare at it, the worse I feel... Nicole should be the one with Dannon, not me... What I said on the beach yesterday was a moment of impulse.

All the years of my pent-up and locked-away feelings for the farm boy came roaring out. Something I should've never let happen.

Nicole is my best friend, and I've officially told her I'm going to pursue her childhood sweetheart! What kind of fucking friend am I!!?

I'M THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD!!

I throw my phone across the room, and it slams into the wall. I hear some cracking, but I don't care. Not right now. I leap from my spot in the middle of my room and land on my bed. Throwing my head into the pillows.

How could I do this...

The more I think about it, the wronger it feels...

But my feelings for Dannon are there to fight the doubt. To fight my betrayal of my best friend. They're telling me that I should have a chance.

After all this time, I deserve a chance at the boy I've loved since I was a little girl.

It's a chaotic storm of pulling and pushing inside me. But the first thing I need to do is to make sure that Nicole and I's friendship is safe. Cause if it's not, I can forget about having a relationship with Dannon.

I'd rather have my best friend than try a relationship with Dannon and then lose them both. I won't let that happen. So many horror stories of losing everyone you care about because you try to have your cake and eat it too.

A long sigh escapes my lips as I lift my head from the pillow. Taking a second to clear my thoughts. The first thing I do is check on my phone, and it's not broken. Just a small crack in the corner.

I open the message again, and stare at the picture. We all look so happy. I know that so many people search their whole lives for someone to share it with.

Dannon and Nicole are my soulmates. I know that if I screw this up, my life is over. So, first things first, talking to Nicole about it. I won't bother her today, but I'll talk with her tomorrow or the day after.

The sooner I make my position clear, the better. I don't want to lose her.

In the meantime, I think it's a good idea to get something to eat. I make my way to the door of my dorm, and as I turn the handle and open it. Someone is already waiting for me. However, it's not a face that I'd expect.

A frown immediately appears on my lips, and seeing my reaction. The man cringes a little and looks away slightly.

I fold my arms and stare at the man.

"What do you want, Oliver."

The demanding tone in my voice isn't hidden. If it were up to me, I'd never look at his face again. Not after what he did to Nicole. He rubs the back of his neck and looks back at me. A sad look on his face.

"Yeah, I deserve that..."

You deserve a lot more for the nasty shit you did, dickhead. Who the hell does something so cruel?

"Look, I'll make this quick. I need a favor."

All I can do a scoff and turn my back to him as I close and lock the door to my dorm. I'm not helping Oliver with anything.

"Find some other stupid bitch, Oliver. Who knows, maybe you'll find someone who'll teach you how wrong you acted with Nicole."

I'd give help if it meant that Oliver got a taste of his own medicine. As I turn around and look at him. I don't see the normal defiance and challenging nature of Nicole's Ex. Instead, I see a man who looks lost.

"Can you tell Nicole I want to talk? Please? There are things I need to say to her. I know it's over, but I don't want to end things like they did."

Should've thought of that before cheating and rubbing her face in it.

"In plain terms, Oliver."

He raises his eyebrows in hope. Waiting for me to continue.

"Go screw yourself. After what you did, no decent girl will give you the time of day. You might actually get good at it, but from what Nicole told me. You don't really know what you're doing."

Some might say I'm going too far, but the only reason I'm doing this is because I know Nicole would do the same for me. All Oliver does is close his eyes and sigh. Instead of saying anything, he turns and starts walking down the hall.

If he wants to talk to Nicole, he shouldn't go through me to do it. For the longest time, I thought they were a great couple. Now, I see that no matter what, everyone has insecurities. Oliver's was being compared to Dannon.

In a way, I can understand that. While there are men who can stand up to Dannon's moral character, standing up with the man himself in every aspect is impossible.

Now, I'm really getting hungry.

~~~(POV: Eloise Mayer)~~~

~~~(Location: Mayer Ranch, Umatilla County, Oregon)~~~

~~~(Date, Time, Year: May 22nd, 12:23 PM PST, 2022)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 38 years)~~~

"The selection for the Dannon Mayer Committee is still in its initial stages, but prominent members of the US government have already started making their announcements for running the committee."

Dannon watches the TV as he floats in the middle of the living room. He's been watching the news since he got back from vacation a few hours ago. All I can do is be there if he needs anything. It breaks my heart watching him see how people react to him.

"Three Star General Francis L. Hardman has made a case for funding scientific exploration into deterrents against the Alien that's made Earth his home. However, it's being repeatedly rejected. Not even reaching the Congress floor."

I have to turn away from the TV for a second. It hurts to hear that. People are actively trying to find a way to kill my son. I'm sure there are shadow organizations in the US government already doing that.

Which is why I don't understand the need to announce the need for funding. I can only guess what they're trying to do.

Maybe warn Dannon that they're looking into ways to stop him? To make him toe a line they have...

There are so many possibilities, that I can't know them all.

"Kendra Holly has also made a strong case for leading the forming committee. Many are already flocking toward Ms. Holly thanks to her aggressive approach in dealing with Dannon and what his existence on our planet brings."

I'm getting so sick of the great and able Kendra Holly. Every moment she has, she talks about my boy.

Like she knows him.

They don't know the first thing about my son. And if they did, they wouldn't try any of this crap.