TRUE LOVE [Chapter 6: Camping]

The weeks dragged on as I counted down the days until the camping trip. During classes with Cameron we would talk about what he planned to do during the trip. He was excited to go hiking. Ick. I wasn’t much of a hiking type of person, sure I liked to run, but on a paved ground. Now that the weather was getting warmer, Cameron began his water polo practice with his teammates. I would go to the practices to watch and provide support. Cameron would glance over every now and again and smile at me.

“Enjoying the view fag?” asked a familiar voice behind the bleachers

I turned to see Nick and a couple of his jock buddies. They were in football gear, dirty and sweaty. Must have just finished practice.

“Go away Nick.” I said in a monotone voice

“Why don’t you go away? Quit gawking at the guys in bathing suits, hoping their dick pops out.” He laughed at his own remark

“Aren’t you late for your shower with the football team?” I turned and grinned

“What?!” he snapped walking around the corner to meet me on the bleachers

He got in my face, his sweat dripping on my backpack which sat next to my legs. A couple of students at the opposite end of the bleachers were staring wondering if a fight would break out.

“You got something to say pretty boy?!” he shoved my English book from my lap knocking it onto the ground

“HEY!” shouted a voice from the pool area

It was the water polo coach noticing Nick picking on me.

“Is there a problem?!” he shouted at us

“No sir.” Both Nick and I replied as Nick stood up straight and walked off the bleachers

Nick and his buddies were muttering hateful words as they walked away, I couldn’t really hear it too much, but I heard the words, fucker, faggot and bitch. “What a pleasant person.” I uttered to myself sarcastically.

After practice wrapped up, I met Cameron in the front of the locker room and raved about his practice. He smiled as we headed to my Jeep. I was his ride today. While we were driving home listening to music, the tunes were interrupted when Cameron turned it down.

“You know. You don’t have to wait for me outside the locker room. You can come in.” he said with a grin

“Oh…well…I don’t want to just be in there while you shower and change…that would be kind of weird.” I said somewhat uncomfortable

“I don’t mind. I’m not embarrassed.” He chuckled

“Oh…” I didn’t know what else to say

“I saw Nick by you on the bleachers. Was he being a dick again?” he asked

“Kind of. Nothing I can’t handle though.” I said

“He just doesn’t know when to lay off. Good thing school is almost over and hopefully we never have to see him again.” Cameron confessed

“You don’t want to see him either?” I asked

“No way. He’s changed. Just got really big headed the past couple of years.” He said

A few minutes of silence followed, but then I had the courage to ask him something I’ve been wanting to since the Sadie Hawkins dance.

“Cameron.” I said

“Yeah?” he said softly

“I have to ask you something, and you don’t have to answer it, but I just don’t know how to ask or if it’s even right to ask…” I began babbling

“Just ask.” He laughed

“That night at the dance, when Phillip and I were talking outside…he mentioned…”

“Oh yea.” Cameron said in a calm but somewhat disturbed tone

“Forget it. I shouldn’t have brought it up. I mean. It’s none of my business.” I said

“It isn’t?” he asked

“What?” I said confused

“I mean. I have nothing to hide…from you at least. We’re honest right?” Cameron said smiling at me

“Right.” I said confidently

“So ask me what you want to ask me.” He pushed

“Well…are you?” I asked

“Am I what?”

“Are you gay?” I asked

“Am I gay? Well, let’s put it this way. I’ve been on plenty of dates with girls. I lost my virginity to a girl when I was 16. I have never been on a date or romantically involved with a guy…”

“Okay, I get it.” I laughed, “You’re not…”

“Yes.” He said cutting me off

“What?” I said shocked taking my eyes off the road

“Joey! Driving!” He screamed gesturing with his hands to look at the road

“Sorry. Wait what? You are?” I asked

“I guess so. I mean…I’m attracted to guys. I’ve dated girls because that’s what I was brought up being taught. But…I’ve always been attracted to guys.” He admitted

“Does anyone know?” I asked

“Natalie.” He confessed, “And you.”

“Just us? Not even your parents?” I asked

“No way. They’re so out of the loop of what goes on in my personal life.”

“Oh.” I said still in shock by his confession

We drove in silence until we got to his mother’s house, pulling up to the circle driveway and parking next to the front door.

“Now let me ask you.” He said

“Oh…uh…okay? Ask me what?” I knew what was coming

“Are you gay?” he asked without hesitation

“Me? Oh…pfft. No. And not that there is anything wrong with it…I’m just…I’m not…no. I’m straight.” I said

“Really?” he asked cocking his head to the side

“Yeah. Really. I’ve had girlfriends.” I said

“Have you had sex with a girl?” he asked

“Uh…no. It hadn’t gotten that serious.” I said

“Interesting.” He said looking straight ahead

“What is?” I asked trying to figure out what he was after

“I could have sworn…you were gay.” He smiled looking right back into my eyes

“Oh. Sorry. No. I’m Joey. I mean gay. I MEAN STRAIGHT!” I corrected myself

Cameron laughed as I stumbled over my words.

“You know what I think?” he asked

“Um…no.” I said

“I think you aren’t sure.” He said getting out of my car, smiling and winking at me. He walked up the steps to his front door and walked inside.

            The day of the camping trip was here and I was excited. I drove to Cameron’s mother’s house where his dad was picking us up in his truck. Natalie and I sat outside as Cameron was collecting the last of his things.

“I’m so excited you are coming.” She said

“Cameron told me.” I changed the subject immediately

“Huh?” she replied confused

“He told me about…the gay thing.” I said

“Oh.” She said quietly

“I don’t mind. He’s still my friend.” I said reassuring

She didn’t respond. She just looked down and shook her head in disapproval.

“What’s wrong?” I asked

“He shouldn’t have told you.” She said

“Why?” I asked a little taken back

“Because…”

“Because why?!” I raised my voice

“Because he likes you, Joey. Can you not see that?!” she shouted back at me

My face and body stood still frozen in place as she got up in frustration to pace.

“What!” I finally jumped up

“Yes. Come on. Don’t act stupid. You know as well as I do. He really likes you. It pisses me off because I told him not to tell you. He would just get hurt.” She blurted out

“Why would he get hurt?” I asked

“Because he was hoping you were too. I told him by telling you…it could affect you both long term.” She said

We both became silent as Cameron walked out and just as he reached where we stood, his father pulled up.

“Hey kids!” said the tall man with peppered hair, good physique and natural tan. He stretched out his hand and took mine, “You must be Joey. The kids have told me all about you. So glad you could join us. I’m Tom Harris by the way.” He said

“Nice to meet you Mr. Harris” I said

From the passenger side, a tall thin beautiful woman stepped out. She had long black hair flowing in the wind, a tight light purple tank top and khaki shorts. Her skin was olive colored, green eyes and she must have been about ten year younger than Mr. Harris.

“Oh, this is my girlfriend, Janice.” He said introducing us.

“Hi” she responded, “Hey kids” she said looking at Natalie and Cameron.

There was noticeable dislike Natalie had for Janice. Cameron however didn’t mind. Another female voice came from behind us; it was miss Langley, Cameron and Natalie’s mother.

“Guys. Don’t forget the ice chest…” she said pointing inside the house

“Hi Diane.” Mr. Harris stood up waving at miss Langley

“Tom. Hi.” She waved back

“You remember Janice?” he said gesturing at her. Janice waved back as miss Langley returned the gesture.

“Have fun kids.” miss Langley said walking back into the house and slamming the door

“Well that was awkward”, I thought to myself. We loaded up the truck and finally hit the road. The truck was extended. Natalie, Cameron and I squeezed in the back. The drive was about two and a half hours until we finally reached our destination, Toketee Falls. After an hour of unloading and setting up camp, three tents and planning out the weekend, we all decided to go fishing. Mr. Harris brought along two canoes. Cameron and I loaded one into the lake while Natalie carried our fishing gear. Mr. Harris and Janice followed with their canoe.

“You guys fish in the center of the lake, Janice and I will go on the opposite side of the lake and see if we can catch anything.” He said

“Yeah, an STD from that skank.”  Natalie muttered

Cameron nudged her in the side. We got into the canoe and paddled towards the center. Natalie wore a life jacket. She really didn’t know how to swim. We cast our lines out and after about ten minutes, I was the first to get a bite. I reeled in my line to find a pretty big catfish.

“Nicely done Joe.” Natalie applauded

“You sure do got a big one.” Cameron laughed

We all laughed at his joke and he stopped immediately as he also got a bite. He reeled in his line to find a fresh water trout flapping about trying to unhinge itself from the hook. Natalie only caught one fish during that time. Cameron caught 4 total and I collected 2 smaller catfish along with my large catch. Mr. Harris and Janice came back with three catfish. The fish were really biting that day. After we ate lunch, we headed for our five mile hike. The scenery was beautiful, but it was extremely warm. By the time we came to our first rest stop, we were covered in sweat. I heard something at that moment between the heavy breathing.

“What is that?” I asked Cameron

“Toketee Falls. Wait till you see it. It’s beautiful.” He said wiping the sweat from his face

“It’s a waterfall that pours into a small gorge in the side of the mountain, overflowing causing a 2^nd waterfall into the lake.” Said Janice

“That sounds amazing. Can we go swimming?” I asked

“Of course.” Mr. Harris said

After another twenty minutes hiking we came upon the waterfall. It was a site. The mist from the waterfall was so refreshing on our faces. Mr. Harris took off his shirt and jumped into the lake. Janice followed.

“I’ll meet you guys under the waterfall.” Natalie said running off around the side of the lake.

There was a flat bed of rocks that the waterfall fell on which allowed people to stand on as the water poured on them. Cameron and I took off our shirts and jumped in the lake. It felt so amazing. The water was almost clear. As we swam towards the waterfall, we had just realized nobody was there. It was like our own private oasis. I lifted myself from the water onto the bedrock and helped Cameron up. Natalie was already there showering herself off.  It was stunning to see the water bouncing off of Cameron’s body. Everything felt like it was in slow motion. He stepped out from the waterfall and caught me staring at him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked

“Nothing.” I shook off my blank stare

“Well get your sexy self under that waterfall.” He said

I happily obliged. I scrubbed the dirt and sweat off my body with my hands. After feeling fully refreshed, the Harris clan and I collected our things and began our hike back down to basecamp. The trail back wasn’t as bad. The tree’s provided shade and the breeze was picking up.

            Later that evening, after eating another meal of fish, chips and beans, we got in our tents for bed. Natalie slept in her own near her dads. Mr. Harris and Janice had their own tent. Cameron and I shared one together.

“You mind if I sleep in my underwear?” he asked

“No. Not at all.” I said

It was still humid, so I understood why it would be more comfortable sleeping with less clothes on.

“Hey…Cameron.” I said as he took off his shirt, “Are there bears out here?”

“No.” he chuckled, “why you scared?”

“Honestly…a little. Never been camping before.” I admitted

“Oh. Well don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” He said laying down and turning off the lamp

Sometime in the middle of the night, I was woken out of my deep sleep. I didn’t even realize I had fallen asleep. I don’t remember the last thing I told Cameron before we knocked out. I just remember laughing quietly with Cameron.
“Hey. Come on.” Said Cameron as he shook me

“What’s going on? What time is it?” I asked rubbing my eyes

“Come with me.” He said unzipping my sleeping bag

I reluctantly got out of the sleeping bag and followed him out of the tent. We put on our shoes and he grabbed a flashlight from his bag next to the tent. I followed Cameron as he tiptoed in his underwear and sneakers passed his Dad’s tent. We headed into the woods towards the lake which was about 500 yards away. We walked towards a small dock and he took off his shoes. He placed them near the end of the dock and put the flashlight down.

“What’s wrong?” he asked looking at me

“What are we doing?” I asked confused

“Going for a swim.” He said

“I didn’t bring a towel. Besides its late.” I said really wanting to go to sleep

“Join me.” He said in a low and tempting voice

I kicked off my shoes and placed them next to his. I was facing him. He was facing me and his back was towards the lake as we stood on the dock. He turned around with his back towards me. His hands came up to his waist and his thumbs inserted into his underwear strap. He gently pulled them down, slowly. I couldn’t help but stare and take in everything I was seeing. His beautiful smooth ass glowed in the moonlight. Swimmers tan from all of those water polo practices. He stood back up and stepped out of his underwear, pushing them next to our shoes with his feet. He then turned back around and faced me. But my face was still looking down. There he was…in all his magnificent glory. Cameron…naked. From his abs down, his “v” shaped line guided me to his dark blonde trimmed pubic hair, which then met with a girthy surprise. He had a thick, perfect circumcised penis. It was almost as large as his flashlight.

“Your turn.” He said in a low voice

I snapped out of my trance and looked into his eyes. I noticed he was smiling.

“You go ahead. I think I’ll just wait for you here.” I said trying not to look downwards

“Want me to help you?” he asked

I took a big gulp of saliva. My nerves were kicking in and I almost felt like my body was beginning to shake.

“I might need some help.” I said not removing focus on his eyes

I felt his hands gently curl under the lining of my shirt at my waist. He lifted it off above my head as I raised my hands. After he tossed it onto the dock, without looking away from my gaze, he began to untie my short strings. He inserted his thumbs into my shorts and underwear. He slowly lowered them. I could feel my pubic hair becoming exposed. My ass was the first to come out of my underwear followed by penis. I felt my penis plunge upwards after my shorts and underwear were pulled down. I quickly covered it. Holy shit. I had an erection.

“Wow.” Cameron said looking down at my covered area

“Huh?” I said with a shaky voice

“Excited?” he chuckled

“It happens when I’m nervous.” I lied

“Hmm.” He said, knowing he didn’t believe me

He took a few steps towards the edge of the dock. His toes curled over it. He turned around and reached out.

“Take my hand.” He said

I didn’t want to move my hands from my erect penis.

“It’s okay. Don’t be nervous. And trust me. You have nothing to be ashamed of.” He said smiling over his shoulder

I walked towards him and released myself. I grabbed his hand and we stood side by side on the edge of the dock.

“Jump in on the count of three.” He said as he began to countdown, “One, two, THREE!” he shouted as we leaped into the lake. The water was still warm. I noticed Cameron hadn’t come back up for air. He then popped up right in front of me, scaring me. We floated there in the water, staring at each other in the moonlight.

“You’re beautiful.” He said to me

I looked down at the water which was only an inch or two from my chin. He reached up and grabbed my chin forcing me to look back up at him.

“I mean it.” He said

“Thank you.” I said, not knowing what else to say

“You have a nice ass too. And…you know what.” He said smiling

I smiled giving out a little chuckle.

“I really like you.” Cameron finally came out and confessed

“You do?” I quickly responded

“Yeah.” He said

“Why?” I asked

“The same reason I liked you as a friend. But also because…I know you like me too.” He said

“Cameron.” I began

“I know you do. And I think you know you do too.” He said

I felt his hands under the water grabbing me at the waist. His fingertips wrapped around me caressing my upper ass and lower back. I felt my erect penis poke something.

“Oh.” He said smiling

“Sorry!” I said embarrassed

“Don’t be.” He said laughing

“It has a mind of its own.” I admitted

“Let me make you happy.” He said

“You already do.” I replied honestly

“I mean…I’d like to date you.” He said

I wasn’t sure what to say. I wasn’t sure how I felt. If it was right to feel this way.

“I don’t know. I don’t think we should be this close.” I said unsure

“It feels right though.” He said

“I don’t know what to feel.” I said as we continued to float face to face in the lake

His arms still wrapped around my waist. I realized that we had somehow gotten closer, physically. My penis was pressed up against his groin and lower stomach. He was embracing me. I could feel his erection under me. He slowly began to lean in.

“I can’t.” I said pushing him away gently

I knew he was coming in to kiss me.

“Joey.” He pleaded

“I need time.” I said

He had slight disappointment in his face.

“Okay. I’ll give you time.” He said

I turned around and swam back to the dock. I climbed up the wooden ladder. He followed me out. His body glistened in the moonlight. He looked like a Greek god almost. His erection at full attention. He leaned down to get our clothes. He handed me mine as he put on his underwear over his wet body. I slipped on my shorts only as we walked without saying at word back to the tent. The entire night, we didn’t speak and finally fell asleep.


© 2015 Copyright J.M. Casas Jr. Royalty Novels / True Love Saga. All Rights Reserved.