Page 91 of Cedarwood Cabin

“You’re so innocent, aren't you, flower?” he says, smirking down at me.

His tone has a hint of condescension and it vexes me. I don’t know why, but I take the cigarette between two fingers, determined to wipe that smirk off his face.

“Inhale…” he instructs.

I lift the cigarette to my lips and take a cautious drag. The acrid taste of smoke invades my mouth. I pull the cigarette from my lips. The unfamiliar taste and sensation make my eyes water a little.

“Inhale again so it goes here,” he explains, tapping my chest.

I do, and the smoke goes down my throat. It slightly burns as it hits my lungs. I hold it for a moment before exhaling. The taste is coarse and unpleasant on my tongue. I start coughing.

Dax watches me, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Not bad for a first-timer,” he says with a hint of approval.

I pass the cigarette back to him and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. “It’s disgusting,” I mutter under my breath as I can feel the taste of smoke still on my tongue.

“You’ll get used to it…” he says, leaning back and looking at the sky. “Just like everything else.”

I feel a flicker of something resurface in my chest. “Please,” I mumble softly. “Let me go.”

Dax looks up at me; his face is completely emotionless as his hand reaches out and twirls a strand of my hair, mindlessly. “Never,” he whispers.

His words are heavy like a hammer. I turn back to the lake, trying to soothe myself.

Lyka comes back, holding two fishing rods and a tackle box. “Found some things,” he announces.

Dax stands up, stretching his arms. “Well, we better get to it, then.”

The weed brownie starts kicking in more. The world grows softer and colors get brighter. Every sensation becomes heightened. A little giggle slips out from my mouth. We pack up the picnic items and walk to a good fishing spot. The walk feels surreal as if I’m gliding rather than walking.

Oh, I’m high. Yup! I’m high.

I follow Dax and Lyka along the rim of the lake. We settle beside a large fallen log right at the water's edge, perfect for sitting and watching. I plop down on the log. They set up the fishing gear with ease. I watch them, feeling detached yet aware. Lyka’s muscles flex as he casts the fishing rod, arching the line and it cleanly enters the water.

“Stay right here,” Dax reminds me.

“I will…”

They stand at the edge of the lake. I tilt my head back and breathe in the sweet, earthy smell of the forest. The warm sunshine falls on my face and I close my eyes to soak it in. I feel the full effects of the brownie, my mind drifting like a cloud of euphoria. I enjoy the moment.

I open my eyes and look around. Lyka glances back at me, nods, and goes back to fishing.

“Enjoying yourself?” Dax calls out across the quiet lake.

“Yeah,” I respond honestly. “I am.”

Dax’s fishing line begins to twitch and his rod bends. “Gotcha!” he hisses, reeling in the line. The fish gives him a pretty good fight. His muscles strain, but he is determined. Finally, he draws it out of the water, holding it up proudly.

“Look,” he grins, holding up the little fish.

I can’t help but give a little round of applause. “Nice catch,” I say.

Lyka takes one look at the fish and chuckles. “Ahh, dude, it’s pretty small. Throw it back. We’ll get bigger.”

Dax sighs, rolling his eyes. “Fine,” he says, taking the hook from the fish’s mouth.

He bends down and gently places the fish into the water. It swims off really fast and out of sight deep into the lake. Dax wipes his hands on his jeans and casts again.

I feel myself basking in the sun again. Dax’s voice cuts through the tranquility. “You feeling the brownie yet, dude?” he asks Lyka.

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