Edge of Eighteen: A Slow Burn Summer Camp Love Story

by Melinda Hazen

  Continuing with our strip session, I lifted up one leg at a time and removed each of my boots, both of which thudded when hitting the cabin’s wooden floor. Devin remained in the same spot watching me. I eased my leggings down and tugged them off, too. They were tossed onto the end of the bed. All that was left on my body was a black thong. Without further delay, I pulled it down until it was loose enough to fall from my legs to the floor.

  There I stood before Devin completely naked, and for him to critique. He didn’t speak or offer me any compliments. Instead, he reached for my hand, took it, and pulled me over to him. It almost stunned me when he pulled the front of his underwear down just enough to expose himself and placed my hand there to touch him. My fears of not being sexually appealing to him were cast out when I felt he was completely aroused. Believing then he wanted me to touch him, I gently began using my hand. His response was to close his eyes, and a rush of breath left his lips.

  I took a step back and sat down on the edge of the bed. Then I smiled up at him before taking hold of him again. But this time, I took things even further and used my mouth. I’d never particularly liked doing it for Cameron because it became more like an obligation—he wanted me to, so I did it. But using my mouth on Devin was my own decision, done without any prompting from him. And his reactions were what I’d hoped for. He was breathing louder and exhaling soft groans. I also liked how he held the back of my head during—not in the way that Lauren described Blake had, but more in a possessive way.

  About another minute passed before Devin gradually stopped me. Quickly, he removed his boxers. Then he took hold of my shoulders and helped me to lie down. He got onto the bed and was situated between my legs, on his knees. He fumbled around to find the condom, tore it open, and removed it. Then my stomach growled pretty loudly.

  He laughed. “Are you hungry?”

  “No. I’m fine,” I said.

  He leaned over me, used his elbow against the mattress for leverage, and rolled the condom on. Once it was in place, he felt between my legs and started to push himself inside me. A deep breath exhaled from his mouth rushed against my face. It was obvious I felt tight, and he had to work to get all the way inside me.

  But Devin felt good—extremely good. And I didn’t think it was only due to the fact I hadn’t had sex in a long time. But it was how he was having sex with me. I wanted this, and I wanted him. Having these emotions, I decided not to hold back what I felt physically for him. I began moving faster, squeezing his hips between my thighs. My arms wrapped tightly around his neck, forcing him to get as close to me as he could. Then my lips found his, and we attempted a long kiss while trying to focus and maintain a steady and faster rhythm.

  At some point, I showed no inhibitions and asked him to let me be on top. Devin stopped moving and lifted off of me to get into position under me. Once he was inside me again, I didn’t sit but instead laid the full length of my body down on him. Intermittently, we kissed from this position. But it was hard to do that, get enough air, and keep myself propped up on my elbows. I found it easier to lay my head down and snuggle my face into his cheek. And we moved together like we’d been doing it for years with each other.

  Having no sense of time but speculating that maybe another twenty minutes had passed, Devin’s entire body began to stiffen. And he was moving faster, making me think he was close. So, I repositioned myself to sit up on him and let him watch me rock my hips back and forth, deliberately helping him to reach orgasm. It didn’t take long, and I felt his final thrust, heard him let out heavy breaths, and he eventually stilled. Devin had completed the act of making love to me, and I felt like the most special girl in the world.

  When he opened his eyes, he caught me staring at his face. I smiled and leaned forward to give him a small kiss. Then he shifted around underneath me, and I realized he was removing himself from inside me. I’d figured we’d get up and get dressed then. So it surprised me when he helped me to roll slightly off him, onto my side. And before I realized what was happening, he slipped his hand between my legs. He began kissing me, sometimes pulling away from my face to watch me, but the whole time caressing me with his fingers. It didn’t take long before I was breathless and squeezing his hand between my thighs from the intense pleasure.

  Devin wrapped his arm protectively around me and kissed me. And for the first time, he spoke, whispering, “I love you, Dahlia.”

  ***

  About thirty minutes later, we had to hurry and get back to our cabins before lights out. I didn’t even have time to process anything we’d done. All I knew was Devin had just made love to me on this bunk bed, and it was the best moment of my entire life.

  It was almost comical how fast we got dressed and ready to discreetly leave the cabin. I saw Devin shove the condom wrapper, which then held the used condom, into his jeans pocket for later disposal. He looked at me to see why I’d laughed.

  He shrugged. “Oh. I wouldn’t want to leave that lying around…”

  I giggled. “No. Please don’t.”

  Devin gave me a very tight hug. “Happy birthday.”

  I couldn’t stop smiling. “You gave me the best present ever. Thank you.”

  “I hope you liked it. We were kind of rushed,” he said slightly above a whisper.

  “I did. I hope you did, too. I love you, Devin.”

  This time, Devin replied, “You’re loved, Dahlia.”

  ***

  I wondered how I would ever fall asleep after what just went down in the craft cabin. And I remained smiling ear to ear.

  It kind of felt like a dream—like it wasn’t really happening to me. Even up to the point Devin put on the condom, I wasn’t sure if we were really going to have sex. But when I felt actual penetration and he started moving… The dream had become reality. Devin enjoyed having sex with me!

  I slapped my hand over my mouth because I was about to laugh aloud and didn’t want to wake up the cabin.

  A sudden tap on my shoulder startled me. “Come on,” Lauren whispered in the dark. “We’re serenading the guys.”

  Most of my cabin mates were getting out of bed then and putting on jackets. How did I miss all this commotion? Was I that lost in my thoughts? I smiled again. I wanted to see Devin since our romantic interlude, so I quickly dressed and was out the cabin door.

  We sang along our way as we visited each of the male cabins. In a few minutes, we were to be singing in front of Devin’s. My mind was singing his name over and over.

  After the song ended in front of Brett’s cabin, we began moving in a cluster toward Devin’s cabin. The boys were already waiting for us on the porch. Our song started, but I wasn’t singing because I’d spotted Devin among the crowd of boys, and my eyes were now fixed on him. It looked like he’d seen me, too.

  I could still feel Devin’s hands on my naked body and taste his tongue inside my mouth. I could feel tingles below at the thought of us making love. That memory was the best, and I’d want to play it over and over again—maybe for the rest of my life.

  Devin appeared to be staring in my direction. Are you thinking about what we just did? Only an hour ago, you were inside me, moving and moaning. I bit my lip in excitement to know I’d be touching him again.

  The girls began to move on to the next cabin. A few lingered to hug the boys from Devin’s cabin. I stood deliberately off to the side to see what Devin did. What if he regretted what we’d done? No, he wouldn’t.

  And sure enough, Devin moved to step away from the hug-fest. He maneuvered around everyone and was headed for me. I couldn’t wait, so I moved toward him. Should we hug? Yes.

  Impulsively, I put my arms out, and Devin went right into me for a tight embrace. It almost felt like he was trembling. Or maybe that was me. I gripped him tighter, expressing through my touch just how much I loved him. His fingers pulled gently through my hair.

  I whispered, “Please tell me it wasn’t all a dream.”

  Devin sighed deeply. “It really happened. And I already mi
ss you.”

  ***

  Saturday Night – Last Night of Camp

  We’d had an hour before dinner to get completely ready for the dance. My hair was down, of course, and perfectly straightened because Devin liked it that way. I’d put on some extra makeup, including red lipstick I’d borrowed from a girl in our cabin to go with the red dress I was wearing. The dress had spaghetti straps, a tight bodice, and a sheer skirt. It showed off most of my legs.

  I hadn’t seen much of Devin today nor had a chance to talk with him. It was killing me. The counselors were busy most of the day setting up the rec hall for tonight’s dance. It was supposed to be a surprise, so we weren’t allowed to go inside. That was where I figured Devin had to be.

  Last night had been the most meaningful thing I’d ever shared with another person to this stage of my life. Devin might not have agreed, but it didn’t matter. Now, I’d have to see him after camp was over. I’d want to do a lot more of what we’d just done.

  The senior wills were then going on in the dining hall—endlessly going on. Lauren was just about to give hers. “Here goes nothing,” she said.

  Lauren made her way to the podium and tested the mic. She began willing some of the items we’d brought to camp for just this purpose—to give to others, as if they were of sentimental value.

  “… and finally, to Blake. I will my panties. He can add them to his collection.” She then tossed them out into the audience in Blake’s general direction. It was unexpected, inappropriate, hilarious, and complete Lauren style to do. “Thanks all. It’s been real.” Before anyone could respond to what she’d just done, Lauren left the podium to sit down. I glanced behind me and saw Blake looked pissed. Good.

  I realized it was my turn next. The room was buzzing over Lauren’s speech, so it took a minute for it to quiet down to hear me speak. I’d only selected a couple of items because I really didn’t care about this tradition.

  “After this summer, I’ll miss this camp more than anything. Hopefully, I’m moving on to a bigger adventure.” I paused and saw Devin in the back of the room, intently watching me. He smiled, almost causing me to lose my train of thought. “Yeah, so I plan to take all the camp memories with me. But tonight, I’m leaving behind my favorite stuffed animal. I want Aaron to have it. Oh, and I’d like to leave Marissa the song ‘My Sharona.’ There’s a new song now and only meant for me.” It was fun to get in a jab at her, and I hoped she got what I was referring to. I also liked the big black eye she was sporting today after yesterday’s volleyball game. “And, um…” Do I have the guts to say the next part? “I want to will my heart. And the person getting it already knows who he is. Thank you, and have a great time at the dance.”

  There, I thought, I said it. But I didn’t dare look at Devin and give the room any clue who I meant. I kept my head down and moved back to my seat.

  “You’re daring,” Lauren whispered. “Good job.”

  “I didn’t think I should leave my bra.” We laughed.

  ***

  The dance was the last thing on the schedule. We’d learn who the camp queen and king were, as well. I didn’t care about any of it, except I had an excuse to be in Devin’s arms. It was my last night at camp, so I didn’t care who saw us. Since we were leaving tomorrow, it wasn’t like we’d be kicked out of camp.

  Lauren and I walked into the rec hall, and I nearly gasped. It was decorated in the most lavish way for this dance. There were decorations on the walls, lights strung up everywhere, two chairs set up to look like thrones. There was a large dolly that had been transformed into what appeared to be a carriage. I wasn’t sure what that was for yet. We were extremely impressed.

  “Well, we know now where your man’s attention was all day. He was preparing a royal court for you.”

  “Ha-ha. I wish. Now I just need to find my man—if he’s truly my man.”

  “Dahlia, don’t be dumb. He had sex with you last night.”

  “So did Blake with you. And you aren’t exactly calling yourself his woman.” I raised my eyebrows at her.

  “That’s different. We just did naughty-type things. There wasn’t any love expressed. I can tell from what you described that Devin loves you. He took his time and was all romantic-like. Blake treated me like a whore.”

  “Lauren, I’m sorry that happened to you. It wasn’t right. And I’d never want a guy to come between us again. Not ever.”

  “I agree—never again. Come on. At least dance some with me before you disappear for the night.”

  I laughed. “All right.”

  We danced in a group with the other girls from our cabin. I couldn’t look around much for Devin this way but figured he’d make a point to talk to me eventually.

  After about three fast dances, a slow song came on. Most of us left the floor to allow couples the space to dance. I was thirsty, so I made my way over to the table of drinks.

  I’d just finished selecting a drink when I felt a nudge. And I turned to see Devin beside me. I broke out in first a grin, then a giddy laugh because I was that happy to see him. I wanted to grab him and throw him onto a bed…

  He leaned into me and spoke into my ear, “You look so good. I want you. Dance with you in a bit.” And before I could respond, he walked off.

  I took my cup and went to find a seat. Lauren waved to me, so I sat beside her. The music abruptly stopped, and the director talked into the mic to get our attention. She called out two names of the counselors who were the prince and princess—neither one I knew, apart from their name and face. Everyone applauded.

  “We’re going to announce our camp king and queen now. Please take a seat. I’m going to have Brett announce the winners. Brett, if you would join me up here…”

  Brett walked up to the front of the room and joined the director. She handed him the mic. “I’m going to start with our camp queen winner. Our queen must like crunchy peanut butter and cinnamon gum. But most importantly, the queen representing the camp this summer uses Q-tips to blend makeup to conceal zits.”

  I was smiling and halfheartedly listening until Brett had said the last part. I’d put that as my response. OMG. I didn’t seriously use them for that reason. This was horrible.

  “Dahlia May, I need you to sit in your royal throne.”

  Lauren was laughing her head off and shoving me out of my chair to go sit in the queen’s throne. I was surprised, embarrassed, and nervous all at the same time. Counselors were making an arch with their arms for me to walk through to the throne. I began walking toward the front to take the royal seat. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Devin standing and applauding among all the counselors. You knew.

  Brett continued the ceremony and was listing what the king must do. I only heard the king must use swabs to clean the needle on a record player. Where did someone come up with that? Those were ancient music players, and my dad still had one stored in the garage. Very creative answer, though, so that was probably why he was selected. Some name was called that I didn’t quite catch—a camper I didn’t know.

  This guy took a seat beside me, and I noticed his face was deep red. He didn’t like it all any better than I did.

  Next thing I knew, we were escorted to the carriage made using the dolly and had to ride around the room. It was so embarrassing. One of the male counselors paraded us around the room for all to clap and cheer for. I wanted this nightmare over with. But I couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity of it all.

  Finally, we were dropped back off by our thrones and then told to have the first dance. Unbelievable. So, I let this nameless camper take me onto the floor and hold me in his arms.

  “Dahlia,” Brett continued, “we dedicate this song to you.”

  It was horrific. But there I danced, for all to mock and laugh at. I wanted it over with. When the song finally ended, I broke from the guy I was forced to dance and be humiliated with, barely thanking him, and went back to my throne.

  Then I had to dance with pretty much every counselor after that. I had
no idea this was going to happen to me. I just wanted to be with Devin, but he hadn’t come to see the queen yet.

  I’d just sat back down after whatever number of slow and fast songs I’d just danced to with countless counselors, when Devin was seated in the chair on the other side of my throne. Oh, thank God. I’m going to dance with you next.

  But Devin left the seat. I watched him walk out of the rec hall. Am I supposed to leave my royal subjects and follow you?

  Without looking behind me, I stood and walked out of the rec hall. I went straight to the craft cabin. Quickly, I opened and closed the door and locked it.

  When I turned around, I saw Devin across the room, standing by the moonlit window. I started to walk to him and, at the same time, he crossed the room to me. “I wanted a dance with the queen but in private.”

  “I’m all yours,” I said.

  He held out his phone to me. “You get to pick the song,” he said.

  I smiled, taking the phone, and immediately went to YouTube. I put in “Summertime Sadness,” by Lana Del Rey, clicked a link, and let the song begin. Tonight was our last night together. This song fit the mood.

  I set the phone on the desk. When I turned around, Devin was holding his arms out to me. I went to him immediately to be held. We began moving slowly, and I wrapped my arms tightly around Devin’s neck.

  We continued moving in a circle, trying to block out the negative thought that camp was ending tomorrow. Tonight would be my last night with Devin in this camp’s setting, and I knew being away from him would make me sad.

  I moved to kiss Devin, locking our lips in a heavy kiss, while trying to keep from crying.

  ***

  During the final morning, the camp grounds and buildings were all cleaned up. Campers had begun bringing their things down to the main road, preparing to leave camp for good. I’d already said goodbye to Aaron and promised to email him after camp.