The trip began as a dream—just as Cameron had hoped, just as she had envisioned in every delusion she had once forced herself to suppress. When they arrived, Jasmine had been nothing but warm touches, sweet words, and glances that made Cameron's heart beat wildly in her chest. Every stolen moment, every whispered "I love you," reaffirmed to Cameron that this was exactly how things were meant to be. She had given Jasmine the world, and Jasmine was giving her everything in return.
The first day was perfect. They spent the daylight hours wrapped in each other's presence, soaking in the scenery, indulging in decadent meals, and letting their laughter fill the air. Cameron felt untouchable, floating in the high of Jasmine's affection. Every kiss tasted like forever, every glance was a silent vow. That night, as they lay tangled together in bed, Jasmine pressed her lips to Cameron's shoulder and murmured, "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Cameron had never felt more loved.
But the second day marked the shift. It was subtle at first—Jasmine grew restless, tapping her nails against tabletops, shifting in her seat as if the vacation had suddenly become a cage. Her excitement had taken on an edge, her laughter a little too sharp. At first, Cameron thought nothing of it. Jasmine had always been energetic, always chasing the next thrill. But then, the suggestions started.
"Let's sneak past that 'No Entry' sign. There's gotta be something cool back there."
Cameron hesitated. "I don't know… I don't want to get kicked out."
Jasmine scoffed, nudging her side. "Come on. Where's your sense of adventure?"
It was hard to say no when Jasmine looked at her like that, eyes glimmering with excitement, daring her to be something she wasn't. But Cameron managed to laugh it off, pulling her in for a kiss and suggesting they check out something else instead. Jasmine let it go, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something Cameron couldn't quite place.
That night, the unpredictability escalated. Jasmine insisted they invite a group of strangers they'd met earlier back to their room for drinks. "It'll be fun," she said, gripping Cameron's wrist. "We never do stuff like this."
Cameron hesitated again. "I thought this trip was supposed to be for us."
Jasmine's expression faltered, just for a second, before she smiled and cupped Cameron's face. "You're right. I just want to celebrate with you. You've done so much for me—I guess I just got a little carried away."
Cameron melted into her touch. She wanted to believe her. She needed to.
But the pattern continued.
During the day, Jasmine was the epitome of everything Cameron had fallen in love with—soft, affectionate, and devoted. But at night, she became a whirlwind of reckless energy, urging Cameron into situations that made her stomach twist. Climbing fences, sneaking into places they weren't supposed to be, drinking more than either of them should. Each time Cameron hesitated, Jasmine's lips would be on her neck, her hands on her waist, whispering, "It's just for fun, Cam. You trust me, don't you?"
And Cameron, weak to her, desperate for her approval, always nodded. Always said yes.
But deep down, unease gnawed at her. This wasn't the first time she had let Jasmine dictate the pace of things, the first time she had swallowed down discomfort for the sake of keeping her happy. She could feel herself slipping, falling back into the pattern she thought she had escaped—agreeing, indulging, letting Jasmine take the reins because it was easier than confronting her. Because she loved her too much to be the one to ruin things.
But love wasn't supposed to feel like holding her breath, was it?
As the trip continued, Cameron found herself watching Jasmine more closely. Studying the way her mood swung like a pendulum, how she could be gentle and loving one moment and reckless the next. And for the first time, she wondered if Jasmine was truly as in control as she seemed—or if something deeper, something more volatile, was lurking beneath the surface.
And if it was, what did that mean for them?