The Deadly Dare

By David C. Reyes

As Jess & Katie's relationship continues to grow, so do the challenges that lie ahead. A deadly dare by a player from a rival school, leads them on their most dangerous adventure to date. With their backs up against the wall, will they succumb to the deadly fate of those who have gone before them? Or will they escape only to find that another tragedy awaits them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Harbor Press
• Release date: Jan 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201759667

David C. Reyes

David is a published author with multiple works of fiction to his credit. A trademark of his writing, is to use his creativity where he entwines a positive moral message within his storylines. Beside writing, David enjoys watching romantic comedy movies or spending time in the local mountains with his lovely wife, Linda.

Book preview

Introduction:

After the most incredible outing at snow camp where Katie and I had our first kiss, I was so looking forward to the last part of my sophomore year. My birthday was just around the corner in March where I would be turning sixteen. This meant I could now get my driver’s license, as in California, as long as you take Driver’s Education you can get your license at sixteen. There was another reason why this birthday was going to be special. Since Katie would also be turning sixteen in June, this meant we would be able to officially go out on car dates. I was so looking forward to that aspect of our relationship now that we were an official couple.

Thinking about the progression of our relationship, I had to pinch myself to think we had finally gotten together after all these years of being friends. But I guess that old saying is true; Good things come to those who wait.

In the past year, many different circumstances had taken my life from one extreme to the other filled with life’s ironic lessons. Although I went through some very trying times, in each of those cases, I think I grew a little more into maturity. Now that I was entering into an age of more responsibility, like driving a car, I figured there would be other challenges to face as well. However, as I have learned from my past experiences, you cannot predict the future of what is to come around the next turn in the road.  So, as I geared up for the last quarter of my sophomore year, the challenges coming down this road were going to take me from the heights of the highest highs to the depths of the lowest lows.

CHAPTER ONE – THE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

The first day after returning from snow camp, I was just beaming. I know I probably looked like a doofus with this silly grin on my face, but I couldn’t help it. Katie was mine and I was so thankful that God placed her in my life. Like it is with any new relationship, I was busting at the seams to share it with someone. I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to talk to Moses with all the other guys in the cabin, so I decided to give him a call.

(Phone Rings)

Hello...

Hey Moses, it’s me.

Hey Jess, how’s it going?

The tone of my voice revealed the smile on my face. Oh pretty good—if you know what I mean.

Well, I saw you guys holding hands on the ride home, so I assume things went well.

Man Moses, it was just the most incredible thing. Here I thought it was going to be the end of our relationship, and it turned out to be only the beginning.

So what happened after she went up the hill to talk to you?

Well, when she got there, she started to ask me why I was up there by myself. And you know me, at first, I was a little defensive. But then we started talking about the things that happened between us in the past. Then she started to remind me of all those moments we shared together; letting me know they meant something to her too. Then it was actually her that made the first move. She gave me this hint by saying that the next step in our relationship was all about the right timing. With that, she sat down right in front of me really close. I finally got it through this thick skull of mine that she wanted something to start right then. I kind of took it from there and I placed my arms around her waist and hugged her from behind. After that, she ran out into this snow-covered field where we had our first kiss. I won’t go into all the details of the kiss because we’re guys, but all I can tell you is it was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was like we were saying things to each other, and my feelings for her seemed to grow much deeper in that very moment.

That’s so great man; I’m really happy for you guys. I know it was hard getting there, but sometimes only God knows the reason for its timing and the reason why it was such a struggle. Sometimes it’s that God takes us through the fire to strengthen us, so in the end, we will appreciate it all the more.

Well, I definitely appreciate it. I think you know I’ve cared about her for a long time. It’s still hard to believe it happened between us and I can’t stop thinking about her—she is just the most incredible girl. So anyway, while we are on the subject of girls... I saw you and Rachel sitting pretty close together on the way home from snow camp. What was that about?

His voice revealed the smile on his face. Oh, just something that might be happening with us too.

Really, tell me about it.

Well, there’s not too much to tell.  When she first started coming to our church, we started talking to each other. I found out we have a lot in common and we just seem to feel comfortable around each other. But it wasn’t until we were paired up on New Year’s Eve for that Bible trivia contest that I felt some chemistry between us. Then we started working on this project where we had this common goal. Since we were spending a lot of time together, I could sense something developing between us. Probably around the same time, you and Katie were getting together, Rachel and I were starting something too. I asked her to go on a little hike of our own and we held hands. You know I used to like Gina and all, but Rachel is so different. She doesn’t play any games and there’s so much more to her. Gina was kind of one-dimensional. Rachel is multi-dimensional and a lot of fun to be around.

I’m really happy for you, Moses. It’s kind of funny how things work out. I mean who would have thought that going on these hikes would have been so good for our dating lives.

Well, I don’t know if we’re officially dating, but it’s a start. I hope it does develop into something because I’m starting to care for her.

Well, I’m going to tell you something that you once told me. You sure picked a gem in Rachel. She’s a good Christian girl, with a big caring heart.

***

That same afternoon Katie called both Becky and Rachel on the phone and asked them to come over to her house to hang out and talk. After they arrived and gathered in her room, they all sat down on Katie’s bed. Becky then brought up the subject of what happened up at the snow camp.

So Katie, I want to hear all about this thing with you and Jess. Rachel said she saw you guys holding hands on the way home from your church camp.

Well, a lot of things happened before we got together, but I think I’ll skip over the parts where Jess and I were fighting. Anyway, I guess I’ll start with the part where Rachel and I were in the recreation room talking to some guys. I knew I needed to talk to Jess because of this look he gave me just a little earlier. I knew he was hurting, and Rachel helped me to realize how Jess must be feeling. I then went up to Moses and asked him where Jess had gone. He told me that Jess went on a hike up to this viewpoint. When I got there, at first, he was a little defensive, but to be honest, I kind of expected it. So he didn’t make me upset by some of his comments. I don’t know how your experiences have been with guys, but mine has been that guys are so insecure. If I think back at all the moments we shared, I think anyone would say I definitely gave him hints that I was interested. But just because I wanted us to experience other relationships first, he got all insecure about things to the point of ending our friendship. As he sat there, I began to remind him of all the moments we shared, and let him know they meant something to me too. Of course, he was still a little guarded with his feelings, and so I had to make the first move. I then sat down right in front of him so he would get the hint. Finally, he did, and he placed his arms around my waist and hugged me from behind. Our heads fell close together and I could smell the scent of the cologne he was wearing. You know, the Musk cologne I bought him last Christmas. You know Jess is now a big strong guy, but he held me like his little doll; firm but gentle—it was really nice. Then it was kind of funny, but a couple of squirrels ran by us and up a tree. I kind of used that as an opportunity to have some fun with him. I took his hands off my waist and started to run into this open area where the snow was so pure and untouched. He came after me and he gently tackled me to the ground. When I turned over to face him, he had his arms around me and pulled me close. We said some caring words to each other, and I knew at that point he was going to kiss me. Then he leaned in and I guided him into our first kiss.

Ooh, that sounds so nice, Katie.

It was Rachel; it was such a special moment for us. Now the next part is kind of hard to explain. But when we started kissing, it felt like we had been kissing each other for years. Then at a certain point, the kiss seemed to go to a deeper place, and he started to tell me things.

He started talking to you in the middle of the kiss?

"No Becks, not like that. He was saying things to me through his kiss. I could feel him saying how much he cares about me and other things. Then we pulled back and he gave me this look as if I was the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. I have never experienced anything like that before. I mean the kiss with Jeremy was nice and all, especially for it being my first real kiss. But what I shared with Jess was incredible."

That’s so neat Katie, you are so lucky. I’ve never experienced anything like what you just described, Rachel said.

Becky added. Maybe you just haven’t kissed the right guy yet, Rachel. It sounds like Katie might have found the right guy in Jess.

Now don’t go and jump to any conclusions, you guys. Jess and I are just starting and have a long way to go. I mean I hope it continues because I’m starting to have some deep feelings for that boy.

Whoa, sounds like somebody’s falling in love, Becky said with whimsy.

No, I don’t think it’s at that stage yet, but I really care about him and I know he cares about me the same way. So enough about me. What about you guys? Rachel, it seems like something was going on there with you and Moses.

Well, it might be. We went on a little hike of our own and we held hands. We started to talk once in a while after youth group and a little after Sunday services. We seem to get along really well and he’s such a sweet guy. But the thing that made me think of him as more than just a friend, is when we started working on a little project together. He showed me this inner strength, and he seemed to take control of that situation and I was pretty impressed by that. Right now, that is all that has happened, so we’ll see. Now it’s your turn, Becky. What’s going on with you and Steve Chapman?

Well, I hate to admit it, but Katie was right. There needs to be more than just physical attraction in a relationship. Steve and I don’t have that friendship to fall back on, so things are getting a little boring now. I want to do other things or go other places, but all he wants to do is go find a spot so we can make out. Kissing and stuff are nice, but there needs to be more. I’m thinking of breaking it off with him pretty soon, but I’m not sure. Besides, with spring coming just around the corner, they say it’s a time to start fresh and new. I may want to start something fresh and new with another guy, but Steve will do for now.

*****

As March drew near, so did the day of my sixteenth birthday. As the bell rang ending my fourth-period class, I grabbed my book and headed for my locker. I started to put my book inside when these arms came from behind me and wrapped themselves around my waist.

Hey there handsome, a familiar voice whispered behind my ear. I know someone who thinks you’re just the cutest thing and wants to take you out for your birthday.

Without turning around to acknowledge her, I replied, Hmm, let me think. Is it Kimberly Weston? Cheryl Ramsey? No, maybe it’s Cindy Moran? No, wait I got it, it’s Vanessa Romano, right?

Oh, how rude! she said and quickly withdrew her hands. She began to playfully walk away when I grabbed her by the hand and pulled her close.

You know you’re the only girl for me. All those others girls pale in comparison.

She directed a wary eye. Yeah right... You better not be seeing any of those other girls! Besides, you may be getting very handsome young man, but Vanessa Romano is way out of your league.

I was just kidding. So getting back to the subject at hand. What’s this about my beautiful girlfriend taking me out on my birthday? What did you have planned?

I can’t tell you, it’s a surprise.

A surprise?

Yes, I just wanted to make sure you are free and that your parents were not planning anything for you that day.

Actually, I do have plans in the morning. My dad is going to take me to get my driver’s license, but I’m all yours after that.

Wow, you’re not wasting any time on getting your license, are you?

"Nope, I can’t wait. Having my driver’s license will give me a sense of freedom. I also can’t wait until it’s your birthday when I can take you out on real dates. So getting back to going out; is what you have planned going to involve our friends?"

Well, part of it involves Becky and Brian and maybe Moses. We need those guys to go with us since our parents still don’t know about us going out. I know how my dad is, and if he knew we were dating, then he would be watching us like a hawk and we couldn’t do the things we normally do. I know it might not seem right not to tell them right now, but it’s only for a few months until I’m sixteen. After that, we can tell them that we’re dating.

I can’t wait for that. I glanced towards the cafeteria. Hey, are you hungry? Because I’m starved. Let’s go get something to eat.

I took her by the hand and we headed to the cafeteria. When we got there, the whole gang was there and greeted us with loads of smiles.

Look guys, Brian said. The happy couple has arrived.

Why are you calling us the happy couple? I asked.

Marci spoke up. Because you guys should see yourselves. Ever since you got together both of you can’t stop smiling.

Katie directed a caring gaze. We can’t help it; right Jess? she said, and ran her hand down the back of my head.

We’re just teasing you, man. All of us are really happy for you. You guys make a great couple.

Thanks, Brian. We do feel lucky to have each other.

Becky commented. So, Jess, we hear it’s your birthday next week and you’ll be getting your driver’s license.

Yeah, I can’t wait. It will be nice to be able to drive myself instead of having my parents. Besides, then in a few months, I get to take this girl right here on some actual dates.

Marci commented. We heard Rick just got his license last week. I’m sure he’s thrilled to be able to take Staci out.

How long have those two been going out? Moses asked.

Ever since I can remember—maybe even since kindergarten! Marci said as we all laughed.

Brian gathered my attention. "Oh Jess, that kind of reminds me. After you get your driver’s license, come over to the house, I have a little something to give you for your birthday. That is of course if you pass your test."

I’ll pass my test. I have been practicing with my dad for about six months. Do you guys want to hear a funny story? Well, I don’t know how funny it is; it got kind of tense there for a moment. Anyway, when I was out of school for a few days because I got strep throat, I decided to go for a joy ride. I got so bored and frustrated with having to stay home, so I took my mom’s car out for a little cruise. Katie’s mom had picked my mom up for a Bible study, so I got in the car and took off. I was cruising around town when I came to that stop sign right on the corner near our school. And guess what happened?  The car stalled! I tried to start it up, but it wasn’t kicking over. Man, I tell you, I was in a total panic. Then to make things worse, it was during the time my sister Tami had PE class. I thought for sure she was going to turn around and recognize the car. As cars began to honk their horns behind me, I saw a cop coming in the opposite direction. Man, I tell you, I was shitting bricks!

Jess! Katie snapped in a scolding tone.

Oh, sorry Katie. I mean I was sweating bullets.

That’s better, she said with a smile.

Anyway, where was I; I lost my train of thought.

You were shitting bricks, Brian said.

Oh yeah. Anyway, just as the cop was about to get to the intersection, the car finally kicked over. I put that thing in gear and drove straight home and never did that again.

Sounds like someone was trying to give you a little warning, Moses said.

Yeah, maybe.

I never knew that happened to you, Katie commented.

Well, I do have a few secrets I haven’t told you. I like to keep a few secrets to myself so I can still surprise you once in a while.

Katie cleared her throat to gather the group’s attention. Speaking of surprises, I have a special surprise for my handsome guy right here for his birthday.

I nudged her shoulder. Yeah, but she won’t tell me what it is.

Jess, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she told you, Becky added.

I know, but usually I can guess what it is. But this year she has been pretty sneaky about this, haven’t you? I said and gave her a