This story is a little long, but I hope you will read it in its entirety and enjoy the journey the 4 people take. I hope you enjoy the story all the way through. If you enjoy it, please vote. Any opinions, suggestions, critiques or praises are appreciated so please leave comments at the end.
*
A few days after the latest challenge, the clan reconvened at Marte's lodge in the mountains. The girls had rested up and allowed their sore bodies to heal after the last challenge. Terra and Cindy arrived before Ryan.
The girls were teasing each other about who enjoyed it the most. Marte and Cindy were in agreement that the last challenge was best suited for Terra and her wild ways. Terra could not hold back the wide grin she that was painted on her face. Cindy could see the glow in her eyes. The girls were also in agreement that Marte enjoyed it the least, at least in the beginning. Cindy commented on how Marte was really getting into the whole event, by the end.
The girls also agreed that the challenge was the most risque of all the previous challenges and the first that involved people outside their inner circle. "I think it has opened Pandora's box, so to speak." Terra commented. Her comment was followed by a giggle.
While waiting on Ryan, the girls discussed the possibility of continuing with the challenges. Marte was definitely against it, Cindy was on the fence, while Terra was definitely for continuing the challenges. After much discussion, the girls compromised and decided the challenges would continue. The challenges, however, would be spaced out over longer periods of time than they had been recently.
The girls decided that they needed to give Ryan a going away present before he headed back home to pack and move West to join Marte. The ideas were wild and various. The girls decided to pick their favorite parts of the suggestions and combine them. The wanted to thank Ryan for the experience he had willed upon them, well sort of.
Ryan walked through the door. He was tentative, gaging their reactions. He wasn't sure what their overall reactions were to the last challenge. He knew it had pushed them to the limit and perhaps even crossed a few of their boundaries.
Smiling, he asked, "Hey everyone. How are you ladies doing this afternoon?"
The girls laughed. Terra responded, "Doing great after a little R&R."
Their conversations turned to normal daily items. Ryan's guard dropped and he fell back into his normal comfort zone with the girls while they chatted. The conversation began to turn mundane as they talked about work. Terra decided it was time to change the subject.
Terra was known for being bold and forward. The girls always said it was the Native American in her that was coming out. She stood up from the couch and moved across the room. She sat next to Ryan on the love seat and put her arm around his shoulder.
"So...what did you think of the last challenge Ryan?"
Ryan was taken back by the sudden change of subject and took a few seconds before answering. He knew his answer was going to greatly effect the rest of this conversation. He decided to ignore the elephant in the room and pretend it was like any other challenge.
"I thought it went great. Watching you girls was absolutely amazing. How did you girls like your reward at the end?"
Terra ignored his question, for the time being, and continued to question him with the face of a drill sergeant. She turned her body to face him as she crossed her right leg over her left. Ryan could see the seriousness in her face. He raised his guard once again and prepared for the words that were preparing to come from her mouth.
"Ohhh. You were there watching the whole time huh? Wow! I didn't know that. That must have been quite the show. Don't you think?"
"Yes, I was there the whole time Terra. I was standing by the curtain behind you girls. I stood there with the Fraternity President and a few of the helpers."
"So, did you participate in the activities? We noticed there was a little more participation than what was happening on the other side of the wall."
Ryan smiled before he said, "I was sworn to secrecy. I am not allowed to reveal the identities of any participants in the event. Your names were not revealed either."
"I think you did participate. In fact, I am sure you did.", Terra retorted.
"Yeah, I am pretty sure he did also.", Cindy said. "What do you think Marte?"
Marte being the most reserved of the three girls, didn't like to accuse. "I don't know for sure. I did think I smelled his scent at one point, however."
Terra continued to drill Ryan with question after question for a few minutes, all in an attempt to get him off guard. Ryan continued to answer the questions carefully, only smiling when he felt it was appropriate. His arms moved from his lap to crossing across his chest. Terra then smiled as she put her hand on his right thigh.
"I want you to know I enjoyed the challenge immensely!" I think the girls did as well, at least by the end of the challenge. Oh and the cruise...that is possibly your only saving grace, Mister."