47 | 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑝𝑡𝑢𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝐴𝑠𝑠

[a/n: a real hotel in Canada is in use for this story/chapter. What I say does not reflect the hotel or its staff. All information is based off extensive research, feel free to Google for the benefit of imagery]

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"Ninety-five bottles of beer on the wall, ninety-five bottles of beer. Take one down, pass it around, ninety-four bottles of beer on the wall."

I took one glance at Sullivan who was laughing and singing with the rest of us on the bus. He was staring out the window before pivoting in his seat. "Wanna go to prom together?"

I stilled, my body going limp at the thought. "Well, yeah, but--"

"Good."

I wasn't one for grand gestures, but a sweaty school bus wasn't ideal. The black leather seat in front of us squealed back in protest when Olivia prompted her elbows up on the top. "Hola!"

I chuckled, tilting my head up towards her. "Bonjour," I corrected, "we're going to Canada, gotta get in the mood." I teased and she nodded in return, but quickly twisted to Keiona.

"You told me you speak French fluently, right?" she urged, trying to remember, still balanced on her knees as we rode through Montana, passing by a familiar road that made Victor clear his throat, trying to get my attention from his seat beside Kayla.

I stifled a laugh, both of us repressing our smiles.

"Indeed," Keiona started, clearing her throat firstly before saying, "je suis tellement excité et reconnaissant d'être ici (I am so excited and grateful to be here)."

Rowan sunk into his seat with a flustered expression. "Shit, that was kind of hot," he breathed with a few laughs, wiping a hand over his forehead. Keiona rolled her eyes, giggling to herself before planting a kiss on his lips and making everyone stop and ask themselves when that started happening.

Victor leaned over into the aisle, peeking towards them. "Told you, I saw it from the start--" He was interrupted by Keiona who smacked blindly to the seat behind her. He became a laughing fit, launching to the back of the seat and to Kayla to protect him from Keiona's hand.

"Oh, shut up, pretty boy!" she scolded, falling into Rowan's arms from chuckling as Olivia snapped pictures of the event. "Are you taking pictures?" Keiona implored with a genuine smile.

"Someone has to document the memories," Olivia pointedly advised, analyzing and scrolling through her camera. "I love photography."

"And is good at it too!" Rowan added brightly.

Sullivan nudged my shoulder, catching my attention as he whispered, "is Keiona a lesbian?"

"No," I told him quietly under everyone' s laughter. "Rowan is transgender. He's a he and Keiona is, well, she likes him." I watched him process it, but he rolled his shoulders dismissively as if he didn't quite care enough.

Clemont stood from the front of the bus. "Is that French I hear?" He is both Chinese and French, and being a teacher for both had sparked his interest to hear it. Keiona nodded and began talking French all the while Clemont communicated.

When the laughter dwindled and the conversation fell, Jay bargained, standing up from his spot behind Kayla and Victor. "Alright, I have a brilliant idea." He had a gleam in his eyes, being that he was also sitting next to Penelope while he angled his body to scan over everyone in the back of the bus. "Who's up for a fun game of virtual Uno?"

A variety of voices erupted and when I raised from my seat to get my phone, Sullivan tugged my arm, shaking his head, uttering, "I want to be with you."

"Okay," I replied glumly.

When Jay looked at me to ask if I wanted to join the game on my phone, I shook my head and said I was okay. I looked at Sullivan, waiting to see if he wanted to talk and for a slimmer of hope, came two disappointed head shakes as he beckoned to the window.

"I wanted to do this," he said casually, "just sitting with you." He twisted back to the window. I nodded nonetheless and pulled out a Composition notebook, checking off a New York license plate.

♡♡♡

"Holy mackerel!" Keiona gasped, her eyes scanned every which way. I for one stared in awe at the mahogany wooden floors which drove up to the tall cherry oak ceilings. Moose detailing splattered the walls.

I remembered my mom getting excited and drawing the connection. After all, we were staying at the Moose Hotel & Suites in Banff, Canada and our dog was named Moose.

The fireplace was to the far left hand side, surrounded by a square of sofas and tall windows. People were sitting and conjugating, laughing to themselves as conversation so easily flowed. The air was brisk and new, fresher than I could imagine and I got this strong, overwhelming desire to just bask in every ounce of it before we had to leave.

I'm planning on living it up.

Clemont got us the room keys, but whilst he held them within the lobby, our luggage by our feet, he cleared his throat and announced, "I have a few rules before we start."

Our groups' conversation mellowed while we clustered by him, standing beneath the orange fluorescent bulbs and second story balcony that overlooked us. He smiled brightly, fixed his rectangular rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose and declared, "Obviously, this is a school funded trip, a small percentage of our earnings and the budget goes into our selective club that allows us to explore out of our comfort zone to little organizations like the ones near this hotel.

"This means, the rules apply." He lowered his tone and leaned in. "Now, I'm not going to be watching you guys every minute, but let's just say, what I can't see, can't hurt you or me?" He cringed, but nodded in confirmation that he liked his saying when we all shared a collective laugh. "Now, we have four rooms and then mine. There will be one room with three people, and the rest with two. We have to do this according to gender."

Rowan tensed, I saw it in the corner of my eyes. Everyone here knew that he was still considered "Patty" in the school, but I saw Victor nudge and startle Rowan who revealed a gloss in his eyes. "You'll bunk with me," Victor smirked, crossing his arms over his chest casually.

Rowan mouthed to him, "thank you."

Clemont continued without noticing. "Now, there is no set time you guys need to be in your bunks, but eleven at latest. We must have a buddy system and you need to text me when you are leaving. I will not reply, but it's just for me to know who is out otherwise trust is gone. However, as long as you're staying in the hotel, you do not need to text me, but be back in your room at a reasonable hour. Oh, and also!" he exclaimed, getting excited. "First community service job is tomorrow at eight thirty, so be ready and meet at the main lobby forty minutes before then!"

After we dispersed, we decided Keiona and Penelope were going to bunk with me. After a few minutes of procrastinating and talking as well as searching for the elevator, we started dragging our suitcases, packing in like crickets in a jar. Sullivan and Jay squeezed in with all us girls, leaving Rowan and Victor.

"Sorry guys!" We were laughing hysterically at the lack of room in the congested space for them. Jay was practically hauling his suitcase over his head.

"I swear to God!" Penelope yelled out, "if this thing breaks."

"Keiona!" Kayla scolded, being squished into Sullivan. "What's the weight capacity on this thing?"

"Are you calling me fat?" she tested, chortling as the doors drew shut with Victor and Rowan on the opposite side, throwing up their middle fingers.

That was until Victor grabbed his suitcase and shouted, "race ya there! Come on, Rowan! We got this!" he amped, making Rowan nod and agree with enthusiastic words.

"Good luck getting to the third floor!" Olivia exclaimed through the elevator crack before it sealed and their footsteps silenced, our laughter getting louder. When we arrived on that floor, we burst through it like a water balloon, conjugating outside of the open elevator doors as Victor and Rowan appeared on the steps at the opposing side, heaving breaths. When they finally met up, we were gathered outside of the elevator in clumps, admirably scanning over the place.

The Moose Hotel was special because all of its hallways were on the outside, having a better chance of seeing the mountains dipped in snow from every available angle. The hallways weaved around the hotel, but were connected like branches to the rooms.

"I was not built for that," Rowan grunted.

"We need more training," Victor added, shoving his hand against Rowan's shoulder, making him stumble before he jogged over to the group, smiling down at me when Victor met my side.

"This place is sick!" Sullivan expressed, nodding his head to the railing outlining the hallway as we peered over and saw the courtyard below. The indigneous hallways were enclosed in an awning, but was perfect for us to still be close together. We were able to feel chilled by the Canada breeze and smell the air more clearly while outside.

When we found our rooms. Sullivan gave me a wave before he walked over the bridge connecting two sections of the hotel. On the other hand, Jay started making out with Penelope. He was holding her close and peppering soft kisses on her neck on the middle of the bridge.

Keiona's hands overlapped around Rowan's neck as he was looking up at her, smiling and blushing amongst the touch of their lips.

Damn, I wish Sullivan could kiss me.

I turned my head away then was joined by Keiona's presence as she opened the glass door outlined in wood. "You guys are so lucky," I mumbled.

She looked down at me with a narrowed scrunch to her face. "Why's that, Girl? Aren't you happy?"

"Sort of," I admitted, looking over my shoulder. "Your boyfriends' kissed you goodbye. Mine gave me a gingerly wave." I rolled my eyes, walking into the room and breathing of relief. The small living room and kitchenette was the first thing we noticed, along with the fireplace and moose displays around the interior. We walked into the bedroom area where a TV and two cleanly tucked in mattresses were.

There was a window overlooking the outdoor hallways, as well as the balcony exit. Everything felt so open, welcoming, yet cozy.

Keiona tugged her luggage in. "This is gorgeous."

"Agreed," I admired.

Soon enough, Penelope came straggling in, her duffle bag weighing her down. "Urgh! I'm here!" She brushed her red locks out off her face to see clearly. "Holy shit, it's beautiful. I'll take the couch?" she offered.

Keiona cocked her head. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," I agreed, "How about we do rock paper scissors?" They all nodded and after three confirmed rounds, many duplicates in between, I was the one on the couch. I was okay with that. A few blankets anywhere and I'd be comfortable. The two girls went into the bedroom as I unpacked my things. My favorite stuffed animal turtle and pillows which I placed on the pull-out ivory couch.

Moments later, Keiona came walking out wearing tight white jeans and a gold bandana style top with an open back. Her black hair was straightened now, pulled up into a high pony. As for Penelope, she wore a beige sweater and black denim skirt.

"Come on," Penelope urged. "Are you ready?"

"Where are two going?" I asked, raising my head from my lap. I was still clutching my turtle, studying their outfits expertly.

Keiona was wearing knee high length boot heels, head deep into her phone, mumbling, "I have the best boyfriend ever. He just asked if he needed to bring a hoodie for my outfit later. He knows me so well."

"God, that's cute shit," Penelope swore, laughing and fixing her circular rimmed glasses, wiping them clean. "We're going to the fourth floor for the bonfire. I heard it's so beautiful. It's in the group chat."

I don't usually look at the group chat, understandable.

Keiona finished a reply before she walked to the bathroom. I shrugged, shifting my turtle back onto the couch as I admitted, "I don't know if I feel up to--"

Keiona wheeled around the corner as Penelope whisked towards me. "Wasn't a question," Keiona deadpanned.

Penelope was nodding. "The hot tub is for later tonight, but where we're going shows off the perfect view of Mount Rundle. Both of which, you are going with us to."

"What she said," Keiona muttered, grabbing loosely at my wrist and tugging me forwards, nearly throwing me into her. "What did you pack?" She grabbed my suitcase and started unzipping it after ignoring my one question about what she was doing. She pulled apart my items, deciphering my leggings and jeans from baggy hoodies and my red blouse.

"Where's your badass bitch clothes?" Keiona wondered. "I thought you told me you'll look like a badass bitch for this trip?"

I jumped excitedly, prodding my finger. "You see that!" I pointed to what was in her hand, the red top. "I'm planning on wearing that with my black ripped jeans!" My frown formed. "Ignore that."

She was studying the blatant name across one of the black hoodies. "You brought Victor's sweatshirt?" Her eyes met mine impatiently, but she smirked to herself, situating the clothes back inside the confinements.

"I only did that because Sullivan has yet to give me his own and it's just the softest one. Plus that was the first one he gave me," I defended, but that seemed to make my evidence worse. They provided an equally intrigued expression. "Look, I'll just wear my red blouse--"

"You sound like my grandmother," Keiona laughed, standing up and telling Penelope to go grab her the black shirt she debated wearing. "You wanna impress Sullivan?" she questioned, tilting her head towards me after Penelope vanished into the next room.

I nodded meekly, saying, "Yeah."

"Good, because you are going to wear these magical dark gray jeans that get you a voluptuous ass!" she exclaimed, catching a shirt that Penelope threw. "You are going to wear this--"

"I didn't bring a black bra," I murmured, staring at the beautifully designed black cropped top that had a deep V and the waistband of the shirt was shredded to have long strings veiling the abdomen. The back had many straps going every which way in slashes like a game of Tic Tac Toe.

"Oh, you can borrow my bralette," Keiona beamed teasingly, running inside.

Penelope jumped for joy. "You can wear my combat boots! I'm most certain they will go!"

I looked down. I didn't have a big chest, but there wasn't not anything there. I was a little above average and Keiona was definitely on the smaller side, maybe just average, Penelope was standing in that room with D's though, and I knew she envied average.

I shook my head a bit uncertain. "There is no way--"

She was returning to the room, shoving it in my arms. "If it doesn't fit, it doesn't fit," she crooned.

I was walking to the bathroom as I said, "It's not getting in the bra that I'm worried about, it's whether or not I can get out." I stuffed into the room, the huge mirror staring back at me as I changed, slipping on the bra which was a little tight, but pushed them up nicely into the shirt. I demonstrated my stomach which was covered in the strings of the shirt as Penelope later joined to touch up my makeup as Keiona curled my hair.

"You guys are too much," I was chuckling by now.

Penelope was brushing the pink pigment against my cheekbone lightly. "He will fall in love with you all over again."

"Again?" I asked. "He didn't even do it once."

"We're not talking about Sullivan," Keiona murmured into my ear.

After dismissing them, we were walking to the outdoor elevator, being whisked to the fourth floor where laughter resounded and the familiarity flooded into me. I could easily sense both Sullivan's and Victor's eyes, Victor's more heavier and everlasting. The chill was defeated by time we gathered to the orange flame, emitting embers and heat that flushed our faces.

There were rectangular seats, six of them, encircling the pit with a soft ivory cushion atop. Sullivan patted the rectangle he sat on and I approached, but badass bitch me, sat on his lap, my two legs hanging over his thigh as my arm draped over his neck. He instantly backed away, frozen in shock before his hand slid from my exposed stomach around to my lower back. I tried to restrain my smile, but the glare from the sunlight shined a spotlight over it.

Rowan planted soft kisses onto Keiona's neck, but his eyes went around the group to Jay who was talking. He held Penelope's hand, announcing, "Never have I ever, skinny dipped?"

A series of fingers shot down including Keiona, Kayla, Sullivan, Victor, and Jay. We all nodded, slightly astonished at the results. Some laughter was shared as Olivia shot Kayla a look.

"How on Earth is that possible with you?"

She shrugged. "I have my secrets." She gave a mischievous grin in return as the sunset fanned across her face.

Sullivan's fingertips slipped below the waistband of my jeans unexpectedly and I gave him a "don't try this right now, please" glance. He rolled his eyes as if it was annoying and dug his hand out as Penelope asked the next question.

"Never have I ever..." she began, thinking hard. "Had a threesome?" She surveyed the group as Olivia and Victor were the only ones who put their fingers down. Looking to each other quickly and bursting out into laughter.

"Wait..." Rowan intercepted. "No!" His eyes widened. "This was the hot black haired third?"

Everybody was dying now, heart-filled chuckles emptied from my mouth. Victor cleared his throat, sinking back, and crossing his arms as if no such thing was said, but his forced grimace was a sign of repressed laughter before he gave in, "Fine, fine--" He was holding up his hands before he snapped his head to her. "You think I'm hot?" He showed his lopsided grin as Olivia rolled her eyes, ignoring him.

I was strapped to Sullivan like a seatbelt, but Victor was happy; I wish I could be sharing that with him, but I felt like an outlier, watching as he made some of the best memories of his life, and I was okay with that.

He nodded, amping himself before rubbing the palms of his hands together to create friction, the warmth of the fire making his olive complexion glow. "Okay... shit, I can't think of one." He tilted his head up, looking over everyone's faces, catching my eyes and asking, "never have I ever masturbated to someone here?"

I watched as he put a finger down, as did Rowan and Keiona, then Jay who received a slap on his forearm from Penelope who was blushing.

And then, I guess it was pretty clear I didn't... but I sort of... but I put my finger down anyway, and I think he knew, because he winked to me, making Sullivan's hand curl around my waist harder.

I smiled, connecting his eyes over everyone in the group, making my heart feel like a rotisserie atop the fire pit.

This was gonna be one hell of a four day weekend.

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