The Oasis E1 | Things aren't totally normal here at camp

Everyone is over the age of 18

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This is what they call a mid-20’s crisis, I think. 

At the ripe age of 25, I have no friends, no girlfriend and no hobbies. I go to work, “create value for shareholders,” and then I go home and work some more. 

I kind of just snapped one day. It was right in the middle of another endless meeting when I felt like I couldn't breathe. Like the walls were closing in on me. I stood up, felt all the eyes around the large rectangular table stare at me, and… just walked out. 

I would tell you that it was like the end of a movie where I dance around the city, but that's not my style. Plus, it was actually drizzling so I kind of just walked in this fugue state getting more and more drenched until I found my way home. I didn't have a plan or anything. 

As I was sitting in the tub warming back up, my phone was driving me insane. My boss was calling me… HR was calling me…my coworkers were calling me…

I blocked them all. Every last one of them. I submerged myself in the hot water and felt my ears plug up with silence. Or water. It was probably water.

Later that night, I continued my blocking spree on social media. Again, I didn't have a plan but whatever I was going to do did not include ever talking to these people again. One ad with people looking disgustingly happy stopped me. 

“OASIS. Find that pleasure within yourself.” 

The website was convincing, or I was in an easily convinced state. Either way, I bought a week’s stay at the resort. I couldn't just stay in this tiny apartment anyway, jobless and friendless. 

I left the next morning, making the long drive out of the city. I'm not from here, so nothing is familiar to me. Like I said, all I ever did was go to work. It was quite nice to see the views as I zoomed past them. 

I must have driven for at least 4 hours before I pulled up to a wooden arch with big letters on the top. 

OASIS

I admit that this was the part where I started feeling unnerved. 

I walked out of my job. I fucking imploded the career I've been working so hard on. And where the hell am I now?? If I turn back now…

A man with long blond hair waves me to where I should park. A woman with equally long blond hair and another man with short brown hair joins him. I did some breathing exercises as all three of them approached the car together. 

Just say hi. Hi, I'm Barry. I just made the biggest mistake of my life. So, I'll be on my way now if that’s alright. 

By the time I was done with my inner monologue, the 3 of them were at my door. I got out of the car and extended my hand for a handshake. 

Instead of shaking my hand, the blond man takes my hand with his left and turns to the others. They join hands, and the brown-haired man holds my left hand. 

What the fuck did I get myself into?

They close their eyes and I stare at each of them in bewilderment. They're all wearing very neutral-toned and loose fitting clothes. Both men’s hands are hot compared to mine. 

“You have a lot of turmoil,” the blond man says, suddenly opening his eyes and staring at me. “I'm Chris.” 

“William.” The other man chimes in. 

“Kayla.” 

“I'm –” I wonder when we should stop holding hands. 

“Barry,” Chris says. “We read your profile.” I think my palm is sweating against his. They finally let go of my hands but the 3 of them stay connected. “Let's get you settled into a cabin.”

I grab the only bag I brought with me. The website said that everything is included and to bring as little material possessions as possible. We walk into the camp, and Chris introduces me to the different wooden buildings, although I didn't retain anything except where the men sleep. 

“We separate the men and the women,” Chris says as Kayla drapes herself on his shoulders. 

Okay, so they're together. 

“Only for bedtime,” William says, almost like he's trying to reassure me. I watch in surprise as he kisses Kayla, who is literally hugging Chris from behind. 

“Okay. I'm going to get ready for the campfire tonight.” Kayla rubs Chris’ chest. “Nice to meet you, Barry. You'll love it here. It's amazing and everyone's excited to meet you.” 

Everyone? 

After Kayla and William take off, Chris brings me to the men’s cabin. I'm not sure if cabin is the right word here with the sheer size of the building. I think there are at least 30 beds here. 

“You're right next to me,” Chris stops at the foot of a made bed with clothes folded on top. “Change into these. I'm going to need a power nap before tonight.” He lays on his bed and turns to the side.

I also took a little rest in my new clothes. After all, I drove 4 hours to get here. I was awakened by Chris in the dark. 

“It's campfire time.” 

“I might sit this one out,” I mumble.

“Camp rules. Everyone has to go.” He basically lifts me out of the bed. 

The campfire was full of people chatting and laughing. They were all wearing the same clothes so it was hard to recognize anyone. A few of them introduced themselves to me but I forgot their names immediately after. I stuck with Chris, William and Kayla pretty closely the whole night. 

No one was drinking, but the vibe got more rowdy as the night went on. People got undressed and danced together, which felt normal given how hot the fire made the summer night. 

“Do you dance?” Chris asks me as he takes off his shirt. I was wondering when he would do that ever since I saw the pit stains in the beige shirt. I shake my head. I haven't been out on the town. Not even once, if I’m being honest. 

“You should. Dancing is medicine.” Kayla takes off her shirt too. “I love dancing.” 

“I know you do, baby.” Chris ties back his long blond hair and kisses her. The kiss is full of passion and lust. 

“You’ll get used to it,” William says. He reaches out and strokes Kayla's exposed back. 

“Are you 3 in like a …” Threesome doesn't sound right. 

“We don't do labels here,” William says. He removes his shirt, revealing a much more defined physique than I would have thought. He kisses Kayla's back while Chris makes out with her. 

It was mesmerizing to watch with the firelight illuminating them. The eroticism of their 3 bodies moving in harmony was enticing and exciting. 

And all around them, people were undressing. The piles of clothes grew on the ground and I decided to take off my shirt too to fit in. It seemed like they were always a step ahead of me. By the time I felt comfortable with my shirt off, everyone else had already pulled off their pants. 

“Okay…” Chris groans as Kayla drops to her knees. She pulls his briefs down and I stare at his freed semi hard-on. William leaves them and sits next to me. Everyone else suddenly stops chatting and sits in a circle.

We all watch Chris’ boner rise slowly with the fire serving as the only source of light. Everyone sits in silence as the faint moaning and panting mixes in with the cracking of the fire. 

“We always encourage our fellow males,” William says. 

“What do you mean?” I ask in a dazed state, hypnotized by how the silhouette of a tongue licks Chris’ hardened shaft.

“We are going to give Chris all our strength.” William takes off his underwear and I watch as each guy in the circle strips down too. They spit into their hand in unison calmly and grab their crotch in synchronized choreography. 

What the fuck did I get myself into?