Imagine the most annoying sound you can think of- multiply that by ten and you've got my alarm clock.
"Why did I ever buy you?" I groaned swatting at the snooze button. The world was a blur at first but things started to clear after a moment. I remembered why I had set the alarm to 7:30 in the first place. My boyfriend, Isaac, was coming to pick me up from my apartment so we could get to the Washington's place by 1:00. I only lived about two hours away, but Isaac was terrified of driving in the mountains and insisted on going seven mile per hour.
I reluctantly shuffled into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. There was a loud knock at the door and I opened it, thinking it would be Isaac, but instead I was greeted by Josh. I grunted and walked back to the kitchen.
"Well good morning to you too, Luther," Josh laughed. He has called me Luther since 6th grade when he found out my nickname was Lex. This made me the arch-nemesis of his favorite superhero. I scowled and pointed at the empty coffee mug, "Ah," He knew very well that I can't function without a full cup of caffeine. The machine beeped and we sat in silence until I slurped the last of the warm drink form my mug.
"So Kent," I started. He earned that name by wearing a Superman cape for an entire summer without washing it, "where is my boyfriend?"
"He wouldn't leave me and Chris in the Camry 'unsupervised,'" he snickered. "So he sent me to get you."
"That's what happens when you fill his car with 200 pounds of bright pink glitter!"
"Hey, that prank was awesome and you know it. He still hasn't gotten it all out yet," to prove his point, the prankster brushed some of the sparkle off his shoulder. I rolled my eyes and stood up.
"I'm going to change and pack some last minute things."
"Can I help?" he grinned. I shot him a look, "I meant pack!" he said, trying to sound innocent.
"Just go wait in the car; I don't want you wandering around my apartment."
"You don't trust me?" He made a fake wounded expression.
"Defiantly not," I laughed. He pouted and went down the stairs, back outside. I had everything I was taking stuffed in a suitcase. I slipped into the warmest cloths I owned and added my favorite coat for good measure. It was going to be a cold weekend.
Lastly, I went into the closet and opened my secret mini-fridge, grabbing a Jack Daniels. I hid it under my shirts in the pocket I cut into the back of my suitcase when I attempted to hide the drink form Josh at Hannah and Beth's birthday last year. We're both in love with the drink, but he always managed to steal it from me every time I've stayed with them.
By the time I got to the car, Isaac was wrestling Chris, who had somehow gotten a hold of Isaac's IPod and was playing all of his cheesy romantic music while Josh was making kissy faces form the back seat. I put my stuff in the trunk and went over to the passenger side, scowling at the intruder in my spot.
"Move," I commanded.
"But I called shot gun," Chris whined.
"My seat," I glared, "now move your butt." I quickly pointed towards the back. He muttered something under his breath but obeyed.
"My lady," Isaac handed me a warm paper bag with a banana nut muffin inside.
"Food!" Josh shouted and reached over me to grab a piece. I swatted and bit at his fingers, but he still managed to grab a chunk off the top. I turned to growl at him, allowing the thief to snatch another piece.
"What are they here?" I laughed-whined to Isaac.
"Josh is here because I still don't know how to get to the cabin. And Chris needed a ride." He frowned.
"Come on, we're not that bad!" Josh laughed, poking his head between the seats.
"Just put your seat belt on ya dummy." I shoved his face back and he stuck his tongue out at me.
The driver gripped the steering wheel and sighed. He and Josh have never really gotten alone. The only reason Isaac put up with the Washingtons was because I'd known them since I was in middle school, far before I met Isaac. My pocket vibrated and I looked at the caller ID Mike was a different story.
"Where are you guys?" He shouted into the phone.
"We left my place about an hour and a half ago," I responded.
"Who's that?" My boyfriend asked.
"Matt's just wondering where we are," I lied. Isaac hates Mike. I know it sounds harsh, but it's true. Mike and I had dated in high school, and I guess Isaac's just jealous of our relationship, but now Mike and I are just like brother and sister. I figured since Matt was on the football team with Isaac, he would be a safer approach.
"Did you just tell Isaac I'm Matt?" Mike whined.
"We'll be there in about a half hour." I ignored his protest, "Later Matt."
"I didn't know you and Matt were friends," Isaac gave me a side glance and a smirk.
"Yeah, we talk," I replied and Josh snickered from behind, calling my bluff. I shot him a warning look in the rearview mirror and he switched to bothering Chris, who had been looking out the window with his earphones in. I decided to do the same.
I watched as the woods became thicker and tiny snowflakes started to drift through the air. The road was Icy and Isaac held the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping him in the car. I put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a small smile. Luckily for him, we reached the cable car station in a few minutes. Mike, Emily, Sam, and Jessica waited shivering in the cold.
"If it isn't Dorothy and her entourage," Emily snapped. I wear red heels once and she labels me for life. I was about to return the comment, but Mike gave me a pleading look, so I kept my snarky mouth shut. He cared about her, I'll never know why, but he did. Isaac looked around.
"Where's Matt?" He asked.
"I don't think he's here yet," Jessica yawned, trying to get a signal on her phone.
"I thought you said he was asking where we were." Isaac looked at me. Josh smiled and Mike sighed.
"Oh, I meant he was wondering when we were getting here." I said trying my best not to make eye contact with Isaac. Josh laughed aloud and Isaac raised his eyebrows. Emily just looked furious that I was still lying about her boyfriend, which I admit, made me a little happy. I tried to smile convincingly, but failed. Isaac rolled his eyes, but I couldn't tell if he h believed me or not. The cable car finally arrived and we all shuffled in a sat and we all shuffled in a sat packed next to each other.
"Nice save," Josh whispered and I could hear his smirk.
"Shut up." The car jerked forward and I took in a sharp breath. He smiled sympathetically. I've always despised that feeling you get in your gut when you go down a hill too fast, or for this situation, when you're swaying in the air. Isaac knew this, but he always made fun of me for it. He saw the look on my face and decided it would be funny to rock the car. I gripped his arm with one hand and grabbed Josh's wrist out of reflex with the other.
"Stop," I pleaded.
"Why?" He laughed, "Does it bother you?"
"Yes, now stop," I could hear the cables creak above us, but he continued.
"Dude, knock it off," Josh commanded sternly. Isaac stopped and looked at my fingers clamped around Josh's arm.
"Fine," he growled. I sighed in relief and released my prisoners.
"You okay?" Josh asked, his eyes burning into the back of Isaac's head.
"Yeah," I whispered, "thanks Kent."
"They don't call me Superman for nothing."
Isaac stiffened and put an arm around my shoulders. After a few more minutes of agonizing silence, the car stopped and I could breathe normally again. I tried to stand, but Isaac's grip was to strong. He brushed his long, floppy blond hair out of his eyes and stood, moving his arm around my waist.
I've been to this mountain so many times, but I still have never gotten used to the view.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer," Mike joked, bringing me out of my trance.
"Tell me that this isn't one of the best sights you've ever seen," I gestured to the land around me.
"I prefer," he looked at Emily, "a different kind of view." She winked and I made a gagging sound. A twig snapped and all of us looked around, "Must have just been a deer."
Chris and Josh led the way up the path with Sam close behind. Next was Mike and Emily, Jessica trailing along after them, looking strangely at her best friend's boyfriend. Lastly came Isaac and me.
"So," he started, "what was up in the cable car?"
"You know how much I hate riding in that death trap."
"No, I mean between you and Josh?" His grey eyes looked hard into mine.
"I don't know. It's usually by first reaction to grab whatever's next to me, and I guess he was just an unlucky bystander."
"What was he being so weird?"
"He probably knows how much I can't stand being in that thing and didn't want you making it worse."
"That's not really his place," Isaac snapped.
"Oh really," I could feel my face get hot, "and who's place is it?"
"I don't know, just not his."
"He is my friend Isaac."
"Well maybe," He took an annoyed breath, "never mind." Rolling his eyes, he released his grip on me and walked ahead, leaving me alone on the snow covered trail.
"Wait up!" Someone called from behind me. Ashley bounded up the incline.
"Hey, if you could try not to die, that would be great!" I joked. She saw me and smiled.
"Shut up." The red head laced her arm through mine.
"Where have you been?" I asked.
"I got up here with Matt and I was waiting for you in the cable car station, but I must have dozed off." She huddled against me. "Why does it have to be so cold up here?"
"Because, how else would the yetis survive without finding all the frost bitten corpses," I teased. Ashley hated the thought of things out in the woods. Leaves rustled abruptly and a twig snapped.
"What was that?" she squeaked.
"Probably just a deer or something," I took as step forward, dragging her with me and suddenly the world went quiet.
"RAWR!" Something big jumped out at us. We both screamed and Ashley fell back into a snow drift, taking me down with her. The figure burst into laughter. "I have been waiting out here in the cold for like, fifteen minutes, waiting for this opportunity."
"What the hell Matt!" I yelled, brushing the snow off my pants.
"I-I'm sorry," he continued to stand there and snicker as I helped poor Ashley up. "You should have seen your faces."
"Not cool!" Ashley punched his shoulder, "I thought you were Big foot or something."
"Don't worry," the jock smiled, "I'm sure someone at the cabin will gladly keep you safe." Her face went bright red, and not because of the cold. It was a well-known fact that Ashley and Chris liked each other. Everyone knew, except for Ashley and Chris.
"Come on, it's freezing out here." I looked at Matt, "It wouldn't be so bad if my butt wasn't cover in ice."
"I said I was sorry," he said, however it didn't sound like it. "If I carry your bags will you forget about it?" I quickly handed him my over-stuffed suitcase and Ashley put her ruffle bag around his shoulder then I grabbed her hand.
"Bye!" I yelled before we ran up the slippery-slope. Since Ashley wasn't much of a runner, I let go of her arm and let her slow down.
"Hey!" She called. I turned to smile at her and ran right into a flannel covered chest. Before I could fall, strong arms wrapped around me.
"Where's the fire Luther?" Josh gasped out of breath. I guess I ran into him pretty hard.
"Back there," I pointed to the huddle of bags that was Matt.
"Well your boyfriend's inside and he looks pretty pissed off." His big blue eyes sparkled with mischief. "It's because of me isn't it?" he said pretending to feel hurt, but his smile just continued to grow bigger.
"You know, this is why he doesn't like you."
"That and I'm pretty sure he thinks that I'm somehow going to take you away from him.'
"Well, he doesn't have to worry about that." I smirked and I thought I saw his smile drop.
"Lexi!" An excited voice called. I pulled away from Josh and a blur of brown hair rammed into me.
"Hey, Hannah-"
"Josh said you might not come."
"Really?" I looked at the twin's older brother.
"I wanted it to be a surprise." He shrugged.
"Well, I could never miss you and Beth's birthday." I smiled as she took my hand.
"I've got something to show you." She dragged me behind her, up to the cabin.
"Jesus Han, slow down!" I cried trying my best to keep up.
"Sorry," she laughed. She went up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Because of her quickness and my amazing coordination skills, I lost my footing and slipped on a patch of ice, cutting my knee. "Oh my god, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, I am okay." I winced as I examined to large bloody gash that was my knee.
"Who's dying now?" Ashley snorted, partly out of breath. Her and Hannah helped me up and went inside with me limping behind them. Everyone was sitting in the living room.
"I can't leave you alone for five minutes." Mike joked looking at my maimed leg. Jessica rolled her eyes and handed Emily a twenty.
"Did you bet that she was going to fall?" Beth scoffed.
"Technically we bet on who was going to look stupid first." Emily said proudly.
"I thought Hannah would make a fool of herself first," Jess stated. Hannah looked at her feet. I ignored them and changed to subject.
"What did you want to show me Han?" She smiled, but her face was still really read. She shrugged out of her coat and lifted up the sleeve of her shirt, revealing a butterfly tattoo. "I thought you weren't going to get one." Hannah hated needles.
"I know, but Beth said that if I quit being a baby about it, she would get one too."
"So much regret," the other twin whined.
"You promise," Hannah sang.
"Yeah, but I didn't think you would actually do it."
"Well I did, so there!" Hannah stated, cause Mike to smiled and that caused Hannah to blush. A grumpy Matt and a triumphant looking Josh came through the door. Matt set Ashley's bag down.
"Where's mine?" I asked, hoping he didn't leave it in the snow. Josh held up my half unzipped suitcase in one hand and my bottle of Jack in the other. "No," I commanded as I tried to grab it away.
"Yes," he nodded holding the bottle above his head. How dare he use my shortness against me? Every time I leaped to get it, he just moved back, holding it further out of my reach.
"Joshua," jump, "Washington," jump, "give me," leap, "the bottle."
"Hey, I stole it fair and square." He protested.
"You went through my bag!" I screamed placing my hands on my hips.
"Okay, I stole it." He laughed as I lunged for the bottle again. "You're going to get your blood on me!"
"Here," Sam handed me a bandage which I quickly put on the wound.
"Fine, have it," I crossed my arms, daring him. "You'll be out after two shots. He raised his eyebrows, popped of the cap, and took a swig.
"Challenge accepted." He smiled as Hannah gave her brother an annoyed look.
"I'm going to go make some dinner." She glanced at Mike and went into the kitchen. The day passed by and Josh and Chris started joking and drinking at the bar. Sam and Beth went upstairs to unpack. Everyone else started laughing, so I went over to see what was so funny.
"This prank will be priceless." Emily sneered, "You, my dear Jessica are a genius."
"Just looking out for my girl, Hannah's crush on your man has become out of control. She needs to know where she stands." Jess boasted.
"Hey," Mike stated, "I ain't anybody's man." I did not like where this was going.
"What are you guys talking about?" I snatched up the paper from the table and read the awful flirty message in Mike's hand writing. "Mike? You're a part of this."
"It's just a prank Lex," he looked at me like I was the one who needed to stop.
"What did Hannah ever do to you?" I asked, looking at all of them.
"We're just having a little fun," Ashley said quietly.
"Yeah, chill out." Isaac added. I stared at my boyfriend, wondering how he could be okay with this. I turned my head to the bar, hoping for a little support, finding both guys passed out next to empty bottles of liquor. They all started to head up stairs. Isaac stood up to go with them, but Emily stopped him, flashing him a flirty smile.
"Make sure she doesn't screw anything up." I watched furiously as he nodded and returned the smile. She joined the group and he sat next to me, putting a hand on my knee, but I quickly swatted it off.
Beth came down stairs and wandered around, stopping in front of the window. She didn't seem to notice as her unexpecting twin picked up the note and ran excitedly up the stairs. I was about to call out to her, but Isaac squeezed my leg, telling me to keep my mouth shut.
"I thought mom and dad said we would be alone this weekend," Beth called though neither of her siblings could hear her. She walked over to the bar and read the label of the empty drink by Josh's hand. "Once again, brother you have out done us all." Her smile faded when she saw the paper. "What has my sister gotten herself into?" The short-haired sister sighed and went into another room. We sat there without saying a word for what felt like forever. I had almost started talking about what happened on the path when Hannah ran down the stairs. Her shirt was falling off her shoulders as she ran outside. She didn't even look at us.
"Hannah!" I shouted going after her. Sam came next, followed by everyone else that was conscious.
"It was just a prank Han," Emily shouted, more annoyed than concerned.
"Should we go after her?" Mike asked.
"I'm pretty sure you're the last person she wants to see right now," Sam stated.
"What happened?" Beth pushed through in her pink coat.
"She just can't take a joke," Jess defended, going back inside. Beth glared at all of us.
"You jerks!" she yelled before running into the forest after her sister.
"They'll be fine, right?" Ashley squeaked.
"Yeah, they practically grew up here," Matt assured her, "They'll find their way back."
Sam and I were the last to go inside. Everyone must have gone to their rooms because the living room was cold and silent. I decided that I wasn't going to get much sleep, and went into the in-home theater, only it wasn't empty. Emily was pinned against the wall, but it wasn't Mike's lips kissing her.
"Lex?" Isaac looked at me, realizing what was happening, "Lex wait!"
My legs began to move without me and soon I was running. I didn't know why, but I had to get out. It wasn't until I was outside and the only thing keeping me warm was the burning tears that I even knew I was crying. How could I be so stupid?
I crossed a small wooden bridge and the trees opened into a cliff. I got there just in time to watch the closest people I had to sisters fall.
"Hannah! Beth!" I shouted.
"Hang on!" Beth yelled. A figure bent over the two girls. It almost looked as if her were trying to help them. Screams echoed and the masked man stood, as if there was nothing more he could do.
"No!" I wailed. Something screeched and I turned to see the skeleton like creature coming towards me. Even though my legs felt numb, I sprinted for my life through the dark maze of trees, snow biting at my face. I could see the dim glow of the house when the thing caught up with me. It grabbed me by the neck, lifting me off the ground. My vision blurred, but I could still see the creature be engulfed in flames. Screeching it dropped me, my head landing hard on a rock and the world around me faded away.