Meeting and Greeting Pt 2
"Geez feels like this mountain is bigger than last time I was here." Chris whined just wanting to get to the lodge as soon as possible.
Joel smirked. "That's part of the adventure!"
"Well I want my adventure to come to an end very soon!" Chris continued pouting.
"This is why Joel is my hiking buddy." Sam teased. "Don't worry, I'm sure you can last a few more minutes without WiFi."
The tech geek shook his head. "Not gonna be easy without some cell towers up here." He groaned. "You think Josh's family would've done that for us? I mean come on!"
"If you gotta spare million lying around, I can make it happen." Another voice caught their attention.
All three people looked to see Josh walking down the trail to greet them, and he looked very thrilled to see them. Sam rushed over and gave him a hug making Josh chuckle. He wore a beanie and a beige jacket vest.
"How's it going, Sam?" Josh greeted his good friend.
"Okay, thanks." Sam replied. "How about you?" Although the question sounded harmless, Sam did establish some concern in it.
Josh's smile spread from cheek to cheek. "It's just awesome that all my pals are showing up again!"
"Yeah... The 'Party like pornstars' vid did most of the expressing." Joel said.
Josh looked over to Joel giving beaming. "Looks who's back from being off the radar!" He exclaimed hugging Joel tightly and bringing him up in the air.
"Woah ho! Down, boy!" Joel grunted struggling to let his feet touch the ground, while Chris and Sam laugh at the both of them. Josh loosens his grip allowing Joel to land back onto the snow. "And you can't get rid of me that easy."
"Oh man! Dude, we're gonna have such a blast! I mean, I have been PLANNING for such an awesome week like this!" Josh was waving his hands around like crazy. "I mean, We got the screen thingy in the main room fixed, so we can watch some scary movies, lights have been fixed, Just... AWESOMNESS!"
Joel chuckled. "Okay, man. Okay just chill. You can get all psyched about the movies and the orgy once we're in doors."
Sam scoffed and shook her head at his orgy comment and continued up the path to the lodge. "Well I'm getting a head start. See ya up there!"
"Right behind you." Joel picked up the paste to catch up with her.
Chris and Josh were the ones left behind as they trudged slowly behind the leaders taking their time.
"Hey, man.." Chris started out a little uneasy. "You feeling okay?"
Josh looked over to him, causing Chris to fumble in his words. "I- I mean with-"
"Stop." Josh bluntly interrupted.
"I meant that-"
Chris was cut off again. "Yeah I know what you meant." Josh was getting a little irritated now. "It's all good I just want us to have a great week. 'kay? Can we do that?"
Chris sighed. "Yeah. Sure 'course."
"Thanks, dude."
Joel and Sam could finally see the enormous Washington lodge after one long year, and two people were waiting outside at the entrance. A young woman wearing a striped purple beanie, brownish red shoulder length hair, a grey hoodie, black pants and winter boots. Her green eyes darted up to see the newcomers coming to greet them. The other one did not look so happy with his arms crossed and a frown that just looked somewhat silly. This young African American man did not have any sort of headgear on his short black hair. His stature was tall and fit in size due to him being devoted to sports. Particularly football. His brown eyes quickly acknowledged Sam and Joel's presence but looked back down. His clothing consisted of a blue letterman jacket, some grey pants and boots.
"Hey, Ash! Matt!" Sam waved her hand up high greeting some more friends. "Good you guys made it up okay!"
The girl Ashley grinned at Sam. "Same with you, Sam." She looked over to at Joel with wide eyes. "Joel?! Oh my God!" She rushed over and hugged him tightly taking Joel completely off guard. "I can't believe your here!"
"Geez! I'm gonna have to start charging people every time I get jumped." He said hugging Ashley back.
Sam rolled her eyes. "Really, Joel?"
"Starting at a low price of $9.99."
"Oh whatever." Sam walked over to Matt smiling at him. "How's a future sports star doing?"
"Doing good." He bluntly said trying to be polite as possible.
Sam frowned. "Hey, come on, Matt. What's wrong?"
He sighed. "I'm sorry... I just... I dunno if I should talk about it."
"Come on." Sam pried. "Would hate to see you being such a downer this week."
"Sam.." Ashley called over to her waving her hand to come here where Joel and her were at. Sam complied telling Matt she'll be back.
"He caught a glance of Emily and Mike hugging it out." Ashley explained. "Just don't bother him all that much, okay."
"Ohhh..." Sam quickly got a glance at Matt and immediately turned back to her. "Poor guy..."
"Didn't Emily and Mike break it up a month ago or something?" Joel asked.
Ashley nodded. "Let's just drop it guys."
Both friends nodded and made their way to the stairs making themselves comfortable.
"I take it you guys tried opening the door?" Joel hinted of the possibility they could enter the lodge.
Ashley nodded. "Wouldn't budge. Thank god Josh has the key."
Joel groaned. "What's taking so long?" He groaned feigning in a melodramatic tone.
"Chris and Josh have some catching up to do." Sam cheerfully answered.
"Just wish they could catch up when we're inside safe and warm." Ashley grumbled shivering a little. "I want the warmth of that fire!"
"I want that hot bath." Sam said. "Geez that tub is the best!"
The four friends were now waiting out in the snow for the two stragglers who they were still waiting on, but were becoming impatient and more cold by the minute and not having Josh is not helping matters.
"We're freezing our buns off!" Ashley was shivering and wrapped herself in her arms.
Sam sighed and got to her feet. "Think we'll have to find our own way in then." Her eyes looked all over the lodge to see that if there was any possible sign of entry. She can see that one of the windows on the second floor was open, but was disappointed to find that was the only way in.
"It's no good." She called to the group taking a seat back on the steps. "Only window open is the one above us."
Ashley groaned. "Jooooosh! Huuuuuurrrrrry uuuuuuuupppp!"
Joel smirked and hopped onto the snow walking out getting a view of the second floor and acquired where the open window was. He looked over to some nearby trees that happen be very close to the roof.
"Could work." He said to himself walking over to the nearest tree.
"Uh, what do you think you are doing?" Sam called out.
"Saving our buns!" Was his answer leaping up getting a good grip on one of the branches and flawlessly brought his legs up and hooked on the branches allowing him to get to his feet while relying on other branches to keep his balance.
"Oh my God!" Ashley gasped covering her mouth with both of her hands. "Please don't fall! Pleeeeeaaaaase!" She pleaded.
"Woah!" Matt's upset mood was now replaced with shock and awe. "How'd you get all the way up there?"
Joel easily crossed the branch and with some hesitation, made the leap and successfully stuck the landed. Ashley and Sam gasped afraid that he was going to fall while Matt just stood there frozen by the Joel's daredevil move successfully executed.
"Try not to get any broken bones this week, 'kay, Tarzan?" Sam shouted slightly concerned for his safety.
"Not planning on it, guys!" Joel gave his assurances to his friends. He cautiously navigated to the open window not wanting to slip and fall back down into the snow. "Nice and easy..." He extended his arm out to the outline of the window. Getting a tight grip, and pulled himself forward and he was inside the Washington Estate.
It was pitch black in the hallway, but Joel's eyes quickly adjusted making him seeing a little better to walk through the darkness. Seeing a light switch, Joel walked over to the switch hoping that the lighting was fixed like Josh promised. With one flick, the lights flicker on instantly lighting up the upper floor seeing a rustic and elegant atmosphere. He smiled that there is going to be light and TV this time. He hopes. Joel made his way over to the window and slid it down denying any more cold air sweeping into the estate.
With that taken care of, Joel made his way down the staircase into the Great Room. This vast room consisted of two large leather couches that faced a giant plasma TV towering right above the fireplace. Two tables in front of the couches were decorated with a few ornaments, statues, and a cloth covering over the tables. Hanging from the ceiling was a giant bronze ball that glistered slightly. The moon's rays seeped through the window shudders offering illumination for the Great Room.
Joel rushed over to the door unlocking it for his friends desperate for the warmth of the indoors.
Chris's POV
"A-and get this!" Josh rambled on about his latest YouTube video he posted. "Rick finally got the truck going, but just as the baby turned on, the giraffe got it's head through the window and started licking him. Me and him laughed our guts out. "Poor guy was screaming Bloody Murder!"
"Well I'm glad that there were no casualties on your Safari adventure."
"Well once we're inside, I'll show you the video. It's so much funnier!"
Josh and I trudged through the snow and right now, I can feel my feet going numb.
"Dude, I hope my legs won't fall off from frostbite." I mumbled taking in a shaky breath. My nose was starting to go runny.
"Well, Ashley seems pretty hot, doesn't she?" Josh brought up. He sounded kinda mischievous.
I looked over to him glaring warily at him. "What...?"
Josh grinned. "I mean that, she's kinda like a 'sleeper gal' y'know? Dude I would just want to rip that parka right off!"
Is this supposed to get me turned on? Because it's making me feel the exact opposite. "Josh, cut it out, man. 'Kay?"
He shrugged. "Well if you're not gonna bang her, I think Mike will be happy to help her out."
"Josh! Just- knock it off!" This is not funny or erotic in any way.
He brought his hands up. "Relax, bro!" He laughed. "Just trying to see if theres some blood flowing down there."
"Uhhh... okay?"
Josh and I can see the lodge just hiding behind some branches. I really feel bad for the guys just waiting out in the snow for us to come for their rescue. My nose know's how they must feel right now.
"Listen, dude." I can already tell Josh was not down with his sex rambling. "Look- look at this, Chris!" His arms stretched out twirling in a slow circle looking at everything. "All this? These beautiful mountains, the freedom, and no parents. Just imagine it! I couldn't think of a more perfect ripe scenario dripping with erotic possibilities?" He got up close to my face pointing both his fingers at me. "YOU and Ashley! Alone at long last! You set the ground and have been the perfect gentlemen. Now it's time to come in for the kill!" He was looking a little too psyched about this weirding me out.
"What the... what are you talking about, man?" I shook my head. I-I just... I dunno."
"Why not?" He shouted a little sounding slightly irritated.
"Josh... I-I just... Ash is such a good friend and I don't wanna mess that up." I answered really wanting to drop this.
"You gotta learn to buck up, bro." He spun around walking forward. "Gotta grow a pair."
I sighed shaking my head. I mean, I heard Josh say some crazy comments, but nothing like this. I should probably let Sam know about this. She and him do seem to like each other the way they talk to each other. Shoving my hands into my jacket pockets, I dragged my feet forward finally seeing the front of the lodge where the door was already open, and Sam, Ash, and Matt are entering. I rushed ahead of Josh ignoring the freezing numbness of my legs as plunged myself indoors panting already out of breath bending down with my hands on my knees.
I can hear Sam laugh. "You okay, Chris?"
"I... phew!" I straightened myself back up. "I should of paid more attention in running class..." I muttered evening out my breath.
"You mean gym?" Ashley corrected.
"Yeah!" I quickly said. "Yeah, ya know where you run around the thing..."
Why the hell did I say that?
No Ones POV
"Ahh the good ole days." Joel sighed dreamily thinking back to PE.
"Hey! You only liked it because you were the best runner!" Chris pointed out already walking up the steps. "Be right back, gonna unpack."
"Not true!" Joel declined the glory. "What about Matt?"
Matt shrugged. "Gee thanks." He grumbled still sounding upset.
"Well thanks Joel's breaking and entering, we can warm ourselves up!" Josh was acting all psyched for this crouching down near the fire pit. "I'll get the fire going!"
"I'm turning on the heat!" Ashley announced walking up the stairs. "Josh you said the lights are working, right?"
"Yep!" Josh replied. "They should work!"
"Cool!"
"I'm gonna get a bite to eat." Sam said strolling away from the Great Room.
"Hey Sam! There's some Ramen in the cabinet if you're interested!" Josh informed her.
"Got it! Thanks!"
"You two fine gentlemen make yourselves comfortable!" Josh told Joel and Matt. "For this awesome week is about to begin!"
Joel and Matt sat down on separate furnitures in close proximity with Joel searching for the remote. It didn't take long for him to find it and turned on the plasma screen TV and the classic horror film Night of the Living Dead was showing.
Josh looked up grinning. "George Romero's very first masterpiece!"
Joel shrugged. "Never seen this before. I'm down." He said leaning back.
The lights flickered on brightening the whole lodge forcing three in the Great Room to squint their eyes for a few seconds until finally adjusting.
"Hey, Ash!" Joel called up. "Can you dim the lights down here? Pretty Please?"
"Sure! No problem!"
The much of the light beam quickly faded to the point where it was barely lit, but not very dark like it previously was.
"How's that?" Ashley called.
"Perfect! Thank you!" Joel shouted back leaning back. "Let there be darkness."
It took a little bit of effort, and a bit of a couple a tries with the lighter, but finally Josh produced a small flame to start a fire. Soon the lodge will be warmer and more inviting. After getting sustainable flame, Josh leaped onto the couch Joel was sitting on sighing and leaning back as well with his hands behind his head. He gave Joel a light tap on the arm.
"Yo, theres some Oreos in the cabinet with your name on it. Second shelf. Left side."
Joel smiled and nodded. "Thanks, dude. I'll get to that soon."
That was something Josh did not see coming. "Wha- that's it? No running to the kitchen and hold them onto dear life?"
Joel chuckled. "Not yet. Besides their not going anywhere." He snapped his fingers and turned back to Josh. "I just remembered, I gotta prank lined up... for Michael."
Josh's grin stretched to the breaking point. "Ohhh... Oh man, tell me what this evil plan is and I will do my be of assistance to see it's performed flawlessly."
"Well it's just a simple 'soda explosion' prank. Nothing simple." Joel then reaches into his backpack and pulls out a box of donuts. "Right after he eats these dohnut filled with mustard and relish. So I strongly advise not letting anyone eat one."
Matt laughed. "I almost feel bad for him."
Josh beamed. "Dude! You obviously don't know Mike. One time junior year, he got ahold of a soda that just pssshd!" Josh's hands went everywhere. "His whole day was ruin."
"What are you guys talking about?" Sam walked in with a bowl of Ramen in her hands. "Oh! I love this movie!" She stole the emptied cushion next to Joel.
"It seems that Joel has a little welcoming gift for none other than Michael Munroe." Josh told her with a devious tone.
"Bucket of water dropping on his head." Joel clarified. "He deserves this. He really does."
Sam chuckled. "Well it does sound like the perfect revenge. And it would be hilarious to see his reaction."
"Pretty please don't tell him?" Joel asked.
"You gotta deal! But let's just enjoy this classic first. When Mike shows up, plan will be set in motion."
Upper Car Cable Station
Jessica was more into her book than waiting for her certain someone. Then again, she is a sucker for for the trashy romantic novels. But that didn't stop her from letting her mind wander.
A month ago seems like a thousand years ago when she became Mike's new girlfriend. Mike who is one of the most popular boys in school, is now on a date with the most popular girl in school. Sounds like the perfect couple. It came at a cost with Emily being her friend, but now thinking about it, she doesn't really care, their friendship began to deteriorate senior year anyways. Now here she was back at Mt. Washington after their one year anniversary.
The pang of guilt once again hit her hard. She never expected a harmless prank to result in the death of two people.
If she could take a joke just this one time and didn't ran out in the cold like a complete idiot than none of this... would've happened if I didn't plan that prank...
She knew she was responsible, and wish she could changed that one thing. But Jessica knew she couldn't, and that's what bothering her. Their deaths brought some changes in her, and was the other reason Emily and her are no longer friends.
But not only that, Joel, one of her best friends, was here too, and Jessica couldn't be happier. But despite his assurances, she couldn't help but worry still.
A loud thud going off right beside Jessica startles her making her drop the book and yelp surprised. She looked to see that someone fired a snowball at her. Looking in front of her, she scoffed and grinned. "Oh ho! You did not!"
The one who fired first was none other than her boyfriend Michael. Mike definitely fit the profile of every girls man. Tall, good looking, and quite the smooth talker. He wore a blue vest over a sweatshirt, and jeans. His dark hair was neatly combed and somewhat blasted up at the same time, and was growing a bit of a stubble going.
"This is Sheriff Monroe!" He started off in a stereotypical cowboy drawl. "Put your hands where I can see 'em! We got ya surrounded."
Jess couldn't help but giggled and got to her feet with her hands slightly up playing along. "But who I am I to retaliate?" Jess sure did know how to make a southern accent sound attracted. "What choice do I, a supple young rebel girl have, but to surrender to the strapping military guard taking me into custody?"
Mike, distracted by Jess's flirting, looked down laughing a little. "Well when you put it that way..." He looked back up to see Jess was already sprinting to cover behind a tree. He tried to unleash his snowball on her, but Jess was the one to strike first right in his face. "Agh!"
"Bulls eye!" Jess cheered sliding behind a tree.
"Oh ho ho! Very clever, Miss Chase." He piled up some snow and had his single shot at the ready. Right when Jessica pounced from cover Mike fired, but she dodged it just in time leaving her without a scratch. "Crap!"
"Gotta try harder than that, Sheriff Munroe!" Jessica teased in a sing song tone ducking behind cover making more ammo for herself. She can see Mike appearing out from a tree.
"Where are you hiding, little chick-a-dee?"
"Oh Mi-iike!" She released another snowball right to the head blinding him for a millisecond. "Boom shaklaka! Might wanna call in backup, hero!"
A brown robin rapidly flapped it's little wings slowing down as it touched down on top of the table pecking away at some old breadcrumbs. It looked as it was completely unaware of the snowball fight going on from both sides.
"Oh there is no need!" Michael said a little more aggressive this time getting himself a big snowball and seeing Jessica behind the table, he recklessly fired and he did hit a target, but it was not Jessica.
"Ahhh! Oh no!" Jess cried seeing bird fall onto the snow. She crawled over to it trying brushing the snow out off of the robin to see it did not move a muscle, deeply upsetting Jess. "Oh no..."
"Was that... a bird?" Mike called out. "That's what I hit?"
Jess ignored him gently petting the deceased little thing. "Poor little birdie..." She murmured.
"I... never thought it would hit it!" Mike sounded more surprised than shocked or upset.
Jess stood up and stormed over to Mike. "What the hell was that?!"
Mike backed up little spooked. "Jess! I-I didn't mean to hit it! I was-"
Jess grunted furiously walking the other way. "I am SO not happy with you, Michael!"
Mike risked going to her side. "Hey... I got carried away. I didn't even know it was there!" Jess still had her back turned still not saying anything. "I'm sorry... that was... totally not cool."
Jess sighed and turned to face him. "Don't make me forget I'm so mad at you." She said sternly but her expression softened. "But I know you wouldn't do that on purpose."
Mike smirked. "Can I have a kiss?"
Jess responded by slamming a snowball to his cheek. Mike cried out surprised. "Don't push your luck, buster." She then dived in for a quick kiss. "Next time I won't be so forgiving."
"Point taken. I'll even make it up with a little something else."
Jess rolled her eyes. "Oh really, Mr. Bigshot?"
"Mmm mmm." Mike grabbed her by her hips. "Just for Ms. Jessica the Snow Queen."
"Okay, that sounds vaguely dirty."
Mike did a slight bow with his head. "M'lady."
Jess began to hear a soft crackling. "You hear something?"
Mike looked around meaning he heard it too. "Yeah... wonder what it is."
Jess looked up and saw that a pointy ice stick just cracked from one of the branches right on top of Mike. "Look out!" She exclaimed pushing him out of the way and throwing herself forward with him saving both of their lives. "Oh my god!"
Mike was breathless. "That was... close! You just saved us!"
"That thing was going to kill us!" She grabbed his hand a little shaken. "Let's get up to the lodge, come on!"
Earlier
Washington Lodge Grounds
"They seriously couldn't build the lodge RIGHT where the cable car ends?" Emily said irritated about the distance to get up to their destination.
Emily is a young attractive looking Eurasian women who is seen in a professional and high standard manner. Her shining black hair was short and proper, her light brown eyes showed signs of indifference and boredom. Her clothes are a low collar cerulean-blue jacket, black shinning jeans and fur trimmed snow boots.
Right behind her carrying her bags was her new boyfriend Matt. He lifted them high off the ground like it was no problem. One of the reasons he's letting him do all the work.
"Well, you know, it wouldn't be as pretty." Matt brought up trying to brighten the mood to no avail.
"And wheres a bell boy when you need one?" She scoffed. "Brr... I'm getting the chills.."
"Almost there." Matt pointed out adjusting his grip before moving onward.
"I mean, coming back here kinda creeps me out." Emily clarified.
"Oh. Yeah."
The couple stepped onto the bridge that would take them up to the lodge.
"It's gonna be weird seeing everyone up here." Emily did her best to carry on a conversation.
"Well... I get the feeling it's not going to feel like a regular party." Matt replied. "I mean... what do you think is gon-"
They had no time to react to hear a vicious roar making them jump and at the same time another person jumped in front of them blocking the way. Matt and Emily shouted in terror, but were quickly found out that they were in no danger at all.
Mike laughed and clapped at his accomplishment of scaring the two senseless. "Oh man, you guys should see your faces!"
Emily was not amused. "That wasn't funny, Michael." She huffed.
"Dude I almost clocked you!" Matt snarled dropping both of the bags bringing his fist up a little backing his words up with action.
"Wha-? Guys, come on!" Mike exclaimed. "I mean we're all friends here! Just having a little bit of fun. Out in the woods, all dark and scary. Just get into the spirit of things."
"The spirit of things? Really?" Emily's tone of annoyance said otherwise.
Mike shrugged dramatically. "I'm just trying to lighten the mood, Em! Don't be like that."
Her head cocked to the side narrowing her brows. "Like what?"
"The way you're being. You're always like this!"
Matt chose to step in. "Michael, I'm just gonna lay it all out, otherwise this whole week is gonna suck." He sighed. "This is... kinda awkward, and we all know it, so let's just... accept this and move on, okay?"
"I hear ya, man." Mike said understandingly. "I get it, and I don't want this to be weird."
Matt nodded. "Cool thanks.. So we're good."
"All good. No worries."
Emily rolled her eyes. "Sooo... you guys are gonna like make out now?"
Mike bended his knees and did some poses as if he was a model. "Ohmygod, totally! We're SO gonna make out." His voice was that of a stereotypical teenage girl. Mike stood up properly and scratched his head. "Mmm nah, I'm just gonna go check on the cable car in the back."
"Alright see you, man." Matt said.
Michael walked on past him bringing his arms out bringing two fingers out from both hands. "See ya, guys!"
Emily looked over to Matt looking a little pre occupied. "Hey, Matt, listen can you take my bags up to the lodge? I just... I need to go find Sam. Gotta tell her something really quick."
"Just me?" Matt questioned.
"Yeah." Emily sounded like she was dismissing him easy. "I'll be up there later on, I just need to go find Sam."
Matt looked suspicious, but from personal experience, it was basically a hopeless situation when arguing with Emily. "Okay." He reluctantly agreed taking both of their bags yet again.
"Thanks. I'll meet you up there."
Matt didn't say anything only continued across the bridge with both bags in his hands with Emily in the opposite direction with little evidence saying Sam was down that road.
Ashley always did love seeing everything from a birds eye view. Especially from a telescope. But there are some discoveries that are not always so wondrous. In fact, they can be quite a problem.
"Ohh... hello..." Ashley did not like what she was seeing. Normally she wouldn't mind if two friends were hanging out in the dark edges of the forrest, but when it came to Mike and Emily, that's a different story. "Seems someone's getting a little 'friendly'. And not in that 'friend zone' kinda way.' Definitely gonna have to check up on their expiration date on their big breakup."
Mike looked like he was about to place his hands on Emily's face, but before she could get more details, the view was cut off by a face abruptly getting too close to the lens of the microscope. There was a poorly done howl that still managed to frighten Ashley send her stumbling back and was soon not happy to see that it was just Matt.
"Oh God!" She shouted not amused. "God! Really?"
Matt laughed proudly scaring the pants off of Ashley. "S-Sorry Ash, I didn't mean to scare you!" He walked up to her giving her a hug. "Well technically I did kinda mean to scare you, but I kinda feel bad that I did something..."
Ashley cut him off by hitting him harmlessly on the chest. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! You are the worst!"
"Gee, sorry, Ash.. I mean.. man. I'm sorry."
She brushed it off. "It's okay, it's fine, it's fine."
"What are you looking at." Matt gestured toward the telescope. "Anything juicy with that thing?"
"Uhh..."
"Lemme check it out."
"Uhh..." The last thing Ashley would want to do was see Matt hurt of what Emily and Mike getting possibly 'friendly', but she wouldn't be doing him any favors by keeping him in the dark about this. "Sure." She relunctently encouraged. "Go ahead. Knock yourself out I guess..." Ashley looked away waiting for Matt's potential horrible reaction.
"Sweet! Let's see what we got." Just as Ashley predicted, Matt's cheerfulness was soon taken over by shock and anger. "Son of a bitch! Emily? What the hell?!"
It's for the best...
Ashley placed a comforting hand on Matt. "Hey come on, Matt. It's.. probably nothing."
Matt quickly turned her not calmed down in the least. "I- is it just 'nothing' with Em?!"
"Well.. sometimes it's..."
"Goddammit!" There were tears coming in Matt's eyes and just walked away at a very fast pace.
"Matt!" Ashley called out chasing after him and when she caught up to him, she placed another hand on him. "Hey, come here." She snaked his arms around him hugging him tightly, which Matt accepted.
"I- I'm sorry." Matt mumbled. "Just... kinda caught me off is all."
"It's all good." Ashley assured him. "Just an FYI hugs make us boyfriend and girlfriend, right?"
"Uhh... no..."
Ashley smiled. "My point exactly. What I'm trying to say is. Maybe their just trying to close the hatchet and want to start over as friends. Just.. give her some time, okay."
Matt nodded. "Sure. I guess I need to stop overreacting."
"You weren't overreacting, Matt. It's all good."
Matt nodded understood by what she was saying. "Thanks, Ash. You uh.. you wanna go down to the lodge?"
"Yeah. Yeah no probs."
Matt was pretty sure that he was okay with what he saw after Ashley supplied him with assurances, but as time progressed only time would tell if they both really care for one another.
Washington Lodge
"Yeah-heah!" Joel grinned as he added a violent shake to Mike's soon to be soda mixing in a few other things to assist in a big burst.
"I cannot believe you're doing this, man." Josh said very excited setting up the footage on his smartphone. "Oh... he's gonna be so pissed at you."
"That's what makes it exciting." Joel stated placing the soda in the fridge, and made sure the doughnuts on the counter were in place. He gave Josh a high five. "This is gonna be classic."
Both of them came out of the kitchen with Sam waiting outside to meet them with her arms crossed, and a smirk across her face. "You guys are going to get in a whole 'lotta trouble when Mike gets here. You know that right."
"Mmm hmm." Josh nodded giving her a goofy grin.
Sam scoffed. "Josh no!" She waved her hand over to Josh's phone but he pulled back.
"Nononono. I wanna get this on cam." Josh told her pleadingly.
"Jooosh." Sam did not looked pleased.
"Yeah c'mon, dude." Joel butted in.
"Come on! I want to remember this moment! It's so hilarious! Look, I won't post it online or anything. Just for my personal diary of video logs. I promise."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Promise?"
Josh raised his pinky finger up. "Pinky promise."
Sam rolled her eyes and brought her pinky up letting them shake on it. "Alright, c'mon. Popcorns still hot."
Joel and Josh followed her back into the main room with the classic horror movie is still playing and is still early. The fire was blazing with only a barred barrier effectively containing the flames and warm up the entire lodge. Chris and Ash were already out of their winter clothes into comfortable attire and took their seats on one of the big couches sitting a respectful distance between each other. Matt seemed to be in better spirits now as his eyes were now fixated on the movie. The buttery smell of freshly made pop corn filled everyone's nostril's giving it a sweet burning sensation as the huge bowl on the table was left untouched with several smaller empty bowls next to it.
"Okay! Get greedy, kids." Sam announced as she took her seat on the ground behind the couch claiming her bowl of popcorn.
"Oh finally!" Chris exclaimed snatching an empty bowl. "Do you know the amount of torture you just put us through?" He was being melodramatic yet again with Ashley giggling. "I mean, it's one thing to not eat popcorn while waiting for everyone to show up, but to have it just..." His hands were directed at the big bowl grunting. "Despicable, Samantha Grayson!"
Sam chuckled. "Well if you do not approve of my rule, Mr. Vickers, as Popcorn commissioner, I can always have you revoked from eating popcorn." She teased.
"'Ee's gomma poin', Mris." Ashley muffled with her mouth stuffed with popcorn.
"Nono!" Chris quickly said. "Just... had to make the complaint that's all."
Joel and Josh took their bowls scooping popcorn into their small bowls and found their seats all ready watching the movie with the rest of the group.
"Ahhh!" Ashley yelped jolting from her spot accidentally spilling some popcorn on the cushions. "Ohmygosh! Why are we watching this?"
"Ash, come on! You can tell that's not real." Chris pointed out.
"Well... it's still looks gross!" She argued. "I mean, it looked real for a second!"
"Oh please that zombie doesn't look so tough." Josh bragged. "Matt can rip that guys head off."
"Josh.." Ashley groaned.
"Well he can!" Josh persisted. "I mean, the guy is all big muscle."
Matt merely chuckled not saying a thing.
"Well I'm glad this place is all nice and toasty." Sam said. "Love the improvements you made around here. Got the lights fixed, cool plasma TV."
"Yeah, when my folks found about that, they fixed it up a little." Josh explained. "Happy to help."
"Ahh.." Joel leaned back into his cushion making himself comfy. "This is a winter paradise."
"Hear hear." Sam nodded.
"Amen." Chris concurred.
"Wonder what's taking Emily so long." Sam wondered.
Matt's brows furrowed at her name.
"Well she did say she was not going to be watching 'that shit'." Josh pointed out earlier.
Faint footsteps can be heard from the other room, and it didn't take long for the two popular love birds people to enter the living room.
"Whassup, party people?" Mike sounded all pumped up raising his arm high in the air.
Jessica was right beside him flaunting proudly. "Hey!" She greeted eagerly.
"Hey." Josh returned the gesture. "Welcome to the party."
"Yo, guys." Joel chimed in grinning.
Josh got up and made his way to the stairs. "I'll be right back. You two make yourselves at home."
Mike clicked his tongue and pointed his finger at Josh in a cool way. "Will do."
Matt who was quiet most of the time scowled. "Yeah. Go ahead." He did not sound in the least bit of friendly to Mike as he got up and slowly approached him. "I mean that's what you do right? Just... take whatever you want?"
Mike was taken aback by his hostility. "Whoah... easy, cowboy." He was still playing it cool.
Jess stared suspiciously Matt and Mike to see where this was going and broke away to go collect her own small bag of popcorn.
"What the hell were you doing with Em down by the trail?" Matt questioned.
"What?" Mike sounded a little offended by that question.
That caught Jessica's attention as she glared back at the both of them.
"I saw you and Em. Through the telescope." He explained.
Ashley looked nervous hoping Matt wouldn't escalate the situation over something that might have been harmless.
"Before?" Mike was being more defensive now. "We just ran into each other. Been awhile we said hello, and we hugged. Is that a crime?"
Joel rolled his eyes not buying into his story, but didn't say a word hoping that they would just drop this argument. His eyes averted away from the two and glued them to the empty cushion next to him.
Matt sighed and nodded. "No..." He rubbed the back of his head. "Duh.. yeah sure... Sorry, man. I- it's been a long day and I just- I overreacted. My bad."
Mike nodded. "Nah, man. Don't worry about it." He assured him sounding more secure now.
Matt shrugged. "We cool?"
"Yeah. Yeah, totally."
Matt nodded and went back to his seat calming himself by bringing his attention back to the horror classic.
Mike looked over to see Joel giving him a big smile. "Hey! What's up? Been awhile."
Joel nodded. "Yeah, man. How ya been?"
"Good, good. Just happy High schools outta the way."
"Same." Joel's eyes widened. "Mike! Uh almost forgot, I brought a huge box of donuts with me. They're in the kitchen if you want one."
Mike grinned. "Cool, man. Thanks. I think I'll go get one right now."
Sam snickered getting out her phone sending a text.
Joel was the more composed of the two, but had a big grin on his face when Mike was making his way into the kitchen. Jess took a seat next next to Joel taking off her jacket and boots as she got comfortable in the spot next to her. She gave Joel a warm smile making him return the expression.
"Popcorn?" Joel offered generously.
"Already got mine." Jess politely declined showing him her bowl. "Thanks though."
Joel laughed embarrassed. "Sorry. Force habit sometimes."
"Don't be." Jess assured him. "So what's this?"
"Night of the Living Dead. Basically people hold up in a house in a zombie apocalypse and dealing with drama and all that good stuff." Joel casually explained not wanting to bore her with the details.
"Oh yeah!" Jess sounded like she connected dots. "I saw this with at the drive in with Tiff and Dan. Thought it was gonna suck, but I actually liked it!"
Joel opened up a little more. "I still can't believe how it ended though."
"I know! I mean.. yeah it's the apocalypse, but wow."
Chris butted in on their conversation. "The Drive in? They still have those?"
Jess huffed. "Well yeah. Not everything is up to the 21st century."
Chris shook his head. "Such a sad day."
Sam chuckled. "I think you'll live, Chris don't worry."
Mike came back from the kitchen with two filled donuts, and handed on to Jessica.
"A true gentlemen." Jessica cooed about to take a bite out of the donut.
Joel panicked and smacked the donut out of her hand pretending it look like he lost his balance.
"Agh!" Jess yelped. "What the hell, Joel?!"
"The hell man!" Mike scowled.
"Jess.. I'm so sorry. I-I... The cushion was feeling funny and I just..."
"Oh shit!" Josh exclaimed getting up making Joel get off of it. "Again?! I thought they fixed it!" He looked back at Joel giving him a sly smile then back to Jessica. "Ahh Jesus... I seriously thought.."
"Wha- What's wrong with a single cushion?" Jess was totally puzzled.
"Hey, baby don't worry about it." Mike assured bringing the donut to his mouth. "I'll get you another..." His face suddenly went sour at the first bite. "Mu Fmuck!" He muffled with his mouth full starting to heave the foul desert and rushed back into the kitchen.
"Mike!" Josh shouted stifling his laughter as he got to his feet and followed him from behind. "Hey, there's some soda in the fridge!"
Jessica looked shock by what happened and turned back to Joel. "What the fuck is going on?"
"You did not want to eat that, Jess." Joel told her dying of laughter. "It was stuffed with relish and mustard! It was meant for Mike!"
Everyone else started laughing now.
"You're lucky, Jessica!" Sam noted. "Joel really does know how to protect the innocent from his shenanigans."
"Argh!" Jess was jabbing Joel in the elbow. "I almost ate that you dumb oaf!"
"Well that makes me feel better." Matt said grinning.
"But you didn't." Joel reminded her with his goofy smile.
Jess's sneer slowly formed into a smile and leaned in giving Joel a kiss on the cheek. "Consider yourself lucky, hero." She teased giving him a wink.
Everyone was in complete silence letting the screams of the horror movie fill the room in complete surprise by what Jessica just did. Joel's eyes went all googly with his cheeks going maroon as he looked back down.
Jess giggled. "Oops. Like I said: lucky."
A loud hissing sound went off followed by Mike shrieking in terror and Josh bawling out in laughter. Everyone rushed into the kitchen to see Mike with his arms wide out with a bottle of half full soda in his hand while the rest was all over his face and shirt. Josh was clapping and cackling as he went over to Joel giving him a high five.
"Dude. That was SO awesome!" He cried. "Best prank I've seen in a long time."
Mike, connecting all the dots, turned to Joel furious. "You did this?!"
Joel brought his hands up. "Hey, if it makes you feel any better. Revenge is a pain."
Sam smirked. "Looks like Joel has a whole other side."
"Oh my gosh! Mike you need to get a shower." Ashley said with her hands over her mouth giggling.
Jess smiled shaking her head. "Better be careful next time, Sheriff. Seems you got a new prankster in town." She teased with her southern drawl.
Mike was not finding any of this funny. "So you're saying," He started marching over to Joel getting right in his face. "You made eat a shit filled donut, and try to blow my head off?!"
Joel's smile disappeared knowing Mike was clearly not happy. "Woah, dude. I'm sorry, man. Just thought it would be a fun way to start off-"
"Start off what?! Huh?!" He said violently shoving Joel to the ground. "Making a fool out of me?! You wanna laugh now, you gigantic tween?!"
Sam and Chris rushed forward blocking Mike to getting to Joel, but he cut through them.
"How about I kick your little hermaphroditic faggot ass! You'd like that?!"
Mike was cut off by a sharp pain to his face as Jessica was the only thing standing between him now.
"Back away. Now." Jess's voice was almost silent but very frightening.
That was when Mike obeyed. "Jess... I-I didn't mean..."
"Shh!" She brought her index finger right in front of his face. "We're done, Mike. It's over."
That touched a nerve. "Baby c'mon.."
"No more cuddling, kissing, or even fucking! If you're lucky, you might get that Emily ho to blow you on your fun Friday nights!" She seethed tearing Mike a new one.
Chris's face formed a weird look. "You blow him every Fri.."
"Shut up, pointdexter!" Jess snapped.
"C'mon get up." Sam picking up an already distressed Joel and he instantly walked away from the scene. "Joel!"
"Fun while it lasted, Micheal." With that Jess walked away from Mike and over to where Joel was trying to compose him self. "Joel?" She grabbed his arms hearing the sniffles. "Hey... Hey.. Mike was being a huge dick. That was seriously fucked up, okay. Don't be sad." She gave a smile. "Don't be sad."
Joel silently hiccuped. "I'm not being a baby because of Mike." He brought his head down not wanting to let anyone see his shame.
Jess lowered her head to see his face. "What's wrong then?" Her grip tightened.
Joel sniffled again. "I'm being a baby because... no ones ever defended me before."
Jess silently gasped and pulled him in for a tight hug rocking him gently.
"And because I didn't say my smartass comeback." Joel joked.
Both of them forced a laugh out as the two friends pulled away.
"C'mon. Let's relax." Jess told him.
Didn't expect that did you? I just want to make a couple of things clear though: Jess and Joel are not dating. It's more of a good friend thing, and Joel merely revealed an insecurity. Plus Jess is known for flaunting her sexuality, and for the breakup, Jess is not stupid. When Matt mentioned Mike and Em together down the path like that? I'm no expert but I don't think any girl likes a guy hugging his ex, even if the girls hate each other. Plus the Jess cares for animals hence her being upset and of course threatening to paste Joel to the ground.
So yeah. Just wanted to clear that up. I'm so sorry for the wait, I was busy with college and other fanfics :( but I hope you guys enjoyed this one! :)
Cya :D