The road trip was as animated as ever, the car filled with conversations, laughter, and Chris mainly regaling them with old stories of random escapades as Sam and Ashley listened with rapt attention. Kida, half-listening, found her gaze drifting to the road ahead, the radio's soft tunes lending a cinematic quality to their journey. Surrounded by nature's vastness, the hustle and bustle of city life felt miles away, a mere memory against the tranquility of their current adventure.
Glancing at Matt, who seemed lost in thought as he gazed out the window, Kida couldn't resist capturing the moment. The unexpected sound of the camera snapped Matt out of his reverie, his surprise quickly turning to mock indignation.
"What the hell," Matt chuckled, caught off guard.Kida's laughter filled the car, a sound as light and joyful as the conversation around them. "You look great in this, Matt."
"Delete that," he took the phone as he protested, though his tone lacked any real conviction.
"Why? You look mysterious and handsome. You should model," Kida teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she watched him look at the selfie.
Matt's initial resistance faded, replaced by a playful arrogance. "Hmm, I do look good, don't I? How about you take one with me? It'll look even better."
"You don't have to tell me twice. Let's get my good side," Kida replied, positioning herself closer to Matt, their camaraderie evident.Matt turned to her, his voice softening, "You don't need an angle, you're beautiful either way.
"Kida felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks.
"Don't have me blushing, Matthew Taylor."
"Just saying," Matt replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.
Kida's heart skipped a beat at the implication. "I'll make you my boyfriend. Be careful," she teased, half-joking, half-hopeful.
"Wouldn't that be nice," Matt mused, his response carrying a hint of hope. "Continue speaking it into existence, and it might happen," he added with a wink, elevating their flirtation.
"Boy, please. I don't think you can handle all of this," Kida shot back, her tone playful yet challenging.
"There's a lot of things that I can handle. You're just light work," Matt retorted, his confidence unwavering.
"Talk that talk, but can you back it up?" Kida teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes."All day," Matt responded, his smile wide and daring, his gaze locking with hers in a silent promise of adventures to come.
Ashley couldn't resist intervening with a light-hearted scold, her tone filled with the warmth of familiarity, "Quit flirting, you two," she chuckled, shaking her head at the playful exchange that seemed to be a constant between Kida and Matt.
Chris, seizing the moment to inject his own brand of humor, added with a smirk, "Keep your hands, feet, and hormones to yourselves, guys." His comment elicited a burst of laughter from the group, highlighting the ease and comfort they found in each other's company.
Kida, never one to back down from a challenge or miss a beat, retorted with a daring twinkle in her eye, "Oh, please. If I wanted to make out with Matt in the back of Sam's granny car, I would. Although, it's tempting." Her words, bold and teasing, sent ripples of amusement through the car.
Sam, the owner of the so-called 'granny car', responded with a playful yet proud defense, "Hey, at least I've got a car." Her remark, a mix of jest and pride, reflected the deep bond and mutual teasing that characterized their friendship.
Kida conceded with a laugh, acknowledging the hit, "Damn, you got me there, Sammy." The exchange, though filled with jest, underscored the genuine affection and camaraderie among them.
Turning the conversation toward their destination, Kida's curiosity piqued, "So, what is this lodge like, anyway? Is it a rustic shack in the middle of the woods?" Her inquiry, laced with a hint of playful skepticism, hinted at her adventurous spirit and anticipation for the unknown.
Ashley, with eyes sparkling with excitement, assured her, "Oh Kida, you're gonna love it. It's huge and full of things for you to do."
Chris, never one to miss a beat for sarcasm, added, "Yeah, like sitting around a fire, singing campfire songs while clutching hands, and, you know, roasting s'mores."
Kida joined the playful banter, her voice dripping with feigned disappointment, "That's unfortunate. Here I was, hoping we'd be making arts and crafts and nibbling on beanie weenies."
Matt chimed in with a chuckle, "And afterward, we'd gather around to tell ghost stories that would keep us up all night."
Ashley, keeping up with the sarcastic tone, suggested, "Maybe even pitch tents in the woods and brave a night in the freezing cold."
Chris, always one to add a touch of humor, quipped, "Well, as long as there's no psycho on the loose, I think we'll manage just fine." His comment, though in jest, elicited a round of laughter, momentarily lightening the atmosphere.
Ashley playfully nudged him from her seat, her voice laced with mock seriousness, "Don't jinx us, Chris. We're going for a good time, not a horror movie scenario."
Kida, shifting the conversation back to a highlight of the trip for her, mentioned, "I was lured in by the promise of a hot tub. That's my main reason for coming."
Sam, with a hint of uncertainty, mentioned, "Josh mentioned there's one in the backyard. Not totally sure if it's set up, though."
Matt, intrigued, questioned her choice, "What's the appeal of dipping in a hot tub in minus thirty-degree weather?"
Kida, with a dreamy expression, confessed, "I've seen it in movies. It always looked so inviting."
Chris, playfully teasing her, pointed out, "Oh, right, I forgot you're from Florida. The concept of cold is foreign to you."
Ashley, with a wistful sigh, mused, "I'd kill for a chance to tan in some tropical paradise."
Matt, caught up in the conversation, shared his own wish, "I've always wanted to try surfing."
Chris, never far from humor, added, "Yeah, swimming in a hurricane doesn't sound too bad."
Kida, with a quick retort, suggested, "Maybe you should try getting trampled by an avalanche, Chris."
Chris, with a laugh, accepted the challenge, "Sounds like a plan to me."
Sam, seeking to bring a touch of sincerity back into their playful banter, chimed in, "But in all seriousness, it's a really nice place."
Ashley, with a hint of excitement in her voice, added, "Think of it as a rustic getaway, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle."
Kida, intrigued by the description, simply responded, "Interesting," her curiosity piqued.
Changing the subject with a spontaneous idea, Kida turned to Matt, "Matt, let's take a selfie."Matt, with a mock air of importance, replied, "Alright, but let me fix myself up. Everyone knows I'm the real reason your pictures rake in the likes."
Kida, unfazed and with a playful roll of her eyes, retorted, "Boy, please. It's clear to everyone that I'm the star here."
"Just take the damn picture," Matt said, half-joking, half-eager to see the outcome. Kida, with a practiced ease, grabbed her cell phone, toggled the camera on, and turned on her flash. She positioned herself next to Matt, ensuring the bouquet of her favorite flowers was visible. She then sifted through the filters, selecting a warm one that would perfectly capture the moment's vibe.
"Ready?" she announced, counting down before snapping a series of selfies. Mid-shoot, Kida exclaimed, bewildered, "Did you just lick me—"
Matt burst into laughter, his plan to disrupt the perfect selfie a success."Ewww, gross~" Kida couldn't help but laugh along, despite her feigned disgust.
"Gotta keep that one for the books," Matt said between chuckles, clearly pleased with his antics.
Kida, playing along with the banter, threatened, "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't shove you out of Mildred right now."
Sam, correcting Kida with a tone of mock indignation, interjected, "Her name is Sage!"
"Because you love me, and I'm your best friend," Matt countered quickly, "aside from Sam, of course."
"Hmm, you've just been fired from that role," Kida declared with a dramatic flair, turning to Chris and patting his shoulder, "Chris, buddy, you've been promoted."
"Ha! Sorry, Matt. Looks like I'm the best friend now," Chris joined in, unable to hide his amusement.
Matt, feigning disappointment but unable to hide his smile, simply retorted, "Whatever," knowing well that their friendship was too strong to be shaken by their playful jabs.
Kida, with a mischievous glint in her eye, suddenly crawled over Matt's lap, causing a stir in the cramped space of the car.
Ashley, both amused and concerned, couldn't help but exclaim, "What are you doing??"Matt, trying to maintain a balance between concern and annoyance, grumbled, "Yeah, Kida, you're kind of crushing me here."
Kida, unfazed and cheeky as ever, shot back, "Relax, Matt. You spend half your life in the gym; you can handle a little pressure." Despite her teasing, she made an effort to move quickly, showcasing her usual blend of boldness and empathy.
Carefully, yet with a daring flair that was quintessentially Kida, she pushed the window down and stuck her head out, craving the thrill of the wind in her hair.
Gradually, she leaned further out, arms reaching towards the sky, embracing the rush of freedom. Sam, her voice laced with genuine concern, cautioned, "Kida, please, be careful."
Matt, his protective instincts kicking in, couldn't hide his worry. "Kida, seriously, what are you doing?" His hands instinctively went to her waist, holding her steady, a silent promise of safety amidst the recklessness.
Kida, laughing, called back, "Don't be such pussies! Live a little!" Her voice was a blend of exhilaration and defiance, a challenge to the constraints of the everyday.
Chris, unable to resist joining the banter despite the risk, added with a hint of sarcasm, "Yeah, 'live a little,' right up until Sam hits a bump and you become a human missile."
Kida, her spirit undampened by their warnings, chose to ignore them, her heart swelling with a sense of liberation. This moment, with the wind caressing her face and her friends' voices mingling between concern and excitement, felt like pure freedom, all of her past problems diminishing at the moment. She breathed in deeply, absorbing the essence of the adventure they were on, the open road a symbol of limitless possibilities.
As Kida settled back into the safety of the car, her daring escapade leaving a trail of adrenaline and laughter in its wake, the atmosphere inside shifted. The brief spike of concern amongst her friends melted into a fond, albeit resigned, acceptance.
Kida's fearless nature, a constant source of awe and inspiration to her circle, had once again asserted itself, reinforcing the unique bond they shared. Her boldness wasn't just a personal trait; it was a beacon that drew them all to push their own boundaries, to live more freely under the banner of her unapologetic zest for life.
When Kida nestled comfortably into Matt's lap, a familiar arrangement born out of countless shared moments just like this one, the dynamic in the car subtly changed."Hope it was worth freezing us to death," Matt teased, his tone carrying more amusement than annoyance.
"But here you are in one piece," Kida retorted, her voice tinged with playful defiance."Do I have to put you on a leash?" Matt teased further, his mock frustration melting into the warmth of their banter.
Kida's response was swift and saucy, "Hmm, kinky," she quipped, earning a chuckle from the others in the car. As Kida turned and lay her head on Matt's shoulder, she announced her intention to nap until they reached their destination.
"Boo! Stay up," Matt protested half-heartedly, a hint of reluctance in his voice."If I'm going to have a good time tonight, I need some rest," Kida countered, her tone firm but affectionate.
"Thought that I was your energy pill," Matt joked, his voice carrying a note of playful self-importance."Stop sulking, you baby. Wake me up when we arrive. Buenos Noches," Kida declared, her voice softening as she settled into the comfort of sleep.
Matt sighed, resigned yet content, as the car ride drifted into a comfortable silence. Each person lost in their thoughts or absorbed in their own forms of relaxation, connected by the shared experience of the journey and the anticipation of the destination.
The frost-kissed air of Blackwood County nipped at their cheeks as Sam maneuvered her car into the parking lot of Blackwood Pines, its tires crunching softly on the snow-covered gravel. The familiar surroundings whispered memories of laughter and screams, welcoming Sam, Matt, Ashley, and Chris back into its frosty embrace. It had been a year since they last visited, yet the place seemed untouched by time, a frozen moment waiting to thaw.
Sam killed the engine, her breath visible in the cold night air as she spoke, her words forming clouds, "It's good to be here again."Chris, stretching his legs and feeling the chill bite through his jeans, couldn't help but lament, "Yeah, and we also have a mile and a half walk to the cable car station."
Ashley, uncurling from her seat, the cramped conditions of the car ride leaving its mark on her body, sighed, "I feel crammed, so hopefully the walk releases the tension."
Chris, ever the gentleman in his own quirky way, offered his help, "D-Do you need some assistance, Ash?"
Ashley, with a gentle smile, declined, "How noble of you. But no, I think I can handle it. Besides, we have a crap ton of luggage."Their playful banter continued, a comfortable and familiar dance of words that wrapped around them like a warm blanket against the cold.
Chris persisted, his sincerity evident in his offer. "Well, if you change your mind, I'm here to be your assistant."
Sam, with a playful roll of her eyes, "Pft. As if you could carry her along the trail."
Chris, feigning indignation, declared, "I-I have strengths, Sam. Mentally and physically."
Sam couldn't resist a jab, "Oh please, Chris. You have the strength of a jelly donut."
Chris, wounded, looked for support, "That's not true. I bench press. Ask Matt." Matt, caught off guard, chuckled, "Sorry dude, you gotta do more than just get a grade for participation in P.E."
As the conversation unfolded, Kida remained asleep, oblivious to the banter around her. Matt nudged her gently, trying to rouse her from her slumber. "Hey, angel, wake up," Matt whispered, his voice soft as he tried to coax her awake.
"Mmh, fuck off," Kida muttered sleepily, her response muffled by the warmth of her dreams.
"Eww, did you drool on me?!" Matt exclaimed, his disgust interrupted by the unexpected dampness on his shoulder.
"I guess that was payback for licking her," Sam quipped, her laughter echoing through the car.
"She's such a heavy sleeper. She was only out for 20 minutes," Matt remarked, his tone a mix of exasperation and fondness.
"Guess you have to use your brawn to carry Sleeping Beauty up the hill. Get to it, Mr. Linebacker," Chris suggested, his playful challenge hanging in the air.
"No way in hell, man. Do you know how heavy she is?" Matt protested, his reluctance evident in his response.
"It's her precious cargo in the back," Ashley teased, her grin widening as she joined in the playful banter.
"Let me wake her up," Matt decided, his voice determined as he prepared to tackle the task at hand. As Matt attempted to rouse Kida, he glanced around the car, his gaze lingering on the snowy landscape outside.
With a mischievous grin, he formulated a plan, knowing full well he might regret it later."Here goes nothing," Matt muttered to himself, scooping up a handful of snow and preparing to put his plan into action.
Kida's reaction was immediate, her sleepy haze shattered by the unexpected cold."What the fuck?!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and indignation.
"Rise and shine, Kida," Sam chimed in, her laughter ringing out as she watched the scene unfold."Did you do this, Matt?" Kida demanded, her gaze narrowing as she turned to face him.
"Wait, to be fair, I tried to wake you up," Matt protested, his attempt at innocence failing to mask his amusement. "Remind me to kick your ass later," Kida threatened, her anger softened by a hint of affection.With the commotion settled, the group gathered their luggage and prepared to embark on the next leg of their journey.
As they trudged through the snow-covered landscape, Kida's determination to reach their destination remained unwavering, her friends trailing behind her as they followed the path ahead."Okay, so where's the lodge?" Kida inquired, her voice laced with a mix of impatience and determination.
"Oh Kida, you sweet summer child, you have a long way to go before we can reach 'La grande loge de Washington'," Chris teased, his tone playful as he led the way.
Perplexed, Kida questioned, "Huh?"Ashley, ever patient, explained, "We have to walk a mile and a half to the cable car station."Matt, chiming in with a touch of humor, added, "And walk another mile or so to get to Josh's lodge."
Despite her reluctance, Kida trudged forward, the others trailing behind, as Sam locked her car with a click of her key.Their journey had only just begun, and with each step, they ventured further into the heart of Blackwood County, the snow crunching beneath their feet as they embraced the adventure that lay ahead.
After the journey through the mountain trails and cable cars, they found themselves reaching the gate that leads to the lodge. Kida, breaking the silence with a mix of amusement and awe, said, "Geez, this is giving such a grand entrance."
Chris, always ready with a quip, replied, "Oh, it's grand, my friend. You'd probably cry once you see it."
Kida, her imagination running wild, couldn't resist adding, "Cry tears of fear that I've been led to a rustic shack with a rocking chair on the porch while Josh is playing a banjo and Hannah and Beth are roasting a sausage over a fire?"
Matt, trying to keep the spirits high, retorted, "Quit your whining. You'll see your precious hot tub when we get there."
Kida, half-joking, half-serious, countered, "I better. Otherwise, I'm hiking back down the trail."Matt, with a playful threat, mentioned, "I still have that leash on me."
Kida, unfazed and with a cheeky grin, responded, "If you're trying to go all 'Fifty Shades of Grey' on me, Matthew, you could say that."
"In your dreams, Angel," Matt shot back, the nickname slipping out with a mixture of affection and annoyance. Their banter was interrupted as Ashley pointed out, "Guys, there goes Josh!"
Josh, with his usual enthusiasm, greeted them, "Heyyo, gang!"Sam, filled with warmth, greeted him with a hug, "It's good seeing you. Had one hell of a trip with these kiddos."
Chris, not missing a beat, chimed in, "Especially Matt and Kida. Had to basically chaperone them."
Kida, rolling her eyes but with a smile, teased Josh, "Shut up, Chris. Joshie~ it's so good to see you. Nice shack. I brought a few curtains to decorate."
Josh, with a laugh, welcomed her, "Good seeing you too, Keeds. And don't worry, I have a nice place in the trash to settle those curtains."
Ashley, curious about the night's plans, asked, "So what's on the agenda for tonight?"Josh, ever the host, replied, "Hannah and Beth are currently rounding up the snacks in the kitchen, along with the red solo cups for our drinking game. I got a special drink for us to try."
Kida, her interest piqued, inquired, "Is it going to have us going buckwild??"Josh, with a hint of mischief, proclaimed, "I sure hope so. Trying to party like fucking pornstars tonight."
Matt, caught off guard, asked, "I'm sorry, did you just say party like fucking pornstars??"
Josh, confirming with a nod, said, "Correctomungo, Matty. But yeah, tonight, I want to make sure everyone has a good time. Hopefully, something blooms throughout the night," he added, glancing at Chris and Ashley with a knowing look.
Chris, feigning ignorance, questioned, "What are you talking about, man?"Josh, deciding to move past the moment, suggested, "Oh nothing, Cochise. We should head inside, yeah? Don't want the ladies freezing their buns off."
Kida, with a chuckle, declared, "Hmph, please. A little frost isn't going to make this jelly disappear. But I do want to get into the hot tub. You do have one, right?"
Josh, with a playful leer, teased, "Only if you're going to engage in activities where clothes are restricted."
Kida, with a playful snort, shot back, "In your wildest dreams, Joshua."
Sam, changing the subject, asked, "Did Mike, Emily, and Jessica make it?" Kida, with a scoff, muttered, "Great..."
Josh, eager to usher them inside, reassured, "Yeah, they're inside by the fire. Make yourselves at home, you know the drill. Kida, hope you like it here. For your birthday gift, I will, from the kindness of my heart, carry your luggage inside."
Kida, with a sarcastic smile, thanked him, "How lucky I am."They all stepped inside the lodge, the sounds of pop music greeting them. As they removed their jackets, for Sam, Matt, Chris, and Ashley, it felt like returning home. For Kida, it was like stepping into paradise, her worries momentarily forgotten amidst the promise of a night filled with laughter, friendship, and perhaps a touch of the unexpected.
"So, did you manage to rack up the goods." Sam asked Josh as she nudged him with genuine curiosity.
Kida raised an eyebrow, not catching on to Sam's riddle. "Goods? What Goods?"
And just like magic, Josh had pulled out a nice bottle of alcohol as the words "Jeremaih Cragg" was labeled on the bottle as it stared towards the fellow pacifist and protector.
"Ta-da. Happy birthday, Kida." Josh exclaimed in pure excitement as he handed the bottle to the birthday girl.
Kida's eyes flickered in shock and happiness as she held the slightly heavy bottle as she gazed upon the dark alcohol. How did he manage to get it? It was very expensive. Once again, Josh will always find a way to make his friends happy. It's a part of his compassionate nature.
"I'm going to help Chris. It seems to me that he's having a hard time with him and Ashley's luggage." Sam says as the other two trailed eyes towards the geek.
"Kinda embarrassing to see him struggle with 20 pounds of weight." Josh says with disappointment.
Sam and Kida lets out a soft chuckle as Sam begun to make way towards Chris leaving them alone.
They picked up from where they'd left off which was Kida's escapism from the reality she lived in.
"Aww, thank you Joshua. You know me so well." Kida threw her arms around her older comrade as Josh instantly returned the hug while giving a light rock from side to side.
"Of course, girl! You know that I got you." He replies genuinely as they release the hug.
They started to stroll down the small steps into the den of the grand living room as their hearts pumped with excitement. "We are definitely going to have a memorable night with this sweet thing." Kida says as her eyes didn't shift from the expensive alcohol.
"Hell, yeah! Also, I have a few activities for us to do. Maybe some drinking games, movies, a little skinny dipping..." Josh suggested while teasing the last part barely above a whisper.
Hearing this made Kida roll her eyes playfully. "Once again, I don't think you can handle all this jelly, Josh." Kida quirked as she moves her body in a very coy manner as Josh watched with interest.
She removed her with puffer jacket which revealed Kida's curvy body that accentuates her winter attire for the evening. Her dark complexion was covered in neutral colors. A white seamless rib shirt that's layered with a grey-beige cropped Sherpa jacket with matching leggings, white scrunch socks and ankle ugg boots.
Josh was hypnotized as she was right. As the girls in their circle had nice bodies, Kida's had to be one of the top of the list.
"I think I may or may not have some bread for that jelly." He says with a slight stammer in his voice. His body was getting a bit hot as his throat clenched.
His hormones descended as he remembered that he has a party to host. Without words, he placed a protective kiss on her forehead as his eyes told her to enjoy the party which Kida had understood as her eyes returned gratitude. A few pats on her shoulder and Josh continued his path throughout the living room.
Kids stood still as she took notice of the cabin. It was her first time after all. Kida has never been to a cabin on a mountain before and she damn sure didn't expect it to look so grand.
It was like living in a rustic fairytale.The Washington siblings are lucky to get to have advantages of living in luxury.
The lodge felt alive, pulsing with the energy of the young souls gathered there. She was quickly embraced by Hannah and Beth, who, despite their youth, had always held a special place in her heart—like little sisters she never had.
Her gaze wandered, absorbing the scene before her. Hannah, ever the romantic, was not-so-subtly gushing over Mike, who stood by the fire radiating a charisma that seemed to light the room. Kida noted, with a touch of amusement, how Emily clung to Mike's arm, a clear declaration of possession, though her eyes darted around, perhaps wary of potential rivals.
Jessica, on the other hand, was the embodiment of vivacity, her laughter mingling with the crackle of the fire as she danced with a drink in hand. Kida feels neutral about the girl as she always was perceived as the confident and outspoken. She admire Jessica's honest personality as she gives it to people straight and spare no bs. But sometimes there were times where she isn't aware of the appropriate time and place to speak her mind.
Although the feeling was mutual, Jessica actually admires Kida and respects her as she's someone she could see herself getting along with.
They're both in the drama club at their high school as they're both lead and supporting role of a play that was soon to spark on stage in late May. The week before their graduation and last summer vacation until colleges of their choice in the beginning of August.
Jessica admired the attention as it boosts her ego while Kida enjoys the hardwork that could branch her into the height of her future career which is to be an aspiring actress.
Jessica might've gotten the lead but who's to say it'll stop Kida from grinding harder and boost her everlasting diligence.
"Well if it isn't the birthday girl," Jessica says in her very confident demeanor as her eyes glint with coyness.
Kids gives a lopsided smirk as she strode her way towards the blonde girl who was still grooving to the music.
They give a small hug as Jessica's hands trailed down the darker skinned girls arms as she admired her appearance.
"Damn, you're looking hot! If I was full on lesbian, I'd hit that." Jessica admits boldly which Kida knows a bit too well.
She's not bad after all. Kida decided to return the compliment as her past problems from her washed away as the comfort of being surrounded by familiar faces made her lively.
She gave Jessica a twirl as she started twisting to the music. "Well wouldn't I be a lucky girl then." Kida replied as she was still in a very happy mood.
Jessica clicks her tongue as she lets out a giggle. "So, I see that this is your first time at La grande cabana de Washington. What do you think?" She introduced as she decided to do a French accent as well.
Kida couldn't help but exhale happily. The lodge is definitely becoming an escapism from her toxic household as she couldn't bear being around such negativity.
"I think I'll like it here. Minus the cold weather which I have to get used to."
Jessica lets out an amusing hum as she turns away to go change the music on her iPod station. She wasn't far away from Kida to continue the conversation.
"Oh that's right. You're from Florida where you get to lay in the hot sun on a beach in a sexy bathing suit while also being swarmed by hot guys." She rambled as the music choices that were displayed in front of her kept getting swiped to the left as it wasn't something she was interested in.
Kida took a few steps forward. "True. But then again, this cabin could really be a good paradise for foreigners. Maybe a romantic getaway."
"Or a sexcapade." Jessica suggested to Kida's choice of words as their ears are welcomed to another hit. Katy Perry's "California Girls" blasting.
Satisfied, Jessica spun around to meet the shorter girls eyes as she had a smirk of mischief creeping.
"Just imagine, Keeds. No parents telling us what to do. No rules or restrictions. And the cabin is full of hot guys...minus Chris-" Jessica says before cutting the line of her thoughts of hot guys.
Chris wasn't really Jessica's type and Kida mutual agreed on the inside. Chris was a sweet guy of course, funny sometimes as his jokes can be a hit or miss, and they doubt that he's ever had a relationship which makes him have a hard time being flirty. Especially with their friend Ashley who has a crush on him and he reciprocates it towards her. It was so unbearing to see how cowardly they were to admit their feelings for one another. But their friends hope that one day they can confess their love.
"I don't think he lost his virginity yet." Jessica admits her thoughts out loud as she grabbed a red solo cup off the table that was filled with booze and take a small sip before releasing a tight face as she felt her chest burning for a split second.
She then switches the conversation as her eyes trailed to Emily, as she called the blonde over on the opposite side in the living room. Mike was also waiting for her to come.
"Well, I'm going to go chat it up with the two married couple. Catch up with you later?" Jessica announced her departure as she subconsciously handed the birthday girl her used beverage and trailed off to the couple.
"Yeah, see you." Kida muttered behind her.
Well, that wasn't so bad. Kida looked at the half empty solo cup that was occupied in her hand. She eyed it critically before placing it on the shelf above fireplace as she continued settling in the lodge.
After moments of camaraderie, Josh, seizing the moment, suggested a game of truth or dare, spiked with the thrill of drinking for added stakes.
The group eagerly formed a circle, with Kida finding her place between Matt and Ashley, her heart a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
The game unfolded with a series of harmless confessions and challenges until Jessica, with a mischievous glint in her eye, turned the tables. Her gaze fixed on Hannah, she posed the fateful choice: truth or dare. Hannah, caught in the headlights of attention, chose dare—a decision that visibly piqued everyone's interest.
With a smirk that promised chaos, Jessica dared Hannah to kiss a guy. The room tensed, a mix of excitement and unease filling the air.
Hannah's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, the spotlight of the dare revealing her inner turmoil. She was the epitome of innocence clashing with a newfound boldness, her eyes darting across the circle as if seeking an escape or perhaps the courage to follow through.
Emily's gaze, sharp and calculating, never left Hannah, adding an invisible pressure that was felt by everyone, especially Kida and Sam, who watched with bated breath, understanding the delicate balance of teenage desire and social hierarchy at play.
Hannah's decision hung heavy in the air, a defining moment that would undoubtedly ripple through the dynamics of their group. With a hesitance that betrayed her inner desire, she turned to Mike, her choice speaking volumes to her feelings, often whispered but never acknowledged openly until now.
The lodge, with its boisterous energy, seemed to hold its breath, the crackling of the fire the only sound amidst the silent anticipation.Mike, aware of the weight of the moment, shared a look with Emily. It was a fleeting glance, but one that carried the complexity of their relationship—possessive yet uncertain.
Kida, observing the unspoken communication, felt a twinge of sympathy for Hannah. This game, intended for lighthearted fun, had swiftly navigated into the murky waters of teenage angst and unrequited affection.
As Hannah mustered the courage to step towards Mike, the room divided in its support. Some were egging her on, caught up in the thrill of the game, while others, like Kida and Sam, held a silent vigil, understanding the potential heartache that might follow.
Hannah's action was not just a dare; it was an admission, a bold step towards revealing her heart under the guise of a game.Mike, for his part, stood conflicted. To accept Hannah's advance was to navigate the delicate balance of his relationship with Emily and his own reputation. Yet, to reject her would be to publicly humiliate her—a decision he knew could shatter the fragile bond of their friendship group.
The lodge, a sanctuary of sorts, was now a stage for a drama that would unfold under the watchful eyes of friends, each entangled in their own web of emotions and loyalties. As Hannah leaned in, the outcome of this dare was more than a simple kiss; it was a catalyst for change, for better or worse, in the intricate dance of their relationships.
In that moment, time seemed to stretch, the air charged with anticipation and a hint of apprehension. Hannah, moving closer to Mike, represented a tableau of youthful bravery tinged with vulnerability. Her gaze locked with Mike's, seeking reassurance in an ocean of uncertainty. Mike, standing at the precipice of choice, found his resolve tested not just by the dare but by the unspoken feelings that simmered beneath the surface.
Emily's grip on her beer tightened, a storm brewing behind her eyes—a tempest of jealousy, insecurity, and an unyielding desire to assert her dominance. Her presence, commanding and palpable, served as a silent challenge to Hannah, a reminder of the complex dynamics at play.
Kida, watching this unfold, felt a mix of admiration for Hannah's courage and a deep-seated concern for the fallout. Her heart ached for the innocence that was on the brink of being shattered, for she knew all too well the pain of exposed vulnerabilities. Beside her, Matt and Ashley exchanged uneasy glances, their enjoyment of the game waning in light of the emotional minefield it had become.
As Hannah's lips tentatively met Mike's, a ripple of reactions swept through the room. There were hushed whispers, stifled gasps, and for a brief, suspended moment, the lodge was enveloped in a silence that spoke volumes.
The kiss, innocent yet laden with unspoken dreams and desires, was a spark that threatened to ignite the volatile mixture of teenage emotions and rivalries.When they finally parted, the atmosphere shifted perceptibly.
Hannah, retreating back to her seat, wrapped her arms around herself, a fragile shell of bravado crumbling around her. Mike, caught in the aftermath, glanced towards Emily, finding no solace in her cold, calculating stare. The unspoken words between them were a chasm that had widened with that single, innocent act.
As Josh attempted to navigate the group back to lighter conversations, the laughter and chatter that followed were tinged with a forced cheerfulness.
Kida, ever the catalyst for change, refused to let the night be consumed by awkwardness and simmering tensions. Her spirit, infectious and unyielding, cut through the thick air, urging bodies and hearts alike towards the makeshift dance floor. With Beth and Sam in tow, she moved with a carefree joy that was impossible to ignore.
The music, a lively beat that pulsed through the lodge, became a beacon of release, inviting all to shed the weight of the night's earlier trials.Jessica, with a laugh that sparkled as brightly as the drink in her hand, was the first to join. Her enthusiasm, a match for Kida's, drew others into their orbit. Josh and Chris, unable to resist the pull of such genuine revelry, abandoned their reservations and allowed themselves to be swept up in the moment.
The rest of the group, Mike, Hannah, Emily, Matt, and Ashley, formed an amused and somewhat envious audience. They watched, some with arms crossed, others with smiles they couldn't suppress, as Kida became the undeniable center of gravity. Matt, from his vantage point, found his admiration for Kida deepening. Her ability to transform tension into joy, to lead with such effortless charisma, only added layers to his silent affection.As the night evolved, so did the activities.
Laughter echoed off the walls, games ensued, and conversations flowed more freely. Kida, ever mindful of her earlier proclamation, made her way to the hot tub, her anticipation tangible. The warmth of the water, under a sky peppered with stars, was a balm to the evening's earlier frictions. It was here, amidst the steam and the gentle night air, that barriers seemed to melt away, conversations deepened, and laughter was shared without restraint.
The night's climax came not with a bang, but with a gentle surrender to exhaustion and inebriation. Kida, Josh, and Chris, having led the charge into festivity, were the first to succumb to sleep, their bodies sprawled in haphazard comfort around the last vestiges of Jeremiah Cragg. Josh and Chris, in a display of unspoken brotherhood, found rest with their heads on the kitchen counter, a picture of youthful exhaustion. Their peaceful slumber, undisturbed by the soft murmur of conversation that lingered in the air, was a testament to the day's adventures and the night's escapades.
Kida, meanwhile, claimed the couch as her sanctuary, sprawled in a pose that spoke volumes of her spirited involvement in the evening's festivities. The couch, a makeshift bed of comfort, cradled her as she drifted between wakefulness and sleep. Her breaths, even and deep, were in harmony with the quiet lull of the lodge, her face alight with the soft glow of embers from the fireplace, painting her in a palette of peace and contentment.
As the night faded into the shadows of the early hours, a blanket of serene ignorance cloaked Kida and her friends, veiling the precipice of change that loomed ominously ahead. Unbeknownst to them, nestled in the warmth of fleeting joys and the haze of drunken slumber, the threads of their realities were about to be irrevocably intertwined with a tapestry of tragedy.