As Kida and Matt stood facing each other, the tension between them was palpable, like a thick fog lingering in the air. Their reunion felt like the opening scene of a drama left on a cliffhanger, with unresolved emotions hanging heavy between them.
"Hey... stranger," Kida began, her voice light but carrying an undercurrent of tension as she stood before Matt. "It seems like we've crossed paths."
Matt stuttered in response, clearly taken aback. "K-Kida, h-hey. Long time no see."
"It has, hasn't it?" she replied, her eyes searching his for some hint of the friend she once knew.
"Yeah... how have you been?" he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm just taking it a day at a time. Just trying to keep my head above water," Kida confessed, her gaze drifting away momentarily, perhaps reflecting on the enormity of all they had lost and left unsaid.
"Good. Good," Matt nodded, though his response seemed automatic, his mind elsewhere.
They stood there, enveloped in an awkward silence that was only intensified by the cool, aggressive breeze that swept past them, making them shiver. What could they possibly say after a year of silence, filled with grief and regret?
"Okay, so I'm going to head back over to Sam... it was nice talking to you," Kida said finally, breaking the uneasy quiet. She turned to leave.
"Kida, wait." Matt's voice halted her retreat. She turned around, her expression one of cautious inquiry.
"I know we haven't spoken in a while," he continued, "and I just wanted to say that I am truly sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for even engaging in that stupid prank with Hannah. I wasn't thinking straight. I thought it was going to be harmless and we'd laugh about it the next day."
"Matt..." Kida's voice trailed off, a mix of sorrow and surprise marking her features.
"If I could go back and tell everyone else no, maybe I could've stopped the prank or at least convinced them not to do it. I know I can't change the past but... Kida, I've missed you, and I am truly sorry. I've tried to take accountability and let you have your space from me. I deserved it. But I really, really, don't want to lose you again. I hope you'd forgive me someday."
"I forgive you, Matt. Honestly," Kida said softly, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her.
"You do?" he asked, a flicker of hope lighting up his face.
"Yeah. It's true that I grew resentment towards not only you but those who've engaged in the prank. I know you guys wanted to have fun, but none of us intended for Hannah to run off into the woods. But I just wish it hadn't happened, you know? Hannah and Beth would be safe and sound right now..." Her voice broke, the pain evident.
"Kida, don't blame yourself," Matt urged gently.
"Hannah and Beth were like another pair of siblings to me, you know? I would do anything for them, the same way I would for Kimmi, and you guys."
Matt nodded solemnly. "But I promise you, I will not do anything else to betray your trust."
"I'm sorry for pushing you away, Matt. I'm sorry for ignoring you. I'm sorry for not bothering to check up. I'm just sorry."
"No, don't apologize for that. I deserved it. I'm just glad that you're willing to give me a second chance," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.
Kida smiled, a genuine warmth returning to her eyes. "Friends?"
"Hell no. We can continue from where we left off," Matt declared, a playful edge to his voice.
"Come here, you rookie," Kida laughed, pulling him into a long hug. The embrace was one of longing and reconciliation, as if time itself had relapsed, allowing them a moment of pure, unguarded connection.
They pulled away from their embrace, a sense of warmth lingering between them as they exchanged smiles, a silent understanding passing between Kida and Matt.
"I've missed you," Kida confessed, her voice soft and sincere.
"Me too," Matt replied, his gaze meeting hers with equal intensity.
As they continued their conversation, catching up on the events that had transpired during their time apart, their reunion was abruptly interrupted by the voice of Josh cutting through the night air.
"Hey, everyone," Josh's voice carried a blend of firmness and apology. "I hate to interrupt, but it looks like we've hit a bit of a snag."
Confusion rippled through the group as they turned their attention towards Josh, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"What's going on, Josh?" Ashley's voice was laced with worry as she furrowed her brow.
With a sigh, Josh ran a hand through his hair, his posture tense as he explained the situation. "It seems like the front door of the lodge is frozen shut," he admitted. "Chris and I are going to see if we can find another way in, but it might take a little while."
A collective groan of disappointment echoed through the group as they processed the news, the chilly night air seeping into their bones as they shivered in the cold.
"Are you serious?" Kida's frustration was evident in her voice. "Can't we just break the damn thing down or something?"
Josh shook his head, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. "As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, Kida, I don't think brute force is going to do the trick," he replied. "We'll just have to be patient and wait for Chris and I to figure something out."
With that, Josh and Chris set off towards the lodge, leaving the rest of the group huddled together in the cold night air. As they waited anxiously for news, the uncertainty of their situation hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous reunion. But despite the setback, they remained determined to make the most of their time together, come what may.
Matt and Kida sauntered back into their conversation, their words cascading through the crisp night air like a gentle melody.
Kida's gaze flickered to a pink bag nestled beside Matt, a playful curiosity evident in her expression.
"Hmm, I see that you're changing your style," she remarked, her voice dancing with amusement.
Matt chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Oh, this? That's not mine. It's Emily's."
"Emily's? She's here?" Kida feigned innocence, masking her awareness of their relationship.
"Yeah, did she ever find Sam?" Matt inquired, his tone laced with concern.
"No, we haven't seen her at all. But we did run into Jess...she was waiting for Mike apparently," Kida replied, her words laden with a subtle undercurrent of intrigue.
A fleeting shadow crossed Matt's features, a silent echo of unresolved emotions.
"Are you okay?" Kida's voice softened with genuine concern, her gaze probing his.
Matt hesitated briefly before nodding. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay."
But Kida could sense the turmoil simmering beneath his stoic facade.
"Matt, I know when you're lying. Is there something bothering you?" she pressed gently, her empathy reaching out to him.
Matt sighed, his guard momentarily faltering. "I honestly don't know. Sometimes it's hard to determine intentions from someone."
"You just have to trust your gut," Kida offered sagely, her words steeped in wisdom born of experience. "You're too good of a person, Matt. You deserve to be where you're celebrated. Not tolerated."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Matt's lips, touched by Kida's unwavering support.
"You always have a fair point, Kida. That's what I admire about you."
Kida's cheeks flushed with a subtle warmth, a modest blush coloring her features.
"I'm flattered. But are you and Emily... together?" she inquired, her tone tinged with playful curiosity.
Matt hesitated, his gaze momentarily flickering with uncertainty. "We are... complicated. We aren't exclusive but we aren't just friends."
Kida's lips curved into a knowing smirk, a silent acknowledgment of the complexity of human relationships.
"Interesting," she murmured, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes.
Matt glanced sideways at Kida, his curiosity piqued as they walked back towards the main area where their friends were gathered. The chilly air of the lodge seemed to seep into the conversation, making their breaths visible as puffs of mist. He posed his question with a hint of hesitation. "How about you? Are you, umm, seeing someone?"
Kida flashed a smug grin, her confidence unshaken by the frosty atmosphere. "No, but I'm thinking about mingling. I know there's a lot of guys out there waiting to have all of Kida Sinclair."
"You haven't changed one bit," Matt chuckled, his breath forming clouds in the cold air.
"I know." Kida's response came with a playful flip of her hair.
"Let's join the others. Chris and Josh have got to find a solution by now," Matt suggested, hoping to shift their focus back to the group's dilemma.
Kida nodded, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth. "I sure hope so. I don't do well with cold weather."
"Wish that you were still in Florida, huh?" Matt asked, knowing her dislike for the cold was a sore spot.
"All the time. Whenever I get some funds, I'm booking a flight back to my hometown and lay out in the sand with sand on my buns," Kida declared, her longing for warmer climates evident in her tone.
"Sand on your buns?" Matt raised an eyebrow, amused by her phrasing.
"Yes. I don't care. I just need to be in a tropical climate," she insisted, her voice carrying a mix of jest and earnest.
"I could use some sunlight," Matt agreed, feeling the bone-chilling air through his clothes.
"Yes, Matt, you're turning a bit translucent from this Canadian climate," Kida teased, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
"Calling me pale?" He pretended to be affronted, playing along with her tease.
"Oh, Matt... you're more than just pale," she laughed, her gaze appraising him.
"I'm still handsome and strong," Matt retorted with feigned indignation.
"Hmm, you did get a bit more lean since the last time," Kida observed, noting his more defined physique.
"I can definitely lift you up now. You were a bit heavy," Matt jested, earning a playful shove from Kida.
"Shut up, you were just weak," she shot back with a laugh.
They reached the stairs where Ashley and Sam were standing, waiting for them. Kida, shivering slightly, broke the silence. "So, did anything occur?"
Sam shook her head, her expression amused. "Nope, just Chris being Chris with his lame antics."
"What did he do?" Matt asked, curious about what he had missed.
"He pretended to be a ghost on the other side of the door. Whatever he and Josh are coming up with, they need to hurry fast," Sam explained, rolling her eyes at the memory.
"No kidding. I hope Josh sets up a fire," Kida added, her teeth nearly chattering.
"That would be great, honestly. I could curl by the fire and read a book," Ashley mused, her thoughts drifting to a quieter, warmer scenario.
"So, Ash... have you talked to Chris?" Kida inquired, a sly note in her voice.
Ashley nodded, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Y-yeah. I have."
"Did he say anything, you know... interesting?" Kida prodded, her curiosity piqued.
"He's been casual. Just asking how I was doing. That's it," Ashley replied, her voice a mix of disappointment and relief. Her brief words left an air of unspoken feelings hanging between them, as the group awaited the next move from their friends.
Sam stared in disbelief towards Kida as Kida mirrored the look. She shook her head.
"By the time we make it inside, we're going to turn to ice," Matt remarked, his breath visible in the chilly air.
"Seriously, what the hell are they doing? Chatting over tea? Hurry the hell up!" Kida exclaimed impatiently.
"We should've went with your suggestion early about breaking the door down," Sam agreed, rubbing her arms in an attempt to keep warm.
"Agreed. We are freezing our buns out here!" Ashley chimed in, her teeth chattering slightly.
Suddenly, a flare of light reflected in the door window, catching their attention. They saw Chris's blonde Mohawk-shaped haircut and glasses as he emerged victorious, having melted the ice off the lock and opened the door, albeit with a slightly singed hand from the hot handle.
"Now why didn't I think of that?" Kida muttered to herself, impressed by Chris's resourcefulness.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week," Chris joked, relieved as the door swung open.
"Took you long enough, Chr—"
Before Sam could finish her sentence, a baby animal darted out of the lodge, causing Chris to yelp in surprise.
"EEEEK! Jeez!" Chris exclaimed, startled by the unexpected visitor.
Sam, Matt, and Ashley burst into laughter at Chris's reaction, while Kida watched with a mixture of amusement and relief.
"Oh, shit!" Kida swore under her breath as she watched the animal dart into the wilderness.
"What was it? Are you okay?" Ashley asked, concern lacing her voice.
"It was like a bear, or a tiger or something—" Chris stammered, still recovering from the shock.
"Aw, it was just a cute little baby wolverine!" Sam chimed in, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Baby?" Chris echoed, incredulous at the notion.
"That's one big baby," Kida remarked, her thoughts slipping out loud. Chris felt a glimpse of satisfaction as the curly-haired girl agreed with him, while Sam, Ashley, and Matt chuckled at her statement. Footsteps approached as it was Josh returning back to the group.
"Don't worry, buddy, you're gonna be a big boy soon," Josh reassured, a smirk playing on his lips as he followed the others into the warmth of the lodge.
"Home, sweet home," Josh declared as they stepped inside, the welcome sight of the familiar surroundings easing the tension in the air.
"It's SO GOOD to be inside. Even if it's still kinda freezing in here," Ashley remarked, rubbing her arms in an attempt to ward off the lingering chill.
"I'll get a fire going," Josh announced, already moving towards the fireplace with purpose.
"This place barely looks any different," Matt observed, taking in the familiar surroundings.
"Nobody's been up here," Josh explained with a shrug.
"Even with the police coming in and out?" Ashley inquired.
"Not a lot of action up here lately." Josh replied, masking his unease..
"Time to party like we're fucking pornstars!!" Kida exclaimed as she tossed her jacket on the couch, getting ready for the night of reuniting.
"Amen to that, soul sister!" Josh called back as he gave her a high-five for recalling his quip.
As they settled into the lodge, the warmth and comfort of their surroundings enveloped them, offering a brief respite from the cold and uncertainty of the night.
Kida looked around as she tried to settle into the cabin. The echoes of memories shadowed her as she remembered the year of being here for the very first time. She looked towards everyone in the room as they were settling down. For a moment it brought her peace and serenity. Maybe tonight wasn't going to be bad after all.
Kida clasped her hands together, breaking the tension with a suggestion. "Should we get this fire going?"
"Yeah, I'm getting it. Matt, do you mind lending a hand?" Josh asked, already at the fireplace.
"Sure, man," Matt replied, following Josh.
"Try not to get a splinter while handling those big strong logs," Kida teased as Matt headed over.
"It hasn't even been an hour and I'm getting jabs left and right," Matt retorted playfully.
"You'll live. Now get to it, He-Man," Kida encouraged with a grin.
Sam approached Kida, observing their interaction. "Seems like you two are getting along," she whispered.
"Mhm... it's like everything hadn't left," Kida murmured in agreement.
"That's how it should be," Sam affirmed.
Suddenly, Mike and Jessica entered, their arrival greeted with enthusiastic greetings from the others.
"What's up, everyone!" Mike exclaimed.
"Hey~" Jessica chimed in.
"Hey! Come inside, make yourselves comfortable," Josh invited them warmly.
Matt's gaze lingered on Mike, his anger bubbling up again as he remembered what he had seen through the telescope. He saw Mike and Emily embracing, stirring up feelings of betrayal and resentment.
Ashley noticed Matt's tense expression and shifted uncomfortably, her own anxiety rising. Sensing his turmoil, Kida approached him.
"Breathe," she whispered softly, her eyes reflecting concern.
Matt looked at her intensely, grappling with his emotions. Should he confront Mike and risk causing tension in the lodge? Or should he remain calm and suffer in silence, suppressing his curiosity about Mike and Emily's dynamic?
Feeling Kida's consoling energy, Matt took a deep breath, willing himself to relax. "I'm calm. I'm calm," he whispered to himself.
Kida's gentle touch on his hand provided a brief moment of comfort, grounding him in the present.
Meanwhile, Mike and Jessica settled in, seemingly oblivious to the tension among their friends. Wrapped in each other's arms, they enjoyed the warmth of their company, leaving the others to watch in shock and confusion.
Suddenly, the tension in the room heightened as the sound of footsteps echoed in the living room. All eyes turned towards Emily, who had finally made her appearance. Her expression was dark and calculating, a stark contrast to the warmth of the lodge.
Matt couldn't help but feel curious about where Emily had been all this time. It had been over an hour since he last saw her.
Emily's gaze landed on Mike and Jessica, who were sitting together on the couch. Her eyes flashed with disdain as she addressed them.
"Oh, no. No way. Is this what you've been up to for the past few months? Being a skank?" Emily's voice dripped with scorn.
"Emily..." Matt interjected, trying to diffuse the situation.
"I mean, seriously, Jessica. I know that you're a conniving bitch, but you're way below the bar," Emily continued, her words sharp and biting.
"Excuse me? Did you say anything?" Jessica shot back, rising from the couch.
"Oh? I'm sorry, am I not speaking slutty-nese for you to understand?" Emily retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Sounds like someone's bitter that she wasn't endgame," Jessica fired back, her own anger rising.
"Oh, please, you think that I'm going to feel defeated by a downgrade like yourself?" Emily scoffed. "But since you're delusional, congratulations, honey, you've gotten my sloppy seconds. How does that feel?"
"Feels great actually. I've won a full package, meanwhile you're stuck with hand-me-downs. Besides, I can finish the job that you failed to do," Jessica countered, her tone defiant.
"That was uncalled for, Jessica," Matt interjected again, trying to keep the peace.
"Guys, come on. Let's not do this," Mike pleaded, attempting to calm the situation.
"Yeah, handle your girlfriend, Mike," Matt added, his frustration evident.
"Back off, Matt," Mike snapped.
"Out of all girls, Michael. Jessica?! You've been messing with Jessica?!" Emily exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief and anger.
"It's not my fault that he likes what he sees. I got the looks, Emily," Jessica boasted, her confidence unwavering.
"At least I have a mind to think. 4.0 bitch, honor roll. Good luck trying to make it far without sleeping your way through," Emily shot back, her words cutting.
"Emily, I'm free to do what I want. It's my choice," Mike defended himself, his tone defensive.
"You could've chosen better. But I guess blonde bimbos are your thing," Emily retorted, her voice laced with disdain.
"I dare you to come say it to my face," Jessica challenged, her eyes blazing with fury.
"I will, bitch!" Emily declared, her own anger matching Jessica's.
Kida's voice suddenly cut through the escalating argument, commanding attention. "Can you guys shut the hell up!"
A heavy silence settled over the room as Kida continued, her voice firm and authoritative. "We came here to be there for Josh. Someone who's probably having a hard time right now grieving with his sisters. How stupid can you guys be to start an argument about what? Mike?? We are not supposed to cause a war, we are supposed to be here to reunite and be there for Josh."
"This is coming from someone who had vanished from the face of the earth not giving anyone a time of day."
Emily attempted to retort, but Kida silenced her with a glare. "Emily, my hands are still holding a year of anger. You can be the first to get the feeling of them if you'd like. My hands are rated E for everyone."
Realizing that the situation was spiraling out of control, Josh stepped in. "Okay, this isn't going to work. Since we all can't get along, maybe we need to separate. Mike and Jess, you can go to the guest cabin."
"Will do," Mike agreed, turning to Jessica. "Ready to leave?"
"Yes, anywhere away from that strung whore," Jessica replied, her voice dripping with venom.
With that, Mike and Jessica exited the cabin, leaving the rest of the group in silence, the tension still thick in the air.
"I'm the whore?!" Emily exclaimed after them but Matt held her back from going after the newfound couple.
Kida's lighthearted remark about needing a drink broke the tension lingering in the room, but Matt remained lost in thought, standing in the center of the living room. He mulled over the events that had just transpired, feeling a weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Emily had stepped out the front door, seeking some fresh air, while Josh had retreated through the back. Matt found himself beside Kida, drawn by her comforting presence.
"You okay?" Kida's voice was gentle, filled with empathy.
"Yeah... I'm just..." Matt trailed off, unable to find the right words to express his feelings.
"It's okay, Matt. They have to sort things out on their own. Although I did see this coming," Kida reassured him, her tone understanding.
"Mike sure knows how to get around," Matt remarked, his voice tinged with frustration.
"It's Mike," Kida replied simply, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
As they glanced towards Sam, Chris, and Ashley, who were sitting on the stairs observing the drama unfold, Kida shifted the conversation to a lighter topic.
"How are you guys holding up?" Kida inquired, trying to lighten the mood.
"Honestly, I was baffled," Ashley admitted, her expression reflecting her confusion.
"Like I've said before. Drama," Chris chimed in, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Were you enjoying this, Chris?" Sam asked, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.
"I haven't seen a catfight in so long. Of course, I was anticipating," Chris replied, his tone playful.
Kida proposed the idea of building a fort, aiming to inject some fun into the evening.
"A fort? What are we, five years old?" Sam scoffed, her skepticism evident.
"Hey, you're never too old for a fort," Kida countered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"That actually sounds like fun, actually. I used to do it all the time with my cousins at my grandmother's house when I was younger," Ashley admitted, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.
"See, Ash knows how to have fun," Kida remarked, pleased to have found a willing participant.
"You know what, fine. I just need to take a bath first. I feel dirty," Sam declared, relenting to the idea.
"Oou, scandalous," Kida teased, earning a playful eye roll from Sam.
"Well, Josh should have some quilts somewhere around here," Matt suggested, eager to contribute to the fort-building endeavor.
Suddenly, Emily's return cut through the room like a sharp exhale. Her presence brought a tense energy, evident in the way she carried herself. She had considered retreating to her room for the night, seeking solace away from the chaos unfolding among her friends.
Deciding that a nice shower and some self-care time would help calm her nerves, Emily also planned to catch up on some studying. However, as she prepared to gather her belongings, she realized her pink bag was missing.
"Matt, have you seen my bag?" Emily's voice broke through their conversation, her frustration palpable.
Matt furrowed his brow in confusion, turning to face Emily. "What bag?"
Emily let out an exasperated sigh, her patience wearing thin. "My bag! The little bag with the pink pattern! The one I got on Rodeo!"
Matt scratched his head, struggling to recall. "Uh, well, I remember helping you with your luggage, but..."
Emily's irritation only seemed to grow with each passing moment. "Oh my god, don't you remember? It was right next to the Italian shoe place where I got the stilettos, and you knocked over the rack while you were drooling all over that girl at the counter!"
Matt attempted to defend himself. "Well, I mean, she was asking about my letter jacket."
"Right. Because she gave a shit about your 'letter jacket,'" Emily retorted sarcastically.
Matt felt a pang of frustration rising within him. "Why do you hate my jacket?"
Ignoring his question, Emily pressed on. "Matt, I need my bag!"
Matt's resolve wavered as he felt the weight of Emily's demands. "Oh my God, Emily, maybe you just forgot it."
"Do you seriously think that I'd forget my bag?" Emily shot back, her tone sharp with annoyance.
Matt's response came out defeated. "Well, I...guess not."
Emily seized on his uncertainty, pushing him further. "You must have left it down by the cable car station."
With a resigned sigh, Matt relented. "Ugh."
Emily's smirk hinted at her satisfaction as she and Matt made their way out of the lodge, leaving behind a room filled with tension and unresolved emotions.
As they exited, Matt couldn't shake the feeling of being torn. He wasn't sure if Emily's mention of continuing their discussion from the car meant they would talk about making their relationship official or if it was alluding to something more physical. Either way, after the turmoil of the evening, he wasn't in the mood for either.
Glancing at Kida, who watched with a hint of disappointment, Matt felt a pang of guilt. Now that they had rekindled their relationship, he wanted to spend his time with her, not trudge back into the freezing cold for Emily's bag.
But duty called, and Matt reluctantly followed Emily out into the night, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty and regret.