Josh returned inside with a heavy sigh, the echoes of the earlier intervention still hanging in the air. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the last traces of tension before facing his friends with a resolved smile.
"Alrighty gang. Sorry about that, but the show must go on," Josh declared, trying to muster some cheer in his voice.
Kida shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. "No, Josh, we're sorry. This was supposed to be about supporting you tonight. Not whatever the hell Jessica and Emily had going on."
Josh waved a dismissive hand, a wry grin spreading across his face. "Eh, it's fine. Would've been nice to see a cat fight with clothes ripping apart, am I right?" His attempt at humor felt a bit forced, but it was his way of coping, of lightening the mood.
Kida rolled her eyes but smiled. "You will never change," she remarked.
"That should be a good thing," Josh countered, his smile becoming more genuine.
Kida leaned closer, her tone softening. "So...how have you been doing, Josh? I know it's been so long since I've last seen you."
Josh's gaze drifted, his eyes clouding over for a moment before he refocused on Kida. "Keeds, I've been on a long road of recovery. I know you're probably thinking that I'm bringing you guys over here to pity me because of my sisters' disappearance. But what's done is done...shit happens. Can't go back in time like we're in *Back to the Future*. It's a hard pill to swallow, but I have to keep going...for Hannah and Beth."
Kida reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I wish there was something more I could do, you know. I respected your time to grieve, but Josh, you know I was there for you whenever you needed a shoulder."
Josh's eyes softened, appreciating her words. "I know. I just didn't want to pile all of my burdens on you. You have a family that you can go home to and be filled with love and support, while I deal with a broken family."
Kida's expression turned somber. "Actually , Josh, I'm on the same boat as you. My parents divorced a few months ago and it's hard, dealing with years of constant arguments, the fear of the worst occurring, and so much more." She sighed deeply, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. "Although I can't relate directly to your loss of sisters, I can relate to the loss of a once functional family. It's tough, as you say, 'shit happens,' but even though you and I aren't blood, we are a family of some sort. Us and the others—we're one dysfunctional family. But don't you ever feel that you have to go through this alone. Ever."
Josh's face softened, touched by her words. A weight seemed to lift from his shoulders, and his voice was earnest as he responded. "Thank you, Kida. Maybe after all of this, we can discuss our future together. You being the star actress of my filming agency. I could be the Quentin Tarantino to your Uma Thurman. Or whatever!"
Kida chuckled, her spirits lifted by the idea. "Hell yeah!" she exclaimed, her usual spark reigniting. "I'd love that, Josh. You know I've always wanted to get more serious about acting."
Josh nodded, a plan forming in his mind, hopeful for the first time in a long while. "Let's make that happen. It's time to turn these tragedies into something meaningful, for both of us."
Ashley's voice carried a blend of excitement and concern as she glanced around the dimly lit room. "Josh! What are we going to do?"
Josh shrugged, his eyes scanning the familiar chaos of his own home. "I'm not sure honestly."
Kida chimed in, her voice lifting slightly with a playful suggestion. "I thought about making pillow forts or something."
"That actually sounds cool," Josh admitted, his tone wistful. "But I forgot where I put all the blankets. Must be in the basement."
Kida waved off her own idea with a quick flick of her hand. "Forget that I mentioned that."
Josh's expression brightened as he leaned forward, his enthusiasm rekindled. "Actually, I have a plan. Might get some hearts racing."
Chris leaned in, intrigued. "What?"
Josh's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Okay, well I am pretty sure that somewhere in this crazy place we used to have... a spirit board."
Kida's response was immediate and sharp. "I'm sorry, are you for real?"
Ashley blinked, confusion clear on her face. "A what?"
Chris scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Wow, you have a 'spirit board'?"
Ashley's curiosity piqued despite her skepticism. "Wait, are you saying we should have a seance?"
Chris shook his head, dismissive. "No way, man. Those things are a joke. They don't do shit."
Kida folded her arms, her stance firm. "Although I might be down for everything else, a spirit board is a hell no in my book. I've seen those movies."
Josh chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh come on, Keeds, it'll be fun. Don't be such a party pooper."
Kida wasn't swayed, her tone resolute. "Well, consider me as the Scrooge because no way."
Chris, ever the skeptic, seemed intrigued despite his earlier dismissal. "I'll try this 'spirit board' to see how legit it is. It's probably just a scam."
Josh nodded, his face shadowed by a flicker of memories. "No way, man. We used to do it all the time. Me and... well..."
Kida, already heading towards the kitchen, called back over her shoulder, "You guys can go mingle with the little ghosties while I grab me a snack. I haven't eaten anything since earlier."
Josh called after her, remembering something important. "Alright. I left some snacks on the counter—Oh and Keeds."
Kida paused at the threshold, looking back. "Yeah?"
Josh smiled softly, his eyes sincere. "I left you a birthday gift on the counter."
"Appreciate it," Kida responded with a quick nod and a faint smile, then disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the others to contemplate the night's eerie possibilities.
As Matt closed the door behind Emily, a frigid gust of air swept through the entrance, sending a chill down his spine. It was a stark reminder of the cold night awaiting them outside, contrasting sharply with the warmth they sought inside the lodge. Yet, it wasn't just the biting cold that unsettled him; it was the lingering tension that seemed to hang in the air, threatening to overshadow the anticipated reunion.
As he watched Emily descend the stairs, her footsteps echoing faintly in the quiet, Matt couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew he needed to address the chaos that had erupted earlier between Emily and Jessica, but the task weighed heavily on him. The thought of apologizing to Josh for the disruption gnawed at his conscience, a silent burden he carried as he navigated the uncertain dynamics of their group.
Surprisingly, Mike's feeble attempts to diffuse the situation had only served to heighten Matt's frustration. While he appreciated the gesture, he couldn't help but resent Mike for instigating the drama in the first place. The sight of Emily and Jessica, once inseparable, now at odds over Mike's affections, left a bitter taste in Matt's mouth. He couldn't understand why they would vie for someone who seemed to revel in the chaos he caused.
Despite his inner turmoil, Matt held out hope that the evening's events would serve as a catalyst for Emily to break free from the grip of her past relationship with Mike. He longed to see her embrace the possibility of a brighter future, one untethered by the shadows of her romantic history.
Lost in contemplation, Matt's thoughts drifted to the bags he had carried into the lodge earlier. He vaguely recalled Kida, Ashley, Sam, and Chris witnessing his actions, yet now Emily's bag was nowhere to be found. The mystery only added to the palpable tension of the evening, leaving Matt to ponder the whereabouts of the missing item as he braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead..
"Come on, Matt, we do not have all night," Emily snapped, her frustration thinly veiled beneath her words.
Matt hesitated for a moment, steeling himself before pressing forward. "Are you sure you haven't seen your bag in the lodge?" he inquired, hoping to reignite the search for the missing item.
The skepticism in Emily's response was unmistakable. "Are YOU sure that you brought it with you to the lodge?" she countered, her tone laced with doubt.
Matt felt a twinge of frustration at her implication but quickly composed himself. "I am," he affirmed firmly, his resolve unwavering despite the mounting tension between them.
Emily's dismissive scoff only served to fuel Matt's determination. "Tuh, whatever. I don't believe you," she retorted, her words dripping with skepticism.
Taking a deep breath, Matt seized the opportunity to address the underlying issue that had been gnawing at him. "Em, can I ask you something? Like for real?" he ventured, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Emily regarded him warily, her expression guarded as she braced herself for his question. "What?" she replied curtly, her patience wearing thin.
Matt hesitated, acutely aware of the fragile balance of their relationship hanging in the balance. "Promise you won't get upset?" he implored, his tone softening as he sought to navigate the treacherous terrain of their conversation.
"Just say it!"
Matt took a deep breath, steeling himself for Emily's reaction as he carefully chose his words. "I think, you know like, in the future, if someone's, like, trying to push your buttons or whatever, maybe you should just try and... and chill," he suggested tentatively, his voice laced with caution.
Emily's eyes widened in disbelief at his suggestion. "What are you trying to say? Now this is my fault?" she exclaimed, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Quickly raising his hands in a placating gesture, Matt shook his head. "No no no, that's not what I'm... That's not what I mean," he insisted, scrambling to defuse the escalating tension.
"Matt, if you were in my shoes. You'd understand how I'd feel. How would you feel if you and Mike were best friends and you are dating hmm Kida for example. And then Hannah and Beth disappear and you're dealing with loss of fondness with Mike for a few months as you notice how the atmosphere changes underneath your nose-" Emily's voice was tinged with frustration and hurt as she poured out her feelings, her words laden with emotion.
Matt listened attentively, absorbing her words as he searched for the right response. "Emily, I get that. I do. But shouldn't that be a sign that things aren't meant to be?" he countered gently, hoping to offer a different perspective.
"I can't let that go when I have to deal with it for tonight-" Emily's voice wavered slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of her emotions.
"They're gone to the guest cabin. And after tomorrow. We won't have to see them again, at least. Just don't let Jessica get to you," Matt reassured her, his tone filled with empathy.
"You know what? You're right," Emily conceded suddenly, her tone softening as she relented. "I gotta keep it together when I'm being attacked by stupid bitches." Her words were tinged with bitterness and hurt, a reflection of the turmoil swirling within her.
As they walked down the trail towards the gate of the lodge, Matt held open the gate for Emily, a small gesture to lighten the mood.
"Here you are, madam," he quipped playfully, trying to inject a bit of levity into the tense atmosphere.
Emily smirked at his remark, her flirtatious demeanor momentarily breaking through her distress. "Why thank you, sir," she replied, matching his playful tone.
As they continued their walk, Matt couldn't help but steal glances at Emily, his concern for her well-being lingering in the back of his mind. The biting cold wind served as a harsh reminder of the urgency to find Emily's missing bag and resolve the tension that had enveloped them.
"The sooner we find the bag, the better, right?" Matt remarked, rubbing his hands together in an attempt to stave off the chill.
Emily's eyes lit up as she spotted a path leading off the main trail. "Hey, doofus. Over here!" she called out, her tone teasing as she pointed towards the path.
Matt grinned at her playful jab, a flicker of excitement igniting within him as they ventured off the beaten path together. "You're trying to take me somewhere private?" he retorted, his tone laced with playful anticipation.
Emily shot him a flirtatious glance over her shoulder. "Why don't you come and find out," she teased, her smile hinting at the promise of adventure ahead.
They walked through the dark, snowy landscape, the crunch of snow beneath their boots echoing in the quiet night. Matt, ever the attentive companion, guided Emily carefully through the uneven terrain, his steps sure and steady.
"So why the rush to find this bag?" Matt asked, his breath forming puffs of mist in the frigid air.
Emily shivered, pulling her coat tighter around her. "Well, Matt, I've spent almost a grand on it. And, I do have a surprise for you," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of excitement despite the cold.
"A surprise?" Matt's interest was piqued. "What is it?"
Emily flashed him a playful smile, her cheeks flushed from the chill. "Hmm, nothing too extravagant. Maybe some lingerie, you know? The lacy kind," she teased, her tone suggestive.
Matt couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth despite the wintry surroundings, his mind immediately conjuring images of Emily in the delicate lingerie she described. He was definitely in for a treat tonight. But as he admired Emily's petite frame. Another visual snuck into his mind. Emily's olive skin was replaced with dark brown skin as Emily's features diminished as Kida's slim-curvaceous features welcomed. Matt secretly adored Kida's face and body. It was a perfect combo. The sight of her in Emily's lingerie slowly betrayed his loyalty towards the girl he's figuring out that's destined to be with.
As they trudged onward through the snow-covered landscape, they stumbled upon a totem pole, its imposing figure standing out starkly against the white backdrop of the winter night.
"Look at the sexy kisser on this thing. Dare you to put your hand in it," Emily challenged, her voice tinged with mischief.
Matt hesitated, a wary expression crossing his face. "Hey, I wouldn't-"
Before he could finish his protest, Emily slid her hand into the totem pole's mouth with surprising speed.
"Just slide it up in there-" she urged,.
"Matt, please help me!!" she cried out, her voice desperate.
"I suppose I should yank you out of there before your hand's ripped off, right?" he mused aloud, his words tinged with sarcasm but laced with concern.
"Yes, Matt! Help me!!" Emily pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.
"Boy, I'd be a terrible person if I let a scary old totem pole bite your hand off, wouldn't I?" Matt quipped, his attempt at humor falling flat in the face of Emily's distress.
"Matt! Come on!!" Emily's voice cracked with urgency, her panic escalating with each passing moment.
"I guess I'm just the worst, then," Matt replied, his tone betraying the hint of a smirk as he reached out to free Emily from the totem pole's grip.
"Ugh. Yes. You are the worst," Emily conceded, her tone laced with annoyed exasperation.
With a triumphant flourish, Matt declared, "Boom! Gotcha!!"
"What?" Emily responded, her confusion clear as she finally released her arm from the totem pole's grasp.
"Tables have turned," Matt declared with a grin, reveling in his victory.
"Yeah yeah, gold star. Whatever," Emily retorted.
As they resumed their journey along the snowy path, Matt couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph, while Emily sulked in silence, her playful irritation lingering in the air between them.
They reached a tranquil spot with a picnic table and a small bridge leading to the path of the cable car station. Matt and Emily paused to take in their surroundings, bathed in the soft glow of the moon and the twinkling stars. Despite the biting cold, they couldn't help but be mesmerized by the serene beauty of the natural world.
"I've never seen the sky look this amazing," Matt remarked, his voice filled with wonder.
Emily echoed his sentiment, exclaiming, "Oooh, it's so pretty out here!"
Approaching Matt, Emily threw her arms around him, seeking warmth in his embrace. Matt held her close, feeling a sense of contentment in her presence.
"And it's so nice to be here with you, muscle man," Emily teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
Matt chuckled softly, gently teasing her back. "I'm not all muscle... There's some brain in there too."
With a grin, Emily quipped, "You have enough brains to like me. So let's see that brawn."
Their playful banter filled the crisp winter air as they stood together, finding solace and companionship under the vast expanse of the starlit sky.
Matt and Emily kissed each other passionately, their hearts racing with excitement as Matt swung her around and gently placed her on the picnic table behind them. Emily giggled, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of anticipation and mischief, as she and Matt indulged in their playful moment of spontaneity.
"You ever done it outside before?" Matt whispered teasingly, his breath warm against Emily's ear.
"Outside of what?" Emily replied coyly, a hint of unease creeping into her voice.
Matt grinned mischievously, his hands tracing light patterns along Emily's back. "My car."
A nervous laugh escaped Emily's lips. "I like your car. Roomy," she quipped, her attempt at humor masking her apprehension.
Sensing Emily's discomfort, Matt gently lifted her off the picnic table, his expression softening with concern. "Maybe we should find a better spot," she suggested, her eyes darting around nervously.
"Does this spot start with a G? This isn't enough room for ya?" Matt's mischievous spirit persisted, his playful demeanor returning as he brushed the remaining snow off the picnic table with a determined sweep of his hand.
"I'm just cleaning it off for us. Like a gentleman," he remarked, his tone light but firm.
Emily bit her lip, a flicker of anxiety crossing her features as she noticed something carved into the surface of the picnic table. "Come on, there's lots of places out here-" she began, attempting to distract Matt from the discovery.
But Matt's attention was already drawn to the carving, his mood shifting from playful to annoyed as he read the words "Mike Em" enclosed in a heart and arrow. Emily approached cautiously, her stomach churning with a mixture of guilt and apprehension.
As Matt bitterly observed the carving on the picnic table, a surge of emotions washed over him, leaving behind a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Oh, wow. Would you look at that," he remarked, his tone laced with bitterness.
Emily's voice cut through the tension, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her words. "Hey..."
Matt's frustration boiled over, his words dripping with resentment. "What the hell, Em."
Attempting to diffuse the situation, Emily reached out to comfort him, but Matt recoiled, rejecting her gesture.
"Don't be jealous," Emily urged, her voice tinged with exasperation.
Matt's anger flared, his words sharp with hurt. "Why the hell did you bring me out here? To be a reminder that I'm never going to be yours?"
Emily tried to calm him, her voice pleading. "Matt, calm down."
But Matt couldn't contain his emotions any longer. "You know what, Emily? I can't do this."
Confusion clouded Emily's features as she struggled to comprehend his words. "Do what? What do you mean?"
Matt's voice trembled with emotion as he laid bare his feelings. "This whole friends with benefits thing. I know that you're not over Mike. That's why you always beat around the bush when it comes to being official with me."
Emily's eyes widened in disbelief. "Matt, what are you talking about? Are you seriously going to let my past with Mike interfere with us?!"
Frustration mingled with disappointment in Matt's voice as he continued, his resolve firm. "It's not only that, Em. Where did you go when we were at the bridge?"
Panic flickered in Emily's eyes as she searched for an explanation. "I-I went to meet up with Sam?"
Matt's bitter laughter filled the air, devoid of humor. "Wow..."
Emily's voice rose in desperation. "Matt! I'm serious. Why don't you trust me?"
But Matt's suspicions remained unyielding, his resolve unwavering. "Funny. Because I came across Kida and she was with Sam. She said that she didn't see you at all."
Exasperated, Emily pleaded with him, her voice tinged with frustration. "Oh my God, Matt! This is not the time! I need to find my bag. Can you stop being Sherlock Holmes and help me find my bag?!"
Matt's demeanor hardened, his response curt. "Whatever."
With heavy hearts, they silently made their way down the small bridge and onto the path leading to the cable car station, their unresolved tension hanging heavy in the air.