#simone turner

Mari’s stomach loudly growls. “Jesus, Mari. Turn the volume down.” Van speaks with irritation even though the girl can’t control it. You glance up at the girls. “Oh, excuse me as my body devours itself from the inside out.” Mari replies, rolling her eyes. “I told you to eat before we left.” Akilah reminds her. 

“I did, if you call bone broth food.” Mari huffs and you frown. “We all get the same rations.” Van shrugs, sick of the complaints and you place a hand on her forearm. Attempting to calm her down, her eyes look into yours apologetically. Knowing that she has somewhat of a short fuse when it comes to the others complaining. “We’ll find something soon.” You assure the group and as you say that you come across a patch of berry bushes. 

Unfortunately though there’s barely anything on them. Mari kicks at it angrily. “Seriously? How the fuck are there no fucking berries?”

“It could be birds picking them off. Or mice.” Akilah says calmly. “I’d eat the crap out of a mouse right now.” Van admits unapologetically and the three of you look at her in disgust.

“Eww.” “Gross.” Akilah and Mari mutter. 

“Some animals live off of eating their own vomit.” Lottie speaks up, you had almost forgotten that she came with you guys. “Wow, thanks for that image, Lot.” Van sarcastically says. “Did Dead Cabin Guy tell you that? Or do you guys just chat about blood and stuff?” Mari smirks and you furrow your eyebrows at her words. Even Van sends them a warning look as the two snicker. 

“We mostly just talk about how Danny Mears dumped you for his own cousin.” Lottie snaps back and you press your lips together  as she moves further into the woods. Van and you making eye contact and bursting into quiet laughter. 

You then follow after Lottie, Van right there with you. “Hey, look, ignore Mari. I don’t think she’s taken a shit in, like, two weeks.” Van tells the girl who doesn’t seem to be paying attention. “You okay, Lot?” You place a hand on her shoulder and she seems disturbed over something before slowly turning to you. 

“Nothing. I’m fine.” She tells you, looking back away but you take a beat to squint at her. Trying to read her. Ever since that night it’s been a little weird. Lottie giving you quiet apologies for your arms. Her silence is what’s been bothering you though. You wanted to know what was going on inside her head. 

“Alright…” You murmur, heading back to the group without another question. Assuming she will tag along. 

2021

You sit on the motel bed, swinging your leg up to keep it somewhat elevated. Taissa stands next to you, arms crossed. It was a little awkward between the both of you. After her press conference Simone was in shock. You knew she wasn’t going to drop out of the race. You saw it that night she talked with her wife. 

Simone had vented to you shortly after it had happened. When Taissa wasn’t in the room. You feel for her but deep down you know where your loyalties lie even with everything that went down between the two of you. You stood up for Taissa at that moment. Making Simone even hesitant to continue talking with you. 

A panicked knock on the door startles the three of you from whatever you guys were thinking about. Natalie opens it and Shauna moves past her. Taissa and you watch as the two size each other up. “You look like shit.” Natalie comments. “Back atcha.” Shauna rolls her eyes. 

“Hey, it’s been ten years. Can we play nice for a minute?” Taissa speaks up, Shauna surveys the room, her eyes landing on you. “Holy shit, what happened to you?” She questions and you wave it off. “Mental crisis in Taissa’s words.” You simply answer, getting hit in the arm by the woman. 

“She was drunk and broke glass, somehow the glass got stuck in her calf.” Taissa tells Shauna swiftly, earning a small “oh.” She wants to question why the two of you seem… fine now. But instead she continues looking around the room. “So is this rock bottom, or does the elevator still go down a few more floors?” 

“Am I talking to a wall?” Taissa whispers to you, throwing her hands up in frustration to which you chuckle. “How’s Jeff? Still hawking futons?” Natalie smirks. 

“No. We are not doing this, not after all the shit we’ve been through. We’ve got a situation and we need to deal with it together.” Taissa cuts off the bitter arguing and Natalie shrugs. The two backed down. “Fine. What;s going on?” 

Natalie then shows Shauna the autopsy photos as well as the crime scene. “Is that… Travis? Oh God… is that the-” symbol. The symbol.

“Yeah. Someone strung him up and then tried to cover their tracks.” Natalie explains.

This then brings up Jessica Cruz… Day… Roberts? You couldn’t keep up with the last names anymore. “Did you not take care of her?” You look up to Taissa, Shauna also speaks up. “I thought we told you to take care of her?” 

“What was I supposed to do, kill her? I threatened a lawsuit and told her to back off.” Taissa defends herself but she avoids eye contact with you now. You stare up at her through your lashes, observing her closely.

“Okay, fuck this.” Natalie pulls out her cellphone. Finding Jessica’s card. 

“What are you doing?” Taissa inquires. “Bringing Jessica Roberts- nice fake name, by the way. To us. I’ll say I’m ready to talk.” Natalie says.

“And if it’s  not her? We’d be handing her the exact kind of story she’s looking for.” Shauna disagrees with the idea. You hum in agreement with a frown. Disappointed that you even have to agree with Shauna on this one. “Shauna’s right, Nat. Stop. Stop.” Taissa points a finger. 

Taissa and Shauna sternly lock eyes with your best friend who finally puts her phone down. 

“Can you get the money?” Shauna looks at you guys. “I’m working on it. We’re still waiting for instructions on how to make a drop.” Taissa sighs. You lay down on the bed boredly. You weren’t necessarily a part of this but you insisted that Taissa took you. Over sitting on a couch with nothing to do. 

“Once we do, we can put a GPS tracker in with the cash. Then we follow it, see what we’re dealing with.” Shauna comes up with a spot. “Together.” Shauna then adds, pointed at Natalie. The three of you nod. 

“I’m not going to be much help but I’ll definitely be there for support.” You put a thumb up and Natalie smiles at you. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but should we loop Misty in, too?” Shauna breathes out and you shoot up. “The fuck?” You raise a brow.

“She could be part of it.” Taissa says. 

“She’s the one who drove [Name] and I to see Travis. Well, after fucking with my car but still. She’s been helping me try to figure out what the fuck is going on.” Natalie stands up for the blonde. “Oh, right. Naturally.” Shauna huffs. 

“Anything else I should know about, or does the blackmail, Travis maybe being murdered and this one playing buddy cop with Misty fucking Quigley basically sum things up?” Shauna irritatedly asks, also giving you a passing by look. 

Something you definitely take notice of. 

“I say we keep Misty at arm’s length for now, then see how fucking weird she gets.” Natalie suggests and your shoulders slump somewhat relieved that you won’t have to deal with the girl. “And if it turns out she really is behind all this?” Taissa asks the burning question. 

“Then we deal with her.” Shauna says, the four of your trading looks.

“Yikes.” You mumble. 

“Are you ready to go back?” Taissa looks at you and you take a deep breath. “I guess.” You lift yourself up from the bed, Taissa gives you a hand just in case. The other two watch curiously until Natalie lets out a laugh. 

“This is great, when did you two make up?” Natalie motions and you deadpan in her direction. Leaning on Taissa as you situate how you’re standing.

“I’m putting my anger on hold. She was still on my emergency contact. Now she won’t leave me alone.” You grumble, limping to the door.

“Why was she even on there?” Shauna asks. 

“I needed to put someone after my mom died. I was dumped and then my siblings all moved away. Natalie was in fucking rehab or off with Travis I don’t remember. I didn’t have anyone else.” You exclaim, sort of surprising them with your words. Moving on though, you breathe in, grimacing at the feeling of standing on your leg.

“Are you two ever going to tell us what happened between the both of you?” Shauna interrogates. 

“It’s no one's concern.” Taissa speaks and you let out a scoff. “Right.”

1996

You were finishing your chore alongside Van who’s showing you how to “fold the clothes correctly.” Something that makes you laugh as she is directing you on what to do. You two were also out by yourselves.

“Look, you messed it up already.” She gently takes the shirt from your hand and you smirk. “Sorry, I’m a little distracted.” You defend yourself. 

“By what?” She rolls her eyes, folding the shirt for you instead of giving you another chance at it. “I don’t know, maybe the twinkle in your eyes.” You boldly say with a shit-eating grin and she snorts.

“That was horrible.” She shakes her head and you jut out your bottom lip dramatically. “Really? I thought it was a good one.” 

Van places the shirt down with the others. “You’re getting better but that was… okayish.” She says, folding another piece of clothing as you watch her. The two of you have been somewhat closer, you still have your guard up but spending time with her has been a wonderful distraction to the reality that you also have to face. 

There wasn’t a point in pushing her away when you were out here with no excuse to run. Right now everyone is vulnerable and doing their parts to survive. What does it hurt to… fall in lust a little...

“Just okayish? I know you secretly like it.” You rasp out, leaning into her side and she turns her head away bashfully. “Possibly,” she clears her throat. “You might just have to try a little harder.” She stands up, unclipping more of the shirts and pants from the makeshift line.

“Mind if I do a little example?” She cocks her head to the side, putting the clothes with the others. You eye her up and down as she offers her hands. 

“Hm?” She hums and you smile, taking them to help you stand up. “Go for it.” 

“Okay, okay, are you a loan?” She suddenly asks and you raise a brow. “What?” 

“Cause you’ve got my interest.” She gets out, trying not to laugh and you look taken back for a moment, trying to process what she just said. “Was that supposed to be better!?” You cackle, and she shushes you. 

“Wait, I have more.” She tells you. “Do you like Star Wars?” She inquires and you shrug your shoulders. “Eh-” 

“Cause Yoda only one for me!” She says but then pauses to give you a look. “Eh? What do you mean!?” She questions you and you just laugh at her. “I don’t know, I’ve never seen it!” You explain, emitting a gasp from her mouth immediately. 

“Oh my god! [Name]...” She drops your hands. “Have you at least seen The Goonies?” She quizzes you and you give her a sad no. “Hold on hold on, what have you seen!?” She grips onto your shoulders as if this was the most insane thing you’ve told her. “Sixteen Candles was pretty good.” You say and she backs away from you in shock. 

“The Lost Boys?” 

“Never seen it.” You clasp your hands together in front of you. “Wall Street?” 

“Nope.”

She lets out a horrid noise. “[Name] I am naming the most popular and best movies alive! Next you’re going to tell me that you haven’t seen Forrest Gump or Jurassic Park!” She throws her hands up with her rant. “I’ve seen Jurassic Park.” You say almost offended and she lets out a short chuckle. 

“But not Forrest Gump?” She crosses her arms and you smile at her. “No, sorry. I’m not a big movie person!” You announce and she snorts. “Yeah I can see that. I’m so going to have to change that when we get back.” She points at you. “Yeah?” 

She then pauses. “Would you want that?” She questions nervously. “Well it depends… How are you going to change that?” You step closer to her, putting your arms over her shoulders. Her eyes widen at your bold move.

“I was thinking, they have these drive-in theaters and they show 70s and 80s movies- the best movies there are.” She starts, building back up her confidence. 

Her hands going to your hips. “Mhm.” You hum, insinuating for her to carry on. “I could take you every other saturday. Call them dates or something…” She trails off for dramatic effect. 

“Or something.” You joke and she gives you a look. “I would love that, Van.” You look into her eyes, showing that you’re sincere. You notice her own eyes flicker down to your lips at that second. “Yeah?” She breathily asks. 

And as you lean in a little closer the two of you hear rustling from behind you. Instantly the two of you let go of one another to see Laura Lee walking forward. “Hey, you guys need some help bringing the clothes back?” She offers, not paying attention to the fear struck expressions on your faces. 

“Uhm- yeah, yeah. Here’s the folded ones.” You lift them up, handing them over to the girl. Van rushingly folding the rest of the clothes.

“Great, I finished my chore. I'm just trying to see if anyone else needs help.” She explains and you nod, letting out a breath with a forced smile on your face. The nerves make you sweat. 

“Well, we’re all good here. Thanks, Laura Lee.” Van sharply speaks, crouching down as she folds the rest of the clothes, the blonde awkwardly takes her leave and your eyes go wide as you turn to the redhead. 

She smirks up at you, keeping her lips tightly together as she tries not to laugh but the moment the silence surrounds you and you know she's gone the both of you laugh loudly.

“Holy shit! That gave me more adrenaline than during a game back home.” You place your hand over your heart dramatically. She smiles at you. “C’mon, let’s get these back before she sends everyone over here.” Van plops clothes into your arms. Nudge you as she picks up the rest. 

The two of you were handing the clothes over to their owners or putting them away in the cabin before coming back out. The girls all finish up their chores for the day as Natalie and Travis return from another unsuccessful hunting trip. 

But you all clock how they are a bit too close to one another, their hands almost slyly touching. A grin on Travis’s face. “Natalie and Travis sittin’ in a tree. K.I.S.S.I.N-” 

“I think they were doing a little more than kissing, Laura Lee.” Lottie cuts her off bluntly. “Hey, Nat. What exactly are you and Flex hunting for out there, anyway?” Mari calls after the bleached blonde. You purse out your lips. “I hear it’s beaver season…” Van comments and the girls laugh, you gently hit her as you notice Travis looking embarrassed. 

Natalie gives you all the finger. “Sit and spin assholes.” 

Jackie then comes up to Natalie. “Is this why we don’t have any food? Because you’re running for mayor of pound town?” Jackie inquires rudely and you flinch at her words even though they’re not direct toward you. “Uh, go fuck yourself?” Natalie scrunches her eyebrows.

“I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. You’re always down for a good time, aren’t you Nat?” Jackie continues and you go to step in but Van grabs onto your wrist. Stunting you. 

“I can’t magically conjure deer, Jackie. But keep talking shit, I’ll find something to shoot.” Natalie spits out in return. “Oh, wow, you’re so tough. I’m not scared of you, burn out.” Jackie laughs, you let out a heavy breath. Livid at the scene she’s causing. “No. You’re jealous. Cause you’re uptight, prudish bitch-” 

“Hey- Chill! Both of you.” Taissa steps between them, Shauna pulling Jackie away as Lottie and Mari grab Natalie. She shakes them off though.

Heading towards the cabin and you follow after her quickly. Feeling the loss of Van’s touch immediately. Misty leans to Natalie before she can enter. “I know how you feel. I have a secret boyfriend too.” Misty mutters. Natalie throws her a look as you give a confused glance but moving on from it. 

“Give me the word and I’ll beat her ass, Nat.” You speak and Natalie snorts. “You? You’re the least confrontational person here.” She shakes her head and you sigh. “Yeah well being out here seems to be changing that.” You roll your eyes, the two of you sitting at the table in the kitchen area. 

She glances up at you with a strange expression. Seemingly observing you closely. “What?” You question and she mumbles under her breath but you didn’t catch it. Natalie focuses on your eyes to which you begin to feel nervous. Peering away from her. “Sorry, thought… I don’t know.” She sucks in a breath, sitting up straight. 

“Uh, okay…” You fold your arms. 

Later that night you find yourself tossing and turning beside Shauna and Taissa. Not able to fall asleep. That’s how it’s been ever since you started sleeping up in the attic. Irritated, you throw the blankets off of you. Begrudgingly heading downstairs but still careful not to wake anyone up. Making it through the sleeping girls to outside. 

Less sleep but more energy, you didn’t understand yourself but at the same time you didn’t mind it. What bothered you is the lack of having something to do. Something to clean. You needed some sort of action. 

Some sort of change. Every day is beginning to blend with the others. You sat on the porch, knee bouncing up and down swiftly. Antsy. You were so stuck in your thoughts you didn’t hear the person coming out of the cabin behind you. “[Name]? What are you doing up?”  The voice rasps and you gasp, jumping slightly. 

“Tai?” You smile at her and she joins your side. “What are you doing out here?” She questions. You shrug your shoulders. “Can’t sleep. I want out of here.” You answer, squinting in front of you. Staring at the treeline before you. Wondering what lies beyond this area. “You and I both.” She laughs quietly. It falls silent between the both of you for a moment before you turn to her. 

“I want to go look for help.” You say, she furrows her brows. “Look for help?” She repeats. “Yes, we haven’t tried it, going south I'm sure there's something. I can go. Even if no one goes with I'm not dying here-” 

“I’ll go with you.” She cuts you off, placing her hands over yours. “Really? No explanation needed…?” You were caught off guard but secretly relieved that someone was as crazy as you. “I mean, we don’t know where the hell we are. Why not?” She says simply. You grin at her. “No one’s going to agree with us, you know that?” 

Her lips twitch upward, and you notice her eyes flicker down to your lips. Your smile falters and you stand up abruptly.

“This sounds crazy but I need to do something or else I’m gonna go crazy. Wanna go swimming with me?” You place your hands on your hips and she just stares at you curiously before smacking her knees and standing up as well. 

“Fuck it, why not?” 

The door creaks open and both of your heads snap in the direction. Van tiredly blinks at the both of you. “The fuck are you guys doing up?” She shuts the door behind her. Rubbing her eyes so they can focus clearly. “Uh…” Taissa looks to you. “Swimming.” You say and she gives you a look. “It’s the middle of the night, [Name].” 

“Best time to do it. Ever swim in a pool at night with nothing but the moonlight? Oh! Ever skinny dip?” You quiz them, talking a little fast, not letting them answer. “We gotta do it!” You laugh to yourself, suddenly feeling your nerves throughout your body.

You question your excitement but choose to ignore it by how you’ve never felt this… euphoric before and at night it really begins to shine. “I mean, why not? Who’s going to tell us no.” Taissa points out and you point at her. 

“Exactly, we might not get this freedom back home.” You say, eyeing up to Van, hoping that she joins. Practically pleading with your eyes. Her own gaze softens in your direction. She was skeptical at first, worried about the others waking up and noticing you guys missing. But then again you wouldn’t be doing anything wrong by swimming. 

“Fine, let’s go.” Van steps down from the porch and you gently clap your hands together. Leading the way to the lake. 

And as your feet touch the dirt you’re slipping your clothes off with ease. Not wasting a single second nor caring about the eyes that are on you as you do so. Van isn’t shy about her staring, admiring your figure in the moonlight. 

Taissa looks between you and the girl, slowly undressing as well. 

“Whipped.” Taissa whispers, following after you into the water and Van scoffs. She knows the girl is right though. She was utterly whipped for you and has been for a while. Way before the crash. Way before Senior year of high school. 

Van scurries after you to girls, tossing her shirt and sports bra off. The cool water hits against her skin and you swim on your back so you can look at her. 

“Wow…” You audibly let out on accident and she raises a brow. Taissa scrunches her nose but stays silent. You don’t add anything else, instead looking up at the sky. “The stars are much brighter without all the light pollution.” You hum, searching for certain constellations.

The two do the same, well Taissa does the same as a certain someone continues to eye you. Holding herself as she does so. 

“Do you think our families are up right now still trying to search for us? Or do you think  they think we’re dead and gave up?” You inquire, speaking without thinking and the two are stunned in place. 

“Way to lighten the mood.” Taissa sarcastically says with a scoff of a laugh. “Sorry, I just… I don’t think my mom cares.” You admit to them, not looking at either of them, your sight not leaving the starry night. “My siblings are probably devastated, or were. They’re young, easier to move on with grief.” 

They listened to your words, not knowing how to respond but just listening. “My mom works so much she never bonds with me- well, bonded. There’s nothing to miss. Maybe missing her free babysitter.” You snicker to yourself. “I understand how you feel.” Van lets the water engulf around her as she joins your side. “My mom’s not much of a workaholic. Just an alcoholic, some pills too. Too drunk or high to ever talk without some sort of argument.” 

She was a little tense talking about her mother but it was just you three and for some reason it was like nothing else mattered. It didn’t feel like you guys were stranded and helpless. “Moms suck sometimes.” You mumble. 

“Or all the time.” Van smirks and you huff. “Yeah…” You trail off. “You have a horrible mother too, Tai?” You look at the girl who was picking at her nails. Or underneath her nails… “How the hell did you get so much dirt under your nails?” You stand up, water slipping down your body. You shiver slightly at the feeling. 

Taking Taissa’s hands. “ I have no clue.” She continues to clean them. “You digging holes or something?” Van asks and Taissa rolls her eyes, splashing the redhead, accidentally getting you as well. 

The two of you squeal, splashing her back. Leading to the three of you attacking one another with the water. Laughing until you let out too loud of a noise and Taissa smacks a hand over your mouth. “Shhh, so loud.” 

“What? No one’s going to hear.” Van chuckles, pushing her arm away from you as you giggle. “Sorry, sorry, but Van’s right. They’re sleeping and in the cabin.” You swim around the two of them like a child. 

“You saw how they were with Travis and Natalie. If they saw the three of us- like this?” Taissa reminds you guys and you shrug. “I mean, do you, Miss Turner care about what they think? Plus we’re all friends here. Who cares?” You then quickly go under water, popping back up just as fast. 

“I don’t care what they think, just the drama that comes with it. I’m friends here, you two… whatever is going on, they might find out.You two aren’t being very discreet lately.” She points out and the two of you glance at one another. Not worriedly though. “They might find out eventually, that could happen.” Van agrees with that one statement. 

“Not if we get the hell out of here.” You speak up suddenly and Taissa shoots a warning look at you. Not thinking it’s a good idea to let Van know just yet but you don’t care. “We’re going to look for help. Find a way out of here.” You tell her confidently. “We’re literally surrounded by hundreds of miles of wilderness.” Van says. 

“How can you be sure?” Taissa chimes in. “What if there’s like, a town, or an outpost or something closer than we think? It’s not like we’re on an island. If we head south long enough…” Taissa speaks with intent, showing you just how much she’s been thinking about this. Before you have even said anything just moments before coming to the lake. 

Van shakes her head vigorously. “You two take off into the woods, how the fuck would you two survive?” She interrogates. “Hm?” She looks at you and you shrug. “I can’t tell you. But I can tell you that we don’t know what will happen if we stay. Winter’s approaching.” 

“None of us are prepared for that.” Taissa breathes out, staring off at the cabin and you frown. 

2021

You sit with Taissa as she’s on the phone. You watch Sammy sneakily giving a tater tot to biscuit. “Yes, I understand it’s a joint account. But I shouldn’t need my wife’s signature for a withdrawal of any size… Can’t I increase the cap?” Taissa questions, irritated but then Simone enters the room, kissing Sammy on the head and stealing a fry from his plate. Acknowledging you curtly as Taissa hastily ends the phone call. 

“Thank you for your help.” Taissa sarcastically mutters toward the person from the bank and you smirk. Simone pours herself a coffee, ignoring her wife. Taissa peers over to you and you get the hint.

Standing up, careful not to put your weight on your leg. “Hey, Sammy. Want to show me your room now that I can walk a bit more?” You ask and he nods. Getting up and leading you to his room. Biscuit following not too far behind. 

Once you enter the orange room he heads to his bed. Biscuit jumping up with him. You glance around the room, your eyes immediately landing on his drawings.

They were extremely… unsettling. 

“What are these, bud?” You limp towards his wall of drawings and he continues to pet his dog. “The tree lady.” He answers and you raise a brow. “Is she real or from a dream?” You question. 

“Real, I swear she’s real.” He says in defense and you look at him.

“Hey, I’m not calling you a liar, am I?” You smile at him and he observes your face, as if he’s trying to read you. To see if he can trust you. 

“She looks like mom, but it’s not her.” He quietly explains and you look back to the drawings. The lady in the tree… 

“Like Simone?” 

“No,” He shakes his head and as you stand there it hits you like a ton of bricks. “Like mom but not mom?” You repeat his words and he nods his head.

“Shit…” You mumble. He makes a noise at you cussing and you catch yourself. Apologizing automatically.

“Sorry kid, I’m sorry.” You join him on the bed, the last apology had a deeper meaning behind it though, one that you don’t even think you can get yourself to talk about. 

1996

Taissa and you slip into your blankets quietly but as you settle down Shauna whispers. “Hey.” It startled the both of you. “Where’ve both been?” She questions “Had to pee, [Name] couldn’t sleep so she came with me. What are you doing up?” Taissa responds with ease. 

“Bad dream.” Shauna frowns. “What was it this time?” Taissa asks. “Cheeseburger- baby?” You add in and she gives a grim laugh. “I should never have told you guys about that.” She then grows quiet. 

“What am I gonna do, guys?” Shauna’s bottom lip quivers and you place a hand on her arm. “I heard Katie Lindstrom did it with the underwire of her bra last year.” She suddenly says and the two of you give her a horrified expression. 

“Have you lost your mind? You’ll die.” Taissa utters, slightly sitting up so she can lean over your body. “I’ll probably die either way! I’m in the middle of nowhere and the OB-GYN on call is Misty-fucking - Quigley. At last this way I won’t die having my best friend’s-” Shauna abruptly stops herself, swallowing hard at the sound of her secret spilling. 

“What were you about to say?” Taissa asks, you let out a breath, eyes wide in disbelief. “Shauna…” You say with a hint of disappointment laced with it. “That at least I won’t die having… my best friend’s boyfriend’s baby.” 

A beat. A hard moment for the two of you to register what you were just told. 

“It’s Jeff’s?” Taissa mumbles in genuine shock. Shauna looks away, ashamed by the two of your faces. “Whoa, okay… I mean. Wow. Yeah. But still, Shauna, it’s not worth dying to keep Jackie from finding out.” Taissa tells the girl with sincerity. You then speak up.

“We have a plan. To head south and find help.” You say. 

Shauna turns back to you. “So wait… on your plan. Please promise us you won’t do anything stupid.” You grab her hand and she looks into your eyes. She nods and you press your lips together. Not knowing what else to do or say to comfort her other than being there.

2021

You sit with Taissa in her office. Observing her as she looks tired. Her and Simone have just gotten back from Sammy’s psychiatrist appointment.

You go to mention what you’ve figured out in Sammy's room but before you could, a knock on the door interrupts your chance. Taissa sits up, pretending to be working.

“In case today hasn’t been shitty enough, the bank just called. Someone pretending to be you tried to take fifty thousand dollars out of your account.” Simone announces, not really caring that you’re in the room. Lately it just seems like you’re invisible to them. Your eyes flicker to Taissa who hides her guilt. 

“Fuck. Are you serious?” 

“Yup, even knew our password.” Simone replies with a hard sigh. “Well we’ve gotta… I mean, change it and freeze the account.” Taissa says. “That’s what the Fraud Department said. I gave my authorization, but you have to call and do it, too.” Simone tells her sternly. “Right, sure.” Taissa responds absent-mindedly. 

“Please make it a priority.” Simone voices. “I will.” 

“Thanks.” Simone then stands there for a moment, you notice that she wants to say more. Or as if she’s hoping her wife will. But nothing comes from either one of them and she walks out, shutting the door behind her. 

“I can give you guys the money.” You declare. Taissa rolls her eyes. “To hold over our heads later?” 

You take offense to her words, crossing your arms. “Have I ever held money over your head, Taissa?” You question with slight irritation. “I have the money. I have more than you can fucking fathom, Taissa. Let’s not play pretend on who I used to be.” You then eye her up and down. 

"Still [Name]. That's a lot of money."

“Fifty grand couldn’t dent the number in my account.” You scoff, being back on your medication was causing you to be incredibly more irritated. Not meaning to be but your fuse was cut a lot shorter than normal. “Very humble.” Taissa whispers and you laugh.

“Call Natalie and tell her you have the money.” You stand up, heading to the living room. You were done staying here. 

You didn’t want to go home either. That feeling was starting to grow on you too. 

1996

You sit on the porch, drumming your fingers on your thighs as you think to yourself. Planning out how Taissa and you were going to find help. Wondering how it would go. Making up scenarios in your head as your eyes are planted on the grass before you. 

The door bangs open and Taissa pulls you up. “C’mon, I think Shauna did it.” She rushes you, not giving you time to comprehend what’s happening. “Let’s go!” She orders and you stop letting her drag you, moving your feet faster to keep up with her. Lottie was walking in the direction of the lake and Taissa stopped her. 

“Lot, have you seen Shauna?” 

Lottie stares at the both of you and you motion with your hands. “Lottie, have you!?” You ask, repeating Tai. 

“I think I saw her go that way.” Lottie points and Taissa grabs onto your hand, the both of  you ready to run but Lottie stops you both. “Wait! Tai, were you outside last night eating dirt?” 

“What the actual fuck? No.” Taissa makes a face. “But-” 

“I can’t do crazy right now, Lot.” Taissa twists away from her, her hand still locked with yours as you guys bolt into the woods.

The two of you tear through the wilderness, passing some of the girls who were scavenging. Van being one of them.

“[Name]? Tai? Where are you going!?” Van calls out but it’s ignored as you keep running. 

“Fuck!” You screech when a branch slaps you in the face, the two of you pushing through a bush. “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon…” Taissa mumbles under her breath, her hand squeezing yours every once in a while.

“Is that her?” You point up ahead. Tai squints and then picks up speed. “Shauna!” 

The two of you take in the scene as you approach closer. “Shit,” you practically fall to the girl's side, Taissa doing the same. 

“You’re not doing this alone. I’ll help you. If you let me.” Taissa kneels before her and you were by her head. “We’re both here.” You move her hair out of her face. Gratefully she nods, passing the wire to Taissa. 

She gets in position between Shauna’s legs. You give the girl your hand, she takes a breath in. Nodding to Taissa after squeezing your hand. You watch Taissa’s face go pale, moving the underwire toward Shauna. 

Shauna jerks, stunned by the contact. The three of you have shared the attic alone. Sleeping beside one another every night but this… this was intimate and terrifying. Truly bonding the three of you together.

Taissa stops, checking on Shauna, the two are breathing hard. “Keep going.” Shauna assures. 

Taissa hesitates but does as told. Shauna’s grip on you was tightening, starting to actually hurt you but you didn’t care. Watching the moment but making sure your friend was okay. She lets out a moan of discomfort the more and more she grew uncomfortable. 

Whimpering at the pain until she can’t endure it much longer. “Stop!” She yells and Taissa carefully removes the underwire, dropping it quickly.

“I can’t do it. I can’t do it!” She cries, looking up at you. “I don’t want to die out here, [Name], I don’t…” Tears fall from her eyes and you pull her into your arms. Taissa begins to cry as well. 

You hold the both of them in your arms, swallowing down your own emotions as you let them wet your shirt. Comforting them, rubbing your hands up and down their backs.

Whispering to Shauna that she’s okay. Closing your eyes as you talk to the both of them in a low tone.

The three of you emerge from the woods together, tears have dried but Shauna still slightly clings to your side. Something Jackie clocks, frowning with a strange jealous feeling emitting from her.

Along with Van seeing you at Taissa’s side once again like last night. Her eyebrows crease but she tries to shake the feeling away. 

Noticing Natalie and Travis returning with a massive dead deer. “Meat! Fuck yeah!” Van cheers, the others joining. Even you clap your hands together. “Oh, thank you, Lord.” Laura Lee glances up to the sky. Suddenly everyone notices its bloody shedded antlers. A couple girls gag at the sight. 

“Whoa. That thing is gnarly.” Van musters and you wince, looking away. “It’s like- Freddy Krueger and Bambi had a baby.” Akilah hisses. “I’m not eating that.” Javi joins your side, as Shauna steps away for him to do so. 

“Guys, deer shed their antlers seasonally. This is all normal.” Coach speaks with reassurance. “You want to do the honors?” He then turns to Shauna who takes out her knife. Everyone gathered around. 

She slices into its belly and immediately you see infested parasitic worms. Making the meat tainted and completely inedible. Leaving the team utterly hungry and hope draining further. 

“That normal too, Coach?” Jackie scrunches. Ben looks grossed-out, just as everyone else.

Taissa and you peer at one another and she raises her brows. You press your lips together, shrugging. A silent conversation between one another. But totally understanding what each other means. 

“We can’t do this anymore, you guys! What happens when winter gets here? We starve to death? Freeze?” Taissa asks the girls, plus the three guys. Their faces troubled in return.

“We can’t count on getting rescued anymore- we all know that is not gonna happen. We have to save us. That’s why I’m gonna find help- [Name] and I are going to find help.” Taissa takes your hand and you puff your chest out, standing taller. Van grimaces at the choice of touch. You nod sharply, agreeing with the girl's words. The girls all react, either shocked or on board with the idea.

“We’re leaving in the morning. Come with us if you want to get out of this fucking hell-hole.” 

She lets go of your hand, stalking back to the cabin and you purse out your lip. A dramatic scene, but sure to sit with the group and make them think about their choices. 

“Think about it, it’s your choice. But we have to try something other than sitting here.” You speak in a calmer manner. 

2021

You hear the door open from Taissa’s courtyard. With a raised brow you sit up, looking at the woman’s figure trying to be stealthy, quiet to not wake you up. You feel your phone buzz, Natalie texts that it’s go time. 

You stand up and go to the woman who was at her steps. “Tai, you get Nat’s message too?” You inquire, your hand holding the railing. Keeping weight off your leg.

“Oh, uh yeah. I’m gonna go get ready.” She hides her face from you. 

Along with keeping one of her hands close to her body. 

Your heart drops. “Tai…” You reach out to her and she snaps away from you. Stepping up on another stair.

“You should get ready too.” She rushes up the stairs and you bite your bottom lip. Your exact fear, and worry was becoming more and more real. 

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