"Ivyyyyyyyyy! It feels like years, you know? " Sadie's voice rang out, echoing through the hallway as she sprinted towards her, her arms wide open.
"What about me?" Aria asked, pouting her lips.
"Alright, come on in!" Sadie laughed, her arms still around Ivy, and Aria eagerly squeezed into the embrace.
"Group hug? I like group hugs," Dylan, Sadie's brother, stood a few steps away, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Hey! Are you insane? Don’t get too close, her brother's here!" my friends teased.
She felt her cheeks heat up as she shyly smiled.
She glanced over at her brother, hoping he wasn't taking this too seriously, but his expression was all business. Ivy rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Lila! Aren't you excited? Wanna join the group hug? Comeeeeee," Sadie asked, turning her attention to her.
"I am," Lila responded, a serene smile playing on her lips.
Lila was calm, smart, and always with her earbuds in, she provided a soothing contrast to their boundless energy.
"Let's go! Go, go, go to the adventure!" Sadie shouted, practically bouncing as they entered into the van.
"You're so loud, I hope I can handle your mouth for this hours of long long journey," Dylan teased his sister, ruffling her hair playfully.
Dylan was a tease through and through, with his light brown eyes and an effortlessly attractive face. He had a way of drawing attention, and Ivy wasn't immune to his charm. Every time he looked his way, Ivy's heart did a little flip.
"Ivy..."
"What?" Ivy turned to face her brother, her curiosity aroused.
"What?"
"Huh? You called me," Ivy insisted, her brows knitting together.
"Why would I call you? Creep," Her brother's gaze was fixed outside the van's side window, his tone indifferent.
Confused, Ivy looked down, lost in thought. She was jolted back to reality by a playful tap on her shoulder.
"Pftt," Aria chuckled, "Here we go again, Ivy in her own world. Was that fun? Are you thinking about someone, huh?"
Ivy noticed Dylan's eyes on her, a silent question lingering there.
"I was just thinking about what to do first when we get there," she explained, a hint of defensiveness in her voice.
"Are you serious? We need to set up our tent and get ready for tonight," Lila interjected.
"Oh, you're too serious, my friend. You know, we should do that but we should also have some fun. Chill," Sadie chimed in with a carefree laugh.
"Uhmmm... I don't have a tent. I'll just share with Ivy," Lila said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Huh? Camping without a tent? Wow, I thought you were always prepared. You can share with Aria, and I'll share with—"
"No, I mean..." Lila's smile widened as she gently pinched Aria's cheek. "You have to let me this time."
"Alright, alright," they all laughed, the tension disappearing into the van's cozy atmosphere.
Hours passed, and they finally arrived at Mystic Hidden Twilight Forest. The air was crisp and cool, the forest alive with the whispers of ancient trees.
Only a few people were around, making the place feel even more magical. The river ran clear and beautiful, its surface sparkling like a thousand tiny stars, and the view from the top was nothing short of breathtaking.
"Finally, fresh air and a beautiful view," Dylan said, his eyes meeting Ivy's.
"Ye-Yeah... Beautiful," Ivy stammered, her heart fluttering.
"Uh huh... a beautiful view... indeed," Ethan interrupted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Tsk," she muttered, her moment with Dylan shattered. She walked away, irritation bubbling inside her.
She spotted Sadie and Aria snapping pictures of the breathtaking scenery, their laughter echoing through the trees. Lila, however, stood a little distance away, her expression chilling.
"Lila?" Ivy called out, approaching her friend.
Lila turned and offered a warm smile.
"Uhmmm... I'm curious because, you know... I know you, and I know you brought a tent for camping."
"I did," Lila admitted, her smile never wavering.
Ivy's brow furrowed in confusion. "Then why did you say you'd sleep with me?"
Lila looked away, her gaze drifting down from the top of the hill where they stood. "You shouldn't be alone, Ivy."
"Wh-why? I know that I'm not alone," Ivy chuckled nervously. "I'm with you all."
Lila reached into her pocket and pulled out a rosary, its beads glinting softly in the fading light. She pressed it into Ivy's hand, who looked at it, puzzled.
"I know you stopped believing in these things after their accident. But can you do this for me? Please," Lila's voice was gentle but firm.
Ivy smiled a little, touched by her friend's concern. She didn't believe in the rosary's power anymore, but for Lila, she would carry it. "Alright, Lila. I'll keep it for you."