Page 23

PEACE OUT, BITCHES!

SAVANNAH

I see it but I can’t believe it. I refuse to acknowledge that’s actually Bridget.

Naked, gutted, and hanging upside down above Amber’s SUV.

But as the wind whips around us again, the gusts becoming more forceful over time, the body sways and spins.

It’s definitely Bridget. Her neck might be sliced, and her face frozen in fear, but it’s her.

I’d know that heinous belly button encircling sun tattoo anywhere.

Fallon sobs beside me, collapsing to the ground as her body-wracking cries echo through the trees.

There’s a storm coming, I feel its energy dancing along the bare skin of my arms. If I want us to get out of here alive, I need to help.

Not everything should be put on Amber’s shoulders, it’s not fair for her to carry that weight.

I look to Amber who’s so still and silent it borders on preternatural.

Her long dark hair whips around her face, eyes unblinking as she stares at the state of her vehicle.

Summer leans into her, shaking in fear, and yet she still doesn’t move.

The energy thrumming off her is enough to put the encroaching storm to shame.

I’m fearful to break whatever trance she’s in; I can see her mind working, devising a plan.

She’s coming up empty unless she can get us all to agree to climb into that entrail-encrusted monstrosity she used to call a vehicle.

The approaching storm has forced the buzzing flies inside the SUV, and they lay their eggs all over the carnage within.

Taking a few calming breaths before I break the silence and step into a role I’m surely not prepared for, I amp myself up.

I can do this. I can get help. I’ll be fine if I stay off the main road, unlike Bridget.

I’ll take the map, and find help farther away from this little corrupted slice of hell where we don’t know who is fucking with us.

“We can’t stay here,” I finally say. The three girls all look to me in agreement, but offer nothing in way of help.

None of them want to leave and be exposed on the road, I can see it all over their faces.

The cabin may be the safest place for them, especially if they stay close to Amber, and her gun.

“I’m going to go get help. Someone has to do something because there’s no force on this plane of existence that could coax me into your SUV. ”

“You can’t leave!” Fallon exclaims, scrambling up from the dirt. “Are you insane? Look what happened to Bridget!” She wipes the tears and snot from her face, red and puffy from crying.

“What do you suppose we do, Fallon? Hide out in the cabin like sitting ducks? Just waiting to be picked off by whatever murdered Bridget?”

“Well, no…” she objects, “but we’re safer together. There’s strength in numbers.” She may be right, but I don’t want to wait around to find out what could happen if we do nothing, hoping for a cell signal that won’t appear now that the dark clouds are rolling in.

“I’ll go find us some help. There’s other cabins around here, maybe they’re occupied by someone from out of town who has a better form of communication.”

“She’s right,” Amber says, coming to my aid, taking Fallon’s whining off my shoulders.

“Either she goes, or I go. Who would you rather be bunkered down with?” Fallon snaps her trap shut, knowing full well Amber’s the better fully-armed option.

“Summer, go get the trail maps from the drawer in the kitchen, a backpack, and water bottle.” Summer leaves without a word, disappearing around the side of the cabin.

Amber pulls me aside, giving me a pep talk while we wait.

Telling me how to stay safe in the forest, and what not to do if I encounter a bear or cougar.

Summer returns, handing the bag to Amber, who tells me how to use the flare gun that’s hidden in the front pocket, and the bear spray canister on the side.

She shows me where the compass app is on my phone, and how to follow it on the map, pointing out the elevation lines and telling me what they mean.

Fuck, I hope I don’t forget any of this information.

I hug everyone goodbye before heading towards the trail we took the other day. According to the map, it’ll connect me to the main trail that runs through this entire camping area.

I ’ve been walking for…I don’t know how long, when I hear a shot ring out.

It comes from behind me, followed quickly by another one.

My heart shoots into my throat as I spin in place, turning to head back towards the cabin.

But, I pause. What if they’re fine, and that was Amber protecting them?

But what if it wasn’t? What if there’s someone dying back at the cabin, and I’m the only hope to find help?

I can’t go back, Amber wouldn’t want me to.

She’d scold me the second she saw me. “Why are you back here?” she’d say.

“Do you think I can’t keep us safe?” Then she would complain about me wasting valuable time before the storm shows up.

On feet made of lead, I turn back around, and drag my ass up the hiking trail.