Page 37 of We're At It Again

“Luna, you’re with Cynthia.”

A knot formed in my stomach as I received my room key. Our eyes met across the room. Shock and disgust were on her face, and I’m certain I mirrored it. Determined not to make a scene, I dragged my luggage toward our assigned room, and Cynthia followed. The atmosphere in the room was tense as we unpacked our bags in silence, neither of us wanting to speak first. But it was Cynthia who broke the ice.

“Look, I don’t want to fight anymore.” She said, her voice surprisingly soft. “I want to enjoy this trip. Can we call a truce?”

Her words surprised me, my brows furrowed in disbelief. With a moment’s pause, I nodded, ready to leave it all behind and enjoy the best senior trip.

“I’d like that.”

She glanced at me with a small smile.

“I’ve been to this resort before, and there’s a secluded hot spa. Away from the main lodge and prying teachers.” She said. “I invited everyone tonight for a party. That’s why we’re here, after all. I’d like it if you came too.”

Despite my initial reservations, I accepted her offer. We exchanged tentative smiles as we continued unpacking. However, I was hesitant about how long this truce will last.

?

I arrived at the secluded hot spa in the woods with Maya. My heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As we stepped into the clearing, we saw the senior class scattered around, drinks in hand, their laughter echoing through the trees. My eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Hudson talking with his friend Eli. Our eyes locked, time suspended. But, just as quickly, he looked away with an unreadable expression. Maya turned to me.

“Why are we here if Cynthia hates you?”

“I told you, she wanted to make peace.”

She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

“I love how nice and forgiving you are, but Cynthia is the devil. She doesn’t want peace.”

Cynthia approached with her entourage before I could respond. Maya pursed her lips.

“I’m going to get a drink.”

Cynthia ignored her and kept her eyes on me.

“Hey, Luna.” She said with a friendly smile.

My eyes widened as she wrapped her arms around me for a hug.

“Hey.”

I was unsure of what to say or do. With a saccharine smile, she beckoned me closer.

“We’ve been waiting for you to dip in the hot spa.”

I’d never been a fan of water, ever since I was a little kid and almost drowned during a pool party. I scratched my arm as I debated whether to decline, but I wanted to make peace with Cynthia. Pushing all my doubts to the side, I nodded. As I followed Cynthia and her friends to the water, I felt my stomach doing backflips. We stood on the edge. As I was about to question if we should get our clothing wet, I felt a shove on my back. My worries turned to shock as my body hit the surface - the water was freezing. A chorus of laughter erupted around me as I resurfaced, my teeth chattering. My throat closed in on myself as I felt the panic overrule the cold. The memories of the pool party ran through my mind as if I were reliving it. My body gave up as my brain shut off.

?

24

HUDSON

I WAS ON THE SIDELINES WITH ELI, nursing a cup comprising an unknown concoction. He’d convinced me to come to this party, stating that I couldn’t spend the next two weeks in my room or on the slopes. Despite my disbelief, he had a knack for pushing me beyond my comfort zone.

A sudden shift in the atmosphere drew my attention. My gaze flicked over to the clearing. And there she was. The girl I couldn’t stop thinking about. My heart skipped a beat, but I feigned indifference. Our eyes connected amidst the chaotic party, but I turned my attention to Eli.

“What?” I asked as I noticed him looking at me with a knowing smile.

“How long will you pretend you’re not madly in love with her?”

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