Page 18 of Rules for Vanishing
Another light bobs between the trees.
MEL: Hey! Who’s up there?
NICK: It’s just us.
The camera stabilizes as the two groups meet. Trina’s mouthis a tight, straight line, her lips pressed together. Anthonyshakes his head as Mel staggers slightly, entering the clearing.
MEL: Nicky! The gang’s all here. Plus bonus crew. Sup, Jer?
JEREMY: Mel.
TRINA: Are you drunk?
MEL: Nooooooooo. Maybe.
SOPHIA: Yep.
TRINA: And you are?
Trina crosses her arms and fixes Sophia with a flat stare. Nearby, Kyle is still recording.
MEL: She’s Sophia. She’s with me.
TRINA: She’s your date?
MEL: Yeah. She’s my date. This is a date. Is that a problem?
Trina shakes her head, a look of disgust on her face. Her voice shakes as she speaks.
TRINA: Only you. Only you would show up drunk and bring adateto—
NICK: Can we not fight? Just for tonight? Let’s just focus on figuring out what’s going on.
SOPHIA: Somebody’s messing with us, that’s what’s going on. Getting a bunch of idiots out into the woods at night for the lulz.
Mel rolls her eyes.
JEREMY: Dumb question, but—why are there three of you?
MEL: How is that your business?
JEREMY: Well, you did just say it was a date. Which is normally a two-person affair.
VANESSA: W-we’re supposed to be in pairs. Partners. Remember?
MIRANDA: It won’t be a problem.
VANESSA: Are you sure?
TRINA: Seriously, Mel. You brought adate.
MEL: So did Nick.
TRINA: Nick brought his girlfriend. That’s different. You brought adateto look for Becca.
SOPHIA: Wait, Becca? That missing girl? You know her?
TRINA: Mel. Really?
