“YES! FINALLY!” Noah screams when Jess appears around the corner, a bottle of vodka in her hand. Noah quickly gets off the sofa and almost trips on my feet as he runs to Jess.
“ You’d think she would have this ready for us.” Noah snatches the glass bottle out of Jess’ hands and holds it above his head, his arm nearly reaching the cabin’s ceiling. He tosses the bottle to his middle spot on the beige sofa. Aaron and Denise flinch as the bottle comes flying towards them.
“Dude, relax. We just got here.” Aaron pipes up. He grabs the bottle and checks it for any cracks before placing it on the large wooden coffee table in the middle of the room. Denise suddenly slaps Aaron on the arm.
“Can you relax? He’s just playing around. We have a whole weekend to cause as many long term liver problems as we can and trust me, I’m not going to let you two mess it up. We’re not even in our dorms or anything. Shit, my mom doesn’t even know I’m here. This is once in a lifetime.”
“Exactly.” Noah and Denise nod at each other. Aaron crosses his arms before leaning back into the sofa.
“It’s fine Aaron. Don’t worry about it. You guys can start if you want. That’s what we’re here for. I just need Anthony to help me set up the table in the kitchen really fast.” Jess breaks the tense silence and prompts me to follow her back around the corner. The other three glance at me from the opposite side of the room. None of them say anything. They’ve been looking at me like that the entire way here. I can tell Denise is trying to hold back a laugh. I can’t believe I let Jess talk me into this.
I get up and follow Jess and faintly hear the three talking as I walk away. The only voice I can make out is Denise’s.
“I genuinely forgot he was here.”
I ball my fists up until my knuckles are white. I’m tempted to punch a hole through the closest wall. But I can’t do that to Jess. It’s not her fault she has annoying friends.
“Ant, can you get the other side?” Jess says as she holds two ends of the bright red table mat over the oak dining table.
“Yeah, sorry.” I grab the other side of the table mat and carefully slide it over the table. Jess continues to adjust her side of the table mat as I look around the room. The overhead light emits a warm glow over the rest of the room. A kitchen with well-preserved wooden cabinets that match the floors and walls of the cabin. Walls which were decorated with small paintings and knickknacks, but no pictures of Jess or her family anywhere.
“I love the cabin.” I say to Jess as my eyes land on the one window in the kitchen. Which allows me to see just how dense the woods are. It has to stretch on for miles in any direction. Jess nods her head slightly without saying anything. She follows my gaze outside the window.
“You and your little brother must’ve loved growing up here. So much space to just be, you know? To have fun. To have freedom. To not have to worry about the outside world for a while. I would’ve loved growing up like that.” I say before letting out a deep sigh at the thought of it all. Jess laughs to herself and scratches at her arm.
“Yeah well when you grow up with assholes for parents you tend to lose that perspective. I tried so hard not to let them have free reign over my life but in the end I guess they still ended up winning. All I did was take care of James. Even to this day, that’s all I do.” She scratches at her arm again. Leaving an aftermath of small cuts from her nails.
“I get it. I really do. But that doesn’t define you. You are more than just a babysitter. You’re getting your degree soon and you did that all on your own. You’re an amazing person and I’d love to meet James one day. I’m sure he turned out better than just okay.” As I finish my sentence, she looks up at me from across the table and puts her finger to her mouth to shush me. I can barely stop myself from rolling my eyes. She can’t possibly be afraid of them giving her shit about being a big sister.
“Anthony, listen. I know this isn’t your scene. I mean you barely know them, but I know you don’t like them. You don’t have to pretend. You’re a good friend. I just feel stupid for asking you to be here.” Her voice softens to a whisper. She removes her red hair tie and lets her straight, brown hair fall past her shoulders. She moves closer to me and the warm amber light gently hits her. Allowing me to see her face completely. Tears well up in her eyes as she struggles to speak.
“Are you okay? What happened?” I place my hand on her shoulder and she immediately backs away. She wipes her eyes dry with her sweatshirt before turning towards the window.
“Nothing happened. I’m fine. I just think you should head back to LaCosta. Just forget that you ever came here. Please.” This is one of the only times I haven’t seen a smile on her face as she speaks. All I can wonder is why. Why put me in the middle of their drama if you want me to leave? What did I do wrong?
“Jessica I didn’t mean to–” The sound of glass breaking in the living room cuts me off. Jess doesn’t even look at me before running over to see what happened. I take an exaggerated breath before jogging over to the living room.
“Goddamnit! I told you to stop jumping like that. You didn’t buy that damn bottle and now it’s everywhere.” Aaron says and as he gets up in Noah’s face. Pointing directly at the broken bottle of vodka on the ground.
“Oh and you did? Last time I checked, you couldn’t buy that even if you wanted to. Stop trying to show out just because she’s here. You know better than that.” Noah’s only a little taller than Aaron but they both look like linebackers compared to Denise who’s desperately trying to get between them. She looks at me and gives me a dumbfounded look.
“A little help would be nice.” She gestures to the two who begin shoving each other.
“Guys.” Jess says loudly while looking at the spilled liquor. No one responds. I look at her and look at them before rushing over.
“ Alright! Can you two stop already? I can’t believe you live with each other.” I wrap my arms around Noah and pull him closer to the kitchen.
“DID ANY OF YOU DRINK IT?” Jess screams. Everyone stops talking and stares at Jess in shock.
“WELL? DID YOU?” Noah and Aaron shake their heads no. I turn to grab the mop from the closet before Jess puts her hand on my chest to stop me.
“It’s not a big deal Jess. You have more right?” Denise asks while she starts to rub Aaron’s shoulder. Jess’s brow tightens while she glares at Denise.
“It’s not about that. It’s just…” She looks outside from the small window in the living room. At the dark brush occupying the surrounding area of her cabin.
“Shit. Just wait here and let me–” Jess is interrupted by three sharp knocks at the front door. We all stand there for a moment before another three knocks cuts through the silence.
"Sheriff's department!” Jess goes for the door but I hold out my arm to stop her. She looks like she’s been crying and still has scratches on her arm. I don’t want her to look any kind of way.
“I got it.” Jess tries to push past me again and Aaron grabs her by the arm. Aaron leans down and starts to whisper in Jess’ ear. I turn and open the door to be met with the dark silhouette of the police officer. I try all three switches to turn on the porch light but nothing. The only light was coming from the table lamp next to the couch.
“Everybody alright? I heard a lot of commotion from out here.” The officer says in a gravelly smokers voice. No crickets were making sounds like they were when we first pulled in. All I hear is the wind rustling through the trees.
“Sorry about that sir. We just dropped something but we’re all good.” I look down the long, winding driveway to spot his car or his bike but I don’t see anything. Not even a sign of a partner.
“...I don’t mean to sound any kind of way but what’s your badge number? Or your name? Whatever’s easier.” He scoffs after hearing my request. I hear the sound of Noah palming his face behind me but the officer doesn’t flinch. As I’ve been standing out here, my eyes have slightly adjusted to the dark so I can make out the officer’s face. He hasn’t blinked once.
“You wouldn’t mind if I came in would you?” He pushes past me and into the living room.
“Of course you wouldn’t.” The officer continues as he looks around the living room. I don’t shut the door while making my way back towards Jess. The closer I get, the clearer I can see the sweat forming on Jess’ brow.
“Sir?” Jess can barely get the word to come out. The officer walks around like he didn't hear her. Until he stops dead in his tracks. Turning only his head to look at Jess.
“You’re talking to me?” The officer asks while pointing at himself. Jess nods her head and he slowly walks towards her. He isn’t limping. There doesn’t seem to be anything physically wrong with him. He’s middle aged and looks athletic enough. He’s deliberately choosing to walk slowly. Like he has all the time in the world.
“Do you mind if I talk to you alone? I’m the owner of the cabin.” Jess motions to the kitchen with her head. The officer looks towards the kitchen and back down to Jess.
“No. Don’t talk to this guy alone. If he has something to say, he can say it to all of us.” Noah says while putting his hands in his pockets and standing noticeably straighter. The officer smiles at Jess. He still doesn’t blink while making this wide smile.
“Don’t worry, miss. This won’t take long at all.” The officer scratches at his neck slightly before turning his gaze to Noah. The only thing I’m worried about is that gun held snug in his holster. Please Noah. Don’t make this worse.
“What seems to be the problem?” The officer starts walking towards the couch, not taking his eyes off Noah.
“What’s your problem? You’re the one who walked in here. No one called you.” Aaron pipes up. Denise stands silently between him and the police officer. She can barely look up from the ground. The officer bursts into a laughing fit. No one else moves as he continues to laugh.
“Relax. I was just messing around. You guys seem like cool people. I’m sorry I had to be here.” The officer stands up and walks over to Noah. He harshly pats him on the shoulder. It isn’t until the officer moves his hand that I notice the small droplets of blood on Noah’s blue shirt.
Something small hits the floor and slides over towards my feet. A fingernail. The officer looks at it and jumps to where it landed. He moved so fast it scared me.
“WHAT THE” I back up until I’m at least a few feet from him. His whole fingernail just came off. The blood hitting the wooden floor only makes me want to run even more. The door is still wide open but he’s blocking the path. I look back at Jess and she is barely blinking anymore.
“Hey man I don’t know who you are but you gotta–” Noah places his hand on the officer’s shoulder and the officer bites off a piece of Noah’s hand.
“HOLY GOD” Noah screams while clenching his hand. Blood pours down his hand and soaks the wood floor.
The man quickly stands upright and runs to the door. Aaron makes a run at the door but is effortlessly pushed away by the man. The man looks down at his missing fingernail and yells in pain. All we could do is watch in horror. A new nail regrows and bends to fit his finger which causes him to smile. He jaunters over to the lamp by the couch and unplugs the cord from the wall.
“Everyone, freeze.” He says quietly before pulling out the gun from his holster and shooting out the overhead light. I push Jess to the ground and cover her with my body as another gunshot goes off in the living room.
Rapid footsteps race toward the kitchen and before I can even react, I’m grabbed by my hoodie and placed against the wall. The officer is inches away from my face with dried blood along his lips. I push against him with all of my strength but he doesn’t budge.
“So, it’s been you all along. You’re the one to blame.” He snarls at me and his iron tainted breath hits my nose strongly.
“What? I don’t know you!” I feel a cold chill in my spine as he laughs at my comment.
“Sure you do.” Loud footsteps come barreling from the kitchen towards us. He turns his head and almost looks surprised.
“NO!” Jess screams and tackles the man back into the darkness.
I scramble to the living room but can’t see anything. I hear Noah screaming as a door opens. A putrid smell hits my nose almost instantly. I run towards the sound but trip and hit the ground hard. A few seconds pass and I can’t hear Noah anymore. I can’t help him, not like this.
I begin to crawl towards the couch. I hit my shoulder on the coffee table and that lets me know I’m going in the right direction. I crawl only a foot or two more before a sharp pain shoots through my hand. I have to stop myself from screaming as I feel blood beginning to trickle off my fingertips.
I make it to the couch and reach for the plug to the lamp. I have to feel around for a few moments before I finally get a hold of it. With each failed attempt, I feel my life slipping away from me. My family needs me. Jess needs me. I can’t let them down.
Light fills the room, I wish it didn’t. On the table lies the officer’s clothes and the source of that putrid smell. A disgusting amalgamation of hair, fingernails, and skin topped off with blood and stomach bile. The officer’s gun rests atop of the pile of filth.
I look around the room to see no sign of the man or Jess. Noah sits clutching his pale hand and talking to himself. Denise clutches her wrist and stands in the corner of the room. Aaron is the closest to the door with tears streaming down his face.
“What happened? Where did Jess go?” I wait for someone to answer and no one does. I look at my hand where a shard of glass from the vodka bottle pokes through my skin.
Aaron walks towards the pile and grabs the gun before pointing it straight at me.
“Woah, woah, woah Aaron relax.” I put my hands over my head and stand up off the couch.
“Don’t tell me to relax. Do you not see that?” He gestures to the pile which was starting to drip off the table and onto the ground.
“Of course I do. It’s fucking disgusting and I don’t know what it is. Neither do you. The only thing I know is Jess is somewhere in this cabin with that maniac and I’m going to find her.” Aaron glances to the floor. Shaking his head as he starts to bite his lip.
“All I’m asking is that you don’t shoot me.” Denise looks at me as I speak and looks between me and Aaron.
“All of this! It’s him!” Noah sits against the wall still holding his hand as he screams.
“Don’t you think it’s weird he came along? This weekend was for me, you, Jess, and Noah. Somehow, he ends up coming and this happens? You know that can’t be a coincidence.” Denise pipes up and moves closer and closer to Noah. Aaron looks at me confused like he doesn’t know what to say or do.
“I understand what you guys are saying. Truly. But I’m not one of those things. I have a mom. A sister. A family. I would never hurt any of you. I have no reason to. You have to believe me. I’m only here because Jess asked me to be here. I– ”
“That’s not what Jess told me. Jess told me you begged to be here. That it would be fun at her cabin where no one was around. We could all just drink and no one would ask questions. I told her not to bring you. I told her.” Denise’s eyes well up with tears as her voice begins to shake.
I hear the gun go off and I feel a stinging pain flow through my ribs. I fall on the ground and can barely keep myself from passing out.
“Please. Don’t. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I won’t hurt you. Believe me.” I can only mutter as I feel blood spill out of my body. Aaron’s hands shake. Forcing him to drop the gun and step back into the open guest room.
“I believe you.” Denise says as she drops her hands. A red hair tie sits wrapped around her wrist. A heavy tear falls from her face.
Denise looked over at Noah. He took her hand and she let him. I looked at the red hair tie around her wrist. I remembered Jess taking it off in the kitchen. The way she’d let her hair down. The way she’d looked at me when she told me to leave. She meant it.
I thought about my sister. How she’d look at me after I’d done something stupid. How she’d be angry, and scared, and still stand beside me. I knew that look. I’d seen it my whole life. I wondered if James had seen it too. Maybe that’s why he hated me.
I looked up at Jess. I wanted her to say something. Anything.. I wanted her to tell me which parts were real. I wanted her to tell me that I was wrong about her, that there was something that I hadn’t understood.
But she didn’t. That hurt worse than the gunshot.
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