23

LUNA

IT WAS TOO EARLY as we found ourselves in the school parking lot. Families gathered to bid farewell to their children, embarking on a two-week trip to a ski resort. The senior trip. A place of memories and drama.

Hudson and I stood side by side as we said goodbye to our parents. We never broke the news of our breakup. It was the first time I'd seen him in three weeks. Our parents were unaware of the silent turmoil brewing between us.Avoiding each other's gaze, we exchanged forced smiles and brief conversations with our parents. Mr. Wilder placed his hand on Hudson's shoulder, his expression a mix of concern and resignation.

"Please try to behave."

"I'll try my best."

His rebellious spirit was clear, even in this tender moment. He enveloped his father in a tight hug. I hugged my parents and waved as they left with Mr. Wilder. Once they had disappeared from our view, we went our separate ways, our paths diverging like two ships passing in the night. I climbed onto the bus and settled into the seat beside Maya.

"Are you ready for the trip we've been waiting four years for?"

Despite my annoyance at seeing Hudson, her enthusiasm was contagious. We'd heard all the wild stories of what happens on these trips, and now we'd finally experience it ourselves.

"We're going to have the time of our lives."

Hudson walked past us, his hands buried deep in his pockets, his eyes fixed on the ground. Without sparing a glance, he headed to the back of the bus. I looked over my shoulder, following his movements. With a swift motion, he pulled his hood over his head and leaned against the window. I didn't stop looking until the bus lurched into motion.

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We stepped off the bus and into the warm reception area of the resort. My cheeks were rosy from the crisp mountain air. Our teachers bustled around, handing out room assignments and organizing the logistics of our stay.

"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.

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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.

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