26

HUDSON

DARKNESS ENVELOPED THE RESORT, and the crisp night air carried the promise of adventure. Eli and I were roaming the resort, laughter echoing in the silent expanse. As we wandered, my eyes widened in awe at the sight before me. I nudged him.

"Look there."

He gasped as he caught sight of a majestic moose grazing nearby. Excitement surged through us at the rare opportunity.

"Let's see if we can get it to come to us."

I grabbed a branch laden with fresh leaves, dusting some snowflakes off it. Eli joined me as we waved it in the air, attempting to lure the moose towards us. That's when I got a devious plan in my head.

"I have a plan."

With a mischievous glint, I motioned Eli to follow my lead. He didn't argue. Here we were, in the middle of the night, leading an unsuspecting moose on a daring escapade into the lodge.

We moved silently. The thrill of what we were about to do heightened our senses as we guided the moose through the deserted hallways of the lodge. With expert precision, we maneuvered it to room 101. Jockstrap's room.

I watched like a proud father as Eli picked the lock. As we opened his door, my heart raced with anticipation. With a swift flick, I tossed the branch into the room. The moose followed as if he was in on the prank. With a triumphant grin, we slammed the door shut, trapping Chambers inside with a wild animal.

Our laughter rang out in the silent halls as we dashed away from the scene. We collapsed onto our beds with exhilarated breaths. As we drifted to sleep, the memory of our prank lingered in my mind, and I couldn't help but smile in excitement at what could transpire tomorrow.

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I awoke to the sound of frantic screams piercing the peaceful morning air. My eyes snapped open, and I glanced at Eli, our silent communication speaking volumes as we shared a mischievous grin. We bolted out of bed and followed the chaotic noise.

Alongside the mass of our senior classmates, we rushed down the hallway toward the source of the commotion. We arrived at Chambers' room, the door wide open, revealing a scene straight out of a comedy.

Inside, I spotted Jockstrap and his friend perched precariously atop the dresser, their faces contorted with fear as they attempted to evade the unexpected intruder. I nudged Eli as I noticed Chambers sporting a sizable bruise on his forehead, a testament to his unfortunate encounter with the moose's hooves.

The sight was too comical for us to handle, and we erupted into peals of laughter, our mirth echoing in the confined space of the hallway. We whipped out our phones, eager to capture the absurdity of their predicament.

Teachers and lodge staff rushed in, their urgent voices commanding us to return to our rooms. I snapped one more picture before pocketing my phone. As I turned to leave, I caught sight of Luna standing in the hallway, her eyes twinkling with amusement. With a wink and a sly grin, I acknowledged her before following Eli back to our room, leaving behind the morning's chaos.

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I sat in my room, the darkness outside punctuated by the glowing moon. A soft knock on my door startled me out of my brooding thoughts. I hope Eli didn't forget his keys again.

"Maya, what are you doing here?"

She flashed me a warm smile, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"I'm going to the hot tub with Luna and was wondering if you wanted to join us?"

My initial instinct was to decline her offer. Memories of our kiss clouded my mind. The kiss was only for revenge, but it was the kiss I'd dreamed of for years.

"Sure, why not?"

She grinned, promising to meet me there in ten. It didn't take me long to get changed, and I was on my way to the hot tub with my towel tossed over my shoulder. However, I froze as I noticed Luna immersed in the warm water, her gaze fixed on the star-studded sky. She turned to me and froze.

"Where's Maya?" I asked, but she could only shrug, avoiding my gaze.

Relieved, I seized the opportunity to be alone with her. With a splash, I joined her. My arms were behind my head as I kept my gaze on her, smirking as she attempted to avoid mine.

"I know you had something to do with the moose in Austin's room."

I had to bite my lip to not burst into laughter. That will never not be funny.

"That was so strange. I don't know how it happened." I said, feigning innocence.

She seemed uncomfortable. Her guarded posture betrayed her unease. I, however, remained nonchalant, my smug grin unwavering.

"So," I said, attempting to make conversation. "You kissed me."

Her cheeks were flushed, and it wasn't from the steaming water. I grinned at her attempt to seem unfazed.

"I just wanted to shut Austin up."

I leaned my elbow on the edge of the hot tub and placed my head in my hand as I looked at her.

"I thought we broke up. "

"He didn't know that."

Undeterred, I raised my brow, letting her know I didn't believe her absurd story.

"So, the kiss meant nothing?"

"Nothing at all." She said, but her words lacked conviction.

Wanting to mess with her, I slid closer to her until our chests were touching.

"You never answered Stacy's question."

Her breath hitched as I leaned my head down.

"What question?"

My arrogant grin resurfaced.

"Who is the better kisser?"

She hesitated as a multitude of emotions reflected on her face.

"I don't even remember our kiss."

My smirk widened as our eyes locked. She'd always been a terrible liar.

"Then I'll have to remind you."

I leaned in for a kiss, our lips mere inches apart, until someone interrupted our intimate moment.

"Hey, Hudson."

We pulled away, the spell broken, as Stacy stood in the entryway with a towel clutched in her hands.

"Hey, Stacy."

My eyes darted everywhere but in Luna's direction. The silence was suffocating, and I needed to get out.

"I'll see you both tomorrow."

I left, leaving behind a trail of unresolved tension as I disappeared into the night.

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