Freaks

16(Continued)

The day eventually unwinds, slowly and tediously. All of them dread to meet Alice again, also distressed because they have no idea what could happen or what to expect.

Jackson spirals his head and eyes all around the cabin, awestruck, "How did the owner not catch you guys yet?"

Malakai shrugs, "Don't even know if there is one."

"And it's basically untouched." Jackson laughs to himself, "How did you find this place?"

Malakai looks over at Aster who hangs her head over her phone, "Just taking bikes around and exploring." He looks around the room, "We found it in eighth grade, and the next year we never came back, until a few days ago."

"Why'd you leave it?"

"A stupid reason. Luka was mad because we were in high school that year and he—"

Luka cuts him off, "It wasn't just me." He crosses his arms defensively, "It was because you got in trouble for letting your ugly dog get out."

Malakai presses his lips, "That was Aster's dog and we both got in trouble."

"I wouldn't know because I was never there for half of it. You guys were all over each other that year." He raises his brows and Harper's hand goes over her mouth.

Malakai peers at him, "I would say something to you but Jackson's here...and I don't want to embarrass Harper."

"No, please, go ahead. You're the comedian here."

He smirks quickly, "We don't have time to compliment me. Let's discuss the bigger issue, we are definitely going to die. Agreed?"

Aster finally looks up from her phone and sneers, "Since when do you care about death?"

He turns his head, "Since one of us...two of us...almost died." He scans everyone else, "So what's it gonna be?"

They all glance at each other, Luka holds a stare with Malakai, "We have to. Or else we're asking to die. That's what the note says."

Jackson bobs his head in agreement, "There's no stopping Alice from getting what she wants. Unless there's some sort of offer."

Aster lifts a brow, "Well, Spaulding changed her mind. What did he offer her?"

"It was probably more like a deal." Luka adds, "You don't do this, I'll do this kinda thing. But we either choose to die or maybe die. I'm going with maybe."

"Me too," Malakai utters.

"I'll go if we all go." Aster agrees with a small smile, tucking her phone in her pocket.

"I'd like to see Alice's face again." Harper shrugs, "So I can tell her that I hate her. If I haven't already."

Jackson stands repulsively between them all, "I can't deal with her again. I'll help but I don't have a death wish like you guys."

"It's probably better that way." Luka replies, "She didn't ask for you in the note anyways."

"Right." He agrees with an oblivious face, his brows raised, "I think the plan is pretty simple though. Follow through with everything they tell you, from my experience, it's best not to disagree or be diverse, and if something feels or sounds wrong then leave."

"And what about weapons?" Malakai asks, "Bring some just in case or not?"

"Yeah. Maybe just something small and hideable like a pocket knife or something."

Aster fuses her brows at him, "You seem to know a lot about this stuff."

"I've done it for myself sometimes. I guess that's what being friends with Alice is like. I was always sure she would kill me one day." The room is silent for a second as he thinks, "But I also watch a lot of videos and shows about stuff like that, there are tons of movies about real-life people who've been through—"