Falling Stars [h.s]

Chapter 32

Aurora

As the days went on I found myself finding more and more clues all around me, whether it be at my workplace or home. It seemed though as if the scavenger was coming to an end. Although I was eager to find out what awaits for me at the finish line I wasn't ready for it to end. What if the thing that is waiting at this finish line isn't what I expect? I have yet to solve the first riddle. The only way this whole scavenger will seem to make sense in the end is if I answer this question. How was I to answer I question I had no clue about? I've only ever truly loved twice in my lifetime. Even then, the love was short lived, too short to try an answer I have no experience with.

I turned to the right of me only to find Odyssey peacefully asleep. I sat back on my seat and proceeded to look at the window as the plane began to take off. Odyssey and I were off on our yearly getaway. It's become tradition almost. We got our two weeks off from work and this time around we were headed to a much more naturist location.

In five hours tops we had made it to our destination. Alberta, Canada. We were to stay at a resort town by the name of Banff, located just in the province of Alberta. It is a new experience for the both of us which we were very much excited for. Odyssey searched through her bags for her wallet as we stood outside of the airport, "The taxi should be here soon to bring us to our hotel where we will be meeting up with Liam and Louis."

It was no surprise Liam and Louis were joining us. After our first encounter in New Orleans almost seven years ago the four of us always planned trips together. They were always down for an adventure as was I.

After one last three hour drive we had finally made it to the hotel. I went off to get our room where whereas Odyssey went off to find Liam and Louis. I thanked the receptionist before meeting up with Odyssey who was yet to located the others. "Why don't we go settle in first then we can contact the two? I could really use a shower."

Getting settled in took longer than expected, but once that was done Liam called to inform Odyssey and I where to meet them. Of course it was a bar. Going for drinks instantly become the first thing we did no matter the location. I only ever took one shot whereas everyone else drank until they no longer could, expect for Liam that was, he was more of a three drinks kind of guy. Once we made it to the bar Louis had already started off the day with two shots of vodka. Odyssey was already running towards them, dragging me with her.

"You finally made it! Join me Oddy, it's no fun drinking alone, Liam is such a buzz kill." Liam rolled his eyes at Louis remark as we proceeded to laugh. "Sorry to be a buzz kill as well Louis, but Odyssey will not be partaking in any drinking for another seven months."

"You're pregnant!"

"I am. Sorry Louis, you know I wouldn't miss out on the chance if I had a choice."

Louis frowned as he took his second shot, "Who am I supposed to drink with now?" Liam once again rolled his eyes, ignoring Louis and proceeding to congratulate Odyssey instead.

"Aurora will do it!" Odyssey suddenly shouted out. I quickly turned to her, "No no. I will do one shot and that is all. I have no plans on getting waisted."

"Awe come on Aurora! We can make this fun, I have a game in mind." Louis continued to plead and plead until I finally gave in. He was a pretty convincing guy. I tried to convince Liam to join in on the game but he insisted on being the designated driver. Odyssey sat back and sipped on her water, agreeing to be the score keeper.

I braced myself for what was about to go down. I had never gotten drunk before so this will definitely be an experience that is for sure. I stood on opposite ends of Louis as he tried to explain the rules to me for the third time. We each had ten shots of tequila and two shots of a kamikaze, whatever that was.

"Okay Aurora, first we are going to start with the tequila shots. You've done tequila shots before right? Basically you sprinkle the salt on the back of your hand, take the shot and immediately take the lime. After all the tequila shots are done we will move on to the kamikaze which is just a shot, nothing much to it. You have to complete all your drinks and flip the cup over in order to win. First person to complete all their drink wins." I nodded in response to Louis explanation, It seemed pretty simple I suppose.

Louis intensively stared at me, "Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath in before nodding once more, "I'm ready."

Odyssey started the count down, once she had said do Louis was already on his second shot of tequila. I did the required technique as quickly as possible. Louis was already on his fifth shot where as I was only on my third, the burning sensation was a horrible feeling I was unsure if I could make it to the end.

"Let's go Aurora you got this!" Liam and Odyssey cheered me on, I looked over at Louis who stopped for a split second to scold at Liam. I let out a laugh, but continued on with the shots. After finally completing the tequila shots I downed the kamikaze, flipping the last glass over. Both Louis and I looked over to Odyssey to find out who won. "It was a tie."

I could live with that. "Do you want to go again?" Louis asked with a smile. "No thank you, I think I've exceeded my drink limits for the year." I was already feeling woozy, I don't think I will be able to handle anymore drinks. Louis on the other hand, who was able to control himself, order four more drinks.

Liam suggested we leave the bar before Louis had the chance to get piss drunk, "How about we call it a day and meet back up tomorrow? Aurora seems unstable to join in on the next activity." We all agreed and headed back to our hotel. The drinks were definitely coming into full affect as time passed by. When we got to the hotel, Odyssey helped me up to our room seeing as I was really unable to help myself.

"I am going to take a bath, you lie down and try to get some rest okay?" I nodded in response. Odyssey left to the bathroom leaving me to only my thoughts. I flipped over onto my back, quickly fishing my phone from my pocket. I scrolled through my contacts list, squinting in hopes of trying to find the person I wanted to talk to. After scrolling for a while I stopped on the name I made out to be his, at least I thought it was. My finger hovered over the name before I finally clicked the call button. I pressed the phone against my ear, patiently waiting for an answer.

Soon enough a deep voice sounded from the other end.

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