Who's Laughing Now?

5

Thinking that getting Ainsley to stop and sit was a piece of cake, Seth called out their name freely.

"Hey Ainsley! Wait up!!" But neither Ainsley nor Ari stopped walking. Both of them continued to drag their feet on the ground slowly, so why was he running? "Come on you guys, we're here to work as a team!" Seth reminded them. That's when Ainsley stopped their tracks.

"Seth, let's get one thing straight. I came here to find the book Ari threw down here, and leave. I never asked for any of your help. You both should've just stayed with Tori," They growled. They sat down on a nearby log, not caring much for the insects that scattered further away.

"I understand your frustrations, but Ainsley, you're hurt. Don't you want me to fix your foot?" Seth asked, slightly frowning.

"My foot is fine dude. I'll live." After that was said, some rustling could be heard from somewhere in the bushes. Ari screamed immediately, and whatever was in those bushes could be heard running off. Ainsley face-palmed themselves. "This is exactly why I didn't want them to go with me." They knew it was the best option since the other Ari was in the trunk of Tori's car, but at the same time, it was impossible for someone like her to be paired up with someone like them in the middle of the woods.

"Well, I apologize, but I'm not an animal like you who could just simply adjust to insects crawling all over you. And also sitting on dirty grounds and logs." The blonde's face twisted in disgust. "Blech! We are not the same!" Ainsley clapped their hands together and smiled.

"Great! I guess we can agree on one thing!" Ari crossed her arms and looked to the side. Seth stood between them, wondering if it would hurt to speak up. But he didn't speak a word. "Now, I'm gonna go out further and search for the book. You can follow me or stay behind. I don't care which you do." Ainsley got up and began walking abnormally. Seth looked at Ari who had yet to say a word.

"You might as well follow...them. It's not like I'm going anywhere anyways," warned Ari. "I wouldn't dare try to mess up my make-up again." Seth groaned, but before following the redhead, he gave Ari one last glance and a few words.

"I hope you're staying put because you're scared and not because you want to be pretty." And that's all Seth had left to say before following Ainsley. Eventually when they were both out of sight, she placed her arms on her sides. The truth was, she was afraid. Seeing people get murdered in front of her eyes was traumatizing. Neither of them witnessed it, and wanted to move on so quickly. That was just something Ari could not do.

She began walking in circles trying to think of how to help without actually getting involved. She didn't like being assigned to search through the most disgusting place in town. Why couldn't she just stick with Tori, regardless if her other self was trapped in the back?

Ari let out a deep sigh before finally pushing herself to walk a little deeper into the woods. Since she lost the other two, she thought there was no use in finding them, so she went the opposite direction they went in. Although, eventually, she had to find them soon. Whether that was coming back empty handed or with the book. She noticed how dark it had gotten quickly, and it wasn't the best feeling for her to be walking alone, so she hoped she could get to them quickly.

Why did Ainsley have to write a stupid book about them anyways? They say it's her fault, but she sees it as Ainsley's fault because they made up this story and the characters. They weren't even creative enough to make their own original characters. The only good thing about the book are the character designs. She did appreciate her nice look.

As the girl traveled her way deeper into the forest, it felt as if she was walking in circles. She could've sworn she had seen the same large tree for the third time today. She was sort of becoming nervous as the sky began growing pitch black. She hadn't spotted nor heard Seth yet. She felt as if it had been hours since she last saw the two. She would've given Seth a call, but out here in the forest, there was absolutely no signal. Plus her phone was going to die soon. Maybe before she left, they should've come up with a plan. At least for how to find one another again.