It's Just The Woods

8

May 11th, 2021 
Sibling Hill/Sibling Woods, PA 
7:30 A.M.

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The sun was finally out, flaring behind Hailey. Rachel thought she looked like an angel. "Am I in heaven? Are you an angel?" She asked.

Hailey rolled her eyes and turned to Rachel. "You're gay, you can't go to heaven." She pushed Rachel's face away.

Rachel gasped and stood up from the logs beside the fireplace. "I am not!" Hailey smirked and ran into the house. Rachel was quick on her heels.

Hailey smiled and squealed as Rachel ran after her. Shawn leaned over the marble counter, talking to Fredrick, who was packing snacks for the hike. Nicolas sat on the couch, shaking slightly. All noise and attention were drawn to the girls as they ran around the island in the kitchen. Shawn chuckled as he moved out of their way. "What happened now?"

Rachel tackled Hailey and began tickling her. "SHE CALLED ME GAY!" Fredrick rolled his eyes and took a bite of his Pop tart, shoving the box into the bag. Hailey squealed as Rachel continued to tickle her.

Shawn sighed and crossed his arms, standing over the girls. "That's enough, you two. Go get ready for the hike." Hailey pushed Rachel off of her, giggles still escaping her lips.

Once they calmed down, Shawn took a deep breath. He ran a hand through his hair. "So, we're bringing the chips and drinks and stuff. Who wants to carry the book bag?"

Nicolas stood up and grabbed the bag. "Are we going to go or not?" He snapped.

Fredrick glared at his brother. "Stop being snappy. Yes, we're going."

Hailey looked at Fredrick, then at Rachel before walking out the door. It was fairly sunny with a few clouds. The air smelled of fresh rain and the grass was littered with small droplets of dew. Though the clouds from earlier in the morning seemed big, it only rained for around 20 minutes. This was Rachel's favorite weather. Hailey remembered that from a talk they had a few years ago during a game of 20 Questions.

Hailey stepped lightly onto the grass, the cool air hugging her. She shivered lightly, her pink shorts not warming her up as they should. Her black and white striped tank top made her situation not any better.

Rachel stepped up behind her and sighed. She looked at the scenery around her and smiled. "It's so beautiful. Don't you think?"

Hailey looked at Rachel. "Yeah, absolutely." She whispered.

Rachel looked at Hailey and smirked. "You know who's prettier."

"Don't." Hailey started. "I swear to Go-"

"Your mom." Rachel smirked and started walking.

"Rachel McAdams, get your ass back here!"

The friend group paused. "Miss Richardson!" Rachel started. "Did you just-"

Hailey's face warmed up when she realized. "No! Your ears deceive you."

Shawn laughed out of surprise. "Hailey just swore."

"No, I didn't!"

Fredrick shook his head with a smile and continued to walk. "Stop! I did not swear!"

"I might just have to tell Hanna that her perfect, unflawed daughter just committed a very serious crime!" Rachel teased.

"Shut the f-" Hailey stopped herself. "Shut up."

Rachel decided to leave her alone about it. After a few minutes of walking, the group finally reached the trail. "Here we go!" Rachel said excitedly, clapping her hands together.