The Wedding Party

Part 32: A Bike

Olive paced nervously on the dew-covered Manor lawn, her breath visible in the crisp morning air. The scent of fresh grass and flowers filled her nostrils as her thoughts raced. Preston approached her, his dark eyes filled with concern.

"Hey," he said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're really worked up. Why don't you go for a bike ride with Marina to clear your head?"

Olive hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced at the woods surrounding the property, the trees standing like silent sentinels. "Maybe that's a good idea," she finally agreed, forcing a smile. Inside, she felt the weight of her trust issues pressing down on her.

"Great," Preston said, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "We'll be here when you get back."

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After grabbing their bikes, Olive and Marina entered the woods, the sunlight filtering through the canopy casting dappled shadows on the ground. Birds sang overhead as they pedaled deeper into the forest.

"Look!" Olive exclaimed, spotting a dog running loose, its fur matted and dirty. Despite her anxiety, she couldn't help but follow it, curiosity getting the better of her.

Marina laughed, catching up with her. "Always the animal lover, huh?" she teased, her voice laced with affection.

"Can't help it," Olive replied, smiling genuinely for the first time that morning.

As they rode along the narrow path, Olive didn't notice the tripwire stretched between two trees. Her bike tire caught on it, releasing a large swinging log that loomed before her like an angry beast.

"Olive, watch out!" Marina shouted, fear making her voice tremble.

But it was too late. The log smashed into Olive's bike, sending both women hurtling down a steep hill. Olive tumbled through the underbrush, branches scratching her skin and tearing at her clothes. Her heart raced, adrenaline coursing through her veins.

At the bottom of the hill, Olive groaned as she pushed herself up from the forest floor, pain radiating through her body. She looked around for Marina, relief washing over her when she saw her mother sitting up, dazed but alive.

"Are you okay?" Olive called out, her voice shaking.

"Yeah," Marina replied, rubbing her head. "You?"

"Same," Olive said, trying to catch her breath. She glanced at their bikes, which lay twisted and mangled nearby. Then she noticed her cell phone, its screen cracked and unresponsive. "Great," she muttered, frustration bubbling within her.

"Come on," Marina said, offering a hand to help Olive up. "Let's keep going."

The two women began walking, not noticing the "no trespassing" sign hidden amongst the foliage. Unbeknownst to them, they were venturing deeper into the woods, towards a mystery that would change their lives forever.