Something to Bond Over || Until Dawn Jossam

The Victor [Part 01]

EMILY; BLACKWOOD STATION; 22:35
FIFTEEN HOURS SINCE INCIDENT

I've never really met or seen Josh's parents before so seeing them now is a big surprise though in these circumstances, it shouldn't be. Of course, I've heard all about them from the others but they were either praises from Chris and Sam or awed annoyance from Josh, Beth, and Hannah-you know, whatever the hell a kid says about their parents.

Not to mention, magazines and online articles about Mr. Washington and his success as a film director.

But seeing them now, running in the police station looking like someone is about to die... Well, it's a bit disconcerting... and oddly underwhelming. They look like any other concerned parents. Obviously, I understand what's wrong: their son is missing... but still, I expected something else entirely. I don't know what but something else, you know?

"Where is he?" Mrs. Washington yells. "Where's my son?"

Something squeezes inside of me at the fact that Josh isn't with us right now. I may be known for being a cold-hearted bitch but even I know Josh doesn't deserve dying or whatever it is that happened to him... and... neither does Jess. No matter how I feel about her. It's not like the two left me to rot, you know?

"Please calm down," the policeman tells Mrs. Washington.

"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! MY SON IS MISSING!" she replies.

A knot pulls in my stomach. She sounded exactly like Beth. I miss her as well as Hannah. I can't believe everything that happened today happened because of one prank. What a simple cause to a great tragedy.

"Mrs. Washington, please, let's not raise our voices around the teenagers," the policeman says.

Mrs. Washington takes a brief look at all of us and I find myself squirming at her look. She isn't looking at us any differently than any adult looks at a group of teenagers... which only makes me realize that she probably doesn't even know the full story of what happened to Hannah and Beth. That it was our fault they left that night. She should be looking at us like we're the devil. Which we are.

"Fine. Just tell me where he is," Mrs. Washington replies, calmer.

"We don't know where he is at the moment and-"

"What?!" Mr. Washington exclaims. "What do you mean you don't know where he is? We were told the teenagers were rescued!"

"Yes, six teenagers were rescued. We were told of two more missing. We haven't found a body yet, Mr. Washington. We have no indication whether he is alive or not."

"Then go and find him! He's out there. He's alive, and I know it!" Mr. Washington shouts.

"We have our rescuers roaming around the mountain," the policeman reasons.

"Speed it up!" Mrs. Washington demands.

"I'll give my whole damn business if I have to. Just get him back!" Mr. Washington exclaims.

A shiver runs through my spine at the intensity that is Mr. Robert Washington. He sounded exactly like Josh when he found out that the twins were gone. It brings me back to that moment. His anger and anguish in two words. "Find them," he said.

I remember that morning.

The other girls and I entered the kitchen of the lodge to find Sam sitting beside a still-unconscious Josh.

"Anything?" Sam asked.

"What do you think?" I retort sharply.

"Jesus," Sam whispered, glancing at Josh.

"What are we gonna do?" Ashley asked.

Chris, who was sitting in front of Sam and Josh and was unconscious, groaned. "Oh sh't, wh't h'ppened?" he slurred.

"Good question," Jess said.

"Wh't? Okay, what's going on? Seriously? What the hell happened?" he asked after Ashley poured him a glass of water. None of us answered. "I'd appreciate word or two, y'know?"

"Hannah and Beth..." Jess started. "They... We..."

"What?"

"We can't find them," Ashley finished.

"W-wait, wait, what?" Chris exclaimed.

"They've been missing since last night, or morning, or whatever you call two a.m.," Jess explained.

"You're serious?"

I rubbed my arms. "Yeah, they've been gone for hours. We can't find them. Not a clue."

"Wait. So, hang on, what time is it?" Chris asked.

"About eleven," answered Sam. "We've been looking for them since dawn. At least, the four of us are. I think Matt and Mike stayed up all night but I'm not sure." She turned to look at us. "You really didn't find anything?"

"What part of 'not a clue' do you not understand, Sam?" I retorted. "Do you see us partying for a reunion with the twins?"

"You're not the only one stressed out, Em," she scolded.

I sighed apologetically. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry, Sam."

That's when Mike and Matt entered the kitchen. Both of them tired and defeated.

Sam sighed. "Let me guess. Nothing?"

Matt shook his head. "Nothing."

"Shit," Sam whispered.

"Fuck," Jess exclaimed.

"That about covers it, yeah," Matt commented.

Mike started, "We should call the police if they're still not here by two."

"Why can't we just call them now?" asked Ashley.

"Maybe they'll come back? I don't know. We'd have called the police for nothing."

I saw red and so I replied, "What the hell are you talking about? They've been gone for nine hours. Three more will just decrease their chances at survival. Maybe wandering around loosened some screws up your head, sweetie. I can't believe we chose you as Class Prez. No. We need to find Beth and Hannah. We should call the police right now."