ʀᴇᴡʀɪᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ

6

The days following our reunion were filled with a renewed sense of camaraderie and anticipation. The warmth of Sydney’s summer was in full swing, making it the perfect time for a short trip to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Olivia, always the planner, had already come up with the idea.

"Emily, you’re coming on this trip whether you like it or not," Olivia declared one evening over dinner. We were at a cozy little bistro near our apartment, the air filled with the tantalizing scent of Italian cuisine.

I sighed defeatedly, twirling some pasta around my fork. "Alright, alright. But what exactly are we doing?"

"Camping and hiking," Olivia said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We’ll be heading to the Blue Mountains. It’s gorgeous this time of year, and we could all use a bit of nature therapy."

"Sounds perfect," Michael chimed in, leaning back in his chair. "I could use a break from the books."

"Count me in," Ava added, her enthusiasm matching Olivia’s. "I’ve always wanted to go hiking there."

I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. "Alright, it’s settled then. When do we leave?"

"How about this weekend?" Olivia’s boyfriend, Alex, suggested. "We can pack up the car and head out early Saturday morning. It’ll be great to get away for a few days."

"Perfect," I agreed, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling up. It had been a while since I’d done something spontaneous and adventurous.

***

Saturday morning arrived, and we all gathered at Olivia and Alex’s apartment. The living room was a chaotic mess of backpacks, camping gear, and hiking boots. Olivia was bustling around, making sure everything was packed and ready.

"Okay, everyone," she said, clapping her hands. "Let’s get this show on the road!"

We loaded up the car, cramming in our bags and supplies. Michael and Alex took the front seats, while Olivia, Ava, and I squeezed into the back. The drive to the Blue Mountains was filled with laughter, music, and the occasional off-key sing-along. The scenic views along the way were breathtaking, with rolling hills and dense forests stretching as far as the eye could see.

By the time we arrived at the campsite, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. We set up our tents and gathered around the picnic table, planning our hiking route for the next day.

The campsite was nestled in a serene valley, surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees. Birds chirped in the distance, and the scent of fresh pine filled the air. It was the perfect escape from city life.

As evening fell, we built a campfire and settled in for a night of storytelling and marshmallow roasting. The fire crackled and popped, casting flickering shadows on our faces.

"Alright, who’s got a good story?" Michael asked, leaning forward with a grin.

"I do," Alex said, launching into a hilarious tale from his university days. We all laughed until our sides hurt, the camaraderie of old friends and new connections blending seamlessly.

Later, as the fire died down, Olivia turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Emily, I’m really glad you’re here. This feels like the old days, but even better."

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. "Me too, Liv. It’s good to be surrounded by friends."

The next morning, we set out on our hike, the trail winding through lush forests and rocky outcrops. The scenery was breathtaking, with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. We chatted and joked along the way, the fresh air and physical exertion invigorating our spirits.

At one point, we paused to take in the view from a particularly stunning lookout point. Michael stood next to me, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" he said softly.

"Yeah, it really is," I replied, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.

He turned to me, his eyes reflecting the sunlight and the softness in his voice, "I’m glad we’re doing this, Em. Its good to reconnect, I-I um I missed you."he stared deeply in my eyes

I smiled, feeling a flutter of emotion. "Me too, Michael. It’s been too long."

As we continued our hike, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment. Surrounded by friends, old and new, I felt a sense of belonging and contentment. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, but this trip was a reminder of the simple joys of friendship and the beauty of the world around us.

That night, back at the campsite, we sat around the campfire once more. Olivia, Alex, Ava, Michael, and I shared stories and dreams, the crackling fire a backdrop to our laughter and conversation. In the quiet moments, we remembered Sarah and David, their absence felt keenly but their memories bringing us closer together.

As the stars twinkled overhead and the fire’s warmth enveloped us, I realized that this trip was more than just a getaway. It was a journey back to ourselves, a reminder of the bonds that had shaped us and the new ones we were forging. And as I looked around at my friends, I knew that this was just the beginning of many more adventures to come.