Kismet's Game

Chapter 4

Olivia

"Rise and shine, sleepyhead," El calls from the doorway. "We've got a mountain to conquer!"

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling. "All right, all right. I'm up."

The morning sun peeks through the curtains, waking me with its gentle warmth. I stretch, relishing the comfort of the bed, but the promise of a new adventure pulls me out of my cozy cocoon. Today's plan? Hiking. An impromptu idea that had everyone buzzing with excitement the night before.

After a quick breakfast and some lighthearted bickering over who packed the better snacks, we pile into two cars, the girls and me plus Chase in his car and then the other boys in Max's pickup.

We head straight to our starting point for the hike. As our car slows to a stop, I see the boys already out of theirs, waiting for us. Nathan approaches my side of the car and opens the door.

"Hello, ladies." he greets us with a warm smile as Ally and El mutter their greetings then turns to Chase, "What's up man?" he says.

"'Sup dude." Chase replies and rushes to open El's side of the car to help her out. She's both shocked and annoyed but accepts his help anyway. I get out of the car to reach for my bag on the top of the car but Nathan beats me to it.

"So, Olivia, are you ready for this hike, or should I prepare to carry you when you get tired?" Nathan teases, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief as he hand me my backpack.

"Don't flatter yourself," I retort. "I'll be the one leaving you in the dust."

"Confident, are we?" he says with a grin. "I like it."

We reach the trailhead and start our ascent. The trail is steep, but the views are worth every bit of effort. We chat and joke as we climb, the easy rhythm of conversation making the hike feel almost effortless.

At one point, Nathan falls into step beside me. "So, Olivia, what's the best book you've read this year?"

I glance at him, surprised by the question. "That's a tough one. Probably 'The Seven Year Slip' by Ashley Poston. The writing is beautiful, and I love the magical realism element. You?"

" 'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller. It's darkly funny and really makes you think about the absurdity of war."

"I wouldn't have pegged you for a classic literature guy," I admit.

"There's a lot you don't know about me," he replies, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Yet."

I think I'd like to know more about you.

I just got out of a toxic relationship and I don't think it's a good idea to jump into a new one.

But there's no harm in flirting back right?

We continue our hike, the conversation flowing naturally. Nathan's wit keeps me on my toes, and I find myself enjoying our banter more than I expected. When we finally reach the top, the view takes my breath away. The landscape stretches out before us, a tapestry of greens and blues under a cloudless sky.

"Wow," I breathe, taking it all in.

"This place is beautiful" Nathan says, standing beside me.

"Yeah. It's incredible."

We set up camp for the night, dividing into two tents: the girls in one, the guys in the other. Ally, El, and I get dinner started. We bought hotdogs, burger patties, and buns. We season the ground beef for the burger and prepare the condiments as the boys set up the tents.

Chase walks over to us and says, "We'll cook. You guys can go relax in your tent".

"It's okay. We can help out. What do you guys need?" I reply.

"We need some wood for the bonfire. Tom and Nathan are going to go get some but you're welcome to join them if you want."

"I'll go." I say.

"I'll stay here, I think." Ally says. I look at Elena and she looks relieved Ally is staying back. I guess she does not want to get into it with Chase.

"Okay, be right back." I say as I jog towards Tom and Nathan to get some wood.

We get back to our spot around 30 mins later. Chase and El are arguing over something and Ally looks like she's ready to push them off a cliff. Max is flipping the last 4 burger patties. I go over to Ally after dropping the wood I gathered near the bonfire spot.

"How's our oblivious couple getting along? You look like you're ready to kill them both" I say jokingly.

Ally turns to me with an annoyed expression, "Don't give me ideas. They've been at it since you left".

"Just imagine the enemies to lovers potential they have. Isn't that your favorite trope?" I reply.

"I prefer reading that shit, not experiencing it in real time." she retorts. We look at El and Chase and we see her give him the finger and stalk towards us. Ally and I share a funny look and start laughing.

"UGH I HATE HIM!" El half shouts.

"Okay let's go get you something to eat so you can calm down." I say as Ally and I drag her to our folding table with food.

As the sun sets, we gather around the bonfire, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, sharing stories and laughing until our sides hurt.