doomsday. ( yellowjackets )

cinquante-neuf.

xxx.

chapter cinquante-neuf.
chapter fifty nine.

2021.

xxx.

After a brief rehash of why half of them were dressed in purple like the rest of Lottie's 'intentional community', Natalie explaining that this was the way they needed to deal with all the 'dark, scary shit' they brought with them from the Wilderness, the group of survivors sat in the dining hall. Tara hadn't returned from her room, not wanting to be around them even after her conversation with Natalie. Lottie stood across from them with a wooden sign, five different words engraved in it.

" Whenever someone new arrives, we often let them choose a treatment, without description. Just..whatever speaks to them. " She explained, holding it out to them.

Taissa took it in her grasp, Theo standing a little ways behind her, arms crossed as she chewed on the skin of her thumb. She looked over Taissa's shoulder to read:

Self care.
Guidance.
Forage.
Renewal.

" Okay, no offense to anyone, but, um, this is just not for me. " Van said dismissively, rising up and tapping the counter, but Natalie stepped forward.

" I thought the same thing, just give it a chance. " She insisted, which was very uncharacteristic of her. Theo's forehead wrinkled as she watched the short haired brunette try to convince Van, wondering what her ulterior motive was, because she was smart enough to know if wasn't that she wanted them all to commit to therapy.

" Uh, look, I'm really glad you're..alive. " Van told Natalie, then glanced to Lottie, gesturing her hands around, " And, Lottie, that you're back from Switzerland. "

" Switzerland— that was, it was like over a decade ago. " Lottie pointed out in confusion, but Van just shook her head in feigned surprise.

" Oh, wow, really? I mean, good for you, but I am just gonna— "

" I'll take 'Renewal'. " Taissa cut her off, casting a smug look back at Van, who stopped behind her with an annoyed expression.

" Yeah, no, since I'm not on a twenty five year old leash, I will actually be heading out. " Alex shot a casual jab at Van and Taissa as she clapped her hands together, turning away, " I'll meet back up with you all once you're done finding yourselves, consider me the control variable. "

Van looked from Alex to Lottie, waiting for the latter to stop her from walking away the same they'd done to her. However, Lottie, nor anyone else, said anything to prevent Alex from leaving. The redhead scoffed quietly and shook her head, but Lottie was still watching the back of Alex's head with concern etched onto her face. Whether that concern was for Alex or because of her could've been debated.

Still, Lottie carried on and asked Shauna to choose, then Van, and finally Misty. When they had all reluctantly made a decision, the group collectively turned to look at Theo expectantly. However, the dark haired woman was on the other side of the room, staring out the window at the water that sparkled off the dock.