Until Dawn Fanfiction-Epilogue

Ashley

3 hours until dusk

My unsteady breath came out in little white puffs as we hiked closer to our destination. We were well rested up and had even played a few rounds of Uno to distract ourselves for a bit. The sky was a pretty shade of bright orange, and it didn't seem as intimidating as when we were scared shitless and traversing the snowy hills at night.

A blood curdling shriek pierced the air and I froze in my spot on instinct. The others in front stopped abruptly as well, our hearts beating faster & our throats drying up with unspeakable fear.

'Guys, it's just a crow.' Mike broke the tense silence with a nervous laugh. 'Let's keep going and keep our nerves about ourselves, yeah?'

Emily and Matt, who were heading the group, exchanged a look and nodded as they continued to walk, this time at a slower pace.

'Yknow, we should talk instead of just walking in silence and fear.' Jessica piped up.

'Good idea.' I bit my lip. 'Uhm...'

'I think talking will only distract us and we won't be able to hear if a Wendigo comes for us.' Emily sneered.

'It's ok Em. We'll just whisper. It's better than being on tenterhooks all the time.' Matt said to my surprise.

'Do what you want.' Em said tersely, her eagle eyes scanning the landscape before her.

A soft growling sound was heard and I blushed as Chris chuckled and turned to me. 'Guys, we should stop for a snack. My girl here can devour an elephant right now.'

'Ugh, I hate you.' I punched his arm lightly, secretly thrilled that he had called me my girl. I could definitely feel my feelings for him grow stronger ever since he decided to save me as well as the constant care and concern he'd showered on me ever since.

Mike passed out the trail mix, cereal bars and chocolate biscuits. I noticed Sam looking pale and withdrawn.

'I'm not hungry, you go ahead.' She mustered a weak smile when Mike passed her a packet.

'Girl, you gotta keep your strength up.' Mike raised an eyebrow.

'No really, I'm full.'

'Gotta put some meat on those bones-'

'I'm fine.' Sam snapped. 'Not used to taking no for an answer, huh?'

Mike looked hurt. 'I just...'

'That was kinda uncalled for, Sam.' Jessica raised an eyebrow.

'If you're so keen on defending him, go bitch slap Katy for spamming him with text messages while you're at it.' Sam hissed. My eyes widened. This was so not her. She was acting like... Em. In fact I thought she didn't have a mean bone in her body. She was always so genuinely happy thoughtful and sweet.

'Don't be so bitter. You don't have to lash out just cos there isn't anyone who'll defend you now.' Jessica fired back.

I sucked in my breath. That was a hit below the belt even for Jessica.

'Fuck you. I don't need you on my team. I'm going by myself.' Sam stood up and hoisted her backpack onto her shoulder, making her way quickly uphill.

'Well done, Jessica.' Emily said sarcastically, smirking. 'I think we should be the good friends we are and go after her. Cmon Matt.'

'Hey, you saw how rude she was.' Jessica turned to me.

I squinted up the hill, Sam's silhouette a faint dot as she started to sprint. 'Not a good idea to argue now, we have to find her before she gets lost.'

'Ugh. Everyone loves Samantha cos she's such a good girl.' Jessica rolled her eyes.

I ignored Jessica's unhappy complaints and took off after Emily and Matt ahead.