The winding road leading up to Camp Brightwater was the epitome of picturesque scenery. Towering trees lined the path, their leaves a brilliant array of oranges and yellows. The car carrying Mary and Jessica bumped along the dirt road, the rustic charm of the campground already working its magic on the two friends.
"I can't believe we're finally here," Jessica exclaimed, leaning forward to get a better view of their surroundings. "It's even more beautiful than the pictures!"
Mary nodded in agreement, her eyes taking in the breathtaking landscape. "It's definitely a change of pace from the city."
Just as she finished her sentence, another car pulled up behind them, filled with a group of guys. Steve, the ringleader, stepped out, flashing a grin at the two women.
"Sorry we're late," he called out, his voice laced with playful arrogance. "We had to make a few pit stops."
Jessica made a show of looking at her watch. "You're twenty minutes late, Steve. But who's counting?"
Steve laughed it off, shaking his head. "Always the joker, aren't you, Jess?"
As the groups exchanged greetings, Mary couldn't help but feel like she was the new girl in the group. Steve's friends sized her up, their eyes lingering on her for a moment too long. But Mary held her ground, her strong gaze meeting theirs without flinching.
Wayne, the hard-partier of the group, suggested they all head to the cabins to start the party. Mary and Jessica exchanged a look, silently questioning what they'd gotten themselves into.
As they walked to the cabins, Mary overheard Ed and Alex making fun of Steve's choice in girlfriends. Her spine stiffened, and she quickened her pace, determined to confront them.
"Hey, Ed, Alex," she called out, her voice sharp and controlled. "What was that you were just saying about Steve's girlfriends?"
The two men looked at her, their smiles faltering. "Oh, uh, nothing, Mary," Ed stammered. "We were just joking around."
Mary raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing. "It didn't sound like a joke to me. It sounded like you were putting Steve's girlfriends down."
Alex quickly backtracked, trying to smooth things over. "No, no, you're right, Mary. We didn't mean anything by it. You're smart, we can see that."
Mary rolled her eyes at their insincerity, but Jessica chuckled. "Nice one, Mary. Don't let them get away with that."
Chad and Tiffany couldn't keep their hands off each other, making out at every opportunity. Steve tried to hold Mary's hand, but she brushed him off, focusing on getting to the cabin.
Once they arrived, Mary and Jessica claimed a cabin for themselves, while Steve and his friends took another. Mary unpacked her bag, and Jessica teased her for bringing so many books.
"What, you're not just here for the party?" Jessica joked.
Mary retorted, "No, I'm not. I'm here to enjoy the scenery and have a good time, but I'm also here to read and relax. I'm not just a party girl, Jess."
Jessica laughed, "Okay, okay, I get it. You're a well-rounded woman."
As night fell, they all gathered around a bonfire, and Mary couldn't help but feel like she was being watched. The flickering flames cast long shadows on the faces of the people around her, making the atmosphere even more tense.
But in the midst of the chaos, unexpected relationships would form, and old ones would be tested. Little did Mary know, this was just the beginning of their terrifying weekend at Camp Brightwater.
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