Chapter 15

As Simon drove further away from the lively parts of California, Kimberly couldn't help but feel

nervous; this was her first time going on such an adventurous trip, so she couldn't help but worry

because she had no idea what to expect.

“Hey, are you okay?" lan quietly asked, giving her hand a light squeeze.

“yeah.” She replied, forcing a smile.

The silence was short-lived by noises coming from the back. Leo and his girlfriend Amber were

having a heated make out session at the back of the van, not caring about the rest.

"Guys, keep it down. Will you.” Simon said with a chuckle in an attempt to stop the couple, but he

was completely ignored. This brought a smile to Kimberly's face, she admitted how open and

carefree these friends were around each other, as the others went on with their business like

something awkward wasn't going on at the back.

Who was she to judge? She thought to herself when few hours ago, she was guilty of the same

thing.

She took her mind of the current situation and tried to bring up a conversation.

"How long have you two been together?” she asked Simon, who she noticed was stealing glances at

her from the rear view mirror.

She knew he was only checking to see if she was okay because he was aware of her phobia of the

woods, thanks to lan who couldn't keep his mouth shut.

“Seven years. Dated for two years and have been married for five years.” Britney, Simon's wife

replied with a bright smile.

Kimberly could tell by her smile that she was ecstatic being married to the love of her life.

Simon kissed Britney's knuckle, making her blush red.

"Wow!" Kimberly mouthed, wondering if her and her fiancé would last that long.

What if he gets tired of her?

Stop, Kimberly. Stop.

"Got kids?” Kimberly asked, distracting herself from the negative thoughts she was beginning to

have.

“Not yet, but we're planning towards it.” Simon replied with a genuine smile, one that shows he

couldn't wait to be a dad.

"You guys are cute.” She complimented, internally hoping that her and lan would last for a life time.

“Thanks Kim.” Britney cheerfully replied, earning a polite smile from Kimberly.

"We look even better together.” lan mischievously whispered in her ear before tickling her, making

her burst out in giggles.

“I heard you.” Simon said, trying to sound serious but failed miserably, as one could tell he was

smiling.

"What about them?” Kimberly asked, pointing at the couple behind after recovering from her fit of

giggles.

“Leo and Amber met last year.” lan replied.

“I see... No wonder they can't take their hands off each other.” She commented, stealing a glance at

the couple who were still swallowing each other's lips.

How can they even make out for this long without taking a break? Kimberly wondered, when

suddenly she heard lan and Simon burst out in laughter.

"Oh my God! Did I say that out loud?” she asked. lan nodded, making her feel slightly embarrassed.

“Okay, I need to shut up now.” She remarked, resting her head on lan’s shoulder and closed her

eyes for a quick nap.

Hours later, they arrived at a small cabin in the woods. lan and his friends rented the cabin for a

whole week.

Kimberly got out of the to look at her surrounding. She felt goosebumps all over her body the

moment her sneakers touched the ground. She wasn't even on her bare feet, yet she felt this way.

The place was eerily quiet, she couldn't help but feel nervous.

“Boo!” Leo roared in her ear, causing Kimberly to scream out in fear. He burst out in laughter from

her reaction.

"Quit that, Leo.” lan says, angrily shoving Leo

“I was only kidding, man. Can't you take a joke?” Leo countered.

“Go mess with someone else.”

“Hey, hey guys. That's enough.” Simon interfered, standing between them.

“It's okay.” Kimberly assured lan as she held his hand to prevent him from getting into a fight with

his best friend.

"You sure, you're okay?" he asked in a whisper, as he cupped her face in his hands. She nodded and

lan placed a kiss on her forehead.

“Go inside.” He said. Kimberly did as she was told.

“Don’t you ever pull such stunt again.” lan warned Leo, the moment Kimberly walked into the cabin

and shut the door behind her, leaving the three men outside.

“I'm sorry, okay? I didn't think she'd take it seriously.” Leo explained, trying to defend his action.

lan glared at his friend one last time before getting their bags out of the trunk and going into the

cabin.