The Good "Outdoors"

[Deleted]

((OOC: sorry it took so long to get this up, and also for the poor coordination of it! Basically, cabin camping with tours of local landmarks etc. So feel free to make breakaway threads between your characters. Cabin-ing dates are the weekend before Hammel classes start(July 18-20, I believe correct me if I'm wrong). Have fun! Go nuts! Cause trouble!))

Backdated to July 18

They'd been driving all morning. It was little surprise that they'd separated into two groups, Sera's friends and Malachai's, and thus had the lots traveling in the two siblings' respective cars. And of course, Sera had used the opportunity to compete against her brother, to see who could get to the location in Pennsylvania before the other without driving, well, hazardously. It would be pointless to race if they all got into a car crash and died. That would have ruined the weekend completely as well.

So it was Sera, Carleigh, and Alice in her blue BMW[/i] as they traveled through the several hour trip. Honestly, Sera was curious why they hadn't simply flown, especially since her car wasn't exactly optimal for long distance travel - it was cramped and lacked sufficient trunk space, forcing them to stash some of their bags in Malachai's vehicle - but her brother insisted. Something about his friends being too uncomfortable with being treated to such things. Whatever, they should have just been thankful for it, then Sera and her friends wouldn't have had to suffer through a multi-hour car trip that was hopefully going to the the only uncomfortable thing about this trip. It was supposed to be fun.

"We're here," Sera announced as she pulled into the designated resort area parking, a gravel-like road. Really, what was Sera thinking? There were such better places that they could have lodged at, like at one of the Wright homes. If she could, Sera would have reserved Fallingwater itself, but they wouldn't allow that no matter how much money she offered. In the end, she'd scheduled at least two tours(Malachai's child wasn't allowed on the tours, thus the need to have two instead of one all at once. It really was a pain), and reserved three cabins, each furnished with two full-sized beds, a kitchenette with a small dining table, a full-bath, and sofa set before a large flat-screen television. Of course, each cabin had cable. And centered out between the cabins in the wooded area there was a large jacuzzi spa, big enough to fit 6 or 7 adults. The cabin area was also lines with nature trails, one of which led down to a lake where they could enjoy swimming. The Fallingwater house itself was located less than 15 minutes away, walking. It was actually farther away to drive, since the roads didn't have as direct a path to the house as the trails did. Sera was looking forward to seeing that place the most. But was not looking forward to walking.

But whoever decided to make this a "camping" trip was mad(oh, it was her, oops). Already Sera was irritated with being so out in the wilderness. Sera parked the car and stepped out, feeling like she was going to be accosted by insects any minute. She was already starting to feel miserable and couldn't wait to settle into her own cabin. She straightened her sun-glasses. "I'm feeling one with nature already," she said dryly to her companions. She searched the parking area for Malachai's car.

[Alice Halifax]

Alice was all too aware that the Roen clan had this thing about running off to the woods and spending time with nature, but had managed to avoid any of those said trips up until now. Sera had asked Alice to come with her this time....to the tune of about fifty times and finally, Alice finally caved in. It wasn't that she didn't want to spend time with Sera, it was the fact of spending time with other people she didn't know. Alice knew one of Sera's other friends was coming along plus two of Malachi's friends along with his bastard child. She had no idea of how these people acted but hoped they weren't a waste of human existence. Alice surmised that Sera's friend would be tolerable if not enjoyable to be around, after all, Sera had a high set of standards. Sera had also asked Alice to at least put forth some effort in being nice to this Carleigh and so Alice had obliged her 'little sister' and was keeping any and all opinions to herself. Alice's worry of just how tolerable she could be of Carleigh was unfounded as she spent many hours with her and Sera in the car. Carleigh seemed genuinely cheerful and somewhat grounded and judging from the way she talked came from a wealthy family as well. Alice found all of these things acceptable and so far had found herself liking this new girl. What she didn't like, was the excruciating car ride to wherever Sera was taking them all to die.

Sera's car reflected Sera's taste perfectly. BMW had been the trophy of many rich families and Alice's was no different. Alice herself didn't drive, she had never felt the need to learn. Whenever Alice needed a ride somewhere, all it took was the right key phrase to the right person and she was in business. Alice did feel a bit bad though for not being able to relieve Sera of some of the burden of driving, but she would make it up to her later. Malachi had been gracious enough to take some of the girl's bags with him in his car and good thing as Sera and Alice seemed to think that a few days meant taking half their wardrobe with them. Thankfully Alice was a small framed woman and so she fit somewhat comfortably in Sera's car, the only saving grace to the car ride of eternity. Flying would have been much more simpler but for whatever reason they were all driving. Alice bit her tongue on the subject out of respect for Sera.

Alice had fell asleep sometime during the ride and awoke at the sound of gravel beneath the car tires. She opened one eye slowly at first and then the other. The woods were beautiful, she couldn't deny that and the sight of the cabins was even lovelier. The car slowed to a stop and Sera shut the engine off. For a moment they all sat there before Sera stepped out of the car. Alice followed suit, stepping out into the crisp clean air, finding the escape from Sera's car a pleasant victory. She laughed a little at Sera's snide comment, expecting no less from her close friend. Leaning on the open car door just a little, Alice looked about the area, finding the silence soothing. She had to admit she was impressed thus far and found herself actually looking forward to the weekend. Sera had not let her down and Alice mentally kicked herself realizing she owed Sera an apology for not being more excited about all this earlier. "It's not that bad Sera, at least it quiet," Alice said, pushing off the car door, looking to her friend.

[Malachai Roen]

Kai, on the other hand, wasn't going into this with thoughts of competition. So while Sera was rushing to get there before him, Kai took his time, to an extent - he still drove somewhat fast so they wouldn't be hours behind his sister, but with a baby in the car, he was extra cautious. Not to mention, he wouldn't have been surprised if Zach turned out to be someone who got carsick. With some music playing (not too loudly) over the radio and the windows rolled partway down, Kai was determined to make the most of this trip.

Nevertheless, it was hard not to feel tense with both Vanessa and Zach in the same vehicle with him. Kai had found out that the two were sort-of friends now, but it still made him feel... Anxious, to have two of his past lovers in this sort of situation. Not just lovers, but the mother of his child and the man he was still in love with.

Why had he thought this would be a good idea?

Too late to change now. He pulled into the parking area a good fifteen to twenty minutes after Sera arrived, shades perched on the end of his nose as he glanced at the foliage around them. "It's beautiful out here," he remarked to his passengers as he put the car in park. Kai immediately hopped out and went to the back seat to see how his son and Christian's mother were faring. "Is he alright? He didn't get sick on the ride or anything, did he?" Kai murmured to Vanessa. He glanced at Zach and smiled very faintly before looking at the ground, and then over to where the cluster of his sister and her two friends were. "You haven't been waiting too long, have you?" he called out to them, tossing a couple of his bags over his shoulder as he walked over to the group. "I would have driven faster, but I didn't want to make the baby sick or anything."

He flashed his bright white smile at the three young women. "Alice, nice to see you," he greeted the first blonde before glancing to the one he didn't recognize. "You must be Carleigh," he guessed, offering his free hand. "Malachai. But call me Kai, most people - except my sister - do." He turned his smile to Sera. "Should we take a look at where we're going to be living for the next couple days?"

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh had kept busy during summer break, first with her short road trip with River and now 'camping' with the Roens. With the way Sera described it, it wasn't what most people considered camping, which was alright with the blonde. Staying in various hotels and even the car some nights during her road trip had been... fun, but she'd be lying if Carleigh said she didn't miss her bed some nights. Her friend had invited her this year, and she wasn't going to turn Sera down. It would be fun.

The only person Carleigh knew well enough on the trip was Sera, but meeting people had always been a strong attribute of hers. In the BMW, there was herself, Sera and her other friend, Alice, that Carleigh had just met. The fellow blonde seemed nice, and so she had no problems chatting away with the other girl. Although Carleigh was well off, she wasn't rich like the Roens were. Flying hadn't occurred to her as a possibility, and if the two other girls suggested it as one, the Californian probably would have laughed it off as a joke.

All in all, Carleigh hoped it would be an enjoyable weekend with her friends before they had to go back to school. Due to her ongoing inability to sleep, she had been awake most of the car ride, talking to Alice and Sera (if they were awake) and humming along quietly to the radio. Her previous road trip had provided her with some experience in packing down, and so, her clothes and necessities for the weekend were packed away. It had been a long car ride, and Carleigh was ready to settle down. She followed her friends out of the car, stretching out her legs with a chuckle.

"I like it." She declared, looking around the area with a nod. About twenty minutes later, another car pulled up, presumably Kai and his friends. Carleigh looked up to the sky, to the trees, and finally on the group in front of her, which included... a baby? She brushed away the thought, nodding as Sera's older brother introduced himself. "Yup, I'm Carleigh. Nice to meet you." She cheerfully greeted, shaking his hand in return. Her eyes curiously landed on the baby again, trying to remember if Sera had talked about a baby at all.

[Deleted]

Kai had been right, then again, he would know, wouldn’t he? And Zach had though he’d hidden his tendency to get carsick pretty well from Kai during all those times they’d driven together from Burlington to Pilot Ridge. But driving was preferable to the other suggestion Kai had made. No, they were just going to Pennsylvania, that did not warrant the trouble of a plane ticket.

So Zach, despite his protests and insisting that Vanessa take the front seat, ended up seated next to Kai the whole trip, awkward as it was. He rested his head on the side of the door, keeping his eyes closed most of the trip and interjecting on occasion to any conversation going on between the other two adults. He helped care for Christian during the rest stops. But for the most part, he slept. Zach should probably have offered to relieve Kai from driving, but nope. Zach was intentionally going to make this more difficult on the younger man.

He blinked his eyes open and lifted his woozy head once the car came to a complete stop. Zach took a few deep breaths before daring to open the car door and stumble from the vehicle onto the gravel drive up. “This is….nice,” he said to himself. Zach turned rounded to the back seat and started gathering up some of the needed baby supplies that Vanessa had with her back there. They could bring their stuff in later, babies came first.

Zach glanced over to the other car, not surprised to see it filled completely with girls. So that’s Kai’s sister? he thought to himself. She looked….intense? Maybe that was just because Kai had warned him about her so much. She was probably nice enough. Brothers had a tendency to exaggerate. Zach knew he did that sometimes about his younger siblings. He put on a smile for the trio and gave an awkward wave. Zach stayed close to the car, however, until Vanessa was ready with Christian, before following Kai to the other group, expecting him to lead the way down to wherever it was they would be staying.

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

Vanessa had been hesitant about going on the trip, since she didn't want to leave Christian behind for an entire weekend without his mom or dad. In fact, she nearly turned down the offer until Kai insisted that their son was more than welcome to come and arrangements could be made. She wasn't surprised, with how doting Kai was to Christian. So, here she was, the weekend booked off of work and everything packed. Vanessa hoped the weekend would go smoothly, given the prior history between everyone.

Her and Zach were good. Her and Kai were also good. But being in a vehicle with the two together and her son provided a quiet car ride. Vanessa sat in the backseat beside Christian in his car seat, a bag of baby supplies resting on the floor at her feet. For most of the journey, Vanessa had stared out the window or made small talk between the three of them, in hopes of making the car ride a little less awkward. That hadn't been the case.

The Hispanic girl began to unbuckle Christian once they arrived, snorting as both Zach and Kai jumped to help her out with the baby. "No, he was perfectly fine." She said with a smile, running her fingers through Christian's hair as he squirmed in protest. She got out of the car, saying "Thanks." to Zach on her way out. She took Christian in her arms, since it was easier to carry him (sort of) than let him wander around and inevitably get lost, and walked alongside Zach as the trio made their way over to the other group, which included Kai's sister Sera... Christian's aunt. She shifted, giving a small smile. The meeting in the mall had been weird... to say the least. Vanessa continued to force a smile, waiting for further direction as to where to go.

[Deleted]

“That’s true,” Sera admitted to Alice. The woods were very beautiful, and it was very quiet, such a blessing compared to the constant drone of chatter back at the school. Sera was not bothered that Alice was unable to provide any relief from driving. Driving was something that Sera enjoyed very much. It gave her an immediate sense of control, especially since she insisted on driving a car with a six-speed manual. transmission. Converse to Alice’s situation, while they were both from a wealthy family line, it was because of Sera’s that she was required to learn to drive, as independence and hard work were the hallmark of a Roen’s road to success. Not learning was not an option.

They waited there in the parking lot for a good 20 minutes before Kai finally rolled himself into the lot. “Forever,” she said curtly when he asked. Sera didn’t say anything more about it, though. They were all there and that’s what mattered. Now they could finally get situated and out of this mucky, “natural” air.

“Please,” she said, standing from her lean against the car and unfolding her arms, letting them rest at her sides. They’d come back and get the luggage later, after they’d situated themselves. She sent a glare of daggers over to the two friends that Malachai had decided to invite along on this trip. She should have known; the money-grubbing skank, and the dimwit writer. Sera was happy to see Christian, however, so she had to at least consider that a plus from Vanessa coming along.

“The cabins are down this way,” she stared, leading the way across the gravel to the wooden staircase that led down into the wooded area where the cabins were. “I have the keys for three cabins. Each one has two full-sized beds. Which means we need to decide who rooms with who.” There was no way Sera was going to let Vanessa or Zach room with Malachai. She turned at the bottom of the steps were there was a small landing before the walkway separated to the individual cabins. “I propose this situation: Alice and Vanessa; Zachary and Carleigh; and then Malachai and myself.” She didn’t bother to ask if that was alright with everyone else.

[Alice Halifax]

The three young women didn't have to stand around too long waiting on Malachi and his merry band of misfits. Alice let her cold blue eyes drift to Malachi's car, watching as he tumbled out making his way to the backseat and presumably his supposed child. Another guy emerged from the car, nothing special about him as far as Alice was concerned. She found him boring as a more suitable target appeared, the mother to the bastard child. Alice had no clue as to who this woman was or what she was like but Sera hated her and so by proxy so did Alice. It was a tight bond these two shared, one which would bring about nothing but misery for this mystery woman. Alice had promised to be nice to Carleigh and out of respect for the Roen family, she would extend Malachi some sort of kindness, but that was about as far as her so called good will was going to stretch. She nodded to Malachi with a smile as he acknowledged her, "Always a pleasure Kai," she said truthfully as Malachi could be a charmer. Alice chose to remain silent to Malachi's two companions until she was properly introduced and even then she probably wouldn't speak much unless it was venomous.

Alice didn't have to look to Sera to know the other's foul mood. Sera made no efforts to hide her dislike of Vanessa or for anyone else for that matter. Alice found some amusement in Sera's hatred, knowing that this little vacation was about to be hijacked to a horrible place. Alice thought of some of the things she could suggest to Vanessa and in Alice's twisted mind, those things could prove to be quite dangerous. Then again, Alice didn't need her ability to be mean, it was just her nature. Sera was important, she was family and if pushing this Vanessa way past her breaking point would make Sera happy, then that would be what Alice would do. Malachi might get upset at the harassment of his baby momma but he could just get over it.

Alice followed Sera and the others toward the cabins, admiring the forest as they walked. Alice wasn't an outdoors sort of person, but this camping wasn't your typical sort. She could handle a cabin, especially the kind Sera had picked out. Alice wondered who would bunk with whom, foolishly hoping it would be divided into each Roen siblings respected group. Sera dashed those hopes as she laid out the bunking arrangements. Alice stared at Sera for a moment, silent but brooding. "Joy, I get the whore," she said coldly, letting her eyes drift to Vanessa, uncaring of what her thoughts or feelings might be, "Why don't you let your dear brother have her Sera, apparently he doesn't care what he curls up against," she added, giving that smirk of hers. Yeah, it was earlier, and Alice had already pulled the pin on this drama grenade.

[Malachai Roen]

Kai was… Very pleasantly surprised with how Zach and Vanessa had been interacting, but mainly with how much Zach was helping with Christian. Of course, Zach had more experience with babies, as Kai had only had Sera to experience when he was very little himself, so he supposed it was expected, but… Still. He was making Kai look bad. “Thanks for all your help, you know, with the baby,” he murmured to his… Friend… As they walked towards the other group. “… I really appreciate it…” Kai didn’t know what else to say.

He rolled his eyes at his sister’s “forever” comment, but nodded as Carleigh confirmed who she was and flashed another smile at the three of them. Kai kept close to his two… Companions, his eyes falling on Christian several times as they all mingled a bit. He really, really hoped this went smoothly. “Oh, um, this is Zach, Vanessa, and Christian,” he told the two blondes a little belatedly, motioning to each in turn. He was going to say they were college friends, but bit his lip. It would sound like a lie, because it was one.

He sent Sera a warning look, seeing her glaring at Zach and Vanessa, but followed her silently as she took the lead. Kai was going to be keeping a close eye on his sister, lest she try anything. When they reached the base to the cabins and Sera proposed their rooming situation, however, he scowled, knowing exactly what game she was playing. “That doesn’t sound fair,” he chided her (gently). “Zach and Vanessa should at least room together because they know each other.” Of course, Kai would have preferred being with Zach himself, but he didn’t want to risk Vanessa getting put with –

He turned his now colder glare onto Alice, biting back a cruel retort to her unkind words. “If you’re going to say such things about my friends, you won’t be welcome anywhere near them,” he said lowly, his already deep voice tinged with dark intent. “Keep your opinions to yourself…. Or yourselves,” he added, shooting a look at his sister. “Come on, guys, let’s get you settled in.” He stood between his guests and Sera’s, holding his hand out to his sister for a key. “Don’t fight this,” he told her, softly enough so the others couldn’t hear. “Please. For me.”

[Carleigh Davidson]

Carleigh eyed the strangers, giving both Zach and Vanessa a pleasant smile as she was introduced to the two, respectively. It seemed like it would be a nice weekend, especially spent with Sera and Alice. The two girls were nice, at least, from her perspective. She listened, following as the group of friends were lead towards the cabin with a bounce in her step. It was a secluded area, the cabins nestled into the woods picturesquely.

The blonde hoped that she would be paired with either Alice or Sera. Not that it mattered too much to Carleigh, but it was her preference as she had pre-established a friendship of the sorts between the two younger girls. Her eyes lingered on the other woman, with the young boy in her arms. And then, Sera threw a curveball. Her and Zach? Carleigh watched the quiet man, nodding. Although it wasn't her first choice, he would be fine. She didn't sleep much, and so long as he wasn't someone who snored, she'd get by.

And then Alice called Vanessa a whore. Carleigh's face fell, shocked from her retort and a bit uncomfortable. She had the impression that everyone was on good terms, but now, the blonde could tell there was a disconnect. A heavy, awkwardness filled the area, and she shifted. Was it going to be like this the entire weekend? Arguing began between the rooming assignments, and she crossed her arms, staying quiet, for once.

[Deleted]

It was an automatic thing for Zach, helping out with the baby. He’d had so much practice with his own siblings that there wasn’t really much a question of whether or not it should be done, it was just something to be done. And Vanessa had been doing everything herself for the past year, she could probably use the break. He gave her his natural, awkward, flat smile in response to her thanks. “Yeah, it’s um…I have a lot of experience…” he said to Kai in response to his own words of appreciation. “Though I’m pretty sure you need more help than Vanessa.” He offered a shy smile with his teasing words. Zach would have gone on, but his hesitation made him miss his entry point as Kai was already crossing the parking lot by the time he gained the nerve. Oh, well.

They’d barely arrived, but already Kai’s sister was taking charge of things. She’s a bit bossy, was his first thought. Zach paid it no mind, thinking that it was good that somebody was, because Zach was such a silent, doormat, he wouldn’t know where to start. He looked between the other two girls and gave an quiet “Hi.” They seemed nice, if a little…what was the word? Preppy? The older blonde seemed to have a very strong nature while the younger one a bright sort of character. All three of the girls were intimidating, to say the least. But perhaps this would be a good opportunity for his writing. He’d rarely dealt with these sort of people before…it could be…educational. That’s what he told himself at least.

Zach blinked as the room arrangements were announced. Didn’t that seem just a little…inappropriate? Zach looked over to the girl Carleigh and sent her a nervous smile. He was a 24 year old man and she was just a high school girl. Even if he was gay, Zach didn’t think it was okay in the least.

He snapped his head to Alice when she made her comment about Vanessa. What the—? Is that what she really thought about her? As if to back up Kai and his obvious anger at her callous words, Zach spoke up with assertion and a fierce look in his eye. “That’s fine with me. I’ll room with Vanessa.” Kai was too forgiving. Zach already didn’t want Alice anywhere near Vanessa and the baby. If only to keep that from happening, Zach was glad he came. Kai’s sister(and her friend Alice, he didn’t know yet about the other girl) really was someone to be wary of, just like Kai had warned. Hopefully there wouldn’t be anything more than this though.

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

Vanessa shifted Christian in her arms, grunting a little under her breath. He was getting heavier; she would have to start lifting weights or something. The thought made her let out an amusing snort, as Kai introduced herself and Zach to Sera’s friends, nodding. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Kai’s eyes were lingering on Christian as oppose to focusing on everyone else. She caught his attention, giving him a reassuring smile. Things were going to be alright. Nothing would happen to Christian, especially since he seemed to have everyone wrapped tightly around a tiny finger.

She followed the group as Sera talked about the cabin’s locations and the rooming situation. Obviously, the baby would most likely stay with her unless Kai wanted a night with Christian. He was a quiet sleeper anyway; it wasn’t like he was going to be disturbing whoever Vanessa ended up rooming with. The cabins were gorgeous, and nicer than she expected. Then again, it was a weekend getaway with the Roens. Sera announced the rooming arrangements, finding that she was with one of the blondes, Alice. Vanessa had been perfectly okay with the situation, until Alice spoke. Joy, I get the whore.


Had she not been holding Christian, Vanessa would’ve stormed over and take the tiny bitch and shake her. She bit down on her tongue, hard, trying to repress the words inside. “Oh, how creative, calling me a whore.” The Hispanic girl snapped, her hold on her son tightening. The insults kept coming, and although she held her head high and confidently, inside, Vanessa did feel it. She’d be lying if she said she was unaffected by the words. Glaring at the horde of girls, she finally tore her eyes away to look at Zach. “Yeah, I’ll room with Zach..” Because if she was paired with Alice, Vanessa didn’t know if the other woman would make it through the weekend alive.

[Deleted]

Alice was exactly what Sera hoped for, a friend who could stand by her side and back her up when she needed it. She made no effort to hide her pleasure at the blonde woman’s words, however sour they were, as that was the precise reaction she was hoping to inspire from the room arrangements she’d offered. Sera didn’t think anyone would go for it, but that was fine and worked in her favor. What was that technique called? The one where you offer an incredibly unsavory thing in order to get what you wanted which was only slightly better? As long as Sera got to room with her brother, then she was fine.

“You can’t blame me for trying,” she shot back, in an equally hushed voice as she handed him two sets of keys, one for their cabin, and one for his “friends”.

Sera turned to her own companions and gave them one of her shallow smiles. “I’ll show you to your cabin, alright. Then we’ll get you settled in.” Sera had no problem helping her guests move in before moving in herself. Actually…

Sera turned her head back to Malachai. “Malachai, bring my things into the room while I help these two.” Her smile widened, though only slightly. “Please.” She faced her posse again and motioned them in the direction of their cabin. “There’s a hot tub over on one of the look-out decks. I hear the view is beautiful. I say we get moved in, then indulge. Sound good?” She looked to her brother. “Malachai, you should come too.” She had no intention on inviting the other two eyesores.

[Alice Halifax]

What Alice had said, how she had acted had all been for Sera. Well, that wasn't completely truthful. She wanted to rile Kai's feathers a bit so to speak. She enjoyed teasing and tormenting the elder Roen sibling, call it a bit of playful flirtation. Kai and Alice shared a brief bit of time together in the past and some part of Alice still wanted to hang onto that moment. Don't misunderstand, Alice wasn't interested in trying to score Kai as a permanent possession, she just had some fond memories of their brief time together. It hadn't been anything very serious, more physical than anything else. Sera had no idea of the things her brother and close friend had done together and she could never know. Sera was more than a drama queen, she was an oncoming storm of chaotic emotion. She would never understand. Perhaps though, if Alice was careful enough, she could use that private past between her and Kai to some devious advantage on this little camping trip. She would have to be careful though not to let too much slip in front of Sera.

Kai was quick to defend his baby momma, not much of a surprise there. Kai hand't been here but mere minutes and he was already playing the doting father to the little bastard. Alice could already see the strings Vanessa had wrapped around Kai and felt a bit of frustration. Kai was smarter than this. He was all too willing to just jump in and play dad here. How could he even know the kid was his? Had he at least ordered a paternity test or was he to blinded by whatever this Vanessa girl had done to him? Had she come to him with sweet words of how she loved him and how sorry she felt for denying him the chance to be a father to this supposed son of his? Alice had been manipulating people and situations for so long that she saw treachery almost everywhere. Trust wasn't an option for her, save for a small select few in her life.

Alice chose to remain silent at Kai's retort and choosing to ignore whatever Vanessa had to say. She cared little to none what Vanessa thought of her, after all, Sera had brought Alice to torment this little money grubbing urchin anyway. As for Kai, Alice would oblige him to a degree as she held some small bit of respect for him, even in this moment of stupidity. The sleeping arrangements changed quickly, as Alice had surmised they would, and she smiled, glad to be paired with Carleigh. Having the peppy young woman as her bunk mate for this weekend excursion would give Alice ample time to see just what sort of person this Carleigh was.

Sera pulled the moment back into her court, escorting her section of this war to their cabins, ordering Kai to bring her bags down from the car. Alice found this amusing and laughed a bit, following her friend and hopefully her new friend Carleigh off to wherever Sera was leading them. The mention of a hot tub sounded wonderful and Alice couldn't hardly wait to get into her bathing suit and into the hot water. The car ride here had left her somewhat tense and a bit on edge.

[Malachai Roen]

Kai was already feeling incredibly guilty for bringing Zach and Vanessa along. Especially Vanessa. What had he expected, really? He’d practically been asking for this, and now the poor thing was dealing with the consequences. His jaw tightened. He was going to make sure he did something nice for Vanessa for having to deal with this shit.

He took the two keys from his sister, relieved that she didn’t put up more of a fight. “I know exactly what you’re doing,” he uttered back to her, slipping both of the keys in his pocket. “Don’t take it out on them, alright? Take it out on me if you must.”

Kai sent another warning glare at Alice and then glanced at the other blonde, who was looking extremely uncomfortable. His eyes softened, and he wondered if Carleigh hadn’t realized there was such a bitchy side to the other two girls. He made sure he caught her eye and gave her a small nod before his attention was directed elsewhere.

“I’ll carry in your things after I help my friends get settled in,” he told Sera, speaking firmly. “You guys can go relax in the hot tub. I’ll see how I feel once everything is brought in.” Without another word, he turned and went to stand near Zach and Vanessa, nodding towards their cabin in the slight distance. “We can take Christian’s stuff inside and then go get the rest of your things,” he told them as they made some distance from the other group. “…. I’m so sorry about them, guys… I wasn’t sure how to warn you.” He sighed, toying with the key to their cabin in his hand. “Sera is an incredibly jealous person and Alice is her… I don’t know, guardian or something.” He looked at Vanessa. “I know I probably don’t have to tell you, but it’d be best if you stayed as far away from her as possible,” he mentioned. “Zach… You too. I’ll… I’ll try to get over to your cabin as much as I can so you two don’t have to deal with them. They shouldn’t have a reason to bother you unless they have a valid reason.”

Or so he hoped.