Chapter 1
In the early afternoon, the scene unfolds as a young girl walks past someone just stirring from sleep on the living room couch. The girl, Ember, receives a text message:
“We’ll be there to pick you up within the hour.”
Ember quickly informs her friend, Ruby, that they need to get ready promptly to avoid upsetting their leader again. As they rush towards the door, Ruby recalls something at the last moment.
“Oh, I need to grab my other shoes!”
It takes her a moment to find them, but by the time she does, the van has already arrived to collect the girls. The girls offer their apologies as the group sets off to gather the remaining members, who have had run-ins with the group in the past.
Avery is the first to be picked up, and her greeting doesn’t sound overly warm or sincere.
”Hi everyone. Nice to see you after a month of exile.” She said without a smile.
Upon collecting the third male, Adam, his demeanor shows that he was unhappy about something and it was the fault of the whole group. He he spitefully slammed the van’s door, prompting another male, Chase, to respond with a frown and a dismissive eye-roll. Ember and Ruby share an uncomfortable glance as their male leader in the front seat shoots a disapproving glare.
He received a kiss from Avery, who didn’t help the situation with what she said to him.
”Don’t blame everyone for your punishment.”
“They got me in trouble with an elder. I just came home three days ago.” He hissed.
Several minutes later, the van arrives at the primary meeting point to collect the last members. A female named Telka stands waiting in front of her house. As the van pulls into the driveway, Telka smiles and signals to another female, Alara, who emerges from the residence, brushing strands of hair from her face. Alara captures the attention of one of the males (Chase) as she takes her place in the middle section of the van, leading to Avery moving to the back seat with her partner. Ember and Ruby warmly greet the new arrivals.
Expressing their desire for some music during the journey, all three girls request the radio to be turned on for at least part of the ride. Raiden, looking at Telka for approval, switches on the radio. While Avery and her partner exchange hushed comments, the boy seated next to them, Chase, wears a displeased expression. An unintentional comment from Avery prompts Adam to make critical remarks about Raiden’s leadership. He believes that, as the driver, Raiden should assert his authority more effectively, viewing his current approach as weak for a dominant male. In response, Avery subtly tests Adam’s dominance by pinching his neck, challenging his assertiveness.
As the journey continues, Ember, Ruby, and Chase engage in light dancing to the tunes on the radio, until a song with explicit lyrics plays. Raiden prepared to switch the channel until Adam interrupted.
” Keep that sh** on and turn it up.” He yelled.
Noticing that it’s one of Adam’s favorites, Avery encourages him to sing along. Adam, enjoying the song, did just that as Raiden and Telka observed him through their front mirrors. Alara remained oblivious to the explicit recipe thanks to the headphones Ruby provided her. Chase and Ember exchange disapproving glances, prompting Raiden to lower the volume. Ember shoots a disdainful look at Avery, catching Telka’s attention, who intervenes verbally.
“Enough of that,” Telka asserts, pointing at Adam and Avery.
Alara turns to look at the couple behind her, while Ruby and Chase cast direct glances at them. Ember maintains a neutral expression as Raiden focuses on the road.
Upon reaching a pit stop, Chase firmly communicates to Telka and Raiden that he won’t stay in the back seat for the rest of the journey. He tried to pour a whole bottle of water on the back seat.
