𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐲𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 ~ 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐮

We were all gathered in the Chateau. It was the first time we were all hanging out together since the island. Sarah and John B went to talk in John B's room while the rest of us stayed in the main area of the house.

"So, what kind of plane is it?" Cleo asked.

"Well, it is Ward's, so I'm guessing it's something lit," Pope said.

"I'm not exactly sure what kind of plane it is, but yeah, it's hella cool," I confirmed.

Cleo grinned. "That's what I'm talking about! Flying private, baby."

Pope took a seat next to me on the couch, while Cleo, JJ, and Kiara went into a different room.

It was silent for a moment before Pope finally broke it. "Hey," He said.

I pressed my lips together awkwardly. "Hey..."

"How are you?" He asked, trying to keep the conversation moving.

"I'm good," I replied, though my tone didn't quite match my words.

Pope nodded, sensing something was off. "Cool..."

"Actually, um, I'm not good," I admitted. "Look, Pope, I think we should talk."

"I, uh...I think that'd be a good idea," He replied. "Look, I know I overreacted. Some of the things I did weren't cool, and um, I'm sorry,"

I shook my head. "Don't apologize,"

"I should be the one apologizing. You were worried about me," I continued, my voice trembling slightly. "You just wanted to know what was going on, and I lied to you. Something was wrong, and...and I tried to convince you there wasn't," I fought back tears. "I'm really sorry,"

"Well, what was wrong?" Pope asked, genuinely concerned.

"What still is wrong," I corrected him, taking a deep breath to compose myself. "Since the island, I've been—"

Pope's attention suddenly shifted as something caught his eye. I followed his gaze and noticed an orange hue illuminating from outside the kitchen window.

"What the hell?" I muttered under my breath, my eyes widening as we both scrambled to our feet.

"Oh, shit. That's a fire!" Pope exclaimed urgently. "We gotta tell them!"

Without wasting a second, I sprinted towards John B's room, my heart pounding in my chest, while Pope hurried off to inform JJ, Cleo, and Kiara. I flung open the door, to find John B and Sarah making out on the bed. John B was shirtless and Sarah wore only her undershirt.

"Shit, sorry! There's a fire!" I informed, my voice filled with urgency.

Startled, they immediately broke apart. "Fire? Wait, what?!" Sarah asked, her eyes wide.

John B turned to me, confusion etched across his face. "Wait, A, what are you talking about?!"

I picked up their shirts from the floor and tossed them towards them. "We have to get out! Come on!"

They swiftly grabbed their shirts, hastily putting them on as we exited the room. Neither of them bothered with the buttons.

As we returned to the main area, we were met with utter chaos. Everyone was frantic, looking around at the blazing fire that surrounded the house.

"Sarah, stay away from the door!" John B shouted, concern evident in his voice.

My sister instinctively reached for the doorknob but pulled back immediately upon contact. "Ow!" She winced.

The flames had blocked the front door, and as I glanced over, I noticed that the side door was also engulfed. Fuck.

"Holy shit, it's spreading fast!" JJ exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief.