Until Dawn Fanfiction-Epilogue

Chris

My phone buzzed & I looked at Ashley sheepishly. 'One moment.' Although I was secretly relieved that I had a reason to not stay focused on the cheesy romcom Ashley had insisted on watching.
She could probably tell I wasn't into anyway. When I thought she wasn't looking, I was mindlessly looking through my phone's photo album, forcing myself to delete those with Josh in them. It was just too painful to be reminded again. Especially when I didn't remember-couldn't remember- Josh as my buddy, but Josh as a mindless creature terrorizing the mountains.

'Wha-?' I widened my eyes as I read the message. 'Please tell me you're kidding.' I muttered, typing the exact words to Matt.

'What?' Ashley looked mildly annoyed & peeked over my shoulder. 'No way in hell. I know she thinks she's always right & well yea she's smart but this is the most ridiculous thing I've heard coming from her.' Ashley said vehemently.

'You're talking about Emily, you think disagreeing would stop her?' I rubbed my temples.

'I doubt she'll go if Matt isn't by her side.' Ashley said. 'So just tell Matt to put his foot down and stand up to her for once.'

'But Ash... don't you think Em has a point?' I hesitated, not looking her in the eye. 'I mean, I really can't imagine how Josh is like now... it's just so cruel...'

'Goddamit Chris, don't tell me your mind got all screwed up too.' Ashley threw her arms up. 'Don't play games with me now. Now's not even the right time.'

'I'm just saying I understand why Emily wants to do this. ' I said defensively.

'Oh I think all of us can comprehend a few words written in simple English by Matt.' Ashley was getting impatient. 'Chris, we need to move on okay? Just think about it, if Josh was a true friend, he wouldn't want to see us so distraught.'

'You don't understand, Ashley. Josh can't even think right now. He's not even Josh anymore, okay? So don't try to romanticize his death like his soul is resting in peace because it's fucking not.' I let it all out in one breath, taken aback that I had it in me to actually talk back at Ashley.

'Well then, I'm so sorry for being so concerned because it looks like my advice isn't needed anyway.' Ashley's voice was laced with malice as she leapt up and stalked off to the door. 'Look, I came here just wanting to chill and forget about this for a little while OK? And you're not helping at all.'

'Ashle-'

'I know you're just letting emotion rule your head now. But honestly, is it really worth it? You have a calmer head than Emily so I'm just letting you decide.' she slipped into her boots.

'Ash, I didn't mean it. I'm sorry ok? '

'I just don't think I can handle any more...drama. I already lost my shit back there and I'm not up to doing it a second time. So please, do it for my sake- or, or- we'll have to end this.'

'End...? Damn it Ash, I-'

'The last thing I want is to lose somebody I care about again, and it's better to let someone go than bear the pain.' she finally said.

Before I could say anything, she had picked up her pace and was a distant figure slowly disappearing from my sight.

I looked down at the dimly-lit screen of my phone.

I'll have to go with her. You know I gotta man. I almost lost her once in front of my very eyes. Yeah. Just letting you know in case.

I slumped back onto the couch and type a reply with trembling fingers.
Can I come?

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