CHAPTER 20
My little firework jumps from the top of the cliff down into the round hole at the base of the waterfall, screeching the whole way down as her friend cheers her on. I can’t help but admire how all eyes are on her, and they can’t pull away.
“Come back up.” Annie bellows as she stands at the top of the waterfall, cupping her hands over her mouth, trying to get her voice to reach down to the landing below.
Annie’s hair falls down her back, still dry due to her lack of participation in the events and the purpose of them coming here, even though it was her idea.
I’ve been slowly following them from their campsite to the falls, but made sure to keep a safe distance so they couldn’t hear me coming.
I have no doubt she knew I was trailing behind them, but she never once looked back or tried to spot me.
Thank goodness she didn’t, because I’m not completely disguised today due to the temperature and hiking through the fucking forest. I’ve left my bandana hanging around my neck with a baseball cap on backward.
She climbs back to the top of the falls, dripping wet and in nothing but a skimpy two-piece bathing suit.
I can tell she’s a little fucked up from the edibles she ate.
Even though I know she has a high tolerance, these ones seem to be doing a number on her.
Her eyes are glossed over, and she keeps yawning, but seems thrilled to be high as a kite.
She’s adorable like this, all red-eyed with giggles and no care, like nothing’s going to get her down.
“Please jump with me.” Scarlett pleads with Annie as the other three sit there on the rocks with their phones in their hands, too distracted to pay the two any mind.
“We can go down lower if you want.” She continues to beg, resorting to putting her hands together and batting her long eyelashes.
“But I don’t want to, there are too many people,” Annie whines as she reaches for her little backpack.
From my spot tucked behind a boulder to the right of them, I can see my little prey roll her glossed eyes and practically sigh loud enough that everyone could hear her disapproval over the roar of the waterfall.
“You’re such a little party pooper.” She darts towards Shay, who’s sprawled out on a rock, sunbathing with her little baggie of gummies tucked away.
“Where are they?” Scarlett reaches for Shay’s bag, but Shay snatches it, tucking the camo bag to her chest.
“You don’t need any more girl, you’re already as high as a fucking kite.”
That little comment sends my little firework over the edge. She rips the bag out of Shay's clenched hands and shoves her hand into the bag. Before anyone can stop her, she’s stuffing two or three more gummies into her mouth. She doesn’t even bother to chew, swallowing them whole.
Where is this extra reckless behavior from?
Because the girl I know and have grown fond of would never put herself into such compromising situations.
Did I cause her to act out like this because she knows I’m watching?
I can’t help but wonder if she’s only being this way to get me to step in and take control of the situation.
Then the unthinkable happens, she strips her sandals back off and marches to the edge of the cliff. Her eyes are bright red and watering like she’s been crying for hours. I’ve never seen anyone look this fucked up off weed before.
My heart plummets into my stomach as I watch in slow motion. My little prey steps off the cliff. Not jump, just walks right off. All the girls scream as they stumble to their feet.
I waste no time pulling my bandana over my mouth and nose as I sprint to their side, gazing over the edge. My little firework is nowhere in sight. That’s all I need to send myself right over the edge, with her not caring about anything but finding my little prey.
I would dive off a thousand cliffs if it meant keeping her.