Part 40 ( Juliet )

I stare up at the ceiling, my muscles protesting even the thought of moving. "Fuck," I mutter, voice raspy from exhaustion. "I think you actually killed me."

Ellie, who's still lying beside me, propped up on one elbow, smirks down at me, looking far too pleased with herself. "Poor baby. Too much for you?"

I let out a slow breath, willing my body to cooperate as I attempt to sit up, but the second I shift, pain flares up in my thighs, my core, places I didn't even realize could hurt this much. I hiss, immediately flopping back down with a wince.

Ellie's smirk vanishes in an instant. "Jules?" Her brows knit together, all amusement gone as she sits up properly, looking me over. "What's wrong?"

I press a hand to my thigh, grimacing. "Everything."

Ellie frowns, eyes scanning me like she's trying to diagnose the exact level of damage she's inflicted. "Are you okay?"

"No." I shoot her a look. "I'm sore as hell."

She exhales, guilt flickering across her face. "Shit,Julie, I'm sorry." She sits up fully now, her hand brushing over my hip, her touch gentler. "I didn't mean to go that hard-"

A knock on the door interrupts her.

"Guys?" Mia's voice carries through the door. "Dinner's ready."

Ellie sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "They have the worst timing."

"We'll be down in a minute." I raise my voice so Mia can hear me.

I groan, dragging a hand down my face. "You think they'd be used to this by now."

Ellie chuckles but sobers quickly when I move again, wincing.

"Okay, yeah, you're definitely not moving," she declares, reaching for the covers like she can cocoon me into the bed. "You're on bed rest."

I roll my eyes. "I'm not dying, Ellie."

She doesn't look convinced. "No, but you're hurting." Her hand moves over my thigh, rubbing slow, soothing circles. "Should I get you anything? Ice? A hot bath?"

I sigh, closing my eyes for a moment, just soaking in her touch. "A new body, maybe."

She lets out a soft laugh, but I can tell she still feels bad.

I reach up, threading my fingers through her hair, tugging her down for a kiss. It's reassuring, and when I pull back, I murmur, "I'll survive."

Ellie huffs. "You sure?"

I hum. "I'll be fine, El."

Ellie watches me for a beat longer, her fingers still tracing slow, soothing circles against my skin, like she's debating whether to push for more or just let it go. Finally, she sighs, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead.

"Alright," she murmurs, her breath warm against my skin. "But if it gets worse, you tell me."

I smirk, tilting my head up just enough to brush my lips against hers. "So bossy."

She huffs a quiet laugh, but I can still see the concern in her eyes.

I slowly sit up, bracing myself for the inevitable wave of soreness. I clench my jaw to keep from wincing too obviously, and Ellie's hands are already on me, steadying me, ready to catch me if I so much as falter.

I shake my head, placing a hand over hers. "I've got it, babe."

Ellie doesn't look convinced, but she nods anyway, staying close as I carefully push myself off the bed. The ache is still there, a deep, lingering soreness in my thighs, but I force my body to cooperate, rolling my shoulders and stretching subtly, testing my limits.

Ellie stands beside me, her hands hovering like she's prepared to step in at any moment. "You're sure you're good?"

I sigh, offering her my best, most confident smirk. "I'm great."

She arches a brow. "Uh-huh."

Before she can argue, I grab her hoodie from the chair and tug it over my head, letting the oversized fabric swallow me up in warmth. It smells like her, fresh, a little like the pine-scented body wash.

Ellie eyes me for a moment longer, then shakes her head with a smirk. "Come on, baby. Let's get you fed before Mia comes up here and drags us down by force."

I huff, adjusting the sleeves of her hoodie before mustering up the best, most casual expression I can manage. The last thing I need is Mia and Luke clocking me for moving even remotely stiff.

Ellie opens the door, and we step out into the hallway. The scent of food wafts up from downstairs, and I steel myself for what is undoubtedly going to be a round of teasing.

By the time we reach the bottom step, I've perfected my face, neutral, effortless, totally-not-sore. I walk as smoothly as possible, even if every muscle in my legs protests the movement.

Mia, of course, is the first to clock something. She squints at me from across the dining table, fork halfway to her mouth. "You okay? You're walking kinda... weird."

Ellie tenses beside me, but I beat her to it, plastering on an easy smirk. "Yeah, well, I almost slipped on the stairs because someone—" I shoot Ellie a look, "—forgot to wipe up all the damn water after her race to the bedroom."

Mia snickers. "That does sound like her."

Ellie plays along, rolling her eyes as she pulls out a chair for me. "You could've warned me before you started sprinting."

I smirk, carefully lowering myself into the seat as smoothly as possible. "Where's the fun in that?"

"Alright," Luke says, grabbing a roll from the breadbasket. "Let's eat, food looks amazing."

Ellie sits beside me, subtly shifting her chair closer, like she's still on high alert. Her fingers find my knee under the table, tracing light patterns over my skin, and it takes everything in me not to shiver at the warmth of her touch.

I lean in slightly, just enough for her to hear. "Told you I'm fine."

Ellie hums, but her eyes flick toward me, knowing. "Mmhmm."

I shoot her a look, but she just smirks, casually grabbing her fork like she isn't plotting something.

I shake my head, exhaling, and reach for my own plate.

Mia sighs dramatically, setting down her fork with unnecessary flair. "I can't believe this is our last night."

Aiden chuckles, shaking his head. "You say that like we're never seeing each other again."

Mia huffs, waving a hand. "It's not the same! This was the perfect trip. The perfect balance of chaos, fun, and near-death experiences."

Luke groans, stabbing at his food. "You mean your chaos, your fun, and our near-death experiences."

Olivia smirks, nudging him. "You're just mad you wiped out first."

Mia points at him. "Exactly. You set the tone."

Luke glares. "I did not set the tone."

Ellie, beside me, lets out a low chuckle. "You kinda did, man."

I hum, sipping from my glass. "For what it's worth, it was very entertaining."

Luke mutters something under his breath, but Olivia just pats his arm sympathetically.

Ellie exhales beside me. "Mia's right, though. This trip went by way too fast."

I glance at her, tilting my head. "You almost sound sad."

She smirks. "Almost."

Aiden leans back in his chair. "I mean, technically, we could always do this again."

Mia gasps, smacking the table. "Oh my God. A tradition."

Olivia lifts a brow. "You're gonna force us all into a yearly retreat?"

Mia grins. "Absolutely. Imagine—next year, same time, different place. Maybe a beach. Maybe somewhere even colder."

Aiden chuckles. "I'd be down."

I hum, tapping my fingers against my glass. "As long as we're not forced into extreme sports, I'm open to the idea."

Ellie smirks, nudging me under the table. "Didn't enjoy watching us wipe out?"

I shrug, lips curling at the edges. "I enjoyed it immensely."

Mia crosses her arms, eyes narrowing playfully. "So, beach trip next?"

Luke groans again, dragging a hand down his face. "If you say itinerary one more time, I'm walking into the snow and not coming back."

Mia gasps. "Rude."

Olivia grins. "I vote beach."

Aiden nods. "Same."

Ellie glances at me, raising a brow. "You up for it?"

I smirk, swirling the liquid in my glass. "I suppose if I survived this trip, I can handle another."

Ellie leans in slightly, her voice dropping so only I can hear. "You'd survive anywhere with me."

I meet her gaze, amusement flickering through me. "Confident, are we?"

Her smirk deepens. "Always."

I roll my eyes but don't argue. Instead, I settle against her just a little more, letting the warmth of the moment sink in.

Mia claps her hands together, clearly satisfied. "Alright! It's decided. A yearly trip. With or without Luke's emotional support."

Luke groans louder. "Why do you always come at me."

Mia grins, leaning her elbows on the table. "Because it's easy. And fun. And, let's be real, you bring it on yourself."

Olivia pats his arm, smirking. "It's okay, babe. I still support you."

Luke sighs dramatically. "At least someone does."

Ellie chuckles beside me, shaking her head. "Alright, before we spiral into another round of Luke's victim complex, what's the plan for the rest of the night?"

Mia immediately perks up, eyes gleaming. "Movie night."

Aiden raises a brow. "You actually planned something normal for once?"

Mia glares. "I am capable of chill activities."

"We've got the big TV in the living room, blankets, snacks, and—" Mia shoots a pointed look at me and Ellie, "—a strict no disappearing act policy."

I feign innocence. "I have no idea what you mean."

Mia narrows her eyes. "Sure."

Ellie smirks, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "What's the movie?"

Mia claps her hands. "Since it's our last night, we're going full comfort mode. Something nostalgic."

Aiden hums. "Like what?"

Mia grins. "I was thinking something How to Train Your Dragon."

Luke groans. "Again?"

Mia gasps, scandalized. "How dare you disrespect a cinematic masterpiece?"

Ellie hums beside me. "I mean... I'm down."

I smirk. "Me too."

Mia points at Luke. "Majority wins. Your complaints are invalid."

Luke sighs. "Whatever."

Mia beams. "Good. Now, everyone get comfy. Movie starts in ten."

Ellie squeezes my hand as we all shuffle toward the living room. The sectional is big enough for all of us, but, of course, Mia's already claimed the best spot in the middle, dragging Aiden down beside her.

Luke and Olivia settle at the other end, and I let Ellie pull me down with her, my back against her chest as we curl up under one of the throw blankets.

The lights dim, the opening scene playing across the massive screen.

I exhale, relaxing into Ellie's warmth, her arms looping around my waist. She presses a soft kiss to my shoulder, murmuring, "Comfy?"

I hum. "Mmhmm."

Mia's voice cuts through the quiet. "I swear if anyone falls asleep during this, I'm kicking you off the couch."

Luke groans. "Just press play."

The movie starts, and for the next couple of hours, it's nothing but warmth, laughter, and the occasional bickering over the best dragon.

-

Somehow, at some point during the night, we all passed out where we sat, tangled together in what can only be described as absolute chaos.

Ellie and I are curled up on one end, her arms still wrapped securely around me, her face buried in the crook of my neck. A heavy sleeper, apparently, because she doesn't stir when I shift slightly.

Luke is... on the floor.

I blink down at him, half-covered by a blanket that clearly wasn't his, arms crossed over his chest like he just gave up on fighting for space. His face is squished against the rug, mouth slightly open. I resist the urge to take a picture.

Olivia is curled into a tight ball on the couch, her legs tucked up against the armrest, looking about two seconds away from rolling off.

Aiden, however, has somehow managed to make the most out of the situation. He's half-sprawled upside down over one of the couch cushions, his head hanging at an angle that cannot be comfortable, an arm flung dramatically over his face. His legs? Up on the coffee table like he just decided to go full starfish in his sleep.

I blink at the sight, stifling a laugh.

I glance around.

Mia is missing.

Carefully, I untangle myself from Ellie's hold, making sure not to wake her as I slip off the couch, stretching slightly, my muscles still sore but not as bad as last night. Then, quiet as possible, I make my way toward the kitchen.

Sure enough, Mia is there, sitting on one of the stools at the counter, a cup of tea in front of her. She looks up when I walk in, offering a small, knowing smirk. "Morning, sunshine."

I roll my eyes, leaning against the counter. "I just spent two minutes trying to navigate around Aiden's crime scene of a sleeping position."

Mia snorts. "I don't know how he does it. He could sleep standing up if he had to."

I shake my head, stealing a sip of her tea before hopping onto the stool beside her. "What are you doing up so early?"

She shrugs, cradling her mug between her hands. "Couldn't sleep. Figured I'd come sit for a bit."

I hum, watching her. There's something quiet in her expression, something reflective.

"You ever think about how much has changed since high school?" she says after a moment, her voice softer than usual.

I exhale, nodding. "All the time."

She scoffs lightly. "Back then, I thought the biggest thing I'd have to worry about was passing finals and figuring out what the hell I wanted to do with my life." She shakes her head, smiling faintly. "Now? We're here. Pregnant. Settled. Actually... happy."

I tilt my head, studying her. "You weren't happy then?"

She considers it for a beat, then sighs. "I was. I just... didn't think happiness would look like this, you know?"

I nod slowly, understanding completely. "Yeah. I get that."

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment before she smirks, bumping her knee against mine. "But hey, at least we still ended up with the best partners."

I chuckle. "That part's true."

She tilts her head. "I mean, come on. Who would've thought we'd actually find people who can put up with our shit?"

I scoff, grinning. "Speak for yourself."

Mia laughs, shaking her head. "No, but really. Look at us. We survived high school, we survived all the dumb drama, and now we're here, drinking tea at the crack of dawn, pregnant, talking about how lucky we are."

I smirk. "You make it sound like we're ancient."

She rolls her eyes. "You know what I mean."

I exhale, rubbing a hand over my stomach absentmindedly. "It's kind of insane. In a few months, we're gonna have tiny little humans that depend on us."

Mia hums, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah. Except i have 2 kids. And the new one got a head start on yours."

I arch a brow. "By, like, what? A few months?"

She grins. "Still counts."

I shake my head, amused. "You act like our kids are gonna be rivals."

"Oh, they absolutely will be." She smirks. "But in the cool way. Like, 'oh yeah, our moms are best friends, so now we have to one-up each other forever.'"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Kids."

She grins, resting her chin in her palm. "So, have you and Ellie talked about baby names yet?"

I hum. "A little. No final decisions."

Mia wiggles her brows. "Need suggestions? Because I have some."

I squint at her. "Do I want to hear them?"

She grins mischievously. "Probably not."

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. "We'll get there."

She nods, sipping her tea. "Yeah. We will."

For a moment, it's just quiet, the soft hum of the heater filling the space.

Mia sighs. "You know, despite all the insanity, I'm really glad we got this trip."

I smile. "Me too."

She grins. "Even if it means dealing with Luke's whining and Aiden's absolutely cursed sleep positions?"

I snort. "Even then."

Mia hums, stretching her arms. "Well, guess we should enjoy the last morning before everyone wakes up and ruins the peace."

I smirk. "Let's be real. Luke's gonna wake up first and immediately start complaining."

She groans. "Ugh, you're right."

I shake my head, taking another sip of her tea. "Might as well enjoy the quiet while we can."

Mia exhales, leaning back against the counter, a soft, content look in her eyes.

Mia meets my gaze, her expression soft. "Do you ever think about what would've happened if things had gone differently?"

I consider it for a moment. "Sometimes. But honestly? I would change a thing."

She raises a brow. "Really?"

I nod, setting my mug down. "Yeah. I mean, sure, there were moments I wish I'd handled differently, but... every decision led me here. To Ellie. To this baby. To all of us still being here, together." I smile faintly. "It's hard to regret that."

Mia watches me for a beat before sighing, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. "You're such a sap."

I roll my eyes, but I don't deny it.

She shifts, resting her chin in her hand. "I used to be so scared of screwing everything up. Like, what if I wasn't a good mom? What if I made the wrong choices? But then... you just do it. You wake up every day and do your best, and somehow, it works out."

I nod slowly. "Yeah. That's kind of how I feel about this pregnancy. Some days, I still can't believe it's happening. But then again, I think about Ellie and how excited she is, how much she already loves this baby, and suddenly, it doesn't feel so scary."

Mia hums, her smile turning more genuine. "She's gonna be a great mom."

I grin. "The best."

Mia shakes her head, chuckling. "It's funny. We used to spend so much time obsessing over the future, and now we're living it."

I exhale, nodding. "And somehow, it's better than I expected."

She lifts her mug in a mock toast. "To the best-case scenario."

I clink my mug against hers. "To surviving."

She laughs, taking a sip before setting it down with a sigh. "You know, our kids are gonna have the weirdest, most chaotic family."

I smirk. "They don't stand a chance."

Mia grins. "Nope. They're doomed."

I shake my head, warmth blooming in my chest.

A sudden noise breaks the peaceful silence, a heavy, uncoordinated thud, followed by the distinct sound of someone stumbling into furniture. I turn toward the doorway just in time to see Ellie appear, rubbing at her eyes, her hair an absolute mess from sleep.

She looks adorably disoriented, still half-asleep as she makes her way toward me, her steps slow and lazy. Without a word, she slips her arms around me from behind, her body warm against mine as she buries her face in my neck.

"Morning, baby," she mumbles, her voice raspy and soft.

I hum, leaning back into her embrace. "Morning."

Mia, of course, is watching us like we're the most entertaining thing she's ever seen. She grins, sipping her tea before setting the mug down with a smirk. "You two are so cute. It's honestly offensive this early in the morning."

Ellie hums against my skin, pressing another lazy kiss to my cheek before glancing at Mia. "You're just jealous."

Mia scoffs. "Of what? The way you're clinging to her like a needy koala?"

Ellie smirks, tightening her hold on me just to be obnoxious. "Exactly."

I roll my eyes, but I don't push her away. Instead, I reach up, brushing my fingers through her messy hair. "You sleep okay?"

Ellie sighs dramatically. "I would've if Aiden didn't sleep like he got possessed in the middle of the night."

Mia cackles. "Oh my god, I was just telling Jules! He was sprawled out like he was in a crime scene."

Ellie groans, rubbing her face against my shoulder. "I woke up with his foot in my ribs."

Mia grins. "And Luke? Poor guy didn't even make it onto the couch."

Ellie lifts her head slightly. "He's on the floor?"

Mia nods. "Mouth open, face smushed, full crime scene."

Ellie hums, clearly unbothered. "Serves him right for all the whining."

I smirk, running my fingers up and down her arm. "You're cruel."

"Me? Never." she murmurs against my skin.

Mia groans. "Okay, I take it back. This is gross."

Ellie smirks. "You're just mad you don't get morning cuddles."

Mia shrugs, unbothered. "I'm pregnant. I get whatever I want."

Ellie tilts her head, considering. "Fair."

I chuckle, leaning into her warmth. "Well, since we're all up, should we make breakfast before everyone else drags themselves in here?"

Mia sighs, stretching. "I guess. But let's take our time. I want to see who wakes up first and complains the loudest."

Ellie grins. "My money's on Luke."

Mia nods. "Solid bet."

I shake my head, amused, before nudging Ellie gently. "Come on, baby. Let's start the day."

Ellie groans dramatically but doesn't let go of me just yet. Instead, she presses another kiss to my cheek, lingering for a moment before sighing. "Fine. But only because you asked so nicely."

Mia grumbles something under her breath, but she's smiling as she gets up to grab another cup of tea.

I shake my head, warmth settling in my chest as Ellie finally releases me, stretching with a sleepy yawn. Whatever comes next, I already know it's going to be a perfect last day.

-

The morning passes in a comfort. Breakfast, and the slow process of everyone finally dragging themselves out of their respective sleeping positions. Once the last mug of coffee is drained and the plates are cleared, the inevitable moment arrives.

Packing up.

The cabin, once filled with warmth and chaos, now echoes with the sounds of zippers being pulled, bags being shuffled, and the occasional complaint about something mysteriously missing, only to be found five minutes later exactly where it was left.

I stand by the window, watching as the snow glistens outside, the trip's final morning unfolding in a way that feels both too fast and too slow all at once. Ellie is beside me, her arm lazily draped around my waist, fingers tracing slow patterns against my hip as she murmurs, "You ready?"

I exhale, nodding. "Yeah. Just... can't believe it's over already."

She hums, pressing a kiss to the side of my head. "I know. Feels like we just got here."

Mia walks past with her bag, rolling her eyes. "Can't believe I actually have to return to real life after this. Disgusting."

Olivia snorts as she zips up her own suitcase. "You mean return to being spoiled by Aiden while he does most of the parenting?"

Mia gasps dramatically, clutching her chest. "I contribute."

Aiden, passing by with an armful of blankets, just lifts a brow.

Mia waves him off. "Don't expose me."

Ellie chuckles, squeezing my waist before stepping away to grab our bags. I take one last glance around the cabin, letting the memories of the past few days settle before following her out the door.

The van is already half-loaded when we step outside. The cold bites instantly, but it's a familiar chill now, one I've grown used to.

Luke shuts the trunk after tossing in the last bag, rubbing his hands together. "Alright. Everyone accounted for?"

Mia counts dramatically. "One, two, three—yeah, I think we got everyone."

Ellie smirks. "You sure? Last chance to leave someone behind."

Aiden hums. "I mean, if we have to make a sacrifice..."

Olivia shakes her head. "No. Everyone's getting in the van. No stranding people in the snow."

Luke exhales, pulling open the driver's side door. "Alright then, let's get this show on the road."

Mia sighs, lingering by the cabin door for a second before grinning. "Same time next year?"

A chorus of agreement follows, laughter filling the air as everyone piles into the van.

Ellie nudges me as we slide into our seats. "One hell of a trip."

I smirk, lacing my fingers with hers. "The best."

With that, the van rumbles to life, the road stretching ahead, leading us back to reality, but not without the promise of doing it all over again.