cherry lips
𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
STRANDED
chapter one
coded by cherry !! 
Snow swirled and gently fell from the grey sky as cars steamed slightly in the parking lot, having idled for far too long, and the cable car cables groaned in protest from use. Footprints all went in the same direction, waiting for the next available lift up the mountain, pressing their key fobs to ensure their cars were locked before departing for good. The slow climb was nostalgic and quiet, any memories of youth or excitement that once filled their bodies had since been overridden by guilt, fear, and dread. What would they think? What would they say? Anxiety wrapped long cold fingers around the heart of each individual that made their way to the top of the mountain, towards the soft golden glow of the ski lodge.
They were brave, venturing back up that mountain, back to the place that had bathed in the blood of their friends. And yet, the Wintercourt Ski Resort looked undisturbed by the tragedies or even time. Ski runs were perfectly groomed, the fresh powder just begging to be disturbed. Wildlife was scarce, but there were small trails left in the snow from deer and potentially smaller game, not fearing the possible presence of people. It was almost eerie how untouched it all looked. A slight jolt rocked through each car as it plateaued upon reaching the summit. The large building of the lodge loomed in front of them, the warm lights pooling on the cold snow, sending each individual tumbling back into their childhood.
It was exactly the same. It hadn’t changed. Not one bit. The intricate purple and gold banner hung across the large oak doors, welcoming each guest as they arrived. They hadn’t seen it in so long that they almost forgot it, but now, the banner was almost sickening to look at. Delicate gold letters spelled out a single phrase that they had seen countless times during their childhood, “Happy Birthday Lauren & Kirk!”, and yet, nobody was happy to see it this time. Upon looking around the area a bit more, they could see that snowboards, skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, everything had been prepared for their arrival. They were arranged in the same way as they were before, though this time they were sized for adults. Nobody could mistake the gear that was specifically used by the twins, always set up in the front, practically shining like jewels they were so well cared for. It was disturbing, to say the least.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Pushing into the lodge, a chill settled into the bones of the birthday guests as they saw the perfect recreation of the last party that ever took place. Streamers, balloons, gift bags, snacks, Wii games, movies, records, a pinata, it was all there. Upon checking the fridge, they even saw the cake that had been served that fateful night. It was as if they had been transported back in time to the worst time of their lives. Echoes of voices and laughter seemed to hang in the air as everyone whipped their heads around at the sound of a door opening, almost as if Lauren and Kirk had come out to chastise them for being late. But nobody was there. Not this time. It was then that everyone remembered the words of Mr and Mrs. Winters, this was a time to celebrate and remember Lauren and Kirk. They were meant to put them to rest once and for all.
Unbeknownst to the group, after the last cable car descended back down the mountain, the whole rig shut down. It was unable to be operated on either side, essentially stranding everyone at the top of the mountain, unless they dared to try and descend the mountain by other means. But nobody knew, how could they? They were too busy unloading their belongings in the lodge, preparing for a party that nobody asked for and everyone was dreading.
The group successfully made it up to the Wintercourt Ski Resort and has started to get settled in the lodge that they will be calling home for the next week. Upon arrival, everyone noticed that the twin's parents had arranged it to be exactly how it was ten years ago, the last time anyone was last there. The decorations were up, small gift bags were prepared on the table, snacks and meals filled the kitchen, and many games/movies were ready to be played in the living room. It's hard not to feel uncomfortable in such a setting but there's not much anyone can do. All they can hope for is that people get along with each other and they survive until the end of the week. However, without anyone's knowledge, after the last group member arrived at the lodge and was securely inside, the cable cars were completely shut down. No power, no access, no way down the mountain. At least, no easy way down. There is no explanation for this at present, but it's only a matter of time before someone wants to leave and they won't be able to.
They were brave, venturing back up that mountain, back to the place that had bathed in the blood of their friends. And yet, the Wintercourt Ski Resort looked undisturbed by the tragedies or even time. Ski runs were perfectly groomed, the fresh powder just begging to be disturbed. Wildlife was scarce, but there were small trails left in the snow from deer and potentially smaller game, not fearing the possible presence of people. It was almost eerie how untouched it all looked. A slight jolt rocked through each car as it plateaued upon reaching the summit. The large building of the lodge loomed in front of them, the warm lights pooling on the cold snow, sending each individual tumbling back into their childhood.
It was exactly the same. It hadn’t changed. Not one bit. The intricate purple and gold banner hung across the large oak doors, welcoming each guest as they arrived. They hadn’t seen it in so long that they almost forgot it, but now, the banner was almost sickening to look at. Delicate gold letters spelled out a single phrase that they had seen countless times during their childhood, “Happy Birthday Lauren & Kirk!”, and yet, nobody was happy to see it this time. Upon looking around the area a bit more, they could see that snowboards, skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, everything had been prepared for their arrival. They were arranged in the same way as they were before, though this time they were sized for adults. Nobody could mistake the gear that was specifically used by the twins, always set up in the front, practically shining like jewels they were so well cared for. It was disturbing, to say the least.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Pushing into the lodge, a chill settled into the bones of the birthday guests as they saw the perfect recreation of the last party that ever took place. Streamers, balloons, gift bags, snacks, Wii games, movies, records, a pinata, it was all there. Upon checking the fridge, they even saw the cake that had been served that fateful night. It was as if they had been transported back in time to the worst time of their lives. Echoes of voices and laughter seemed to hang in the air as everyone whipped their heads around at the sound of a door opening, almost as if Lauren and Kirk had come out to chastise them for being late. But nobody was there. Not this time. It was then that everyone remembered the words of Mr and Mrs. Winters, this was a time to celebrate and remember Lauren and Kirk. They were meant to put them to rest once and for all.
Unbeknownst to the group, after the last cable car descended back down the mountain, the whole rig shut down. It was unable to be operated on either side, essentially stranding everyone at the top of the mountain, unless they dared to try and descend the mountain by other means. But nobody knew, how could they? They were too busy unloading their belongings in the lodge, preparing for a party that nobody asked for and everyone was dreading.
The group successfully made it up to the Wintercourt Ski Resort and has started to get settled in the lodge that they will be calling home for the next week. Upon arrival, everyone noticed that the twin's parents had arranged it to be exactly how it was ten years ago, the last time anyone was last there. The decorations were up, small gift bags were prepared on the table, snacks and meals filled the kitchen, and many games/movies were ready to be played in the living room. It's hard not to feel uncomfortable in such a setting but there's not much anyone can do. All they can hope for is that people get along with each other and they survive until the end of the week. However, without anyone's knowledge, after the last group member arrived at the lodge and was securely inside, the cable cars were completely shut down. No power, no access, no way down the mountain. At least, no easy way down. There is no explanation for this at present, but it's only a matter of time before someone wants to leave and they won't be able to.
