Part 1
“Is this yours, babe?”
Fatin holds up a black and white braided leather bracelet she found tucked away in one of their boxes. The sunlight filtering through the window catches it just right, casting a soft glow across the simple design. She raises an eyebrow, waiting for Leah’s reaction.
Leah, who had been folding a hoodie on the other side of their bed, pauses mid-fold to glance at Fatin. “Oh wow,” Leah says, her voice full of surprise. “I had totally forgotten about that.”
She walks around the bed to join Fatin, taking the bracelet from her hands. Leah turns it over in her fingers, her eyes lingering on the braided details. “I can’t believe I still have this…”
Fatin watches her closely. “So it is yours?” she says with a frown. “I’ve never seen you wear it.”
“Yeah, Raf gave it to me when we left the island,” Leah says.
Fatin can’t help but roll her eyes. “God, he was such a creep,” she mutters under her breath. Her hand reaches for the bracelet, “Guess we can throw it away then,” but before she can toss it into the “TRASH” box on the bed, Leah laughs and snatches it back out of her hand with surprising speed.
“Babe, please,” Leah says with a playful tone, holding the bracelet up between them. “It’s a souvenir from Raf... and one of the many reminders of the nightmare we went through. I don’t want to just toss it.”
Fatin crosses her arms over her chest, still frowning, but her gaze softens a little. “I swear, he was practically drooling over you the whole time. He couldn’t stop staring.”
Leah rolls her eyes and steps closer, bringing her free hand up to rub up and down Fatin’s arm. “He wasn’t that bad,” she says lightly. “He was just a guy trying to help us get out of the bunker.”
Fatin snorts. “If he was trying to ‘help,’ he should’ve kept his eyes to himself. I mean, seriously, if we were stuck on that fucking island any longer, I would’ve beaten his ass. Thank god it was just a week.”
Leah lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You were jealous, weren’t you?” she teases. She steps into Fatin’s space, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her lips. “But I wasn’t oblivious to it, babe. I just wasn’t focused on him. I was focused on the person I was falling for.”
Fatin’s heart does a little flip, and she smiles against Leah’s lips. When they pull back, she keeps her forehead pressed gently against Leah’s.
“Maybe you didn’t notice it, but he was totally staring at you,” Fatin says quietly, her hands moving to Leah’s waist.
Leah pulls back just enough to meet her gaze, her hands resting lightly on Fatin’s shoulders. “Maybe I didn’t notice because I was too busy staring at someone else.” She grins, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Fatin’s stomach flips at the playful glint in Leah’s eyes. “Oh yeah? Who?” she asks innocently.
“My hot, sexy, and badass girlfriend at the time,” Leah says with a grin, her voice full of warmth. “She’s the reason I did everything I could to get us out of that place. Everything I did, I did it for her.”
“What do you mean “at the time”?” Fatin frowns.
Leah laughs, pushing Fatin’s shoulder lightly. “That’s what you want to focus on?” she laughs.
Fatin leans into her, slipping her arms around Leah’s waist and pulling her closer. “I’m just wondering what happened to that incredible girlfriend of yours,” she murmurs, rubbing her nose against Leah’s before staring into her beautiful blue eyes. She will never get tired of those eyes.
Leah smirks and winks. “She’s still my girlfriend, don’t worry. But now she’s also my roommate!” Her voice is full of excitement.
Fatin’s face lights up with a grin. “Fuck yeah. I’m the luckiest girl in the world,” she says, kissing Leah softly. “I’m so happy that we’re finally moving in together.”
Leah pulls back just slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Wait, when did I say you were the hot, sexy, and badass girlfriend?”
Fatin scoffs. “Please, like anyone else could handle your ass, Rilke.”
Leah laughs and nods. “That’s true. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ve made me the happiest girl in the world.”
Leah leans in again, capturing Fatin’s lips with her own, and Fatin immediately responds, her hands gliding up to Leah’s neck as she deepens the kiss. A break from unpacking sounds very appealing right now.
Leah gladly welcomes Fatin’s tongue in her mouth and moans slightly. Fatin takes this as a sign and gently guides Leah backwards until the back of her knees hit the bed. Leah breaks the kiss and laughs as she falls on the bed. Fatin swiftly straddles her and puts her hands on each side of Leah’s head, looking down at her.
But just as Fatin leans down to kiss her again, Leah holds her back gently by placing her hands on Fatin’s shoulders. “We’re not done yet,” Leah says with a teasing yet firm tone. “Remember? We said no sex until everything is put away.”
Okay yeah, they did say that and Fatin already regrets it.
Fatin groans, reluctantly pulling away. “Fine, you’re no fun,” she says dramatically. She stands up and grabs Leah’s hands to help her up. As she does, her eyes fall on the bracelet in Leah’s hand. “So... should I throw this thing away now or do you wanna do it yourself?”
Leah’s lips curl into a mischievous smile. “I love when you get jealous.”
“I’m not jealous!” Fatin huffs, rolling her eyes. “I just think we should be getting rid of things we won’t use. We’re moving in with six other people, Leah. There’s no room for extra junk.”
Leah laughs, clearly enjoying this little back-and-forth. “It’s not junk, it’s a souvenir! Besides, I haven’t talked to Raf since we left the island.”
“Good,” Fatin says, crossing her arms again. “I guess you can keep it... for now.” She rolls her eyes dramatically, making it clear she’s not thrilled with the idea.
Leah smirks, her gaze softening as she looks at Fatin. “Did I mention how much I looooove jealous Fatin? She’s so hot.”
Fatin throws her hands up in mock exasperation but can’t hide the grin on her face. She pulls Leah into another kiss, and they sigh happily together, letting the world fade away for a moment.
But before the kiss can deepen, there’s a loud crash as the door to their room swings open.
“Are you guys done yet?” Toni’s voice rings out, and Fatin and Leah both jump back in surprise. Toni stands there, hands on her hips, deadpan expression on her face. “Are you fucking serious? We need to be done today, and you guys were going to have sex? All our new furniture is being delivered tomorrow!”
Fatin glares at Toni, “Do you not know how to knock? Isn’t that like the first rule we established?”
“Yeah yeah,” Toni dismisses Fatin with a wave of her hand and Leah can’t help but laugh, “Hurry up so we can start putting away the kitchen stuff.”
“Bitch what if we were naked and having sex?” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
“We spent fifty days stranded on an island together, so nothing I haven’t seen before,” Toni smirks. “Remember that time I saw you guys having sex by the waterfall? That was fu-,” and before she can continue, Fatin grabs the bracelet from Leah’s hand and tosses it at Toni with all her might.
“GET OUT, Shalifoe!” Fatin shouts.
Toni ducks to avoid the bracelet, laughing all the while. She doesn't even close the door on her way out, leaving it wide open.
“And close the door, you animal!” Fatin calls after her.
“Close it yourself!” Toni shouts back from across the hall.
Fatin shakes her head while Leah laughs. “Is this how our days are going to be now? You, Toni, and your crazy banter?”
Fatin grins. “Throw in Rachel as well, and it's just your usual day.”
Leah chuckles and slaps Fatin gently on the ass. “Come on,” she says with a grin, “Let’s get this over with.”
Leah goes back to folding and putting their clothes away while Fatin continues putting their stuff in the dresser.
Fatin goes to the door to close it, and picks up Leah’s bracelet from the floor. She puts it in one of their drawers.
She thinks back to what they went through over a year ago and how far they’ve come.
Sure, being stranded on an island with a bunch of strangers wasn’t fun. It was hell. However, Fatin has to admit that, thanks to that crazy bitch Gretchen, she and Leah got close and fell in love on that island.
It was so unexpected, because Leah was just this girl from school. They did not start off on the best terms, but as time went by, they grew closer and Fatin started to genuinely care for this girl, especially for her mental health after being on this island for so long. It did not help when Leah shared her thoughts with Fatin about how there was something wrong with this island, and how she thought Jeanette was definitely involved in all of this.
As time went by and as Leah’s mental health worsened, Fatin tried to convince Leah to focus on other things. It had been roughly three weeks since they were stranded and Jeanette had seemingly drowned right after Leah caught her talking to some tree and she trapped Leah in a pit. After those events, Fatin made it her number one priority to make sure Leah was okay.
Fatin and Leah started spending more time together and getting to know each other. They had their first kiss right after taking a swim near the waterfall; Leah admitted to have fallen for Fatin, and Fatin admitted that Leah was the best thing that had happened to her in a while, despite where they were.
What is funny is that, as Leah slowly started to let go of this crazy idea that people were involved in their crash, Fatin started believing her after she and Shelby found proof.
Then, rescue came fifty days after they were stranded and Fatin did not get time to share her findings with Leah. She really wanted to tell Leah that she was right, and that Fatin should have believed her from the beginning because Leah is the strongest fucking person she knows.
They stayed in the bunker for a week, and during that week, Fatin found a way to break out of her room to meet Leah and tell her what she found. Leah had explained that she also found proof and that she befriended some guy name Raf, who explained how he and some other boys had the same experience. Leah had a plan to get them out of there. She managed to get in contact with Ian, and after Gretchen and her team fled the island, leaving the girls and the boys together, Leah convinced everyone that rescue was on the way.
Fatin was so fucking proud of Leah. She fell in love with her even more and they did not leave each other, even when they got back to their own homes after the nightmare. Fatin is so grateful that they only lived ten minutes from each other. She cannot imagine how hard it was for Toni and Shelby, having to travel to two different cities, far from each other.
Fatin is also grateful for all the other girls she met and who she can now proudly call her best friends. Shared trauma really brings people together.
Of course, finding out that Gretchen did in fact orchestrate the whole thing with Jeanette (who is alive and a whole ass adult) and fooled them was not fun. However, the settlement money they got after months spent in court was worth it.
Here they are, a few weeks after winning their case. It was an easy decision that they all took; moving in together.
Before the island, Fatin had totally different plans. She would sell her father’s watches upon her return from the “retreat” and start a new life in New York alone.
Never in a million years would Fatin have thought that she, the one who did not get tight with girls and who would sleep with a different person every weekend, would become best friends with six girls and would fall in love with Leah. Yeah sure, Fatin always knew she was bi, but she did not do relationships, boy or girl.
And here she was, moving in with her girlfriend and best friends. Starting a new life in NYC, sure, but not in the way she ever imagined.
She would honestly die for these girls.
“Why are you smiling like an idiot?” Leah asks from the other side of the bed.
“Just thinking about how lucky I am,” Fatin grins at Leah while putting a picture of the all the girls on their night dresser.
--
It takes Fatin and Leah about thirty minutes to finish putting all their things away in their room, but it’s far from the end of the day’s work. Another two hours pass as they help the others carry boxes into the kitchen and living room and unpack everything from cups to cutlery to random knick-knacks. The apartment has a chaotic, warm energy now that everyone’s chipped in, their laughter filling the air as they share stories about their time on the island and joke about how they’ll all adjust to this new chapter.
Now, all the work is done. Everyone is gathered in the dining room—their dining room—and pizza is spread out in front of them, a well-deserved reward after the long day. They sit around the table, relaxing in the glow of the overhead lights and the warmth of being together again. The pizza is greasy, cheesy, and absolutely fucking perfect.
“We did it, guys,” Dot grins from her place next to Fatin, lifting her glass in a mock toast. Her eyes shine with excitement, and she turns to look at each of them in turn. “To us, for getting out of this hellhole and starting fresh together.”
They all grin and lift their glasses, clinking them together in unison. The sound is light, but the meaning behind it is anything but. They’ve come a long way from the island. So much uncertainty, so much pain, but here they are—alive and ready to make a life out of all the chaos.
“To us!” they all echo in unison.
“Fuck, I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,” Rachel exclaims. She takes a long drink from her cup and then looks at everyone around the table with warmth that Fatin rarely sees from her. “I love you guys!”
“Are you going soft on us, Reid?” Toni teases, raising an eyebrow as she bites into a slice of pizza, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.
Rachel smirks, not missing a beat. “Fuck no, we all know you’re the biggest softie out here, Shalifoe,” she retorts, earning a laugh from the group.
“I think she’s tied with Fatin, actually,” Dot pipes up, nudging Fatin's shoulder with her own.
Fatin gasps dramatically. “Dorothy, how dare you!” she exclaims, giving Dot an offended look. “I thought you were my best friend.”
“I thought I was your best friend?” Leah says with a serious face.
Fatin freezes, eyes widening slightly. “Oh well…” she says nervously, her voice cracking.
Fatin knows that Leah is probably just messing with her but she still starts sweating a little. While she is absolutely in love with Leah, Fatin and Dot had developed a kind of friendship that everyone dreams of. Fatin doesn’t think that she and Leah would be together if it wasn’t for Dot. She was the one who encouraged her to spend more time with Leah when Fatin would tell Dot about her stupid crush on Leah. Sure, Dot had her doubts about their relationship but admitted that as long as they were both happy, she was too.
Leah presses her lips together, but she doesn’t break her gaze. “Am I not your best friend?” she asks, her voice low but teasing.
Fatin glances around the table, silently begging for someone to come to her rescue, but they are all enjoying the spectacle a little too much.
Fatin feels like she is being put on trial for murder.
“You’re on your own here, Jadmani,” Dot fake-whispers loudly, making sure everyone hears her. She takes another casual bite of pizza as if nothing were amiss, clearly relishing in Fatin’s discomfort.
Fatin groans internally, running a hand through her hair. “Well, you know…” she begins with a nervous smile. “Dot is my best friend, and you’re my best girlfriend and—” Fatin’s words trip over themselves, her nervousness turning her voice into a mess.
Leah’s eyes narrow slightly, playful suspicion in her gaze. “What do you mean, ‘best’ girlfriend?” she presses, raising an eyebrow as she stares at Fatin, clearly enjoying how flustered she’s making her. “How many of those do you have?”
Fatin’s face goes from pink to red, her eyebrows shooting up. “That’s not what I meant!” she exclaims, her voice rising in panic. “I meant Dot is my best friend, and you’re…” Fatin pauses for a second, her breath catching, before finally saying the words that make her heart flutter. “You’re my favorite person in the whole world.” she says it with a shy grin.
Everyone bursts into a chorus of “Aww!” The warmth in their voices makes Fatin’s heart swell, and her face turns an even deeper shade of red.
Leah leans in, her smile softening as she gently presses her lips to Fatin’s and when they pull back, Fatin can’t help but blush harder, feeling the flutter in her chest.
“You’re my favorite person too,” Leah murmurs, brushing a strand of hair behind Fatin’s ear. “Nice save honey,” Leah grins at Fatin and puts her hand on her thigh under the table while grabbing a pizza with the other.
“And that’s proof that Fatin is a big softie,” Dot smirks while everyone else laughs.
“Shut up, Dorothy,” Fatin says, pushing Dot softly with a grin. “I still think Toni is the biggest softie.”
“I have more game than you so I win,” Toni shrugs, “You knew Leah before the retreat and it still took you more than a month to get in her pants.”
Toni ducks dramatically as Fatin tosses her pizza crust in her direction, narrowly missing her.
“To be fair, I was dealing with some fucked up shit of my own on the island, so it took me a while to focus on Fatin,” Leah says while rubbing the back of her neck. Fatin gently squeezes Leah’s hand where it rests on Fatin’s thigh.
“It’s okay babe. It’s all in the past now,” Fatin says softly. “And technically,” Fatin glances at the group, “since we were all sharing clothes, Leah was wearing Martha’s pants the first time “I got in her pants” like Shalifoe puts it,” Fatin grins before winking at Martha.
“What the hell?” Martha exclaims, nearly chocking on her drink.
“That is way too much information,” Rachel groans loudly, her face crinkling in disgust, mirrored by her twin Nora.
“I did not need to know that,” Shelby adds.
“Please tell me you guys never had sex while wearing my clothes?” Dot says with a wince.
Fatin laughs, leaning back and taking another bite of her pizza. “Dorothy, baby, no one wanted to wear those hideous cargo pants of yours, remember?” she says with a teasing smirk. Leah playfully slaps her shoulder, but it only makes Fatin grin wider.
“Be nice, baby,” Leah scolds her.
“Please, she knows I love her,” Fatin says, leaning over to give Dot a quick kiss on the cheek. She pulls back with a cheeky smile, clearly enjoying her little moment of mischief.
Dot recoils dramatically, wiping her cheek with a tissue. “Eww, gross, Fatin!”
Fatin waves her hand dismissively. “You love it,” she says confidently, popping another piece of pizza into her mouth.
The group dissolves into laughter, the playful banter continuing as they go back to eating. The conversation shifts away from embarrassing moments and onto something else, as everyone begins to discuss where they’re going to place their new furniture that’s coming tomorrow. It’s strange to think that this house will soon feel like home, but Fatin’s already starting to feel a connection to it, especially with the people gathered around the table.
An hour later, the pizzas are gone, and Fatin feels oddly content. She looks around at her friends—at the people she’s been through literal hell and back with. She watches as everyone talks about where to place the couch or the dining table, and the excitement in their voices is a refreshing change from the chaos of the past. Having cutleries, a table and chairs is definitely a nice change. And you know, actual food.
Fatin sits back in her chair, feeling the satisfaction of a meal well shared.
"So where should we go tonight?" Martha asks, leaning against the kitchen counter.
"I heard there's a party two blocks away from here," Nora pipes up. "Bunch of college kids. I know college starts in a week for those of us going, so maybe we could check out the party and get to know some people?"
"Sounds fun," Shelby shrugs, taking a sip of her drink and tossing the empty can into the recycling bin with a satisfied grin.
"Hell yeah, I need to make out with some hot people," Rachel chimes in with a laugh.
Fatin rolls her eyes but can't help but laugh along. "Can I stay then? Since I already have the hottest person to make out with?" she jokes, her gaze drifting toward Leah, who’s sitting beside her, smirking.
"Like you’d miss out on a chance to get free booze and grind on Leah while dancing?" Toni deadpans.
Fatin places a hand dramatically over her heart. "You know me so well, Shalifoe," she says, feigning a look of surprise. "I'm touched."
"Fuck off.” Toni mutters, rolling her eyes.
"Alright, alright," Dot interjects, clapping her hands together to grab everyone's attention. "Let's all meet downstairs in one hour then?" Everyone nods in agreement.
"Fine," Fatin grins, leaning back against the counter as everyone starts cleaning up. "But if you don’t see me and Leah after a few hours of grinding on the dance floor, you know we’ll be busy back here in our room,” Fatin winks.
The group groans before the clatter of dishes fills the room, Fatin takes a moment to watch her friends. She has to admit, so far this whole living together thing is going pretty well. They developed a routine and discipline on the island, which helps a lot.
They all have their own lives, but still wanted to jump into this adult life together and found colleges quite close to where they live.
Fatin is doing a major in Music, Leah is doing a major in English, Nora will be studying Psychology, Martha is diving into Dance, and Shelby is all in on Gender Studies. Dot, Rachel, and Toni are still figuring things out but have decided they want to open their own business together—something Fatin admires. They've got big dreams, and it seems like nothing can stop them.
Since they all have a shit load of money now, it’s not a problem. Leah, however, insisted on getting a part time job to still earn some money, and Fatin agreed. They both got a job at the local coffee house and they start next week.
Yeah, they are that disgusting couple that does everything together and Fatin wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Yo Fatin, stop being a creep and help us put the dishes away maybe?” Rachel voice snaps Fatin out of her thoughts.
“Yeah sorry fuck face,” Fatin says and Rachel rolls her eyes before handing Fatin a plate to put away.
They all head to their respective rooms afterwards to get ready for the party. The house has eight rooms, but Leah and Fatin, as well as Toni and Shelby, insisted on sharing a room for obvious reasons.
Fatin steps into their shared room and heads straight for the wardrobe. She pulls open the door and goes through the clothes. "What should I wear for the party, babe? I want to look really good tonight to make everyone jealous of us.”
“You could wear nothing, that’s my favourite look of yours,” Leah says with that sultry lounge girl voice and Fatin’s head snaps towards the bed behind her. Leah is lying on her side and propping her head up with her arm and she is in her underwear. Fatin’s eyes widen.
When the hell did she remove all her clothes?
“Babe,” Fatin groans, trying to ignore the rush of heat that floods her body. “You know the girls are gonna kill us if we’re late, and you being all sexy isn't helping.”
“What,” Leah says innocently while slowly sitting up, her fingers moving lazily to the clasp of her bra. The movement is slow, deliberate, and all too distracting. Fatin could faint right now. Leah still has the same effect on her as the first time they kissed, “I thought we said we’d celebrate when we finish unpacking?”
“Can’t argue with that,” Fatin shrugs. She does not waste time and removes her own clothes, before jumping on the bed and straddling Leah. “I’ll just wear jeans and a crop top,” Fatin says before leaning down to give Leah a deep, heated kiss.
--
“Were you guys having sex?” Toni says while rolling her eyes.
“We’ve been waiting for you for 15 minutes!” Rachel says with her hand on her hip.
“Calm your tits girls, we just couldn’t decide what to wear,” Fatin shrugs while coming down the stairs. She is thankful that Leah had the idea to put some music on while they had sex, otherwise the girls would have definitely heard them.
Fatin is also glad that no one decided to barge in their room like Toni did earlier. They definitely all know that Leah and Fatin were definitely having sex. It doesn’t mean that Fatin won’t deny everything, just for fun.
“You’re both wearing jeans and a crop top, how hard was it to choose that?” Dot deadpans.
“Shut up, Dorothy. My makeup took some time.” Fatin lies and she is aware that all the girls know that she can do her makeup in less than 15 minutes. But who cares when she just had amazing sex with her amazing girlfriend.
“Sure..”
“Alright, should we go?” Leah says and grabs Fatin’s hand, “we could just walk there right?”
They all agree and get to the party a few minutes later. The music is blasting, the bass vibrating through Fatin's chest as she and the girls push their way through the packed crowd towards the kitchen. People are scattered everywhere, drinks in hand, laughter and chatter blending together with the beats. The air is thick with excitement and the unmistakable scent of alcohol. Fatin’s hand tightens around Leah’s, and she pulls her a little closer as they navigate the maze of bodies, trying to keep from losing each other in the chaos.
It’s their first party in the new city, and Fatin’s not sure who organized it, but who the fuck cares. Free booze and a chance to let loose? That’s all she needs. She’s heard from the locals that parties like this are common around here, a mix of college kids and young adults eager to make new connections, to forget about the stress of life, if only for one night.
Fatin and the girls had been going back and forth between their hometowns and their new place for the past two weeks, getting everything settled, moving some furniture, unpacking boxes, and figuring out the new routine. The area feels familiar now, like a second home, and they’ve started to love it. It’s their own little world, one where they can build the lives they’ve always dreamed of. Maybe one day, they’ll host their own party in their massive house, just for fun.
They finally make it to the kitchen, and of course, a few heads turn their way. The girls are all fucking hot, so of course they’ll get attention.
"Shots first?" Nora suggests, and everyone nods enthusiastically.
Martha and Toni move toward the counter, gathering shot glasses and starting to pour the alcohol. Fatin grabs her shot with one hand, using her other to pull Leah closer by the waist. Leah naturally drapes her arm over Fatin’s shoulders, leaning down slightly since she’s a bit taller. Fatin doesn’t mind—she loves how Leah’s warmth feels against her side.
"To us," Dot says, raising her glass high, her smile wide and infectious.
Leah lifts her glass, catching everyone’s eye. "This could be the start of something new," she says.
There’s a pause, and then Toni bursts out laughing. "Bitch isn’t that from a High School Musical song?" she says in disbelief.
“So cringe Rilke,” Rachel adds.
Fatin’s eyes narrow as she glares at her. "Shut up both of you," she retorts before turning back to Leah. "You’re my dream girl," she says. A tear pricks the corner of her eye, but she quickly blinks it away, not wanting to ruin the moment.
High School Musical is her life and Leah knows that. The girls made fun of her when she admitted that on the island but who cares.
“Wait," Nora says, raising an eyebrow towards Toni. "How do you even know that’s from High School Musical? I thought you said you never watched the movies?"
"Oh snap," Rachel and Dot both say at the same time.
Toni’s face goes red, and she glances nervously at the others. After a beat, she sighs and slumps her shoulders. "I may have watched all of the movies as soon as I got back home."
The group bursts into laughter, and Shelby grins. "That’s adorable. We should totally have a High School Musical rewatch soon!" she exclaims, clearly excited by the idea.
Toni looks at Shelby in surprise.
"Ha! That’s what you get for thinking High School Musical isn’t good, Shalifoe," Fatin says smugly, her grin wide as she mocks Toni.
Toni flips her off before grabbing Shelby’s hand and they all agree to watch the movies soon.
"Can we drink now or will you guys argue some more?" Nora says, deadpan, her arms crossed in front of her.
"Let’s go!" Martha shouts, and they all quickly down their shots, the alcohol burning as it slides down their throats.