Page 49 of Closer than Ever

“Leave them alone, Rose,” Lauren said, between her mouthful of cake. “Just because you are girl-crushing on Jennifer Lawrence doesn’t mean everyone else is a lesbian.”

“Pfft. I think all women are a little bit gay,” Rose said.

After the cake had been eaten, Hayley prodded her presents. “Ah, so beautifully wrapped! I’m gonna open this one, from you, Anna.”

Anna nodded.

Hayley ripped open the present like a wild animal devouring its prey.

“Oh my god, I love it!” Hayley pulled out a gold and maroon tartan blanket. She ran it through her fingers and wrapped it around her shoulders, hugging it into her.

“I know how cold you get here. I thought it might help keep you warm.”

Hayley found her eyes. “It will. I already love it so much. Thank you.”

“Fucking hell, you two.” Rose shook her head, smiling.

Anna glared at Rose.

***

Present day

“I cannot believe you talked me into doing this,” Anna said.

“If you really don’t want to, now is the time to back out,” Hayley said, in her hard hat and safety harness.

“No.” Anna clenched her fists. “I said I would do it and I will. I need to conquer this fear of heights. I need to push myself outside of my comfort zone sometimes. But I will blame you for suggesting we do this.”

Hayley held up her hands in surrender. “Okay. You’re the boss. It’s your call.”

Anna checked her harness one last time. It was already on as tight as it could go. She looked up at the trees and the obstacle courses stretching between them. They were at an outdoor adventure park built into the forest, along with about a dozen children. The things she was willing to do for Hayley still blew Anna’s mind. “I’m good.”

Hayley smiled, reassuringly.

The young instructor led them through the safety demonstration. Anna hung off his every word. Hayley stood casually with her hands in her shorts’ pockets. Half of the children didn’t appear to be listening, eager to get up there, full of confidence. Anna had been the same when she was their age.

“Does anyone have any questions?”

Anna put her hand up.

“Yep. The lady in the yellow t-shirt.”

“What happens if you’re out there and realise you don’t want to go any further?”

“There are safety exits at each check point platform. There are six check points on the course so if you want to stop you have to go to one of these exits. Just follow the stairs down and the signposted path back to here.”

“Only losers quit.” A young boy sniggered.

His friend beside him, who must have been no more than thirteen, laughed in Anna’s direction. “She’s scared.”

Anna tried to ignore them.

“Also, if anyone runs into any difficulties one of our team will come out and assist you and lead you to the nearest exit. We’ll be keeping a close eye on you all.”

Anna nodded. None of that sounded remotely reassuring somehow.

“You will be fine,” Hayley said. She gave Anna’s shoulder a quick squeeze. “I’ll be right there with you. We’ll do this together, okay?”

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