Chapter 2 : The Unexpected Encounter
(Narrator : Jessica)
Finally, a weekend to unwind. This morning, as I got up, I felt a rush of excitement. Not just because I’m about to spend time with my friends, but because it’s been months since I’ve truly relaxed. After my last relationship went south, I haven’t had much of a chance to meet anyone new. So, this weekend feels like the perfect opportunity.
I stretch slowly in front of my mirror, studying my reflection. A black mini-skirt—sexy but not too provocative—tights that show off my legs, and a light top that hints at just the right amount. No way am I going unnoticed today. A smile curves my lips. Maybe this “new guy” they’ve been talking about will turn out to be interesting… who knows?
I’m ready to have fun, to let go, and my friends haven’t stopped talking about him these past few days. They didn’t give me many details, but apparently, he’s “perfect for me.” Single, hot, and supposedly just as in need of some action as I am, they’d joked. I couldn’t help but laugh along with them. Maybe this weekend, I’ll finally get lucky, as they like to say.
I run a hand through my hair, briefly wondering what Josh would think about all this. Since he got back, we haven’t had the chance to meet up, and it’s been weighing on me. I haven’t seen him in months, yet here he is, back in town. I can’t wait for us to catch up, to finally talk face-to-face. Texts are fine, but it’s not the same.
I pick up my phone and reread the last few messages he sent me. We’d talked vaguely about meeting up, but it’s not happening this weekend. I’ve got plans with the girls. It’s a shame, but we’ll make up for it later.
A tiny pang of guilt creeps in, but it doesn’t last long. This weekend is about me. I need this time for myself, and Josh will understand. After all, I was the one who kept writing to him while he was away on his mission. Now it’s my turn to enjoy myself.
My thoughts drift back to this meeting my friends have been hyping up for days. This guy. The guy they’re so eager to set me up with. Honestly, it’s amusing to see how excited they are to play matchmaker. And I have to admit, I’m curious. They’ve described him as “perfect for me.” Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose, and I could use a break from the routine.
I finish packing my bag, and I catch myself wondering what he might look like. Tall? Muscular? Maybe a little mysterious? As long as he’s funny and knows how to have a good time, I’m in. A little thrill of excitement runs through me. Alright, Jess. This weekend, you’re letting loose. No overthinking, no regrets.
Maybe my friends are right. It’s time to move on, to meet someone new. My last relationship was a disaster. I need to turn the page, to start fresh. And what better way to do that than a weekend in the countryside? The perfect setting—good friends, laughter, and maybe even something more…
The engine hums softly as the car glides down the road, the windows slightly open to let in the crisp morning air. The mood is light, and my friends’ laughter fills the space. It feels good to be with them, to think of nothing but the perfect weekend ahead.
What’s crazy is that I’ve only known Harper, Lily, and Chloe for a year. We met completely by chance, but we get along like we’ve known each other forever. It’s strange sometimes, that feeling of finding friends who just get you without needing to talk for hours. They were there for me after my breakup, and we’ve shared so much in such a short time. It feels so natural now.
Next to me, Harper is at the wheel, her sunglasses perched on her nose and her radiant smile never leaving her face. Harper is always the most excited when it comes to girls’ weekends. In the back, Lily and Chloe are bickering over who gets to pick the next song, like a couple of kids. I laugh, shaking my head. It’s always like this with them.
- Lily: “Come on, Jess, tell her I get to pick!”
- Chloe: “No way! I’m in control, and you keep quiet.”
I let them have their fun, knowing it’ll only be a few minutes before they move on to something else. I focus back on the road, the scenery speeding past. The sky is a brilliant blue, cloudless, and the air already smells like summer, even though it’s barely spring.
Harper, always blunt, glances at me from the corner of her eye, her smile turning a little sly.
- Harper: “So, Jess, are you ready for this wild weekend?”
I smile back at her, a little wary. There’s that tone in her voice—the one she always uses when she’s up to something.
- Jessica: “Ready? Totally. I need this. And I’m not planning to stress about anything.”
- Lily (mocking laugh): “Oh, we all know you’re not here just for that.”
Chloe taps my shoulder from the backseat, laughing.
- Chloe: “Yeah, Jess, we know why you’re really here. It’s not just to unwind, is it?”
I look at them, amused. They’re not subtle at all.
- Jessica: “Alright, spill it! I can tell you’ve got something planned.”
- Harper (laughing): “You know we didn’t invite you just for the scenery. You’ve heard about the guy they want you to meet, right?”
She leans on the word “the” like it’s some kind of secret code. I cross my arms, pretending ignorance, but deep down, I’m curious.
- Jessica: “Oh, the guy… You’ve been going on about him for days, but you haven’t given me any details. Who is he?”
Lily leans forward, resting her elbows on the front seat between Harper and me.
- Lily: “Honestly, we don’t know much more than you do. The guys just told us he’s single and that he’d be ‘perfect’ for you. Apparently, they’re convinced you two are going to hit it off.”
She gives me a playful wink, and I can’t help but laugh.
- Jessica: “You’re the worst. But hey, if he’s really the perfect guy, maybe my luck’s about to change. It’s been months since anything’s happened for me… I’m starting to think I’ll end up alone with a cat.”
They burst into laughter, and Harper taps me on the shoulder in mock disapproval.
- Harper: “No cats, Jess. Just a hot guy this weekend. Trust us.”
I laugh along, but deep down, excitement starts to bubble up. They’ve never met this guy either, but the fact that the guys set this up intrigues me. A little rush of adrenaline hits as I think about what’s coming. I glance down at my outfit—simple, but enough to leave just the right impression.
I’m ready for this.
Chloe, never one to shy away from innuendos, leans forward again.
- Chloe: “And apparently, he’s not just hot, but… well-equipped.”
She bursts out laughing before I can even react, and the whole car fills with our laughter. It’s these dirty jokes that I’ve missed. Being with them always feels so good, like we’ve known each other forever.
- Jessica: “Honestly, for all we know, it could just be another one of the guys’ lame setups, and he’ll be boring as hell.”
- Harper: “Nooo way. Have a little faith in them for once.”
I let out a small sigh, more amused than doubtful. Maybe this really will be a perfect weekend.
The road continues to roll by, and the countryside house gets closer. I let myself get carried away by the lighthearted atmosphere. The conversations drift from one topic to another—past parties, work stories—but all the while, the mystery of the guy lingers in the air. Even my friends, who’ve never met him either, seem just as curious as I am.
With every passing mile, the idea of meeting him starts to feel like a game. What if he really is the guy I’ve been looking for? The thought sparks a growing excitement within me.
Alright, Jess. This weekend, you’re letting go. No pressure, just fun. Trust yourself and enjoy.
The scenery shifts as we get closer to our destination, the fields stretching endlessly under a brilliant sky. The landscape has fully transformed into beautiful countryside, and I can feel the weekend’s promise in the air.
The car slows as we approach the house. It’s a charming little wooden cabin, with blue shutters and a spacious porch that opens onto a stunning view. The lush green fields surrounding it make the place feel even more idyllic—almost too perfect for a weekend like this.
Harper parks next to the other cars, and even before the engine is completely off, I notice a small crowd gathered at the entrance. The guys are already waiting for us. They’re all there, leaning against the porch railing or standing near the door, smiling and chatting among themselves. The atmosphere is relaxed, festive—exactly what I imagined.
- Lily (laughing): “Look at them, ready to pounce on us.”
- Harper: “Don’t worry, Jess. We’ll keep an eye on you.”
I laugh at her words. I’m ready. This weekend is all about breaking free from the routine, letting go, and enjoying every moment. The so-called “new guy” is probably there, among them, and the adrenaline I’ve felt since we started this trip comes rushing back.
I step out of the car, joining the girls as they’re already walking toward the group. Harper shoots me a sideways glance.
- Harper: “You’ll see, Jess. This one’s for you.”
I shake my head, amused. They keep teasing me, but I don’t mind. All I want is to have a good time. As I walk, I run my fingers along the edge of my skirt, adjusting my outfit with a small smirk.
The guys greet us with smiles and jokes, beers already in hand. I instantly recognize Paul, Brice, and the others, but I don’t bother trying to pick out the “new guy” just yet. I want to relax and enjoy the moment first.
- Paul (shouting): “Ah, there you are, ladies! We were starting to wonder where you’d gone.”
- Brice (grinning): “Finally! Now the weekend can really begin.”
I get swept up in the laughter, the greetings, and the playful shoulder taps. Everything feels perfect. Everyone’s in a great mood, and the energy is contagious. My friends are already cracking jokes with the guys, and I feel at ease—happy to be here. All I need is to unwind.
And that’s when I look up and see him.
Josh.
I freeze, my smile vanishing in an instant. My chest tightens, and for a brief moment, I wonder if I’m dreaming. What the hell is he doing here? My brother, standing right in front of me, with that group of guys? It makes no sense. I stay rooted to the spot, unable to tear my eyes away. How is this even possible?
The world around me fades into a blur. Voices, laughter—they all seem distant, muffled, as if I’m watching this unfold behind a screen. Josh is here, and he looks just as stunned to see me.
A knot twists in my stomach. That “new guy”… it’s him? No. No way. My thoughts spiral, racing to make sense of the impossible.
I don’t know how long I stand there, frozen. A few seconds? Maybe longer.
This feels unreal.
I feel my heart racing, my thoughts spinning in every direction. How did this happen? He wasn’t supposed to be here. Yet there he is, standing in front of me, just as stunned as I am. His face mirrors the same confusion, the same turmoil.
No… this can’t be real. What’s he doing here? Are those his friends!?
All around us, laughter and chatter carry on, but for me, time feels frozen. What am I supposed to do? My friends are right there beside me, buzzing with excitement over this meeting, and I can almost feel their curious eyes fixed on me. I can’t let them down. They’re counting on me to make this moment a success. Everything about this feels surreal. Why didn’t anyone tell me it was Josh?
A knot twists in my stomach. Should I say something? But… there’s no time to think. The weight of my friends’ expectations and the overwhelming pressure of the moment crash down on me. I can’t deal with this right now. Their smiles, their excitement—it’s suffocating. With no other option, I make a decision that feels absurd the moment it forms in my head.
I’ll pretend I don’t know him.
I step toward Josh, my heart pounding out of control. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Each step feels heavier, each second more unbearable than the last. Stopping in front of him, I force a smile—tight, artificial, almost painful. My movements are robotic, like I’m acting out a scene in someone else’s life.
Leaning in slightly, I greet him with a kiss on each cheek, as if this were perfectly normal. As if he were just another stranger.
- Jessica (in an oddly calm voice): “Hi, I’m Jessica. Nice to meet you.”
My heart pounds in my chest. Why did I do that? Why did I choose to play this ridiculous game? An overwhelming discomfort washes over me. It’s Josh. My brother. And yet, I just pretended he was a stranger.
A massive wave of guilt crashes over me, sharp and unrelenting. I regret it instantly.
Josh stays silent. I can see how lost he is, just like me. Then he forces a smile, one just as fake as mine.
This moment feels like it stretches into eternity. We stare at each other, both trying to figure out how we got here—and more importantly, how to get out of it. The tension is suffocating, but neither of us dares to move. Why did I do this? A lump forms in my throat, a knot that won’t be undone anytime soon.
All around us, no one seems to notice the strain. Conversations and laughter carry on, blissfully unaware of the silent chaos unfolding between us. I take a small step back, keeping the smile plastered on my face, but inside, I’m spiraling. The guilt claws at me.
What have I done? How am I going to handle this?
I try to pull myself together, but every second spent here with him is a relentless reminder of the mistake I just made. And now, I’m trapped.