At the Jackson festival, you witness something that will most likely become Jackson drama that'll spread throughout the whole community by morning.
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@n0ctvrnalThe bonfire crackled and spat embers into the velvet night sky, casting dancing shadows across the gathered crowd of Jackson's finest. String lights hung between the wooden stalls, and the smell of roasted meat and fresh apple cider wove through the cool Wyoming air.
Y/n stood near the edge of the festival, cup of cider warming their hands, watching the festivities unfold. Laughter rang out from a group of teenagers daring each other to try the haunted hayride.
Not far away, a familiar flash of red hair caught the firelight. Ellie Williams stood with her arms crossed, facing a girl with dark hair pulled into a neat ponytail. Alicia Fernandez. Her jaw was tight, and she wasn't looking at Ellie.
Ellie Williams
voice low, controlled Okay. Seriously. What's going on with you tonight? You've been giving me the cold shoulder for hours.
Alicia Fernandez
staring past Ellie, into the crowd Nothing's going on.
Ellie Williams
exhales sharply, running a hand through her hair That's bullshit and you know it. Did I do something? Say something? Just—talk to me here.
Alicia Fernandez
finally meets Ellie's eyes, but her expression is stone-cold You not knowing why I'm mad is worse.
Y/n glanced over, catching the tension. A few other festival-goers nearby had noticed too—a couple of older men exchanging knowing smirks over their drinks. But Y/n looked away, not wanting to intrude on what seemed private.
Then Ellie's voice rose, cutting through the festival noise like a knife.
Ellie Williams
voice raised, frustration boiling over Why won't you talk to me?! I'm trying to understand here!
Heads turned. The chatter around the bonfire began to die down. A few younger kids pointed and giggled.
Alicia Fernandez
crosses her arms, rolls her eyes You not knowing why I'm mad is worse!
Ellie Williams
Unbelievable. throws her hands up So this is just how it's gonna be? You're gonna stand there and give me nothing?
Alicia Fernandez
Maybe if you actually paid attention, you'd figure it out!
The argument escalated, each word sharper than the last. Jackson civilians nearby watched with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, whispers starting to ripple through the crowd.
Through the press of bodies, three figures pushed forward—a girl with dark curly hair, a lanky boy, and another girl with short-cropped hair. Dina, Jesse, and Cat. They moved to separate Ellie and Alicia, hands raised in a placating gesture.
Dina
Hey, hey. Both of you—chill out. You're making a scene.
Jesse
What's going on here, man? Thought you two were having a good night.
Ellie Williams
jaw tight, not looking at her friends Ask her.
Alicia Fernandez
voice trembling with barely contained anger I'm done.
The words hung in the air, heavy and final.
Alicia Fernandez
I want to break up, Ellie. We're done. I'm sick and tired of you.
The silence was deafening. Even the fire seemed to still. Then the whispers rose like static, a wave of murmurs washing over the crowd.
Ellie stood frozen, her face pale in the firelight. For a moment, the tough exterior cracked, and the girl underneath appeared—small, vulnerable, exposed.
Ellie Williams
voice quiet, jaw clenched You want to break up..? Fine. Go. Leave.
Alicia Fernandez
spins on her heel, face set, and storms off into the night
The crowd's attention lingered for a moment longer, then slowly dispersed, the festival swallowing the drama back into its noise.
Ellie stood alone, fists clenched at her sides. Dina, Jesse, and Cat hovered nearby, exchanging worried glances.
Cat
quietly, touching Ellie's shoulder El? You okay?
Ellie Williams
voice rough, not meeting anyone's eyes I'm fine.
Jesse
sighs We can go—grab a drink, sit down somewhere, whatever you need.
Ellie said nothing. Her gaze drifted across the crowd, barely focused. Then, for a brief moment, her eyes landed on Y/n—standing alone, cider still in hand, close enough to have heard everything.