stranded || tayjoe

chapter five

"What's that?"

Joe turned in the direction that Taylor was looking at, "Oh, that's just a sign. It was here when I got here, so I just left it."

Taylor wandered closer, kneeling down to eye level. "Fin?" She read off the plank of wood.

"Probably the name of the island," Joe explained. "Something to do with sharks."

Taylor brushed off the dirt laying on top, "What about this?"

Joe stepped closer, squinting to read the faded words. All he could make out was a 'e'. "I'm not sure."

Taylor studied the sign for a moment longer, before shaking her head and continuing to walk.
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It had been one week since Taylor had come to the island. Night's were always the hardest. There were no distractions to take her away from the intruding thoughts. She stared up at the blank leaf ceiling, her finger twisting the hem of Joe's t-shirt that she wore. I haven't changed my bottoms in a week, Taylor thought in disgust, looking down at her blue bikini bottoms. She shifted in the sleeping bag, looking at Joe who was sound asleep a few feet away from her. Does he miss his family? Miss his friends?

The image of Austin, Andrea, and Scott returned to her head, and she tried to push it out. Thinking about them will just make it worse. Unable to stop the barrage of thoughts, she stood up, needing something to divert her attention. Careful not to wake Joe, she stepped through the sand and led herself out the doorway.

Looking up she saw the moon, half-covered by a cluster of clouds. She took a seat next to the extinguished fire, the smell of fish still lingering. I miss you guys, she thought to herself, as if maybe her family could somehow hear her. Closing her eyes she took a long breath, I would do anything just for one hug right now.

She let hushed sobs emit from her mouth, as she leaned her head into her knees. This is all my fault. Why did I insist for us to go out farther? I knew the weather would be bad. And now Austin may be hurt too. So fucking stupid.

"Taylor?" An English accent came from behind her. "Is that you?"

Taylor quickly wiped her tears, thankful for the shade of the dark. "Yeah."

"You doing alright?" Joe took a seat next to her.

"Couldn't sleep," She replied. "Sorry, did I wake you up?"

Joe shook his head, "It's okay, I would've woken up anyway."

Taylor smiled timidly, gazing at the outline of Joe's face. Joe sighed, "Well seeing as I don't think we'll fall asleep anytime soon, can I show you something?"

"Sure," Taylor said, thankful for any distraction.

Joe smiled, "Great."

Taylor followed him to the side of the island that she had yet to explore. It was a short walk, and soon they ended up at the other shore. "Up here," Joe called from a few feet ahead. "Be careful not to trip on the rocks."

Taylor did just that, falling over and landing in the sand. Joe chuckled, but extended his hand to help her up. He didn't let go as he led her up a large rock. They came to a flat space, the water sloshing mere feet below them. There was a clear view of the moon, along with a spread of stars. "Isn't it pretty?" Joe said, finally letting go of her hand. Taylor was busy staring at the rock, a look on her face that displayed an emotion Joe couldn't quite pinpoint. "Is everything alright?"

Taylor furrowed her eyebrows, before shaking her head and looking back up, "It seems so f-" She stopped mid-sentence. "Yeah, everything's alright."