Who You Say I Am (A Jai Courtney Fanfic)

Chapter 6-Jai

Jai

I follow the map back the way I had initially come yesterday. I feel like time is moving faster, my heart is racing in anticipation. I haven't been this excited in a long time. I arrive to the airport and drive outside of the main entrance. It's actually beautiful here. I couldn't see much through the tinted windows of the limo but now I can see the airport is right off of the coast. The road I'm on practically touches the small beach here. It looks pretty rocky though compared to the beach back at the resort.
I continue onto the road I saw her bus drive down. It's incredibly bumpy and I'm glad they rented me an off-road vehicle. I follow the winding roads up through the mountains. This is exciting. It's so much more picturesque than where I was. I see a small village and some farms. There's a little shack up near the top of the mountain. I look to the map seeing that that must be where I'm to have lunch. I pull over and lock up. I stride up to the building. I hear some festive reggae music playing. People are dancing and eating. I sit up at the bar and pick up the menu. I see someone nearby with a split green coconut with a straw. I'm getting that. I peruse the menu items and I can't decide. Everything sounds fantastic. I see some platters set out at a nearby table and mentally thank my new mate, Bembe, for the advice. I decide to try the jerk platter. It's got chicken and pork on it with rice, something called festival, and vegetables. I get my beverage and my meal. I wasn't even hungry yet but this was definitely worth the trip. I'd have to say it's better than the two other meals combined. I pay for my meal extremely pleased with my adventure so far and looking forward to my final destination.
I climb back into the jeep and I'm off down the road. I see a man walking a goat on the street and I have to laugh at the silliness of it. I continue on winding through the roads and passing some minuscule shacks. A thought occurs to me... what am I going to say to this sheila? I know a pick up line would be obnoxious and annoying. I hate it when people lie... Maybe I should be straightforward. I saw her, thought she was beautiful, and couldn't get her out of my head. I'm not trying to stalk her. I think I should just be real and honest with her. I'd appreciate it if someone was like that with me. I just hope I don't chicken out and say something stupid.
I continue on driving. I find the outskirts of the village and my heart is beating wildly in anticipation. I see the road and the hotel. The empty bus is there. I grin parking and getting out. I leave my bags in the car and lock up. I step towards the entrance when a dark skinned bloke steps out. He does a double-take at me.
"Are you friends with Megan Wright?" he asks me in an American accent. 
"Um," I respond thinking of what to say. 
"It's just that you looked familiar.  I assumed you go to her church.  You both kind of stand out," he laughs awkwardly scratching the back of his head.  "Sorry, that sounds rude.  She kind of stands out anywhere though—nicest girl I've ever met, besides my wife that is.  I'm Pastor Ben Hughes." 
He reaches out to shake my hand. 
"I'm Jai," I tell him meeting his hand.  I see several people come out of the building—all having darker skin of various ethnicities with American accents.  I guess I do kind of stand out here.  The others glance at our interaction but continue on their ways—some walking around toward the town, others looking like they're going downhill to what appears to be a beach.
"It's nice to meet you, Jai," he says.  "Were you looking to take our extra room?  Megan's family's friend got sick and left us with an empty slot.  It's already paid for and everything."
I laugh at the coincidence.  "So, you need an extra member to your group?" I ask. 
"Oh, you're Australian," he says surprised.  "Well, she has traveled more than me—been across the world according to her parents."
I grin as he continues his assumptions. 
"We wouldn't mind the help," he continues.  "You definitely look more capable than the entire lot of us, so we'd appreciate it if you joined us."
"So, what exactly are you doing here anyway?" I inquire. 
"Oh," he says digging his phone out of his pocket.  "This was this morning at the hospital," he says playing a video.  I see her—Megan—handing out a case of toys to some sick children.  She's playing with them and they're hugging and kissing her.  She's laughing and I can't help but be drawn in.  I've never met anyone so loving...  "We'll visit the mountain on Monday and help build the school.  We'll visit the school in town here later on and probably back to the hospital a couple times."
This sounds like something I've never done before—something I've never even considered doing.  I make a decision to stay.  Ben asked for my help, so I'll help. 
"Alright," I nod.  "You've got your final member."
"Great," he sighs happily.  "Grab your things.  I'll get you checked in."
I turn around to grab my bags and Ben walks me to the desk.  I'm given a key and he escorts me to my room. 
"Here's the itinerary for the trip," he says handing me a folded piece of paper from his pocket.  "We're done for the day.  Dinner is at seven in the dining hall.  Tomorrow is Sunday, so a rest day other than service in the morning.  We'll all go together but it's a quick walk on foot.  Monday morning we'll have breakfast then travel up to the mountains for a few days.  Make sure to bring several days of clean clothes."  He nods.  "I think that's everything to get started.  Let us know if you have any questions.  That's Megan's door beside your room."  He motions to the room at the end of the hall. 
"Do you have any idea where I might find Meg?" I ask taking a chance. 
He smiles widely at me.  "She went to the beach.  She'll probably be down there until dinner time.  You must be close.  Only her parents call her that."
I smile, glad I made a good guess.  I shake his hand and he leaves me alone.  I open the door to the room.  It's a tiny little box with minimal everything... but there's an incredible girl next door who I'm dying to meet.  I suck it up and change into my bathers for the beach.  I make my way down the hill and I'm impressed by how nice this little town is.  This is so much better than the resort.  There's local shops, a few restaurants, a market...  I see the real Jamaican getaway I was hoping for at the beach.  It's not private, but I'm also not being hounded by tons of people for my autograph.  There's more reggae music being played.  I can see a few people messing around with a football on the sand.  I notice several groups sitting on the beach relaxing and many people are swimming.  It's not crowded but it's not empty either.  I look around at every face in search of Meg...