Ship Wrecked

Chapter 13: The Midnight Walk

Jae kneeled before the grave that contained the wounded soldier that told her that she looked like his daughter. She let her eyes hold tears and let them flow down her rosy cheeks. She felt the presence of Matthew behind her. "Matthew, you can leave. I kind of want to be alone." Jae swiped the tears away with the back of her hand. She stood up and threw a Matilija poppy on the grave. She closed her eyes and shook her head. A hand was placed upon her shoulder. "Matthew. I can't do this anymore!" Jae whipped around and sobbed uncontrollably into Matthew's shirt. Muscular arms encircled her to make a protective barrier.

The warmth of him made her sobbing calm down to a whimper. His voice came in a tone that made a girl weak at the knees, "Calm your troubled heart. Feel my heartbeat in your ears and have your heart follow mine. I am the only living thing here and we are forever protected by a powerful force. Love will encircle you and the friendship that we have will make you safe and sound. For I am your protective shield and your armour that will protect from the harm that comes before us. Just breathe and everything will be alright." Jae had wrapped her arms around his neck so his voice could be closer to her ear and that it would be embedded in her mind for years to come. His strong arms were wrapped around her waist; his breath traveling down her neck. She sighed and untangled herself from his arms. "We better get back. They most likely will worry if we aren't there for dinner. Grenold jerky." Jae smirked as she stepped over the graves of the fallen.

..................

The embers of the fire were dying slowly. Everyone's eyes shut to bring in dreams, nightmares, or memories into their minds. Jae laid on her hammock tossing and turning trying to fight the demons that invaded her thoughts. A strong hand shook her shoulder, trying to wake her up from her slumber. Jae shot up panting like she ran around the whole island; twice. Sweat dripped off her brow as she blinked rapidly. She glanced down to see Matthew crouched down beside her hammock. "You okay? Are you prepared to go on a midnight stroll with me along the beach?" Matthew whispered. Jae was confused, but nodded as she slid off her hanging bed. She picked up her machete and dagger, slid them into her sheaths that she made, and took Matthew's hand that he had offered her. He led her to the beach where they crashed onto.

"Jae, are you having nightmares?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Just answer the question?"

She sighed, "Yes, I have been having nightmares for the past month. Ever since Jules and Emrys have shown up, the memory of the shipwreck has come again. I remember men and women pulling under the water and blood pooling where they once were."

Jae shivered as she stopped in her tracks. Matthew turned around and strolled over to Jae. "I'm sorry. That is terrible! Here." Matthew pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair. "I've been having nightmares too except for a different reason. The story that was told tonight," Matthew replied. He held her out at arm's length to inspect her. She sighed. "Lets keep walking. I don't want to be easy bait for those blasted grenolds," Jae shoved his hands off her arms. She started to run along the sand glancing back every once in a while. Matthew started to follow.

His long legs stretched longer than Jae's stride so he caught up to her easily. His hands grabbed her by the waist and swung her around. Jae laughed in spite of herself. He slowed down and came to a stop. Jae's feet touched the ground light as a feather. She smiled up at Matthew who smiled back. She turned around to face him. She gently placed her hands on his chest. She met his blue-eyed gaze. He leaned down until his forehead was on hers.

"Jae, we should make this a routine. Once every week, we need to have a walk at midnight." Jae smiled as her hand ran through his hair. She started to fiddled with the little hairs in the back of his neck. His lips formed a curve on his lips as he closed his eyes. Jae peeled open her eyes to look at Matthew. Her heart started to beat faster like it would burst right out of her body. Heat rushed up to her face as he opened his eyes. He gently stroked her cheek. "Matthew I-" Jae began before a finger was placed against her lips. The finger moved down her arm until it was against her hand. He leaned forward. He hesitated before pressing his lips against hers. He pulled her until she was planted against his chest. Jae rested her arms on his shoulders as she kissed him back. Warmth spread out through her body as his lips moved hers. His hands moved up and down her back. She had to pull back so she could breathe.