28 DAYS STUCK TOGETHER

CHAPTER 10 ❀

❀ Jackson's point of view ❀

I leaned back against a makeshift log, reflecting on the fruit we'd just harvested. The vibrant orange was as delicious as it looked, bursting with a tropical sweetness that was a welcome break from our otherwise bland diet.

I had to admit, Bella's persistence and our combined efforts had paid off. The fruit wasn't just a tasty treat—it was a small victory in our survival struggle, a reminder that despite everything, we could still find moments of normalcy and even pleasure.

The conversation about finding a river or lake for a proper wash played in my mind. The prospect of finally getting clean, with the shower gel Bella had found, was almost too good to be true. It was a small luxury, but in our current situation, it felt monumental.

I could already imagine the refreshing coolness of the water, washing away days of grime and sweat. It would feel like stepping into a new world, if only for a few minutes.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I barely noticed Bella standing up suddenly. 

She was moving with a slightly awkward gait, clearly still sore from our fruit-picking adventure. Her sudden movement broke my reverie, and I looked up just in time to catch her stretching.

"Hey, where are you going?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I watched her.

Bella hesitated for a moment before replying, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "I'm just going to... take a piss."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her straightforwardness. "Alright, just be careful. Don't wander off too far."

She gave me a quick nod and started to make her way into the jungle, her steps slow and deliberate. I watched as she walked away, her form growing smaller against the dense foliage.

My gaze inadvertently lingered on her as she moved, and for a moment, I found myself unconsciously fixated on the sway of her hips.

Suddenly, Bella's voice rang out from behind her without even turning around. "I can feel your stare on my ass, you know!"

Her comment made me burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed for having been caught. I lowered my head, still chuckling to myself.

"Well, you know," I called out after her, trying to keep my voice light and teasing, "it's hard not to look when you're parading around like that."

Bella's laughter floated back to me, mingling with the sounds of the jungle. "Just don't get any ideas."

I shook my head, still grinning. The playful exchange was a welcome distraction from our grim reality.

I turned my attention back to the small stash of supplies and the makeshift camp we'd set up. Bella's departure left me with a sense of both amusement and anticipation.

As I continued to ponder our next moves, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Bella's mischievous remark. It was a reminder of the bond we were slowly rebuilding, one awkward but genuine moment at a time.

The sun was beginning its slow descent towards the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. I could feel the temperature dropping slightly, a reminder that the day was winding down.

I glanced over at the small pile of wood we had gathered, deciding it was time to get a fire going. We had a rabbit from this morning's hunt that needed cooking, and the thought of a warm, cooked meal was a small but significant comfort.