The Island

Chapter 2

Erika's POV

Before I board my flight, I think about my father. He and I aren't close, but I figure I should at least let him know I won't be around for awhile. I dial his number knowing that he won't pick up the phone.

"Hi. You've reached Jim, leave a message." As expected, he didn't answer. I leave a message.

"Hi Dad, I'm heading to Africa for a couple weeks. I just thought I'd give you a call and let you know." I ended the call and turned off my phone.

***

Sitting on the cramped plane to Madagascar, I look out the small plane window to the ocean below. The oceans blues and greens can be seen for miles from the air. It is truly a beautiful sight.

I look towards the front of the plane and notice a flight attendant dressed in blue coming up the narrow aisle with a cart of snacks and drinks. The seat in front of me has a TV, and I skim through the movies they have while waiting for the flight attendant to pass. I don't find any movies that I'm interested in watching.

"Would you like something to eat or drink?" the flight attendant inquires. I shake my head and reply no, she then continues down the aisle. I still have hours before the plane lands, and there didn't seem to be anything else to do. I close my eyes and soon fall asleep.

***

The moon sits high in the sky and shines down on the ocean below. The small breeze makes the trees behind me move softly in the night. A loud crack comes from the tallest peak of the island. It sounds like rocks breaking apart. I look up at the mountains, and it looks like a man stands on top. But it couldn't be possible. There is no way anyone could get up there and no one can be that tall.

Bing.

The sound of the intercom wakes me up and shortly after a male voice appears. "We will be landing soon, please put on your seat belts."

I open my eyes and bring my hands up to shield them. The light from the window shines brightly into the cabin where I am sitting. As my eyes adjust, I look around at the other passengers. Most are either waking up from sleeping or stopping the movies they are watching. After a while, I start to feel the plane slowly descend.

When the plane lands, the same male voice that woke me up comes back on the intercom. "It's a hot steamy day in Madagascar today. For those on vacation, have a safe holiday and welcome home for the locals."

Everyone on the plane starts moving and grabbing their bags. When it's my turn, I grab my bag and walk off the plane. As I wait for my bag at the carousel, I notice the impatience of the other passengers. They all seem to be in a hurry or anxious to be somewhere else. Some appear rude, as if traveling is an inconvenience. Others seem grouchy. Then there is those that have the excitement of a new destination, waiting to explore their new surroundings.

I pull out my phone while I wait and notice that I have reception and I know I can check my emails. Seeing that I have one from Emily and another from Gregory, I open Emily's first.

To: Erika Strong

From: Emily Clark

Re: Trip

Message:

Hi Erika, I just wanted to wish you good luck on your trip. I hope your getaway does some good for you. (Meaning I hope you meet a guy and get laid) ;)

Anyway, I miss you like crazy already. Now that you're gone, Gregory will be boasting his crazy schemes to me. (Note, that's not something I enjoy)