I nodded and began to walk forward but something stopped me, it was Scott. "Where are you going?" He asked
"I'm going to keep walking around these woods until I find her." I replied. Scott just nodded and let me go. After walking for just a few steps I could feel eyes burning into my neck and the presence of someone. I stopped and turned only to see Scott, issac and Derek following me and Melissa starring at me with almost scared hollow eyes. I gave her a weak smile, this must be so hard for her. It's her only daughter, missing possibly dead and she's done so well looking after Jess and scott on her own. She must be blaming herself. Even though it isn't in anyway shape or form. "Guys we need a plan. There's four of us so one go each way. We will cover more ground that way." Derek suggested. I had my heart set on going north, carrying on forward.
I just have a sort of feeling.
I snapped back to reality and joined there conversation. "....yes. Ok I guess. And if anyone finds something, even if you think it's nothing then shout." Scott announced. He then looked at me. "And if anything happens we will be able to hear your heart beat and know if anything's wrong. Just... we will always be here for you, even if you don't think we are." Scott directed to me. He gave a small tight embrace and then we all split up. They let me go the way I wanted to. Now the hope inside of me was blossoming.
I think I've been walking for at least an hour now. It feels like years as I haven't found any signs or clues hinting that Jess could still be out here, alive. But I won't give up. I carry on searching until something makes me stop. It wasn't much but it was something, I'm sure of it. I began going northeast now to humour my curiosity. Right when my mind starts to wonder I find something, an actual clue! A small drop of blood on a leaf. I should probably call out for the others. I think to myself whilst assessing the red droplet. But then again if it is nothing, how disappointing is that going to be? And how much more time am I gonna take up making them come all the way here and then back when they find out that it's nothing. But then again....hang on, what's that?!
I stand from my crouching position and run down a little bank to look over the edge of a wide ditch in the ground. The flash of white I saw had now become clear that it was a white vest top. On a girl. Laying amongst the piles of leaves and sticks around the floor. Her back was to me but I could recognize the sun kissed hair from anywhere.
My girl.
I ran as fast as I could to her falling down the incline as I went. "Scott!!!! Scott!!" I screamed for him but I'm sure that he was on his way already because of the speed my heart was going. I reached the bottom and turned her over. Quickly but gently. It was her!! Eyes closed, blood stained and covered in mud but it was her! I took her in my lap, holding her bridle stile. I was crying, with joy and nerves that she wasn't actually going to wake up. "Jess" I shook her gently. With my free hand I moved the hair from her face and tried to wipe away some of the blood that was on her face. "Jess come on" I whispered to her repeatedly as I rocked a little back and forward. I saw her eyelids flit. Until they fully opened. Her eyes lit up as she saw me and she smiled a weak smile as she was still in pain. I can't explain the joy that was overwhelming me. My heart was ready to burst with happiness and love. I smiled back at her through my tears. I turned to see Scott and the others just at the top of the huge ditch. They stared down at me with hope filling there eyes. As I was crying they probably thought it was bad so gave them a nod and a smile and they raced on down to us. I returned my gaze to her. She was still looking at me "is it over?" She whispered with a raw throat. She must need some rest for sure. And medical attention. Her eyes began to slot close again but i wasnt worried. I could feel her slow but steady heartbeat against mine.
"Yes. It's over" I whispered back to her and lightly kissed her forehead.
