The Love Stone

Chapter Three

   After much rock climbing, and a lot of tripping over her own two feet, Gemma had finally reached the top. Jedediah had already been waiting there for her.

   "'Bout time slow poke! What took you so long?" His hands were playfully on his hips as he looked around at the sights that surrounded him.

   Gemma was panting as sweat ran down her temple. She was not amused. "Well, not all of us are as athletic as you, Mr. Universe."

   "Someone's in a mood." He taunted.

   "Whatever you say." Gemma replied, joining him at the edge. Before them lie trees galore. They could see the creek from where they were standing. It was a small puddle among acres of trees. The sun shone brightly over their heads. Gemma shielded her eyes from the light. "Wow." She remarked in awe. "You can see all the woods from up here."

   "Yep." Jed replied. "Hey, I can see your house from here!" He practically shouted, pointing off into the distance.

   "Where?" Gemma looked over his shoulder.

   "There!" Sure enough, through the trees and up on the hill could be seen smoke rising from the tan brick chimney. This signalled that her mother was home, and it was getting late.

   "We should probably be heading back... It's getting late. My mom will be worried about me."

   "Oh, alright. Let's go." Jedediah started climbing down the side of the rocks.

   "Wait for me!" Gemma replied, trying to be as quick as him down the cliffs and slopes.

  "Be careful Gemma!" Jedediah shouted, with a look of genuine worry on his face. It's as if he could feel something bad was going to happen, so he never left the bottom of the rocks.

   "I'm fine!" Gemma wasn't fine. Just then, she slipped. Down she tumbled. It seemed to last an eternity. Finally, she collapsed with a thud onto the ground.

   "Gemma!" Jedediah quickly knelt beside of her. "Gemma speak to me! Are you alright?" His hands were shaking violently. "Please be alright..."