Stranded

Chapter 13 I Think My Heart's Going to Explode

I woke up to an urgent frantic knocking at the base of my tree.

"Lily? I'm coming up."

I sat there for a second then I covered myself because I realized I was wearing my bra, tank top, and short shorts.

"Lily, we don't have much time, come with me." Jack put his hand out for me. I would have reached for it but I really didn't want him to see me like this so I just sheepishly hid in my blanket. Jack realized what was up and blushed a tad

"O-oh, sorry, I'll wait outside."

I sighed as he left, then I frantically got dressed and took my hair out of its bun. I knew that Jack had something important to tell me so I didn't bother to braid my hair like I usually do. Instead I just brushed it and parted it to the side. I grabbed the knife before decending down. When I climbed down Jack kinda looked at me for a second before blushing and looking away.

"You truly are beautiful, I never realized how long your hair is until now. You should leave it down more often."

I blushed

Then realizing the situation at hand Jack grabbed my hand

"We have to go, I don't have much time to explain so I'll explain on the way."

I nodded, he started walking briskly and I followed our hands still entertwined.

"You are in danger, Silver Wind may return to get you. I want to make sure you'll be safe, that is why I am taking you with me."

"Wait, what about your father and the village?"

"I don't care about my father." Jack nudged off my comment.

"Okay." I paused

"So where are we going then?" I asked

"To a cave near my village, there I can keep you safe."

"Umm..."

"What?" Jack asked

"Nothing."

Jack nodded and continued

I never liked caves.

Once when I was younger some friends dared me to go into a cave at night for an hour, I agreed and when I went in to try to see if there was a way out so I could scare them, I heard what sounded like a rock slide and went to see if they were okay. The entrance was sealed and I heard my friends walking away and laughing and saying how I was a loser. Eventually, my mother came to save me with the forest ranger. Ever since then I could never stand caves, I was always scared I would get trapped. I also learned to never trust again, but for some reason I trust Jack.

He's the first guy in a long time I've allowed myself to trust, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Jack stopped to turn and look at me, he gestured for me to be quiet. I nodded back and he continued.

We hiked for some time, the sky was dark except for the stars. I could'nt tell where we were or if we were close to the village. Finally we reached the cave Jack beckoned me to go inside.The cave wasn't too large at the mouth but I'm sure the darkness hid how far back it went. I hesitated for a moment and looked at him.

"It'll be okay, Lily, I can protect you better here. I'll bring some food and water as well as something to sleep on tomorrow, okay?"

I nodded.

"Okay."

I sheepishly crept into the mouth of the cave. I heard a noise and I automatically jumped and ran towards the entrance. Jack didn't get very far away from the cave and turned his head to look at me. I looked away embarrassed.

"Lily, is something the matter?"

I shook my head "N-no, it's nothing." I muttered and began to walk into the cave once more.

Jack must've seen my fearful face when I ran to the entrance of the cave.

"Lily wait," I stopped and Jack came towards me, "It's okay I promise there is nothing to be afraid of." Jack took something out of his pocket and pressed it into my palm.

"If you ever feel scared hold this and think of me."

I looked at my hand and found a small charm on a necklace. It was a gold yin yang symbol with some blue and gold wrapped twine hanging off from it.

Jack smiled as I looked at it and then timidly spoke

"It used to be my mother's, or so I was told, She died shortly after I was born due to illness. I have no memories of her, just the ones my father tells me and this charm."

I looked at Jack surprised that he would give me something so precious.

"I am so sorry, but why would you give me something that means so much to you?"

Jack smiled and laughed a little

"Because you mean more to me than a charm."

I blushed and looked away as Jack took my chin and went to kiss me, I let him.

But little did I know we were being watched the whole time...