Stranded (Brett Eldredge )

(7) Aint the only ones

4 days later

"I need more long strips of bark!" Brett yelled sitting on the roof of our hut.

We had worked hard to build it. We moved it up into the tree line away from the water and wedged between trees to ease it during storms.

The walls  Brett made adding dirt to water creating mud , then having them into brick shapes letting them dry. He then would stack them bonding them with more mud. On the inside of the hut Brett laid sticks tightly together to keep the walls supported.

The roof was sticks bound  together by long strips of bark and large leaves weaved throughout it. After that Brett filled the entire top with dried grass.

It was small of course , but was plenty. Big enough for the two of us. It had one window constructed towards the ocean, and a cover to fit over it at night. Our bed we made from stacking bark. Then the tarp we once used for tents was wrapped around them.

"And we're done " he said easing off the top. We stepped back and admired our handy work.

" I think it's cute" I said and he nodded.

Brett in the past days had found a pail that we used as a sink in our hut. Each day we kept it full , by draining the water from the coconuts. The shells from them we used as bowls.

I had to admit I was surprised at what we had  created using only nature. Brett seemed to be enjoying his time thinking of ways to make what he needed. At nights we would stroll to the beach one at a time and wash our clothes and bodies. It felt much better to be clean for once.

Although we were yet to venture more of the island we spent the day gathering food, and sharing stories about our lives.

Each day I found myself falling for Brett even more. The way his eyes lit up every time when he spoke about his traveling. His smile and laugh. Even now I was too afraid to tell him my feelings.

"What do you have planned for the rest of today ?" I asked and he grinned.

"Explore the rest of the island"

"But what if we get lost ?"

"We won't , well build a fire so the we can see the smoke" he said adding sticks to the fire.

We tracked into the jungle hearing the birds chirping. Occasionally Brett would point out one or two that stood low on branches. Brett seemed to be enjoying his rocky side , but I was like a anxious cat. The slightest crack of a branch and I jumped a foot.

After Brett noticed he grabbed my hand and we eased through the jungle.

"Look at this he said " he was looking at wood scattered everywhere. Not just wood , but planks.

He let go of my hand and picked up one of the planks. It had old chipped paint, and had extreme weathering.

"Were could these had come from?" I asked.

"I think a ship" we followed the small plank trail , and we found ourselves in a whole yard full of nothing but trash and debris. I froze. Brett continued to walk until he noticed I wasn't moving.

"What's wrong?" He asked cupping my cheek.

"Brett all of this just doesn't make these kinda piles itself, someone had to put it like that" he frowned just realizing the same thing.

"Let's get back , now" we hurriedly made out way back to our camp.

There we both found ourselves constantly checking the jungle ,and jumping at the slightest noises.

"Maybe the person could help us?"

"Maybe they'll kill us , the whole thing just creeps me out Brett"

We entered our hut and shut the door Brett had constructed. Brett immediately laid down ,and sighed.

"It's so hot here" he complained.

I walked to him and checked his ankle which had grown to a dark black color and was still swollen. Brett hissed as I moved it. Walking to out small coconut shell collection, I scooped up some of the salt water and applied it to his ankle. Hoping it would pull infection and take down the swelling.

" Brett I forbid you to move any more till your ankle is healed" he simple nodded not fighting me on it.

"How's your ribs?" I shrugged.

"They are sore , but ribs heal fast" 

As the sun set on yet another day, I laid down beside Brett and just stared at the leaf ceiling.

"What are you thinking about" he asked me.

I sighed " I can't believe this happened"

"Yeah me either "

After awhile we had both fell asleep. I was cuddled against his back and he was slightly snoring.

Time passed and a noise woke me from my sleep. It sounded like foot steps. Again I froze and a sick feeling rose in my chest. I gently tapped Brett's shoulder and he opened his eyes. I put my finger to my lip to tell him not to say anything.

Once he heard it he jumped up and grabbed the nearest stick. I armed myself with one as well.

The sun was just beginning to rise and give light to the island. Brett inched to the door . He pushed me back and grabbed the door shoving it open running out he screamed.

"You get back here !" He took off hobbling and I quickly followed behind him. Sure enough a skinny man was running away from Brett. He cut into the forest , and we lost him.

We were out of breathe and Brett cursed.

"Can't believe there's another freaking person on this island. We're going to have to up security at the hut "

As we trudged  back to the hut , I had the uneasy feeling that not one but many people were watching us.