Stranded

Chapter 3 ~ Cassie

We run down the beach towards the sound. It is tiring, but Hannah and I fight through it. Rachel quickly starts to lag behind. Maybe I should've chosen Alice. Eventually we make it to a large gathering. It takes me a second to realize that they aren't adults, they're just boys. The horn stops blowing. We walk the rest of the way to them being cautious. There is something going on as we walk up, but the applause dies away as we come. Most of them are sitting in the sand. A boy with a conch comes us to face us, he has blonde hair. There is a group within the overall group of boys is all dressed the same with black caps, and the one who is heading them stands behind the boy with the couch, he has red hair. A fat boy stands on his other side. We stop several yards from them.

"Well, look at that, a few girls, huh," the redhead says meanly.

"Bunch of boys. Hurd you might have been traveling with us," I say in even tone.

"Perfect, you can take care of all the kids."

"Just you three?" the one with the conch asks.

"More. Whatcha you doing?" I ask.

"None of your business," redhead says.

"Shut up Jack," the one with the conch says. "What's your name?"

"I'm Cassie, and I'm the leader of our group, this is Hannah and Rachel."

"Ralph," he replies. "I'm chief."

"Good to know. What are you doing?"

"Well, a few of us where going to look around and figure out if this is actually an island."

I knode. "Good idea. I'll come too."

"No way, you can take the little kids and start nannying them," Jack says.

"We will do no such thing, as it just so happens we have our own things going on," Hannah says.

"Your welcome to come," Ralph says.

"Thank you," I turn to Rachel and Hannah. "You two go back. I'll be back by nightfall at least."

"Whatever," Rachel says turning. I catch Hannah's hand and take off my necklace. It has sea glass on it, and is my good luck charm, I always have it with me. "Take this and use it to start a fire from the rays of the sun in a safe place. We'll want the light. Don't lose it."

"You can count on me," she says before leaving. I turn and follow Ralph, Jack, and another boy as we start our walk.