Stranded

9

Louis put an alarm on his phone so we wake up at 8 o'clock in the morning and we set off. I think the realisation that we could all die out here is finally setting in, because no one makes any jokes or suggests any games, not even Louis or Niall.

I concentrate on walking, putting one foot in front of the other, and I keep trying not to think about how I feel about Harry. But even my thoughts about Harry are nothing compared to the thirst I feel in my throat. I keep reminding myself not to breathe through my mouth because I'll lose moisture, but as I become more out of breath it gets harder.

I'm so focused in my own thoughts that I barely notice the fork in the road.

"Guys... do you remember which way... we came from?" Niall says, panting. I can't help it; the sound of Niall sounding so thirsty makes me take out my now only three quarter full water bottle and take a long sip. Before long, everyone else is doing the same. I notice Louis' is only half full.

"Okay. Does anyone know which way we came from?" Niall asks again. I shake my head.

"I can't be certain but I think it was the right one," I say.

"Actually I have a feeling we came from the middle one," Liam says, and Ali nods and agrees.

"Didn't we come from the left one?" Louis says, and this time Niall agrees. That only leaves Harry to make up his mind.

"Nah, I agree with Angel; we came from the right one," Harry says. I silently let out a breath of relief- I'm not the only one who thinks that. That makes two people for each direction. We all stay silent, thinking the same thing, although none of us want to say it. Eventually Liam speaks up.

"Okay, then. I think we should split up. We can make a plan so we won't get lost- we will walk for two more days including today in our different directions. After two days if you haven't found it, turn back. We'll meet back here in four days time- no more no less. We'll wait for six hours, and if you don't turn up by then, we'll keep walking." The way he speaks worries me. He speaks quietly, with urgency. We all nod quickly, and then split up the supplies.

"Good luck you guys. See you in four days," Niall says to everyone. Hugs are exchanged from everyone, and then just as quickly as it started, we all split up in our directions.

Now it's just Harry and I, walking together silently. I think of Ali, and how she's with Liam. At least she's in capable hands.

"Guess what," Harry's low voice says.

"What?"

"I don't actually think we came from this way. I don't have a clue. But I pretended to agree with you so that you wouldn't be alone, and so we could be together."

I try not to gape but I'm not sure I succeed. I just nod limply.

"Thanks," I say gratefully.

"No worries. Hey, I've been thinking, should I grow my hair long again?" Harry asks.

"Yes!!" I say enthusiastically. "I mean, yeah. I love your hair long. Not that it isn't great now. I mean," I babble. Harry chuckles.

"Okay. It's not like I can cut my hair anyway out here in the desert."

"I wish the band would get together again," I say wistfully.

"Me too," he admits. "I really miss the lads. It was Liam's idea to go solo, and Louis agreed. I was reluctant but I thought taking a break wasn't a bad idea. But Niall was totally broken-hearted."

It makes me so sad to imagine Niall upset.

"Us fans really miss you guys," I say after a moment. I see Harry's eyes go a little darker and he looks a little saddened.

"I really love the fans. Speaking of fans, how much of a fan were you?"

I gulp. "Um... well, I had a few posters, and I listened to all your music..." I try to tone down the sound of my obsession.

"Be honest," he says, smirking.

"Okay. I was totally obsessed. My entire room has posters and I have the 1D dolls from ages ago. It's a mess in there. My entire phone is full of you guys. I'm glad my phone was wrecked actually- you were my lock screen and wallpaper." By this time Harry is doubled up laughing. When he stops, he smirks once again.

"Hmm, I can't help but notice the past tense. You say you 'were totally obsessed'. I'm a little disappointed you're not still obsessed with me. Am I worse in real life?" He says, but laughing. I want to say that I'm even more obsessed and he's even hotter and nicer in real life, if that's possible. But of course I just coolly smirk with him.

"Yeah, you're pretty disappointing," I joke. Suddenly his phone is out and pointing at my face. I'm confused.

"I'm making you my wallpaper. It's only fair. I was yours," he explains. I giggle and nod.

We continue to talk and flirt for another hour or so until I collapse on the sand next to the road.

"I'm starving and thirsty, can we have a little lunch slash dinner?" I ask. He nods, and we sit down together. I'm sweating like hell, and hoping he can't smell me. Then I realise something pretty damn awkward. I need the toilet- desperately. I've been holding it in for a long time.

"Uh actually, I need the toilet," I say uncomfortably.

"Yeah, me too. Okay, so I'll just go on that side of the road, and you go behind that tree. No peeking," Harry says cheekily. I roll my eyes and grab a tissue, and head over to my designated tree. After I'm done, I really want to wash my hands, but it would be a waste of the precious water. I get out my tin of beans and hungrily dig into the food, reminding myself to savour every mouthful. Soon my can is empty and I lick the inside, almost cutting my tongue on the metal.

"Shall we keep going, then?" Harry suggests, and I nod, dragging myself up from the dust. This time we set out in silence as the sun begins to sink into the horizon. It's a relief to begin to feel a little cooler. Harry checks his phone once it's dark.

"It's eleven, should we get some sleep?"
I don't think that's a good idea, though. I have a feeling we should walk in the dark when it's cool and sleep in the day, burying ourselves in the sand. At least, that's what I saw on some tv show once.

"Let's keep walking until 1 and then sleep till 9, and we can have a nap during the hottest part of the day, noon," I say. Harry nods and with that we start walking again. I begin to shiver but remind myself that this is better than being too hot. I stare at the road, my pack beginning to feel heavier and heavier.

"Okay, it's one. Reckon we should sleep now?" Harry says sounding tired. I nod and we collapse underneath a blanket, falling asleep almost immediately.