Stranded

Chapter 19 ~ Hannah

I sit on the other side of the hut from where Simon is, relaxing. It's nice to be in the shade and take a break from the wall for a bit. Not that I'm the only one taking a break, but I am the only one in here. The only one that's taking a break for an hour or more.

Simon's been out all day and it's well into the evening now. The storm has also been building throughout the day, and I'm guessing Jack's group is about to hold their feast pretty soon....

I am startled out of my thoughts by a groan from the until now silent boy. I stare at him as he begins waking up. I peak out of the hut and spie Sophie.

"Hey, Sophie!" I say. "Get Cassie."

She sees me and nodes before racing off.

I turn back to the boy as he opens his eyes.

***

Cassie and I enter the hut. Simon is awake and trying to leave.

"Simon, calm down, we'll let you go, we just want some questions answered," Cassie says.

"What do you want?" he asks.

"We found you passed out in the forest. Is that normal for you?" I ask.

"Why do you care? Last I checked the girls didn't care about what's going on with the boys."

"Because if it is a sickness of some sort, then then we need to know," she replies coolly, "and, as it just so happens, we are much more aware of you boy's current standing with each other than you think."

"Then you believe in the Beast too? Is that why you sent that girl, Rachel, to join Jack's tribe?"

"That girl is a traitor. We believe no such thing, however, we are quit interested in why you boys do, but that's not the question that must get answered before you go."

"It isn't a sickness, alright. Why don't you believe in it? They said they saw it on the mountain."

"They saw it in the mountain. When? Last night?" Cassie asks, walking to the other side of the hut, her back to us, a tone of laughter in her voice. Dang, she is good at making people uncomfortable. "Is that why they believe in a beast?"

"Yes, no.... I was thinking I'd go and check though, to make sure," Simon says. "I-I don't believe it myself."

"Well, lucky for you, we already have," Cassie says, turning back around, all teasing gone. "Do you think it is a miracle that the fire is still going up there or has no one noticed? Your 'beast' was a dead man. He parachuted down from a wrecked plane, and, I assume, died landing. If that is why everyone is going off about a beast then you boys have way too much imagination."

"Your keeping the fire going?"

"Yes," Cassie says.

"And there is no beast."

"No."

"I've got to tell the others," Simon says.

"Jack's group is having a feast around the...."

"Rock on the beach," Hannah says, knowing the exact location. "Past your camp from here, but it might be faster through the forest."

"All the boys will most likely be there," Cassie says. "Come on, let's get you out of here without being noticed."