Stranded

Promise

(Luke's POV)

Autumn and I were peacefully sleeping on our bed of undergrowth, when I herd a noise from outside. Sitting up slowly, I looked over at Autumn. She was in peace for once, the one time since we've been on this island. She's taking it harder than me.

I looked back through the entrance of the cave when I heard the noise again. I got up carefully so I didn't awake her.

I walked over to the entrance and poked my head out. It was pitch black, besides the moon as a little light. The stars were as bright as ever. I knew, that soon, Autumn and I were going to get rescued.

Sighing, I stepped out of my safe heaven and ventured out to the beach. The sound disappeared and all I herd were the waves of the ocean coming into view. I sat down on the warm sand. I watched the calm ripples in the water and wished for something. I looked up at the sky and sighed. I don't know if we'll get rescued, but if we do, I'll have to find some other family members to live with.

I was sitting by myself when I heard a very loud rustling behind me. I whipped my head around just in time to see Codie's head pop out. I sighed in relief when it was him. Codie started to walk towards me and I could tell he was still limping a bit, but it was a little better.

The dog came and sat down beside me. I stuck my hand on his head and ruffled his hair.

He looked at me with his big brown eyes and I smiled. "If something happens to me out here, you need to take care of Autumn. Can you do that?" I asked him, Jesus I'm talking to a dog.

Codie cocked his head to the side, causing me to laugh. I looked back out to the ocean. I remembered the first time I saw Autumn on the beach crying over Codie. I looked into her brown eyes and I could tell that Codie meant the world to her. He was her family now. Her mom, and dad were killed on a boat, and now people think she's dead. If only my dad didn't give her mom the free tickets for this cruise.

I sighed in frustration, and wished it could be different. Out of no where, Codie barks extremely loud. I whip my head around to see a silhouette of a person. It started to walk closer until I saw it was Autumn.

"Hey," She said quietly.

"Hi," I replied simply.

"Couldn't sleep?" She asked and sat down beside me.

"No. I heard-" I cut myself off. I can't tell her that I herd something near the shelter, she'll be more stressed.

"Yeah. I came out here and Codie followed." I shrugged.

"You okay? You sound upset or mad about something." She said. Shit.

"Yea. It was all my fault." I said.

"What was?"

"The cruise sinking." She gave me a funny look.

"Well, My dad gave your mom the free tickets to be nice. If I'd told my dad no, he would've listened because...because I told him to buy them." I explained.

"I wanted to go on this cruise with you. I wanted to get to know you better. It would've never happened if I'd never been such a selfish jerk." I finished.

I picked a rock from the sand and threw it into the calm waves of the ocean. I watched as the ripples from the rock fade. I looked over at Autumn and her beautiful face was semi covered in darkness.

"Luke," I looked over at her. "It wasn't your fault. When I found out you were on this cruise, I actually got excited." She confessed.

"Really?" I asked seriously.

"Yes really. Even though I am terrified of boats, I still went because of you." She laid her hand on my shoulder.

I stared at her semi dark face and I could see the truth in her brown eyes. I smiled at her and she just kept her hand on my shoulder tightly. I looked away from her and looked at the sunrise.

"Autumn? I was thinking of something." I said finally.

"Yes?" She asked me.

"We have to be careful." I said tensely.

"What do you mean?" She asked confused.

"I-I herd something out there this morning. Thats why I came out. But it wasn't like a rabbit or a deer. It was a big rustling sound." I explained.

I could see the fear rising up in Autumns eyes. But, no going back now. I brought it up. I have to explain it more now.

"W-what?" Autumn asked.

"Yeah. I know, I'm a little worried about it. I don't know if we should be scared or frightened, but just be on alert." I told her.

"O-Okay. I'll b-be careful. But, what do you think it was?" She asked. I knew this was coming.

"I don't know. Thats the problem. But I do know that I want you to be more careful. And to have Codie with you at all times." I said sternly.

"Yes, I will." She said quietly.

I continued staring at the ocean again. What do we do? No idea what's out there, don't know what's going to happen to us. I hope that we'll get rescued soon. I hope that Autumn and I learn to adapt to this situation. I can still tell that she is un relaxed and anxious. I sighed, frustrated. Then, I herd the sound again. I sprung to my feet and Autumn gasped at my sudden rush of energy.

"Luke? Whats wrong?" She asked me as she stood slowly.

"Get behind me. Keep Codie at your side." I said sternly. She obeyed.

"What did you hear?" She whispered.

"The sound. Its more and more clear." I said.

"But-" I cut her off.

"Shh! Keep quiet." I said.

She shut up. She kept behind me and I tried to be strong. On the inside, I was fucking terrified. I didn't know what was out there, and I really don't want to find out. I have to fight whatever it is off. I can't let anything happen to Autumn.

"L-Luke?" She stuttered behind me. I answered with a 'mmm'.

"I-I'm scared." She stuttered.

"I know. Its okay." I took a hold of her hand. Then, the rustling came again, but closer. I herd Autumn gasp and stand closer to me. I squeezed her hand tightly. The rustling

came again. This time, it was in the bush beside us. I herd Codie whimper behind Autumn. I whipped my head around to where the sound was coming from. Then, I finally saw what the thing was: A Person.