Cerulean Found

Chapter 45 - This Must Be the Place

We drive along the winding road that cuts through the center of the island. The road curves up the mountainside and sweeps down the hills. We are almost to Kingsmet when Josh makes a right and we begin to drive down a quiet stretch of pavement. We only pass two other cars along this leg of our journey. Everything seems so quiet and peaceful. I like that. I like feeling as though Josh and I are the only two humans on this beautiful island.

After driving for almost an hour, a strip of white sand emerges on our right and a great green meadow appears on our left. There are a few cars parked sporadically between the many sea grape plants that grow wild next to the long sandy beach. The strange thing is, I don't see any beachgoers.

As we drive along the never ending road, the meadow quickly disappears and transforms into a dense jungle. It's a magnificent sight to behold. Having the beach on our right and the tropical landscape to our left. The forest is thick and filled with lush trees that appear to reach the clouds, creating a vast canopy that prevents the sunlight from penetrating through.

As I stare out the window and admire the greenery all around, Josh pulls into an empty space on the sand next to some sea grape. I'm so confused. Is this our final destination? He had said we were going to visit some rock formations, but I don't see any large boulders anywhere in sight.

I don't know what to do. Do I get out of the car or just wait and see what he does? I decide to play it cool and just wait for his lead.

Josh opens his car door and gets out. So, this is the place, I think to myself as Josh strolls over to open my door.

"This is a nice beach," I say as I soak in my surroundings.

"Yes, it is. But the one we're going to is even better, if you can imagine that."

"So, why did we get out of the car if we're not there yet?" I ask, as I open the passenger side door, and start to climb back into the Jeep. He abruptly stops me and pulls me back down onto the sandy pavement.

"We are here. Only not really. We have to catch a trail up on the end of the beach. The trail will then lead us to Luka Point," Josh explains.

"How far do we have to walk?"

"Don't worry, it's not that far. And there's no hills to climb either, so you can rest easy now," he says with a slight chuckle.

"Good. I don't think my feet can handle anything too severe," I reply as I remember our last hike, which resulted in blisters forming all over my feet.

"You and your feet will be just fine."

Josh reaches for my hand and we walk to the end of the quiet beach.

"So where is this trail?" I ask once we reach the far side of the beach.

"You're looking at it," he says.

"Huh?" I look around. There is no trail in sight. "I don't see anything."

"Do you trust me?" he asks.

"Yes, of course."

"Then follow me. But if you start to feel uncomfortable or sick, let me know, okay?"

"Okay," I reply.

He takes his flip flops off and begins to slowly lead me toward the water. My heart rate begins to pick up as I register where he is heading. I freeze in place, not wanting to continue. Not thinking I can continue.

"Mila, it's okay. I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." His words are tender and kind. "You can do this. I believe in you," he says encouragingly. He squeezes my hand gently. A simple act, but with tremendous impact. I know he is right. As long as he is near, I am going to be okay. It will be hard and scary at first, but with him close by, I will be okay.