𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘪𝘹

Jack's POV:

Audrey's tanned face shone in the soft light of the morning sunrise, rays of yellow and orange mixing with the gentle pink sunburn that had formed across her small nose and high cheekbones. She looked so peaceful as she slept: her arms crossed around her small frame, her delicate hands resting on mine, which laid on the subtle curve of her waist. A small smile formed on her face as she began to stir, the sun now at it's highest point in the clear sky, sapphire eyes meeting another. She silently slipped out of my hold, turning to face me and never letting go of my hands.

"Good morning," she spoke sleepily, her head tilted to one side with dimples evident on her tired face.

"Morning, sunshine," I replied, subconsciously rubbing my thumb across hers. My rough hands engulfed her soft ones, causing a look of contentment to take over her sleepy expression.

"Thank you," she stated simply.

"For?" I questioned the drowsy girl.

"For listening to me, last night. You care," she continued gratefully.

I care? I don't care about people, especially their feelings, for that matter. What kind of statement is that?

She smiled, patiently waiting for a response. God, her smile.

A true one, that's what kind of statement it is.

"I do," I smiled back, holding onto her hands a little tighter.

"Do you think the others are awake, down on the beach?" she asked me as she stood, grabbing a branch and tossing it into the burnt out fire.

"I would assume so," I trailed off, watching her as she brushed her fingers through her tangled hair.

"We should probably head that way then," she spoke softly, a hint of sadness forming in her sweet voice as she frowned at the statement.

Without saying another word, she approached me and softly brushed the dirt from my cheeks.

"Clean up, you look like you've been stranded on an island or something," she giggled as she ran down the mountain. I stood dumbstruck for a moment, her laugh growing fainter as she ran further away.

"This girl," I thought to myself as I shook my head and began chasing after her.

(...)

Audrey's POV:

I made it to the beach first, Jack following not far behind me. My breath came out in heavy gasps as I desperately tried to catch it, deciding I should find Ralph and the others. Before I could take another step, I heard footsteps followed by the feeling of being lifted off the ground.

"God damnit, Jack!" I exclaimed breathlessly, punching him in the arm as we sat down in the sand. We stayed there for a moment more, laughing, before a shadow was cast over us and a stern voice was heard from behind.

"Where've you guys been? You should've been back by now!" the voice spoke irritated, it was Ralph.

"Would you relax?" Jack questioned him, clearly annoyed by his presence.

"We were on fire watch, you told us to be," I reassured him, cautiously, trying to keep the tension to a minimum.

"I'm not talking to you," Ralph shot back at me as he raised his voice, causing me to jump.

"Don't fucking talk to her like that," Jack spoke through clenched teeth as he tightened his fists and stood to face Ralph. He was at least 4 inches taller than him, and I could tell it intimidated the smaller boy. I was taken aback, he looked dangerous.