Chapter 156

Almara’s Pov

The ship sent to pick us up is delayed. It was supposed to come sometime yesterday, but never did. I begin to think about living the rest of our lives on this Island. I don’t hate the idea, what I don’t love is it wouldn’t be by choice.

We have zero cell service so we can’t call the company and make sure they know we still need to be rescued, we can’t call our parents who, no doubt, will begin to worry if we are not back by tonight, in fact we can’t call any one to let them know where we are.

Arthur and I have resorted to minimal talking, but neither one of us has much to add considering neither one of us knows more than the other. Arthur assures the crew member was well aware we needed a boat sent to us and there isn’t much else we can really do, but wait.

We toss back theories that perhaps there was bad weather that delayed the ship, or maybe there was a miscommunication about the day we needed to be picked up. We couldn’t panic yet.

Though, Grace is beginning to pick up on our underlying anxieties with the way we keep casting our eyes towards the ocean every so often, just in case we happened to miss a big boat sailing to us just five minutes ago. All the while, Arthur and I ignore the obvious wedge between us.

I think we both coughed up our fight to hunger, lack of sleep, and stress. We both said things we didn’t mean and want to forget that it ever happened, which is fine- but then why does it feel like we can’t bet intimate either?

At least with the ships delay, that gives us something to focus on instead. “I’m going to take Grace to the waterfall.” I say. Staring at an empty ocean that’s supposed to have a boat on its waves coming at us is beginning to chew at my nerves.

“I’ll go with you.” Arthur says and for a second I want to protest, but decide against it. Technically we’re fine now, so there should be no reason I want to go alone. Right?

We journey through the jungle, Grace touches every hanging leaf that she can and babbles with excitement.

After a mile or so walk, the rushing sound of water is closer and I know we’re not too far off. The temperature has cooled as water mists through the air. We’re encircled by the jungle, colorful birds fly over head and I get the urge to run, jump, and catch one.

With this sudden instinct, it dawns on me that this must be how Grace has been feeling- consumed with primal instincts. I should be proud that our baby is a fast learner and feels that she can be free in a world that is so divided.

We reach the pool that the waterfall connects to. I stand back for a moment, to take in the wonderous beautify that she is. The waterfall begins at a cliff that has to be at least a few hundred feet tall, and water cascades down with an elegant force.

A rainbow is reflected among the base of the waterfall where the water splashes into the pool spraying droplets into the surrounding area. I’m still standing with my head turned up trying to capture in the full size, when I see Arthur take off running into the pool.

Grace bounces with joy in my arms and starts pointing and saying, “Dada!” Arthur looks majestic in the water. He shakes his head and his hair whips about, his water rolls down his muscular back, and the sun dances off his glistening skin. “Go. Go.” Grace says.

It takes me a minute to realize she wants to go in the water. I’m about to tell her no, but then realize it’s probably better to get her accustomed with the water sooner rather than later. Besides, should she ever get lost again- at least I’ll know I taught her to swim.

I approach the pooling water slowly and gently lower Grace to her toes, holding her straight from underneath her arms. A think layer of water washes over her toes and she squeals with delight, I can’t help but smile too.

We step in deeper, the water now up to her ankles. Her delight is now being replaced with a sense of caution, but still I press on. When we make just up to her thighs, she begins kicking her legs. “Good!” I encourage her.

We keep moving on until water is at my waist and Grace is paddling with both her legs and arms, she’s moving them quickly I think trying to move faster, but I keep her at a steady pace. Eventually we bump into Arthur who gives me a look asking if he can give it a try.

I pass Grace to her and watch as Arthur’s large hands wrap around Grace, making her appear so small again. I float on my back and let the gentle movements of the water sway my body. I bring my eyes up toward the clear blue sky and for once, I relax.

We make our way back to the campsite and my body feels appropriately used from the day of swimming. I almost don’t notice the new ship that’s docked, waiting for us to board. It’s not until I see Arthur walk past our tent that I see he’s headed toward a crew member stationed outside the ramp.

Only then do I remember we we’re waiting for a new ship to arrive. Even though this vacation wasn’t as I imagined, I’m a bit sad to be going. I want a re-do, like Arthur had mentioned. This place is beautiful and I didn’t get to fully appreciate it.

I follow behind Arthur, kicking up some dry sand that sticks to my wet legs as I drag my feet. “Our deepest apologizes for the delay Mr. Covington.” I hear the man in a fitted white sailor suit say, he gives a slight bow- a sign of respect.

“What was the reason for it?” Arthur asks with more curiosity than concern. The crew member has thick dark hair, bushy eyebrows, and brown eyes that match his dark complexion. He removes his hat and hangs his head.

“The last ship sunk.” He says regretfully. The admission causes my heart to freeze with alarm. Arthur adjusts Grace on his hip to move her further aside, out of earshot distance.

“What happened?” Arthur asks his voice taking on a serious and sullen tone. ‘

“The investigation is still on going. It took us some time to track all the passengers that were aboard and do safety checks on the other ships.” The crew member explains. Arthur waves his hand in dismissal.

“Never mind the delay. The Hurricane Pack will be in touch to help the victims families with relief support.” Arthur says and the crew member lifts his eyes with surprise.

“Th-thank you, sir. Thank you.” The worker stutters out.

“We’ll gather our things and be right on.” Arthur says. The crew member bows once more and returns to his station. Arthur and I stand motionless, letting the news of what just happened sink in.

That could have been us. We would have all died on that ship. Tears spring to my eyes when I imagine my family on that boat, helpless and having to face the inevitable. Arthur and I would have died with anger in our hearts.

I feel the familiar weight of Arthur’s muscular arm wrap around my waist. He pulls me in until my back is curved against his forearm and my eyes meet his. He looks deep into my eyes as if staring at my hear and then kisses me passionately.

“I’m so sorry.” He whispers against my mouth. I bring my hand up to the side of his face and lace my fingers through his hair.

“I am too.” I tell him, but Arthur shakes his head.

“I should have treated you better. I was scared and you’re right, I felt out of control. Still, that’s no excuse.” Arthur says, his voice cracking. My own years stream down my cheeks and I don’t bother wiping them away.

“We really screwed up this vacation, huh?” I say. Arthur kisses the top of my forehead and then the top of Graces.

“No.” Arthur says. “We survived it.”