1. Signal It was nearly midnight when I made up my mind. I slipped out of my bed quietly, even though I was sure Caine would not hear. I didn't bother worrying about Bug; even if he did hear me (which I was positive he would not) I could sweet talk him into not telling Caine. I crept across the hall to Jennifer's room. I closed the door but did not turn on the lights. The windows were open, the salty sea breeze filtering through the room. I breathed deeply, helping myself reaffirm what I was about to do. I stepped into Jennifer's enormous closet and grabbed the largest bag I could find. I quickly stuffed it with the smallest and lightest clothing articles I could find. I shrugged out of my pajamas and pulled on jeans shorts and a white sweater. As I was leaving the room I caught a fleeting glimpse of myself in the mirror. I knew I didn't have much time, but I stopped to look myself over. Two months on the island had done me a lot of good. My limbs, though still extremely thin, were not as fragile as they had been at Coates. My legs were beginning to regain their former muscles, and my ribs were no longer sticking out through my shirt. Overdoses of vitamins and constant use of toothpaste had gotten rid of the scurvy and my gums looked healthy again. Warm showers and shampoo had returned the shine to my hair, which had grown below my ears now. Finally, I was ready to do the unthinkable. Because I could not help myself I snuck into Caine's room a final time. He was asleep, as I knew he would be. When he was asleep he looked so peaceful. For a little while I could pretend that he was a better man; not the crazy, psychotic one I knew him to be. I held my hair back with one hand so that it would not touch him, then I bent forward and kissed his forehead. "I love you," I whispered into the darkness. His lips twitched faintly, but he did not wake. I left the house and did not look back. I trekked down the beach, my suitcase digging into my shoulder and the sand exfoliating my feet. There was a cliff face that faced in the direction of Perdido Beach that could not be seen from the mansion. Even though I could not put my plan into attack until dawn I gathered the things that I would need. Dead leaves and tree limbs, as well as any dry moss that I could find. Dirt was packed under my fingernails, but I forced myself to continue. By two in the morning I had built a large structure that I would ignite easily.
I sat down on a rock, knowing that sleep would be impossible, and tried to contemplate the reason for my actions. When I couldn't come up with a reason that satisfied me I pulled the lighter out of my pocket and began to flick it on and off. The little flame would dance for an instant, celebrating the fact that it was alive before I snuffed it out. That was the manner in which I remained until the first hints of daylight peaked over the horizon. Though it was miles away I thought I could see the Perdido Beach fishermen launching their boats. I waited a few more minutes, still trying to decide if I really wanted to do this. Then I remembered The Incident and I was sure of my actions. I held the lighter at the bottom of the structure I had built. The flames swallowed the dry leaves and began the lick their way up the tree branches. I was pleased when the leaves of the trees overhead began to catch too.
Twenty minutes later my signal fire was ablaze. I stood close to it so that any rescuers would be able to see me. Smoke filled my lungs, but I ignored it. I looked up at the blazing trees. Fire was all around me, consuming the air that I breathed. It made it seem like the whole world was on fire, not just this part of the island. It made me think of Caine and how my heart burned for him. I hated admitting it, even now. Even after The Incident. An hour later I was ready to give up, to pack it in and head back to the mansion; but then I saw it. A tiny crescent of breaking water. A boat. I waved my arms wildly, probably looking like a total idiot. The boat came closer. And closer. Closer. I stopped waving my arms, sure that they could see me now. I put up a cool facade, aware that I would need to have control in this situation. The boat pulled closer until it was right underneath the cliff. I wasn't surprised to see that Quinn was apparently leading the expedition. That would probably work to my advantage. Quinn was an idiot, easily manipulated. There was another girl who seemed vaguely familiar. The cocky smile melted off my face when I saw the third boy. He was starring up at me with dark, serious eyes.
Sanjit.
