Well. I'm surprised that I've managed to enjoy writing this enough to continue. I will apologize for a few things. The lengthiness of chapter one, the random italics of chapter two (how they got there is a mystery), and my overall apprehension.
The sun baked across the island, but even so Jenny refused to part with her jacket. Even when she was not wearing it, she toted the scorching burden wherever she went. It absorbed heat like a solar panel. Same with her Led Zeppelin shirt. It just figured that she would choose to wear all black.
The second day was rather scattered. A few brief meetings, a few scattered children. Lots of sun. a pulse of confusion and excitement.
Later that day, there was a meting. As usual. Also as usual, Jenny remained perched in her tree limb. None of the boys really bothered much with Jenny. Probably because she either intimidated them, or just irritated them with her blunt negativity and brashly sarcastic comments. Except for Ralph and Jack. Jack, just because they disagreed perfectly. But Ralph had a tenancy to try to talk with her frequently. Either that or stare at her. Jenny didn't like it too much, but she pretended she didn't notice.
Ralph spoke up to the group. Again, Jenny found herself tuning Ralph out. She didn't really care much. They could bellyache all they wanted about what they were going do. But Jenny knew it didn't matter. What was the use? Jenny had learned a long time ago that it was best to keep your hopes reasonably high, but your expectations as low as possible. That way, when you got disappointed, you knew you had it coming. But instead of saying something wise and thought provoking, she let out another useless set of banter.
"You guys talk too much. I don't know how much longer I can listen to British accents."
"Oh, please, sorry have to upset you Madame. You are allowed to be excused at any time. And I do mean that last bit." Jack said with a sneer.
"I'd leave," She said, "But then I would have to miss out on this lovely get together. And…" She didn't know what else to say. So instead she started singing for dramatic purpose. "I am the son/and the heir/Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar/ I am the son and heir/Of nothing in particular." She looked at them, satisfied, as if this was an appropriate response.
Jack was getting upset. He approached Ralph, pointing his finger at Jenny. "Okay, she's nuts. Why the hell do you keep letting her have all these ridiculous outbursts? You're the one who pushes that conch in our faces. Why not her?"
Ralph, with his usual patience and calm demeanor, said simply "Because. Now anyway, we've got to get that fire started. Like I said, it's the only way we can be rescued."
Jack gave both Ralph and Jenny a fierce look. But he swallowed his pride. He hated swallowing his pride, though. His pride was one of his weaknesses. He felt sick thinking about Jenny in that damn tree with that damn smirk she always carried. Who did she think she was? Jack had to admit, however, that Jenny did have a captivating aura. That's what convinced him to calm himself. Perhaps if her could talk to her. find out what she was about, he wouldn't have to have an ulcer ever time she opened her mouth. After all, they always tell you to keep you're enemies close. He just hoped he was over reacting.
As the children picked themselves of the sand and various logs, Jenny unwilling slid off her branch with a sigh. She slugged behind the others as they clamored towards the mountain. The less she had to participate, the better. But she didn't want them to think she was a total jerk. She caught sight of Jack, who walked over to her. Surprising. She thought he didn't even like being in the same breathing space as her.
"Hey, how's my best friend doing?" She said to Jack, who was slightly flushed.
"Oh, just peachy. You've got quite the mouth, haven't you?" His hair caught the setting sun, setting off sparks in his red mop.
"Well, someone's got to keep things interesting. And anyway, the more I insult people, the more those little kids keep away from me. I had little kids so much." Jenny was amused at this conversation, as she had not been expecting it at all.
"Well you seem to be keeping away most of the others, too. Except our little lover boy, Ralph. I'm sure you've noticed how much he enjoys your company." Jack had slipped out a slight twang of jealousy. He quickly looked down to the sand.
Jenny relished in this opportunity. "Ah yes, my friend Ralph. I suppose I have noticed. Would you like to know something else I noticed?"
Jack's heart dropped. He could feel his face flush again, but this time not with anger. "Uh, and what would that be?"
"Don't act all innocent. I'm not stupid. You play for the other team. I know it." Jack looked up. He did not know what that term meant, but he has his assumptions. "No," he said, giving her a deathly glare.
"Shaddup, man. I see the way you look at Ralph. I don't care. I mean Jesus, I'm from California. I see more drag queens in a month than you've probably seen in your whole life." Jack couldn't help but chuckle a little bit.
"Well, just don't say anything. You're, you know, the first person whose ever know this… I don't really know what to say." Jack was more embarrassed than he had ever been in his entire life.
Jenny looked Jack right in the eyes. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me." She made some sort of sloppy hand gesture that he assumed to be a way of assuring her promise. "After all, we've all got our secrets, don't we Jack?" She winked at him, speeding up her pace, picking her way over the rocks and vines gently.