Dear Diary,

Apparently, I am stuck on this island. I went for a swim today and was pulled under. I found out that Mr. Barnett knows several secrets about the island that he doesn't feel inclined to shared with me. Some of the inhabitants of the island transform into ancient creatures including those that swim live in the water.

A creature of some sort was what pulled me under today. Its human form is named Andrew. He acted as if though he hadn't heard of me. I am not sure if this is a good thing or not.

Natalie is upset with me. She thinks that Andrew was lying over the radio. She believes have no desire to stay here. Honestly, who would?

I am going to find a way to go home.

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Susan sat on her bed reading a book. All of her escape plans had proved futile. Yesterday's attempt was the closest that she had gotten, and even that attempt had gone poorly.

She could hear someone knocking but had no desire to answer the door. Maybe whoever it was would just go away. Far, far away.

Instead, the door slowly creaked open, and a new face peeked its head in. When it was obvious Susan wasn't going to acknowledge her, the girl walked over and stood next to the bed. She placed her hand onto nearest post at the foot of the bed. "I hope you don't mind me baraging in, but everyone else is gone. Mr. Barnett said that you had stayed for the weekend instead of going home."

"Like I had much choice."

"May I sit down?"

"Are you going to turn into something and eat me?"

"I can't do anything like that. We could go get something to eat instead."

Susan looked up from her book and stared at the girl for a few minutes. Her stomach was starting to rumble, and she hadn't seen anyone else all day. The breakfast trays that were normally brought to her hadn't come that morning. "I haven't eaten yet."

"The cafeteria is still open." She watched as Susan placed the book on the nightstand and stood up. They left the room and headed down a cooridor.

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Susan took a bite of her food and studied the girl across from her. She didn't look to be much older. Maybe she would be a worthy ally. Susan wouldn't know unless she attempted to get along. "I've never eaten in here before."

"Usually, everyone has their meals brought to them in their rooms, but on the weekends, most of the workers go home. Since hardly anyone is left here, they make them come to the cafeteria for their meals. Why didn't you go home?"

"Natalie says that I need more time."

"I am sorry."

"What are you sorry for? It's not your fault that Natalie is being mean."

"No, but it's partly my fault that you are here."

"What do you mean?"

"I was being stubborn and had decided not to come back. When I didn't show up, Natalie came after me. Natalie saw you in the park. That's when she started following you. I am sorry."

"Oh. It's okay. It's not like you were the one that encouraged her. So why didn't you go home?"

"I can't anywhere off of the island without an escort until I am told otherwise."

"Is it because you didn't come back?"

"Yeah. They don't really care who you date on the island, but they expect us to follow their rules, especially Natalie. Natalie's got a thing for you. I would mind if I were you."

"I just want to go home."

"What did you do before you came?"

"I worked in a department store."

"Good afternoon,ladies."Johnathan set his tray down next to Susan's.

"Afternoon, Johnathan." The girl looked down at her tray and began pushing the food around on her tray. Susan went to stand up but felt his hand pushing holding her arm.

"Don't go, Susan. Stay and eat lunch with us."

"I have things to do."

"So I guess I couldn't interest you in going to the mainland."

"You would take us?"

"Why wouldn't I, Emily? Granted that Susan stays around and finishes lunch with us." He smiled as he saw victory when Susan sat back down and started eating again. "What have the two of you been talking about?"

"Susan was telling me about how she's liking it here."

"Is that right? I heard Natalie's pretty upset and has confined Susan to the compound after hearing she was with Andrew. How is the Squid doing? I am surprised you met him. He rarely comes to the surface."

"Natalie misunderstood what happened. And Andrew pulled me under while I was swimming. Then when I came back Natalie threw a fit."

"Natalie's a lot smarter than you're giving her credit for, Susan. She knows when people are lying. If she says you weren't going for a simple swim, then you weren't."

"I am not as hungry as I thought I was." Susan picked up her tray and went to put it away. She headed back to her room.

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"Susan, it's absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to see more of it."

"So you like it then?" Susan shifted the phone from one ear to another as she tried to drain the spaghetti out into the strainer.

"I love it. When do I get the next chapter?"

"Hopefully, tomorrow. I don't think I am going to get a chance tonight."

"Why what's going on? By the way, how is David doing?"

"He's doing good. He's coming over tonight for dinner. He's pitching a promotion at work."

"Have you talked to him about you going public?"

"If David knew that I was writing, he would try to get me to quit the department store."

"I've been trying to get you to quit for months."

"I like working at the department store though." The doorbell started to ring. "Hey, let me call you later. David's here."

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A/N: So what do you think? Please review. Hope everyone had a Merry Christine and a Happy New Year.