Standing in the assembly area, I stare into the horizon searching for a boat that isn't coming. Most of the older boys are still standing by the shore, and Ralph calls them over to establish a guard for me. I am locked in a trance, my mind is far away in the ocean searching for a saviour that does not exist.

It feels like hours that I am standing there, and it's as if I have become one with the beach.

"Annie," Someone calls me, but it is only a nagging thought at the back of my mind to answer them.

I watch as the waves twinkle in the distance, like a thousand flashing lights the sun's rays reflect back to create a show. The warm breeze blows my hair, pulling a few strands in front of my face and tickling my nose. I notice the tide has risen, covering up the rocks that once laid far along the beach.

"Annie—," I snap out of my trance, and turn to face the assembly of boys.

"Yes?"

"We've made a plan—," Ralph looks at the boys around him, "and it starts now. I'll watch you during the day, and then everyone will take turns watching over you at night. Bill will take the first shift—"

I look over to Bill, a tall blond boy who I often see with Maurice. He smiles sheepishly at me, having never really spoken to me before.

"Then Maurice, then Robert, then Simon, and then back to me again," Ralph's hand goes on his hip, proud of his plan. I nod begrudgingly, and look to the ground.

"What about me?" whines Piggy.

"Could you fight off Jack, or even run fast enough to warn me 'r the other boys?" scoffs Ralph.

"Well, I—," Piggy stumbles for an answer, not finding one.

Ralph rolls his eyes, and moves onto other matters.

"If anyone of you sees Jack, or Roger- get me." Ralph warns the boys, and a grave feeling washes over us.

True to his word, Ralph follows me wherever I go throughout the day. Most of the time he sat a good distance away, sharpening the spear he had created. He did this while I bathed the littleuns, and while I washed my clothes in the river. His eyes never really leaving me, I can feel his stare permanently engraved into the back of my head.

I sit by the huts now, drawing pictures in the dirt with a stick that had been left by the fire.

"Ralph—," I start, knowing he is within hearing range, "I need to bathe."

I hear him get up and walk towards me, his spear sticking in the dirt like a cane with each step.

"Well then let's go."

I look up to him with eyebrows furrowed, "You're intending to come with me?"

"Well the bathing pool is in the forest innit?"

"Yes well you can't, come with me—," my cheeks redden at the thought, "I will be— indisposed."

Ralph catches onto my thoughts, and his face reddens in return.

"Well I can't leave you alone—," he says tentatively.

My face contorts in disgust, and I turn to leave.

"Annie wait, we can propose a compromise!"

"How so?"

"What if I stand nearby so I can hear if you're in distress, and I promise not to look."

I contemplate the idea, but I know that even if I don't agree he will do it anyway.

"Promise?"

He makes a sign of an X over his heart, "Cross my heart."

I turn back around and make my way to the bathing pool. It is a clear and warm day, perfect for bathing as the pool becomes the perfect temperature right around the evening. In the daylight, the walk there is pleasant, the light filtering through the trees and the birds singing songs of the day.

We reach the platform of rocks right before the little alcove of water, being fed from the river. There are loose bits of clothing left from the last people bathing before me, and sitting at the north-most part is a large boulder— perfect for concealing Ralph's eyes from seeing me.

"Go sit behind there," I order, pointing at the rock.

"If you need me, yell for me."

He walks up to it and goes around the corner, hidden from view I feel I am safe to change.

I take off the well-worn school shirt, three of its buttons missing. Once crisp and white, its colour is now a yellowish-grey. The skirt I wear is tattered and frayed, and the fabric pulled from wearing it for far too long. My clothes barely hang on any longer with my weight having fallen off like coconuts from a tree. My skin breaks out in gooseflesh, as I am exposed fully to the world. With one graceful leap, I land in the water and submerge myself in the warm pool. I scrub my hair, attempting to get the dirt out from many nights sleeping on the ground and playing in the sand.

I stand eyes closed wading waist deep in the water, taking in the sounds of nature. The warmth of the sun beats down on me, and a bird chirps nearby. The wind gusts, and blows a chill over me.

A sudden screech, a flap of wings, a splash, and a scream erupting from me. A large bird had flown onto me and then fallen into the water, startling and confusing me.

"Annie are you alright?" Ralph runs around the corner before I can stop him, and our eyes meet. His eyes widen in shock, and it takes me a moment to remember that I am completely bare. I instantly cover up and go back under the water to hide myself further.

"Ralph you pervert! Leave! Leave!" I scream utterly horrified.

Mortified, he covers his eyes and spins around instantly.

"I'll be nearby when you're done—"

"You better not be close Ralph or— or—," I stumble to think of a threat, "just go!" I yell, and splash water at him.

He walks quickly away from me towards the huts. I watch as his figure recedes until I cannot see him anymore, before I decide to get out of the water. I ring my long and tangled hair out before hopping out, and put back on my clothes.

The scene replays over and over in my head, and I relive the embarrassing moment time and time again. My cheeks stay red and warm at the thought of having to face Ralph back at the huts, and I walk as slowly as I can to prolong the time spent away from my second shadow.

I hear a rustle again, and I look up— on alert for any birds attempting to fly onto me again. My heart beats faster, but I try to calm myself down. If I screamed Ralph would surely hear me— right?

Almost too quickly, it happens— a hand is on my mouth, and a body is pressed against me. I yell but the sound is a muffled cry that only the trees around me can hear. I flail about, trying to remove myself from the offender's grasp, but it's no use.

"How cute, trying to break free eh?" a voice belonging to the one and only— Jack Merridew. "Where's Ralphy boy? Not followin' you around? Bad move on 'is part you see."

I stop struggling for a moment, and his grip on me loosens. I take the opportunity to break free, and I spin around facing him.

"One wrong move and I scream," I threaten, and his smirk widens.

"I didn't come 'ere to do anything but talk," his hands go up in earnest.

"Then talk."

"Feisty—," he laughs and continues on, "well I made you an offer, you remember that don't ya?"

I nod solemnly.

"Well?"

I look at him for a few moments before speaking, inspecting the tall ginger boy. His warpaint is mixed in with a layer of blood, his hair a long and tangled mess of mud and dry caked blood. He frightens me, but I cannot show this in front of him or be seen as a coward.

"I do not accept your offer, Jack."

Strangely he does not look upset, or distressed.

"Alright—," he walks closer, and I back away until my back hits the rough bark of a tree. My heart pounds, and my legs shake.

His face comes dangerously close, and he whispers like a lover into my ear.

"—but next time, I won't be so polite."

I swallow hard, and he backs away. He is gone in an instant, running wild through the thick brush.

Well, it certainly has been a long time... and I know I'm awful at this, but I'm trying! This chapter doesn't nearly make up for the time waited, but I promise I have another chapter in the making! I can't believe that next month this story will be THREE YEARS in the making! Time flies when you're having fun I guess. This is my second year of college, and it's surreal how busy I am lately- perfect excuse to procrastinate by writing!

I promise I will have the next chapter up soon, and it would've even been with this one but I just didn't feel like it fit the chapter. Until next time!

Stay lovely