Thanks for the reviews!
VA belongs to Richelle Mead.
Rpov:
So far so good. I stuck to the shadows that the trees were providing and edged along the camp's borders. I mentally groan as I near the women's camp. This is the place where the women do their chores and gossip. The good news; when they see the leopard they'll run away. The bad news; they'll scream, which will alert the hunters, who will be posed to fight.
I press further into the shadows and slink past the huts and cloths they set up. I sigh in relief as we pass them, unnoticed.
However, Mia's hut is on the other side of camp.
I internally kicked myself. There are fewer shadows around here and it will be difficult to walk around the edges.
I sigh and bend down to her level.
"Trust me," I whisper and I grab hold of her neck, keeping her close as I start to walk.
It lasted longer than I actually thought it would.
I was halfway there when someone finally noticed. I kept walking, tightening my hold as I heard the gasps and the intake of breaths.
I spun around and duck; the leopard behind me, as I heard a spear go through the air, missing us by a few inches.
"Rose, move." One of the hunters growled out, eyes on the leopard.
I stood up tall and crossed my arms. "No,"
His expression turned into disbelief. "What do you mean no?"
"She's with me," I said, glaring.
Then I saw a lady who despises me so.
"If one of us gets killed, it's your fault." She said, glaring at me.
I scoffed. "Let's start out with you." I said mockingly. "Do you think I would bring a leopard in here if I knew she would attack?" I asked.
The hunters relaxed, but they were still posed in case.
She gasped. "How dare you!" she screeched.
I rolled my eyes and continued to walk, the leopard sticking to my legs.
Then she did the stupidest mistake; she decided to come after me.
I spun around, glaring at her as she stormed over to me, furious.
She stopped short and screamed when the leopard roared, coming out of my legs and standing protectively around me.
I smirked as she backed away.
"It's fine, just leave us be and she'll leave you alone." I pleaded.
Reluctantly, the hunters stepped down, but kept their eyes on the leopard.
I could hear the woman arguing with the hunters, demanding them to kill 'that wild animal'.
But I knew better and so did they. They trusted me and they didn't like her much either.
"That animal is not doing any harm and we are not going to collect her for food and such. She's a sacred animal to this island and you know that." one of the hunters told her, glaring her down.
I heard her huff in frustration.
"Don't come running to your little group when that thing kills off your brat!" she screamed.
I tensed and was about to turn around when the leopard purred and nudged me forward.
I swallowed and kept going, ignoring everyone's stares and whispers. These routines are getting old and fast.
I stepped hesitantly outside of Mia's hut. I'm not sure how they are going to react. They trust me, but they jump to conclusions before I can explain. Honestly, I don't blame them.
"Mia?" I called out, waiting outside as the leopard lay down by the hut in the shade.
I heard footsteps and she came out.
She frowned. "You can just come inside."
She stopped when she saw the stares and no doubt the whispering.
"Come inside," she said, pulling my arm.
I gently pulled away.
"What's going on, Rose?" she asked, worried.
I swallowed. "Well, you see, a long time ago, I befriended a leopard."
She stared at me, shocked. She then lifted an eyebrow. "Okay? What does this have to do with them? Did they see you?"
I looked away, fidgeting.
"That leopard is in here, isn't she?" she asked, exasperated.
"Well," I started.
"My god, Rose." she groaned. "Where is she?" she asked.
I gestured behind me and she gasped as she took her in.
"Why did you bring her?" she asked lowly.
"I wanted her to see Naira. I already saw her kids, so yeah."
Now that I think of it; I sound really stupid.
She rolled her eyes. "I don't know how Eddie and Toruk are going to react." She warned.
I shrugged. "We'll just have to find out,"
She nodded, a little reluctant.
I smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry, she's safe. Otherwise, I wouldn't have brought her."
She smiled. "I trust you,"
"Thank you," I say relieved and quickly followed her inside. The leopard follows me in.
I looked up just as Toruk shot up, his arm up; ready to strike his spear against the leopard.
"Stop! Stand down," I say, taking over of the situation before it gets out of hand.
Toruk looked at me in disbelief. "What the hell do you mean stand down?" he shouts. "That thing can kill us, including you baby."
"Do you think I'm stupid enough to bring an animal that will harm my baby?" I asked, irritated.
"You brought that thing in here? What the hell is the matter with you?" He asks, starting forward.
The leopard tenses and she bares her teeth at Toruk as he gets closer.
He stops and glares at her.
I groan out in frustration. "She's harmless."
He raises an eyebrow.
I roll my eyes. "She's harmless to us. She won't hurt us unless we give her a reason," I correct myself.
"Yes, that will happen when she decides we're good enough to be her meal."
I scoff. "Please, I've seen her hunt. She wants a challenge; she doesn't want an easy and oblivious meal. She likes to play with her food, I guess." I say, shrugging.
He stares at me blankly, while his grip on his spear tightens. Great; that is the worst thing I can ever say.
I tried a different tactic.
"Do you think I would put my baby in danger?" I asked lowly, casting my eyes to the ground.
It worked and in the corner, I could see Mia biting her lip to keep from snickering.
"What? No, I didn't mean it like that," Toruk stuttered, lowering his defenses.
"Then let me pass," I said, pushing him aside.
He grumbled as he realized I was messing with him.
He kept his eyes on the leopard though as she passed him, trailing behind me.
I smiled at Naira, who was currently in Naaz's arms. She looked a bit uneasy as she looked at the leopard, but then she smiled. Naira started to squirm in her arms and let out a cry when her eyes fell on me. The leopard tensed, but she sat down, looking up at Naira in wonder.
"I missed you," I cooed at Naira as her cries started to tone down.
Soon, it softened to whimpers.
I bounced her in my arms until she calmed down.
"You're going to be a great mother, Rose." Naaz commented, smiling down at Naira.
"I hope so," I murmured.
She scratched the leopard's head, much to my surprise, and left us be, going straight into Toruk's arms.
I lean down, my knees on the ground and sitting on my heels.
"This is Naira," I say softly.
The leopard leans forward and in the corner of my eye, I see Toruk and Eddie tense.
I eye the leopard carefully; mother instincts, you can say.
The leopard then nuzzles Naira's face and purrs.
I seriously did not expect this reaction.
To add more to my shock, Naira stares up at the leopard and reaches out, jerkily and clumsily trying to pet the leopard.
I chuckled at the other's expressions.
I wonder what the chief will have to say about this.
In a way, he went ballistic. He asked me the same questions over and over again, sometimes reversing them.
Finally, he calmed down, tearing his eyes away from the leopard; who was lying down, calm, and swishing her tail against the ground.
"She's harmless," I said, shrugging.
He sighed and muttered something under his breath.
"Do you think I will endanger this tribe? Considering that you want me chief?" I asked, frowning.
He sighed again. "No, but you have to realize,"
"I realize that I've spent a while with this leopard for almost over a year." I said, cutting him off.
"I can't win any arguments with you," he grumbles, shaking his head.
I smirked and shrugged.
He looked at me. "You do know that many are complaining about this?" he said, gesturing towards the leopard where my grandmother was currently petting her.
I smiled at her loud purrs.
The chief looked exasperated at his wife. When we walked in, the chief automatically forbade his wife to go near the animal. She, for one, disagreed and was finally able to go near the animal unnoticed. It's too late for him to tell her to back away.
His wife glared at the chief, daring him to say something.
He looked away, defeated. He knows arguing against the both of us is futile.
"If this leopard comes more often and is peaceful; then the others will relax and make her seem less harmless."
He looked reluctant, but finally nodded. "I know how much this animal means to you, but one mishap and she's gone. Understood?" he asked authority in his voice.
I nod curtly.
"What did I get myself into?" he muttered to himself, walking out.
I looked at my grandmother, who shrugged.
Months passed and the Chief and my grandmother were preparing me to become the next leader. It wasn't that bad. I even had Eddie attend these things, just in case. To say he was surprised that they're his grandparents were an understatement. First he was speechless, in shock. Then he was stuttering and then almost yelling. Then he quiet again and then happy. He was bipolar in an amount of just five minutes. For Eddie, family was a touchy subject. He apologized and was forgiven, saying his reaction was expected.
When these meetings happened, the rumors started to spread. One was that the chief is arranging for us to get married. Another was us being tested and tried to see if we would stay or get kicked out of the island. Another was us trying to determine if the baby was Eddie's. After I heard that one, I was ready to punch the person who started it. Luckily, Max held me back, along with Eddie and Toruk. That was barely enough to hold me back. After that little scene, the whispers stopped.
Then finally, someone got it dead on. Everyone found out about it and the Chief confirmed it when someone brave enough decided to confront him.
That's when the kiss asses started to be nice to me, even the gossiping women who hated me the minute I arrived. I just politely nodded, seeing as the Chief is watching my interaction with these people. It turned difficult; I have to restrain myself from rolling my eyes and yelling at them. Some I can put up with, because they haven't done anything to me and those who were always nice to me. However, it started affecting my friends.
"I am tired of all this sucking up," I whined, sitting down in the Chief's hut.
Eddie nodded behind me, agreeing immediately.
The chief sighed, "You're going to have to get used to it; it will wear off soon." He promised.
My grandmother smiled. "He couldn't stand them," she chuckled, no doubt remembering something when he first started off.
"When does Rose take over?" Eddie blurted out, asking the question I've been want to ask you since the meetings started.
"When I feel that she's ready," he said.
I sighed in relief, to which he raised an eyebrow.
I shrugged. "I thought it was when you die," I said nonchalantly.
The chief stared at me while Eddie snickered behind me.
I just shrugged again and grinned at him.
He rolled his eyes and the meeting continued.
Naira was now ten months old, almost eleven. When I wasn't hunting or at the meetings, I would spend my time with her and Max. Max and Naira got along great. They were my own personal family here. But something was missing and I knew it.
The chief pulled me aside one day, saying I was close. Inside, I was panicking. Did I want to do this? What about Dimitri? Naira deserves to know her father. But can I go back to that world? That world is the reason I'm here.
I pondered this for weeks.
I ran out of time, however, when my 'coronation' got closer. Finally, it was the day.
I shifted to my other leg, with Naira on my hip and Max by my side as the Chief came out to the fire pit in the middle of camp.
"Stop fidgeting," Max muttered to me.
"I can't," I whispered back.
"Have you made up your mind?" he asked me. He knew about everything.
I shook my head and looked away.
He sighed. "Whatever your decision, I'll follow you," he promised.
I looked at him, shocked. "Really?"
He nodded. "You two are my family now,"
I smiled and just like that, I made up my mind.
The chief started his speech.
"As you all know, I am an old man," he started. "However, I know this much; I still stand strong and proud for my tribe. But my time will end soon. I don't know how much longer I will be here. But it's time for a new Chief." He said; stopping as that sunk in.
The whispers started as they wondered who it was going to be. I rolled my eyes. Really? It wasn't that difficult to know who it's going to be as they know Eddie and I are their grandkids. I guess some are still in denial. Besides, not everyone knows what happened and their past.
"I have been training two to be Chief to know what to expect and to know what to do." he said. He raised a hand, silencing the mutters. "However, one is of direct descendant." He looked up at me, somehow finding me in the back. I internally groaned. "Rose." he announced.
Then the protesting started.
"She's just a child!"
"She's too young!"
"She's not fit to be Chief!"
"She doesn't even have a man by her side!"
I ignored them all as I made my way to the center.
I rolled my eyes as the protesting got louder. Naira started to squirm and I shifted her so she's almost hiding in my hair, her face into my neck.
"Oh, shut up!" I snapped at them.
They stared up at me, shocked. The chief looked at me with disapproving eyes. I didn't care. The gang and Max were in the back, snickering.
I gestured for Max to come up and he stood by my side.
"Really? What the hell have I done to you? The minute I arrived, all of you were against me. So what if I didn't know how to cook or wash clothes? I'm not perfect. The hunters accepted me for who I am, even Toruk, despite the fact that I took his position. So what if I don't have a man? I've handled myself pretty well without one. I'm sure I can do this without one. I've done a lot of for you people despite the fact that you hate me. I, with the help of the hunters, gathered food for you, risking our loves. I brought fruits and vegetables to you, some you haven't had before I got here. But you still disrespect me." I stared them down, watching as this sunk in.
They stayed quiet, only a few whispering.
The chief hasn't intervened. He stood, watching me, trying to figure out where this is going.
"It would be an honor to be your chief, despite your affection," I said sarcastically at the end, "if you would let me,"
Max looked at me, knowing I wasn't finished.
I looked at him and it dawned on him what my decision was.
"But I can't." I finished.
The chief looked at me, surprised.
I turned to him.
"Are you sure?" he asked, eyes sad.
I nodded. "I love being here, but it's now my future here. I belong over there. I did have a life there, even though it went to shit when someone threw me overboard. I need to go back to confront it and get closure. Besides, I can't let Naira grow up without her father." I said quietly.
He smiled. "I respect your decision. I know your daughter comes first. I don't mean any harm, but it might have been a problem. It would get in the way, knowing you." He smirked.
I smirked back. "I'm too wild for this tribe. But since coming here, I've learned some discipline and control. I don't regret coming here."
"I'm glad to hear that."
I turned to the crowd.
"I'm not fit to be your leader. Let's face it, I'm too reckless and I don't like most of you." I said, shrugging.
I don't care anymore. I don't have to 'respect' them anymore. I would have liked to be their Chief, but it can't be done. I have to take care of Naira. She's my top priority. I know I sound like a hypocrite saying I would like to be their ruler, but I don't like most of them. But let's face it, it can't happen.
The chief rolled his eyes as I stated my dislike.
"However, Eddie will be a great ruler. He's more controlled and I know for a fact that he belongs here. And he has a beautiful girl by his side," I said, winking at Mia.
I gestured for Eddie and Mia to stand by my side.
"He's a Mazur. I don't care if I have your respect, but he's someone you should give it to. Meet your new Chief." I announced.
Eddie looked at me shocked as the others cheered.
"You'll do great," I said, reassuring him. "You also have Mia."
"Thank you, Rose."
He said, hugging me.
"Anytime," I said, kissing his cheek, and then hugging Mia.
"Take care of him," I whispered.
"I will," she said, beaming at Eddie.
Max congratulated them and we headed towards the gang.
"I don't like many of you?" Toruk asked, raising an eyebrow and grinning.
I returned his grin and shrugged. "I don't."
Naaz giggled while he rolled his eyes.
Mason smiled at me. "You're going back?"
I nodded. "I have some unfinished business there."
He nodded. "Well, tonight let's celebrate for your last night and for Eddie's position."
"Let's." I agreed.
We were all seated in my grandparents hut, eating.
We decided to make this night intimate and small.
"Wait, so how are you two the heirs?" Mason asked, chewing.
Eddie and I turned to our grandparents.
The Chief smiled sadly. "When I sent Abe away, his newborn sister was there with him. Abe, being the oldest, meant Rose was first in line. I never knew what happened." He said, turning to Eddie and me.
"Well," I started. "Abe made a new life for himself. I never knew I had an aunt. He told me he was in the foster care. He was adopted and he ran away from his foster parents. He made a life for himself and he grew rich from his company." I said.
I turned to Eddie, who was thinking.
"My mom was in the foster care also. But records say that she was in the hospital when she was found. They were separated since then, I guess. She was adopted from a different family. She had me years later. I dug around and found out a few things about the Mazur family and such. But I couldn't tell her, seeing as I had to go to work to that stupid yacht." He muttered.
My grandparents' sighed, eyes sad.
"How did Abe know where we were?" I asked, curious.
"I sent a dream, but I said I was grandfather," the chief said, looking at my grandmother.
"What? Why?"
"Because I didn't want to see the hate and rejection in his eyes when I tell him I'm his father. What child wouldn't react like that when they all of a sudden find out their parents are alive and are only contacting him because a few people were stranded?" he asked.
No one answered and the rest of the gang was quiet, listening to our family history.
"You don't know that," I said quietly.
He looked at me.
"Abe is how old? He's too old to do theatrics, wait no." I said, pausing. He can still be dramatic. "Scratch that. He will be stubborn, but he will give in. I mean, you are his parents. He won't hold a grudge against you." I reassured them.
"Really?" The Chief asked, not believing me.
Okay, so maybe Abe will hold a grudge. We Mazur are known for that and the Chief knows it.
"Can you find me mother?" Eddie asked me, changing the subject.
I looked at him and saw the hope in his eyes.
"I'll do the best I can," I promised. "What's her name?" I asked. He never did tell me.
"Alberta Petrov," he said.
I raised an eyebrow. What an odd name.
"Wait, I thought your last name was Castile." Mia said, turning to him.
He shrugged. "Petrov was her last name before she married. She was stubborn and didn't want to change her last name. But when I was born, she wanted me to have my father's name, along with hers." He explained to us.
"Oh," was my brilliant answer.
"How are we getting off this island?" Max asked after a while.
The chief glanced at me and turned to Max. "By a raft." He said.
I stared at him. "What's it?"
"Well, like a boat." He corrected himself.
"You're kidding me, right?" max said in disbelief.
"Nope," The chief said, looking at both of us.
"When Dimitri left, he caused a storm. He was able to avoid it because he was in a damn helicopter." I growled. "And you expect me to row out into sea when a storm happens, especially with Naira and Max?"
He looked at me guiltily and I felt bad, but I was looking after my baby and son.
"You'll have protection. Don't worry. I won't risk my grandkids." He promised.
I relaxed a bit, but I was still wary.
"So, when do we leave?" Max asks, breaking the silence.
"Tomorrow morning," My grandmother informs us.
I nod. The faster, the better. I have things to sort out.
We spend the next few hours catching up and spending the last few moments we had on this island with them.
I head to my hut with Max, where Naira is asleep in his arms. Few people are around the fire pit, while the rest are in their huts or asleep.
I sighed; we have a long day ahead of us.
I woke up early the next day.
I turned to look at Max, who was still sleeping. I carefully crept out of bed and re-tucked in Naira. I knew I could trust Max with her and besides, I doubt she will wake up. She has my old habit of waking up late.
I left the tent and to my surprise, the gang was outside.
"What are you guys doing here? The sun won't be up until a few hours," I whispered.
Seriously, it's like two in the morning.
Toruk shrugged. "Well, we want to help out."
I smiled at them. "Thank you,"
"It's not a problem," Mia said, holding Eddie's hand.
"Let's get to work then," I said, and together we headed to the Chief's
Together, along with some of the hunters who wanted to help, we built a raft. It couldn't be too great because it wouldn't look crappy enough. We still had to protect the island; that means we can't give away our great craftsmanship.
It was almost a canoe, but at the same time a raft. The shape is complicated to explain, but it's sturdy and it will hold against the waves.
"I'll be right back," I said, wiping the sweat off my forehead.
The sun hasn't come up yet. It was probably around four in the morning. But it was still hot.
I went to my hut and peaked in, checking on Max and Naira. They were both still soundly asleep.
I walked to the back and went down the familiar dirt trail. I heard the trickling of water as it flowed down to the river at the end. I've had a lot of good memories here. I'm going to miss this place.
The huts I kept the weapons and baskets came into view. Max and Naira know about this place. Instead of heading to the waterfall, I wash Naira here. It was perfect for her. I brought Max along, who kept complaining that I would disappear with Naira. I finally showed it to him.
I grabbed the baskets for what it could be the last time and I started filling them up with fruits and vegetables. I don't know how far civilization is, but I know it's pretty far. I am not going to stay on that raft and die of starvation. I headed back minutes later.
"Where do you get them?" one of the hunters asked.
I smiled secretly at him as I got closer to the fire pit, where a low fire was burning.
"It's a secret,"
He rolled his eyes while I grinned.
We finished up just as the sun started to rise.
I headed to the hut just in time to see Max stir.
"You're up already?" he muttered sleepily.
I nodded. "I was busy fixing up the raft."
He sat up now, watching me. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I didn't want to wake you up. Besides, you'll need the energy," I said, walking to the back of the hut.
I got the essential things that we will need and the things I'm close to.
I move around, grabbing blankets as Max slowly got up.
I stopped as I got caught of something; Dimitri's spear.
I carefully held it up.
Should I take it?
I stared at it, turning it over in my hands.
"Was that his?" Max's voice behind me drifted to me.
"Yeah, it was. He gave it to me before he left."I said quietly.
"Are you going to take it?" he asked me.
"No," I shook my head. "I'm not. It was part of what we had here." I said, placing it back.
"Are you sure?" he asked as I walked past him.
I grabbed my own spear and walked back to where Dimitri's was.
"Yes, I'm sure." I said, smiling as I placed it right next to his.
I turned to Max.
"C'mon, we have a raft to catch." I said, picking up a stirring Naira.
He smiled t me. "Back to civilization."
I chuckled and we walked outside. I gave the hut a final look before closing the flap.
We headed to where the raft was as some of the people started to come out. A few waved at me, those who were nice since the beginning, and I waved back, smiling a little.
Max wrapped an arm around my shoulders as we got closer.
"I'm going to miss this place. It's interesting," he said, smiling.
I smirked. "Yes, it was."
I stopped before we came any closer.
"Are you sure you want to leave? You don't have to come with me. I know you like this place and you're going back to the reason why you're here." I asked him, worried.
What if he didn't want to come and I'm forcing him?
He laughed. "I want to go with you. You and Naira became my little family," he said, almost shyly and embarrassed. "Well, that is if you want me to come along,"
I rolled my eyes. "Don't be stupid, of course I want you to come."
"Then it's settled," he said, pulling me along.
We get there and Max places the things in there.
I guess this is goodbye.
I turn to Toruk. "I'm going to miss you, even though you hated me in the beginning." I said, laughing as he grimaced. "I'm leaving you my position. Take care of this tribe. They're going to be depending on you." I said, kissing his cheek.
His eyes widened and he hesitated. "Are you sure? I mean, you could give it to Eddie." he said, glancing at him.
Eddie shrugged. "It's cool. Besides, you deserve it. You've been here longer and just because I'm Chief, it doesn't mean I'm going to be leader in everything," he snorted. "The position is yours." He says, nodding at Toruk.
Toruk grinned at him and turned to me. "I'm going to miss you," he said, then crushed me to his chest.
"The baby," I gasped out.
He let me go. "Sorry," he muttered sheepishly. Then he turned to Naira. "I'm going to miss you too. You're my favorite niece," he said, kissing her cheek.
I rolled my eyes. "You're only niece,"
He then turned to Max and I moved on to Naaz.
"Take care of this guy. Someone needs to keep him in check." I said, winking at her.
She grinned and pulled me in for a hug. "I will. But you need to take care of those kids. They're going to be heartbreakers." She warned playfully.
I chuckled and pulled away. "Of course they are; they're my family." I joked. "I'm going to miss you,"
"Back at you," she said smiling.
She said goodbye to Naira and turned to Max while I went to Eddie.
"Take care of yourself. I'll find your aunt. Good luck out here, you deserve this." I said, smiling up at him.
He smiled sadly at me. "Thank you, Rose, for everything. Good luck out there too. I hope I'll see you someday again," he says.
I hugged him tightly, making sure Naira doesn't get squished.
He hugs me back and kisses my head. "We should make a family reunion," he muttered.
I laughed. "I'm looking forward to that."
We pulled away and he kissed Naira on the cheek.
And the cycle starts all over again.
I turned to Mia, who automatically pulls me into a hug.
"Thank you, Mia. You've been my rock these past years,"
She laughed. "Don't worry. They made my days … interesting."
We laughed.
"Take care of these kids of yours." She warned.
"I will. Until they get sick of me."
"Won't be soon," she joked.
I rolled my eyes and chuckled. "Take care of this guy." I said, gesturing towards Eddie.
"Oh, I will," she said, winking.
"Okay, gross."
"Bye, Naira," she whispered, kissing her cheek.
"I hope you don't get mono," I fake whispered to Naira as Mia rolled her eyes at me.
I said goodbye to the rest of the tribe, well those who showed up and said goodbye.
I turned to my grandparents, who were expecting me.
"I know I'm going to miss you guys," I said, pulling them into a hug.
It was pretty much a group hug with Naira in the middle.
"Everything is in the raft, Rose. You need to get going, I don't know how long we'll be able to keep the storm away. The minute you're on and in the water, it starts. Are you guys ready?" The chief asked, pulling away.
"We will in a few," I said. I then turned to my grandmother. "Thank you so much. You've been there for me since the beginning. You were like family, and well, now you are." I said, giving her a watery smile.
Great, I was getting emotional. I blame it on the after effects of pregnancy: hormones.
"Rose, you are welcome here anytime. Take care of this child and Max. And say hello to Dimitri," she said, gently hugging me again.
"I will, grandma. Take care." I whispered.
She pulls away and mutters a prayer to both of us and she kisses Naira's cheek.
Soon, we were ready to leave.
"Let's go then. The sun is getting higher. I don't want Naira to get hot." The Chief said.
With our final goodbye, we headed down to the beach with the Chief, Eddie, and Toruk.
The chief turned to Eddie. "You are now officially chief after this day," he said.
Eddie nodded slowly, processing it.
"You need to see how this happens," he says as we get closer
"Can you tell him this when I'm on the raft?" I ask.
Really? They're going to use my leaving as a lesson. What if we die out in the sea?
I shake my head, getting rid of those thoughts.
We make it to the beach and carefully step in since no one wanted me to push the raft.
I grasped Naira, who was looking at the water in wonder, as the raft started moving.
This was it. Max hopped in as the raft went in farther.
I turned back, waving at the guys as they stepped back and out of the water.
They waved back and I blinked back tears.
This was my home for almost four years. I'm going to miss this place.
I turned back to Max. "Ready to head back to civilization?"
He grinned. "Let's do it."
Then Naira chimed in, babbling something.
I laughed and shielded her just as a wave hit the raft, spraying water.
"Let's go see your daddy," I said excitedly, bouncing her on my lap.
I took a deep breath and I looked back, watching the island get smaller.
Time to face my old life now.
Please review! Do you think they'll make it? How will their journey be?
A few more chapters left.