Lost - Chapter 7

It was the first week of August and the annual factory camping trip was fast approaching. Brady and Chloe had grown closer. They were friends.

"So are you going on this little expedition they have set up for us?" Chloe asked keeping her head in her book. She didn't want to seem to eager to hear his response.

"For sure, I love the wilderness"

"Don't you mean you love the ratio of girls going compared to guys? Face it if there wasn't like 80% chicks and 20% guys, you so wouldn't care" she said rolling her eyes.

"I'll admit that is a small part of it but really I'm just an outdoors kinda guy" He smiled.

"Right" at that they laughed.

They unpacked the bus and set up the tents.

"Can I have everyone's attention over here, please?" A large bearded gentleman said "we have many different activities lined up for this weekend, you need to put your names on the sign up sheets for the activities you would like to participate in. The first event will be the wilderness hike. If there are any questions come see me, other than that be safe and have fun" he concluded.

"We totally have to do that" Brady exclaimed.

"We just got here"

"I'll sign us up"

"Okay fine" Chloe said knowing she had already lost the battle.

Twelve people sat at the entrance of the forest listening to all the safety instructions before heading out.

"This is so stupid and why do you need that entire bag? And why did you bring your mat and sleeping bag? This is only supposed to be like a few hours." Chloe whined.

"Always be prepared is my motto. Just wait you'll be so glad that I brought food and water once we hit the halfway point" he imparted.

"Look! Look a rabbit, get the camera, oh it's getting away let's hurry up. For someone who is supposed to be prepared you are so not prepared Brady Black" she barked.

"It's a rabbit, they have those back in Salem you know" kidded Brady.

"So. I just thought it would be nice" Chloe said as she turned to face Brady now walking backward. "To capture it in a photograph in its element. I think th....." before Chloe could finish she was on the ground. Sprawled out on her back. She had tripped on a stump because she could not see what was before her.

"See what happens when you're not prepared" Brady chuckled offering her his hand to help her up.

"Funny Brady, really funny" she accepted his hand but could not get up. A sharp pain pierced her ankle. "Ow, oo oww. Oh my god, I think it is broken" she explained as a tear trickled down her face.

"What? Oh my god. Chloe where is the rest of the group?"

Brady's mind raced. It would be dark soon. They wouldn't be found until morning and Chloe was hurt. Brady knelt down taking off his backpack and looking around for anything that would protect them from the elements. He spotted a hollow spot in a bunch of rocks. They would be covered if it rained and it would be warm since the wind would be blocked. He then found two pieces of branch that he intended to use to brace Chloe's ankle while he moved her. He bent down in front of the injured girl, feeling very bad for her.

"Are you okay? And don't lie"

"I'm not good but I could be worse" she offered.

"Okay. Now I am going to have to examine your ankle. Okay?"

"No, no. Brady it hurts" she cried.

"I promise I will be gentle" he pleaded.

"Okay'

Brady untied her tan boots. Slowly so he would not move her leg. He gently slid it off her foot, while she flinched.

"I am going to have to touch you, okay? So I want you to brace yourself. Take deep breaths" his tone was sweet.

He took total control. He was so efficient and careful. He rolled up the bottom of her dark blue jeans. His actions were so controlled. She could barely feel it. Then he slowly and cautiously slid off her sock. The ankle was already purple and swollen. He caressed it in his hands feeling for the break. His actions were slow and borderline seductive Chloe thought. She watched his face as he concentrated on her. She knew how much she had grown to care for him and hoped his actions echoed that he cared too. He took out a shirt from his bag, as well as a bottle of water. He proceeded to tear the fabric to wrap around the twigs to prevent her ankle from moving. When he was finished, he too sipped some water.

"Okay put your arms around my neck" he stated plainly.

"What? For what reason?"

"So I can carry you to the shelter" he bluntly said.

"I can make it on my own"

"Don't fight me on this one Chloe. Please just do it. I don't want to see you hurt yourself even worse. You're lucky right now the break is not that bad, but if you apply pressure then there's no telling how...."

She cut him off "Okay you're right."

She placed her arms around Brady's neck and in one easy motion he scooped her up. He is so strong she thought. He walked over to the spot where he had already brought his bag and laid out the mat and sleeping bag for Chloe. He placed her down on the makeshift bed. She didn't let go of him at first. They looked into each other's eyes. Brady turned a little embarrassed that he was hovering over her.

"You can let go now Chloe" he whispered quietly.

"And if I don't want to just yet?" she whispered back.

Shock filtered into Brady's eyes as he looked at her once again.

"Thank you Brady Black for always being there"

She didn't just mean tonight. She meant at the factory. The night at the pier and all the other times he had just been there. Whether they were talking calmly or fighting he would always be there. He knew somehow when she needed him the most. She looked deep into his eyes. She moved closer to him. Then she let her lips reach his as they always did in her dreams. This time it was real and there was no turning back. She became vulnerable in his arms.

He backed away at first, shocked. He returned her gaze and knew she was serious. He allowed her to pull him close to her. Her lips were soft and comforting. She allowed her lips to part as she tugged on his perfect bottom lip. She encouraged him with her tongue. They got into a rhythm. He followed suit. He gently bit her lip. He guided her with his tongue, exploring her mouth. His lips trailed down, finding her jaw line, he placed a gentle peck. Her skin ignited as he moved to her neck and collar bone before returning to her lips. The kiss was becoming intense, too intense as she began to lift off his shirt. He broke away breathing hard. He wanted her but not like this. Not while she was hurt and not in some cave.

"What's wrong?" she said equally breathless.

"Nothing, it's just....it isn't right. I shouldn't be taking advantage of you like this. It was a mistake."



To be continued......