Ch. 13 Just a Flip-Flop

AN: Okay, you guys are probably expecting like, someone dying. It's not that bad. Just a funeral… xD

Abby stared out into the jungle. The days were becoming long, and the heat was becoming unbearable. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and continued working. Suddenly, she tripped on a heavy plastic object.

"Woah!" she cried and stared at the object. It was a flip- flop. Looking more closely, she saw that it was a very familiar flip-flop.

It was Captain Russell's.

She staggered back and gasped, "oh my God," she murmured.

"Guys! Over here! Guys!" Abby called.

Lex, Nathan, and Melissa ran over.

"What? What is it? What?" they asked.

Abby held up the flip-flop, "it's Captain Russell's. And look!" Abby walked over and picked up a bag, "and this is Ian's bag! Oh my God," Abby murmured. She walked around and found a hair band.

"And this," she murmured, "is Jory's."

"Oh wow," Melissa murmured.

"They're dead. They can't be alive. Here look," Abby picked up some garment fragments, "they are definitely not alive."

"We're so sorry Abby," Lex patted her shoulder.

"Yeah. I can't believe it. I always had a little hope, but… I guess… I hope they're in a better place."

"They are, Abby," Nathan reassured her, "they most definitely are."

"Can we bury this stuff? You know, as kind of a… tribute," Abby asked.

"Yes. We will have a funeral," Melissa nodded.

"Thank you guys," Abby smiled through her tears.

The flip-flop, the bag, and the hair band were laid out in front of them. Everyone was standing on the sides of what would be the grave. Everyone was wearing all the black that they had, which wasn't very much.

"Dearly beloved," Lex began shortly, "we are gathered here today to say goodbye to some very good friends. Ian, Jory, and Captain Russell were all our friends. Captain Russell, who admittedly did get us stranded here, was a very good friend to Ian, Jory, and Abby. Ian was a beloved friend to many people back home, and was on the honor roll. Jory was also a great friend, she was very artistic and loved to paint. They were all very brave to go out into the jungle, and the fact that they died looking for help is one of the most amazing things every. I honor them. Abby, would you like to say a few words?"

Abby nodded and walked up, "These three amazing people were… so brave. I feel so guilty for leaving them. They probably died during the storm. I hope that… they are okay, wherever they are now. They were my family. We kept together, and we helped each other survive. I'm getting used to it here, but it is still depressing when you realize that your family is gone. They were amazing people, and they deserve more than this," Abby shook her head sadly.

When she left the podium-of-sorts, Jackson walked over to where the grave would be. He grabbed the shovel and began digging, digging slowly but steadily and in big scoops. Soon he had made a hole where they would bury the items. Abby walked over and set the objects into the grave, and watched sadly as Jackson covered them up again.

"Well, that's that," Jackson murmured, "are you going to be okay Abby?"

Abby stared at the mound of earth, tears drying up in her eyes.

"Yeah. I'm going to be okay."

Lex walked over to where Abby was sitting by the beach. The waves rolled slowly over her bare feet.

"You sure you okay? Its really hard on us, we can't imagine how you must be feeling," Lex murmured.

"I'm just sad. At least I'm okay, but they probably died thinking that I was already dead. I just hope that we can get home and they can have a proper funeral. They deserve it so much."

"I know. If you need anything, just holler," Lex smiled and left. Abby just continued to stare out over the ocean.

Melissa sighed at the sight of Abby.

Poor Abby. She seems so depressed. So needy. So lonely. It really sucks that we're all preoccupied and all. I hope… well, I hope that she can find something to hold on to. Melissa walked over to the camp fire and dropped off her logs, and found a piece of paper there.

Melissa-

Meet me over by the tent. I have something for you. It's important!

Love,

Jackson

Melissa stared at the note for a few seconds before running over to the tent, and found Jackson sitting there.

"Hey Jackson," Melissa smiled. Jackson got up and walked towards her.

"Hey Mel," he smiled and kissed her.

"What do you have for me?" Melissa asked curiously.

"Close your eyes," Jackson smiled. Melissa obeyed.

It was a few seconds later when Jackson murmured, "open them."

Melissa gasped. Jackson had placed a necklace around her neck.

"What… who…?" Melissa gasped.

"It was my Mom's. I thought… well…"

"Oh Jackson," Melissa threw her arms around him, "I love it. Thank you."

"Your welcome," Jackson smiled.

Melissa grinned back, "I love you," she smiled.

Jackson rested his forehead against hers, "I love you too."

Taylor slowly worked on the batteries, recharging them as the sun blazed on her. She yawned and drank from her water.

"Hey Taylor," Eric walked over.

"Hey Eric. I can't talk long, I've got to go help Lex bring in some food," Taylor yawned.

"Oh okay," Eric shrugged and made a move like he was going to go, but then doubled back and kissed her.

Taylor staggered back, surprised, as Eric pulled away.

"See you Taylor," he smiled and left, Taylor grinning foolishly.

(931 Words) Okay, short chapter. I'm sorry- the next one will probably be short too.