After this chapter is the story finale. Aren't you guys sad? I know I am :)

I'll be back with more, though. I have a lot of ideas, I just need to put it down.

Anyway, R&R :)

Chapter 6

That night, everyone was concerned about Melissa. Neither Eric or Taylor complained when Jackson made them work. Nathan was pacing back and forth in front of the tent that Melissa was in, making sure no one got in. Although Lex was concerned, he tried not to show it and went to gather firewood. Daley was inside the tent, making sure Melissa was warm and occasionally giving her more medicine. And Jackson refused to leave Melissa's side.

"She's gonna be okay, you know," Daley said to Jackson. "You don't have to stay here."

"Yes, I do. This is all my fault."

"You couldn't have known this would happen."

"I know, but if I hadn't been so stupid it wouldn't have happened in the first place."

Daley looked confused. "What's you being stupid have to do with Melissa collapsing from exhaustion?"

"Okay, well, yesterday I... I kissed her."

Daley looked shocked. "That's not stupid, that's awesome!"

"No," Jackson said. "See, I really wanted to kiss her, but not kiss her at the same time, y'know what I mean?"

"Why didn't you want to?"

"Because... because I'm afraid."

"You? Afraid? No way." Daley said, smiling a little. "You're the bravest person I know. What could you possibly be afraid of?"

"Look," Jackson said, running his fingers through his hair. "Every relationship I've ever had was ruined because whenever the people I date find out about my past, they get scared and back off. I just... I really like Melissa. Like... more then I've ever liked someone. But I'm scared that she'll get scared and back off. And I don't know if my heart can take it anymore. I know it may seem stupid coming from a guy, especially someone like me, but... I'm scared of getting hurt. Again."

"And what reason would Melissa have to be scared of you?"

"Everything that happened in my past. About how I was in juvie, how my mom's in jail, how my dad died. Everything."

Daley was quiet. "Well, would you like to know my opinion?" Jackson nodded. "Well, the big difference between Melissa and your other girlfriends is that Melissa knew about your past from the start and she ignored it. She doesn't care if you murder someone or shoot someone or whatever; she'll still love you for you."

Jackson thought about that and the more he thought, the more he realized she was right.

Daley stood up. "Well, I'm gonna go to sleep now. Are you coming?"

Jackson shook his head. "Nah. I'm staying here for the night."

Daley nodded. "Try and get some sleep, okay?"

After Daley left, he glanced down at Melissa and took her hand, stroking it lightly with his calloused thumb. He stayed up the whole night, holding her hand, thinking to himself.

"C'mon Jackson."

"No."

"You haven't left this tent all night, you need to get out."

"No."

It was the next morning, and Daley was trying to convince Jackson to go with Nathan togather more food,but Jackson wouldn't budge.

"Jackson, it's only for about a half anhour. She probably won't even wake up then."

"And what if she does wake up and I'm not there?"

"Then I'll send Lex to get you."

Jackson sighed. "Promise?"

"Scout's honor." Daley moved away from the entrance of the tent to let Jackson through. She noticed him look back at the tent as he was walking away, as if hoping to see Melissa get up and walk out of it.

"So." Nathan said to Jackson as they were collecting fruit. "What did you do last night?"

Jackson picked a batch of bananas from a tree. "Basically sat down next to her and watched her sleep."

"Okay, so if you like her so much why did you hurt her?"

Jackson handed Nathan a banana. "I honestly don't know. I guess I was just scared. But now I don't want to hurt her anymore. I just... I want to tell her I like her. I really do. But I'm not sure if she'll give me the chance."

"Jackson!" Jackson and Nathan turned to see Lex running toward them. "Jackson, Daley told me to tell you that Melissa's awake!"

Jackson and Nathan turned to face each other. Nathan took the fruit still in Jackson's arms and said, "Well, there's only one way to find out."

Jackson took off running toward the campsite.

last chapter soon. sometime after Sunday to stretch it out a bit :)

R&R ;)