Chapter 4

Cindy woke up to the bright sunlight once again. She took in the sound of the waves and the seagulls squawking in the air.

Thump

She heard a strange sound coming from behind the boulder.

Thump

She quickly sat up and listened.

…. Thump

She stood up and quickly walked around the boulder to see what was making that sound. She saw a large black box being shoved against a rock by the shoreline. It would get pulled back by the waves and then shoved forward into the pultruding rock. Cindy ran toward the object. It was a square container with a tightly sealed lid. She removed her shoes and stepped into the shallow water to carefully pick it up. It was a large box, but not heavy.

"Hmm. I wonder if anything in here is useful,"

She carried the box back to their boulder, along with her shoes, and sat down. She tried to pull the lid off, but it seemed to be sealed pretty good.

"Ugh. Come on, please open!" she begged.

After a few minutes, she was finally able to pull the lid off. She let out an excited smile and looked inside. She found snacks. All kinds of snacks. Chips, gummies, hard candy, a bag of popcorn, dried fruit and two soda cans. She giggled and grabbed a bag of potato chips.

"Mmmm," she let out.

She was going to grab another bag, but then she remembered about James.

"Oh. I should see if he wants any of this too," she chuckled.

She put the bag back into the box and closed it with the lid. She put her shoes back on, picked up the box and carried it back to their little camp. She happily walked to the other side of the boulder and sat down across from James. She reopened the box and started to take the snacks out.

"Hmmm…. Purp chips? Never had those before," she said more to herself, "and gummy Zorellian worms… I suppose they're like regular gummy worms, I hope,"

James started to stir awake thanks to Cindy's little chatter and the noise of the snack bags.

"Ugh," James groaned.

Cindy didn't notice. She was busy looking at the snacks and organizing them into separate piles. James blinked a few times before he realized what she was doing.

"What are those?" he asked.

"Oh!" Cindy gasped, still holding some snack bags in her arms.

James propped himself up on his elbows and gestured toward the snacks.

"Those. What are they?"

"OH! Um… snack bags," she smiled.

"Really? What kind?" James asked excitedly.

"Um… gummy Zorellian worms, purp chips, dried Reanian skins, potato chips, popcorn, a couple of lollipops, sour milin bits, and tick tacs,"

"Purp chips!" James reached out.

"Okay okay," she laughed, "sit still or your wound will open up more,"

James chuckled and propped himself up against the boulder. She brought him the bag of purp chips and sat down beside him.

"Thanks," he sighed with relief.

They both opened their bag of choice and started to eat. James couldn't help but let out a satisfied moan while chewing on the first chip. Cinderella giggled.

"I take it they're delicious?" she asked.

James smiled and offered her one.

"Oh no thanks. I have my own," she showed him her bag of dried fruits.

James shrugged and went back to eating his food. For the next several minutes, they sat in silence while eating; taking in the sounds of the ocean and the gentle breeze that would pass by every couple of minutes. When their snacks were gone, both let out a disappointed sigh.

"That was amazing," James let out, "I love purp chips. Last time I had them was over a year ago. The ships I traveled on didn't have them. I missed them,"

"I can see that," Cindy teased.

"You said we have gummy Zorellian worms?" he asked.

"Mhm," Cindy replied.

"Can I have them?"

"Sure,"

Cinderella got on all fours instead of standing up this time and reached out to grab the bag of gummies. James' eyes automatically trailed from Cindy's calm face, down her neck, then to her back and rested on her waist. He swallowed hard before trailing his eyes to her butt and then her thighs...

"Got 'em!" Cindy announced.

James quickly looked away and pretended to be busy with something in the sand next to him.

"Great," James drawled out.

"Here you go," she handed him the gummy snacks.

"Thanks,"

James couldn't help but blush a little when he glanced at her. Cindy's smile slowly faded when she saw how nervous he looked.

"Are you alright? Are you in pain?" she asked pointing to his wound.

"No! No I'm fine," James tried to reassure her.

Cindy wasn't convinced but she decided not to press on the matter. That's when a faint thunderous sound emerged from afar. Both of them glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Cinderella stood up and made her way to the edge of the boulder to look behind it.

"You see anything?" he asked.

"No," she answered.

James shrugged and went back to eating his gummies.

"That was thunder, right?" she asked, still looking at the horizon.

"Sounded like it,"

He looked up at her and saw how worried she looked.

"You okay?"

Cindy didn't answer. She seemed deeply distracted with trying to find the source of the thunder sound.

"We need to find shelter if a storm is coming," she stated.

Before James could say anything, Cinderella turned to the other side of the camp and walked toward the bigger part of the island. James just watched her while eating a gummy worm.

Hm. Even her walk seems graceful.

Cinderella disappeared behind the boulder and James was left alone with the ocean, snacks and his own thoughts. Cinderella kept walking to the extended part of the island, which looked like the top of a small mountain sticking out from the ocean floor, and it was covered with trees. She hadn't had the chance to explore the structure itself, but she was familiar the area of trees and bushes since that's where she found the coconuts. Cinderella carefully made her way closer to the rocky surface and began looking around.

"Please tell me there's shelter here somewhere," she thought out loud.

She trailed her way against the structure wall until she reached the water again.

"Ugh," she sighed.

Then, she saw a fish emerge from the mountain base and swim out to the ocean. She watched as another fish swam in from the ocean and into the mountainside. Curious, she stepped closer to the shoreline and looked in the direction that the fish swam. That's when she found it. A cave! It was a large opening and some of the ocean water was lapping itself inside of the low entrance, but she saw that the cave had some upper levels to it.

"Yes!" she cheered.

Then, another thunderous sound. She looked around and this time, she saw dark clouds forming far off the island.

"Oh no," she breathed out, "we better hurry,"

James tried to stand up.

"Okay… let's try this again, Jim," he sighed.

He pulled himself up using the boulder as a crutch.

"Ah!" he yelled, "Yeah, that's the spot," he joked.

He finally stood up and the pain dwindled down. He let out a sigh of relief.

"Okay, let's try walking,"

James took a step forward. No pain. He took another step. Again, no pain.

"Yes," he quietly cheered.

He took several more steps before Cinderella remerged from behind the boulder.

"Hey!" he greeted, "look I can walk again!"

"Great!" she smiled, "because I found a cave we can hide in while the storm passes,"

"Storm?" James looked confused.

"Yes,"

Cinderella walked past him and began packing their snacks. James chuckled and continued walking while still using the boulder to help himself.

"I'll help you when I get back," Cinderella stated while walking by with the snacks.

"Thanks," he quickly responded.

He watched her disappear again before hearing another thunderous sound. He looked toward the east side of the island and saw the dark clouds forming.

"Woah. That looks pretty big," he commented, "At least we'll have fresh water after it leaves,"

Cinderella returned after a few minutes and offered to help him walk to the cave.

"Uh," James wasn't sure on how to answer.

"C'mon," she reached for his arm.

"No no I can do it,"

James assured her as he took his first step away from the boulder. The pain came back but it was minimal. He winced at first but quickly straightened up when Cindy reached for him again.

"I got it," he said.

Cindy stepped back and gestured him forward. James rolled his eyes and took another step. The ground was a little uneven, which was not easy on his wound, but James kept his composure and kept walking. After a couple of steps he finally looked forward and saw the extended part of the island.

"Woah!" he let out, "this was here the whole time?"

"Yes it was," she responded with a satisfied tone, "I discovered it the day we woke up while walking around… before I found you,"

"Ah," he commented, "that explains where you run off to each time,"

Cinderella rolled her eyes and went in front of him to lead the way. It took some time, but they eventually made it to the cave. James took one look at the entrance and knew he was going to have a tough time getting in.

"I know it looks rough but it's clear inside so there won't be obstacle once we get in," she explained.

"Yeah," James gulped.

He took his first step forward into the shallow water. The height difference between the ground levels caused pain to shoot into his side again and he couldn't help but whince out in pain and curl against his side. Cinderella quickly ran to his other side and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. This happened so quickly, James didn't have time to react. He just allowed her to help him walk into the cave.

"Whoever built this cave like this… is stupid," James huffed.

Cinderella chuckled.

Once inside the cave, she had him lean against the wall to rest while she found a way for them to get onto a higher level.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"If it's a storm, we have to get to higher ground in case the water gets rough,"

James turned to the ocean water and suddenly felt very uncomfortable about how high the water was to the cave floor.

"Ah shit," he let out, understanding the gravity of the situation.

As Cinderella searched for an easy way to climb up to the second level, thunder roared again but this time it was louder. James couldn't help but shuffle further into the cave while keeping an eye out on the grey sky.

"Find anything?" he asked.

Cinderella reached the other side of the ledge and noticed it was slightly lower than the rest of it. It wasn't the best outcome, but it would have to do for now.

"Here!" she shouted, "I think I found something,"

James looked toward her and saw the upper ledge.

"Oh no," he groaned.

Cinderella started making her way back to James when he straightened himself up and started to walk towards her. She noticed this and stopped a few feet from him, allowing him to walk as far as he can. When he finally reached her, she offered her hand to help but he just made his way past her. She gave a knowing nod and just turned around and walked to the lower part of the ledge.

"Climb up," he said.

"What?" she asked, confused.

"You climb up first and pull me up," he explained.

"But… wouldn't that hurt?" she asked.

"Well, you're not going to lift me up," he stated.

"Why not? I can do it,"

James leaned against the cavern wall and looked at her with a stern look.

"No. Just pull me up. I'll be fine,"

Cinderella looked at the entrance and then back at James.

"Maybe the water won't be so bad. Maybe it won't get so high like I think it will,"

"It will. We know it. Once that storm hits the water will get rough and the waves will get higher, and it will seep into this cave and fill this floor. We have to get to higher ground,"

"But-" Cinderella couldn't help but glance between him and the ocean.

"Hey, it's gonna be okay. I trust you,"

Cindy couldn't help but let out a giant sigh while looking at the ledge. She knew he was right, but she feared of his wound getting worse. Finally, she took in a deep breath and started to climb onto the ledge. It wasn't very high, but it did take some effort. It was climbing onto a garden brick wall. She then turned to Jim and offered her hand. He took it using this non-injured side and she began to pull. The stretching of his body did cause his wound to hurt, but he tried to alleviate it by pushing himself up with his legs and using his other arm to pull himself up. After he was now on the ledge, he lied down on his back and tried to regain his composure. Suddenly, he felt his shirt start to lift up.

"Hey," he weakly let out.

"I'm checking your wound," she explained.

"Oh," James laid his head back down, slightly disappointed that it was an innocent gesture.

"Looks good. Barely any bleeding," she stated, pulling shirt back down.

"Awesome," he sighed.

"Hungry?" she asked while handing him the box of snacks.

"Yes!" James propped himself up on his elbows and reached inside the box.

He pulled out the bag of Reanian skins.

"Mm. Just what I was hoping to get,"

Shortly after the two settled into the cave, rain started to pour down from the dark sky and the waves began to grow. The water came rushing into the cave and was able to reach halfway up the ledge. Cinderella looked down at the water and seemed worried. James on the other hand remained calm. Thunder continued to roar outside and every few seconds the flash of lightning would light up the cave. Cinderella scooted herself away from the edge and pressed her back against the cavern wall.

"You alright?" James asked.

Cinderella nodded but looked uncomfortable.

"You ever been to Montressor?" he asked.

"What?" Cinderella looked taken aback.

"Montressor. My home planet," he clarified.

Another flash of lightning caught Cindy's attention and she looked back to the entrance of the cave.

"It's not that impressive, to be honest," James continued while eating the dried fruit, "There's hardly any water, or trees… or anything besides dirt and machines. My mother owned an Inn by the docks that housed all kinds of people and aliens. What about you?"

Cinderella turned back to James and looked very confused.

"What?"

"What's your home like?" he asked.

"Oh… Um," Cinderella glanced around a few times before she settled on James's face, "My home? My home… it's…"

James handed her a soda from the black box, and she accepted it. She opened it and took a few sips before she continued describing her home.

"It's… serene to me. We had trees and grass and water. My home was beautiful when my father had it. We had a small barn with our horse named Major and a dog named Bruno. They both were my friends,"

"That sounds nice," James chimed in.

"Everything was nice," Cinderella continued, "My life was different before my stepmother arrived,"

James was about to drink his soda but then he started listening with great interest. Another flash of lightning caught Cindy's attention, but she gradually got back into the conversation.

"My father died in a storm like this. He was supposed to return home from a trip. I was waiting for him to come in through the door but there was a knock instead. My stepmother answered it and it was my father's partner. He said there was a bad carriage accident due to a flood and my father drowned,"

James put his soda down next to him and watched as Cinderella curled her knees up to her chest and hugged them.

"I ran to my room after hearing that and just laid on my bed and cried. I remember the hard rain and the thunder outside. I haven't been a fan of rainstorms ever since,"

James tried to think of something to say or do, but he wasn't sure if it would make things worse or not.

"Um," he cleared his throat, "… I'm sorry," was all he managed to get out.

Cinderella sniffled and then wiped her eyes.

"I know you miss him," he stated, "but he'll be glad to know how you turned out,"

Cinderella turned to him again.

"I mean, you're a great person. You helped me when you didn't have to. You're smart. Resourceful. You're not afraid to speak your mind. I think most of that came from him," James explained.

"Oh. Thanks, I guess," Cinderella sniffled, "but most of that I learned later... after he passed away. What I did learn from him was to be compassionate, kind… patient,"

She did a side glance toward James while saying the last part and he couldn't help but chuckle. Then she continued,

"He taught me a little bit about politics, mainly because I was his only child and he didn't have a son to teach those things to, so he taught me,"

"Politics?" James pondered.

"Yes. He was a successful tradesman. He was a noble… so I was a noble too,"

"oh!" James exclaimed.

Cinderella let out a small laugh.

"Yes. You're looking at a noble born girl," she stated.

"Wow! I uh… do I call you Lady Cinderella or something?"

Cindy laughed.

"Oh please don't! I haven't been called that since before…"

Cindy's smile faded and she started to curl up again.

"So do you know how to dance those fancy dances?"

Cinderella thought about it and smiled.

"I know some dance moves,"

"Cool… maybe you can teach me one day,"

"Sure," she turned back to James, "do you know any dance moves?"

"Maybe," he answered with a smirk, "they may be too advanced for you though,"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well they're not ballroom dances," he teased.

"I can learn any dance!" she playfully argued, "with the proper teacher, of course,"

"Hey, I can teach you for sure," James took a swig of his soda "if you can keep up,"

Cinderella playfully tapped his shoulder and they both ended up laughing. The storm outside slowly started to dissipate, and the waves began to shrink back to their normal size. The seagulls made their way back onto the island and the sunlight beamed through the dark clouds. The two didn't realize the storm was over until they saw the sunlight shine into the cave.

"The storm… it's over!" Cindy exclaimed with happiness.

"You're welcome," James commented.

Cinderella gave him a questionable look.

"For what?" she asked.

"I was able to distract you from the storm by asking you those questions," he explained.

Cinderella sighed then looked at the calm ocean outside the cave and let out a smile.

"Well, should be get out of here? Maybe see how damaged our camp is?"

"Sure," James groaned, "Looking forward to the painful journey,"

"I'll help you," she stated.

The two carefully made their way off the ledge and took their time exiting the cave. When they were back on the grassy land, James wanted to try walking on his own again and insisted Cindy went ahead to the camp to see what it looked like. She handed James the box of snacks and went ahead of him. James took the time to look around at the surrounding trees and bushes.

"Burma berries," he observed, "So there's a mix of vegetation and fruit here that can be found on other planets… that's interesting,"

Cinderella walked back to their boulder and saw that their camp was demolished. The campfire was completely gone, and their basic supplies was nowhere to be seen. The crystal ball remained sitting against the builder though, which she found both comforting and odd considering everything else was gone.

"Great," she thought out loud, "Now wha-"

Suddenly she spotted another suitcase lying on the shore. Without hesitation, she ran to it and kneeled to open it.

"Oh, please be something useful!"

She unzipped the suitcase and found a dark blanket inside. She pulled it out and unfolded it. It was a dark maroon color, thick and wooly. It was slightly damp but not ruined. She rolled it up and placed it down beside her. She looked in the suitcase again and saw a grey pouch. She pulled that out and opened it. She found makeup inside: red lipstick, black eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss and face powder. There was also a small mirror inside. She closed the pouch and dug into the suitcase again. She found some male shirts and a couple of woman dresses. She hurriedly placed the clothes down next to her and kept looking. The last thing she was able to find was a sewing kit.

"That's useful," she said.

After emptying out the suitcase, she grabbed everything and carried them back to their camp. James finally made it back to the boulder and he noticed the missing firewood.

"Oh great," he let out, "we lost the firewood,"

"It's okay. We'll make another," Cinderella reassured him while putting the newfound objects down in front of the boulder.

"What's all that?" he asked.

"Found a blanket!" Cinderella cheered, "and some clothes, a makeup pouch and a sewing kit!"

"Wonderful," James drawled out, "Could've used more water or food,"

"Well what we have is still useful," Cinderella pointed out, "I can look for more coconuts and sticks for the fire,"

James nodded and eyed the pile of clothes.

"Hmm,"

He dropped the black box down next near the pile and carefully sat himself down against the boulder. He reached for the first piece of cloth and managed to pull out a plain black T-shirt with short sleeves.

"Hm. Not bad," he commented.

He then reached for the other piece of clothing and managed to pull out a dark blue dress with gold buttons.

"Cute,"

He then imagined Cinderella in the dress and he couldn't help but smile.

I think she'll look pretty in this.

He put the dress down and just looked out at the shoreline. The sun was starting to set. It was always a pretty sight but something about today made it especially pretty. Or maybe it was just the coloring… either way, James just took in the calm, beautiful sight before drifting off to sleep.