Chapter 5

Everyone was worn out by the time night fell on the beach. After Daley had assigned them all their jobs, they all got to work, and they didn't rest at all till dinnertime, when night fell.

Even Eric was doing something useful. After his conversation with Melissa, he decided to tolerate his job, despite his great dislike for the job, just for Melissa's sake. He knew that she hated it when they argued, and he didn't want her to get upset because of HIM. Especially since he knew that she was already upset about Jackson, no thanks to him and Taylor.

Yes, he knew about her and Jackson. It was pretty obvious, really. After he and Taylor had exposed Mel's video diary, things just weren't the same between Jackson and Melissa, and he was starting to feel guilty.

Now as they were all eating, silence fell. Everybody was too tired to say anything. Usually Taylor was the one to comment on how good the food was, or not good, but surprisingly, even she was silent.

After everyone finished eating, and were just lying around, not saying anything, Melissa decided to vent out in her journal, and said goodnight to everyone. After people had exposed her secret, she decided to keep a secret journal that no one knew about, just to keep her secrets safe this time. Now, after hearing their rather weak response of "goodnight", she turned and headed for the tents. Little did she realize that Eric had gotten up after her and was running to catch up with her.

"Hey." Eric said.

Melissa looked at him in surprise.

"Eric!" She looked sheepish. "Sorry, I didn't hear you."

Eric grinned. "It's okay. I just wanted to talk to you for a bit. I have something I have to tell you." His face changed from light and carefree to serious mode.

Melissa looked at him in concern. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Eric laughed. "No, it's not…" Melissa looked relieved. "Then what?"

Eric sighed. "Do you remember when I 'exposed' your secret?"

Melissa stiffened. "Yes, how could I forget?"

Eric winced. "Yeah, that. Well, I wanted to apologize. I feel bad now. I mean, you saved my life, and then I went and did something like that. That was totally rude of me, and I'm truly sorry. I noticed that things are a bit awkward between you guys, and I wanted to make sure that you know that if you ever need someone to talk to, about anything, then I'm here for you, alright?"

Melissa just stared at him for a moment. She studied his face, unsure of whether he was sincere or not. He looks sincere. Melissa thought.

"Thank you, Eric." Melissa said, giving him a sincere and friendly smile. "I'll be sure to remember that."

Eric looked relieved. "Okay, good."

Melissa smiled, and an awkward silence grew between them. Melissa was silent because she was trying to absorb this new, sincere, kind Eric. She was used to his jerky, self-centered personality, and now all of a sudden, he was like this transformed person.

Eric was silent because he didn't know what else to say. Finally, Melissa said hesitantly, "I'm getting kind of tired, so I'm going to head to the tents. I'll see you tomorrow?"

Eric nodded uncomfortably. "Yeah, see you tomorrow." He turned and went back to the campfire.

Melissa looked after him for a moment, and headed to the tents. She picked up her journal hidden between her clothes in her bag, and plucked herself on her belly, and began writing.

Dear diary,

We've been stranded her for so long. I've lost track of the date. So many things have been happening lately, that it's overwhelming. You would think that survival would be that "thing" but it's not that. It's way more personal than that. Those "things" are Eric and Jackson. You know how I mentioned before how Eric and I have become better friends? Well, lately, it seems as if… I don't know. I'm so confused. Eric isn't himself anymore. It's like he has two personalities. There's this sweet and caring guy, and then there's the arrogant and lazy jerk that everyone hates. Around me, he's sweet…

today when I was walking over here, Eric followed me here to apologize for his evil work aka the exposure of my video diary.I was so shocked. He even said that he would be there for me if I needed someone to talk to, and I'm not sure what's going on with him.

To top up with this confusing Eric, there's Jackson, too. Before he was avoiding me, and now he's gone out of his way to talk to me, and we had this 'moment'. I'm not sure if he's starting to notice me, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I really don't know what to do. AHH so much to think about and worry about.

-Cut to the campfire-

Meanwhile, while Melissa was ranting on about her confusing life, the others were talking among themselves. Well, except for Jackson, big surprise.

Again, he was thinking about what Eric was doing, following Melissa. He knew that he was overreacting, but he couldn't help it. Melissa did say that she didn't like Eric that way, but he also noticed how the two seemed to be getting closer, just today. Plus, when Eric returned to the campfire, he seemed, I don't know, distracted? If he's distracted, could it possibly mean that he was falling in love with Melissa? As he was pondering on this, the others were filing one by one to go to bed. Jackson, of course, was too busy thinking to notice, but soon it was only him and Eric left. Eric spoke up after a minute of silence.

"Chief?"

Jackson broke from his reverie, and looked at him. To his surprise, it was only Eric left. Everyone else had gone away. Perfect opportunity to ask him if he likes Melissa. Jackson thought. Jackson took a deep breath.

"Eric, can I ask you something?"

Eric looked at him oddly. "Um, sure."

"Do you like Melissa?"

Again, Eric looked at him in astonishment. "Duhh, chief. EVERYONE LIKES MELISSA."

Jackson rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean, Eric."

"No, I really don't. But seriously, everyone likes Melissa. I don't understand why you're asking me this question?"

Jackson sighed in frustration. "Do you like Melissa more than a friend?"

At this, Eric froze. Do you like Melissa more than a friend… that question echoed in his mind as he thought about it. Did he? Honestly, he wasn't sure. Lately, he admitted as to wanting to please Melissa, more than anyone else. But he just thought of it as being remorseful for his actions, and wanting to make it up to her. But now…

Jackson looked impatient. "Well?"

Eric looked at him. "Honestly Jackson? I'm not sure anymore." He got up and went to bed.

Jackson felt as if he got punched in the stomach. So he does like her… why else would he hesitate? Am I too late? Will Melissa choose him over me?

So, what did you think of this chapter? I'm SO sorry it took me forever to update it. But i hoped you enjoyed it! R&R thanks guys. I really appreciate all the reviews :) They keep me going. Until next time!