Chapter 28

Day 9 – Late Morning

Zeke woke up in the morning feeling extremely stiff, overheated, and slightly hungry. But this felt a thousand times better than the unbearable stomach ache, the sandpaper-like feeling from thirst in your throat, and being ice cold, yet still sweating. He decided to try and stand up.

Suddenly he felt dizzy and his vision began to cloud over by little brown dots. He got an unsettling feeling in his stomach, too.

Maybe it's best I keep resting.

He laid back down, this time on top of his sleeping bag instead of inside it.

Might as well get some more sleep.

He shut his eyes and tried to fall asleep, even though he wasn't the slightest bit tired.

HSM HSM HSM HSM

Trent was at the edge of the jungle collecting firewood, when he was approached by Kelsi.

"Can I talk to you for a sec'?" she asked.

"Sure. What is it?" He bent down and grabbed another stick.

"I think you need to tell everyone your real story."

Trent dropped the bundle he was carrying.

"Oh c'mon, it won't be that hard," Kelsi reassured, "You told me pretty easily."

"That's because you were on to me," he stated, "and you seemed like this kind of person who can keep a secret. Am I right?"

"I haven't told anyone. I think you should be the one to let them know what's really going on."

"Oh yes, I think everyone should know I'm a murderer so they can all hide in fear when I'm around. That's exactly what I want!"

Kelsi frowned at his sarcasm. "How about you just tell them half the story? They don't need to know your entire past. Just tell them you've only been here a year, not twenty," she suggested.

"I can guarantee they'll ask how I got here. What do I do then? Lie again? That's not gonna change anything."

"Then just tell them the whole story. You've only helped us so far! I mean, does it look like I'm cowering in fear right now?"

"Look, I don't know if I'm ready to give them my autobiography," he explained.

Kelsi thought for a minute. "But what if someone accidentally found out? I mean, Sharpay told everyone what was in Zeke's video diary when she found out he was reluctant to get rescued. Imagine what she would do if she knew your secret? She would tell everyone, and they would think you were some sort of liar who doesn't want to reveal his past."

"Well that's kind of what I am."

"Just think about it, okay?'

"Fine," he grumbled. Kelsi walked away and he began collecting the sticks he brought.

HSM HSM HSM HSM

Jason VD:

I just saw Kelsi in the woods with Trent. This is the second time they've done this beside their recent trip to the river. I know it's wrong to spy and all, but I could barely hear what they were saying as it was. All I heard was 'Let them know what's really going on.' What exactly is going on with them? I hate to admit it, but I'm a little jealous.

HSM HSM HSM HSM

Afternoon

Sharpay sat alone by the fire, thinking about everything that was going on. It was a lot more than she ever had to deal with before. She decided to make a video diary to vent, since everyone was too busy to talk with her.

Sharpay VD:

This place is pulling me apart! I feel so… useless! All I've been able to do lately is think about life, which is something I don't usually do. First there's Zeke being sick. I mean, if Kelsi and Trent had come back any later, he could have been too sick to cure! And he's still sick! Not only that, but if I have to spend one more night squished in the other tent with everyone else here, I'm just gonna go sleep in Zeke's tent. Who cares if I get sick? It sounds pretty luxurious to me! Then there's the fact that it's been over a week, and we're still on this freakin' island! I'm hot, I'm sweaty, and I haven't been able to bathe since we've crashed. I can't take it anymore! I don't see how everyone else can stand it! It's like they're so caught up with these little camp chores that they've forgotten what's really going on here! Maybe it's time I find something useful for me to do instead of sitting here going insane.

Sharpay shut the camera off feeling a little relieved. Not only that, but she gave herself an idea to keep her sane, though the idea was definitely unlike her.

Time to find some work to do.

A/N- I'm very proud of myself. This is one of my quickest updates in awhile. Tell me what you think and review!!