Welcome back, readers!
So, it seems that no-one really dislikes any characters enough to want them out of the story. Surprising? Yeah a little but at least you can't complain if I get rid of your favourites. Right?
Special thanks to sportress, panda7700, AlexaGrace, lantus123, kneon, Edlovesme & duralast406 for fav'ing, following or reviewing this story. You all inspire me to continue writing.
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I do own an excessively large collection of handbags.
:-D
EPOV
No book that I've ever read or documentary that I've seen could possibly prepare me for how amazing the rainforest actually is.
The tops of the giant cedars tower high above our heads are barely visible through the dense canopy created by the lower spruce and firs. The moss and lichen on their trunks add to the breathtaking sea of green around us. I don't think I've ever seen so many shades of one color.
In the distance I can faintly hear running water and a flock of birds calling to each other. It sounds exactly like one of my mothers relaxation CDs.
"Ugh, my feet are so sore. Can we stop now?"
Except for that.
"Jessica we've only been walking for two hours and we have already stopped three times," Mr Molina explains patiently. "We'll be at the campsite soon, you can rest then."
"But I'm tired," she whines. Thankfully he choses to ignore her and continues walking.
The plan was to reach the camp before lunch, but it's almost one o'clock now and we don't seem to be getting any closer. Thanks to broken nails and ill-fitting shoes, a two hour hike will probably take us four.
Not that I really mind. I'm happy to walk at a leisurely pace and appreciate my surroundings.
And Bella.
Because she's walking in front of me.
And her jeans are so tight...
"Aaaaaarh!" A piercing scream from behind suddenly startles me from my fantasising. I turn to look so fast that I almost take Jasper out with my pack.
Angela is sitting on the ground clutching her right arm to her chest. Ben looks completely helpless as he kneels on the damp leaves beside her.
"What happened?" Mr Molina calls as he rushes by me. He crouches down next to a crying Angela and gingerly inspects her injury.
"She slipped on a patch of mud," Ben explains. "I tried to grab her but I was too late."
Angela shakes her head and tries to console him but I can tell that he blames himself. I know I would if I were in his shoes.
"Well, it looks like your wrist is broken," Mr Molina says. "We'll have to go back."
"No," Angela cries. "I don't want everyone else to miss out because of me."
"Good," Rosalie pipes up. "I don't want to walk all the way back just because you can't walk upright like a normal person."
"Enough!" Mr Molina shouts. "I'll take Angela back down to the visitors center while you all continue on to the campsite."
"I'm going back with Ange," Ben says as he wraps his arm around his girlfriend and helps her to her feet.
"Aaaw, that's so sweet," Victoria coos, affectionately stroking James' arm. "Would you do that for me, baby?"
"Depends," James shrugs. "If I had to miss this? Sure. But if it was the first game of the season or something, then you're on your own doll-face."
Bella and Alice step forward to give Angela a gentle hug as Mr Molina hands me his first-aid kit.
"I'm leaving Edward in charge," he tells the group. "And I expect you all to act responsibly and respectfully."
He's leaving me in charge? Me? I've never been in charge of anything before, but I'm eager for the opportunity to prove my leadership ability. Maybe even impress a certain beautiful brunette.
I wait until Ben, Angela and our teacher disappear into the forest before turning to address my new charges.
"Okay everyone, let's set off," I yell enthusiastically, confident that I have earned the respect of my peers.
"Fuck you, Ed-weird."
Maybe not.