"Help! Is anyone out there? Help us please!" I shouted as I banged on the mound of earth trapping me and Rod in the mines. I had no idea how much time had passed in here. Rod had given up, and paced around.

"I don't think anyone is in the forest right now, Alex. Why don't you relax for a minute."

"I can't relax. I want out," I huffed, but he had a point. They might be eating lunch at this point in time. That's when I remembered that I had food in my backpack.

"That reminds me, I have food in my bag. I was making a bunch of food to sell, but I guess we got unlucky. Well lucky that this is the day I get stuck in here. Want some?"

"Thank you, Alex," I gave him a plate of lasagna since I knew it was his favorite, "How think do you think the pile of rock is?"

"Pretty think," I said, munching down on my food, "I think we might be here for a while. I'm sorry Rod. I think my mining must have caused this. I promise to make it up to you."

"It's not your fault. You didn't know. It's old after all. Plus it has been raining recently so that could be the major problem with it. As long as you're the cause isn't very important"

"I guess you're right. I'm just a little freaked out is all. I've never had this happen before. I've been mining in this cave for years and not once has it broke."

We went back to eating, not saying a word. Why in the world was I so nervous for? I could feel my heart racing in my chest. Was it because I was trapped with a guy? We were just friends, but I couldn't deny how cute Rod was when he ate. His blue gaze met mine, and my heart sped up. Who was Neil again? I looked away, hoping he didn't notice that I was staring at him. I would not be able to explain to him.

"So, how have you been?" I deciding to change the subject.

"Me? I've been pretty good. I have a new litter of kittens. I hope their doing fine. I notice that you look a lot better these days. I guess you aren't still sad about Neil? Sorry if you aren't ready to talk about it. I've seen how people deal with life after a break up."

"It's totally alright Rod. I don't need him in my life anyways. I'm moving on. Starting over again. It is nice to begin anew. Who knows if I'll fine another guy the way I liked him"

"I see. I'm here if you want someone to make you feel better."

"I know. You're a really good friend and I'm thankful to have you around," I grabbed his hand, and he blushed.

"Thank you. It means a lot to me," his face lit up with a smile. I could feel my face go red. He was so close to me, and my heart wouldn't slow down to save my life. Well I might be stuck here for the rest of my life. I didn't want to die in a cave, but at least I wouldn't be alone.

"Anyone in there?" I heard Iroha's voice.

"Yes! Iroha!" I called her name.

"I'm here too!" Rod stood up and let go off my hand.

"Alex? Rod? Don't you two worry, I have a shovel. I'll need your help to help remove the dirt. Shall I go run for help? Everyone in town is worried about you guys. I'll let them know what happened when you two are free."

"I think we can go it. Right Rod?"

"Yes. I'm not that strong but we'll be fine."

I gave Rod my hoe, and pulled out an extra one. I had an extra of every tool in case I ship one on accident. It has happened to me before, but it was my sickle. I knew not to make the same mistake twice. It look a lot of effort, but a hole was beginning to form in the rock. I could see that it was in fact nighttime. We were in there a lot longer than I realized. When there was a big enough space, Rod and I climbed out. It was nice to be free again.

"Looks like the mine will be off limits," I laughed lightly.

"Of course. Are you guys alright?"

"We are fine," Rod told her, "We were in there since this morning. Thank you Iroha."

"Thanks Iroha. You're a lifesaver."

"I'd do it for anyone. See you guys later." She waved to us and continued to the mountain area.

"I guess I'll be heading home since it's pretty dark. It was nice hanging out with you. Even if we got stuck in a mine."

"That's true," I sighed, "See you later Rod."

After that day two things occurred. The mine was closed off and was going to be cleared out. Rebecca and Iroha were working together to clear it out. I wanted to volunteer, but Iroha told me they could handle it. I just hoped that my friend was going to be ok in there. Tina and Felicity were really freaked out when they heard what happened. I told them it was fine, but the komodo got dirty. I was going to wash it to make it up to them.

Speaking of friends, I couldn't deny that I was slowing getting feelings for Rod. He was a really fun person to talk with, but he probably didn't have feelings for me. I would keep my crush on him a secret from everyone, since I knew how my friends would react if they knew.