The next chapter is here! Enjoy :)
They woke up early the next morning.
Surprisingly, they both felt quite refreshed upon waking. Early morning sunlight was peeking through the gaps in the rotted planks in the walls and some light was streaking through the roof through the holes.
The pair slowly sat up.
"Good morning." Galen said.
"Morning." Noelle replied.
"How'd you sleep?" He asked.
"Better than I thought I would. You?" She asks.
"Surprisingly well. Despite the fact my clothes were still quite damp when we laid down to sleep last night." Galen told her.
"Well, the days' event took an awfully lot out of us too. We exerted a lot of energy and adrenaline yesterday just trying to survive and stay afloat as we swam for it." Noelle stated.
He snorted, "You were swimming, I was flailing about like a headless chicken. As I said, apes are not particularly good swimmers after all."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"So, no swim lessons in your future then?" She lightly teased.
"Absolutely not." He quickly replied.
"Even if those lessons could save your life one day if you ever find yourself in a similar situation?" Noelle inquired.
A grin appeared on his face.
"Why would I need lessons? When I have you?" Galen teased.
"And if I'm not there to save you next time? Then what?" Noelle asks.
"Well then, I guess I better stay away from large bodies of turbulent water then." He said.
"Except for when you need another bath again." She joked.
"Hah! No more baths in the future for me, thank you very much!" Galen declared.
"Ok, be sure to walk behind me or far off to the side of me then while we're traveling. So, you don't end up killing me with the stench." Noelle said, poking fun at him.
"You know, I have more food in my pack. I was going to give you some for breakfast. But after that remark, I think I'll keep it all to myself." He said, with a smirk.
It didn't help when Noelle's stomach let out a tiny grumble in protest. Galen clearly heard it too and let out a small chuckle.
"You could do that. But then you'll be subjected to my very bad moods, and I doubt you will like that. I tend to turn into quite a bitch sometimes when I'm very hungry." Noelle warned him.
"Ok, so be sure to eat right in front of you. Got it." He said with a thumbs up and a smirk.
For good measure, he fished some food out of his pack. Then he stared at her and took a couple bites out of one of the vegetables he had.
Noelle arched an eye ridge.
"Wow, I just saved you yesterday and this is the thanks I get? You eating right in front of me? What a good friend you are, Galen." She said.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want some of this?" Galen asked, waving the piece of vegetable around.
She quickly reached out to grab it. But he was surprisingly quite fast and quickly pulled his arm back out of her reach.
"Oh no, you don't. I didn't even hear a please." Galen teased.
"You always this playful first thing in the morning or should I say this big a pain in the ass?" Noelle quipped.
"Only with you because you are just easy to tease." He replied.
She narrowed her eyes at him, then a grin slowly appeared on her face.
"I don't know about that. But when I talked to Alan not that long ago while you were conversing with Pete about something, he told me how much you really enjoyed playing dress up in women's clothing that one time you guys had to go back to the city and save Pete.
He went as far as telling me you admitted that the dress was quite comfortable and didn't really mind it all that much. I think he was convinced you would've considered keeping it if you didn't have to ditch it once you were there." Noelle said, with an amused glint in her eyes.
She watched as his grin disappeared and his mouth dropped, and his eyes widened a little in barely concealed surprise and embarrassment.
Noelle took advantage of his shocked state and quickly swiped the piece of vegetable out of his hand and took a few bites out of it. All while trying not to laugh at the funny look on his face.
"You are a sneaky and wicked little thing, aren't you?" He pointed out.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm an angel." Noelle teased.
Galen arched an eye ridge, "More like little devil in disguise."
"Nah, disguises are more your thing. Especially, the dresses apparently." She joked.
"I did not like wearing that atrocious frock!" He blurted out, mortified and embarrassed.
Noelle started laughing at his remark in his somewhat high-pitched tone.
Her laughing turned to sputtering though when he threw his still semi-damp blanket over her head. Then it was his turn to laugh, as she struggled to pull it off of her head.
"That was low, chimp boy." She said, as she finally got it off.
Amusement was still ever present in his gaze as he now eyed her very messed up hair.
"Looks like someone is having a bad hair day." He teased while gesturing to her head.
Noelle rolled her eyes and started to smooth down the long, tangled locks. All while muttering 'no thanks to you'.
Not long after, Galen pulled out more food. This time, he gave some to her to eat. Then they sat in silence for a little bit as they ate. Both were wondering where they should go.
"Do you know any of this area at all?" She asks, as she finishes her food.
To her dismay, Galen shook his head.
"No, I'm really not all that familiar with this district nor the settlements here. Our best bet is to find a road while out there. Because at least then, a road would lead us to a settlement or village." He told her.
"That would be nice. While this old barn may have been rather cozy last night, it be nice to possibly have a bed to sleep in again and some more food." She replied.
"Well, I'd be in a bed. You'd probably be on some pelts on the floor. Seeing as any village we walk into; I'd have to introduce you as my servant. Seeing as it's very uncommon for humans and apes to travel together as travel companions or friends." Galen said, with a smirk as he started packing some of his things.
"Forget it, I'm not sleeping on the damn floor while you're living it up in a comfortable bed. We're sharing it whether you like it or not." Noelle declared.
"Why, Noelle, I didn't know you thought of me that way." Galen teased with a hand to his chest.
He let out a tiny, surprised yelp that turned into a sputter when she lightly tossed a small handful of dead hay at him, and some of it nailed him in the face.
"That's strike one, Galen. Next one, you either get a pounding or a free swim lesson in the next lake or pond we happen to pass by." She warned him.
Though she wasn't truly angry at him for his remark. Even if the idea was very weird. Seeing as he was an ape and her a human.
"You'd have to catch me first. And I'm faster than I look." He said.
"Funny, so am I." She countered.
Galen stared at her in silence for a few moments, before a soft chuckle left him and he found himself shaking his head.
'She really is not one for backing down. That's for sure.' He thought.
"Ok, smarty pants, if you're ready, I think it's time to move on." Galen told her.
"Fine with me. Let's go, furball." She replied.
Then she grabbed her pack and pocketed her phone before standing up.
"In a hurry, are we?" He said, as he went to stand.
"To get away from you, yeah." She teased.
He feigned a hurt look, "Oh come now, surely my company can't be that bad?"
"Oh, the worst." Noelle joked.
"Thanks a lot." Galen replied.
"You're welcome." She said.
Then they started heading for the old, busted up wooden door.
Once they opened it, they had to shield their eyes from the bright sun that was steadily rising over the small field and the trees. It was already quite warm and humid out, despite it being early morning.
"Before we do set off though, I need to use the bathroom." She told him.
"Same here." He replied.
They headed for the tree line first, where there was more coverage.
While Galen went to one of the trees, Noelle went a few meters in the opposite direction and found a bush to squat behind. Neither one of them took more than a minute or so, before they came back out.
"Ready?" He asks.
"Yeah." She said.
He nodded, then he gestured for her to come. The two of them walked off together going further into the woods and leaving the old decrepit barn behind.
The woods were rather quiet, with the occasional bird chirping here and there.
It reminded Noelle a lot of one of those nature hikes. Something that she loves doing seeing as she's always been a big outdoors person. The scenery also helped take her mind off of the situation they were in.
Though every now and then, her mind would drift back to Alan and Pete, wondering if they will all ever find each other again.
It just felt safer with all four of them traveling together. With just the two of them now, she kind of felt like they were a little more vulnerable.
Yet, at the same time, at least she nor Galen were completely alone.
Either one or both of them could've drowned yesterday in that river. Or if by chance they both survived but were separated, she feels they may not have done so well being alone while navigating the woods in the open countryside like this.
Galen's eyes drifted from the scenery to the young woman next to him, who had been rather quiet for some time now. She also seemed to have a somewhat lost look on her face or a sad look even.
"You alright? You've been pretty quiet. You also, kind of look sad." He told her.
Noelle snapped out of her thoughts and her gaze shifted to the chimp walking beside her.
"Nothing, it's just...can't imagine what would've happened if we survived the river but got separated. Not sure either of us would fare well on our own out here." She admitted.
Galen tilted his head to the side a little while wrinkling his nose.
"Is... that all? Or is there more to it?" He asks.
While he felt she was being truthful in what she had just told him, he also felt like she was leaving something out.
Noelle closes her eyes briefly and lets out a sigh, before staring ahead again.
"I guess...I also just really miss my home. It's still eating at me that I have no idea how in the hell I got here in the first place. And...I'm not sure there is a way back." She said, as she felt a lump starting to build up in her throat.
Not a few moments after, she felt a warm, hairy hand softly envelop hers as they continued walking.
Her gaze shifted back to Galen. He lightly squeezed her hand while giving her a sad, yet reassuring smile.
"It certainly sounds strange, how you arrived here. And I wish I could give you answers. But sadly, I cannot. All I can tell you, is that you're not alone. My friends and I wouldn't leave you alone to fend for yourself in a world you're unfamiliar with. " Galen assured her.
It took a moment, but she was able to return his smile, despite feeling like she was on the verge of tears.
Galen could see she was trying not to cry. He lightly ran his thumb over her knuckles in a form of comfort in hopes of helping her feel better.
Noelle appreciated it and showed it by lightly squeezing his hand back.
They continued walking, forgetting that they were still holding hands as they went. The pair was just looking around, taking in the sight as they went.
Noelle and Galen walked for hours, until the sun was high in the sky, indicating it was noon.
It became hotter as the day progressed. Both were taking more sips from their waters. While at the same time, they were trying not to take large sips, trying to conserve the water.
They haven't seen another source of water yet. The pair hoped they will come across some more water soon. If not to fill their waters and maybe throw some on their faces to cool off.
"Damn, it feels hotter than Satan's ass crack out here." Noelle muttered.
Galen turned to her with a confused look.
"Who?" He asks.
She just huffs out a small laugh.
"Nothing. Just stating it's very hot out here. Next water source we see, I think I'll throw myself in it, even if it's very shallow. I don't care at this point." Noelle said, between breaths.
A small smirk came to his face, "Yes, that would be rather entertaining to see. You belly flop into water no more than several inches deep."
"I can always shove you in first. Then jump in." She teased back.
"Hah! Would love to see you try." Galen replied.
"I'm sure you would." Noelle said.
They walked a little more, trying to stay beneath the canopy of trees in the shade and out of the direct sun.
After another hour or so, Galen paused, making Noelle stop, seeing as they were still holding hands. Of course, when they finally realized it, they let go.
Noelle swore she saw Galen's cheeks turn a little pink, and she doubts it was from the heat.
She brushed it off though and wanted to know why it was he stopped.
"You, ok? Why'd you stop?" She asked.
He didn't say anything at first. Just held up a finger, silently telling her 'Just a moment'.
Then he scanned their surroundings, like he was looking for something or possibly even heard something. A few moments later, his dark gaze finally settled on Noelle.
"I do believe I hear the sound of running water. In that direction." Galen told her while pointing to the left, slightly ahead.
"Really?" She asks, with hope in her voice.
He wrinkled his nose and titled his head in that direction and listened again to be sure. Then he turned his attention back to her once more and nodded.
"Yes, I can hear it. It sounds like there's a bit of distance between us and the water. But still, close enough. If I can hear it, that means it's not all that far off. We should head that way." Galen suggested.
"Fair enough." Noelle said.
He studied her for a few moments. While she was wearing a tank top and shorts, she did seem like she was very hot. Then he remembered something about her mentioning once that she does sometimes tend to overheat pretty easily.
Noelle was very sweaty, and her face was red. She also seemed a little dazed and tired. It made Galen a little concerned for her.
"Let's get going. You look like you need more water and soon. If you have any left now, I suggest you take a few sips. So, you don't end up passing out on the way." He cautioned her, voice laced with concern.
"I'll drink a little. But I didn't want to end up draining my bottle too soon." She said, between huffs.
"If that happens, you can have some of mine. But don't try to sustain your supply by drinking too little. That's not good either and you can still run the risk of dehydrating." Galen pressed.
"Ok, I'll drink some now, then we go." She told him.
Noelle went into her pack, then pulled her water bottle out and took a few swigs from it.
Afterwards, she pushed the flip cap back up and on, then put it back in her cinch sack.
"You should drink some too, before we start walking again." She says.
Though not even a second after the words left her, he already was doing just that. He pulled the top off of his waterskin and guzzled down some water. Before placing it back into his pack.
Then the pair headed off in the direction Galen said he heard running water.
As they headed for it, the canopy above them got a little thicker, providing more shade. But the downside was, they were hopping over more large rocks in the ground and a few logs here and there.
It was like a workout in itself, in a sauna.
Another ten to fifteen minutes went by, before they saw another clearing up ahead between some trees. It gave them some renewed energy and they picked up the pace.
As they got closer, even Noelle could make out the distinct sound of running water. Like a brook or stream possibly. As long as there was enough water to refill their water supply and run over their arms and faces, it didn't matter.
Galen used his hand and arm to push aside some branches from a couple bushes, when he did the water source was right there in front of them.
Noelle huffed out a breath and a small smile touched her lips when she saw the lovely sight.
It was a small brook that dribbled down into a narrow river. The rocks the water was dribbling down from was about eight to ten feet high. It dripped down into a small pool at the bottom before following a very weak current down the river that was attached to the tiny pool.
The water was very clear, could practically see the bottom. Which by the pool part of it, looked like it was about three feet deep.
The pair wasted no more time and rushed over to the pool where the brook was dribbling down a thin line of water about five feet across. If anything, it was some very nice scenery.
They sat down on one of the many decent size rocks that surrounded the small pool of water.
While Galen grabbed his waterskin and reached down into the water to fill it, Noelle stuck her face into the paper-thin wall of water coming down from some rocks above.
It was very cool and refreshing as it hit her overheated skin.
To his amusement, she kept her face there in the stream of water for quite some time, before finally pulling back several moments later. She then smoothed her wet hair back afterwards.
Before reaching in to grab her water bottle and uncapping it so that she could fill it up.
When she finished, she took a swig from it, before capping it and putting it back in her pack. She then set her bag off to the side and started to pull off her ankle socks and slip-on sneakers off.
Noelle then placed her feet into the cool water and leaned back a little where she sat on the mossy rock.
Galen was seated beside her, but he had crossed his legs, rather than dangle them over the edge into the water a few inches below from where they were sitting on the large rock.
"Water is nice. Even better because it's so hot out here." She said.
"I agree, was certainly a nice place to come rest and refill our water." He replied.
Galen looked around a little and spotted something about twenty feet away from where they were sitting.
He saw a couple of small trees no more than ten feet high, with familiar bright orange red fruits growing on them. He then shifted his gaze back to Noelle, who was still leaning back on her arms, relaxing.
"I'll be right back. I spotted some more food for us." Galen told her.
She opened her eyes and turned to look at him.
"Out here? Where?" Noelle asked.
He pointed to a couple small trees not far from where they were sitting.
"That fruit?" She asked.
"Yes, they are janko fruits. Very tasty." He told her.
Galen then got up from where he was sitting by the water's edge, grabbed his pack and headed for the fruit trees.
There were many low hanging branches where many of the fruit were hanging from. He went over, opened his pack and started rifling through the fruits for some ripe ones.
Noelle followed him over and started eyeing the oval shaped orange/red fruits that looked kind of like potatoes in shape and size.
She reached up and pulled one off of one of the low branches and inspected it. The skin had a slight texture to it, almost like an orange peel. But it was not as thick or rough.
"You can grab some to put into your bag too if you want, that way you have your own." Galen informed her as he grabbed a couple more and bagging them.
"Which ones are the riper ones?" She asks.
"Try looking for ones that have a deeper red hue to them, like this one." He said, while showing her one he recently picked.
"Ok." Noelle said.
Then she looked around the branches and saw a couple that looked a little darker than the rest.
Noelle then reached up, stretching her arm as she went and pulled one off. Then she reached up again and grabbed the other one that wasn't far from it.
There were a lot of ripe fruits on these two trees. More than enough for them to choose from.
Of course, Galen found it amusing watching her start to struggle a little keeping them tucked in one arm so, she didn't drop them. Though eventually, she had to stop when she could no longer carry anymore.
Then she started to carry the ones she had back to the rocks surrounding the brook and river where she left her pack on the large rock she and Galen were sitting on.
He followed her back soon after. His pack feeling a little heavier with the fruit stuffed in there.
Once Noelle made it back to the rock, she carefully sat down with her armful of fruit. Then she grabbed her pack, opened it, and started putting the fruit in it.
She put all in but one. Instead, she leaned down and stuck it in the cool water, rinsing it off. Then she pulled it out and shook it off a little.
"Do you peel these are just bite into them?" She inquires.
"Bite into them." He responded.
Not long after, he brought one to his mouth, and started to eat it.
By the looks of it, it seemed rather juicy inside. Not only that, but the inside was yellowish, like a peach. She shifted her gaze back to the one in her hand and pressed it to her lips.
Noelle bit into the strange looking fruit and was hit with a sweet yet tangy flavor.
'These kind of taste like peaches.' She thought.
They were also just as juicy as peaches too. Either way, they were very good.
The pair sat there enjoying the fruits. Galen even got out some more vegetables and fruits from his food supply in his pack and handed her some.
Noelle thanked him for the offered food. Even if she still didn't like the fact that she was taking from his own supply which was probably not very big to begin with.
Still, they were happy to be able to sit, rest, cool off, and eat.
"Is there a lot of wild growing fruits and vegetables in these woods?" Noelle inquired.
"Yes, if you know where to look. There are even a few edible roots and mushrooms out here." Galen told her.
She made a slight face when he mentioned mushrooms.
"Yeah, you can have the mushrooms. I'm good." Noelle said.
"Really? That's a shame, there are some wild grown ones that really are quite good." He replied.
"They always tasted weird to me. But hey, it's your preference. Then again, you're pretty weird yourself so, it's only natural you'd like weird foods as well." She teased.
"Oh, and I suppose you're not strange or weird at all?" He inquired.
"Nope, I'm as normal as they come." Noelle said.
Galen snorted, "Right, if you say so."
"I know so." She replied, with a small smirk.
"Who told you that?" He teased.
Noelle arched a brow and gave him a look.
Galen just sat there, smiling as he took a sip of water.
"Well? I'm waiting for an answer." He stated.
"No one had to tell me. I just know." Noelle replied.
"That doesn't count. Because you don't seem to be a good judge of character." Galen continued teasing her.
"Oh, and you are?" She asks.
"Yes, I am." He replied.
Noelle smirked, "It must explain your odd taste in women's clothing...weirdo."
Not long after the words left her mouth, she let out a surprised yelp as she found herself submerged in water.
The young woman came up letting out a loud gasp from the sudden temperature change with the cold water surrounding her. Then she heard Galen laughing like hell while still sitting on the rock in front of her.
"What the hell did you do that for, you jackass!?" She blurted out partly surprised and annoyed.
"What? I thought you wanted to cool off? You did say on the way here you didn't care how shallow the water was, you were going to jump in either way. I was merely helping." He says, with laughter in his voice.
Though his laughter turned into a yelp followed by sputtering coughs when Noelle decided to splash a load of water on him.
He stared at her wide eyed, while sitting there, quite wet with water dripping down his face and front. The look on his face made her chuckle, like he was in disbelief that she just did that to him.
"What? You looked like you needed to cool off too." She smartly replied with a smirk.
"Hardly. I was fine before that impromptu shower you just gave me." Galen said, while shaking his arms, trying to remove the excess water.
Her smirk widened, "I don't know, you still look kind of hot in those long sleeves. I think you could use a little more water." She said, as she waded closer to him.
Galen saw her closing in and didn't like the sneaky smirk she had on her face.
"Don't even think about it. You try and pull me in there, and I'll dunk you next." He warned her.
"Really? That a fact?" Noelle replied, hardly put off by his warning, and still came a little closer.
"Noelle." He said, with a warning tone.
She didn't say anything though, instead she lunged forward and made to grab him.
Galen quickly stood up with a startled yelp and back pedaled. Only to stumble off the rock and land flat on his ass on the grass behind the rock.
He heard Noelle laughing at him when this happened.
The chimp felt a little awkward and embarrassed that something like that happened. But it seems he slowly starting to learn that if he pulls something on her, she won't hesitate to get him back for it.
He steadily got to his feet and started brushing some of the dirt off of his bottom.
"Hey, Galen, how's your ass? Is it nice and tender now?" She teased, with some laughter in her voice.
He just gave her a look.
Though after a few moments, a small grin gradually appeared on his face, and he couldn't help but laugh a little.
"Ok, I think it's fair to say, we're even now." Galen said, as he made his way back up on the rock and to the water's edge.
"Yeah, I guess so. Truce?" She asked, holding out her hand.
He eyed her hand with an arched eye ridge, then cautiously stuck his hand out to lightly grasp hers and shake it.
Noelle proceeded to shake it. Then she quickly jerked back and pulled him off of his feet. Galen flailed a little and let out another loud yelp as he lost his footing and went into the water.
He came up sputtering water afterwards.
"Noelle!?" Galen yelled.
She just started laughing again because now he looked like a drowned rat.
"Get over here!" He called out and then lunged for her.
Noelle let out a small squeak and tried to move out of the way.
But unfortunately, she didn't make it far. Galen grabbed her then picked her up and lightly threw her. She became submerged again when he did this.
Then when she came back up, she started splashing water at the chimp.
He tried to cover himself, but it wasn't really working. Soon, it became an all-out splashing war between the two of them. Not long after, he too was laughing as they continued splashing each other.
They pretty much ended up having a good time while there in the water.
Meanwhile with Alan & Pete...
The two men hated the fact that they were hindered by yesterday's storm and had to seek shelter under an overhang beneath a few large boulders.
Both of them refused to believe that Galen and Noelle had drowned. They both decided to continue following the water's edge by the Cairn River in search of them.
"Do you really believe they made it, Al? Those currents were very strong. I really want to believe they made it out of there but...I'm not so sure." Pete said, dejectedly.
"We can't give up hope, Pete. If there is a slight chance, they made it out, we need to find them." Alan replied, as they continued their walk, following the river from shore.
"Even so, the river's moving very fast. They could've easily been swept downstream and ended up miles away." Pete said.
"That maybe, but we have to try. If we can't find them, we can at least hope to find signs that they have made it to shore somewhere." Alan stated.
They continued walking for the next several hours, barely even stopping to eat.
When they got to a more expanded part of the embankment, they saw a rather large, downed tree. Half of it was on land, the other half was in the water.
As they moved closer, Pete thought he saw something brightly glinting off one of the branches of the tree.
He squinted his eyes as he peered closer. Whatever it was, it looked metallic.
Pete lightly jogged over to the tree and stopped by the bare branches. Now, he can see it more clearly and quickly realized what it was.
"Alan! Over here!" He called to his friend that was looking around behind them.
The older man came running over upon hearing his friend calling him.
"What? What is it?" Alan asks once he got there.
"Look." Pete said, then he carefully pulled the now tangled beaded bracelet off of the branch.
He then held it up in front of them.
"Wait is that...it is...that's one of Noelle's bracelets. I remember seeing it on her right wrist along with some others." Alan said.
Pete then looked down at the muddy ground.
Despite there being a bad storm last night, he could still make out some impressions in the thick mud. They clearly looked like tracks. A couple looked like they came from a human. Then he saw a couple others next to them that looked to have come from an ape.
"Look, Al." Pete said, pointing down at the ground.
Alan looked down, it took him a moment, but eventually he saw the prints too. A large smile appeared on his face.
"They are alive! And they must've came out here." He said excitedly.
"Noelle must've left this bracelet behind." Pete said.
"Probably just in case we stumbled upon it and know they made it out." Alan surmised.
It had to be; the branch was a little too high up for her wrist to snag on it with her bracelets. And it looked like it had been twisted onto the branch, rather than just hanging there freely, like it had been pulled off.
"Now, the next challenging part, is finding them in there." Alan said, while gesturing to the tree line that led into the thick foliage of the woods.
"Yeah, and this territory is just as huge if not bigger than the other from across the river from where we came. Still, the important thing is, they're alive and they are together out there somewhere." Pete pointed out.
"It'll take time, but we'll find them." Alan said, fairly sure of himself.
"Well, this would be the place to start. The very few, faded tracks we do see, indicate that they went into the woods." Pete told him.
"Then let's head in." Alan stated.
The two astronauts headed for the woods several yards away.
They knew the challenges that lie ahead with trying to find their friends in such a large, wooded area. But both can agree that they were at least happy to know that Galen and Noelle were alive and well.
Until Next Time ;)