The Enchanted Island

Kai

Our job started right after we got the instructions. It was pouring rain when we got out of the house, thunder was clapping and I could not see anything further than ten feet. It was dark, at some moments the flash of lightning would blind us for a fraction of a second. At some point it started to feel as if we were stalked by paparazzis or just like seeing a strobe light at a rave.

We were guided to a small hut that had a function of a harbor. They sat us down on a tiny row boat where we cuddled up closely against each other because of the rain. Not much point there, because we were already soaked. Though, it did give us some warmth and comfort, I suppose. We tried looking at the map we were given, but it was too dark.

“So, what are you going to do with the money?” I tried making small talk.

“Wait, there´s money?” Ben looked at me, then at others as if this was news to all of them.

I have been amused by Ben from the first time I saw him, battling with a flower bush. He seems to be sincere with his words and not ashamed of his actions or his words. I love that about him. I started to laugh, but tried not to sound insulting: “Yes, Ben, we get paid. Why else would you join us with these weird tasks?”

Well, you pushed me towards the door and I was not capable of thinking at that moment,” He tried blaming it all to me.

“Ben, you signed the paper and got up so fast, I didn't think you had any hesitations. You could've left like one of the girls. ”

“Someone left?”

“Yes, Ben. Oh my god, were you sleeping? After hearing the tasks she stood up and said it wasn't for her. Then she walked out. You did not notice that? You were really deep in your daydreams, weren't you?”

“What else did I miss?” Ben started to sound a bit worrisome.

“Well, we just have to bring her some stuff from the island and then we are done, right?”

“Drugs? No, no no… No, I can´t be involved in ...”

“No drugs, Ben!” Kim spoke for the first time, cutting in on Ben's sentence. His voice was low and soft yet firm. Although we were surrounded by darkness I could see his pale skin and dark eyes and it felt intriguing.

He continued in an even calmer voice:

“I already checked the map and I have a plan. Firstly, we will find a shelter by the coast for the night. Let's try to survive and stay healthy during this storm. Secondly, in the morning we will hike through the woods to a lake and get some fresh water. After that, we will start looking for the artifacts.”

Seemed like he had a decent plan.

“I am cool with that, “ I mumbled, but nobody seemed to notice. Maybe the gushing of the waves and the splashing of rain muffled my words before they made it to others´ ears.

“Jenna, are you feeling alright?” Kim asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.

Her eyes widened, she looked at Kim and mumbled something. I couldn't hear it, probably something like “Yes I am alright thanks.” I did not understand the direction of his attention. What about me, Kim, why didn´t you ask me that? I would like you to comfort me with your gentle but firm hand. There was a slight rush of jealousy streaming in me that yelled: “Give me a bit of attention!”. I tried to push it down and be cool with the situation.

Finally, it seemed like we had arrived. Ben jumped out first and lifted us up one by one with such ease, placing us on some rocks, so that we wouldn't have to walk in the sea. His strong build was made for jobs like this. We were stumbling between rocks and through the pebbles. It was still pitch black, we found our way nonetheless. The ground became softer and I could feel sand between my toes. Suddenly, I could see the island clearly. The rocks, the sand, the trees further away. The sky was clear, stars were bright and the new moon shone intensely like a floodlight.

“Dude gave me blankets and some pouches,” Ben shouted and ran towards us. I accepted the blanket, held it against me, sliding my hand on the wool feeling the soft structure being warm and dry. How did he manage to keep them dry? Subsequently, I realized I was dry as well. My clothes, my shoes, my hair, everything.

“I am dry! What on earth is going on? We were soaked.” I cheered loudly. Everyone looked at themselves with surprise. I could hear them say “Me too!”, “Storm is over!We survived!”, “We are dry!” Only Jenna walked away from us, bent over and… threw up.