Paradise Entrance

This story happened a couple of years ago off the coast of the pearl of the orient, off the many thousands of Islands of this overpopulated archipelago, the nation of Amare. Amare was about the size of Hawaii in land mass, surrounded by pure Pacific Ocean and crystal-clear waters with fresh sea breeze.  People who visited Amare were mostly celebrities and tourists to escape the hustle and bustle of city life,  it was friendly place with a dark side to it, rebels attacking politicians at ransom for money, in this third  world country, money talked and justice was turned a blind eye, however if you had money, it would buy  you out of almost any situation in this country, whoever visited the nation, entered at their own risk. Lara Hamilton, 28 years of age, project officer of save the planet corporation, which was a not for profit  organisation, after working a full year straight, decided it was time to take a holiday from the hustle and  bustle of city life and take it easy along the quiet coastal Island of Amare’s small sister Island Paradise  Entrance. “I am sure this is a nice quiet place to holiday?” Lara thought to herself looking at the tourist  magazine. “I heard things settled down with the rebels so it should be safe to go” Lara told her friend  Cassie. “Lara it is too dangerous, last I heard they had a kidnapping last month and now you want to go?”  Cassie said concerned. “I will be alright, I am not going to the dangerous Island, I am going to the  Liberated portion of the country where there’s heaps of tourists so I’ll be fine” Lara said, as she was  packing her bags going on this holiday, as she booked the plane ticket and hotels and accommodation  online prior to their phone call. “Besides, I need a break from work anyways….” She thought to herself. A few days later Lara was on her way to the tropical islands of Amare. Lara was a sucker for adventure as she loved to experience new things. As she arrives to the country of Amare, “Sinorita, welcome to Amare” the bellboy welcomed Lara as he took her bags from the airport and escorted her to a taxi to take her to her hotel. In the taxi, hearing the Spanish music play whilst driving along and seeing the cityside and people playing their music in the streets, the smell of freshly made bread and sweets in the streets, really looked like East had met West. Lara arrives at her hotel room and checks in for the day. That night, she explored the night markets and food and caught up with an old colleague from her work. “Trevor!” Lara said excitedly as they hugged. “Lara!! Welcome to Amare!” Trevor said as they talked through the night streets together trying the local delicacies. “wow, this place is truly incredible!” Lara exclaimed tasting the street food as they walked along the coastal street food areas, in the city that never sleeps. “The thing with the rebels has settled down a bit, since the government has made a deal with the rebels not to interfere anymore” Trevor said. “Yeah, I heard it was some trade agreement or something that stopped the violence, it’s been what, about two months?” Lara questioned as they were walking along. “Yeah, something like that. So, what brings you to Amare?” Trevor asked her. “I am here on vacation. Needed an adventure away from home.” Lara smiled. “Ah, I see. Well, if you are in for adventure, why don’t you head over to Paradise Entrance? It is an hour drive from here by bus and has the most beautiful beaches, not very touristy but will give you  the adventure you are looking for, with caves to explore and hidden rivers and oceans, sounds like  something that might be up your ally?” Trevor said to her, thinking it may be of some interest to her. “Oh really? I never read anything about it in the tourist magazine?” Lara questioned. “That ‘s because it is  off the map, away from tourist eyes. The next bus leaves from here in the morning at 10am if you are  interested?” Trevor offered. “Yeah, I might check it out.” Lara said excitedly. “Thanks” Lara said. “Don’t  mention it” Trevor said to her as they walked together along the streets. Suddenly Trevor received a  phone call, “I am sorry, Lara, I have to go, will you be alright to go back to your room?” Trevor asked her.  “I’ll be alright…” She smiled as they parted ways. That night in the hotel room, she is reading the most recent magazine which tells the story how the  government made a deal with the jungle clan to not bother the princess of Amare. “Oh, so according to  this, the reason the kidnappings stopped is because they made an arrangement with the jungle clan… I  wonder what type of arrangement?” Lara said to herself. “Interesting….” She thought to herself as she called her parents back home to let them know she was  alright. “I am going on an Island adventure tomorrow, Trevor told me about it, I am excited to be going.”  She told them over the phone that night in her hotel room. “Just be careful as you go tomorrow…. Call me  to let me know you got there alright” her father said worried on the phone. “Ok…” she said softly and hung up the phone. “Seriously, he worries about me too much he does. She chuckled to herself. Meanwhile, dark plans were being made in the dark, which will be made manifest over the course of the next 24 hours….  Deep in the heart of the jungle of Amare's sister Island of Paradise Entrance, sitting on the edge of a tree house balcony, sitting in his window seal,  view of his hut, glaring off into the distance with his sharp gaze, "This time, I will capture her and make  pay for what she has done..." he said and leered across into the distance as dark plans were made....