Chapter 1: The Islanders: A Love Story

Five years. They said we had been missing for five years and that our parents had given up after three. I sat down numbly, after receiving that kind of news what else would you expect of me. I sat there watching the waves hit the shore. These islands had been our home for five years and now we get to leave.

I didn't know why, but I felt a hesitation to leave. These islands were so peaceful and the world around us was hectic. I didn't want to go back to that. I wanted serenity and peace. I sighed and looked around again. The waves were gentler than before, as if sensing my sorrow. The breeze was also softer and the palms were waving in silent goodbyes.

But I didn't want to say goodbye. I wanted to stay or to at least be able to visit. The cabins were off in the distance still standing and stronger than ever, almost as if to say “we will always be here for you if you need us.” I wanted to nod and say I understood but I would probably look and sound crazy, or crazier.

I felt someone sit next to me, and though he remained silent I knew who it was. “Paul, I don't want to leave.” I said turning to face him. He nodded. “I understand, I don't want to go either. These islands have been our home for so long. Can you believe its been five years?” He asked. I shook my head. “No, I can't believe it. I thought it had been months and maybe a year, but never five.” I said shaking my head in disbelief.

“Well, at least this way I can buy you a more...acceptable ring.” He said smiling and looking at the make-shift ring on my left hand. He had proposed to me just yesterday, said he had been working on it for a while and really hoped I accepted it. I had shaken my head at him then leapt at him like a cougar going after its prey.

His ring was an obsidian metal hammered to a circular shape and a great diamond put in the center. It wasn't half bad looking. In fact, I loved it, but if he wanted to buy me a ring too, then who was I to stop him. I just smiled back. At least I was going to be going with Paul. I didn't want to leave the islands but if Paul was going then so was I.

“Lets go folks!” The pilot called to us. We all gathered on the small plane. It could fit at least twenty people on it. We all covered the windows with the blinds. None of us wanted to know the location of the islands to us it would corrupt the image of them forever. So no one looked out and no one spoke of it. We all remained silent, lost in the memories of the islands. Of the good days.