Page 43 of Wild for You
Pushing the fear back down into my gut, I stand, grab my fishing rod and spear, and make my way to the sea. Today, I’m determined to catch something, anything, to take the edge off our hunger pangs. I don’t think Gwen’s got much body fat left to lose, and it’s killing me to watch her soft curves melt into angular edges.
Things have been different between us lately, almost like there’s been a shift. Rather than fighting me tooth and nail on everything, Gwen’s really stepped up and helped around camp. She’s different, and although our interactions have mostly been pleasant, I find myself missing her spunky sass and sarcasm. I think the isolation is getting to both of us, forcing us to look a little deeper into our lives and what we really want. Isolation does that to you. There are no other distractions to keep you ignorant of what’s stirring beneath the surface.
I cast my line to the shallow wave pool and wait; it’s something I’ve learned I have a knack for.
The problem most people have trying to survive in the wilderness is that they don’t have patience for the process. Sometimes you’ve just got to cast your line and know that mother nature will provide and be open to all the possibilities in which she can do so.
I think the same thing applies to Gwen. I’ve just got to be patient with her, and when she’s ready, she’ll open up and let me in.
I wade out a little farther until I’m waist-deep and squat down, sinking my head beneath the water. The cool water rushes over my sun-heated skin, and I let it wash away the worry coursing through my veins. “Patience,” I mutter under my breath as I rise and shake the water from my long hair.
I cast my line again and watch my small bait fly in the wind with ease against the still morning sky.
It lands with a small plop, and I reel it in a little and wait. Then a hard tug pulls my attention back to the moment. I stand my ground, digging my heels into the shifting sandy ocean floor, and slowly move with the fish as I reel in my line. I catch a glimpse of my fish and have to stop my jaw from sinking under the water, as I’m now nipple deep. I raise the rod in my extended hands and crank as hard as I can, pulling the monster closer and closer.
Once it’s within arm’s reach, I reach back, grabbing the spear tied to me, and yank the line with my left hand as I stab the fish with the spear in my right.
I hear a crunch and push with all my strength until I see my spearhead piercing through its other side.
“Fuck yes!” I pump my fist and hoot as loud as I can in celebration. Howling and yelling nonsense for no one to hear but me. I wave my arms wide, spear and all, and lift my head to the sky, savoring this moment. It’s a Dolphin fish, and it’s so big, we’ll be eating like kings for the next week. I wish I had my camera with me, but a part of me thinks this moment was just supposed to be for me. Mother nature proves to me once again that every little thing is going to be all right.
I heave the enormous fish over my head and make my way back up the shore.
If I can’t get Gwen to open up through talking, maybe I can get to her through her stomach.
* * *
The smellof citrus sizzling over the flame makes my mouth water. We haven’t had a real meal in almost two weeks—two weeks tomorrow, to be exact—and this smells better than any five-star restaurant I’ve been to during my travels.
“God, that smells good!” Gwen practically growls as she joins me by the fire.
Today, she’s wearing some tube top thing with low-rise bikini bottoms. The dinner cooking isn’t the only thing making my mouth water. Her skin glows from the fire, and a gust of wind rustles her wavy hair, sending leaves and flower petals in a spiral around us. I look around, half expecting a crab to pop out and start singing to me.
“Whoa. The wind is so crazy here.” She finger combs her messy strands. She’s acting different tonight, and I can’t figure out why.
“Should I kiss you now or wait until after dinner?” I tease. I kind of feel like antagonizing her a little since she seems so happy to have a decent meal.
“If that tastes anything like it smells, you may not even have the choice.” She licks her lips.
I jump back in shock and eye her up and down. “Who are you, and what have you done with Gwen?”
She scoots closer to me and bumps our shoulders together. “She’s gone. I’ve eaten her. Now you just have this scrawny bag of bones that will do just about anything for a meal.” She opens her arms, gesturing to her protruding hip bones.
“I still think you’re hot, boney ass and all.”
“Yeah? Well, this bikini is certainly humbling.” She clasps her hand over her chest. “I miss my perky boobs and ass.”
I pass her a serving of piping hot fish, and I don’t miss how her eyes light up as she takes it, digging in without any abandon.
“I promise your ass and tits will be perfectly plump in no time once I get us out of here.”
A lump forms in my throat, and I try to choke it down as I take my own piece of fish. I don’t know if it’s a promise I can keep, but I do know I’ll die trying if it means making her happy.
We pick at our food, savoring the smokey flavors, and I glance around the brightly lit campsite and realize I have everything I need right here. A sun-kissed Gwen sits to my right, finishing her second helping of fresh dolphin fish. I woke up to the sunrise, took a swim, and fished well into the afternoon. And the sky is clear, speckled with bright stars as a gentle breeze blows a fresh hint of salty air. If only the girl were actually mine, and if only things were ever this easy.
“How about we play a game?” I say, breaking the silence.
She studies me through narrowed eyes. “What kind of game?”
