Page 94 of Totally Wrecked
Key comes running up to me. “Wanna look for clams with me, Daisy?”
When she puts her hand in mine, it’s easier to push the dark from my mind. This little sunshine girl is the tonic for so many things. “Sure, we’ve some time before dinner.”
“I can come too, Daisy,” Harvey offers. “I’ve seen some good spots.”
“Err, no thanks. Me and Key are going to have some girl time.” My heart thuds as I dredge up yet another flipping smile. It’s exhausting. It would be so much easier if he would just give me space.
Hand in hand, Keyara and I make our way across the beach towards the tide pools at the rocks. Clams have become quite a favorite item, especially for Gray. If we find some, we can add it to the dinner plates.
While Key hops from rock to rock, scanning the pools looking for her prey, something catches the corner of my eye and I turn. Harvey has followed us and is standing in the overhang of the rocky cliff, watching.
Not his fault.
He grins and gives a wave then slinks back into the shadows.
Not his fault.
I have to get over this, and quickly. Mistaken identity and the fact my sister is into some kinky stuff is how we got here.
Not his fault, not his fault.
The trouble is, my brain can rationalize all it wants, but my body still flinches every time he comes near me. My stomach turns if I hear his voice.
Not his fault.
There is nothing to do but soldier on. I will focus on Keyara, Leander, and Killian. Those three make me feel warm, secure, and loved.
Actually, Gray does as well. Sometimes I find myself gravitating towards him; his huge body is so solid and reassuring. It’s almost like I can breathe easier if I’m around Gray. I often catch him watching me, and it doesn’t creep me out. It’s the exact opposite—it makes me feel cared for.
And I want to care for him in return. He seems vulnerable under that huge frame.
Sweet Gray.
Over the last couple of days, I’ve felt his eyes on me, like he can tell something is wrong. Like he understands that I am broken inside, because so is he.
“Found one!”
Key is hopping up and down and pointing to a tide pool. My heart melts; I can’t be broken, I have this little girl to care for. If I ever have a child, I’d want her to be just like Keyara.
“Good job! We can give it to Uncle Gray for his dinner treat.”
“Yay for Gray, yay for Gray. Winner, winner, clam dinner.”
That makes me genuinely crack up; Keyara is picking up my rhyming habit.
I take her hand and we skip across the sand, singing about dinners and winners.
All in all, things could be a lot worse.
Not his fault.
GRAY
Iopen my eyes and try to figure out what day it is.
We think it’s been nineteen days since we were shipwrecked, so maybe Monday? I guess it doesn’t matter. What matters is what we actually do with our days. The last two have been spent bringing everything possibly useful from the airplane and back to the beach. It doesn’t take too long; we’ve managed to create a path so the journey is only thirty minutes from beach to glade.
So, finally, it’s time to build a decent shelter. The current one is basically worthless.
