Page 63 of Beautifully Wild

I need to speak with someone from my family, so I call Faith.

“Are you fucking serious?” Faith yells, sans any greeting.

“Hope your kid isn’t around to hear your potty mouth.”

“Whatever. Focus,” she chastises me like I’m her child. “Dad’s been beside himself. He’s spoken to Bree now that she’s home, and she said you’re in a remote area of Venezuela. Of all the countries… do you know the Canadian embassy closed, so there’s nowhere for Australians to go? If you get into trouble, you’re seriously fucked. You’ll need to get to Colombia.”

I hadn’t paid attention to the news considering it’s in Spanish. “Thanks for the update. I’m calling to let you know I have a new itinerary because I’ve met someone, and I’m staying with him.” I go on to tell her some things about Samuel, mainly his medical experience.

“And this is supposed to make me feel better. You’re seriously out of your goddamn mind.”

There are times I agree with her, but I also don’t expect her to understand. Love came easy for her and Jake. Their lives fell into place like a fairy tale, and years later, he still idolizes the ground she walks on. Even when I was with Ethan, I still felt alone because he never treated me like I was a priority.

“I need you to explain a modified version of what I told you to Dad. Tell him I’m fine, and I’m messaging you regularly. I’ll call in a week or two, or at least get a message to you. If you need to get in contact with me, then either send a text or leave a message at the resort’s reception with Asoo. I’ll text you the number.”

“You know he’s going to freak out, right? You’re goinginto thejungle.”

I remain silent a moment.

“Yeah. I need you to weave your magic. I owe you.”

Faith sighs into the phone. “Yep, you do. He had an early morning meeting, so you could call him in an hour?”

Right now, I don’t have it in me to listen to his disappointment. “I can’t. I’m heading to bed.”

“You’re lucky Ethan and Dad are getting along so well. Another reason why Dad wanted you home sooner rather than later. He has Ethan’s desk set up next to yours.”

“Ugh.”

Another reason why I’mnotrushing home.

My phone buzzes on the bedside table, and it’s enough to wake me. My thoughts are whirling, and I’ve barely slept even though Samuel is in my bed spooning me.

Samuel.

Lying beside me.

Maybe it’s because my heart is beating too fast to rest. I’m grappling with how everything has unfolded over the last few days. Trying desperately to understand, I keep questioning my decision and doubting his and my sanity.

Lying on my side away from him, I read the text.

I blink twice to focus.

Ethan: I know you’re probably sleeping and hope it’s not too late. Not time wise. I hope there’s something I can say to change your mind about putting yourself in danger and adding stress to your family.

Bree said your decision to stay is because of a guy. She said he’s odd. Lives in the jungle…

I’m struggling to believe you would want to be somewhere like that and stay in a third-world society. Didn’t you want to advance your career and step into your father’s shoes?

You like the beach. There’ll be no football on weekends, hanging with your friends, and heading out to bars at night and cafés during the day.

Seriously, Eden. What are you achieving? And for a stranger?

No wonder we’re all worried.

You heard about that last cult, where people ventured into the jungle and then the leader shot everyone. Please tell me you’re not part of one.

And yes, I’m worried.

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