Brooke+R

__** ~Waves of recollection~ **__ ** Chapter One ** ** "Pains" ** ** * **


 * The cabin began to vibrate so violently that the words on my Harlequin Romance novel seemed to slip from the page; through trembling spectacles, I could barely make out the blurred objects rushing around me. With a jolt of the descending plane, my head smashed against the deficient rest behind me, and I could feel all my muscles tense for there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop my slender stomach from slipping out of the tenuous protection of my seat belt. Then, with one last forceful jolt, my frail body flew from the teal patterned seat leaving me crippled and pressed up against what seemed to be the wall of the cabin. I lay motionless, the commotion around me drained from my mind, all I could hear was my heart pounding against my fragile ribcage, and beyond the darkness of my inner eyelids all I could see was my husband’s endearing smile **


 * Radiant white light filled my partially opened eyes and warmed my wrinkled skin. A calm feeling came upon me as the repetitive rush of waves sounded in the distance. Adjusting to the striking bright light, my eyes fully opened, I could now see that the light passed through a large gap in the roof. I cautiously lifted my head, feeling now the pain that had put me into a comatose state. My memory was hazy and the pain felt as if it increased while I struggled to remember the past events. My heart collapsed as I glanced around the cabin: bodies were strewn across the isles, gruesome redness painted on the seats and a warm breeze congested the plane with an acrid burnt smell. My eyes swelled with tears of self-pity and fear, a dozen thoughts crossed my mind all at once but the most prominent one was, where have I landed? I took a moment to regain full consciousness, the memory of kissing my husband and grandchildren goodbye at the airport felt distant now and reality became suddenly unclear. “Ma… Ma’am” stuttered a voice from behind me. **


 * I turned hesitantly towards the voice, a young man stood above me his eyes widened with fear and his light skin had a sick green tone to it yet, he stood tall with confidence which was reassuring to my state of helplessness. Reaching out towards me the man spoke again, this time in a brave voice. “Ma’am, are ya able to move? Let me help you up. It ain’t half safe to stay in here.” **


 * Shaking, I took his hand and using every aching muscle in my body, pulled myself to my unsteady feet. The man smiled halfheartedly as reassurance, then proceeded to guide me out of the plane’s ruins. **


 * The sun scattered smoke-streaked beams down upon us as we entered a small clearing. Trees were strewn on the forest floor, plants crumpled under the heavy weight of the burning remains of our plane, and all around us was a grim darkness waiting to absorb any glimpse of sun it could managed to capture. In the distance came shrill voices muffled by the sound of the raging ocean. The young man tightened his grip around my arm as we made our way across the array of branches. “The beach is just past these palms and down the hill to the right. Don’t worry Ma’am, I’ll be gettin’ you some help. ‘Cause that head of yours ain’t lookin’ so good,” rambled the young man. **


 * He moved quickly through the forest, almost dragging me behind him. I felt pain with every step I took, and weaker with every one of his steps. My heart raced rapidly. “Plea-please slow down,” I managed to stammer between short gasps. **


 * Turning back, the man looked at me apologetically, his eyes now shimmered in the smoggy light that seeped through openings of the branchy roof above. He let go of his grip, leaving white splotches on my forearm. “Let’s take a sit now, catch your breath. We ain’t in no hurry now, are we?” he chuckled flatly. **


 * We sat in half darkness, shaded and protected from the scorching sun that burned beyond the forest line. I felt the man’s eyes watching me as I stared blankly at my dust-coated sandals. I was afraid to speak, although I had plenty to say. “Son?” I began, my voice croaked as I looked up into his pale face. Startled, the man twitched, then gave a nod to ensure I had his attention. “I’m Edith, Edith Doolittle” I stated proudly. **


 * “How lovely to be meetin’ with you, Mrs. Doolittle.” A wide smile stretched across the man’s handsome face. “And I am Christopher Simon. You can call me Chris if ya like, Ma’am.” He chuckled in a lively manner now and dimples appeared in the corners of his bright smile. **


 * “Now Chris, dear I hope you don’t mind me asking…How in the world did we end up in this strange jungle?” My voice trailed off into an awkward silence. Wracking my brain for answers, I stared hopelessly at Chris. He knitted his brow together, the smile fading from his face. I peeled my eyes from his, for they were filled with concern and I wasn’t looking for pity. I just needed answers. **


 * “Looks like we best be goin’ – got to get you some help Mrs. Edith. That hit to your head seems to have made ya forget” Chris declared, taking hold of my arm once again, this time more cautiously. **


 * Disregarding Chris’s comment, I followed along. I knew very well that the open wound on the back of my head was not the cause of my sudden loss of memory. “Now tell me, how have we managed to get ourselves into this strange forest, dear?” I half mumbled out of embarrassment. **


 * “You see Ma’am, we was flyin’ to Cuba. Probably all headin’ for a nice vacation. But somethin’ happened and our plane, back there…” he pointed to the clearing behind us. “It caught on fire, and came crashin’ down on this here forest.” Chris paused and wiped the sweat from his brow, as we broke out from the darkness and into the blazing sun on a barren beach scattered with fallen coconuts and broken shells. “And Mrs. Edith, we’s the only five who survived this tragedy” whispered Chris ominously. **

** Chapter 2 ** ** "Alone" ** *


 * The sun slowly crept up from the horizon, shimmering first off the ocean and then onto the damp, golden sand. The sunlight shone brightly over the island; it felt as if it was impossible for others to exist. Every morning was the same; I sat here on the cooled morning sand, watching the sun rise from the bottom of the world and everything around me coming to life. Although today was different, there was a humid smog lingering in the air and the only signs of life were the great palms that swished back and forth with the rhythm of the ocean. **


 * Chris and the others went out hunting early, before the sun’s heat had time to set in. I had gotten to know my fellow survivors quite personally over the past few weeks. There are two young women and another young man. I can imagine them now, but in my mind the faces can never be matched to a name. I don’t talk much to the others except for Chris, although I watch them and listen to all their enthralling stories of the lives they’ve left behind. Smiling to myself, I remembered the hefty, dark-skinned woman enthusiastically recalling one of her childhood memories. The laughter from that night rang through my mind, so vivid that I whirled around to see if the others were back. **


 * The sun was high now, and I felt sweat beads form on my forehead. Longingly, I carefully retrieved the torn photograph from my ragged, dirt- stained pocket and named each face that looked back at me. “I miss you.” I whispered. **


 * With one last look at the twinkling water, I hoisted myself up on to my shaking legs and made my way back to camp. Stepping over the tangled branches that lined the edge, I entered the opening that dented the thick forest. We had set up some make-shift shelters that shook as we walked by. Beside them, was a roughly dug- out fire pit. We made a fire every morning when the sun first hit the camp and kept the flame alive until we went to sleep. The fire is what kept me busy; I tended to it most of the day. I had salvaged my old pocket mirror from the crash and it was our only means of fire. This, I felt, made up for my lack of much needed help. Bending down I reached for the mirror and as it met the exact spot where the sun hit, the leaves below began to smoke. The fire was ready for breakfast as usual, but there was no sign of the others and the sun had reached the top of the palm tree that shaded the spot where I rested. **


 * Chris and the others stumbled their way to the opening, their legs torn, and mouths stained red. “What took you so very long?” I declared. The young man with dark curled hair and a lightly freckled nose frowned grimly as he looked down at a hollowed coconut filled with small red berries. **


 * “We.. we found a jackpot of berries at the edge of the hill. An-and we were just hungry, but we brought you some back! Don’t think I’d recommend you eating them though,” he stammered. **


 * Before I could answer, the tiny girl with auburn hair grabbed her stomach and yelped. “Ouch, my stomach feels as if it’s about to explode!” All four of their berry stained faces were tinted green, and they quivered as they made their way to the shelters. I frowned and picked up the berries; they seemed harmless, but like most things on the island, unfamiliar. **


 * Darkness crept over the island leaving me alone and helpless by the fire. The others had not woken up since early afternoon, when they had first come back sick. I rocked back and forth with closed eyes, imagining my family back home. If only they were here with me, then it wouldn’t be all that bad. “I mustn’t forget them,” I whispered to myself. **


 * I crept uneasily into the first shelter where my spot next to Chris lay empty. I knelt beside him and shook his shoulder, but he didn’t respond. I took a deep breath to calm myself and flipped his body onto his back; his skin was pale and cold, a grim expression was wiped across his face, and his lips were dried around the edges. With a shaking hand I reached out and place my fingers on his neck. I felt no pulse. My heart dropped and I sank down into the mess of leaves beside Chris’s lifeless body. The thought of being truly alone is what scared me the most. Short sobs shook my body until finally I parted my eyes from the dead bodies around me and fell asleep. **

** Chapter 3 **  ** "Lost and found" ** ** * **


 * Raging white waves crash down along the reef in the distance, smoothing across the sand then racing back towards the ominous ocean. A gust of wind shook me but I sat on the beach motionless, almost entranced. Gruesome grey spread across the sky, casting a dark shadow over my island. As a shiver crawled up my spine, all the hairs on my body stood on end as if they were electrically charged. Cold rushed through my body. The storm had come with no warnings nor signs, and just a few hours before, I had been surrounded by life and light. But now, all that is left is the foreboding deep sea of grey that holds me captive. **


 * Hastily, I turned my back to the furious storm. Fine rain fell from the dark sky and whipped in every direction. The sharp glimmering specs of rain stung as they hit my sunburned skin. The minor discomfort reminded me I was alive. Wincing, the corners of my mouth crooked into a malicious smile, lasting but a second. “Shamus! Ella! Children!” I screeched alarmingly. Suddenly frazzled, I wracked my brain; why had I left them? Or perhaps, had they left me?” “Oh, I must get back, must get back,” I murmured as I hobbled across the tangle of branches that led to the forest. **
 * My feet carried me by habit, towards four figures that were outlined by the glow of the fire. As I got nearer, a smile appeared on my face once again, this time a loving smile. **


 * I entered the center of the camp. Looking around I saw a large dark skinned-woman propped against the massive trunk of a palm. “My, have you grown, my sweet grandbaby,” I said as I caressed her lifeless cheek. **
 * Her eyes stared straight into mine. Pinching my brow together, I frowned and gave her a slap. “Don’t be giving me any sass young girl!” **


 * My eyes then darted towards a tall innocent-faced man, whose hair short but messy had not grown for weeks. My back had a slight hunch now as I bent towards him. “My dear son, you look all but skin and bones. My God, eat something!” **
 * The silence from the small crowd made me feel alone, and with the last word, I took a seat by the fire. **


 * The fire died down slowly; there was only a small flame left now. My stomach growled reminding me that it had been too long since I last ate. But, it was far too late to go hunt for food. The fire barely lit the four faces around me, and I felt frightened by the sudden darkness. Beside me was a short shelter that had been rebuilt tens of times; large leaves covered the bottom of the hut. **


 * Keeping my eyes on the hut I drew in a deep breath, “It’s bed time everyone, we must get rest for our big day tomorrow!” **
 * I began to drag Shamus, my husband, into the shelter. His weight was unbearable, but I could not sleep without his company. I nestled into the leaves, pulled Shamus’ arm over my slim body, tuned out the wailing of the sea and fell asleep. **


 * I woke up to the sound of rain trickling off the makeshift roof; my eyes flickered open to semi-darkness. A mass of grey clouds lulled over the island. There were no breaks nor brightness from the sun, just layers upon layers of solid storm cloud. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shamus still lay motionless on the brittle leaves. **


 * With a quick kiss on his forehead, I scrambled out of the hut. I by-passed the others, not wanting to make small talk. I was starving and God knows those useless children wouldn’t help me! I stopped in the middle of the trail; my neck twitched to the side as my eyes rolled up, “I can hear you little birdy, don’t you hide from me.” **


 * Without hesitation, keeping my eyes on the bird, I fumbled along the rough forest floor, grabbed a stone and whipped it with great force towards the tiny bird. It squawked and lifted its wide blue wings to the sky as it toppled from the tree. “I’m sorry my friend, but what use were you to this world anyways?” I cackled. **


 * A loud, unfamiliar noise sounded above the heavily forested ceiling. At first, a soft humming noise, that of a small harmless insect. But, as I stumbled along the bumpy forest floor towards camp, the noise grew louder and more aggressive. The hum became a buzz, filling my ears and pulsing through my head. Is this noise inside my head… was this my breaking point of insanity, I wondered? Cringing, I hunched my back, grasped my ears and hobbled as fast as I could away from the noise. **


 * In the tight grasp of my right hand, the tiny blue bird lay limp and helpless; while my left was pressed tightly against my ear blocking a small fraction of the noise that roared outside the little cave I crouched in. I twitched with every slight movement of the leaves and branches at the mouth of the cave, and quivered with fear. **


 * Then, suddenly, the noise vanished. I hesitated, then burst from the cave, darting out into the now frightening mass of trees and vines. Before I reached camp I saw a bright light coming from across the clearing. Freezing on the spot, I held my breath and peeked at the mysterious, yet captivating ray. It was not the same warm, yellow light that radiated from the sun. No, this light was white and seemed to come from a small but strong source. I stood paralyzed in awe and wonder, directly in line with the ray of light. My mind ventured from the light. I didn’t see my family from where I was standing; immediately I expected the worst. **


 * A cold shadow came between me and the radiant light. Slowly I raised my head. Gasping, I took a stride backward. Goose bumps covered my filthy body with fear. **


 * A pale hand reached out towards me. Widening my eyes, I let out a shrill screech and fumbled over a fallen tree trunk. “Mrs. Doolittle?” the tall bearded man enquired. **


 * I convulsed with fear; what do they want with me, I wondered frantically as I crawled away from the alien man. He spoke again, this time in a deep and forceful tone. “Ma’am, we are here to help you, you have been stranded on this island for two months now.. please come with me.” With that, he grabbed my flailing arm. My body was too weak to protest; he pulled me to my feet and dragged me towards the forest’s edge. **


 * I sat in the back of a cramped helicopter, attached to an IV. Drowned out voices were telling me I was safe and how I was going home, but they had no clue what they had taken me away from: my family, my home… my island. A single tear rolled down my cheek as I took one last look at the island, fading into nothing more than a little speck on the world beneath me. **