Taylor+C

Taylor

//__** Hope **__//

 * The Fall **



Before the life-changing accident occurred to one ambitious, headstrong Taylor, she would have considered herself perfectly normal. But something changed, like the switch of a light, inside of her on the plane she so willingly stepped on to just mere hours before. Taylor Moseley was an ordinary Canadian woman who-of course- lived and breathed hockey.

“Can you believe this?!” Taylor giggled excitedly for the fifteenth time since they had left for the airport.

Her four friends just grinned back as a response.

“We are going to meet the Captain of the Vancouver Canucks. Let that sink in,” she continued, a smile plastered across her face. “Henrik Sedin. Henrik. Sedin.”

Taylor boarded the small plane they were taking to Sweden and kept mumbling under her breath unable to contain her giddiness.

“I’m still not sure how we won that contest... I have all my questions prepared...”

They all settled in to the private plane and heard their friend, Albert the pilot, speaking to them through the P.A.

“We are preparing to take off, so just hang in there until we do!”

A few minutes later the plane flew into the air and Taylor was imagining the moment she would meet Henrik Sedin-which she had done many times before. Just when she thought life couldn’t get any better did it get worse.

The small, private plane shook once more and Taylor felt another dramatic drop in the tiny plane’s course. A haunting scream echoed through the cabin from a tall, slender woman. Her long, black hair flew around her face as the plane began to descend uncontrollably and Taylor glanced sidelong at her casting a look of disorientation and fear.

‘What is happening right now?!’ Taylor hysterically asked herself. Then, as if to trying to comfort herself back to sanity, ‘We won’t crash. It’s not possible. Don’t worry. Stay calm.’

The plane jerked upwards and down again so fast she barely finished her thought when she was wrenched from her plush, blue seat and forced into the air. All in one fluid motion her head hit the rounded ceiling and she was flung across the aisle on to the feet of a boy and a girl.

‘Stay calm. Keep it together. Just stay calm.’

In desperation, she attempted to stand upright again and clawed at the backs of the seats just in front of her. The aircraft gave another jolt and the lips that were so mightily mouthing advice fell still and the plane was thrust into darkness as it crunched headlong onto a jagged rock. . ..

The sun hazily shone high in the light blue cloudless sky, and a soft wind ruffled the leaves of bushes gently making them wave joyously like an old friend. Taylor lay, barely conscious, in the soft hands of the sand, ragged and dirty. Her fiery, red hair was tangled and matted with blood seeping from her head, the pale freckled sprayed with an odd combination of sea water, blood, and sand, and her usually alert body lay limp, drained of energy.

A boy was just beyond Taylor, inspecting the land they were on. He had short, black hair and wore glasses.

Just behind him was the tall woman, she wore a concerned expression when she suggested, “John, I think we should wake Taylor up.”

John squinted into the horizon in thought and adjusted his glasses ready to take action. “Sure, Priya.” He responded, “then we can all decide what to do.”

They both started off towards where Taylor lay, when John sighed and wondered aloud, “What is Mariah doing now?”

A silhouette could be seen wildly running across the beach, laughing not quite sanely.

Sharing a glance Priya and John marched away from the ocean and towards their concern: Their friend who was seriously injured.

Taylor awoke with bright sunshine staring into her eyes causing tears and the realization of a pain far greater. A timid voice spoke breaking the fantasy and dream of a silent world; a world purely made for not dealing with the pains and fears of your life.

The voice spoke again, more clearly, “Taylor! Wake up! Do you know what has happened?”

Bewildered, Taylor sat up shakily absorbing her surroundings.

‘Where are we?!’

Another deeper voice chimed in, “We crashed on our way to Sweden, remember?”

She focused in on the faces speaking. There was Priya and Mariah anxiously peering down at her from her right and John on her left. She couldn’t help feeling that someone was missing.

Mariah’s usually smiling face was set in a worried state, her brown hair loosely hanging about her shoulders. “We... we can’t find Albert anywhere.” She bluntly stated. “We think he must have died during the.. during...” Her voice faded away in the waves angry fight to reach the shore.

‘Albert. Right. My friend, the pilot. Dead? No... he was gone.’

Finally opening her parched and cracked lips Taylor took charge, “We have to find out everything we can about where we are.” She didn’t mention the fact that she believed they were on an island, far from civilization. Taylor hesitantly stood up, testing her balance while everyone spread out on the sand. Gazing into the deep jungle of green behind her, Taylor thought once again of her finally meeting Henrik Sedin, but maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

Something snapped loudly in the trees of the forest taking Taylor from her trance immediately.

‘Could that be an animal? Or perhaps just the wind moving things?’

These were merely comforts because Taylor had seen, hidden in the darkness, a human hand deformed by a harsh life in the wild.

‘Was this a person to befriend or fear?’


 * The Wait **



Not a cloud had been seen the whole two days that Taylor, Priya, Mariah, and John had been on the island. The hand remained a memory for Taylor, who decided it would be best to not mention she had seen it at all; keep the others from worrying.

The early morning sun shone over the sandy beaches, and vibrant green ferns and trees and slowly crept towards the silent faces of four people. Lying among them was Taylor, whose face was tranquil and peaceful in sleep; opposed to the usual crease in her brow while awake dealing with the problems of the island. The branches that she slept under swayed in the tropical breeze tickling her face, rousing her from another restless sleep.

She wrenched herself up from the soft earth as if having the feeling she were being watched.

It had only been two days since the crash, yet those two days felt like ages and lifetimes. Would nobody come and rescue them from looking face to face with this darkness?

In the meantime, however, the four decided to be extremely productive; and this was turning out to be a success. After determining they were indeed on an island, Taylor had come up with the plan to build shelter and a fire for the coming darkness and with it their first night lost at sea under the familiar shining stars.

The next morning brought dread and acceptance; they really had crashed and Albert really was gone.

Food was their first priority that morning and it wasn’t hard to come by, just difficult to retrieve. Coconuts and mangoes grew abundantly, but didn’t completely satisfy their shocked bodies.

Now, on the second morning, Taylor had the sense of urgency to be found and be home, far away from the nightmare she was experiencing.

Standing up and carefully tiptoeing past her sleeping friends, Taylor set out for a morning stroll on the white beaches.

A little ways down she came across a stray mango and her stomach desperately called for it. Taylor bent down and, struggling, she opened it revealing its juicy, tasteful insides. She bit into it savagely, hunger becoming the lone thought.

After finishing her meal, not that it was much of a breakfast, Taylor took her small strides further down the desolate beach.

‘What would I give to have a chocolate ice cream sundae right now? A sundae with fudge chunks, chocolate chips, cookie crumbs and whipped cream. Oh, and of course the chocolate and caramel sauce to top it all off.” There weren’t many who loved chocolate more than Taylor did.

‘If I could just have that sundae, fixings and all, with a Canucks game on T.V. and William sitting beside me... I would pause that moment and live in it forever.’

The memories of Taylor’s old life came rushing back like the tide that was brushing her toes. The thought of home brought unexpected tears and Taylor broke down, helplessly remembering what home was like.

The T.V. was on to Sports Net playing what was normal for a week’s evening: a Vancouver Canucks game. The small and cramped room was filled with the sound of skates and the distinct voices of John Shorthouse and John Garret- the commentators for the game. A worn down but comfy loveseat sat in front of an organized coffee table facing the television. Pictures of a joyful and young couple stood on the table as well as hung on the walls around the brightly lit room. The couple seen in the photos sat casually on the couch talking and laughing animatedly always keeping an eye on the hockey game in front of them.

A woman sat cross-legged on the left holding a mug of steaming tea; her long, red hair was tied loosely in a braid that ran down her back, flipping back and forth as she looked from her husband to the television and back again. She had a serious presence, not a presence which one instantly becomes obedient but one that was positive and kept one calm.

The man who sat beside her had a chiselled face, sparkling blue eyes, and dirty blonde hair which sat messy, sweeping across his forehead. He wore a simple navy blue V-neck sweater and jeans, his socked feet propped on the wooden coffee table. His smile reached his eyes-giving his handsome face a childlike look- as he watched the grinning and chatting woman beside him. Occasionally, he would glance at the T.V. (only when the crowd got louder and excited) but would quickly regain his gaze at the red hair and pale freckled face.

“Oh, okay! Question for you, and you have to answer this one Will!” The woman raised one eyebrow as she awaited the man’s reply.

“Yes, yes,” William answered smirking, “I’ll answer this one, Taylor.”

Satisfied with her answer, Taylor continued, “Good, and it had better be a truthful answer! Okay, here we go.” She shifted her body so she was facing William, took a sip of tea, and asked,”If Henrik Sedin were in this room right now, what would you say?” Her expression was eager and curious as she stared down William as if forcing the answer out of him.

“That was your question?” William replied, “Really?”

“Oh, come on! I need to know as I will actually be meeting him!” She threw back, “So tell me, what would you say?”

“I honestly don’t know what I’d say or ask or even do...”

“Okay, not helpful- at all! Give me an answer- a real one- and then we can go get... sundaes!”

“That’s actually fully to your advantage but,” William countered,” I will answer.” There was a pause of silence except for the announcers’ voices quietly stating each play in the game.

“Urm... I believe I would ask him what makes him so humble and hard working.”

“Wow,” Taylor was slightly shocked, her mouth parted, eyes wide in wonder. “That’s one good question to ask! Who knew you had it in you?” She added jokingly smirking all the while.

“Now come on!” She hopped up, set her tea on a coaster and grabbed a set of keys that lay in a small basket in the coffee table.

“Let’s go get sundaes!”

“But what about the hockey game? Surely you don’t want to miss it?” William questioned the bouncing Taylor.

“Psh, it’s just a recording of an old game from last season!”

“Then why are you watching it exactly?”

“Because,” Taylor sighed, “Hockey isn’t on in summertime and I don’t have the patience to wait two months for it to start back up again!”

She turned and started out of the room with a sly smile on her face.

“Crazy woman,” William muttered as he followed her out of the room hungry for the promised sundae.

The rising sun reflected off of the ocean against the rocks in the distance, casting shadows eerily on the blue ocean.

Taylor turned towards the jungle and her friends, attempting to shake the thought of the home she may never get back to. Glancing once more at the smaller, distant island out at sea, Taylor moved on wondering what beheld them and knowing they were so close, just out of her reach.

When she got back her friends had all awoken and were busying themselves with their own breakfasts.

Mariah’s eyes were red around the rims and she continually yawned every minute or so. Priya’s hair hung lank and dirty about her shoulders while she assisted John in making the fire. John looked not much different except his clothes were slightly dirty and his glasses on the verge of breaking in half.

Taylor was about to join them and tend the fire when a man appeared behind the bushes beside Mariah.

This man was clearly used to life on the island; he was covered in dirt and plants from head to toe and wore a type of cloth skirt. His eyes were wide and calculating as he surveyed the scene in front of him, his mouth open, lips barely pulled back to slow yellow and unhealthy teeth.

Giving a deafening shriek of anticipation, the man burst forwards seizing Mariah.

All at once Taylor and the others realized what was happening and lunged forwards as one, straight for the man. Priya grabbed the startled Mariah as John tackled the man to the ground. Taylor found a broken tree branch and was holding it up in the air ready to strike the intruder.

John and the man wrestled on the ground until the stranger scampered to a stand and tried to get away. Taylor saw this opportunity and swung at the man, first in the gut, and then the head; knocking him out completely cold.

‘No, not mentioning that I’d seen the hand was not a good idea at all. Could there be more of them? If there were they could not be trusted and would be feared. Above all, feared.’ Taylor thought grimly peering down at the unconscious man.


 * The Rise **



It had been four days since the man had attacked the group, and not one from the group had completely recovered from it.

Their sixth day on the island was drawing to an end as faint stars began to peek into the dimming sky. Clouds could be seen making a quick arrival just as fast as the sun’s departure.

A blazing fire flamed among four solemn faces, illuminating light in their eyes and dark shadows on their faces. There was an eerie silence that hung about the air; it was still and silent waiting for the unknown.

Taylor felt a tension on the island, as if it were holding it’s breath; the calm before the storm.

The fire crackled loudly, startling the group back in to reality.

Taylor spoke then, “We cannot keep avoiding the subject everyone. It happened and we need to face it. Deal with it.”

Three pairs of eyes blankly stared at Taylor, each one filled with fear and anxiety.

“I think there are plenty more of these people,” Taylor continued, “And I also think they might be...be... they might be cannibals.”

A loud gasp issued from the mouths of her friends; each one in shock at what could have happened if they’d taken Mariah.

“So, what are we going to do?” Priya questioned quietly.

“It’s simple, isn’t it?” responded John, “We have to leave the island.”

Mariah frowned, “Yes, but how exactly do we do that?”

Sensing uncertainty among her friends, Taylor knew she would have to think of something; add at least some ease in their worried minds.

“We have two options, don’t you see?” She began, “One, make signals with fire and hope something happens along and discovers us. Or, we can take control and build a boat to get off this island.”

Another vacant silence followed her suggestions as they all thought of the direction they wanted to take.

Certainly staying on the island and creating signs was far too dangerous for them, the risk of the people who already inhabited the island was great. Taylor hoped they could all agree upon the option she had in mind.

“So, option one or option two.’ were the blunt words of Taylor’s made up mind.

There was a momentary pause of hesitation; then all at once, “Option two.”

“It’s agreed upon then,” grinned Taylor, “we build something that will take us home.”

“But for now, I saw we get some rest. The next few days will be difficult work!”

They all settled down for sleep peacefully, with the thought of going home locked in their heads. . ..

“Come on now! Keep moving!” Taylor shouted encouragingly to a worn out Priya, “We have been at this for six days- there is no stopping now!”

Groaning and weak, Priya stood up from the warm, inviting sand and began helping John carry a tree log over to their contraption. It was almost complete; a few ties of make-shift rope here and there and they would be good to go.

“Listen, I’m sorry I’m being so rough, it’s just extremely important we got this done ASAP,” apologized Taylor.

She squinted up at the cloudy sky; it had been overcast like this ever since the night they decided to leave the island. A storm was on it’s way; slowly but surely.

“Alright! Finishing touches.. just one more knot, and... done!”

“That should do it! What do you all think?”

“Maybe we could add some more rope, to be more secure?” Mariah suggested.

“Actually, yes, let’s do that! Just a whole bunch of tying and knotting!”

Taylor moved towards the raft and began tying as tightly as she could to secure the logs and branches they had thrown together to make the boat. The work became repetitive and tedious, so she allowed her mind to wander into daydreams of home.

The group was quiet as they worked, all ready to get home safe and sound; because they were all silent the rolling drum beat they heard seemed louder than it might have lest they had been talking.

BOOM! Dum, dum, da, dum. BOOM!

The drum followed this pattern expressing a threatening, demonic song that coarsed its way through the bodies of the unwanted visitors.

Wide eyed and in shock, Taylor dropped the rope she held and became suddenly still. They were coming for them.

Seeming to understand what was going on, the three friends dropped their work too but instead, began pushing the raft towards the ocean.

Taylor shook herself out of the fear that beheld her and joined the others in their only chance of escape.

The boat was large and yet, to Taylor’s surprise, not that heavy. Perhaps it was the adrenaline that pumped in all of their veins or the fight to get back home. Whatever it was, it was definitely working.

The drum beat was getting louder, and chanting, screaming voices could be heard behind them. Taylor knew it would only be mere moments before the large group appeared out of the dense forest and on to the beach.

They all kept heaving and pushing as one towards the shining blue sea, the island forest dark and deep behind them.

Taylor glanced quickly over her shoulder and to her utter horror found a slow procession of wild people making their way out of the forest. Before she knew what was happening, Taylor screamed and gave the boat one last shove into the shallows of the water and hopped on.

Mariah and Priya jumped on next and John gave another final push before climbing on himself.

Nobody wanted to look back at where they had just been or where they could be at the moment; so they concentrated on getting out to sea, far away from the island.

Loud, obnoxious jeers could be heard from the savages of the island calling after them. All four were so intrigued by the people they had encountered, nobody noticed the raft slowly coming apart.

With one big splash the raft broke apart completely and dumped its passengers in the blue below.

Sputtering and disoriented, Taylor gasped for breath and began searching for a way to overcome this challenge. She frantically looked around her and then spotted the small island she had been seeing while on the island.

Up closer it looked bigger than she had estimated and sitting upon it was the wreckage of their private plane- or what was left of it. The plane seemed to be completely stripped of the panels of it’s outside walls and missing many other items.

Taylor shouted getting the attention of her companions and pointed to the island swimming towards it determinedly.

They flopped on the beach gasping and terrified. The savages could be seen starting the swim to the small island after them.

“What in the world are we going to do now?” Taylor cried.

A deep familiar voice spoke, “Try my boat?”

Four voices chimed as one shocked group, “Albert!”

“We thought you had died!” Mariah exclaimed.

“Yes, well, I’m not dead so let’s get a move on. We don’t have much time.”

He was right, the cannibals were steadily swimming closer and closer, without any signs of stopping.

“Quick! Push this into the water, let’s get out of here!”

Another raft lay in the sand awaiting use; this boat was made of old plane parts and logs combined, looking very sturdy and safe.

The five pushed off land and into the ocean, all anxious to leave the nightmare they were living.

Taylor looked back at what had been her home for almost two weeks- believing it to be more like two years- two weeks of a life she hoped to never live again. . ..

“Yes! We’re here!” A bubbly voice squealed in excitement.

“I can’t believe it’s taken you this long to come and get ice cream,” a deeper voice stated. “They should write a book on how you became crazy, it will be called: Taylor and Her Chocolate Ice Cream Deprivation.”

“Ha ha. Very funny, but I have had other things to do these last couple months, if you haven’t noticed, Will.”

William pulled open the door of the shop and the pair stepped inside.

“Okay, okay, I understand. Actually, I am quite impressed to see how well you’re handling all of this.”

The haunting aromas of the shop’s treats wafted through the air towards them, taking Taylor to a whole new world for a moment; then she came back to her senses and responded, “Thank you Will. It’s been tough, but it’s always getting better. I don’t remember much, which, in my place, I say is a good thing.”

Taylor carried on while they decided their orders. “However, I will not forget the people who told me I can’t meet Henrik Sedin because we ‘were too late’ and there was a ‘tight schedule to follow.’ Ugh, give me a break, I’m positive something could be arranged!”

Smiling, William paid for the sundaes, “Alright, crazy chocolate and Henrik Sedin lover, let’s go find a seat. How about the one by the window?”

“It;s too close to the door, the breeze will come in and make me cold!”

“The table is about ten feet away and the wind will hit the opposite side of the store. You’re fine.”

“Alright, whatever you say,” Taylor responded as she sat in the chair facing away from the door.

William sat across from her and they snacked and talked like they usually did at the ice cream shop.

A tight smile had appeared on William’s lips as he thought of the best way to go about saying what he had seen.

“What? What is it? Why are you smiling, do I have something in my teeth?” Taylor asked completely flustered.

“What would you say if Henrik Sedin were in this room right now?”

Taylor frowned slightly in thought and then realization struck her. Her eyebrows shot up, her eyes widened, and her body looked up. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as she turned her head to look behind her. Her fleeting sea green eyes searched the bright shop for what she hoped to see.

Taylor didn’t have to look far, as she turned her head her eyes met a pair of eyes that were ice blue and piercing.

Unable to help herself, Taylor grinned joyously at the man, whose face scrunched into a smile itself.

The red hair, blue eyes, and sharp black suit all blurred together as Taylor walked over to him tears in her eyes. She was going to meet Henrik Sedin after all.