Taylor's POV:

I breathed heavily as Daley lead us back down the mountain. What's the point of this? I still don't understand how some people can consider this fun? All you do is hike up the mountain, get tired, and then walk back down. You didn't even go anywhere! You just go up then back where you started! You're just sweatier! I brushed a look hair from my face and took a deep breath. "I don't think I can make it," whispered Eric from behind me, "I'm completely debilitated." WHAT did he just say? I turned around with a shocked face. "What did you just say?" I stuttered.

"I said I'm tired," he replied.

"No, you said that you were debi- debi," I began.

"Debilitated," he finished.

"When did you start learning all these words?" I asked him, continuing my ascent. I saw out of the corner of my eye Eric looking very smug. "I just wanted to broaden my horizons with new vocabulary so I can finally become an intellectual," he explained. I stopped dead in my tracks and looked back at him. Who is this guy? This is definitely not Eric. An intellectual? Then, it hit me.

This is Eric we're talking about here. "So in other words," I began, "You've gotten so bored that you've read practically everything and the only things that were left was a dictionary and my teen magazines." Eric avoided my eye contact and began walking slowly again. "Yeah . . . alright, maybe that too," he confessed, "I mean, I tried reading your teen girl stuff, but there's only so much of 'What would Zac Effron look for in a girl' and 'Your summer colors quizzes' that a guy could take!" I laughed and walked in front of him. "Eric, you're not as stupid as you appear to be. I guess you're quite . . . ." I paused, trying to find the right word, "mirificent." I looked at Eric who was completely, as Eric would put it, flabbergasted. I smiled and walked ahead of him, catching up to the others.

~ A Couple of Hours Later (almost sunset) ~

Nathan's POV:

"I can't believe we didn't find him," remarked Daley,depressed, as we trudged out little group back to camp.

"Relax, I'm sure he's alright," I reassured her.

"I'm not the one you should be consoling, Nathan," she whispered. I turned around and saw Melissa not even looking up at us. "Mel, hey, Mel! Are you ok?" I asked as I placed my arm around her.

"What?" she asked, getting out of her thoughts.

"Are you alright?" I repeated.

"What? Oh . . . yeah, I'm fine," she replied and walked away from me. Daley gave me a concerned expression. "Finally!" yelled Taylor, "Sweet camp! I never thought I'd be so happy to see that hunk of metal! But I am!" Taylor ran over to the plane and hugged it. "Uh, is she gonna be alright?" I asked.

"I don't know. I've never seen Taylor like this before," commented Nathan.

"Don't worry, she'll be back to normal in a while," informed Eric as he walked past us. How would he know? I thought they weren't getting along so well this past month. "I thought," began Daley.

"Same here," I interrupted. We just stared as we saw Eric pry Taylor off the plane and laugh. "Let's just go find Lex," Daley said finally.

"Yeah . . . ok," I agreed. Daley called out Lex's name and I motioned everyone to gather around. "Guys, shhh . . . . ," whispered Lex as he finally came out from wherever he was. "Why?" exclaimed Taylor loudly. Lex gave her a look. "I mean, why are we whispering?" she whispered.

"Because we have company," he replied. Suddenly I put the pieces together. "What!" I exclaimed then lowered my voice, "Is Jackson back?" Lex didn't say anything. He just nodded solemnly. "Where is he?" Melissa said immediately, "Is he ok? Is he hurt? Oh I hope not. Is he sick again?"

"Calm down, Melissa," calmed Lex, "He's fine. Keep your voice down. He's resting right now and he's not really in the mood for a group confrontation."

"Where?" she asked.

"In the shelter. He didn't get such a good rest last night out there. So I told him to sleep in the shelter. It's actually quite comfortable," Lex replied.

"So he's fine, right?" I asked.

"Yes," Lex answered, "He's perfectly FINE." Sighs of relief were heard all around our little group circle. "So when can we see him?" asked Taylor.

"I guess when he comes out," replied Lex, "but not all at once. You don't want overwhelm him. He's had plenty of that." We all nodded our heads. Even though I know everyone is happy Jackson's back, I just think I needed to talk to him first. "Uh, guys?" I commented and everyone's attention was immediately on me, "I was . . . uh, I was sort of wondering if it'd be ok if I talk to him first. I just want to get things straightened out."

"Yeah, I'm sure that'd be fine. Right guys?" replied Daley. Everyone agreed but there was one silent voice. I turned my head to Melissa (as did everyone else). "Is that alright, Mel?" I asked, shyly. She stayed looking down for a while until she finally spoke. "Yeah, that's fine," she replied quietly. Whew! Alright, now for the hard part.

~ About 10 Minutes Later ~

"Hey," I greeted as I approached Jackson by the fire.

"Hey," he said flatly.

"So . . . " I said slowly, "About you leaving." He just continued to stack the fireword. "What about it?" he asked.

"Uh, well I just wanted to straighten out what happened," I said.

"What about it?" he asked, bending down to get another piece of wood.

"I just wanted to make sure that we were, you know . . . alright with each other," I replied.

"And what if I'm not . . . alright with you?" he asked, standing up. Damn, why did he have to seem so threatening? "Then . . . . I guess we'll have to fix that," I said slowly, "I've been thinking about what you said. And you're right. I didn't have any reason to accuse you of not caring about Melissa. Especially since I wasn't such a good role model about that." He hunched gradually, which made him appear far less dangerous. "I'm sorry, man," I said and patted his shoulder.

"Yeah well . . . . " he paused, "Alright." He then began getting to work with the firewood again. But my big mouth couldn't resist opening once more. "But you gotta admit that I did have a reason to at least be suspicious of that," I replied. He paused as he slowly picked up the log. "Sorry, man. It's just that. . . you and Taylor? I never really thought you two would, you know, be like that. I mean friends, sure! But . . . dating?" I thought aloud.

"I told you, I don't like her!" he replied, looking at me.

"But then why did you announce that you two were going out?" I asked. He looked away and didn't move. He didn't say anything after that. I could feel the wheels in my head slowly rotate as my brain processed this new information. I finally added the last piece of the puzzle and a light bulb was lit. "Jackson . . . you weren't . . . jealous, where you?" I asked slowly. He just kept up the silent act. I smiled, "Dude, really?" I walked away laughing a little bit. "She likes you, Jackson. Just remember that, no matter what." I chuckled. Imagine. Jackson! Jealous! That's funny.

Eric's POV:

So Jackson's finally came back. I should be happy, right? Then damn it, why do I feel like a jerk? Probably because I was being one. Damn, I have gotta stop questioning then answering myself. I looked outside the flap of the tent and saw Melissa braiding. "Hey," I said as I walked over to her.

"Oh hi, Eric," she replied quietly. There was a small moment of silence as I tried to think of what to say. "I know what your thinking," she suddenly said.

"What?" I asked, curious.

"You're thinking that I'm pathetic. How I shouldn't be this crazy of Jackson," she confessed. I sat and thought for a bit. "Actually," I began, "I was thinking about how kangaroos carry babies in their pouches and why exactly they never did fall out when the mom jumped, but . . . that's pretty close. She laughs.

"Mel," I said finally. I had to be serious. We can't have problems like this happening all the time. It's time to finally settle this. "Mel, I think it's time you and Jackson talk." She falls silent then speaks, "I know. I know you were just trying to look out for me, Eric, but I was beginning to think the whole jealousy thing wasn't such a good idea."

"Same here," I replied, "So I guess that's it then?"

"Yeah," she said silent. I paused for a bit. I can't take anymore of this emotional feeling. I began to sniffle loudly and looked away. "Eric?" she asked, "Are you ok?"

"I'm (sniff) fine . . ." I lied.

"Eric, what's wrong?" she asked, honestly concerned.

"Are you breaking up with me?" I sniffed loudly. She busts out laughing. "Yeah . . . sorry," she laughs. I suck in a deep amount of air and sniff again, "I'll . . (sniff). . . I'll be ok." I slowly got up and pretended to rub my eyes. I could hear her laughing again. Suddenly I feel her arms around me. "Thanks," she whispers and hugs me. I smile and return the hug. "Anytime," I whisper back.

Jackson's POV:

What the hell? Ok, that's it. No more of this. I don't think I can take this anymore. I know exactly what I'd do. I'd run over and pull Eric off Melissa. Adrenaline would be pumping through my veins. I'd reel back and allowed my fist to collide with Eric's nose. Well . . . at least, that's what I was thinkingof doing. Luckily for him, my conscience told me otherwise. I couldn't get into trouble here. It's different, they wouldn't just send me to juvie or something. I would lose all privilages, their friendship, and moste importnatly, their trust. No matter how mad I got I always calmed down because I justcan't risk losing that. At least not here. I breathed infuriously and ran towards the only safe haven I knew. I sat on the empty plane wing on the beach. I watched the waves lap back and forth across the vast ocean. I wanted to go home. For once in my life, I wanted to actually go back. I'd risk going to jail as long as I didn't have to see Eric and Melissa getting all snuggly anymore. I wanted to leave this drama filled piece of land. "Jackson?" I heard a meek voice say from behind me after a few minutes of peace. I would recognize that voice anywhere. "Jackson?" she said again, taking a step closer. I purposely ignored her. I didn't even face her. She walked around the wing and was face to face with me. "Hey," she said.

"Hey," I replied, coldly.

She took a seat next to me. I could hear her shallow breathing. "What . . . What made you leave?" she asked. As if she didn't know. "Didn't Nathan already tell you?" I asked.

"Yeah but," she began, "I want to hear your side of the story."

"Nothing much to tell. Same thing happened. He came in and yelled about me not caring for you. I got tired of his rant so I cut him off and left."

"So, you left because you were mad at Nathan for accusing you of not caring about me?" she asked. She makes it sound so different from what I just said. "Yeah," I replied, flatly.

"Why?" she asked, after a minute of quietness.

"Why what?" I asked.

"Why'd you just leave? I mean, why did you react the way you did? No offence but isn't that a bit, I don't know, dramatic?" she asked. I paused and allowed her words to sink it. Does she really not know? Stop playing around with me, Melissa. I know you know. I didn't say anything. "Jackson," she began, "I think we should talk. About . . . you know, us?"

"What us?" I began and face her, "There isn't an us, Melissa. The only 'us' around here is you and Eric. I've seen you the way you two act around camp. So don't come over here and think there's an 'us' because there isn't. There can't be to 'us's, Melissa."

She's frozen in shock as she stares at me. "I don't like Eric," she states, calmly. I couldn't believe her nerve. Does she really think I'm that stupid? "Come on, Mel! I saw you two jumping on each other. Hell, I've even seen you hugging him not to long ago!" I exclaimed. Finally, it actually felt good to say that out loud. Maybe that's why Daley and Nathan never kept their thoughts to themselves. Suddenly I hear Melissa's laughter next to me. She's cracking up so hard she's nearly in tears. Words don't even come to my head. I just stare at her confused. "I can't believe it."

"Can't believe what?" I asked, still staring at her.

"I can't believe Eric was right!" she laughed.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, fully confused. What does she mean "Eric was right"? Right about what?

"Jackson, there was never an 'us' with Eric and me." she asks still laughing a little, "Eric just felt a little . . . jealous that you and Taylor were getting all close, so he wanted to give you a taste of your own medcine. I can't believe it. Did you honestly think there was something going on with me and Eric? He just wanted to get you guys jealous, that's all." I just stared at her in awe. Melissa? Being that sneaky? Damn it, Taylor was right. How could I be so stupid? Damn, even Taylor realized it was just an act! What was going on with me? "And I just kept telling Eric that you wouldn't get jealous. That you weren't the type to act that way. . ." she laughed, then stopped in mid-sentence, "Wait . . . Jackson, were you?" I stoped gawking and looked away from her. Suddenly the horizon became a lot more interesting. "Jackson, were you jealous?" she asked curiously. I pretended that I wasn't paying any attention to whatever she said. I mean, to just admit that would be so . . . weak. And all my life I've been told being weak was bad. So how could I answer that question?

Melissa's POV:

He wasn't replying me. I decided to be patient and give him a couple of more minutes. There was good, long 20 minute silence before I finally spoke again. "Jackson, answer me. Were you honestly, truthfully, 100%ly," I paused when I saw Jackson give me the get-to-the-point face.

"Jackson were you really jealous?" I finish. He didn't reply again. I waited until finally he spoke. "Yes," he admitted, quietly. He said it so quietly that I was amazed I actually heard him. Actually, I was more amazed with what he said. "What?" I exclaimed, "Why?" I saw his eyes widen with amazement. He slowly turns his face towards me. I saw him give me an "Are you freakin' serious?" look. I allowed that to be processed to my mind. I needed to get a straightforward answer for this. I'm tired of just guessing about what he's thinking. I want him to straight out tell me. I replied with a "Well?" look. He looks back onto the horizon and lets out a sigh. "Isn't it obvious, Mel?" he says. By the tone in his voice I could tell that he was really agitated. "Maybe," I began, "But I want you to tell me. I want a straightforward answer. No hidden meanings. No confusing metaphors. Just an honest to goodness, straight from the heart, answer." He rubs the back of his neck and runs his hand through his hair. After about 3 more minutes, he spoke. "Because I like you," he admits. Even though I was sort of expecting that answer I couldn't help but be shocked. I grinned immensely then remembered to tone it down. My grin lowered to a smile and I replied, "Well, in case you didn't know, I like you too." I don't know why I said that. I mean, he already knew that, right? But the look on his face told me otherwise.

"What?" he asks, surprised, "But I thought-,"

"You thought wrong," I interrupted, "How could you be surprised? I mean, I already told y-,"

"But that was a year ago," he replied.

"So?" I ask, "What does that have to do with it?" I see his confused expression slowly morph into a smile. It makes me smile myself and I look shyly onto the tan sand beneath me. "So . . . what now?" I ask, but I already knew. He sighed loudly once more and before he could begin I convened. "I know, I know," I say, holding my hands up in surrender. He pauses with his mouth still open. I stopped him just in time. "I know what you're gong to say," I get up and began pacing in front of him. "You're going to tell me that you like me and that I'm your security or your best friend and you'd really like to go out with me or something," I stop and face him, "But. But we can't because we're on a deserted island and relationships can't happen as long as we're stuck here." I gestured towards our surroundings then plop down next to him again. Jackson just stares at me with his mouth still open. I took a large breath of air and finished my rant. "And . . . ," I sigh, "That's ok." His mouth was still hung open but his eyes grew larger. "I get it," I look into his eyes, "And I'm alright with it." I continue staring into his grey-blue eyes. I allowed myself to get consumed by them. I could feel him burrowing into mine. I savored the moment for as long as I allowed myself too. "Time to go," I heard my inner-self say.

Jackson's POV:

How could she understand it so well? Well, I did give her that speech a while ago. But she remembered practically every word! "We should head back," she started and walked away from me, "Everyone probably wants to know about your jungle adventure." I watched her disappear behind a bush. I pause and allow that entire moment to sink into my brain. I just sat there in a daze until I heard her voice again. "Aren't you coming?" she asked and peeped out from behind a leaf. I sat there for a moment and finally answered, "Yeah." I got up and followed her back to camp. What did all this mean? After we walked about 10 feet, she stopped abruptly and turned around. "BUT," she poked me in my chest, "WHEN we get back. I better be getting a call from you." I stood there in utter shock. "Uh . . . yeah," I smile.

"No, Jackson. No 'uh . . . yeah'. Do you promise?" she stared at me with a strict look.

"Promise," I agreed. She smiled and continued walking off. "And you thought you knew all about her," my conscience remarked. We walked for a little more. "So, how'd you discover Eric's underwear?" she casually asks. I shiver at the memory. "You don't want to know," I reply. She laughs. And that's what we talked about as we walked back, laughing all the way. Who'd ever think that Eric's underwear would actually be a great conversation topic?

Alright, maybe Eric. But that' just to be expected.

THE END!

A/N:So that's it, guys! I hope you liked my story. I'm SO happy that you guys always gave me so many reviews! It honestly means alot.

What'd you think of the ending? I didn't want it to be too mushy or too "happily ever after". I wanted it to be slightly realistic. I really hope I did a good job, because I'm extremely doubting myself right now. I was thinking about putting up and epilogue, but that's up to you. PLEASE give me your views about that. And once more I'm going to ask for you all to REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!

Thanks for reading! And don't forget to . . .

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