Ruby's Island (Watty awards 2011) (complete)

Anatu***

P O V Ruby:-

I came round sometime later, the smell of burning flesh still rife in the air, caused me to heave violently.

Looking round, I noticed that the village was deserted and I let out a huge sigh of relief, at least I knew we were relatively safe for now, as the tribe had eaten their fill.

Kade must have heard me sigh as he whipped his head round quickly to look at me. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, I could hear the fear in his voice, as it wavered when he spoke.

“Yes, I guess so,” I replied sadly. “I just didn't think it would end this way .......... Getting shot by pirates yes, but not being eaten by cannibals.”

“Yeah I know what you mean.” Kade replied solemly.

Kade shifted his body slightly so he could look round at me better.

“Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you look?” he had a twinkle in his eye and I couldn't help but laugh lightly at his seriousness, especially when we were in the situation we were in.

“No,” I chuckled, looking at him bemused.

“Well I'm telling you now, I have never known anyone more sexy, witty or more beautiful, inside and out than you, and I just wish we had more time together so that I could show you how much you really do mean to me.”

A lone tear dropped from my eye, and I bit back a sob.

“That's the loveliest thing anyone has ever said to me Kade.

I lowered my head, the sadness deep in my stomach spread throughout my body, engulfing my whole being. I too wished we had more time together, to get rescued from this Island and to date properly, to go for romantic meals and to the cinema, but that was never going to happen now, not now we were going to be eaten.

I shuddered at the thought then looked back at Kade.

“You know, if I am beautiful inside as well as out, then maybe I will taste pretty delicious. I just hope the bastards choke on me while they are eating me.”

Kade roared with laughter, the tears spilling from his eyes.

“R...ruby, t...the way you put up a fight, they probably will choke on you,” he finally spluttered out in between his laughing fit.

I couldn't help but laugh along with him, I don't know if it was hysteria or fear, or maybe a bit of both, but we were making the best of our last few hours together.

We didn't know how long we had got left, but by god we were going to try and enjoy it as best we could.

We talked throughout the night, not wanting to lose one minute of each others company, revelling and enjoying the time we had, then all to soon the sun began to rise and the village became a hive of activity.

We quietened down, not wanting to bring attention to ourselves, as most of the men left the village with their spears, and the women began doing what looked like their normal daily chores, weaving grass skirts, and making what looked like bowls and drinking vessels.

The children ran around noisily playing in and out of the huts, occasionally coming over to us and poking us with sticks, then ran off again.