Living Legends

36) Escape

The two classmates stared at each other for what seemed like hours, when in reality it was a mere half-minute.  Oliver broke the silence.  “Hayley?”

            “Oliver?” she cried.

            The spell was broken.  They rushed forward and collapsed in each other’s arms, Hayley sobbing with relief and Oliver smiling like a fool.

            “My God,” Hayley murmured into his shoulder, “you have no idea how glad I am to see you.”

            Oliver just patted her on the back.  “I could say the same.”

            She pulled away and wiped her tears.  “So how did you know I was here? How did you find me? Is Gran worried?”

            “Listen.”  Oliver sat with one leg outstretched, his hands folded in his lap.  His gaze dropped to the ground.  “Um, I’m sorry, Hayley, but I kind of followed you on The Queen Francis.”

            Hayley almost laughed out loud.  “Do you think that matters now? I’m finally rescued! I don’t care if you’ve been following me my whole life—I’m finally getting out of this Godforsaken place!”

            “No.”  Oliver wanted to reach out and grab one of her hands, but he restrained himself.  “Hayley, listen.  I followed you, and I’m sorry.  I stayed out of your way the entire boat trip, but when I heard that you had gone missing, I felt like it was partly my fault.”

            “Your fault?” she echoed dumbly.

            “If I had shown my face instead of hiding like a coward, I might have saved you.”  He blushed.

            “Oh, Oliver…do you really think that? These men—treasure hunters—kidnapped me.  There was nothing you could do.  And it was really all my fault, since I wandered into the jungle in the first place.  Then one thing led to another, and Jack and I were linked, and we started wandering all over this island for clues—”

            Oliver’s puzzled look stopped her.

            “Sorry.  I guess I should start from the beginning.”

            “Please,” he said.

            She let out a deep sigh.  “Look, there are a lot of things we both need to say.  We have a lot of catching up to do, but I think it’s only fair that I start.”

            “Hayley—” he began, but she shushed him.

            “I’m sorry for treating you the way I have.”  Now it was Hayley’s turn to stare at the ground, ashamed.  Oliver was stunned speechless.  “I was easily annoyed and I wanted to cut my time with you short.  That isn’t fair, and I’m so sorry.  You mean well, Oliver, and in return all I’ve done is play the hypocrite.”

            He opened and closed his mouth, unsure of what to say.  With Hayley’s red cheeks streaked with tears, her dirty skin and clothes, and her ragged appearance, she looked miserable.  Oliver pitied her.

            “I forgive you,” he said awkwardly.

            A ghost of a smile slipped onto her face.  “Good,” she breathed.

            “I’m sorry if I annoy you.  I—I guess—I just want to spend time with you.”  He stumbled over the words, not sure how they would be received.