Stranded

"Well they are all safe job wise. I will personally see to that. Now we are all equal however as survival is now on the agenda." Clarisse took a large armful of wood back. "They will be more help if they are strong and rested." she walked over to Matt. "How is the meat doing?"

 

Matt looked up at her, dark black circles under both eyes. "It seemed cooked enough, miss. I took it off a few moments ago. I have never cooked outside the ship though, miss. I'm not too sure what done is and what raw is."

 

Clarisse studied the meat. "It needs a little longer. We don't want anyone to get ill. You rest there and watch it. You are doing a grand job. I think that you would make a brilliant chef."

 

Matt shook his head, smiling slightly. "If I may ask a question, miss...Are you always this cheerful when stranded on an island?"

 

"I'm not sure, I've never been stranded before. I just adapt to the situation. Please call me Clarisse. I'm just not the panicking type I guess."

 

"Clarisse. Of course, miss. I mean...If that's alright, miss...I mean...Clarisse." Matt made a face. He always refered to everyone as sir or miss. It was strange on his tounge to do otherwise. "I can see that. You seem to be the only one on the ship who has kept a level head. And the captain of course. But even I was...am afraid. You though..."

 

"It's alright to be afraid. A lot has happened. A great lady called Eleanor Roosevelt once said that a woman is like a teabag. You don't know how strong she is until she is in hot water. I guess I'm stronger than most people think. I'm going to dress those wounds you have and I want you to rest and relax. They will be looking for us when we don't make port and the chances are they have noticed that the messages have stopped. We just need to sit tight and enjoy an impromptu camping holiday. You will have something to tell your grandchildren about."

 

Matt nodded lightly. "You really beleive we will make it off this island then, mi-Clarisse?" He stared into the fire.

 

"Of course, don't you? The ship had a tracker on it which pinpointed its progress and the signal was relayed by satellite back to the main office. When the ship sank the signal stopped so they have the last coordinates of the ship and when it sank. They will soon find us. The captain knew of the tracker because he complained when it was fitted as he thought we were spying on him. I shredded it as they were going to take action against him. Guess I'm not so sweet after all as I don't always do what daddy expects of me."

 

"I...don't know what to think...but if you say there's a tracker..." Matt dug his bare feet into the sand, thinking hard. "If all goes as planned...how long do you think it will take?"

 

"It depends on the weather conditions out at sea. We have food and a great island so don't worry and there is plenty of water. Tomorrow I'll explore further into the heart of the island. We might find caves or something then it will be like a camping holiday."

 

Matt nodded. "I can help there. As soon as you're ready we can search." Matt rubbed his eyes again.

 

"Tomorrow is early enough. I am getting tired and the food is ready. Even I need to rest despite rumours that I'm a robot."
Clarisse sat next to him and took the meat. Carving it up she offered it round with the fruit. She gave a good portion to Matt. "You need it for strength."

 

Matt picked at it but was having trouble eating. His thoughts were still on the ship. Like the Albatross had taken some part of him down with it.
The sky was getting darker and he set aside his food, offering it to anyone who wanted it. He set some blankets and tarps down under the small roof he'd put together earlier for anyone ready for bed and returned to the fire, sitting by Clarisse again.

 

"It will be alright you know. The captain will get his new ship and you will get a promotion probably. I will be choosing how I travel and I would prefer to sail. Want to know a secret? I'm scared of flying, and the thought of planes crashing terrifies me."

 

Matt managed a smile. "You...afraid? Impossible." He chuckled dryly. Eye's locked on the fire. "It's so...strange though...being out here...on land...it make's my stomache turn...without the waves under me i feel...anxious..."

 

"You can hear them from here and soon enough we will be traveling again. My father will send one of the new ships to get us. He trusts us to be strong until it arrives. I am afraid of a lot of things, so I'm not so brave after all."

 

"Sometime's bravery isn't having no fear." Matt muttered, closing his eyes and listening to the waves crashing against each other. "Sometime's being brave is just facing your fears head on."

 

"Then you are indeed very brave." Clarisse stared into the fire. She could not afford to show any negative emotions although inside she felt like crying. She mus be strong for everyone, not a child but the successful woman who could control business. Who was she kidding? Tears welled in her eyes, lit by the firelight.

 

Matt looked up, seeing the glistening wetness suddenly filling Clarisse's eyes. "Miss Clarisse?" He put an assuring hand on her shoulder. "It's quite alright to be afraid, ma'am. No shame in that. And like you said, things will get better."
'Won't they?'