“Um hello?” the girl in front of me says while she gives a small wave.

  “Oh, hi,” I respond. I have no idea what to do.

  “Are you okay?” I shake my head. Get yourself together.

  “Oh yeah, wait,” I pause in fear, “are you a part of that group?”

  “No, no I came to do what you were doing.”

  “Stealing?”

  “More like borrowing without permission, and not giving it back.” We both laugh.

  “Do you need an alliance? Or someone to be with right now?” I hope she says yes.

  “Umm actually,” I freeze, you messed up Jacob of course, “I'm with a group of people but you can totally join us. We definitely need some muscle.”

  I smile. She thinks I’m strong.

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  “Sure, that would be great.”

  We walk into the forest and I don't know what to say. If I should say anything, I wonder if she knows we were old lovers.

  “What’s your name?” I ask desperately to get out of this silence.

  “Mallory, what about yours?”

  “Jacob.” I notice she is looking down at the ground. Why?

  “Oh, our camp isn't too far from here!” She walks a bit faster and I try to keep up. I see the camp in the distance. A convenient large clearing. I see a guy about my age and an older woman in the area, talking.

  “Earlene, Caden look! I brought someone!” They both turn and Earlene gives a soft smile.

  “Oh, you brought a very nice-looking boy. Here put the supplies here.” I place the supplies down next to a log.

  I look up at Caden, he looks so familiar.

  “Caden has been trying to make a small shelter here,” Earlene says, breaking the silence, “maybe you can help him.” She grabs my arm gently and turns to Caden. He frowns. I try to hold in a laugh but then Mallory lets out a snort and I burst out laughing. Mallory joins me too.

  “I'm going to get more wood,” Caden mumbled.

  “I’ll join you!” Earlene says, she winks at Mallory and she blushes. Caden opens his mouth to protest but he closes it at walks away.

  …

  Earlene and Caden haven't been back around a whole hour. Mallory has been doing chores while I sort of stand around. Maybe I should help out.

  I walk over to her and she freezes.

  “Um, Mallory I was wondering-” Mallory interrupts me.

  “I can't hold it in anymore.” What does she mean?

  “Are you alright?” I ask in concern.

  “I don't know if you remember but I do, we used to be together and, and,” she freezes. She remembers to. I wonder if she feels the same way too. The feeling of never really getting over each other.

  “And?” I’m practically at the edge of my seat.

  “And I might have never gotten over you…” she looks down. I give a slight laugh.

  “That’s such a relief, ‘cause I feel the same way.” I smile. She looks up and relief goes over her. Her shoulders loosen up a bit. And then…

  She kisses me.

  I'm shocked. It's so sudden. But I'm not complaining.

  She lets go and we hear a rustle in the distance. We both turn our heads to the distance. Earlene stands there with a grin.

  HOW LONG HAS SHE BEEN THERE?!