"Hope. Hope. Hope - a prospect of someone desiring an expectation. What do I hope for? Do I hope to stay or do I hope to leave?
I kept close to Ralph for the next few hours while all the other boys wondered off. I look over my shoulder to see Piggy and Simon having a cute little conversation yet again still seeing Sankie perched proud on Simon's shoulder.
Ralph and I sat with our feet dangling off the bottom of the cliff. None of us spoke a word, it was just the sound of silence, nothing awkward just in desperate need for support and company.

"It's going to be okay you know? Ralph." I said eagerly attempting to cheer up his miserable state.
"I hope so.. it's just the hunting Frankie they've only caught 1 pig-
"I caught 1 pig-
"You've caught one pig in what? over the course of a week. We all need to ask ourselves the most important question alright. Get rescued or eat meat? Think about it we already have enough food here to keep us going we don't need the meat. We will eat the meat because that is what will keep us alive until we get rescued but if we are not willing to get rescued then what's the point in surviving?" Wisdom slid out of his tongue as Ralph continued to stare ahead into the distance of the unforgiving ocean.
I've got to admit Ralph had a point. I looked down at the camp and saw the majority of the boys playing games and fixing huts. I need to make myself useful to him..something that will make him happy at least."
"Hey Ralph I'm going to gather a load of fruits since I didn't really have the um... chance last time!" I say quickly before turning on my heel.
"Frankie please be careful okay? Don't go too far in" that's when Ralph handed me the hunting knife.
"Look just for now it would make me feel a lot better if I knew that you had this to protect yourself just in case." Ralph said staring deep into my emerald green eyes in the most pleading way. I nodded to his statement , took his knife and ran off.

I was relieved that my period had finally ended, now I know my solution for next time so everything is running smoothly. Hopefully there won't be a next time.. wait no hopefully there will be a next time.. no I want to get rescued.. but I want to stay.
My mind was confusing me so I chose to ignore it the best I could. The afternoon smells filled my nose of pollen and fresh seaweed, it was extremely pleasant and relaxing. It was until now that I didn't even take notice of how tired I was. The orange beams of sun paved its way through the gaps of the green leaves. I looked above to the branches that hung over my head , I saw 5 whole mangos, they were golden and orange in colour.
Ripe.
I grip tightly onto the first branch, the rough surface of the tree trunk sunk into my flesh erupting a minor bleed but I didn't care I just continued climbing. I quickly removed my blouse to use as a source of equipment to carry the mangos, one by one I picked apart each mango from the tree. I then hear a distinct rhythmic whistle from below me. I look down only to see the angelic blue eyed boy. Simon.

"Hey Si what are you doing down here?"
"Me? I'm just exploring but I could ask you the same thing.. please be careful in that tree." Simon explained . I chuckled slightly at his words and made my way down the tree to meet his eye.
"I've got something for you!" We both said to each other in unison. Leaving us both laughing hysterically before trying to repeat ourselves. Once again we both said ..
"What is it?" We both chuckled again before handing each other a gift. Simon then handed to me the most beautiful yellow rose I have ever seen. It was a royal yellow , I would've described it as gold but without the shine , a warm butter yellow and smelt like the fresh ocean. The yellow rose.. the great symbol of friendship.
He then took hold of the golden mango that I gave to him. What a coincidence that both of our gifts were warm yellow in colour. I made sure I handed Simon the most ripe mango.
"Seriously I give you a mango and you give me the most beautiful flower I've ever seen?" I chuckled at my statement and so did Simon. "Simon even if I can't express it through simple gifts nothing can describe how much I care about you, I see you as my brother that I love and care for so thank you Si for being in my life."
Simon said completely nothing. It's like he had no clue what to say back to me. Speechless
"Geez Franks I don't know what to say-
Simon then brought me into one one the warmest and tightest hugs I've ever had. He was so gentle and genuine, his hugs weren't like the ones that Ralph or Jack gave me, these were passionate hugs. The type of grasp and affection that clearly the both of us have been craving. If I were to describe Simon it would go something like this..

Simon. He saved my life , he's like the brother I've never had. His exotic personality only illustrates his wondrous nature. His silk black hair that shines under moonlight and his ocean blue eyes that remind me of clear water on a summer day. He smells of warm vanilla candles and fresh parchment , his smile is brighter than the sun, his teeth are unique, the small gap in between just adds to his indescribably good demeanour. His voice is always so soothing and calm you would want to listen to him talk for hours on end without getting tired of his voice. I'm convinced that Simon is an earth angel that was sent down from the heavens above to attempt to make our sinister world into a better place. Simon was a walking miracle he could be casted as a saint. I need Simon in my life, at this point it would be completely empty without him. Simon is the only person on this hell forsaken island that actually understands me. Simon is a very passionate spirit that is so empathetic . I'm convinced that it physically hurts him to see others in distress. I know that the "perfect" person doesn't exist but if I were to define the word "perfect" then I would give you Simon and then you would have your answer.

I look back into the boys eyes. He is passionately digging his teeth into the orange mango that I gave him. The juices dripping off his chin was amusing causing us both to chuckle slightly. We both enjoyed each other's company. Like a brother like a sister. I haven't even known this boy for long and it already feels like he knows more about me than I do. Simon has gifts. He is a walking gift. I love him. But not in a romantic way. I love him as a person. I care for him and he cares for me, we feel so comfortable around each other I wouldn't blame anyone for mistaking us as a couple. Although the other boys classify Simon as "strange" I don't see that in Simon at all. He is "pure" and "unique" which is why I feel so different around him. Simon would never hurt a fly it makes me question if Simon has ever committed a sin in his life. Simon.. my best friend Simon.

The dark oranges of the golden hour sun faded away into its pastel purple and pinks.
It was getting late.
"We should head back to camp soon, the others would be worried about us.. especially Ralph since he already has so much weight in his shoulders." I explained.
"Yeah I guess you're right. Also Frankie one more thing.." Simon stated. I turn around to directly face him .
"In case your yellow rose dies one day I just wanted to give you this.." Simon pulled out the most beautiful silver locket I have ever seen. Inside was a picture of what looked like Simon standing on the sand in front of a beach.. God he looked so happy.
"Simon I - I can't keep this it's yours!" I quickly explain. Simon quickly shook his head and put the locket into my hands while closing my fists, still holding my hands together as he kept on talking.
"Frankie you are honestly one of the best people I have ever met. If that yellow rose suddenly dies one day and we get rescued you will have something to remember me, and if by any chance you could use the photo to find me again." Simon gleamed at me in hope that I would accept his gift.
I nodded with a single warm tear rolling out of my eye. That's when I suddenly broke down into tears. Simon held me close and I cried in his arms. I tried to talk but it came out fast and muffled. I'm surprised he still understood me even through my cracking voice.
"Thank you Simon. I want to give you something back.. it's not that much but it's something.." I looked down at my anklet. It had white and light blue wool strings that plaited together with seashell charms surrounding it. Along with glowing fish and stars. "I got this when I was on my first holiday with my mum. We were in Bali together.. so many happy and free memories happened there. So Simon I want you to take this anklet and keep it on you. Please.." I say also hoping he'd say yes.
"Of course Frankie." He smiled warmly and gently took my anklet and tied it tightly around his wrist. It looked so beautiful. We then had our final moment of affection, a long tight hug meant that we both felt safe in each other's arms. I planted a light kiss on his cheek before we gathered all the fruits and made our way back to camp.

Authors note! :)
I'm so sorry that this is a short chapter but the longer ones will be coming. This chapter was mainly so I could illuminate the connection between Simon and Frankie. I found this one very heartwarming so I hope you enjoyed it!
-Molli <3