1 1. Freedom
The cool and calm sensation of fresh water enveloping me forces a gasp from my lips. My nipples pucker as the cold water caresses them and gooseflesh breaks out across my skin. I dive under the clear emerald surface of the water and relish in the freedom of this moment. I am free to be myself with no worries of who might see me or what people would think of me if they knew the truth. I open my eyes under the clear water and watch my bubbles of air float to the surface. Undisturbed. Perfect in their imperfections. I return to the surface and relish the fresh summer air that fills my lungs.
Water sluthes down my pale skin, droplets shining in the sun and slowly drying with the summer breeze. I lay in the small field of flowers next to the river and sun bathe as i listen to the crash of the water falling against the rocks. I drift into a light slumber as i listen to the calming sounds of nature.
***
Ryan's footsteps crash through the underbrush of the forest as he makes his way back to camp. The surrounding wood silent, no doubt his trampling has scared off the animals. There goes lunch. I sigh in fustration, i suppose ill have to go on my own little trek through the woods in order to secure us food.
"I found a river not far from here, maybe a half mile southwest from here." He panted and he came to plop down on the ground in front of a tree, dropping the canteens with a loud clank onto the ground next to him.
I grunt a response and look over at the other two men in camp, James and Darren, twin brothers. They were setting up the tents while i got a fire going and Ryan looked for a source of water.
"I'm going to the river to catch us some food" I tell the group as i grab my bow and arrows and make my way in the direction ryan just came from. As i pass him i snatch my canteen from the ground and begin my silent trek through the woods.
***
I wake to splashing coming from the river and immediately become alert to my surrounding. I stay silent as i lay in the field and think of what i should do. The splashes are quite loud which means its a larger animal, probably a predator. I look around for my dress and remember that i left it on a rock by the waterfall...Shit! i sliently curse myself for being so careless. I ease myself onto my elbows to glance over the flowers and weeds and see..a naked man?
