Chapter 14: Meet my friend Scott

I walked for what felt like hours towards the mountains. I could see the blue of the ocean on the horizon, so I decided to keep walking in the hope I would find a beach and go swimming.

New Zealand had this peace about it. It was beautiful and had all sorts of weird plants. Such as the Kowhai, which was this yellow flower that from a distance looked like short bananas. I watched the birds fly in and out of them eating the nectar.

I always wanted to go into a career that includes nature. Not sure what exactly but there were many interesting options. Imagine me doing something like Bear Grylls.

"Adventurer Taylen Nova. Your show could be called Novatures." I laughed. Jibin would have found that funny. Wait did I miss him? Nah. I just missed having someone to talk to I guess.

"You're a weird kid." I told myself then asked, "Wait a minute, why am I talking to myself out loud?" I shrugged my shoulders. I better get used to only having myself around as a companion. I pulled the pills out of my pocket, I only had 1 left. Fridge magnets. I left the others in the car! You're an idiot Taylen.

Okay, tomorrow I needed to go find Jibin. Just to get the pills then I will leave again. Or I could just swipe some more cash and buy some? Yeah, that sounds like a plan. For tonight I was covered, I even had another bottle of water in my bag and some snacks. Perfect! I can go swimming then sleep on the beach next to a fire. I've seen people ignite a spark between two rocks, how difficult can it be?

I brushed my hand across a plant and an ant climbed onto my hand.

"Oh hello, uhm imma call you ... Scott. Yes! Hello Scott." I stated and watched the ant crawl across my fingers. I wonder if you even know what you are walking on?

"Do you have a family Scott?" I asked then added, "I had one. They were great actually. My Pa was a bit mean but that was because he didn't know."

Scott didn't reply and just continued crawling.

"You know, this one time I had a pet gecko. He was a weird white colour, it kind of made him look transparent. I had to catch bugs for him to eat. Like crickets or muggies, oh that's a fruit fly by the way. They like the size of you but have wings. Maybe you've met one?" Still no reply. He didn't even stop to show he was listening to me.

"Anyways, one day he got out while I was at school and ran away. Yes, I cried. No Scott, I'm not a baby! But I saw him pop in here and there to say hey. I even saw a miniature version of him so I think he has a family now." I added. "You are such bad company, Scott."

I bent down and put him back onto the plant he climbed off of. Then walked away. I finally could hear the waves crash against some rocks, I was getting close. I saw there was a flat piece of land that just suddenly stopped, a frikken cliff! I looked over and saw it was quite a drop. Great, just great. I sat down on the edge and took a sip of my water. I watched the seagulls drive into the waves and come up with fish in their beaks.

"Oh well, guess this is camp." I marvelled and jumped up to find some dry grass or twigs. I collect it all into a pile and hit 2 stones together to try to start a fire. It didn't work, so I even tried the stick against a piece of wood method. Yeah, no it's more difficult than it sounds. What was I doing wrong?

I checked my watch, it was exactly 10pm. Maybe I would safely climb down the cliff? Or even jump off. I've never been cliff diving before. I stood by the edge, looked down and saw a few rocks near the bottom. Nope, not jumping. I then noticed a few cracks and ledges that could help me climb down. Yeah, no I'm not taking that risk. Māhia had some steep cliffs.

It was like an overcast day today, so a bit chilly but not that cold. Luckily I had warm clothes on but a fire would have been nice. I lay down on the ground and rested my head on my bag.

"All by myself, alone on a cliff. Dunno if I should turn back now or just jump ... and be free... hoping for the best." I sang. My horrible voice probably scared away some bugs but at least the lyrics were good. I've probably made hundreds of miniature songs.

If I was in a movie right now what should this scene be about? Hmmm... yes! A song. I jumped up and opened my arms wide.

"The wind calls my name, but I refuse to answer. I have to run, to get away... from all that I've done." I sing and make up some kind of beat. "I know I'm wrong. But can't you see I'm just a child that has lost his way."

I slowly sat down and slowed my voice, "If you can hear me, please... send some help. Send me a sign. Tell me I'm wanted and all ... will be fine." I put my head onto my knees and sadly ask, "Please tell them I'm sorry." My voice breaks and I start crying. Maybe being alone wasn't my best idea. Being alone meant that all I had were my thoughts.

I thought about the man's family, how much they probably hated me for taking away their father, husband, friend... I should have just stayed at home and not run away. It was too late. I made my decision, and now I have to live with it. I pulled out the pill from my pocket. It was the only way I knew how to feel better about myself. I popped it into my mouth, lay down, closed my eyes and swallowed. I waited a while for it to kick in but I still didn't feel anything.

I opened my eyes and sat up. I couldn't see anything! It was completely dark. The time flashed on my watch, 1:13 pm.