‘You can do this,’ I said. ‘At your age I was discovering I was stronger than I’d ever imagined. I found myself in a tough situation and looking back… it taught me a lot.’
Iwasstrong. I’d had to be. No one had been around to pick me up.
But was I strong enough to live in a jungle?
‘I know that doesn’t help how you feel right now, though.’ I smiled. ‘But anyone who can withstand a needle long enough to get a tattoo that size…’
‘It’s a myth that tattoos hurt,’ he whispered, ‘but don’t tell anyone. I like people thinking I’m tough.’
Me too. It acted as armour. People thought twice about messing you around. After a couple of years on my own Dad just rolled his eyes at me instead of hurling an insult or putting me down.
‘I know you’re right. But still – it’d be good to have someone here to share the horrors with… The thought of having to be bright and cheery witheveryonefor four weeks…’
‘Well, seeing as you make it sound so appealing…’ Hold on. No. Don’t say it.
‘What? You’re not leaving after all?’
Don’t be silly. Of course I am.‘I’ve decided to stick it out,’ I heard myself say. ‘I can’t have you take all the glory.’ Aargh! Where did that come from?
His face split into a smile and he lunged forward, slipped his arms around my waist and lifted me into the air.
I couldn’t help laughing and struggled. ‘Jonas! Put me down this instant!’
Gently he did and cheekily grinned before running off towards the sound of Helga calling his name.
I smoothed down my top and walked back to Rick. ‘Hi again. Um… change of plan. I’ll stay.’
‘Really?’ He frowned. Not the reaction I’d expected.
‘I was just being silly. How hard can it be?’
‘You might feel differently in the morning, after one night in the shack. For a start it’s up at six tomorrow morning, if you’re on the trail clearing team.’
I bristled. ‘It’s fine. That’s the usual time my alarm clock goes off.’
‘It’s important work we do here – as a team. We all rely on each other. People can’t turn up late or duck out of a task at the eleventh hour – or not pull their weight.’
‘I manage my own staff back in England,’ I said abruptly. I thought he’d be pleased!
‘I’m saying all of this because I’ve also got your interests at heart. I won’t lie, Sarah. It’s a challenge volunteering here. If you haven’t got a passion for conservation then the tasks might seem too daunting.’
‘It won’t be the first time in my life I’ve had to do something I didn’t want to. Although it’s never cost this much before…’ I muttered.
‘What?’
‘Well, you could have at least made the shacks a bit better and connected hot water to the showers. We’re paying thousands of pounds – or rather, my sister is. I don’t like seeing her ripped off.’ I snorted. ‘Your family must be laughing all the way to the bank.’
His face reddened. ‘You couldn’t be more wrong,’ he said quietly. ‘And every spare penny is invested long-term. My dream is to make Seagrass Island a hub of environmental expertise for the whole region. I’m working not only to save species here but across the whole of the British Virgin Islands –andplay my part in educating people about climate change.’
‘If you say so,’ I said and folded my arms.
‘Ultimately it’s your decision about staying,’ he said and shrugged before striding away.
I’d show him. Changing his pompous view of me was a good enough reason not to leave. However mainly, this was about my sister. She’d be concerned enough when we got home and she found out I’d been sacked. Amy deserved these carefree four weeks and I’d try to back off and give her more independence.
I’d do anything to make her smile.
Walk over coals.
