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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 16, 2007 5:11:27 GMT -5
HEIDI
I watched intently, ready to make any move to help that I could. I felt such relief that Sarah hadn't put up too much of a fight because the branch she was on didn't seem as if it could hold much more weight. We didn't have much choice other than to wait for her to come closer to us. I thought back to the first time I'd really met her. She'd been in French mode and stubborn as all hell. Thank goodness she recognized me or else Cyrus and I may have ended up trying to coax her out of it until the wee hours of the morning or resorting to riskier measures.
That first night, I'd been damn near ready to leave her ass in the jungle. Of course my conscience wouldn't have allowed that and I'd have made my way back to her with help, but now, there was no way I'd leave her alone, even for a second. It wasn't just the fact that something scary was living in here, but mostly for the fact that I'd grown an emotional attachment to her. It would be like leaving my kid sister. There were two kinds of people I avoided getting too attached to; kids and men. Kids had a much easier time getting past my barrier. Men, on the other hand... well, let's just say none have gotten close since the last guy in my life had caused me to double my defenses. I didn't have a problem with men in general. I had lots of guy friends, but nothing more than friendship.
I watched Cyrus as he held out his hand to little Sarah. Now here was a rarely found guy. He was generous, respectful, courageous, selfless, and to top it off, good looking. I stopped myself from continuing. Surely he had faults. Nobody was perfect. My assessment warned me of something very important; be careful to keep my barrier up at all times. That last guy had snuck past it and boy did he make me regret it. There is only one thing I am certain of. I have issues.
I mentally shook my head and resisted a nervous laugh at my thoughts. I continued to look up at the two in the tree. "Good girl," I said encouragingly as Sarah took hold of Cyrus's hand.
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 16, 2007 5:20:21 GMT -5
He gently took Sarah into his arms, and began to move down the tree carefully. He really shouldn't be doing this. He wasn't meant to get involved, and now he was saving a little girl when he should've left her there. Danny would've left her, Ethan would've understood, Colleen would've turned a blind eye. And he was getting this little girl out of a tree for this woman that he'd met. He had done the exact opposite of what he'd been told.
Then again, he wasn't much for following orders. And it was too late to detach himself now. And he didn't want to let Heidi down. He wanted to give her what she deserved, which was a good life. Which now made him question how good his life was, exactly. Constantly butting heads with Ben. Wondering if they were doing any good at all.
He set Sarah on the ground carefully. "There you go." he said, hopping down himself. He looked over at Heidi. "Can I see your foot?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 16, 2007 5:34:07 GMT -5
HEIDI
As soon as Sarah was placed on the ground, I was kneeling at her side and giving her a big hug. I didn't care if this French version of her was uncomfortable with it. She'd just have to get used to it because I wasn't going to let her out of my sight.
"My foot? Oh, it's fine. Just a couple of splinters," I said as I sat down and held my foot out for him to inspect. "I think I got 'em all and it shouldn't be too much of a problem." I kept a hold of Sarah's hand as I sat there, afraid if I let go, she might take off again and one chase through the jungle of mystery a day was enough, thank you very much.
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 16, 2007 5:43:03 GMT -5
"I think I got 'em all and it shouldn't be too much of a problem."
"There's a few left." he said, taking her foot in his hands. He held her foot with one hand, massaging it lightly and absent-mindedly as he used the other hand to dig for splinters. "This might hurt a little. Sorry."
She'd gotten most of them, and it didn't take long. It was the bleeding that worried him. It certainly wasn't the worst cut he'd ever seen, and it wasn't that bad, but in his experience, it was better safe than sorry. And in the jungle, all sorts of things could get into it. It was better to cover it up.
He massaged her foot more gently, and then let go of it for a moment. "And now Doctor Cyrus is in. Who needs Jack?" he asked, unbuttoning his shirt and taking it off. He wasn't particularly thinking about exposing his chest to her, and ripped the shoulder of his shirt off, using it to wrap it around Heidi's foot tightly. He starting to button his now slightly ripped shirt up, noticing Heidi still clutching Sarah's hand. "You afraid you're gonna lose her?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 16, 2007 6:42:08 GMT -5
HEIDI
As soon as I felt the one hand massaging, my first instinct was to yank my foot back, but I resisted. Coward, I mentally called myself as I stayed stone still and watched him get the last few splinters out. My threshold for pain had always been very high and he was being very careful. I flinched only once and the pain was gone as soon as I had registered it.
"And now Doctor Cyrus is in. Who needs Jack?"
I laughed. "A doctor's visit where I don't have to show you my insurance card and fill out 500 forms? And no two hour wait. I've gotta tell my friends about this place." I was feeling more at ease, getting used to the way he absentmindedly massaged my foot and his close proximity. Well, I was until he started unbuttoning his shirt. I opened my mouth as if to say something but quickly closed it and look toward little Sarah concentrating on making sure she was doing okay in order to avoid the whole embarrassing situation of being caught staring without realizing I had been. I looked back when I heard the sound of material ripping and watched his hands as he efficiently wrapped it around my foot.
My eyes started to follow his hands as he started buttoning up his shirt and thankfully he spoke soon after, distracting me before I embarrassed myself by staring too long.
"You afraid you're gonna lose her?"
My eyes back on his face, I said in a serious tone, "I almost did today." I looked over at little Sarah and gave her hand an affectionate squeeze. "I shouldn't have left her. None of this would have happened if I'd've stayed with her." 'None of this' being the near drowning, her schizo personality taking over, and the run into the dangerous jungle.
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Post by JINX on Feb 16, 2007 12:04:16 GMT -5
Little Sarah
Sarah couldn’t understand one word they were saying, but she felt at ease with the woman. Holding on her hand and refusing to let go, well Sarah saw that was comforting. But the man she had a bad feeling about him, she wasn’t sure why. He helped her out of the tree, and he practically saved her life in a way. Slipping her hand from the woman’s she sat down near the tree and watched, she wasn’t going to go anywhere.
Holding Mr. Floppers she smiled, for some reason this bunny was comforting. He felt familiar and she liked that feeling, she certainly wasn’t In France anymore. Even though Sarah never was, this version clearly remembered the beautiful city of France.
Getting up she walked over to the man, :: You make me nervous, and yet I do not know why. :: she circled him for just a moment. :: I’ll be watching you, mister. ::
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 16, 2007 19:03:11 GMT -5
HEIDI
My attention was brought back to Sarah as she slipped her hand out of mine. I watched wearily and felt relieved that she sat nearby instead of taking off again. She was looking past me at Cyrus as if she was studying him, then got up and circled him like a predator. I couldn't help but smile at her antics. She acted as if she could take him down if need be. Such a brave little spitfire. Even though I couldn't understand what she was saying, her tone and mannerism seemed like it had been a warning. Was she protecting me or was it something else?
I smiled at Cyrus. "I don't understand a word of French, but I think she just issued you a warning of some kind. You better watch yourself," I said teasing.
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 16, 2007 19:11:57 GMT -5
"I don't understand a word of French, but I think she just issued you a warning of some kind. You better watch yourself,"
"Yeah, she's afraid I'm gonna corrupt your innocent, sweet little mind or summat." he said, with a slight smile.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 17, 2007 16:49:44 GMT -5
HEIDI
"Ha, guess she doesn't realize my mind is already beyond help," I said with a playful smile. My smile faltered a bit as I became aware that he still had a hold of me and that I'd let my guard down a bit. I looked down at his hand, still absentmindedly massaging my foot as I build up my barrier again. "Um, are you done? I mean, is it okay to walk on now?"
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 17, 2007 17:04:15 GMT -5
"Um, are you done? I mean, is it okay to walk on now?"
"Huh? Oh! Oh, yeah, just...limp it." he said, letting go of Heidi's foot quickly when he realized his kept his hand on her. "Want me to carry ya back to camp? As long as you maybe put the back of your hand to your forehead and look kinda like I'd just rescued you from...mutant crocodiles, or something like that. And I'll keep my shirt ripped a little, and maybe we can get Sarah to work the lighting from behind."
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Post by JINX on Feb 17, 2007 17:09:53 GMT -5
Little Sarah
Watching with a watchful looking Eye, Sarah wasn’t all to sure of this ‘Interaction’ between the two. But she would watch and to make it perfect aware, that she was indeed watching Him. She took her pointer and middle finger and pointed to her eyes and back to him. ::I’m watching you.. :: she said, she had a feeling neither one of them understood her.
Holding the bunny close she looked at Heidi and smiled.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 17, 2007 17:41:32 GMT -5
HEIDI
Little Sarah made the 'I'm watching you' gesture toward Cyrus.
"No, that won't be necessary," I said laughing. "She might kick your ass," I smiled and nodded toward little Sarah. "Besides, the front part of my foot is fine, so I can just tip toe through the jungle. I think I need help standing up though."
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 17, 2007 17:48:44 GMT -5
"Besides, the front part of my foot is fine, so I can just tip toe through the jungle. I think I need help standing up though."
He balanced her, putting his arm around her shoulders and guiding her arm around his. "All right, missy. You've been in the wars. Let's get to walkin'."
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Post by JINX on Feb 17, 2007 18:14:36 GMT -5
Little Sarah
"All right, missy. You've been in the wars. Let's get to walkin'." Sarah watched Cy with a watchful eye, still unsure of his motives, she wished she could understand him. She wanted to know what he was saying, so he could correct him if he said something bad or naughty.
Mr. Floppers
Mr. Floppers watched on, making sure Sarah wasn’t getting to upset. She was a good girl, but when she got scared, well things got bad for her and him. Sometimes he was left behind or Tossed around carelessly. Normal Sarah would never do that…well not on purpose anyways. There was an occasional time when Sarah was just a little little girl.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 17, 2007 18:25:37 GMT -5
HEIDI
"Thanks," I said after he helped me up. When he first put his arm around me, I stood stiff but then relaxed. Geez, I really needed to loosen up. He was just helping me, not making a move. I looked back at Sarah, giving her a smile and holding my hand out to her. "Ready to go, sweetie?"
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 17, 2007 18:43:37 GMT -5
He began to guide Heidi along carefully. "As your doctor, I advise you get some rest and exercise your eyelashes, because I think it's just so adorable when you bat 'em." he said.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 17, 2007 18:53:36 GMT -5
HEIDI
"Do ya? Really and truly?" I asked in a mock sweet-as-sugar voice as I looked up at him and batted my eyelashes. It was probably a good thing that the little girl walking along side us, holding my hand, couldn't understand us at the moment because she'd probably be rolling her eyes or gagging at our silly antics.
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Post by JINX on Feb 17, 2007 18:59:49 GMT -5
Little Sarah
As they walked along the forest floor, Sarah felt a little bit light headed. She had a lot of activity today and the mere thought of her drowning and than running off into the forest was enough for about anyone. She yawned and hugged Mr. floppers close, but never took her eye off of Cyrus.
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Post by Cyrus on Feb 17, 2007 19:09:55 GMT -5
"Do ya? Really and truly?"
He laughed. "Yeah, really and truly. And ain't my eyelash-batting just the cutest darn thing?" he asked, smiling.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 17, 2007 19:24:03 GMT -5
HEIDI
I laughed. "Cuter than a kitten. Now seriously, if we don't stop this cutesy stuff, someone's gonna end up gagging," I joked, still laughing. I looked down at little Sarah catching her yawn and yet still keeping a sharp eye on Cyrus. I gave her a reassuring and affectionate smile. It made me feel special that she was being all protective of me. "She's getting tired. Actually, I think I could use a nap myself," I added as I suddenly felt exhausted now that my adrenaline level was back to normal.
I looked ahead and saw the beach and people milling around. Thank goodness we were back because I was nearly dead on my feet.
***Heidi, Cyrus, and Little Sarah exit to G3 - Survivor's Camp***
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