134 Accident 04 (1/2)

Behind Max, walking on the trail were McKenzie, Oliver and Lewis (in that order).

McKenzie was boiling in fury. From Friday when they arrived, through Saturday and even now… Max is all over Elizabeth and treating McKenzie like she does not exist.

McKenzie's face contorted in anger.

On Friday she was not sure what to expect and she was caught by a surprise.

Yesterday was Hunter's birthday and she did her best to not cause trouble.

And today? ... Is there a reason for McKenzie not to scratch Liz's face away?

The only thing preventing McKenzie from exploding is Max who is standing between her and Elizabeth. And based on how much attention Max is giving to Liz, McKenzie knows that if she does anything to Liz and Max finds out, he will not forgive her.

\”Waaah! Great view!\”, Mia exclaimed from the front. \”Picture time!\”

When Max and Liz reached the small clearing, they could see the narrow path hugging a tall cliff on its left, and a steep fall below on the other side. They can't see how deep the precipice is because of the dense foliage.

Liz thought how this is amazing, only few steps ago they were surrounded with a jungle, unaware that they are walking along such a treacherous path. If she took few careless steps to the right, she would definitely fall who knows how far down.

Liz inhaled and smiled at the amazing view: thick canopies are creating a lovely carpet and in the distance is the ocean framed between two mountains.

She thought how she would not be able to admire this view if not for this hike... with Max.

\”Birds are nesting on the cliff to the left!\”, Ashton said while observing through his binoculars.

As on cue, they all stepped closer to the edge and started looking through the binoculars in the direction Ashton pointed out: Mia, Hunter, Ashton, Mike, Jake, Derek, Liz, Max, Oliver, Lewis. All of them, except for McKenzie.

McKenzie observed that all of them have their eyes glued to the binoculars. That means no one can see her… And they are all close to the edge... McKenzie's eyes darted toward Liz and then Max and she swept everyone quickly while moving toward Liz and extending her arm.

Liz was enjoying the view, when she felt a sudden force on her upper back and she lost her balance.

\”Ah!\”, Liz exclaimed and spread her arms, like she is trying to push herself back into a straight position against the air.

Liz felt a strong hand grabbing her elbow and pulling her back and she inhaled sharply when she realized that it's not enough. Her momentum was already set, and she was falling.

Liz closed her eyes and at the same time warmth enveloped her and she heard branches breaking and leaves swishing and it could not last for more than few seconds, but it felt like an eternity until her free fall ended with a thud.

The strange thing is that nothing hurt. Well almost nothing. Few spots on her body were stinging, probably from scratches, but the pain should be much more than that.

Liz opened her eyes and gasped. \”Max!\”

She realized why nothing hurt: because Max pulled her into his embrace, and he took all the impact while protecting her with his body.

\”Max! No, no… Max!\”, she exclaimed while scrambling off from him.

She panicked. Why are his eyes closed? Why is he not responding? Why is he not moving? He can't be dead, right?

Liz inhaled a choppy breath and then another one to compose herself before saying angrily: \”Get yourself together! How are you going to help him if you are falling apart?\”

Liz's shaky fingers moved to his neck and she exhaled in relief when she felt a pulse.

\”Max! Liz!\” Hunter and Mia shouted in unison.

It took Liz few seconds to realize that people from above are calling for them.

\”I'm fine! Max is unconscious! Call an ambulance!\”, Liz shouted back.

When Liz said: 'call an ambulance', she remembered to get her phone. The signal was weak, but her call to Mia went through with some minor interruptions.

She repeated that she is fine, and that Max is unconscious and instructed them to call an ambulance. Considering the unproachable terrain and that Max should not be moved, they need a helicopter.

After the call, Liz turned back to Max. She guessed that he probably hit his head. Why else would he be unconscious? She didn't move him in case he hurt his spine, but she confirmed that there is no visible bleeding.

Liz sighed helplessly. How did this happen? She remembered that she was observing the bird nests with binoculars when she felt something on her back. Like someone pushed her. Liz held her breath. Someone pushed her? Liz told herself to leave those thoughts for later. Now what matters is to take care of Max. He needs to be OK.

She kneeled by Max's side and observed his unmoving body and calm face and her heart ached. He is like this because he protected her. That should be her and he should be fine.

\”Why did you do such a reckless thing?\”, Liz asked while caressing his cheek. \”What would I do if you died? I hope you don't end up with some permanent damage, or I will never forgive myself… Wake up, will you? Don't scare me like this...\”

The more she spoke, the more her heart ached, and she realized that her words are getting lost in sobs.

This man who is always smiling smugly, and who has answers to all the questions in the world, now is not moving. She would give anything to see him smile again. Right now. And he can tease her as much as he want.

Her head dropped lower, and she pressed her face on his chest. Liz held her breath while listening to his heartbeat for some time, and then she started sobbing again.

She is not sure how long she stayed like that, but she needed to hear his heartbeat. Each gave her comfort that he is alive, and each reminded her that he is like this because he protected her.

It all happened in a flash, there was no time to think. And his instinct was to hold onto her and to protect her. Silly man… She cried harder.

\”Why are you crying?\”, Max asked through a moan.