Not too long after they left Challenger walks in," Well, I think I finally found a way to keep that windmill working. Were are Marguerite and Roxton?" Veronica finally done with the dishes turned to him," They went for a swim." Challenger peers outside," Yes, it's a lovely day for that. Why didn't you go?" He didn't even have to ask Malone who was still clearly absorbed in his journal.
Veronica looked shocked," I promised you I would help you with that plant experiment. Remember?" Challenger laughed," I'm sorry my dear, but now that I have discovered a new protective coating for the windmill I have to focuss completely on it today. Why don't you go and catch up with them. you can make sure they don't kill each other." Veronica smiled, grabed her weapons and left the treehouse.
They had finally reached the river after what had seemed like ages in the hot sun. Roxton spread a blanket out and sat on it. Marguerite joined him," Good idea John. I don't think I can swim just quite yet after that walk." After they catch thier breath they take off certain articles of clothing and dip into the river. Roxton relaxes his body," Oh, that feels so good. I can think of nothing better to do right now." He pauses and looks at Marguerite," Except one other thing." Marguerite gets out of the river and moves to the blanket. Roxton gets out as well to follow her. He sits beside her and trys to make eye contact," Look at me Marguerite. how long must I wait for you to except my feelings towards you?" Marguerite looks up at him unwavering," Everytime we get close something interupts us. It is almost like a bad omen. John, I'm just so afraid..." *to fall in love* she had almost admitted. Roxton understood without words though and leaned in closer," If at first you don't succeed try, try again." And wisth that they entered a long passionate kiss that was unlike any they had shared beore. They lay on the blanket and forcefully pulled their two wet bodies together. Roxton grabed the locks of Marguerites beautiful head and deepened the kiss even more. They knew it was meant to be.
Veronica carelessly ran through the jungle thinking og nothing else but the beautiful cool water to come. As she turned the last corner that would lead her out of the thick bush and into the clearing holding the fresh water she saw them together. They were in a deep kiss that would soon turn into more by the look of it. They hadn't even noticed her presence. Too shocked to do anything but stutter," M-marguerite...R-rox-roxton?" Finally breaking the kiss and looking up after what seemed like an eternity. Marguerite lept off of Roxton and he stood so swiftly the blanket was kicked aside," What are you doing here Veronica?" Veronica looked still in shock. She knew they were close but this was CLOSE! She finally regained her composure," Challenger said I could come and swim." She began to walk off when Marguerite grabed her arm," Wait. Look, I can tell by your face that you want an explanation. There isn't one. Just don't tell anyone okay. Let us do that in our own time." Veronica looked at her friend who seemed to be almost pleading with her," I don't need an explanation. I'm glad you two are finally admiting it to each other. I don't know why you want to keep it to yourselves, but that's your desicion, not mine." Roxton who had just been absorbing everything said," Let's all go back to the treehouse." And they did in silence. The only communication between them was the yearning glances between Marguerite and Roxton who desperately wanted to finish what they had begun.
Roxton knew why she had wanted thier relationship secret and he hoped to break the silence to the others soon. She had been hurt and betrayed so many times that she could trust no one. Not even him. Probably especially him because he was the closest to her. And she didn't want the others to know if she was hurt. Didn't want to show her weakness. She was too pridefull. He had a feeling Veronica knew this as well and that that is why she agreed to keep silent for her.
They entered the treehouse to find Malone and Challenger gone and a note on the counter reading: Malone and I have gone to test my new coating on the windmill. We should be back by dark. Hope you had a nice swim. Challenger
Marguerite read the leter," I guess Challenger just couldn't wait." They all agreed. They hadn't even seen what he had found and already he was applying it. They all shared an awkward and light meal followed by an early turn in. They weren't sure how to react to the earlier events.
Challenger and Malone were almost to the windmill when they heard the sound of the T-Rex. Challenger was the first to react," Run!" They ran in chaos and had no clue were they were going. When they had finally stopped and could hear the dinosaur no more they dropped on the ground for a rest. As they did this however men came rushing out of the forest and held spears to their throats. The men were dark and had war paint all over them. Many dark shades of crimson that Ned would later swear was blood. With no choice but to do as they were told for now, they followed.