I sat in the tree, leaning against the concave wall. It was cool up here, in soft blue and green hues.

Well, there is one thing that happens to be a tad bit more complicated.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl in possession of a good....well I don't really have a fortune....but anyways... must be in want of a husband."

Not to quote Pride and Prejudice or anything. Although, I think it was the other way around in the book, but you get the picture.

Not to say that I am ready now... I'm only 17 and it would be silly to actually consider the likes of matrimony at this present time. All I'm really trying to say is that I don't really have many options here on the island, if the time were to come when I thought I was ready to start a family or something.

The only boys other than my brothers that were relatively close to my age were Gabe, Tyler, and Thomas. Gabe was the same age as me; we were in the same grade in school last year... let's just say he's not my type. Tyler is good looking enough, 19, had he not already been practically engaged to my older sister I would have considered it, but as it is now, definitely no chance there. That leaves Thomas, one year older. I don't really know about him, it's difficult to describe. He's Gabe's older brother, so when we were in school, it was different, but now, it's like we are the same age kind of thing, and it's just... different than before, don't know how to describe it. Anyways, I don't think he would give me a chance, I think he considers me a sister. So there is my complicatedness, but I'm not too worried right now, I am definitely in no rush to figure out those situations. Ending up with Gabe... shudder.

I stood up as I decided to climb up into the canopy to see if I can see the guys. Sometimes, on a clear day you can make out their silhouettes on the shore. It was fun to sit up there, you can see everything.

I reach up into the branches and pull myself up, when suddenly something grabs my foot and yanks down hard. I am about to scream as I drop into somebody's arms, but a strong hand comes quickly to cover my mouth.

I look into the eyes of Thomas as he releases me, with such a stupid grin on his face I want to smack it off. He scared the living day lights out of me. I was definitely not in a pleasant mood anymore.

"I will kill you!" I growl, trying to look as angry as possible...I couldn't really stay that mad at him, he was after all Thomas.

"I am quite terrified Jode, look at me, I'm shaking." He replied sarcastically, then he proceeded to burst out laughing.... I guess it was kind of funny, and I couldn't help myself from laughing along.

"You loser," I said after we were done our laughing, "How did you find me?"

"You actually think nobody notices when you get up as early as we do and disappear into the trees? Well, you're right nobody does notice. Except me. Also, it takes a lot of skill, being able to get up here; I honestly didn't think you would be able to. I even had trouble."

Under-estimation at its strongest.

"Well maybe I'm more skilled than you think I am." Was my reply.

"Oh really? Is that so?" He asked, a smile illuminating his bright features, one of his eyebrows rose as if in challenge.

I just looked at him. Crazy fool. I looked down, if I knew Thomas at all, I knew what that raised eyebrow meant. I was in for a real skill challenging lesson right now. I hoped I was prepared.

"Race you to the top." He said, and with that he swiftly pulled himself up into the branches, smooth as a wild cat, and began ascending the tree carefully and skillfully.

But this was my tree, and I would not be out done in my tree, after all, I was slighter than him, and the branches get thick at the top. Also, I knew this tree like the back of my hand.