Chapter Five

          The wind blew so hard, that it hurt to face it. Every building on the island was empty. Jason groaned. “We should’ve bought the truck,” he said. The others nodded. “Or just stay on Corpus Christi,” suggested Clara. Jason pulled out the barometer.  The barometer read 29.50 in. It was falling speedily.

          Clara looked around the abandoned island. She spotted a small building with the door swinging open and close. “This way!” she yelled over the wind. The small group fought their way towards the building.

          But just as Clara reached the door, a terrific roar was heard. All looked to the right. A towering fifteen foot wave was looming closer fast! Before the group had time to think, the wave crashed over them. Clara was pressed to the ground. She bobbed to the surface seconds later. No one was in sight.

          Clara tried to tread the water. But she soon found that the water was carrying her. All she had to do was stay calm. She found it hard though. Clara wondered where Jason and her parents were. What two would she lose during this hurricane?

          Jason was washed out into the bay. He saw the ferries. He might be able to climb up the sides. He swam with the waves, using all of his strength. Jason finally touched the side. With great force, he swung his body up and over. He rested on the deck, breathing heavily. Another wave washed over minutes later. When everything cleared, Jason saw the body of Mr. Wildewood.

          Mrs. Wildewood found herself clinging to a palm tree. The waves thrashed about her. Her heart cried out to her husband, child, and friend. She was moving farther away from land. Her hopes for survival were weakening.

          Clara was soon gently slammed into a boat. Or was it a boat? She hoisted herself up. She didn’t have quite the strength. Just then, the water rose suddenly. She was now a few inches from the top. Clara breathed a sigh of relief. At least she was out of the water.

          Jason shook with fear. Who knows what had happened to the others. Could they have possibly drowned too? He shook his head. Clara was too young to die; like Agnes. He had to find them. He ran around to the other side of the deck.

          Clara looked up. In the faintly rising dawn, she was barely able to make out the figure. Something told her who it was. “Jason!” she screamed. The figure ran towards her. “Are you alright?” asked Jason as he knelt next to her. Clara nodded. “Where are the others?” she asked.

          Jason bowed his head. “I haven’t seen your mother; but I have seen your father. He’s dead Clara,” Clara couldn’t believe it. “We still have to find Mom,” she sobbed. “She can’t die,” Jason hugged her. “I know,” he said, “but for now, we need to survive,” Clara nodded. “Yes,” she said.

          Jason found a little room on the ferry. Inside were lifejackets! Both hurried to put them on. Suddenly, all was quiet. The ferry stopped rocking, and the thunder was silenced. Sunlight streamed in from under the door. Jason turned and opened the door.

          The whole world was in such peace. The dark clouds surrounding them weren’t dark. They were white; pure white.  “It won’t last long,” said Jason, “It’s the eye. We have enough time to find a substantial shelter and food,”

          The other side of the hurricane struck two and a half hours later. The winds were blowing in the other direction now. Mrs. Wildewood was still hanging onto the tree. But she was out of the hurricane. Every now and then, she saw someone else in the water; dead. Fortunately, none of them were from her party.

          Mrs. Wildewood finally saw a sight that meant rest. A tropical island. It looked deserted. At least she would be on land. Now all she had to do was get onto the island. Mrs. Wildewood jumped off the tree and began to swim for the shore.