Prologue 

Her head hurt as she wandered along the rocky shoreline. Oblivious to the waves washing over her feet, she was lulled by the sound of the surf, but the cold breeze seemed to cut right through her. 

'What am I doing here?'

Sherry stopped walking and gazed out at the ocean. Heavy cloud cover blocked the sun, turning everything black and white. Wisps of her dark, shoulder-length hair danced in the breeze. Looking back at the footprints she'd left in the otherwise undisturbed sand, she saw the wreckage of a small Cessna.

Her heart sank as she suddenly recalled the events leading up to the crash. Panic set in. With a rush of adrenaline, she ran as fast as she could toward the broken plane, praying Sandi was alive.

The fuselage looked undamaged. The wings and nose, however, were beyond recognition.

Part 1

Twenty years old and fiercely independent, Sandi Malone was a rare beauty. A hint of pink on the tips of her short, thick blond hair complemented dark blue eyes. She had a flirty, sultry confidence with surprisingly boyish mannerisms. 

"Ready to go, babe?" Sherry asked. Dropping her bag next to the Cessna, she wrapped her arms around Sandi's neck. “I'm the lucky one, aren't I? You're the sexiest pilot I've ever seen."

Sandi smiled and gave Sherry a quick kiss. “I've just finished the final walk-around, so, except for loading your bag, we're all set." 

"You made sure the radio works, right?" Sherry asked, reaching for her bag. It was a silly question, but she felt compelled to ask.

"Yes, sweetness, the radio is fine. No worries, I got this. I've been flying her for six years." 

Sandi helped Sherry strap in before she buckled up and put on the headset. 

"Ready?"

“Yes." Sherry smiled with nervous anticipation. "I'm ready, let's go." She had a fear of flying, but trusted Sandi and couldn't wait for the weekend to begin.

"Okay, we’ll get going then." She smiled. "This is gonna be fun.” 

The engine started, her professional side took over as she contacted the tower. "Long Beach ground, Cessna two-three-four-five-two November, ready to taxi, VFR westbound." 

Turning toward the runway, she waited for the tower’s response. 

"Cessna two-three-four-five-two November, runway number one Charlie is clear, ready for take-off," came the voice on the radio. 

Taxiing across the hold bar onto the runway, she aligned the plane with centerline and, easing the throttle forward to full power, she turned the flaps to gain speed. Sherry whooped as they gained momentum and began to climb. They were on their way to spend three fun-filled days together. 

The sun’s rays pierced the clouds like ribbons of golden streamers, enhancing the beauty of the day. The blue ocean below was rough and choppy. Sherry watched as a whale breached the water, and she felt as if she were an eight-year-old child.

Leveling off with the horizon, Sandi said, "I love you, you know that?"

“You'd better.” Sherry's flirtatious laughter made Sandi smile. 

“Have I told you where we're staying?" 

"Uh, no.” Sherry smiled playfully. “You know you’ve been totally secretive about this whole trip. So spill it, will you?"

Sandi winked and turned north thirty degrees. 

"Oh, okay, I see how it is. Bet I could get it out of you if I wanted," Sherry said, sliding a hand along Sandi's inner thigh. 

Sandi shrieked with surprise and then laughed. "Don't do that, you'll make me fly this thing right into the ocean. You’ve already got my nips rock hard.”

Sherry tingled and warm juices seeped into her panties, but she decided to enjoy the flight and not put a hand inside her girlfriend’s pants. "Let's just get there, I'm horny.” She pretended to pout and ran her fingers across the wet spot on her shorts.

"We should be there soon, so keep your panties on, sexy girl."

The clouds had become thick and gray, so Sandi increased altitude to get above them. The wind, however, rocked and jolted the Cessna. Turbulence didn't normally concern Sandi but this was not normal and the wind shear was worse than expected.

Sherry held on a bit tighter but the small craft jumped again, this time more violently. “Crap," Sandi muttered. The weather information she’d received from airport operations didn't mention these strong winds, but the single-engine plane was bouncing around like a yo-yo.

Sherry went pale with fear. They should have reached Catalina already, but the winds were too strong and Sandi dropped back down into the cloud cover.

"Okay, maybe I should find out about this wind.” Sandi reached for the radio as another gust jolted the plane, and she watched in horror as part of the propeller broke off. 

“Mayday… Mayday… Cessna two-three-four-five-two November in trouble. We’ve lost our prop…”

Sherry

Silence. She was dreaming about her Abuelo and Abuela's ranch in Santa Barbara and riding a palomino mare called Rainbow, her horse when she visited the ranch as a kid during the summer. 

"Cessna two-three-four-five-two November, do you read? Cessna two-three-four-five-two, respond please."

Concussed and confused, Sherry didn't recognize the voice on the radio, or even where it was coming from. She only knew that she wasn't staying there. Releasing the seat belt, she pushed open the door and stepped onto the sand.

Sandi

“Brace yourself,” Sandi shouted and pulled up the flaps, trying to level off the aircraft. She aimed to glide down onto the water’s surface and slide onto the shore. At least, that was her hope.

The plane shook violently as it bounced on the waves, tumbling once, before skidding to an abrupt halt on the shore, near a group of large boulders.

Sandi passed out before the plane came to rest, and her seat was ripped from its rivets and tossed onto the wet sand.

Part Two

Sherry cried out in shock running as fast as she could but fearing the worst. "Sandi?" she said and knelt down next to her. "Are you okay? Wake up, please!" She felt her girlfriend’s pulse and listened to her breath. 

Attempting to regain her composure, she unbuckled Sandi's seatbelt and carefully laid her on the soft sand. A staunch Catholic, Sherry said a prayer and crossed herself, asking the Virgin Mother to watch over Sandi. She thought they must be on Catalina or one of the surrounding Channel Islands.

"Sandi, sweetheart, please wake up," she begged, tears flowing down her chapped cheeks. It was a cold wind and her head ached. She knew the longer Sandi remained unconscious, the more serious her condition would become.

Sherry got up and retrieved her hoodie and a blanket from the back seat, and covered Sandi, then put on the hoodie. Sandi had put on a fleece-lined windbreaker for the flight.

The rocks provided some shelter from the wind, but the cold was unforgiving. Sherry gathered driftwood and twigs and, using a Bic lighter she found on the plane, she built a fire. Sitting with her knees under her chin, Sherry rested her face on her arms, while she watched Sandi sleep.

oOo

"Mija, are you okay? Would you like some soup?"

"Abuela?" 

Sherry awoke, still sitting with her arms folded on her knees. 
She expected to see her grandmother and be in a warm bed; but her Abuela had passed away last summer, so she could not possibly be there. A tear rolled down Sherry's face as she stroked Sandi's cheek and checked her shallow breathing. Again she buried her face in her hands and began to sob.

"We must be on Catalina," she muttered, wiping the tears from her chapped cheeks, and wondering if Sandi could hear her. “On the private side.” She paused. "You know, where families own acreage." 

Sherry prayed, thinking, 'It's going to be okay. She'll wake up.' 

With more tears in her eyes, Sherry finally lay next to Sandi. Very soon, she was asleep.

oOo

Sandi woke, laying on her back and staring up at the stars. 'What the fuck? Where am I?' She leaned up on an elbow. As it all came rushing back to her, she panicked and sat bolt upright. 

"Sherry?" 

Seeing her laying next to her, her heart sank. "Oh no. Oh, God, please let her be okay." She rubbed the side of Sherry’s face and kissed her cheek. Satisfied she was just sleeping, Sandi became the outer spoon and Sherry snuggled back into her.

oOo

The morning sun found them locked in a warm embrace. Sherry woke first and remembered Sandi's injury. Lightly, she shook her shoulder. 

Sandi rolled onto her back and used her left hand as a visor. "Hi, babe." 

"Are you okay? How's your head? Do you have a headache? Can I get... "

Sandi rested a finger gently on Sherry's lips. "Oh God, babe, one question at a time.” She smiled and sat up. "I bumped my head, but I'm okay. I must've been out for a while, 'cuz all I know is that I woke up on the blanket with you next to me." 

Sandi tried to hide her fear as a tear slowly ran down her face. "I panicked at first because when I woke up, I remembered the crash and I thought you were dead." Her eyes filled but she held back the tears. "I was so thankful when I realized you were sleeping, right here next to me."

"I was out of it, too. I thought I was in Santa Barbara near my Abuela's and Abuelo's ranch.” Sherry shook her head. "But then I remembered the crash; and you…” Her eyes filled with tears and their embrace morphed into a passionate kiss.

"I'm so sorry. I almost got you killed... Oh my god... " The thought of what could have happened made Sandi dizzy. 

"It's okay. We're alive and on the beach.” Sherry laughed, ironically. "You did promise me an ocean view." 

Sandi chuckled. "I love your view on life; you always find a silver lining.

"How do you feel?" Sherry paused. “I mean, really how do you feel?”

"I'm fine. I don't even have a headache."

The morning sky was clear and they guessed it was about seven or eight o'clock.

"Well, shit." Sherry sighed and put her head on Sandi's shoulder, looking at the ocean. "What are we gonna do?" 

Sandi put her arms around Sherry. "We have our own private beach." she smiled, wryly. It wasn't exactly what she’d intended, but it was a beautiful day and, before they started to worry about getting help, she wanted to enjoy what was supposed to be a romantic weekend. 

Sandi lifted her tank top over her head and removed her bra and blue jeans. "Well?" she smiled. "It is a private beach, after all."

"You hussy," Sherry grinned and undressed as well. 

“Ah… ha-ha-ha,” Sherry laughed, curling into the fetal position as Sandi tickled her. "Okay, okay! Uncle!" she screamed. 

Sandi had her pinned down and, frozen in the moment, she stopped tickling Sherry and their lips met. Tenderly kissing her mouth and neck, Sandi's felt Sherry's breasts and erect nipples. The cool air made Sherry's skin extra-sensitive and soon her knees were bent up around Sandi's body.

Sherry held Sandi's head, stroking her hair while she slid down her body. Warm juices filled her engorged slit. Continuing down, Sandi flicked her tongue over Sherry's clit, gently pressed, sucking and licking while sliding a finger between the lips of her labia. She massaged her g-spot, moving fingers back and forth, varying pace and pressure. 

Sherry quivered, feeling the first sensations of her orgasm. Whimpers of pleasure increased to cries of joy as Sandi sucked, tickled, and rubbed her clit. Arching her back, she spread her knees, riding the tide of ecstasy and the beautiful ache that pleasured and tortured her at the same time. 

Sandi firmly pressed her tongue on the succulent flesh and thrust her fingers inside Sherry's slippery, tight tunnel. Sherry wailed, holding Sandi's head while thrashing wildly. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Sherry shouted in orgasm. The sweet juices made it easier for Sandi to thrust her fingers back and forth, stroking the magical g-spot. Sherry's squeals sounded like air being let out of a balloon until she’d finally had her release. 

Limp with satisfaction, she smiled. "Come up here, lover. That felt so good." 

Sandi crawled up and kissed Sherry, providing her with a taste of her own nectar. 

"Oh, you're so wet," Sherry sighed, fingers dipping between Sandi’s folds. Pressing her wet pussy against Sandi's thigh, she poked her fingers in and out, teasing Sandi, making her gasp with pleasure but leaving her hanging on the edge of orgasm. 

Sandi groaned, ready to cum and not needing any more foreplay. Sherry thrust her fingers fast and hard, Sandi moaned with pleasure and her body tensed as she savored every moment.

Her orgasm spread throughout her in waves of sensual bliss and her cries of pleasure came from deep inside as she approached climax. She put her hand on Sherry’s, keeping her fingers deep inside as waves of pleasure rippled through her body. She held on as long as she could but when she reached her peak, her euphoria was deafening. Eventually, the sensations waned and she lay back, satisfied and limp as a ragdoll.

oOo

The sun was high in the sky, and they were forced to face the reality of their situation.

"Let's see if the radio works,” said Sandi, starting to dress.

Sherry perked up. "Okay, yeah. I think I actually remember hearing someone on the radio but, honestly, I was really so out of it. So, I can’t be sure,” she said, pulling up her pants up and slipping into her hoodie jacket.

They stood and walked to the remains of what had been their ride. Picking up the handset, Sandi gave it a shot.

"Mayday, Mayday, do you read? Aircraft number two-three-four-five-two November. We need help. Do you read, over." 

All they heard was static. Sandi slowly shook her head.

"What now?" Sherry asked.

“Hmm… let’s take a walk around and see where we are. This place looks gorgeous, anyway."

"No shoes," Sherry laughed, pointing at her feet. “Lost somewhere down the beach, I think."

Sandi smiled, went to the wreck, reached into the back seat and pulled out some old sneakers. "I'll bet all you have in your bag are heels. Yes?” she teased.

“Yes." Sherry wrinkled up her nose, feeling both embarrassed and proud. "I'm a girly girl sometimes, okay?" 

"Oh, I know you are, my love. Now, put those on and let's go. Maybe we'll get lucky and find a restaurant.” Sandi grinned. “Anyway, I really am starving.”

They followed the coastline and found one of Sherry's shoes. Laughing, Sandi tossed it further away from the water in case they found the other shoe later. Most of the beach was soft sand, but occasionally they had to climb over rocks.

"Doesn't seem to be anyone else here,” Sandi said, flatly. "We can climb the hill there to see more. Maybe, we will find some fresh water or something."

Holding hands, they headed for the top of the hill. The sun was warmer, and they noticed the absence of trees on the rocky terrain. It didn't take long to reach the summit. Once there, they scanned the 360-degree view. Neither spoke, just clung to each other.

"I think we’re stranded on a deserted island.” Sandi sounded a little worried but then said, "What the fuck? Who the hell does this happen to?" She laughed. "We're not freaking Robinson Crusoe or Tom Hanks...shit..."

Sherry giggled. "You always make me laugh, even when things are fucked up.” 

"Well, I told you I was going to surprise you." Sandi shrugged but she was obviously concerned. "It's going to be okay. Someone will come looking for us. Let's make a bonfire."

They walked back down the hill. "I'm really hungry," Sherry said, "aren't you?" 

"Bet I can catch us a fish," Sandi bragged. She and her dad had fished together every summer when she was young after her mother died, and she considered herself to be a decent fisherman. "I'll use the cargo net. You find some dry stuff to build the fire.”

The cargo net was old and had some big holes, but Sandi removed it from the storage compartment, along with their bags, and set them down next to the wheels of the Cessna wreck. "Wish me luck. I'm gonna try to catch us some dinner."

Sherry smiled. “Good luck. They'll be a nice bonfire when you get back. By the way, I’m thirsty… can you get a couple of beers while you're out there?"

Sandi's smile faded… they needed fresh water. "I'll keep my eyes open for a beer stand, but I might need drink tickets.”

"Babe, this isn't gay pride. Maybe you can just trade some seashells or something."

Sandi found a semi-shallow spot and tied the net to tall sticks which she stuck in the wet sand. While waiting and hoping for a catch, she decided to search for fresh water.

Part Three

Walking further along the beach, she came upon more rocks and large boulders — and was startled when she thought she heard voices. She stopped and listened carefully. 

Silently as possible, she climbed the rocks. Peering over, she saw men digging a hole. Behind them was a small motorboat. 

Sandi hid among the rocks and watched for a few minutes, wondering what to do. She wanted to run up and say, 'Boy am I glad to see you guys!' However, seeing that hole raised red flags. She trusted her gut and stayed down, watching.

One of them was clearly older and he seemed to be in charge. "Make sure it's deep enough, and not too close to the water, you dumbasses. If you put him there, the tide's gonna wash him up.”

She plainly heard the words as they were carried to her on the wind. The other men seemed to be in their early twenties.

"Goddammit, Roger, can’t you even dig a damn hole without fucking it up?"

"Sorry, it's hard to keep the sand from filling back in," Roger said. 

The older guy glared as they moved to a drier spot further inland and resumed digging. After about thirty minutes, they carried a rolled up carpet from the boat and dropped it into the trench.

Shit, shit, shit. That's a body. They’re burying a body!

Sandi ducked down and immediately remembered Sherry was building a bonfire. She climbed down the rocks as fast as she could and ran along the beach, feet flying, forgetting the fishnet for now.

Sherry saw Sandi running back, waving her arms and she waved back, shouting ”No fish?" She was disappointed.

"Sherry, listen,” she gasped, breathing heavily from her exertions, “don't light that fire. Something is going on… don't light it.”

"Slow down, honey, take a breath… you're scaring me. What the heck's going on?"

Looking back over her shoulder and noticing her footprints leading all the way to their camp, Sandi cringed. “There are guys over there — behind that bunch of rocks we climbed earlier. They're burying something and I don't think it's treasure."

Sandi was shaken. "We need to get out of sight, find a spot where they can't see us or find us." Calmer now, more focused, Sandi continued, ”My footprints could lead them to us. They’ve got a motorboat and If they leave, we're okay. If not… well, I don't want them looking for us. I can try to erase our tracks, but we can't stay here."

Sherry recognized they still had a problem. "What about the plane?" She gestured at the wreckage. "We can't move it. We can’t just pick it up and take it with us." 

“Yeah." Sandi nodded and looked around, deep in thought. “Okay,” she eventually said. “Maybe if we push it out a bit, the tide will take it out to sea. It gets pretty deep right there. Hopefully, it'll sink.” She shrugged her shoulders and stared at Sherry. “Sorry, that’s all I've got." 

They looked at the mangled metal and walked to it. The sun was now in the western part of the sky, but it couldn't be more than three in the afternoon. This was going to be a difficult task, and may not even work.

Remembering she had rope, Sandi opened the back door and pulled it out of the cargo bin.

"Got anything to eat in there?" Sherry mused. 

"I wish." 

Sandi gave Sherry one end of the rope. "We're gonna use leverage to drag this out to the water. Go over there and when I say ‘pull', I want you to pull with all your might."

Walking to the left of the plane, Sandi began to pull the rope towards her, while Sherry went to the other side, just behind it.

"Pull!" Sandy said, loud enough for Sherry to hear but, hopefully, no-one else. Both tugged and the wreck began to move sideways towards Sandi. It was working. They continued to pull until the waves lifted it and they watched it float out far enough for it to sink below the surface.

"Okay, you can let go of your end now, babe. I'll reel the rope in." Sandi dug her feet into the sand, hauling in the rope and trying to roll it up as she went.

Sherry stood in knee-deep water, watching Sandi struggle and a smile crept across her face. She knew how stubborn her girlfriend was, but decided to help her anyway. "It's getting dark, and we need to find somewhere to camp before the sun goes down," she said.

Sherry turned and looked down the beach for any sign of the men. She was trying to keep a brave face but knew Sandi could read her like a book.

"We will don't worry. I'm sure we can find somewhere out of sight," Sandi said. “We'll find somewhere suitable."

Having rolled up the rope, they went for their things and looked at the huge pile of branches, sticks, and twigs, that Sherry had found. "That was gonna be one hell of a bonfire," admired Sandi, "but we need to knock it down." 

It didn't take long to demolish the stack, destroying all semblance of a bonfire. Off in the distance, above the sound of gulls and crashing waves, they heard men yelling and a gunshot blast, followed by laughter.

"I don't want to be here if they come around that cove," Sherry said, ready to run. "Come on, let’s go. We can go to that rocky maze we found earlier."

"Yeah, okay, that's the perfect spot," Sandi agreed.

After hiding the rope behind a low scattering of rocks, Sherry picked up the blanket while Sandi grabbed their bags, and they headed uphill toward their new camping spot.

oOo

The move proved fortunate. A drinking fountain near an old campground provided much-needed water. There was also an unmanned lighthouse and outbuildings, but, otherwise, this tiny island appeared to be deserted. Sandi thought they were on Anacapa, the smallest of the Channel Islands.

The sun was setting and the reflection on the water beckoned them to a large rock surrounded by tall grass, buckwheat, and yellow perennial flowers. The rock sat in the middle of what looked like a huge "U" shape of ancient volcanic stone. A perfect hiding place. They could tuck themselves in the bosom of the rocks and remain hidden.

From their perch, black rocks seemed to litter the shore, encircling the small island. "It's perfect here," Sherry said, putting down the blanket down, wonder in her voice. "What a beautiful view."

Sandi dropped the bags, stood behind Sherry and slipped her arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. Watching the sunset, a calm washed over them as the orange and red streaks turned blue, and the sun sank. For a moment, time seemed to stop.

"Do you think there are snakes out here?" Sherry asked.

"Not right now, it's too cold." 

The only light was the flicker of the lighthouse, and the moon and stars.

"Can we light a fire now? It’s getting colder and I want to be able to see you. It’s scary out here." Sherry trusted Sandi with her life and didn't try to hide her fear.

"Yeah, I think so. We’re so far away from those guys, I'm sure we can. They're probably all drunk and passed out anyway." Sandi wasn't really sure but she wanted to put Sherry at ease.

They gathered a few sticks but Sherry couldn’t get the Bic lighter to spark. "Shit," she cursed. Finally, it produced a flame, and with a sigh of relief, Sherry threw a few more sticks and twigs on their small fire.

Once it was burning, she lay next to Sandi and rested her head on her shoulder. The pleasant sound of the crashing waves against the rocks below was comforting as they cuddled in front of the fire.

"I've never seen that many stars in my life," said Sandi.

Sherry smiled and snuggled into her. "We can see the Milky Way from here; see that thick belt of stars?" Sherry pointed. "And those over there, that is the constellation, Orion. You can tell him pretty easy because he has a belt. See?”

She made sure Sandi knew which star she was referring to, before moving on to the next. "My Abuelo, my Grandpa, showed me those when I was a kid. I've loved stargazing ever since." Sandi was transfixed, listening intently and taking it all in.

After a while, they were warm from cuddling, and Sandi wore a devilish grin. "Wanna fuck?"

"Yes, please.” Sherry smiled.

As the fire burned, they sat naked, facing each other with their knees folded beneath them. The shimmering light was gold against their bodies, and their shadows moved erotically on the giant rock behind them.

Leaning towards each other, their need grew, and Sandi put a hand on Sherry's cheek. Her gentle touch did more than arouse Sherry; she also felt an emotional tug of love, and as their nipples hardened, they kissed passionately.

Slowly, Sandi rested her firm body on top of Sherry, feeling the softness of her round breasts. She stroked down from her shoulders and arms to her slim waist. Sherry held her close, feeling every inch of her back and buttocks while Sandi pressed her hips down. Sherry quivered and opened her legs, wet with desire, knowing that Sandi would soon take her.

With her hand resting tenderly on Sherry's side, Sandi straddled her leg, their clits pressing against firm thighs. Mouths and bodies met with raw passion as they eagerly humped each other’s leg with more and more intensity.

Sandi raised her body and leaned back just enough to touch her vagina against Sherry's excited and wet clit.

“Ha-uh," grunted Sherry, opening her legs and turning sideways to align Sandi's pussy with hers. Instinctively, they grabbed each other’s forearm, pulled closer and locked together. Gasping and moaning with carnal desire, they ground their hot wetness together in heated excitement and their pleasure intensified with every wriggle.

They delighted in the warmth of their swollen and sensitive clits throbbing against each other, carrying them both closer to the edge. “Oh." Sherry wanted to groan loudly with the pleasure of it but, instead, she muffled her moan, not wanting to risk being overheard.

Thrusting their throbbing organs desperately together, they knew that they'd soon reach a wonderful climax. The pleasure grew with extreme force and they began to orgasm simultaneously, holding on tight and grinding their hot sex together. In a sweaty silence, they panted with overwhelming pleasure, frightened to make a sound.

As the intensity ran through their bodies, they came in frenzied, convulsing tremors of overwhelming desire. At the peak of their climax, they froze as one, maintaining their grips and experiencing the intensity of an amazing orgasm in unison.

They relaxed and loosened their hold on each other's arms; still enjoying the pleasant feeling of their wet, hot, pussies together. Exhausted and sweaty, they fell apart, leaning back on their hands and smiling.

"Oh god, I've never cum so hard in my life.”

"I know, me neither,” Sherry giggled, quietly. "Why haven't we done that before?"

They smiled and lay in each other's arms.

"Baby, you're such a good lover," Sherry said as she drifted off to sleep. Sandi lay awake for a few more minutes, taking in the moment. Then she too slept.

oOo

In the early morning, streams of light made their way over the hills, and behind the rocks. Birds sang and the wind seemed to be less intense.

"Shush," Sandi said, raising a forefinger to her lips. "I heard voices." She was already dressed while Sherry was only beginning to wake. She quietly pulled on her clothes while Sandi continued to be alert. 

“It came from over there, past those rocks." She pointed to the north. "They must be looking for us. Probably saw my footprints." That had worried her the most.

"We've got to get out of here." 

"If we get up and run right now, they will hear us and chase us. And where would we run? We need to find a hiding place." Sandi peeked around the rocks but saw no one. Motioning for Sherry to lie in the long grass, Sandi hid the bags, erasing their presence as best she could and lay next to her.

"We need to know where they are so we don't run into them." Sandi was at her best in stressful situations and Sherry found her confidence reassuring.

"Okay," she nodded. "We can do this." 

They slowly crawled through the undergrowth before coming to a clearing.

"I don't hear them anymore," Sandi whispered. “There's a small overhang of rocks on the hill near their camp. If we can make it, we can hide there. It's a good vantage point to see where they are. Maybe, we can even get to their boat."

Aged nine, she’d lost her mother, leaving her dad as her role model. He taught her how to shoot, fly a plane, repair cars, and rock climb. She had an inner strength and didn't scare easily.

"Come on, we're going — right now.” Without discussion, she grabbed Sherry by the hand and raced quickly downhill and across a field. When they got close to the rock overhang, they crawled through long grass, shielding behind rocks along the way.

Among the rocks was a small cave. "This is perfect,” Sherry said with some relief.

"Look, we can see their boat. If we go right now, we can make it. ” Sandi was ready to run.

"Are you fucking crazy?" Sherry grabbed Sandi’s shirt and stared at her. "You can't just go running into the middle of their camp. Didn't you say we need to know where they are so we don't just run into them?"

"Okay, sorry, I just lost it for a minute. You're right." Sandi offered a guilty smile.

Sherry put a hand on Sandi’s face. "I'd tell you that you're not indestructible, but you're pretty fucking amazing."

Waiting and watching, it seemed like an eternity had passed and still, they saw no sign of the men. "I think it's time," said Sandi, cautiously. "Can you do it?" She looked into Sherry's eyes.

"I can.”

"Let's go then." 

Neither needed reminding to be quiet. Fear made sure that was the case. They quickly and quietly made their way down the hill, taking no time to stop and look around. It was all or nothing now. At the bottom of the rocky hill, they stepped onto the beach. The boat was barely more than a hundred feet away.

Then two men came around the rocks to their camp. The girls froze, standing perfectly still. All the guys had to do was look in their direction.

"Down there, behind those rocks," Sandi pointed. Sherry nodded and stealthily moved down the hill, positioning herself under the belly of a large boulder. Sandi followed.

"What now?" Sherry asked. The incredible idea that they were hiding from 'bandits' was almost funny. 

Sandi shrugged. "This is some fucked up shit we've gotten ourselves into."

"No shit," replied Sherry with a little giggle. It wasn't at all funny, but she was on the verge of a hysterical laughing fit. "Not a bad place to hide. Those guys think we're on the beach way over on the other side of the island."

They heard footsteps on the rocks above them. Someone was up there — and he began to urinate from on top of the boulder. 

“Gross," Sandi whispered. "Oh my god." The look on Sherry's face said it all, and both girls covered their mouths, trying to remain quiet. The crash of the waves sounded above their voices.

They heard him zip up, and then a rock fell, right in front of them.

"The rocks are loose.” Sandi reached over and tipped one of them. "I have an idea." 

Sherry looked at her like she'd again lost her mind. “Sandi… number one, they have guns. Number two, there are four of them.. and, number three, if they know we're here, they'll just shoot us. Or worse."

Sandi thought for a minute. "Yeah, okay, that's all true. But, what if we climbed the hill to those rocks?" Sandi pointed to a spot not far above them. "If we can get up there, we can hide behind them and call them over. When they're close enough, we push the rock down, and they’ll slide into the sea with the rocks."

"I have a very bad feeling about this, Sandi. I want that on record."

"Okay, noted." Sandi smiled. “So, you’re in, yes?”

"Oh shit," Sherry said and followed her up the hill.

Positioned behind the rocks, Sandi nudged one to see if it would move — and it did. Awesome.

“Hey, assholes… come over here,” Sandi yelled. 

The four men stood and looked in their direction. "Oh, that's great. Come on down, ladies, we’ve got something for you.” They laughed as if it were funny.

The men walked toward the rock pile. Again, one of them shouted, ”Come out ladies. Why are you playing so hard to get? You invited us, remember?"

Holding their breath, the girls remained as still as statues.

"I think they're on the other side of these rocks.” One of them said.  

”Okay, you two go around that way,” said the eldest guy, “and we'll go this way." The men began sneaking around either side of the black rocks. With waves crashing against the large stones, the two men on the ocean side were having a difficult time.

"What the hell, where'd they go?" the leader said.

"They can't be far," said Roger. Finally, all four stood on the wet, black rocks, looking blankly at each other. The wind gusted, carrying the spray from the ocean waves.

Sandi sat with her hands behind her for support and pushed as hard as she could with her feet. The boulder rolled down the hill, gained speed and crashed onto the pile of rocks where the men were standing, knocking them into the water along with the avalanche.

“Run," shouted Sandi and the girls raced as fast as they could on the soft sand.

Gasping, they reached the boat. ”Grab the rope,” said Sandi, “and pull. They’ve wedged it under that rock.” They heaved it free and Sandi told Sherry, "Jump in, I'll push it out.” 

Sherry followed orders and was delighted to see the ignition key. "Come on, Sandi, get in.” 

Knee deep in the water, Sandi managed to clamber aboard just as Sherry started the engine. Sandi took the wheel.

"So long, suckers,” Sherry yelled and threw up a middle finger as they sped off around the peninsula.

Sandi pointed the boat north, towards the lights of Catalina, and looked over at Sherry with a smile. "Let's get dinner, and then go to the police," she said. 

"Sounds good to me.” Sherry put her hand on Sandi's knee. The last two days had been the best, and worst of their lives. 

"I told you it'd be a memorable weekend,” Sandi shouted over the combined noise of the engine, wind, and waves. 

Sherry laughed. "Sorry about your plane, babe. I know you loved that thing." 

"It's okay, it's insured." Sandi slowed the boat to a virtual stop. "I'm sorry I almost got you killed, Sher. I love you more than that plane, I'm just happy things worked out and we're okay." 

"I love you, too.” Sherry smiled, her eyes filling with tears. "Maybe we should go to the police first, then have dinner."

Sandi nodded and leaned in for a kiss. "I'm starving.” 

"Me too.” Sherry squeezed her hand as Sandi powered up the boat and continued toward the island. "Let's just get there, I'm hungry, thirsty — and horny.” 

Epilogue

The girls had anticipated a weekend to remember, and that’s exactly what they got. At Catalina, they found the local authorities and reported what Sandi witnessed and how they’d escaped from the men. 

Sandi had full insurance coverage on her Cessna Piston, but instead of buying another plane, she put money into a small house in Oceanside for her and Sherry. 

"Funny how things always seem to work themselves out, don't you think?" Sandi handed Sherry a cup of coffee. 

"It really is, babe,” nodded Sherry. “It really is."