It’s a short drive to our challenge destination. Of course, it pushes us even deeper into the forest. My God, how big is this island?
When the golf carts stop, I look up at the huge rock face in front of us. There are six sets of rock climbing gear set up.
You’ve got to be fucking shitting me. More goddamn heights?
“You don’t know how long your time out here will last, and as you’ve noticed, rations are low. We’ve generously provided a goodie bag of sorts for each couple and have placed them at the top of this cliff,” Alex says, gesturing to the rock face.
I squint and just make out the three black bags placed up there.
“For this challenge, all you need to do is retrieve your bag. The first two couples to do so will go on to the finals; the third will be locked out. So time is of the essence with this one, as is teamwork,” Alex continues before clapping his hands.
A woman comes over and ushers us towards the equipment set up on the far right. She helps us both into harnesses before giving us a very bare-minimum crash course on how to clip and unclip from certain points on the cliff. I’ve never rock climbed before. Ever. Despite us being tied off on the same line, I don’t feel even a little bit better about this. After all, I’ve seen the quality of their rope. It’s the one thing they seem to cheap out on.
Landon and I move to the base of the rock before glancing at Luna and Shane. They look more determined than they did at camp, and I’m grateful for that. They’re both pretty athletic. I have to hope that they’re going to be able to do it, despite their injuries.
Savannah and Noah are on the far left and look ready to tackle this mountain. Shit, am I the only one scared out of my mind? Landon can obviously feel my nervous energy because hegrabs my face in both of his hands, cupping it tenderly as his gaze drills into mine.
“Don’t be scared. I’m going to lead. Put your hands and feet where I do. We’re going to go slow and steady until you’re comfortable.”
I let out a nervous laugh. “And if I’m never comfortable.”
He gives me a sympathetic smile. “We’ve got this. We are not losing this challenge, you hear me?”
I nod.
“Say it,” he demands.
I inhale slowly, then blow the breath out of my mouth. “We are not losing this challenge.”
“Attagirl. Don’t look down; just keep your eyes on me.”
“Okay,” I say shakily as Landon moves into place.
“Three… two… one… GO!” Alex shouts, and we take off.
And when I say take off, I really mean it. Slow and steady, my ass. Landon fucking jumps onto the wall, climbing it like a goddamn spider monkey. It takes everything in me to keep up with him, but I do as he said. I grab where he does, step where he does and keep my eyes up. With every move we make, I feel us lifting higher and higher. My arms are already shaking, though I know we aren’t even halfway up the cliff.
I just do my best, focused on the bigger picture. Shoving fear all the way out of my head, I think about Lily. I picture her laughing and smiling. Dancing to annoying pop music in our kitchen though I told her to go to bed hours ago. My heart aches at the thought of her, but I use that as motivation to push forward.
Before I know it, we’re nearing the top and, so far, in the lead. Glancing to my left, I see Shane and Luna only fifty feet or so behind us.
Thank God.
Finally, Landon’s hand reaches the top of thecliff, and he pulls himself up before grabbing me by the arms and hoisting me the rest of the way. We stumble backward onto the ground, and I land on top of him with a smile.
He grins as he brushes hair out of my face. “I am so fucking proud of you.”
I smile. “Me? You’re the fucking rock climbing savant!”
He shrugs. “What can I say? That ninth-grade-gym-class rock wall was some great real-life experience.”
We both dissolve into laughter, honestly I think it’s adrenaline induced, but that’s okay.
Pushing ourselves up to stand, we look over the edge to see Savannah and Noah neck and neck with Luna and Shane.
“Come on, come one, come on,” I mutter.
Sweat is pouring down Shane’s face, and he looks like he’s in intense pain, but he’s not giving up. Shane clasps their rope to a hook, and then I see Savannah and Noah moving horizontally instead of vertically.
