Chapter 2 The figure hidden in the foliage slowly inched its way closer to the group straining to hear what they were conversing about. 㒓枻re we doing this alone? We aren't going to ask anyone else for help?㒓? Phillip questioned curiously. 㒓柼ell we don't really trust anyone else with the information; the only person that we could possibly tell is Captain Garcia.㒓? Belle quipped. 㒓柮h you mean 㒓柰ncle Paul㒓??㒓? Mimi sarcastically asked. The plants behind them began to rustle and out strode none other than 㒓柰ncle Paul㒓? himself. 㒓柤ello kiddies, what are we doing all alone out here?㒓? Mimi unconsciously scooted closer to Phillip. There was something about that guy that made her queasy. Phillip felt Mimi㒓泅 body press closer to his and was startled by the sudden jolt of electricity that coursed through his body when she innocently brushed her back against his chest. Paul crossed into their tight circle and surveyed the group. Hmmm...I need to play my cards right to get these little brats to trust me. 㒓柼ell what was this I heard about a stolen ruby?㒓? Shawn eyed Paul skeptically but figured that he would be the best person to tell the story to, since he knew the islands so well. 㒓柼e are looking for my great grandmothers stolen ruby, and the map we have shows that it should be somewhere on this island.㒓? 㒓枻hhh I see. Well how bout you let me in on your little treasure hunt. I mean I know the islands like the back of my hand and could really help you.㒓? Ohhh that was good Paul! Keep playing this hand of cards and you will have them roped in! 㒓柎o how bout we start looking for the treasure tomorrow?㒓? Paul stated as he tried to disguise the eagerness in his voice. 㒓柼ell Mr. Woods has us doing some ecology work tomorrow so we cant start right away㒓? Belle stated as she nervously looked over at Shawn. Something about this Paul guy didn't fit well and it made her very uneasy. 㒓柼ell then this is perfect! This is where I come in, you can tell me the 1st couple points on the map and I can go ahead tomorrow and scope them out for you.㒓? Paul slid closer to Mimi and let his eyes roam over her. Nice.... very nice looking girl! 㒓柧his here little girl and me can go tomorrow and check things out㒓? he said as he slid his arm around Mimi㒓泅 shoulders. Mimi tensed up as his arm wrapped itself around her shoulders. 㒓柶o, not tomorrow, sorry I have to work with the class too.㒓? she said as she slid out of Paul㒓泅 grasp and inched closer to Phillip. Phillip watched as Paul put his arm around Mimi and couldn't help but feel nervous and uneasy. He clenched his fists as he watched Mimi㒓泅 emerald green eyes cloud with a hint of fear. As Mimi scooted closer to Phil he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tight against his chest. Paul sensed that he had better leave while he had the upper hand so he took a step back from their circle. 㒓柼ell I guess I better get back and see how everyone else is doing. I will catch up with you gang tomorrow so we can start searching for that ruby.㒓? Paul walked around them and as he passed Mimi he ran his hand along her back that was left bare due to her halter-top. Mimi felt his hands run across her back and she instantly sucked in her breath and shuddered. Phillip felt Mimi shudder against him and his eyes filled with concern as he pulled her even closer to him. 㒓枻re you ok Meems?㒓? 㒓柮h um, ya I just got a chill is all. Don't worry.㒓? She shoots everyone a confident smile and breathed slowly to calm herself. 㒓柎o how bout we all go for a swim, we can see what Shawn and Belle found so interesting over in that lagoon.㒓? Phillip said with a laugh. Belle rolled her eyes and nervously shifted from one foot to the other. Just then the shrill whistle from Mr. Woods told them they had better get back to camp. 㒓柼ell I guess it㒓泅 time for our nature walk㒓? Belle said excitedly as she breathed a sigh of relief on the inside. She didnt want to tell anyone how her and Shawn were kissing in the lagoon, not just yet anyways. 㒓柎ounds romantic㒓? Shawn said as he gazed into Belle㒓泅 baby blue eyes. 㒓柎ounds exhausting㒓? Phil said as he watched Shawn and Belle㒓泅 interaction. He felt a light slap against his chest and looked down to see Mimi㒓顪 emerald green eyes rolling at him. 㒓柎top complaining ya big baby㒓? 㒓柭ou should talk㒓? he shot back at her. 㒓柤ey!㒓? She said as she pushed past him and let out a laugh. Phil ran after her and poked her in her sides causing a giggle to escape her. 㒓柤ey yourself!㒓? Mimi took hold on Phillip㒓泅 arm and pulled him along with her leaving Shawn and Belle to walk hand in hand after them.