My name is Jayson. So what else do you need to know? Stuff about my family, or where I'm from? None of that matters. Not once you cross the ocean and cut yourself loose, looking for something more beautiful, something more exciting and yes, I admit, something more dangerous. So after eighteen hours in the back of an airplane, three dumb movies, two plastic meals, six beers and absolutely no sleep, I finally touch down; in Bangkok.

Molly had only been in Bangkok for a week. She slept in late this morning after being out most of the night snapping shots of the local night life. She grabbed her camera and reviewed some pictures... she couldn't wait to post them to her online portfolio. She decided to hop out of bed and get ready for the day. After a quick shower she threw on some jeans and pink tank and added just a touch of makeup. She let her damp waves just air dry knowing she would pull it up before too long anyway. Grabbing her camera and bag, she headed out of her hotel room and down into the lobby. Giving the clerk a quick wave, she lowered her sunglasses and imerged into the bright sun. She walked a few blocks and decided to sit down at a little street cafe and ordered some much needed breakfast. Luckily there was one person on staff that spoke English!

Jayson got up and threw on a pair of ripped jeans and a white t-shirt on, she gelled his blond hair and headed straight down the street to a local cafe where he could meet up with his friends. Jayson walked into the cafe and quickly noticed Molly "Molly!" he yelled, before he went down to sit with Molly he ordered some quick breakfast. Jayson sat next to Molly "how are you this morning" he said smiling.

Molly looked up from her Common Phrases book and smiled, "Jayson! Its so great to see you. I heard I might run into you here." She rose and gave him a quick embrace and returned to her seat and sipped some of the cool tea that was brought out by the waiter. "I've been great! Still working on getting my portfollio together" she laughed "even though i still haven't the slightess what exactly I'll do with it afterwards." She then glanced around him curiously ... "So how have you been Darlin' and are you traveling alone?"

Jayson smiled "i was backpacking throughout Thailand.. nothing special.. how about you?" he muttered, Jayson's breakfast was brought out to him by the waiter "anything else?" the waiter suggested. Jayson looked at Molly "ice tea i suppose, want anything else?" he questioned.

"Just traveling abroad... captureing it all on camera... i've manged to get some pretty good shots." She shook her head to the waiter, "No thank you." she picked up her tea and took a long drink looking aorund at their surroundings. She wished she would have gotton up earlier and been able to get some great sunrise shots... maybe she'll get lucky with sunset shots. She turned her attention back to Jayson, "so where are you heading?"

Jayson grinned evilly "you won't believe where i'm going.." he muttered, Jayson moved closer to Molly "you know the cheap hostel i'm staying in? on Khao San Road.. well two days ago i meet this extremely strange Scotsman going by the pseudonym of Rocket, he left me this hand-drawn map" Jayson said while handing Molly the map "it's supposed hidden beach located in the Gulf of Thailand that is inaccessible to tourists." he whispered. Jayson glanced around the cafe once more to see if anyone was listening "yesterday i discovered Rocket committed suicide." he said in disappointment.

Brandon slept in late it was already 11:35, he quickly jumped out of bed to get a shower; straight after he had his shower he quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a white shirt. Brandon quickly made his way out of the hostel and went straight to the coffee shop.

Lacy woke to the sound of her phone alarm. Sunshine streamed through the window of her cheap hostel, creating a sort of warm glow to be cast throughout the room. Normally, Lacy wasn’t much of a morning person, and the jet lag from America to Thailand was killing her, but she woke up in a surprisingly cheery mood. She figured it was because she was traveling, one of her favorite things to do. She loved how different each city was, and the vast variety of people she met while in those cities. Most people oppose change, but Lacy strives for it. When she was younger, her family moved around a lot. She constantly had to adapt to her new surroundings, and make new friends. Of course, she had to be prepared to leave it all behind again, soon. She had gotten quite used to it. When her parents split, though, she moved in with her mom, and they stayed pretty rooted. They only moved once, and it was only down the street.
After Lacy had turned eighteen, and had a decent chunk saved back in her bank account, she left her mom, and moved to a city in Georgia, halfway across the country. She bought herself a small apartment, and set out to become a tattoo artist.
Rolling out of bed, Lacy grabbed her phone, and turned the alarm off. She shuffled into the bathroom, stopping to stare out of the window for a moment. The city had already come alive; There were people everywhere. People walking, riding bikes, or running stands along the road. Most businesses were open, with people streaming in and out.
Lacy turned on the shower, and hopped in, washing quickly. She was supposed to meet her friends in a few minutes for breakfast. Finally, she would get a decent meal. She had been surviving off of Cliff bars and Powerade the past couple days, as they backpacked through Thailand. Substantial food sounded pretty great, right then.
Feeling clean, Lacy wrapped a towel around her slender body, and proceeded to the mirror, to brush her teeth. After that was done, she blew dried and straightened her short brown hair, and threw on some makeup and deodorant. With one last glance in the mirror, Lacy left the bathroom, and pulled on some clothes; A pair of short, jean shorts, a plain black t-shirt, socks, and her black Vans. She grabbed her camera, chap stick, and her bag before leaving the room.

As she exited the hostel, she paused for a moment, and raised her camera to her eye. She clicked the shutter-release button, capturing a group of people at a local fruit stand, and then wound the film. Smiling, she put the lens cap back on, and let the camera sit on her chest once more, suspended by the camera strap. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she proceeded down the street, looking for the café she was supposed to be meeting her friends at.
After a moment, she saw it, and ducked inside. Immediately, she noticed her friends, Molly and Jayson, sitting at a table, deep in conversation. She watched as Jayson handed Molly a piece of paper, said something, and glanced around. It looked as though he was making sure no one was listening in on their conversation. Maybe she shouldn’t barge in?
Going against her instincts, Lacy walked to their table.
“Hey guys…” She said, cautiously. “Mind if I join?”

Jayson jumped slightly suprised Lacy was standing there "yeah sure take a seat Lace" he said curiously. Jayson laid the crude looking map on the table, he slowly opened it he then looked at Lacy and what she was wearing "you look great" he said when really he was secretly looking at her terrific body. Jayson shoke his head and drew his attention back to the map he quickly explained to Lacy about the map and the secrets of the island "we should all go together.." he suggested.

Molly greated Lacy and listened intently to Jayson's story and studied the map a bit for herself. At first she tried to seem uninterested, but she saw the excitment in her friend's eyes. she was unsure... not really down with the whole backpacking idea... but then again, she was sure she would get some amazing photos and it did sound exciting and she didn't want to look like a wimp in front of her friends... "i think it sounds like a great idea" She was excited to get stared. Alright thinking of angles and lighting, she kinda drifted into thought...

Jayson turned to Molly "won't it be great?" he said curiously while nodding his head, Jayson rolled the map back up and tucking it deep into his pocket "this experience will be life change think about it? white sand, crystal clear waters" he said. Jayson looked around the cafe just after noticing Brandon, he quickly jumped up at the chance and started to explain about the map, the island, and it's beauty. Jayson smirked and turned back to the table he had been in beside both Lacy and Molly, "Brandon take a seat" he suggested.

"Thanks..." Lacy smiled, relieved she wasn't interrupting anything secretive. She pulled a chair from the nearby table, and sat down next to Jayson. She dropped her bag on the floor, next to her, and pulled the camera from around her neck, letting it rest on the table. As Jayson quickly explained the story, Lacy picked the map up. She wanted to get a look for herself. She unfolded it, admiring the detail that had gone into the map. It seemed so exciting, and like the perfect adventure for her and her friends. But... Then again, what if this, 'Mr. Rocket' character, was just playing them? Either way, she thought, it would be a blast. Whether they looked like fools in the end, or not, it would make a great story for when they all returned home. Plus, she loved being outdoors. So why not? She didn't really see anything wrong with it. It sounded absolutely beautiful... She and Molly would be able to get some awesome shots. She laid the map back down on the table, next to Jayson, as he suggested that they all go together.

"Ya know... That sounds like a great idea." Lacy paused, thinking about it. "Yeah... I think it'll be an awesome experience. We should do it!" She grinned, glancing at Jayson. He seemed really excited about the whole thing... She hoped it wasn't just a scam.

Brandon approached the group, and she flashed a quick smile as he sat down beside them. Jayson was already going into the story again. She watched Brandon's expressions, hoping he shared the same excitement they did. It would be great if they could get the whole group together, to go.

Brandon was speechless you could obviously see pure excitement in his electric blue eyes, Brandon wrapped his arm around Jayson neck tightly. "When can we leave Jay?" he yelled, Brandon let go of Jayson and turned to both Lacy and Molly "Hey.. i'm guessing you both heard" he whispered. Jayson pulled a chair between them both and sat in it as if the day was still some-what-normal.

Molly was filled with a rush excitement. She had already began to pack in her mind and about half way through the list she remembered she was going to have to carry all of it through God only knows what. Momentary disappointment set in and she frowned slightly. She supposed all she really needed was her camera... and a bikini. They were going to a beautiful, mysterious, un heard of beach after all. No need to gussy her self up. Molly knew her guy friends were somewhat spoken for and unless this mystery beach had a stash of secret cabana boys, her chance of romance was slim to none. A small sigh escaped her lungs. You shouldn't even be worrying about that, Molly!, She scolded herself for even thinking of such things. She was well aware of what everyone at home was expecting from her. To come home empty handed or worse, with some sort of awful new baggage that her Daddy would have to bail her out of. She made a private promise to herself that she would not let that happen! She wanted more to life than to be 'Daddy's Little Burden' as most had already deemed her. She looked around the table. Even these friends knew that at a moment's notice Molly could pull out her credit card and get whatever was needed. That part however, she wasn't worried about. The last words her father said to her before taking this trip was to have fun and make him proud. She would have fun by taking this wild adventure with her friends and make him proud by documenting it through amazing photos.

Brandon's voice and the scoot of his chair pulled Molly away from her thoughts. "Heard and ready to go ourselves", she answered to Brandon. She ran her fingers through her long, blond hair and pushed her sun glasses up from her eyes to rest on her crown. Leaning towards the middle of the table, she looked into Jayson's eyes, "So when are we leaving?" She asked her friend, a playful smile spreading across her glossy, peach lips.

Jayson gently pushed Brandon off him "take it easy Brandon!" he said confusingly while directing him to a seat, Jayson toke a seat across from Molly and Lacy. Jayson looked at Molly slightly concerned "as soon as we can Molly" he replied he placed his hand on her shoulder "you seem a little disappointed.. i can see it in your eyes.. how come?" he questioned, Jayson ran his fingers though her luscious blond hair "you have great hair.. ya'know.." he said quiet flirtatiously. Jayson sat back on the chair "we shouldn't bring a lot with us.. we will have to get a boat phi phi island from their we swim to the unkown island" he said curiously.

Lacy laughed as Brandon strangled Jayson. She could tell he was excited, just like the rest of them. Well, all of them, except Molly. She really didn't seem too eager to go. Jayson had picked up on this too, and he confronted her about it. Lacy watched as he ran his fingers through her hair, almost jealously. She knew Jayson was a bit of a flirt. It was just too bad that he wasn't a little more of a flirt towards her. Ignoring that thought, she turned to Molly, waiting for her response. That is, until Jayson said they would be swimming to the island. Confused, she turned her attention to him.

"Woah, woah, woah. Wait a second. We're swimming there?"

Lacy didn't mind swimming, at all. Actually, she enjoyed it. Especially in lakes and oceans. But, swimming seemed extremely illogical, in this situation.

"How long are we planning on staying on the island? Just for the day? If so, how are Molly and I supposed to get our cameras across the water?" She glanced at Molly, hoping for support. "I'm sure there are going to be some beautiful shots there, and there's no way I want to miss out on that. And, if we are staying for more than a day, how are we supposed to get gear across the water? Soak it?" She paused for a moment, to take a breath. "I'm sure sleeping bags will be extremely warm, when they're wet." She added, sarcastically.

She looked at Jayson, waiting for an answer. Even if they couldn't take a motored boat, a row boat would be more than sufficient.

Jayson turned and looked at Lacy "ok heres the plan.. so everyone listen up i'm only saying it once!" he yelled "we will take a speed boat to phi phi island.. when we get there we have to possibly buy a paddle boat? we have to put are money together.. when we get to the beach money won't matter anyway, so basically we will paddle from phi phi island to the beach" he whispered. Jayson stood up from his chair he grabbed Lacy's hand pulling her up from her seat too "we should go straight away.. so we will get are stuff back at the hostel.. meet me outside the hostel in twenty minutes!" he said while grabbing his backpack and heading outside the cafe door "see you guys then!".

Brandon watched Jayson with appreciation as he walked out of the cafe, Brandon's eyes filled with excitement "Do you guys want to go to the hostel straight away to back?" he questioned. Brandon then drew his attention to Lacy "I was thinking about getting a tattoo so i would remember my time in Thailand.. have you got any design ideas" he asked politely. Brandon stopped the waiter and handed him money to cover what had been bought, Brandon then sat next to both Molly and Lacey "Do you two want me to walk you back to the hostel?" he muttered while playing with a sugar bowl that was on the table, "Jayson's such a flirt.." he muttered to himself.

Molly rolled her eyes as Jayson toyed with her hair and brushed his hand away. Her and Jayson had been friends for a while now and she knew just as much as anyone how flirty he could be. She had been resisting his flirty temptations for a while now and it was almost something of a game between them. "I'm fine, really.", she attempted to convince him playfully showing a fake, toothy smile.

Focusing her attention on Lacy and her concerns, she realized she was raising some valid points. Molly was already giving solutions to herself in her mind. She already had waterproof bags for her equipment back in her hotel. She could swim, if it was an absolute must, but then she thought kayaking would be much more fun and sufficient for their little off shore excursion. She noted to mention this to Jayson later in the day.

Now paying attention to Jayson's announcement, she listened with all ears. Jayson knew Molly was loaded but he was so great at never being the friend to take advantage of that. A small smile spread across her lips, her friends would not have to worry about finances on this adventure. Hearing Jayson's instructions to meet back up in 20 minutes, she glanced down at her watch after giving him a wave. Not much time. Replying to Brandon, "Actually, I have some things to take care of and we better hurry. Wouldn't want to keep Jayson waiting.", she teased with a wink. She downed her tea and hopped up out of the chair smiling at Brandon's 'oh so obvious' flirting with Lacy. Tossing a few bauts down for a tip, she said to her friends, "I'll catch up with you two in a bit." She grabbed her bag, lowered her glasses and left the cafe.

Once out in the open she found an ATM and slid in her card. She smiled as she converted an obscene amount of U.S. dollars into the Thailand currency. Stuffing it into her wallet, she retrieved her card and headed back to the hotel. Once there, she approached the clerk at the desk making arrangements to continue her stay in the room offering her credit card number for them to charge. She also arranged for a cab to be out front in about 20 minutes to take her friends to the port. Back up in her room, she placed all her valuables, including her laptop and most of her camera equipment inside the safe and changed the code. She grabbed a back pack and threw in some necessities; a few garments, an airtight baggie for the camera, she also packed one for Lacy. She added some toiletries and anything else she could think of. She glanced around the room trying to think of anything else she may have forgotten. The room was in order and she concluded that if anything else was needed, it would be purchased at the port.

Her watch told her it was time to go out front and meet Jayson and the others. Throwing her back pack over one shoulder and her bag/purse over the other with her camera was around her neck, Molly headed out of the room, locking it behind her and dropped the key into her bag. Arriving out front she discovered her friends had yet to arrive. She sit down on the edge of brick wall and waited, passing the time with a few pictures. She debated on calling her father, but decided against it.

Jayson raced back to the hostel from there he went straight to the hostel clerk so he could pay him to use the computer, Jayson handed him $3 slightly cautious he wouldn't take American dollars. The clerk drew his attention back to Jayson and nodded his head while handing him a code so he could log into the computer. Jayson sighed in relief "Khop Khun Mak" he muttered, Jayson quickly logged into the computer to send an e-mail to his mother Étienne:

Chère Étienne ma mère,
Je ne viendrai pas à la maison cette semaine parce que j'ai obtenu un travail ici. Tout va bien satisfont ne s'inquiètent pas de moi. J'espère que tout entre bien à Paris et va comment le sentiment de papa ? je ne peux pas vous attendre pour répondre.

Amour de, Jacques.x

Jayson quickly logged out after sending the message and he quickly jumped to his feet and rushed to his room, Jayson's cloths were already backed and his other necessity's were in a locker at the bus station. Jayson was slightly frustrated that the maid still hadn't cleaned his room but he couldn't let anything distract him, Jayson grabbed his bag and headed straight out the door. Jayson made his way down the hall noticing the maid she was acting rather strange moping the walls Jayson just ignored her and walked passed as if no one was their. Jayson walked outside and noticed Molly "Molly!" he yelled, he ran towards her and sat next to her on the brick wall.

Relieved that Jayson had come to his senses, Lacy relaxed a little bit, smiling again. She felt the excitement returning, replacing the small amount of worry that she had possessed a moment ago.

"Oh!" Lacy muttered, as Jayson pulled her up out of her chair. She wasn't expecting it, and stumbled slightly, bumping into the table. Recollecting herself, she listened to what he had to say, and laughed as he ran out of the Cafe so quickly. Lacy waved after him, knowing he didn't see it. She leaned down to pick up her camera and bag, glancing up at Brandon as he spoke.

She smiled. "Actually, I haven't gotten anything down yet, but I can sketch something out later. I was thinking of getting something, myself, actually. Just another piece of art to add to my collection." She said, laughing lightly. "Are you looking for a picture, or a word?" She added, as her stomach grumbled. She remembered that she hadn't eaten anything yet, and knew she wouldn't have time for the breakfast she wanted. She figured the hostel might have bagels or some other sort of quick breakfast food, sitting out. Or at least, she hoped.

It was nice of Brandon to offer to walk her back to the hostel, but they didn't have much time. She declined, and gave him a quick hug goodbye.

"I'll see you in twenty minutes, alright? Outside the hostel. Make sure you have everything you need!" She smiled, and left. Outside the cafe, Bangkok's streets were packed; Even more so than they were before. She knew that they would only get busier, later on in the day. It was a good thing they were getting ready so early.

Making her way through all of the people, she reached the hostel within three or four minutes. Lacy quickly ran up the stairs, careful not to bump her camera on the metal railing on the way up. She pulled her key out of her pocket, and opened the door, entering her room. Surprisingly, it was still almost as clean as when she had first checked in. She hadn't really been in her room much, other than to sleep, which would explain why the bed was the only thing that looked touched. It was still a mess; She had neglected to make it when she left that morning, to meet her friends at the cafe. Her suitcase was at the foot of the bed, still open, clothes strewn messily within. She tossed her backpack and camera on the bed, and began digging through the assortment, looking for what she needed.

Not knowing how long they were going to stay, Lacy decided to stuff four shirts, three pairs of jean shorts, clean underwear, and a pair of pajama pants into her backpack. It hardly fit, and she had to take a few things out to make room. She ran into the bathroom, grabbing her toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, makeup, and deodorant, and headed back into the main room. After a moment of struggling, she had managed to make the items fit into her already-full backpack. She retrieved her camera bag from underneath the bed, and gently placed her camera inside. Lacy quickly checked to see how much film she had left, and smiled, reassured that she had more than enough for their little adventure. Remembering the request Brandon had made earlier, she searched her suitcase for her sketch book, figuring she might have some free time after they reached the island to make a few sketches for him. After finding it and a pencil, she unzipped her backpack, and attempted to make the two items fit as well. It wasn't working out so well, so she decided to leave the top unzipped slightly, hoping nothing would fall out. Checking the time, she slung her backpack over her shoulder, loosening the strap now that it was much fuller. Making one last mental check, she grabbed an extra pair of shoes and socks, her sweatshirt, and headed out the door, locking it behind her.

She hustled down the hall and proceeded to the stairs, her shoes making a sound against the metal. Lacy smiled at the hostel clerk, giving him a light nod as she opened the door. Outside, she found Jayson and Molly waiting, and joined them.

"Sorry if I'm late." She grinned, and set her bag down on the ground. She reached into her camera bag, and pulled out the camera she had just put away. Lacy quickly snapped a shot of the two standing there, planning to create sort of a scrapbook or journal, when she got home. Lacy was already looking forward to their adventure, hoping it would be well worth the hassle.

Brandon wasn't in any sort of a rush partly because he was meant to be leaving Bangkok tomorrow morning but now theres change in plans. Brandon just nodded at Lacy as she mentioned about the tattoo knowing she was in some sort of a rush, of course he accepted her hug and watched her as she left the cafe. Brandon stopped the waiter and asked him could he take an order out obviously the waiter accepted and asked him what would he like to order for take out, Brandon ordered two coffee's and a freshly baked croissant. Brandon threw his bag over his shoulders not like it was heavy or anything its just Brandon didn't back much since he was only staying in Thailand for a short time, Brandon drank his coffee quite quickly at the cafe as soon as he had finished he grabbed the other coffee and croissant and left the cafe in a rush.

Brandon knew the streets of Bangkok were famous for how busy it got, Brandon rushed threw the crowds almost praying he wouldn't drop something he knew well his clumsiness always landed him into trouble.

Brandon showed up outside the hostel after running threw many crowds, Brandon handed Lacy the croissant and coffee "you put me threw so much on my way here.. it's why i'm last" he muttered still exhausted from rushing threw the crowds. Brandon sat on the wall next to Lacy "your drinking that coffee even if its cold" he whispered to her.

Molly greeted Jayson with a smile, "And just how did i beet you here?", she teased as he hopped up beside her. She glanced down at her watch, "I had the hostel call a cab for us, if that's ok... I just thought it might be the quickest way to get to the port, but it's up to you Darlin'. Wanted to be safe than sorry.", she smiled.

"You're not late. I think we're just early", she replied as Lacy approached them. She spied Lacy taking out her camer and Molly gave a beauty queen worthy smile that was a little over the top for a pose as Lacy snapped the shot, laughing as soon as the picture took. "I was just telling Jay that I called for a cab, if ya'll would rather ride than walk. Thought it would be nice sence we'll be doin' all that swimmin' later.", she nudged Jason playfully teasing him about his earlier statement.

Spotting Brandon then, Molly raised an eyebrow in amusment as he juggled the contents of his hands and smiled as he handed them off to Lacy. It was just then that the cab pulled up in front of them. "So what do you guys wanna do?"

Jayson stared at Molly blankly "you didn't have to do that Molly, we could of walked to the port?" he questioned "thanks Molly" he said polity. Jayson drew his attention to both Lacy and Brandon "oh.. de La sont vous deux dans l'amour ?" he muttered to himself and suddenly toke into the fits of laughter. When the cab showed up Jayson threw his bag over his shoulder and looked at Molly "we are going to the port, Molly" he replied.