The Islandress

14: The Talks

By the time the trio came back from their short-lived adventure/planning, Theodore was immediately able to tell that neither Arabella nor his friends were too pleased to be left alone together—even though it had only been a couple of minutes.

Thinking about it, if he was the one who had to be left with her, he wouldn’t have been all that pleased as well. With the way she is, there’s just no way he would ever be able to stay still, when he knows that the woman keeping them here is just within his reach—even enough for him to be able to strangle her until she’s unable to breathe. Of course, he would never dare go through with that passing thought of his, but he just can’t help thinking about it sometimes.

Quite uncharacteristic of him, but he’s not really in his right state of mind as of the moment. He’s well aware that it’s not a valid reason for him to act as such, as well as harbor violent thoughts, so there’s really not much argument he could provide for his less than satisfactory behavior.

However, if he were to pin the blame on someone, he would most definitely pin it on the woman he currently despises the most.

“Took you long enough.” Arabella let out an exaggerated sigh, which was accompanied by an eye roll. “These two are boring companies.”

“Not really a surprise since they would rather be somewhere else than be here with you.” Came Theodore’s immediate reply, ignoring the way his friends gave him a wary stare, as well as how Colin’s eyes silently told him to shut up.

Truth be told, he hardly cares about how this whole thing would play out, but now that he thought about it, Colin’s plan actually made sense. He just despises the fact that he had to have the crucial role of all.

“Same goes for you, right?” Arabella crossed her arms as she set her sharp gaze on the equally hostile Theodore. “Well too bad since you’re all stuck with me for the meantime.”

“Fun.” He’s pretty sure that sarcastic remark wasn't left unnoticed by her. If only Colin hadn’t kept looking at him with that intense gaze, he would have already provoked her more. It’s just too troublesome to deal with his friend’s rants later on, so he would rather avoid confrontation as much as possible.

“Ain’t it?”

With that sarcastic remark successfully thrown in retaliation to Theodore’s comment, Arabella turned around and sassily flipped her hair over her shoulders to somehow get the effect that she couldn’t care less about what they thought of her. As the former noticed how she was currently doing her absolute best in making sure that he and his friends get the coldest reaction from her, a simple roll of the eyes was something that he couldn’t help doing.

From his right side, he felt a presence near him and a voice whispering close to his ear, “Can’t we just run away like we originally planned?”

Is this guy seriously kidding him? Theodore already expected that he would be left alone with the choice he decided to make during their conversation earlier--not to mention that he more or less predicted that his friends would enjoy letting him play bait (since they’re just mean like that)—but what’s with this sudden change of opinion? He really doesn’t mind since that’s one more person on his side, but with how things went earlier, he’s starting to think that he might as well go through with the plan Colin had so deviously concocted.

Facing him, he raised an eyebrow at Jake and whispered back, “I thought you were all for deceiving the s**t out of that horrendous woman?”

“Well, you’re not wrong, but maybe we could tackle this whole thing from a different perspective?” Jake answered, his facial expression showing how he feels almost shy to bring this up now.

Hearing that, Colin turned his attention to the sheepish-looking Jake and raised an eyebrow. “And why is that?”

“Do you even have to ask?” Jake responded, giving Colin a look that was obviously saying how he should be able to get it by now. “It’s insanely apparent.”

Theodore jumped a little in his place when he felt another presence beside him, and a voice saying, “What’s insanely apparent?”

The three friends’ attention was instantly drawn to Evan, who is looking at them with a curious glint in his eyes. The said guy gave them a grin, albeit it was clear to Theodore that he was confused as to what he was grinning about. “Why are we whispering?”

“Other than the reason for preventing Miss Generous from hearing whatever they’re talking about, what else do you think it is?” Natalie chorused, making all of the attention Evan got, transfer to her.

“Probably something stupid.” Theodore brushed off the glare he received from the subject of their talk. “You know how he is.”

Silent chuckles occupied Theodore’s ears as Evan replied, “Gee, thanks. It makes me feel so special to know how much you know and care about me.”

The amused smirk that appeared on his lips was something that Theodore really couldn’t help but let show. It was already challenging enough to hide all of this from Arabella, but it was even harder to do so in front of his friends, who are more than willing to play along with whatever he says.

He patted Evan’s back lightly. “No problem pal. Glad to be of help.”

Said guy rolled his eyes, but did nothing to pull away from his friend’s teasing and mocking touch. “So what were you three lovebirds talking about?”

It was clear to Theodore that not only him, but Colin and Jake as well, ignored the way Evan chose to address them. He figured it was just more efficient that way, what with how it would definitely result in yet another verbal spar--more with Colin and Evan, than with him and Jake.

“How Jake wanted to go through with what we initially planned.” Colin replied, his eyes lingering on Jake for a moment to try and figure out why his top supporter decidedly tried to back out now.

When Evan opened his mouth to say his input about the matter, Theodore wanted nothing more than to smack the guy on the head. “There was an initial plan?”

All eyes turned to him in that instant, looks of disbelief sent his way. “Do you ever listen?” Natalie questioned, the look she gave Evan never wavering. Just as the said guy was about to open his mouth to say his reply, she quickly stopped him. “Actually, never mind. It would be idiotic to ask you that when we all already know the answer.”

“Okay, now I’m really offended.” Evan frowned.

At this point, Theodore was actively aware that everyone merrily decided to merely ignore their sulking friend--not that he (or the rest of his friends) planned to give out any more replies to his friend’s statement.

Natalie cleared her throat before looking at Colin with a questioning gaze. “You were saying?”

“Well, to put it simply,” Colin started, his gaze briefly landing on Evan, before he returned it to Natalie. “Jake wanted us to just ditch the b***h and go on a lifeboat ride until god knows when.”

“Ditching the b***h does sound appealing, but come on--we wouldn’t be able to survive that long if we just up and go without any plans in mind.” She crossed her arms as she had a thoughtful look on her face.

“Right?” Colin sighed. He turned to look at Jake once again. “Why the sudden change of mind?”

The latter released a sigh of his own before saying, “I just really don’t find being an accessory to a crime pleasing.”

Jake didn’t really need to say much after that. After all, it didn’t even take a second for Theodore to understand the meaning behind his friend’s words, not to mention that the way they all stared at him was a dead giveaway.

“Why are you all looking at me?” Theodore huffed. “I’m not actually going to act on the sinister plans plaguing my mind.”

“Excuse me, what?” Natalie blinked her eyes at him in surprise. “You actually have plans? As in plural?”

Theodore shrugged noncommittally, only now realizing how much of a trouble it is to say those things out loud. He would have been able to keep things a bit peaceful if he just shut his mouth. “Better to be safe than sorry.”

“That’s what you consider safe?” Natalie sighed. “Shouldn’t it be how you shouldn’t commit a crime?”

“You’d be surprised by how Theo’s mind actually works.” Colin smirked.

“The guy’s more criminal than Colin.” Evan chorused.

As much as Theodore was slightly flattered by their words, he was still highly disturbed by how his friends easily see him as a criminal mastermind--not that he minded. Well, he did mind a bit, but it’s just how it is.

“Should I be scared of you now?” Jake asked.

“Not really. He’s not that psychotic when it comes to his friends.” Colin replied in a nonchalant manner, ignoring the way Jake and Natalie looked at him with doubt, and the way Theodore was glaring into the side of his head, enough to make a hole through it.

“Is that supposed to make us feel better or something?”

The guy in question shrugged before he regarded Natalie with a mischievous glint in his eye that Theodore couldn’t help but roll his eyes at. “Up to you.”

Finally couldn’t take any more of his friend’s teasing, Theodore took it upon himself to smack his friend at the back of his head, pointedly ignoring the immediate glare that Colin sent his way. “Stop painting me as someone dangerous. I could hardly hurt a fly, let alone a human.”

Evan scoffed. “Debatable, but okay.”

Jake chuckled slightly. “Alright, I think we’re getting way sidetracked here. The plan? Remember?”

At that moment, the teasing and light atmosphere that shrouded them dissipated in an instant. Theodore couldn’t help the dread that settled in his gut as he slowly pictured out what it would be like to spend the next few months (or years) with an unbearable woman, as well as the possibility of them just floating about at sea.

Neither plan seems to appeal to him. Honestly, he would rather not go through with any of it, but at this point, they hardly have any choice at all.

As a result, he let out a sigh before saying, “That’s not a problem, but if you have another plan that could possibly work aside from what Colin suggested, then I’m all ears.”

An almost awkward chuckle escaped Jake’s lips as he scratched the back of his head, his face sporting a look that Theodore could only describe as something akin to embarrassment. “Well, not at the moment but—“

“Then we’ll go through with what we initially agreed on.” came Theodore’s immediate reply. “Problem solved.”

“Well?” At the sound of Arabella’s voice, Theodore and his friends looked at her with a questioning look plastered all over their faces. Seeing that, the woman responded with yet another eye roll. “Aren’t you coming? Or do you prefer standing here under the heat of the sun?”

For a brief moment, Theodore silently wished that her eye would be permanently stuck where it rolled. However, he was quick to dismiss the thought the second he was reminded of how vile this woman is, and how easy of a punishment it would be to merely let her eyes be, well, not the way they were—simply speaking.

Theodore felt Jake move closer to him (more than he already is) before he heard him whisper in his ear, “Last chance to just ditch and float about.”

How has this guy not given up yet? Honestly, with the amount of time Jake tried to convince him that they had a better chance of survival (as well as a low chance of becoming criminals), Theodore is almost convinced that the guy really felt like it would all end (badly) because of him.

Well, it’s certainly a possibility, but it’s not like Theodore would do anything that would sabotage their plan—well, not that badly, at least.

Theodore released a sigh as he pushed Jake aside, briefly leaving the latter surprised about his friend’s sudden action. “Shut up, man.”

Jake held up his hands in surrender. “Just making sure.”

“Seriously, are the lot of you going to just keep on standing there and burn under the sun? Because if you are, be my guest.” Arabella crossed her arms as she looked at them with mild irritation. “I have no problem with that, by the way.”

The friends shared a look, each of them obviously agreeing it’s probably better to just go with her like they planned. Theodore took the honor of replying to Arabella for the whole group. “Fine, whatever.”

The woman in question raised her eyebrow slightly, a small smirk appearing on her lips. A few seconds lasted before she finally said, “Alright, follow me.”

— • — • —

Setting foot inside the house that undermined a number of things made Theodore feel oddly unsettled. It shouldn’t bother him that much, but it’s really hard for him not to when this is practically where everything started—all the arguing and bitching, that is.

As Theodore and his friends stood awkwardly inside Arabella’s living room, the woman in question definitely didn’t make things any easier for them. They were already expecting it, of course, but seriously--she could have at least offered them a seat or something.

With a seemingly permanent smirk plastered on her lips, she took a seat on the couch facing the group directly, crossing her legs and resting her arm on the back of the couch. “Don’t you all look cozy.”

“With such a wonderful host, how could we not be?” came Theodore’s immediate reply, ignoring the way his friends instantly looked at him with exasperation. The sarcastic tone that came with those words weren’t lost on anyone in the room, and the way Arabella narrowed her eyes slightly is a telltale sign made Theodore sure that he got his point across.

Despite him feeling pretty smug about himself for being able to elicit a reaction from the woman, he didn’t do anything that would upset her (or his friends) further. He does enjoy having all his limbs, and by the rate he’s going, he’s pretty sure his friends would have his first before Arabella could even get her hands on him. So instead of another comment that he had as ammunition, he merely settled for a smirk.

It did bother him though that she recovered just as quickly from the comment he made prior. Judging by the amused glint in her eyes, it seemed to tell everyone in the room that she was definitely looking forward to banter-filled days (or weeks) with guests who she equally dislikes.

“It’s a talent you learn to hone.” Arabella kept her eyes on Theodore, who would be willing to look at anyone or anything else other than her. “You should try it sometime.”

“I’ve already got that down, thanks.” He sent her a tight smile. “You’d be surprised by what you know about a person.”

“Indeed.” As she hummed slightly, Theodore could feel his friends’ eyes flitting back and forth between him and Arabella. If he could feel the tension in the air, then there is no reason that his friends couldn’t. “Well, why don’t all of you take a seat first before we have a nice, relaxing conversation.”

Evan couldn’t help the snort that came out of his lips. “Sure it’ll be nice and relaxing.”

Totally unperturbed by the reaction she got, Arabella merely shrugged as she lifted her arm from the back of the seat and settled on crossing it against her arm as she leaned back on the couch. “Nothing is set in stone.”

“Like that’s going to help matters.” Theodore heard Jake mutter as they made their way to the couch that Arabella wasn’t occupying.

As per usual, Arabella merely acted like she heard nothing. She’s quite good at that, judging by the number of things that Theodore witnessed in the past hour or so.

Theodore merely watched as she kept her gaze trained on them, not straying longer than three seconds. If he could figure out just what the hell is going on through that head of hers, it would definitely help things progress along. Sadly, it’s just not possible.

“So, first order of business—let’s treat those nasty wounds and injuries the lot of you have.” Arabella’s lips curled up slightly in disdain. “It’s unsightly.”

“Considering how we’ve been in an accident, that’s quite expected.” Theodore immediately retorted, ignoring the fact that his comment would only bring more ire to him and his friends. The woman was just so…ghastly that he really couldn’t help saying a few things that would piss her off.

He felt Colin nudge him subtly on the arm, the impact sharp enough to elicit a wince from the brunette. Theodore knew that was a silent warning for him to shut up, and yes, he acknowledges that he has been rather temperamental, but his friend really didn’t have to nudge him so sharply. It didn’t take less than a second for the latter to glare at the former, but Colin merely ignored the glare he received from his friend.

“Stop that and just listen to whatever she says. Remember our plan?” Colin hissed beside him without bothering to spare him a glance.

That put Theodore off quite a bit, but he begrudgingly gave his friend a subtle nod and turned his attention back to their oh-so-gracious hostess, who is currently looking at them like they’re dirt on her shoes.

Can he really not give the woman poison?

Kidding.

Maybe.

“So,” Theodore gave the woman a forced smile. “First aid, you say?”

Arabella kept her gaze on them for a moment longer before she rolled her eyes and uncrossed her arms and legs. As she made a move to stand up, she told them, “I hope you at least know how to use first aid. Coming prepared and all that.”

Theodore gritted his teeth as he ignored the obvious jibe the infuriating woman sent their way. “Oh trust me, you don’t have to worry about that at all.”

“Well, good.” She brushed her hair away from her face. “Not some useless savages, at least.”

He could feel a burn inside of him trying to burst forth; it’s really up there in the surface already, and any moment now, he feels like it would erupt out of him like a freaking dam. And so, he readied himself, feeling his shoulders stiffen from the pressure before he opened his mouth to say, “We are—“

Alas, he never got to finish his sentence.

Why?

Because Arabella was already walking away from them and to the nearest cabinet to procure the first aid kit that she mentioned.

Well that, and he received yet another nudge from his friend, of course. This time, however, it wasn’t only Colin’s nudge that he received, but Jake’s as well. Followed closely by a pinch on the arm from a glaring Natalie, and a not-so-subtle bump on the head from a horrified-looking Evan.

How great, his friends are giving him trouble instead.

Okay, not really since he was the one looking for trouble, but still.

“Would it kill you to shut up for once?” He could most definitely hear the frustration laced behind Natalie’s words, and somehow, he felt a slither of guilt snaking its way up his chest.

Damn the only woman in their group.

Theodore knew he would only get hit more by his friends, so he merely settled grumbling under his breath. It didn’t help matters that the moment Arabella made her way back to them, a very smug smirk was plastered on her lips.

It didn’t really take him long to figure out that that smirk was directed at him, and his feelings of dislike for the woman only heightened to an even higher level.

“Chatty, are you?” Theodore glared at her as she put the kit on the table and sat back down on the couch opposite theirs, the smirk on her lips still incredibly visible. “That was to be expected, I guess, since you were rather the only vocal one ever since earlier.”

He could already feel his friends’ glares boring a hole on the side of his head, and he hasn’t even said anything yet. Well, they were already most likely getting ready for whatever move he was going to make (which in this case, was throwing yet another backhanded comment at the woman intent to make their lives a living hell), and he really couldn’t figure out if that made him feel relieved or pissed him off even more.

When Arabella’s comment was only met with silence, the smirk on her face grew wider. “No answer?” She tutted. “Oh well, best keep a vicious dog on a leash lest it attacks yet again.”

He is really going to end up committing…unspeakable things the longer he stays here.

And it’s all because of this damn infuriating woman.