The Islandress

2: The Call

By the time he got home, it was already half past three. Thank God he didn’t drink too much because he’s pretty sure he would have just left his friends at the bar to fend for themselves. He would definitely feel guilty about it when he’s finally sober the next morning, but he isn’t at all sorry that that was what he ended up doing.

Knowing how stupid him and friends are when they’re drunk, he’s positive that it would have been a disaster if he stayed, not to mention that they would only make their circumstance worse by acting in such an embarrassing manner.

Another reason why he’s grateful he didn’t drink all that much tonight was because of the fact that Evan and Colin decided it was a great idea to crash at his apartment. They were both stubborn as hell when they’re drunk so Theodore had little to no choice but to bring them both back with him. Still though—even if his two idiotic friends hadn’t asked, he would have still brought them back with him.

There’s no way he’s dumping these problematic man-children on other people who have no way of defending themselves from their onslaught.

“Jesus Christ, what the hell do the both of you eat?” Theodore muttered as he carried his friends to the best of his abilities—which mostly consists of him constantly stumbling in his place while one of them slips from his grasp.

How he ever managed to make it through during their college years when they called him to pick them up from some party (a party he refused to attend) they landed themselves, he had no idea.

“Food, duh!” Evan slurred, his hand moving sluggishly when he tried to hit Theodore in the face. Thankfully, his hand didn’t land anywhere near his face. The guy may be drunk, but his hand is still heavy enough to hurt Theodore in a painful way.

Theodore let out a tired sigh, tightening the grip he had on his friend. “Fuck.”

“Stupid Theo.” Colin said, laughing a very drunk laugh before finally passing out and making Theodore lose his grip on him.

“And this is why I say it’s a bad idea to let the two of you be together when you’re out for drinks.” Theodore commented, his eyes slightly glaring at Colin’s sleeping figure. “The both of you always end up drunk off your ass.”

“That’s how you can tell we had a good time.” Evan slurred yet again. “Let me go. I want to sit.”

He was out in a light by the time Theodore finally managed to safely put him on the couch.

Drunk and demanding, Theodore thought. This was exactly just what he needed. Two drunk friends passed out in his living room (that he would undoubtedly have to take care when he wakes up in approximately two hours), and an early shift at the hospital. 

“What a great life I have.” He said sarcastically. “How they managed to get home alright every time they go out for drinks, I’ll never know.”

With those words uttered, he let out another sigh as he stared at the duo laying on the floor, before he went to the spare bedroom to get some blankets that he could cover his sleeping friends. 

It took him some time to find it as it was located on the very inside of the closet, not to mention that he kind of already forgot how he placed things since this spare room isn’t really used all that much.

Well, Evan and Colin do use it when they have a spontaneous sleepover, but this room is always left untouched when they’re in such a state.

He sighed as he stared intently on the current mess. “What was I thinking when I arranged it this way?”

As he continued putting the things back into the closet, he couldn’t help but think yet again about his decision to finally go on a vacation. Was it really worth the time? The effort? The money? Sure, it’s still all for him but did he make the right call?

He knows that a vacation is probably long overdue, along with how he should also be able to relax and enjoy some time to himself, yet there’s still some part of him that’s questioning his decision. It was ridiculous. He deserves this, doesn’t he? This is going to be his first time taking a break after so long, so that should be more than enough reason, right? 

So why in the world is he even having second thoughts about this whole thing?

It’s only reasonable that he has this time for himself, after all. It’s only a matter of time before he breaks down from all the stress and that won’t be a pretty sight when it comes to that point. No matter how hard his friends might try to bring him out of that state, he has a feeling it won’t be that easy.

Before he could wallow in his thoughts even more, he finally finished putting everything back and eventually made his way back to his friends, who are soundly asleep, with two blankets currently in his grasp.

He put a blanket over Colin first and then over Evan before he settled down on the seat opposite of the couch. 

While he didn’t mind much about the after-care he has to do after a drinking session with his two friends, he still couldn’t deny the fact that it takes a lot more effort on his part to actually make sure that he gets to do what he meant to do. Taking care of two grown men isn’t an easy job, after all.

“That certainly took everything in me.” He commented, looking at Evan and Colin with the slightest mirth.

As he did so, he was reminded of all the good times they had together. They were mostly stupid situations but he knew that he wouldn’t trade those moments for the world. Even if he stated it sarcastically earlier, he really did mean it when he said what a great life he has.

Just when he was starting to fall asleep, the ring that came from his phone, jolted him awake. Groaning when he saw who it was, he straightened himself before answering the call. “Hello?”

“Oh, hi honey. How are you?”

“I’m fine, mom. You?” Theodore swore it was moments like these that his mom lived for.

“I am not alright at all. It’s been too long since you’ve given your mother a visit.” Karen Landon said. At this point, he didn’t really need to see her in person to know that a pout is already etched on those lips of hers. “Seriously Theo, do you even think about your mother?”

He tried his very best to suppress a groan to come out of his mouth. He couldn’t even count anymore the number of times he’s heard that from her. “Of course I do. You know how busy I am, don’t you?”

“Ah yes, endless shifts and no sleep.” She replied. “Why did I even agree to let you study medicine?”

“Because you thought it was a great idea too.” Theodore rubbed his temples, starting to feel a headache coming up. 

There’s just no way he would be able to come out of this conversation unscathed. Not only is he already tired from his drinking session with his friends, his mother is adding to that list as well. He needed a break, and this certainly isn’t it.

“I did.” His mother affirmed. “But only because you seem so happy.”

“And I am.” He replied. “What made you call, mom?”

Karen let out a dramatic sigh, something that Theodore is already used to hearing. “Can’t a mother just want to talk and call her child?”

“She can but we both know you’re not like that.” Theodore said. In front of him, he saw Evan shift in his place before finally crashing on the empty space beside him. He just narrowly missed where Colin was, and Theodore honestly didn’t know whether he preferred seeing his friend land ungraciously on top of Colin or the result he saw now. Going with the latter definitely seemed like the better option since it would avoid unnecessary arguments. Still, it took everything in Theodore not to laugh at what he just had seen. “Come on mom, why are you calling so late? Do you even know what time it is?”

Hearing his mother’s laughter brought him back to the conversation he’s having at three in the morning. “Always so blunt. Wait, let me check. Oh my, it’s three in the morning there.”

That took Theodore by surprise. “You’re not in the city?”

“Heavens no.” Karen laughed. “Your father and I are currently here in Tokyo. We thought about inviting you but we’re pretty sure you would have said no anyway.”

Despite knowing how true his mother’s words are, he still said, “Could have still been nice if you had asked. You never know, I might have actually said yes.”

“Come on, darling. We both know that’s a lie.” She told him in a sing-song voice that only proved to irritate him more than he thought it would. Theodore could already picture her out, sitting in a chair, smirking as she continued to pester her only child.

“Alright fine. I would have said no.” He replied with a roll of her eyes. “But I’m actually going on vacation, you know.”

“That’s great news! Where are you going?”

“Just a cruise. Evan and Colin thought it would be nice if we went.” 

Karen chuckled. “No wonder. Only the two of them could have persuaded you to do that. If you said you decided that on your own, I would have never believed you.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously. When are you leaving?”

“Next week, I think.” He vaguely remembered Colin telling him at his office that they would be leaving in a week. He’s just not sure if he heard it right.

“Well you should definitely get ready for it. I’m so excited! Your first vacation since forever!”

“No need to exaggerate mom. It definitely wasn’t that long.”

“No, I’m pretty sure it was that long.” Theodore let out a defeated sigh. “This is great! Oh honey, what if you finally get a girlfriend during the trip? That would be so exciting!”

Aside from nagging him about how much he never takes a break, another thing he keeps hearing from his mother is how he still hasn't introduced them to a woman—his woman. Sure, there were one or two during college, but it never really lasted. They would always complain about how he never had any time for them. 

For him, they should have really expected that especially since they knew how busy he was, and relationships just weren't really on the top of his priority list. It was nice, sure, but it was never enough to deter him from his studies. It was hard enough to deal with all the overtly demanding school works and reports, and study group discussions and exams, adding a girlfriend to that list just isn’t all that appealing to him.

Even now, when he’s already a licensed physician, his time is still eaten away by the same things that consumed all of his time in college—albeit with all those things just being put to work now. He wouldn’t be able to dedicate any time for a relationship, and he’s pretty sure that his girlfriend-to-be is just going to complain again about how he never has any time for her—just like in college.

And that’s why he doesn’t want any girlfriend.

“That’s hardly going to happen.” He said, his voice firm. “Come on mom, we both know that’s not happening.”

He could already see his mother pouting. “Theo, you’re not going to be young forever. Don’t you want children?”

“Ah, there it is.” Theodore stated blandly.

“Well what do you expect? I’m turning old, darling. I would very much like to see my grandchildren before I pass away.” Karen replied.

“Grandchildren? As in plural?”

“Yes, dear. Are you even listening, child?”

“Mom…” Theodore started, exasperation lacing in each word he uttered. “As much as I would like to give you what you desire, I don’t really see it happening any time soon.”

“One can hope, can’t they?” She countered. “Besides, it’s too soon to tell. You never know, you could be meeting your wife-to-be during that trip.”

Theodore almost choked on his own saliva. “How did a girlfriend turn to a wife in an instant?”

Karen sighed. “You men and your fear of commitment.”

“It’s not like that. We just like to be thorough.” 

“Sure, whatever you say.”

“Now mom, we’ve strayed pretty far away from our main topic. What’s this call about?” Theodore asked, wanting so desperately to finally end the call with his mother so he could go to bed and sleep.

Karen was silent for a while. That was when Theodore knew that whatever his mother is going to say, he’s not going to like it. 

“Mom?” He called.

She let out a chuckle, which he could tell was laced with a bit of nervousness. “Now, don’t get mad, alright?”

Hearing that didn’t help appease Theodore’s growing anxiety any bit. If anything, it only managed to somehow heighten it. As he narrowed his eyes into the dark room, he couldn’t help the slight accusation that laced in his words when he asked, “What did you do this time, mom?”

Karen let out a laugh that was a bit off, even for her. “Oh it’s nothing too major, honey.”

“Really?” Theodore retaliated almost immediately. “Because it sure doesn’t seem that way.”

“That’s just your mind playing tricks on you, darling.” Karen hummed a happy tune, something that he’s sure isn’t quite something he wants to hear at three in the morning—not when his mother is most likely planning yet another something that he wouldn’t like. 

He scoffed as he massaged his temples, definitely feeling a headache coming up. “Very unlikely. But you’ll still find a way to make me think that anyway.”

“I’m not that bad, Theo.” Karen chuckled. “Why must you treat your mother like this?”

“Because we both know that you aren’t that innocent, mother.” He released a sigh, his eyes gravitating towards his friends once again, who were enjoying the deep slumber they’re currently in. “Now, don’t you think it’s about time you tell me what you did? Again?” 

At that, Karen couldn’t help but let out a nervous chuckle in the same way she did moments ago. “Trust me honey, it’s not all that bad. I just kind of set you up on a date. Nothing too major.”

It took Theodore a moment to process his mother’s words. By the time he did, all he could say was, “What?”

With a sigh that almost told Theodore that she’s disappointed in him, she told his son, “Do you ever listen to a thing I say, darling?”

“I heard you clearly the first time.” Theodore responded, feeling kind of put out that his mother went behind his back and set him up with yet another woman that he has no interest in. 

“Then what was with that surprised reaction?” Karen queried before she let out yet another sigh. “Anyhow, she’s great! I’m sure you’ll like her.” 

“Mom, I appreciate the concern, but I’m capable of finding a woman on my own.” The irritation he felt started to creep up further on him, and it definitely isn’t a great feeling at all. It’s too early (or too late, rather) for him to feel this certain emotion.

“Well you’re not doing a very good job of it, are you?” Karen retaliated.

Theodore rested his cheek against his palm and released a sigh. “That’s because that’s not my priority right now.”

“And I understand that.” She told him. “But what’s the harm with seeing someone who could have the potential to make you happy?”

“I’m perfectly happy even if I don’t have a girlfriend.” Came his instantaneous reply. “Seriously mother—you don’t have to try that hard to get me a woman. I can get one on my own time.”

“If I left it to you, that moment would never come.” Karen replied. “And don’t you try to deny it as well, Theodore Landon, because we both know that’s true.”

Another sigh escaped Theodore’s lips as he thought about what a pain it is to have to deal with that sort of thing nearly everyday of his life. He might love his mother to death, but he just absolutely hates it when she starts going off like that. “Because like I said, relationships are the furthest thing that’s on my mind.”

“Honey, I know you enjoy what you’re doing, but you also need to think about your future.” Theodore closed his eyes as he heard the tone of voice that Karen used. “Do you want to be all alone?”

“Better that than being in a relationship with someone whom I can’t even dedicate my time to. I’ve heard that complaint more times than I can count and I would lose my mind if I get to hear that one more time.”

“Oh please.” Karen scoffed. “The last time you heard that was in college. And it was even still during your  undergraduate years. You can’t play that card with me, young man, or have you forgotten that you share nearly everything to your dear mother?”

It’s really at times like these where he can’t help but feel like his mother is fighting him with all the bullets he was supposed to have in his grasp. He’s aware that he put those bullets in his mother’s hands, but did she really have to rub it on his face or pit it against him?

Seriously, he should have thought things through before he decided that it was a good idea to update his mother about nearly everything. Of course, he did that so that he would at least be able to stay sane as he groveled over in all the school works he had to do, but he could have really done something else that didn’t involve things that his mother would be able to hold against him.

The level of disappointment he’s putting himself now is just way over the top.

“And now I’m starting to regret it.” Theodore deadpanned. “By how things are going, I would end up taking out all of your friends’ daughters at least once.”

“And is that such a bad thing?”

“Yes!” He exclaimed loudly. When he saw his friends stir in their sleep, he cleared his throat and tried to soften his voice as he said, “I mean, yes--it would.”

“Really? How so?”

Theodore breathed in deeply, trying his best to calm down his nerves. Releasing it slowly, he told her, “Because it would be awkward whenever we get to see each other again.”

“Nonsense. Like I said earlier, you’re only imagining things, darling.” He could see her waving him off, paying no regard to the things that just came out of his mouth--which is probably the wisest thing she could do at the moment. They both know anyway that he doesn’t really mean what he said. “Now, you better show up or so help me, I will be the one to personally drag you to the restaurant.” 

“Do I really have no say in this?” Theodore asked, incredulity lacing in every word that came out of his mouth.

“No.” Came his mother’s immediate reply. “But did you ever, really?”

Theodore sighed. He really hates how he always ends up losing when it comes to her, but there’s just really no helping that, is there? “Fine, whatever. But if you’re going to set me up with someone, at least tell me about her.”

“Oh that’s no problem!” Karen said giddily. “Alright, so her name’s Alison. She’s a fashion designer.”

“Okay, and…?”

“And nothing.”

“What?” His eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. He leaned back on his seat, feeling another wave of fatigue roll over him as he asked, “Is that all?”

Karen chuckled. “That’s all I’ll tell you. It would be better if you’re the one who got to know her.”

“That’s what you always say.” He muttered. “How did you even know her?”

“She’s the daughter of a friend of mine. That’s why, be good, okay?” 

“Ah no wonder. Guess I shouldn’t have just asked then.” He replied. “See? I was right when I said that I would eventually end up taking out all of your friends’ daughters out on a date.” 

Another chuckle escaped her lips. “You’ve always been a drama queen darling, but this is just too much.”

“I’m not--Okay, you know what? I’m not even going to argue anymore.” He huffed. “I’ll only end up losing again either way.”

“And what a great conclusion you’ve come up with.” He could see her grinning triumphantly and somehow, that sight really irritated him. “Remember to be good, okay?

“Alright, I’ll try my best. Just text me the date, time and location, okay?” Theodore sighed, still hating the fact that he just lost--again. “I really have to go, mom. I have to do an early rounds later, and I don’t think I would be able to snatch a few hours of sleep if we continue this conversation..”

“Alright, honey. Thank you for agreeing to this.” She said.

“It’s not like I had much of a choice, but okay.” Theodore released yet another sigh. “Good night, mom.”

Karen chuckled. “Good night, darling.”

As soon as their call ended, all Theodore wanted to do was crawl on his bed and let sleep take over. He’s way too sleepy to worry about the conversation he just had. He’ll worry about it later, when he’s in the right state of mind, and not when he’s partially drunk.

Theodore looked at his friends one last time to make sure that they’re alright before going to his room and taking in a huge breath when he saw the very lovely bed he will soon be occupying.

“My forever love. I will never leave you.” He said, eyes directly staring at his bed.

Too exhausted to change his clothes, Theodore merely removed his shoes and immediately crawled in his bed, bringing the duvet extremely close to him.

“Now this is a girlfriend.” He muttered before finally letting sleep take over his body.