CHAPTER 2 : LUCIEFEE
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"WHAT?" Ben cried as Rey turned to him silently. "What is this joke? We're not going to stay here, it's insane!"
"Apparently so," Rey replied, too dumbfounded to raise her voice. "They wrote ... 'to spend the rest of the night AND the whole day tomorrow in the little cabin.'"
"Wait, let me see," asked the tall man, almost snatching the sheet from her hands.
He reread the text, and the further he read, the more anger rose in him. He ran his hand nervously through his hair. Beside him, Rey held her phone to light up the paper but she didn't move, as if frozen in place.
Ben looked around, waiting for the moment their friends came out of their hiding place, but he could only see that they were indeed gone and the fog was thickening. Flabbergasted, he pulled out his phone and tried to call Armitage but there was no network. Impossible for them to contact anyone! A veil of dark gray clouds gradually covered the moon that had lit them so far and he exploded.
"What the fuck. WHAT THE FUCK! What's wrong with them, are they CRAZY? What the hell is this idea? Has the excess of whisky burned their neurons or what? Seriously?!"
"Listen Ben," Rey replied, coming out of her torpor, "you don't need to be pissed off..."
"DON'T NEED TO BE PISSED OFF? Are you kidding me? I woke up in the middle of the night to be dragged to a ROTTEN island in the middle of nowhere. But no, I'm not going to get upset at all! Thank you very much Rey, that's really helpful!"
"HEY, do I need to remind you that I was sleeping too," Rey retorted sternly. "I am also stuck on this rotten island. And I'd prefer it if you didn't yell at me !"
Ben ran a hand over his face with a breath and moved away from the young woman a bit. It was true that she was trapped just like him. But he felt angry and tired and he wanted to express himself without having to hear the annoying thoughts of his struggling partner. Under Rey's questioning gaze he began to walk in circles aimlessly, muttering his anger.
"Whatever! This is such a shitty idea! At what point did they decide, Hey, I've got a great idea! Let's go wake up Ben and Rey and throw them on this island. This is going to make them happy. What a beneficial experience for them! BENEFICIAL MY ASS!" Ben shouted towards the increasingly dark sky before continuing his monologue. "And then we're going to use a really bad pretext, that way they'll be very worried before they realize that this is all just one big CRAP JOKE! Really, there is no better way to create the perfect atmosphere and have a GREAT HOLIDAY with friends! SHITTY friends! Do they want me to talk? Well, they'll see how I'm going to chat with them as soon as we get out of here! Eh? These pieces of ..."
As Ben was about to run down a list of all the insults he knew to call his friends, he heard a laugh. He turned suddenly and saw Rey who was trying to hide her mouth but whose shining eyes betrayed amusement. She laughed again.
"Wait, are you laughing?" Ben asked, stopping dead in his tracks. "Are you enjoying this situation?"
"Not really," answered the young woman, completely disheveled, "but you on the other hand, you are very funny!"
"Funny?" the tall man said, bewildered as Rey laughed again. "I don't see what's funny. We're stuck on a tiny, remote island in the wilds of Scotland, it's almost 3 a.m., we can't see anything within 2 meters, we can't swim to shore, we can't call anyone to ask for a pick-up either, and it's way too cold for the month of June! So no, it's not fun. And please stop laughing. Frankly, I don't see how it could get any worse."
At the same time, lightning tore through the sky, thunder rumbled, and rain began to fall heavily. Rey burst out laughing under Ben's desperate gaze. The drops, numerous and cool, were beginning to soak her hair and her face, and some slipped down her neck.
"That's worse!" Rey observed, hilariously, pointing to the sky. "But try to see what's positive Ben."
"Positive? Very smart," he retorted, more annoyed than angry.
"Well, there could have been no cabin, for example," said the young woman, smiling. "Okay, I'll take cover. You are free to follow me, unless of course you prefer to be alone and pouting in the rain."
The phone lamp pointed in front of her, Rey walked up the small path and Ben followed her without answering.
Finn, Poe, Armitage, and Rose had all gathered in their bedroom and were watching the storm rumbling through the window. They could hear the wind whistling and the raindrops slamming against the windows.
"Do you think they'll be okay?" Finn asked worriedly. "It would be a shame if this story took a dangerous turn."
"No, sweetheart," said Poe. "Everything will be alright! Kenneth assured us the cabin was okay and it's just a little downpour. It's going to stop as quickly as it started."
"Maybe," Finn said, "but I can't help but think it's a bit of a drastic solution."
"Well I'm sure that's exactly what they need! Ben is going to have to suck it up and be honest with her, and Rey is going to have no choice but to listen. Hopefully the only turning point this story takes will be sexy rather than dramatic!" Poe replied, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"I agree," Rose continued. "It's true that we've maybe gone a little too far but their arguments have to stop! Normally it's manageable and bearable but for some time now, Rey has been getting more and more angry, almost bitter."
"Yeah, well, Ben keeps bothering her every time she speaks," Finn said defensively.
"Of course," Rose replied. "I know Ben goes too far sometimes but I feel like Rey has decided not to let anything go, and their constant ping-pong game is wearing me out."
"I think we all agree that the mood between the two has grown heavy," Hux said. "And we are not looking for a culprit but we would like them to work things out. Frankly, it's quite incomprehensible that they don't get along."
"Because they need sex!" Poe insisted. "A good hot fuck and everything will be fine for sure!"
"I think it's deeper than that," Finn replied. "I'm not denying the obvious sexual tension between them, I'm just saying I feel they're both more tense now, even when they're not together."
"It's been since that First Order job, hasn't it?" Rose asked. "I was so happy for Rey! It's an interesting job with a good salary and real growth possibilities. Yet she darkens every time we talk about it."
"Yes, that's weird," Hux continued. "I remember Ben was really glad that he was able to help her. He even told me he hoped it would improve their relationship. Apparently he introduced her to one of his colleagues to help her prepare for her interview and they seemed to get along pretty well.
"You are talking about Bazine, right?" Finn asked." A tall, very beautiful brunette, in high heels and perfect make up?"
"No idea," Hux replied. "I just know Ben chose her because she was in the best position to get Rey the job. And that's what happened!"
"That's right but I think it pissed her off to meet one of Ben's hookups" Finn said firmly.
"What?" Rose exclaimed, laughing. "What are you talking about, Ben doesn't have a hookup!"
"Is that so?" the young man wondered. "That's what Rey thought, though. It seems that Bazine kept implying that they were together. Anyway, that's what she told us."
"Yeah, well, it's not like she's interested in Ben," Hux asked. "I thought that was clear from their missed date."
Poe then laughed heartily and said, "Apparently not. Look, we all know Ben likes Rey very much. Of course, he's an idiot so he loses his mind whenever he's around her. But this Bazine story shows us that Rey also has a big crush on him."
As Armitage looked at him wide-eyed, Poe continued:
"It's obvious, isn't it? She's jealous! She saw a very beautiful young woman who was interested in Ben and she overreacted."
"But Rey is super pretty!" Finn exclaimed.
"No one is saying the opposite!" Rose reacts. "But that's not necessarily what she thinks when she finds herself facing someone like Bazine."
"I don't see why," Finn insisted.
"Well, try putting yourself in her place just a bit," resumed the young woman. "After their disastrous date, Rey must have assumed that Ben hadn't made an effort because she wasn't his type. But when she got to know him, she might have realized that she liked him. And with everything that Bazine said about Ben, it confirmed to her that she certainly didn't stand a chance with him. Hence her bitterness."
"So we were right to isolate them on this island!" Poe exclaimed.
"Absolutely!" Rose replied, a big smile on her lips.
"And we all hope they finally seal the deal!" said Poe.
"Obviously!"
The rain and the wind got stronger, and Rey and Ben quickly got to the cabin.
There was a central room, medium in size, and a separate toilet. The decor was basic with a large rug that covered a good part of the floor, two chairs, and a table to the right of the front door, on which was placed a cordless lamp that lit up the space a little. There was also an imposing wooden chest at the back of the room under a window and, most importantly, a pyrographed Eilean a 'Chombraidh sign hanging on the back wall, to the left, above the bed.
The bed. In the singular.
You couldn't miss it - it was the first thing you saw when you entered the cabin! Seeing it, Rey stopped laughing and felt her wet cheeks warm with rain. Ben didn't react, but she could imagine what must be going through his head.
At least it was dry and there was no draft.
She realized she was just standing there stupidly, so Rey put her puffer jacket on one of the hooks next to the door before freeing her hair and ruffling it to remove as much water as possible. On the table, next to the lamp was a large book with a pretty green cover. As she sat down, she opened it and read the underlined title : "The Island of Discussion, Rules and Good Manners." Surprised, Rey turned to Ben who was still standing, upright as an i, in front of the front door.
"Look at this, it's kind of a cabin manual," Rey said, turning the pages. "There are several paragraphs, with instructions for using the dry toilet and even a section where you can write. There are plenty of testimonials!"
Ben took off his parka and walked over before taking a seat opposite her. As he said nothing, Rey began to read the text aloud.
"Welcome to the Isle of Discussion!
You may not have chosen to come here by yourself but your presence shows that you need it. This island, one of a kind, should help you untie the knots in your relationship and find a solution to your quarrels. To do this, it is essential that you follow the rules established for centuries which are:
No killing each other - that's no way to solve your problems! The Isle of Discussion has been around for many centuries and thanks to it the region has only had one murder in over a thousand years! We would be grateful if you did not increase this number, especially since, it must be remembered, murder is illegal and carries very severe prison terms.
Be courteous to each other.
Be logical in your arguments.
REALLY LISTEN TO ONE ANOTHER! You will not be victorious by winning over the other but by overcoming your own ignorance.
To clarify: when entering a discussion, don't expect to come away taking the other person's opinion or for the other person to come away still holding theirs. On the contrary, one should expect to be changed, aware of a new perspective which changes one's view of the world and makes it more nuanced and more in line with reality. Together, we can come closer to the truth, thanks to our differences.
To help you, the village provides you with typical regional cheese (cheddar, blue, brie), oatcakes and above all, whisky from the traditional Oban distillery in the safe. We believe that these local specialties will help make your dialogue more pleasant and more sincere.
You will also find a towel and an extra blanket, as well as the previous island guest books, if you are interested in diving into history.
We wish you to keep an open mind and a generous heart in order to have an excellent discussion. Who knows, maybe a new happiness awaits you at the end of this challenge which is in front of you?"
Rey glanced at Ben, who looked as surprised as she did. They weren't expecting this! They were silent for a moment and the young woman watched him. His soaked hair stuck to his temples and cheeks, showing off his ears and large dark eyes. Even wet he was very beautiful, and Rey couldn't help but blush. After a few minutes, he finally began to speak:
"Wow, that's very serious actually! The locals really thought about the role of this place. This is ... unexpected. What do you think about it?"
"I agree with you but I don't think we need to be here. Frankly, the others are exaggerating. We get along fine," Rey asserted before seeing Ben raise his eyebrows. "Well, maybe not so much lately."
"Things've been a little worse lately, haven't they?" Ben said in a small voice.
It was Rey's turn to block, upright as a stake in her chair. Without really understanding why, she felt the need to defend herself.
"So you think we should drink whisky on a lost island to settle our disagreements? It makes no sense!" she got carried away. "I am quite capable of expressing myself without all of this!"
"Yes, but are you able to listen? Because that's what they say in the text," Ben asked as he picked up the guestbook. "Trying to find the truth together and all that. It's good, no?"
"But I listen very well, thank you!" replied the young woman, stung to the quick. "It's just that you're too narrow-minded and stubborn to notice."
"Narrow-minded? I'm stubborn?" Ben retorted, raising his voice a little. "Have you looked at yourself? You are the most stubborn person I know, especially when it comes to disagreeing with me!"
"That's not true at all! Not at all!" Rey said, feeling her exasperation increasing second by second.
"Wait, are you going to say that you never disagree with me maybe? That's nonsense!" replied Ben, himself less and less patient. "I can't say anything without you making nasty comments. You're at the point where you'd claim the bedspread isn't tartan, just to contradict me!"
"WELL IF THAT ISN'T THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK!" cried the young woman, standing up suddenly.
Ben, completely taken aback, paled and tried to answer but Rey didn't give him time.
"You've been mean to me since this morning! It's YOU making hurtful comments! I suggest to Armitage that I'll take over the driving, and BAM, I shouldn't because it will put everyone in danger! I stress how important the mansion is in his personal history, and BAM, you put me down by saying it doesn't mean anything! You reproach me for not listening, but frankly, you can't say you're all that good at it either! Between that and your colleagues, I'm really sick of you constantly rubbing your superiority in my face!"
And without waiting for Ben's reaction, Rey left the cabin, slamming the door.
Outside, the rain was still pouring down, the wind was blowing hard, and it was as if the storm around her represented her inner turmoil. She began to walk in the downpour, oblivious to the coolness of the night. Ben was unbearable, acting in bad faith and unable to question himself! And the worst part of it all was that she was attracted to him anyway, and couldn't help but hope things would work out between them.
No! He might be beautiful physically but she had to face the fact that they would never get along!
The little jacket she was wearing over her nightie was completely soaked and her feet were starting to soak through too, but Rey continued to circle the island. She was very angry. At Ben of course, but also at their friends who hadn't hesitated to throw her on this island with him to clash like gladiators in an arena. Talk about a doomed initiative!
She was still fuming when she heard Ben screaming as he approached.
"Rey? REY? Come back! Get inside, you'll catch your death in this weather!"
"I don't care! Go if you want, I won't move!" she replied defiantly.
"Don't be ridiculous, you're already soaked to the bone!" replied the tall dark-haired man, coming in front of her. "Come on, come with me."
"No! Anyway, if I'm being ridiculous, does it really make a difference?" Rey retorted.
"Oh, please stop. We can argue if you want but in the cabin!"
"Go ahead, I'm staying here!"
"I will not go back without you, Rey."
She looked at Ben with a frown but, seeing him looking like a little dripping puppy, Rey quickly felt her determination falter. NO! That's exactly what she'd told herself before he arrived, that she must not give in to his pair of pretty, worried eyes!
"Come on, I'm sorry. You're right, I'm a real idiot and I would like to ask for your forgiveness, but not like this," he said softly, extending his hand to her.
Rey didn't move.
"Well, you leave me no choice," Ben said before grabbing her at the knees and tossing her over his shoulder.
He walked up the path.
"Ben, put me down right now!" Rey cried, struggling.
"No."
"I swear that if you don't let go ..."
"No Rey, I won't let you go! I can be stubborn too."
And he carried her to the cabin.
Once inside, Ben placed her gently on the carpet and rushed over to the trunk from which he pulled out a blanket and a towel. Then he began to rub her hair and face carefully.
"Look at you," he said in a soft voice "you're soaked from head to toe. I really hope you don't catch a cold. Take off your shoes and your vest. I'll spread them out and it will be easier to warm you up."
Without thinking, Rey did as he asked and she took off her wet jeans as well. She found herself barefoot and in a green cotton nightie in front of Ben, who was tearing pages from the guestbook and tucking them into a ball in her sneakers. Seeing her, he suddenly stopped and devoured her with his eyes, then blushed heavily. Rey couldn't help but smile, before her teeth started chattering. Ben put the blanket over her shoulders and started rubbing her arms and back. Rey let him do it in silence.
"There is no glass but I think you should drink some whisky. It'll help keep you warm," he said, handing her the bottle.
She took it without hesitation and took a sip. The amber liquid burned her throat a little and it did her good.
"I'm sorry, Rey," Ben continued. "I know I was unbearable to you on the trip. I beg your pardon."
"I don't understand what you want from me," she replied in a low voice. "I was just trying to help."
"I know that. You always help. But you caught me off guard so I attacked you."
"How did I catch you off guard?"
"In fact, I was just thinking that Armie may be tired and you cut me off. So I couldn't think of anything better than being rude."
"That's completely stupid."
"Yes, it's true. It seems I get very stupid when it comes to you."
Rey laughed a little. It wasn't every day that Ben Solo stepped off his pedestal but he looked quite sincere. And speaking of sincerity, Rey had to admit that she herself hadn't been very kind to him since they'd become colleagues. So she returned the bottle to him, as a token of peace.
"Okay, that was a very silly reaction but I accept your apologies. And about the mansion, what do you have to say in your defense?"
Ben suddenly looked very sad. He took a deep sip of the whiskey before explaining with a sigh: "The mansion has nothing to do with you. It's just that I'm a little bit on edge with this legacy thing. I don't like it."
"Is that so? Why?" Rey asked, not expecting Ben to react this way.
He ran his hand through his hair several times while taking a few deep breaths, then finally confessed, his voice slightly broken, "I'm afraid Armitage is leaving. I don't want him to go. So inevitably, when you said how much this mansion meant to him, I took it personally."
Rey had no idea what to say, but Ben drank again and continued.
"I know very well that I grew up in much better conditions than you and that I'm very privileged, but you must understand that Armitage is the only real constant in my life. My parents have always been too busy to really take care of me, even now, but when I became friends with him, I finally had someone I could count on. I knew he'd always be there when I needed him and that I could help him as well. We never let each other down. A bit like you with Finn I think. That's why it was absolutely essential for me to get along with Rose. I immediately understood that she was the one for him, and luckily, she's fabulous and I love her. Armie is very happy and so is Rose. They're probably going to get married and have lots of kids, and that's great! I always dreamed of being a cool, rowdy uncle. But if they choose to live here, then an entire ocean is going to separate us and it'll be more difficult. And of course, I can't tell him that. I may be a fool, but I'm not selfish."
Very moved, Rey put a hand on Ben's arm. He handed her the bottle back and she saw his eyes shine with tears.
She took a drink and said, "I understand you very well. In fact, it's exactly the same with Finn. I've known him for more than half my life, and I don't know what I'd do without him. And I also understand your fear because I have the same one. Ever since Finn's been in a relationship with Poe, I've been terrified that he'll leave me. I try to reassure myself that he would never do that, and that it's my abandonment syndrome talking, but I can't help it. I dread the day he decides that I have nothing more to do with his life."
Rey felt the tears rise and drank again to get over her sadness.
"If he does that," Ben said very seriously, "then he'll be the biggest idiot in the world, by far! Because frankly, I don't see who would want to leave you. You are so amazing and wonderful."
My parents, Rey thought. But she didn't say anything because she understood that Ben had just paid her a compliment, and it was like an invitation to change the subject a bit. She took another sip. The alcohol was starting to kick in and she felt a lot more settled.
"I don't know about you, but all these emotions make me hungry. I'd like to eat something," she offered to lighten the mood.
"So would I!" Ben replied immediately. "Sit down and I'll bring the meal."
He put the food on the table and began to cook her some toast, quite naturally. Rey took the opportunity to drink more.
"Can you leave me some, please?" Ben asked. "I feel like it really helps move our discussion forward."
"But of course, dear," she replied with a small laugh and slammed the bottle on the table.
Then she added, "So you think I'm so great and incredible ? Do you think it's okay to arrive two hours late for a date with someone that amazing?"
Ben gave her an oatmeal biscuit with cheddar cheese, rolling his eyes.
"This story again? You'll never forgive me for being late, will you? It's been over two years, but the shadow of that unfortunate date still hangs over our relationship. I don't know how many times I'm going to have to apologize for that night, but I have a feeling it's not over yet."
"Oh it's okay, don't get upset, I was just kidding," Rey replied with her mouth full and her heart pounding.
"I'm not at all upset, as you can see," Ben said, swallowing some whisky before making another piece of toast, "and I'm not sure you're really laughing. It's like you're stuck on this episode. Still, you got your revenge, if I remember correctly, and one would say we're even. But no, since that day you have held a grudge against me. And I don't know why you, the second chance champion, stubbornly refuse to give me one."
Rey almost snatched the bottle from Ben's hands and took several sips. He was absolutely right. She had forgiven more serious things for people less important than him, but somehow she just couldn't let this go.
"I'm not that horrible," she said in defense. "We get along well, you and I, in our own way."
"It's true but I'd like something more. Except, whatever I do, you always respond by attacking. So I take it and I throw the ball back to you because that's what you want," Ben said, handing her a biscuit with brie.
Rey took it, hands shaking. Tears were coming to the corners of her eyelashes and she wanted to scream.
"Would you like something more? But what? It's not like you're clear on your intentions," she managed to articulate before gulping down her toast.
Ben laughed. His heart was going to explode in his chest and he was laughing.
"Rey," he said, staring at her intently. "Who else do you think could have driven my Lamborghini?"
"Pffffff, I don't know ..."
"Nobody," he assured. "No one but you. Because I know you love beautiful, powerful cars, even though you made fun of me when I got this one. I know because I know you. And who else have I vouched to get a really good First Order job? Nobody. It's just you Rey. Because you are special to me and you deserve it. And I sincerely thought that would help us bury the hatchet but apparently you're even angrier with me."
Rey was hanging on to the whisky bottle so she wouldn't fall to the floor.
Of course she was special to Ben like he was to her! They spent their time teasing each other but they also supported each other. Ben had believed for over two years that she was very angry with him but he hadn't given up. He kept showing that he was there and that she could count on him. In his own unique way, annoying at times but also irresistible, Ben had become a pillar in her life.
All these years, these shared joys and hardships, and she hadn't seen a thing? What a fool! She took her time to look at him, really. Without any shame, she stared at him and smiled.
His hair curled a bit as it dried. His sweater, burgundy red, brought out the green sparks in his eyes. The whisky made his cheeks pink and his full lips shine. He had perhaps never looked more handsome than then.
Rey took a sip of alcohol and stood up. She pulled the blanket back properly over her shoulders and tried to comb her rebellious hair a little. Then she walked around the table and planted herself in front of Ben, who never took his eyes off her.
"We just have to say that we're having our second date then. And since we've already screamed and cried, I think we can take the next step."
Ben swallowed and sat up in his chair. A shiver ran through him as Rey leaned over him.
She kissed him.