Chapter Six: The Smoke
It had been over six months since they had landed on the Island. Since then, all their phones had now run out of battery, and the chore of daily walking up the mountain to see if there was a signal dwindled to once a week. Until finally, none of the phones would turn on. They were all placed in a box, and kept inside the house. For means of identification should their bodies one day be discovered on the Island.
Despite the depressing thoughts that with no phones left, and no radio, their chances of being discovered had long vanished, their spirits were high. They all had, over the last few months, had a period of melancholy, or depression. Coming to terms with the fact that they would never see their families, friends or home comforts again. But they had all been able to move past it. With of course, the support of one another. They had settled into Island life.
The house was long finished. It had taken about three months in total to build, the plumbing took longer than expected but the bathrooms had working toilets, sinks and showers which had hot and cold water. The kitchen had an oven, fridge, and a large sink for washing up, again with hot and cold water. Worktops, cupboards, it was equipped with everything they needed.
The bedrooms were built, and all six were furnished. Each containing a large double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and a shelf.
But the masterpiece of the house, was undoubtedly the living room. It was much larger than they had originally planned. Due to the removal of some larger trees, which left to the complete removal of many up to the beach. The living room expanded out, with French doors, again taken from the wreck, and a large decking for evening socialisation. They had brought sand from across the Island to the decking, allowing the house to be beach front, yet still protected by the woods. This also stopped the plants re-growing, as there was a worry that roots may disturb the foundations of the house.
They had continued working after the house was complete. The beach front took some work, the decking outside some more, and they had also worked on some entertainment. Which included a tennis court, and a bowling alley. Having made bats and balls using things found on the Island.
They had also upgraded the farm to include some cooled water feeds for the animals.
But the biggest feat was Cody's reconstruction of the wreck's engine, which he was able to create with the flow of water to a continuous cycle of air conditioning, which cooled the house down to a much more manageable temperature.
As everyone was working non-stop, Zack had called that last Friday lunchtime, that aside from daily routines, they were all to take the next week off. Only work was the routines, which now that they had running water, no phones and suitable food storage. The only ones left were to feed the animals, collect firewood for the Beach Fire, and some smaller bits for the kitchen ager, and to catch dinner for that night.
They shared the routines round between them, though Zack was the only one who would kill the animals. With Woody's assistance on choosing what vegetables to have with it. Though they all had fallen into a pattern of discussing in the evening what meals they fancy the following day. Woody was always able to come through for them.
They were on day two of their agreed week-long holiday. All knowing that these weeks off would become more and more common without things to do to distract them and keep them busy. But not doing anything felt both relaxing and alien to them. They had just finished their lunch, and were sat on the beach, some in deck chairs, some just lying on the beach, tanning, but all close enough to be able to talk.
Given that it was their week off, they were treating it like an all-inclusive holiday. Deciding to spend the week varying drinks. Aside from water there was little in terms of non-alcoholic drinks. Although, they did get milk form the cows, which some went into the food, and some was reserved for tea and coffee. Both of which were found in masses on the Island. Some even went to cheese. And London had discovered a new love of iced tea. There was fruit juice too, but it took a lot of effort to make. They always had a glass with breakfast but reserved that drink for mornings only.
The wine was ready, and they had made much more beer and cider, a welcome change from water. And the last few weeks, the spirits were ready too. Which was a welcome addition to the orange juice with breakfast, iced tea with dinner or just on its own in the evenings.
"So what shall we do for our next project. I'm thinking something which might act as a bit of a distraction, or a game or something to do?" Zack asked the group
"A bar?" Bailey offered
"Not quite the same if we have to pour our own drinks" London replied
"What about a pool?" Woody asked
"You mean one between the ocean and the one up the mountain?" Cody asked, pointing to the visible water bodies on each side of them
"Dang it" he replied
"I was thinking more like wind surfing" Zack suggested
"What do we need for that aside from a sail and a board?" London asked
"I don't think much. Paddle boarding is the same but we need the board, no sail and paddles" Zack added
"If we had a board we could just go surfing" Cody offered
"Can we make a board?" Woody asked
"Not easily without polystyrene, cork or some other floating material" Bailey replied
"So, let's think about things on the island then. What could we do?" he asked
"A sandcastle competition?" Woody asked, there were a few murmurs, but nothing said against it. In fact, the group started to think about how they could build their own castle.
"We have tomorrows plans!" Zack replied. "Who judges?" he asked
"I will. I'm the only one who can't be biased" Woody said
"What do you mean?" London asked
"You're dating Zack" Woody started before turning to Bailey
"And you're dating Cody" he added, turning to the twins
"And you're both dating one of the girls, and you two are brothers. I'm not dating anyone, and I'm not related to anyone. I can be impartial" he explained. No one could argue with that logic
"Alright Judge Woodchuck" Zack bowed
"Is it open to interpretation or is there a theme?" Cody asked, already starting to plan
"We can go themed" Woody replied
"What are you thinking?" Bailey asked. London, who was tanning had rolled onto her front and propped herself up on her elbows, fully engaged and starting to think about it herself.
"I'll have a think, and let you all know before dinner" Woody promised. That satisfied them all. Zack took a sip of his beer and asked the rest
"Want to play truth or dare?" they all agreed.
"How do we do it?" Bailey asked
"We're kind of in a circle now. Let's just go around" Zack offered
"Alright" they all agreed "Do you want to go first?" Cody asked
"Sure" Zack replied, turning to Cody "Truth or dare?" he asked
"Um..." Cody mused "Truth" he replied
"Pussy" Zack teased, rolling his eyes. "Alright, we'll start off nice and easy. What's your biggest fear?" he asked. Cody thought hard for a few seconds
"Spiders" he replied
"Actually, now you mention it … Has anyone actually seen any spiders on the Island?' Bailey asked. They looked between one another, shaking their heads.
"No snakes, scorpions. I don't even think I've seen a beetle" London replied
"I've seen caterpillars and butterflies" Woody replied
"Maybe that's it. The only bugs on this Island are ones which can fly here" Cody replied
"Could be" Bailey mused
"We've gone off topic now" Zack reminded everyone. "Cody, your turn to ask Woody"
"Alright. Woody, truth or dare?" Cody asked
"Truth" Woody replied, cautiously
"Tell us an embarrassing story" Cody asked
"About me?" Woody confirmed
"Yeah!" they all replied
"Um … Ok so it was back on the Tipton, in our first year. One night, I got hungry so I snuck out after curfew and went to the sky deck. I saw a poster saying that they had a late evening salsa group and I wanted to get some chips" he begun
"Uh … Woody you know Salsa is dancing, not food, right?" Bailey asked
"Trust me. I learned the hard way. But if only that was the only disappointment I had that night" Woody replied.
"Who did you dance with?" Zack asked with a raised eyebrow
"I wish" Woody replied. They all took a sip of their drinks as Woody continued.
"So I made sure to get there first, you know, not wanting to miss out. And as people in dresses started coming in, I realised my mistake. That and there was no food in sight. I tried to slip out unnoticed, and I got to the stairs on the sky deck when I got caught on the banister" he explained
"Who did you pull down the stairs?" Bailey asked
"I wish" Woody replied. "So I tripped down the stairs, but as I started to fall, where I was caught, I had a hole in the hip of my onesie, it ripped, and by the time I got to the bottom of the stairs, my onesie was ripped and stuck to the banister. I stood at the bottom, naked" he said, blushing
"No way!" they all cheered
"Yes! But the sky deck was quickly filling up with these fancily dressed people, so I jumped and was able to pull it down, but then I tripped and it flew overboard" he explained. Everyone was laughing now, Woody included
"You were naked on the sky deck?" London laughed
"Yes!" he replied. "I ended up having to carry a potted plant back to the cabin so I could keep my dignity" Woody explained
"How long did it take you to get back?" Zack asked
"Almost half an hour. I nearly got caught by Moseby twice and Kirby" Woody explained
"I don't remember you coming back into the room naked" Cody said, once the laughter had subsided and he had thought on what Woody had said
"You were asleep" Woody shrugged
"And you walked past me naked?" Cody asked
"Well you would have asked why we had a potted plant in the room I had to leave it outside" Woody explained
"But wait … You wore that onesie loads" Cody said
"Well yeah, I got dressed and went to try and find it. It had flown down onto the fiesta deck. So I was able to get it and sew it back up" Woody explained
"Nice one. Alrighty then. Woodster, you ask Bails" Zack encouraged
"Truth or dare?" Woody asked her
"Let's mix things up a bit.. Dare" she replied
"Ohhhh" everyone cheered
"Come on Woody" Zack taunted
"Um … Um... I don't know it's too much pressure … Take a shot" he finished
"Take a shot?" Bailey asked with a raised eyebrow, picking up the bottle of spirits they had brewed and took a large gulp straight from the bottle
"Good enough?" she asked
"Yeah" Woody replied
"Great. London, truth or dare?" Bailey asked
"Dare" London replied
"Do a belly dance" Bailey requested. London, on her fourth spiked Iced Tea, she smirked as she stood up. She had some previous experience in belly dancing, and she was dressed for it. She had made a grass skirt and had woven herself a flattering bikini bra from vines.
London stood up, dancing. She shook her hips, rocking her body back and forth, as she danced between then all. Zack watched fondly over his girlfriend, whilst Bailey looked amused, cheering her on, and slipping a leaf into the waistband of her skirt. Both Cody and Woody tried to avert their eyes.
Laughing at everyone's reaction. London sat back down, but not before Zack pulled her in and wrapped his hands around her waist. Pulling her into his lap, and kissing her softly.
"Ewww" Woody complained, Zack smirked as he let London go, blowing a Kiss at a grossed-out Woody.
"My turn baby" Zack said to London,
"Truth or dare?" she asked
"Dare" he replied, taking a sip of his drink
"Howl like a wolf" she requested. He raised an eyebrow, before dropping to his hands and knees, raising his head he howled like a werewolf
"AWWWOOOOOOOOO" he howled. This caused a stir of laughter between the gang. Laughing himself, Zack sat back down.
"Back to you baby bro" he said to Cody. "Truth or dare?" he asked
"Dare" Cody replied confidently.
"Do the single ladies dance" Zack offered. Cody rolled his eyes
"How generous of you to pick one of my better dances" he replied standing up and awkwardly turning his hand back and fourth
"But some effort in. You look like a dancing fence post!" Bailey offered
"Yeah! Loosen up!" London shouted
"Put your hips into it" Woody offered
Cody tried, following all the instructions, but failed miserably. Zack started to sing the chorus, which the others joined in with. It didn't help Cody's rhythm and he was still about two seconds out.
Out of breath, Cody sat down.
"Woody. Truth or dare" he asked
"Truth" Woody replied, not wanting to have to dance the way that Cody had just had to, although it was incredibly entertaining.
"Tell us a secret that you've never told anyone" Cody asked, in between sips of his drink.
"Um … Probably the naked thing" Woody replied
"Can't use the same one twice" Zack reminded him
"Can't I? Dang it!" he complained
"Come on. Tell us a secret" Cody teased
"Um … Um … I don't know" Woody blushed.
"Who do you have a crush on" Bailey offered to help
"It needs to be a secret we don't know" Cody replied. "That's easy. Addison" he added
"Actually ..." Woody trailed off, causing everyone to look at him in surprise.
"It's not?" Zack asked. Surprised
"No. I did like Addison, but we kind of slipped into friends and we were never coming out of that" Woody explained. "I actually, like Reina. I got a bit of a crush on her after Cody's cooking class" he explained
"Really?" Cody asked, surprised
"Go man!" Zack commented
"Did anything ever ... happen?" London asked
"Outside of my head … No. She smiled at me once" Woody replied "Truth or dare" he said to Bailey before anyone could say anymore. To remind him of the woman of his dreams who had probably assumed him dead. Or to keep prying to ask more about his crush!
Bailey laughed but did not try to push. "Truth" she answered
"What's the first thing you would if you were a dude?" he asked. Bailey thought hard for a moment or two.
"I mean … Last time I was a dude was when I first met you all" she replied
"Oh yeah!" Woody replied
"Silly question Woody" London replied
"I forgot you were a dude" Woody replied
"Dressed like a dude" Cody insisted. "Can confirm, she is a girl" he added with a smirk.
"Eww" Woody, Zack and London replied, whilst Bailey 'awww'ed
"But if I was an actual dude for a day. I'd drink as much as a possibly could. And see how hard it is to actually aim in the bowl" she said, casting a look to Cody who raised his eyebrows at her
"It's harder than it looks!" he defended himself.
"I'll be the judge of that!" she replied, getting a quip of laughter from the rest.
"My turn" London replied, getting quite excited by the game now
"Truth or dare?" Bailey asked her
"Truth" she replied.
"What's the biggest lie you've ever told?" she asked. London and Zack exchanged a look. He nodded. They had kept their relationship a secret for so long. They had caught themselves a few times, about to talk about being together back on the Tipton. The truth would have to come out at some point.
"Zack and I didn't start dating on the Island" London admitted
"Woah! Hold up. Wait!" Woody said standing up, outraged. "You mean you're not together? I thought you were!" he whined
"No. Woody. She's saying that they were together before they got on the Island" Cody explained.
"Oh" Woody stated, sitting back down. "So, you are together then" he asked. London nodded; Zack smirked
"How long have you actually been together?" Bailey asked
"A while" London admitted
"We got together not long after we got on the Tipton" Zack admitted. No one seemed angry, so they took that as a positive.
"But Zack, you dated so many girls" Cody replied
"And London, you dated a few guys too" Bailey reminded them
"We had to keep it a secret. I took on the role of the charming young man who tried to woo every woman he saw. But how many of them lasted. How many actually came to anything?" Zack asked. They thought for a moment
"I … Can't think of any" Cody replied
"Exactly. I showed enough interest that Moseby didn't think I had anything on with London, but not enough to actually lead any girls on to think I wanted them" Zack explained
"Same here. I had a few guys I got friendly with, but just to stop Moseby thinking I liked Zack. Can you imagine daddy's face if he found out?" London laughed
"That's so clever!" Cody complemented
"Thank you" the couple replied in unison.
"And as we're on the topic. Zack, truth or dare?" London asked
"Truth" Zack replied
"Tell us about the most awkward date you've been on" London smirked. Zack rolled his eyes at her.
"Well" Zack begun in a tone they all knew meant that he had quite the story to tell. "Her name was Violet. She was one of the first girls I 'dated' when we got on the Tipton" Zack explained
"Is this the posh one, with the Kidney of the sea?" Cody asked.
"With the jackass boyfriend? That's the one" Zack replied "This was before London and I became official. Actually, it was following this that we did. Anyway. This Violet chick agreed to go on a date with me, but would not stop talking about herself" Zack explained.
"Not ideal for a first date" London agreed
"I spent the entire evening listening to her complain about her friends, school, home, servants, mostly her boyfriend, and then at the end of the evening, after I did not manage to get a single word in aside from 'Hi, I'm Zack', she finished with 'I don't see this going anywhere. You're too much. I'm going back to Ashton'" Zack explained. They all rolled their eyes at his story
"What a bitch" Bailey mused
"She just used you for a free dinner then?" Cody asked
"Bitches be crazy!" Woody replied. Bailey and London cocked their heads to glare at him
"What?" Woody asked defensively. "You two aren't bitches" he confirmed.
"So how did you and London get together" Bailey asked
"That's a story for another day" Zack assured her, turning to Cody. "Truth or dare?" he asked
"Truth" Cody replied
"Have you ever stolen anything" Zack asked
"Bailey's heart?" Cody said sweetly. Again, whilst Bailey 'awwed' at the comment, London, Zack and Woody feigned gagging.
"Come on. That doesn't count" Zack replied
"Back at the Tipton we stole things" Cody replied
"How about anything which I didn't encourage?" Zack pushed. Cody thought hard.
"I once forgot to return a book to the library. Does that count as stealing?" he asked
"It's as close as we'll get" Zack laughed
"Truth or dare?" Cody asked Woody
"Truth" Woody replied
"What wouldn't you want anyone to find in your room?" Cody asked
"Oh. My. God!" Woody cried "I never even thought about that! Someone would have had to clear our rooms out. Move all our stuff. What do you think they did with it? It went back to our parents?" he asked
"I would assume so" Bailey replied
"And someone else would be living in our rooms? Sleeping in our beds?" he asked
"That's a harrowing thought" Zack replied
"It is. So I guess my diary. Hidden in my room but if they cleared it out, then they would have found it. I can hope that my mom and Steve would respect me enough not to read it … but if they have" he paused to think "Maybe it's better that we're never coming back" he replied
"That's a depressing thought" Cody mused
"It's nothing too bad. It's six months of being homesick, a few months of an obsession with Addison, and then a bit of a crush on Reina" Woody explained
"That's pretty standard for someone our age" Bailey assured him
"Thank you" Woody smiled. "Bailey, truth or dare?"
"Dare" Bailey replied
"Um" Woody thought. "Make a cocktail" he stated. Bailey stood up, rubbing her hands together.
"My time to shine" she smirked, walking off. She returned a short while later with five glasses on a tray
"What did you make?" woody asked
"Pina Colada. Pineapple juice, coconut milk, and rum" she explained. They all took a sip. It was delicious. A little strong but no one cared. They paused the game whilst they kept drinking. All a little tipsy, the game resumed.
"Londy! Truth or dare?" Bailey asked
"Dare" London called back, sat on Zack's lap
"Lick Zack's armpit" she said.
"Ewww" Cody and Woody called. But London smirked and raised Zack's arm. Licking from the bottom his armpit, right up, over his arm to his neck. The chorus of laughter slowly died out, as London turned to Zack
"Truth or dare?" she asked
"Dare" he replied
"Do you best runway walk" she offered. He stood up, and paraded up and down the sand, rocking his hips. On tiptoes to represent heels. Again they all laughed and cheered him on.
"Codester. Truth or dare?" Zack asked
"Dare" Cody replied
"Talk in a British accent until your next go" Zack dared him
"Alri'ht Guv'nor" Cody replied "Woody, Truth or dare?" he asked his British accent still strong
"Dare" Woody replied, feeling brave
"Do the worm" Cody said
"Woody stood, clapped his hands a few times, positioned himself on the floor ready to go, and tried. He failed, but he tried a few times.
"I asked for worm, not fish out of water" Cody laughed
"Do I get points for trying?" Woody asked
"YES!" They all cheered. Woody sat back down and turned to Bailey.
"Truth or dare" he asked
"Dare" Bailey replied
"Lick your nose" Woody dared. Bailey tried, but failed
"What if I can't?" she asked
"Lick someone else's nose" Woody replied. Before he even finished his sentence, he squealed as Bailey licked his nose. Laughing, Bailey turned to London.
"Truth or dare?" she asked
"Dare" London replied
"Do the robot" Bailey requested,. Laughing already London stood up and did the best she could at the robot. Which was not as good as her belly dance but just as entertaining.
"Zack, truth or dare" she asked
"Dare" Zack replied
"Whisper a secret in my ear" she asked. He leant in and whispered in her ear
"You won't be able to walk for a week once I'm done with you" he whispered, his lips handing on the pulse of her neck, suckling softly on her skin. She moaned, blushing. Pulling apart, Bailey turned to London
"What did he say?" she asked. London winked at her
"Cody, Truth or dare?" he asked
"Dare" he replied, losing his accent.
"Make up a rap" Zack dared.
"Um … Alright. We're on an island, and we're here to say um... That we all work together, all through the day. And... Um... Now we're on the beach, playing truth or dare. So … Um... Let's all have fun without a care" he rapped. Clicking his finger at odd beats
"That was shite" Zack commented
"I know" Cody laughed "Woody, Truth or dare?"
"Dare" Woody replied.
"Pretend to be a ballerina" Woody stood, on his toes, arms above his head he spun around, clumsily. Almost falling over. Attempting a pirouette. Before giving up.
"Truth or dare?" he asked, out of breath.
"Truth" Bailey replied
"What's the strangest dream you've ever had?" he asked
"I had it when we were back on the Tipton. I was back in Kansas but it was like the arctic. Middle of a snowstorm. Then, out of nowhere, the snow turns to marshmallows. I jumped on one and flew for hours!" she explained
"Nice" Zack replied
"London, truth or dare" Bailey asked
"Surprise us all" Bailey asked. London thought for a moment before walking over to her. Bailey looked dup, confused as London lowered her lips onto Bailey's, kissing her. Slowly, deeply. Zack looked on proud as Cody and Woody looked surprised.
Eventually, London pulled away and went back to sit on Zack's lap.
"Truth or dare?" she asked Zack
"Dare" he replied
"Jump in the pool with your clothes on" she teased.
"Let's all do that Bailey requested. They all ran to the mountain, dropping a few layers on their way, except Zack. Diving into the warm water in only their underwear, once in Zack took off his clothes, they all swam laughing looking out over the peaceful waters.
After a while, Cody and Bailey walked off, returning half an hour later with trays of drinks. All alcoholic. Sat in the pool, talking about the thoughts of everyone back at home, in their rooms, going through their stuff. Trying to turn it into a positive. The random things left behind, how they might think of it as clues.
The next morning was slow. They were still on their 'holiday' so no one was in any rush to get up. But the excess alcohol consumption the night before certainly made the decision to stay in bed easier.
It was midday by the time everyone had emerged. Woody first, putting some water on to boil for some coffee, which they had found beans for a while back. And deciding that bacon and eggs were in order. London and Zack emerged soon after, Cody and Bailey trailing in last. The last couple looking significantly rougher than the rest.
"We should not have drunk that much" Bailey complained. The blinding sun not helping her already pounding headache. She turned her back to it and brought her knees to her forehead on the chair.
"How much did we drink?" Cody asked. Zack looked to the pile of empty bottles beside them
"Looks like, four bottles of wine, twenty bottles of cider, a dozen beer. Not to mention the spirits, cocktails and whatever we left up by the pool" he listed
"How did we drink that much, surely that's not good!" Woody complained
"Well, you did cook us a lovely pig for dinner … so the food helped" Zack reminded him. Woody's jaw dropped open slightly, looking round the others
"I cooked?" he asked
"You don't remember?" London asked
"Do you?" he retorted
"Yes!" she replied
"I was trusted. With food. Meat. And fire, whilst so drunk I cannot remember it now?" he asked
"That's right" Zack replied
"What do we need to do today, Zack?" Bailey asked
"We have loads of fire wood. Fish need feeding, farm needs feeding, and we need to sort dinner for tonight" he listed
"Nothing too heavy. I'm stuffed" London replied
"I wouldn't know" Woody quipped to himself
"It will come back to you" Zack assured him.
Coffee brewed, they all sat down eating their breakfast in silence. Cody and Bailey offered to feed the fish, as it was close by and not an overly strenuous job. As London and Zack seemed to be in better shape, they agreed to feed the farm and sort dinner.
Leaving Woody to wash up, they all went their separate ways. Reconvening around lunch for some warming soup, prepared by Woody.
After lunch, they all decided to go back to bed. Prompted by Cody and Bailey, woody decided not to refuse a nap.
Zack and London went to bed, but after half an hour of lying there, making out they decided they were bored.
"Want to go for a swim?" Zack offered; London nodded. The pair slipped off, out of the house and up the mountain. Stripping down to their underwear. Not because they were worried someone would catch them if they were naked, but more out of respect for the others who used it.
Letting their bodies float in the warm water, looking out over the peaceful waters, they lay together. Wrapped up in each other's arms.
"I know it's been out for a while, but I am so glad we don't have to hide our relationship anymore" she said
"Me too. And telling them the truth about how long it's been going on. I've had to catch myself a few times" Zack admitted.
"Same" she replied "I was surprised how well they took it"
"Maybe after being together for six months, it wasn't as big of a shock as they thought" Zack offered
"Maybe" she replied. "Is it wrong that I don't want to leave?" she asked
"Not at all. I love it here" he replied. They relaxed into silence and looked back out over the water. After twenty minutes of silence, London nudged Zack, who had fallen asleep
"Huh? What?" he asked
"Is that smoke?" she asked. Zack's eyes flew open and followed her finger, to a small wisp of smoke coming not too far away. He jumped out of the water, his previous slumber long forgotten, London followed him as they slipped on their shoes and jogged up the mountain, higher to see.
They could see smoke, and a bit of orange flame now
"What is it?" London asked
"I don't know. But we need to go and investigate" Zack replied
"Do you think it's our way off?" she asked
"Maybe it is. Or maybe it's just a boat on fire. Either way, there might be people who can help us, or who need our help. Come on" Zack urged. They dressed quickly and raced back down to the house.
"Guys!" Zack and London shouted as they approached the house. Bailey, who looked much better after having a nap, and Cody sat on the deck outside. Woody walked out when he heard the shouting
"What's up?" Bailey asked, standing as she sensed their urgency
"Smoke!" Zack panted, trying to catch his breath
"What?" Cody asked
"What's on fire?" Woody asked, scared
"No. Not here, in the water. Somethings on fire" London explained
"What is it?" Cody asked
"We don't know" Zack admitted
"Where is it?" Bailey asked
"In the water. Duh!" Woody replied
"Other side of the Island. We could see it from the pool" Zack explained. They looked between them, and all started to jog up the mountain
"Of course, we're running again" London said sarcastically to herself.
They got back up to the pool in what felt like no time. Zack leading the way. All panting having run up the mountain stopped at the pool, trying to catch their breath
"If … The smoke … Is gone … I'm …. Going to …. Push you … Off this Mountain Zack!" Cody hissed trying to breathe
"There" London shouted, pointing, saving her boyfriend from his brothers threat. They all looked over and saw the smoke. A little stronger now than the wisps Zack and London saw before. More orange at the bottom
'It's in the water" Bailey commented
"It looks like it" Woody replied
"Maybe it's a boat" Cody offered
"That's what we were thinking" Zack added
"Maybe it's a fuel fire?" Cody asked
"Cody. It's on the water. Water doesn't burn" Woody replied.
"No. Fuel would sit on the top of the water, so it would" Cody explained. Woody thought for a moment.
"Oh" he replied
"We need to go and investigate it" Bailey replied
"The boat?" Zack offered
"What are we investigating?" Cody asked
"If it is a boat, there might be survivors who need our help. If it's a fuel fire, we need to know if there's any chance of it coming closer to the island" Zack explained
"Let's go. If we leave now, we should be back by nightfall" Bailey replied
"Who's going?" Zack asked as they took a brisk walk back down the mountain. All far too tired to run.
"You need to, you're the best with the boat" Cody said to Zack
"I'll go" Bailey offered
"Me too" Woody replied. Surprised, as he had made his discomfort on boats well known, but no one wanted to deter him.
Cody and London offered to stay. Then they could prepare dinner and drinks for when they returned. Although, it was agreed that alcohol was to be kept to a minimum that night.
They bid goodbyes, and the three got in the boat. Drifting out to sea.
"What do you think it is?" Bailey asked
"I'm not sure" Zack admitted. "But we need to investigate"
"I agree. Even if it's just so we have something to do today" Woody replied. Zack thought on that. Maybe their desire to rush out to look was because this was arguably the most exciting thing that happened for a while.
"It's definitely a fire" Bailey commented looking out at the smoke getting thicker and blacker. They could almost smell it now.
"Maybe it started on its own?" Zack suggested
"How?" Woody asked
"Glass which got washed out, reflecting sunlight might cause a fire?" Bailey suggested
"Wouldn't it have happened before now?" Woody asked
"Possibly? Maybe we didn't see it before. This was the other side of the Island to where we are. We only saw it because we were in the pool at the time" Zack explained
"We were all in that pool yesterday. No one saw anything" Bailey suggested
"Exactly. So how many other fires have we missed? If there's not much to burn it would put itself out before we had a chance to see them" Zack replied
"I suppose you make a good point" Bailey added
"I have to ask" Cody said, breaking London out of her daydream. She turned to her boyfriend's brother "Have you really been dating Zack that long?" he asked. London smiled
"Almost two years" she replied
"And you don't find him annoying?" he asked, "Or laddish?" he added. This time, London laughed
"Not at all. He has his persona in public, as I have mind. But when we're alone, I know I have the real Zack. I'm sure you're the same. You know the real him, deep down. He's the man I fell in love with" she explained
"Why did you keep it a secret?" Cody asked, passing her a drink which she accepted. Iced tea. Her favourite.
"Moseby would never have approved. Daddy wouldn't have whilst I was young. We both decided that it would be better for everyone if we left it until after we graduated. We were happy" she said, smiling softly to herself.
"Why did you let him date other girls?" he asked her.
"They never went anywhere. They never meant to. They never would. It was the same reason he let me date other guys. It was never serious. We just needed it to continue the illusion" she explained
"And you didn't mind?" Cody asked
"Not at all" she replied
"I don't know how you do it" Cody mused
"Hide it for so long? Or be with Zack?" she asked smirking
"Both?" he replied with a raised eyebrow
"He's a very smart man. Even before we ended up on the Island, you must have known that. I would do anything to be with him, even if that means pretending we're not together. On the ship it was easy to find time to be alone. He had a room to himself, I set the standard that I disappear without warning. As long as I returned with a shopping bag, Bailey never questioned it" she explained
"You're smarter than we gave you credit for" Cody replied
"Again, it's a persona. It's easier to read people, especially in daddy's world, if you're underestimated. One day I will – Would, have taken over Daddy's business. Being a woman in a room full of men, their either on my side or against me. Smart woman, they plot against me. I'm a threat. Dumb woman, they're on my side thinking they can manipulate me. Not knowing I'm ten moves ahead" she explained "It's business"
"It's genius" Cody replied
The boat neared the smoke, which was beginning to get fainter now. As they approached, they realised that tit was no boat fire, or fuel fire. But a small island.
"It's much smaller than our Island" Woody commented
"How did we not see this before?" Bailey asked
"It's small, it's flat there's no mountains. The trees are at most six-foot tall. It would just blend into the landscape. Look at our island. It looks like a small rock in the distance" Zack explained. They looked back to their Island and he was right. You could have missed it if you didn't know what you were looking for.
"So do we think the fire was started intentionally?" Woody asked
"Maybe. I guess we'll have to find out" Zack explained. They had been rowing for over an hour and were rather tired by this point.
"People!" Woody shouted, pointing to the Island. Zack and Bailey turned to look at the smaller Island, and as Woody said, could make out two people, waving frantically.
"I can just make them out. Two I think" Bailey explained
"They're waving. They see us. HEY!" Woody said, shouting at them and waving back
"I don't think they're here to help us, I think we need to help them" Zack said as they got closer, seeing the poor state of the Island.
"I think they need it" Bailey replied
"Good thing we have those extra rooms" Woody replied
"We only have one though" Bailey replied
"London has pretty much moved into mine anyway. I don't think she'll need much persuasion to make it permanent" Zack explained
They looked out at the island. It was small. Flat, maybe ten by twenty metres. All sand. A few trees standing no more than two metres tall. A fire on one corner, some washed up sticks making a make-shift tent propped against two of the trees.
"We can dock there" Zack stated, looking to the Island at a place where the rocks would allow the boat to dock.
"Let's go" Woody said, using his hands to help Zack and Bailey paddle in.
They docked the boat, and looked to see the two people run over towards them. It was a slow run, but it clearly exhausted the pair. They were very skinny. Clearly having not eaten for a few days. Clothes so torn they barely counted.
As the pair approached, they could see one was a male, one female. The female was almost burned from the sun, and little shelter. Her ribs were prominent and her hair was tatty, knotty and tied up the best it could be, using some plant.
Behind her, was a man, slightly shorter, darker skin, also so thin he looked not much more than a skeleton. He dropped to his knees as the boat approached, crying, although he was so dehydrated that no tears came out.
"Thank you Jesus. We're saved!" He shouted. Zack whipped his head around, he would recognise that voice anywhere.
"Mr. Moseby?" he asked. The man's head shot back to Zack, in horrified relief
"Zack?!" he hissed.
