The Islander

"Doubt it." He said bluntly, turning to her. The sun was almost completely set, the last of its rays poking through the forest treetops. "Now, what's been going on?"

Isabella focused her eyes on his face. She tried to look as stern as possible. "I know what you think of me," She said, dropping his hand. "You both think of me as crazy... or as manipulative." She looked down. "And that might be true, but I know you wouldn't believe what I have to say. Why should I waste my time convincing you I am okay?"

David crossed his arms, rolling his eyes. "When was the last time you looked at yourself, Isabella?" He looked at her for a moment, then continued to speak. "You need to take better care of yourself. You look...awful. And that's why I know you're not okay, no matter what you say."

She took a step back. "Oh, do you happen to have a mirror on you?" Her voice was laced with venom. "There are a few things you're forgetting-" she held up her hand to count on her fingers- "I don't even remember what I look like; I haven't see myself in over year...I am alone- everyday and every night and that is not my fault." She took a deep breath. "And don't forget how my guilt about you has led to bad stuff." She eyed him angrily.

David took a step back, surprised a her anger. "Bad stuff?" He asked bemusedly. "What kind of bad stuff?" He was surprised at how quickly he dropped his act, but didn't really care. "Tell me what happened!" He yelled urgently.

She dug her feet into the sand. "I am not trying to say you make me manic or anything," She said calmly. "But you purpose and then you leave me. I am afraid of being by myself... I think I am going crazy, David." She hoped she didn't look like a helpless little girl.

David sighed, turning back around. While it seemed like he was leaving, he just sat on the fallen tree log. Stretching out his feet, he motioned for Isabella to come and join him. "Come talk to me..." He said quietly, running a hand through his unkempt hair. "We need to talk."

She stayed put. "Talk about what? About how I am trying to get attention? Or how the only way I've changed since I met you was that I got crazier..? I don't feel like talking, honestly." She brushed her fingers through her hair.

David took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. "Can you stop being so melodramatic?" He held out his hand to her, refusing to allow her to ignore it. "Please. I want to make this work. Please." he repeated, his eyes showing his true desperation.

Isabella sighed, swallowed and looked at him. "If you wanted to make it work, why did you leave me? You can't imagine what it has been like being alone. I know you have your sister to look after, but I needed you." She shook her head at his hand. "Please don't expect me to drop to my knees over you again."

David groaned, not knowing how to deal with the situation. "I spend too much time with you and Addy hates me. I spend too much time with Addy and you hate me." He slowly put his hand back down, feeling dejected. "Can we just be good friends to start, then, maybe?"

"I don't hate you," Isabella protested. "How could I hate you..? I'm not even sure you are really there." She scratched the back of her neck, preparing for his reaction.

"Not sure I'm here." He said bemusedly. "You're joking, right?" David rubbed his head, not understanding what she meant. "How couldn't I be here?"

Isabella caught her breath and looked at him with watery eyes. "I think there are other people on the island... I don't know if they are real or not. I thought, maybe, you weren't real."

"Uh..." David stammered, unsure what to say. He picked himself up, holding his hand out again. Deciding the best course of action would be to ignore the question, he said, "Let's go find some food again."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Thanks, David," She said turning round and starting away. She desperately wanted to leave the forest. "You always know how to help."

David gave a small chuckle, heading back to find the fruit. "Who knows-maybe you will see Addy soon." He said, changing the subject. "Let's just focus on getting something to eat-I'm starving!" He patted his stomach for emphasis.

Isabella spun on her heel, stopping so she was nose to nose with David. "You know, never mind the whole thing! Only the real you would sneer at me and do anything to avoid pain," She walked past him, deciding to go deeper into the forest. "I guess I'm not crazy after all!"

David wrinkled his nose, confused on what just happened. "Wait...Isabella?" He said, jogging to catch up with her. "What do you mean by that?"

Without stopping, she called, "I mean, that the way you blatantly ignore my fears by pushing them aside, proves it is really you." She shook her head laughing at herself. "Which means I must not be imagining things and there are really other people in this forest."

Frustrated, David replied, "I wasn't pushing them aside- I just didn't know how to respond. Forget about seeing Addy- your attitude hasn't changed." He said, disgusted. He slowed down, continuing to walk in her direction, but not trying to catch up.

She stopped, turning around. "What is that supposed to mean?"

He smiled sadly, continuing to walk towards her. "Nothing-you're just still bitter. It wouldn't be good for her."

"Bitter?" She said, her jaw dropped. "What exactly am I bitter about?" She was seething and anger flared up into her cheeks.

David shrugged, trying to keep his temper down. "Everything. You may not hate me, but you love to start drama." He gave a teasing smile. "Admit it. You know it's true."