The Cursed Island (✓)

Chapter 8

!W! Use of strong language and graphic depictions of violence.

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*5 days later*

*Jordan's POV*

Jordan had no idea how long it had been but he was certain that it was more than at least four or five days since they got stuck in that small house. What started as heavy rainfall turned into the deadliest storm he had ever witnessed. It was darkness 24X7, the most haunting darkness he never wished to see again.

The automated voice of the psychotic creator kept announcing every hour or so, meaning over hundreds of people died in this deadly storm, barely a couple of groups by the hands of that murderous group of psychopaths.

The rain had finally started to subside some time ago and he was more than happy to see the dry land after days of being stuck inside, with barely any food and water to survive.

A light sniff caught his attention, breaking the chain of thoughts and he gazed down at his lap where Maia was laying, curled in a fetal position and gripping his shirt with her trembling hands.

"Baby?"

As she peeked up and looked into his eyes, her tear-dried face and emptiness in her dark brown, bloodshot eyes broke his heart into million pieces.

"I just want to go back home, Jordan." She spoke in a trembling voice.

"I know baby, I know. We all do." As his eyes wandered around, he noticed Aline and Helen cuddled on the floor, whispering and showering each other with kisses, unaffected by the torturous storm. Whatever time he had spent with those two women, their dynamic always made him question their relationship.

They both pretended to be empathetic, their tone sweet yet fake like a bitter gourd dipped in honey. There was something off, strangely and creepily off about those two, especially the one with black hair, Aline. While Helen sometimes seemed like she genuinely cared, Aline gave a strong negative vibe.

"I'm sorry," Maia sniffed, gazing at his wedding band and unconsciously playing with hers. "I'm so sorry Jo."

"For?" He frowned.

"Your family, your mom."

"Maia -"

"No, Jo. Now that I'm stuck here, I realize how big of a mistake I made. Your mom must have felt like this for years now. She needed you, us, and I forced you to send her to an asylum, all alone. I broke you two. I forced you to separate, I'm such a bad person. How can you love me?"

"Maia!" Jordan spoke in a firm tone, "that was my decision, too. Mom wasn't in a good place, she needed a mental hospital and that's what we did. We have helped her, okay? Don't think otherwise."

"But-"

"No but, Maia. You're the best thing that has happened to me. I love you, okay."

Maia softly sighed as he cupped her cheek, gently rubbing his thumb at the edge of her eyes and she slowly closed them, snuggling closer.

"Maia, Jordan," Helen said and he looked up, noticing that both of them were packing everything up. "The rain had stopped, I think we all should move. Staying back won't help."

Nodding, he helped Maia to stand, packed their stuff as well and together they walked out, only to jump back inside when a group of snakes almost fell on their heads, hissing violently.

"Oh my god!" Maia put her hands over her chest, breathing heavily.

"We need to be careful," Aline said as she held Helen's hand and guided her outside, minding not to disturb those snakes. "This way."