Lost Lagoon

Chapter 11: Wachana's Shadow

Days on the island had started to blend together in a blur of laughter and stolen moments, yet one presence loomed over Orm like a storm cloud: Wachana. As the bond between her and Ling grew stronger, so did Orm's internal conflict. The shadow of Ling's past relationship with Wachana cast a pall over their newfound happiness, and Orm found herself wrestling with the gnawing feeling of betrayal.

One lazy afternoon, they lounged on the beach, the rhythmic sound of the waves soothing their senses. Orm lay on her back, gazing up at the endless sky while her mind raced in the opposite direction. What would happen when they were rescued? Would Ling simply return to Wachana, slipping back into the life they once shared? The thought twisted in her stomach like a blade, and a wave of hurt washed over her. Orm felt as though she was treading in murky waters, caught between the joy of their connection and the guilt of being with Ling, who had once been Wachana's partner.

Noticing Orm's distant demeanor, Ling shifted her weight, propping herself up on one elbow. The concern in her eyes was unmistakable. "Orm? What's on your mind?"

Orm hesitated, the weight of her unspoken fears heavy on her chest. "I was just... thinking about what happens if we get rescued."

Ling's brow furrowed, her playful spark dimming. "What do you mean?"

Orm swallowed hard, the truth pouring out before she could rein it in. "I mean, when we get back, where do we stand? You were with Wachana before all of this. Will you go back to her?"

The silence stretched between them, a palpable tension. Ling's expression softened, but her gaze was intense. "I— I don't know. I care about Wachana, but things are different now. You and I have something real here."

The words hit Orm like a wave crashing against the shore, pulling her under. "But you have a history with her. We've forged this connection, but what if you feel obligated to return to her? I don't want to be the reason she gets hurt."

Ling sat up fully, her eyes locking onto Orm's. "Orm, you're not a reason for any hurt. This is about us. It's not just a fling; it's deeper than that for me."

A tremor of vulnerability crept into Orm's voice. "But it feels like I'm betraying Wachana. She was my friend first, and now I'm... involved with you. I can't help but feel like I've crossed a line."

Ling shook her head, reaching out to grasp Orm's hand with a firm, reassuring grip. "Wachana and I shared something special, but things have changed. You've shown me a side of love I didn't know existed. This connection we have is extraordinary."

"Orm," Ling continued, her voice steady, "I promise you, when we get out of here, I'll end everything with Wachana. I'm falling deeply in love with you."

Orm's heart soared at Ling's words, but a knot of anxiety remained. "I never wanted to come between you two. I just didn't anticipate how strong my feelings for you would grow."

Ling's smile was soft yet radiant, illuminating her features. "And that's perfectly okay. This is about us now. When we get back, we'll navigate it together."

Despite Ling's reassurance, doubt clung to Orm like a second skin. "But what if she tries to win you back? What if she believes she deserves another chance?"

Ling moved closer, her expression fierce and protective. "I will always be honest with you, Orm. If it comes to that, I'll choose you. I won't let anyone dictate what we have."

Feeling a rush of warmth at Ling's promise, Orm leaned in, closing the distance between them until their foreheads touched. "I want to believe that."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and gold, Orm couldn't shake the persistent feeling of uncertainty. While she cherished their moments together, the specter of Wachana loomed large, a shadow that threatened to disrupt the happiness they had found in each other.

But even amidst the complexities, a flicker of hope ignited in Orm's heart. For now, they had each other, and that was enough to navigate the challenges ahead.