Chapter 85 - The island

"Demos!" yelled Grant, his voice startled me. I hid behind him, gripping the back on his shirt. "Calm down, will you! She's beautiful in this dress so drop it. You're scaring her," he reached behind him and I instantly took his hand in mine. Demos stopped, he stood very still, eyes level...watching our every move. I panted trying to regain my composure. Grant peek over his shoulder with a reassuring smile.

"It's ok, Liliane. You don't have anything to fear," he pulled me around to stand beside him.

"Demos," Grant called like talking to a naughty child guilty of breaking a precious vase. "Do you have anything to say to Liliane?" he pressed his lips together and averted this eyes.

"Demos," he urged. Demos' head lifted up in one motion, glaring with animosity or maybe something else.

-I'm sorry...

"Good," smiled Grant. A slow crooked grin appeared on Demos' face.

"I'm sorry I already told you what my thought about that dress," his voice low almost inaudible. My cheeks grew hotter as I recalled his words. 'I'll rip it right off...' I instinctively shield myself, warping my arms around me and looked down at my peep-toe sandals that would make Lyla green with jealousy. Olga was an artificial with a taste for Luxury. I wonder if Dr. Churchhill was the one who bought it for her.

"Ok, that's enough you two," Grant snapped me out of my little trip where I shouldn't venture. He turned and started towards the door but I caught his arm.

"Wait, you can't go out. You both shouldn't be awake. The captain told me that we haven't reached the island yet. They are waiting for daylight to navigate there. He said the sea is dangerous so we have to wait for sunrise," Grant rose an eyebrow at me.

"You went out...alone?" I lowered my gaze feeling guilty. He pulled his arm back leaving me gripping at emptiness. I felt the separation instantly.

"Mm, I couldn't hear the engines, so I assumed we already reached our destination..." my voice trailed off. He let out a deep breath and reached out pulling me in a tight embrace. He dropped a kiss on my forehead.

"You should have wakened us up. I worry when you're not around," My arms went around his. He was warm again unliked earlier. When Peeked at him both of my mates were nodding at each other. Grant turned back to me with a smile. "Is this why you're all pretty?" he stroked my wet hair. I nodded against his chest. I hear the closed clicked and noticed that Demos was gone.

"I... I was splashed by a violent wave and Olga lent me her stuff," Grant won't let go of me. Why did Demos leave? Did he trick me so I would pay attention to what Demos was doing?

"Mm," he hummed next to my ear. It sent shivers in my whole body. I patted his back to get his attention. He didn't respond or moved.

"Grant? What are you doing?" he exhaled, his hand ran the length of my hair and down my neck to stop on my exposed shoulder.

"I'm recording this moment," he simply added. "The fragrance of your wet hair, the way your pulse quickens against my chest when I touch you, how you thoughts clash into each other. One starts and jumps to a flashback, to concern about Demos and back at something about your dress. Chaos. Like an out of beat symphony... music. Music at a higher level. Something so fragile if I touch it, it will fade like smoke," I blinked and looked up at him. What was he talking about? He chuckled and pulled away.

"I'm not crazy. Unlike humans, we artificial live only in the present. We don't do flashbacks. Sounds, smell or words don't trigger memories. Since our memories are not attached to feelings. We record memories and each is labeled with a date that's all. I don't think about yesterday or what will happen tomorrow. I'm here, right now with you," he paused. "Where are you, Liliane?" he narrowed his eyes at me. I shifted, stepped back and crossed my arms over my chest.

"What do you mean, I'm here on the boat," I pouted.

"You're with Demos," the corner of his lips curled up. "You worry," I sighed in exasperation.

"Yes, sir Psychic. I worry about-" the boat swayed to the side making me lose my balance. Grant caught me, those high heels didn't help at all. "What?" I shouted but it was covered with a loud crunched like a metallic can being crushed. Grant kept me steady.

"We hit something," an alarm followed and the voice of the Captain squealed over the speaker.

"Everyone to the bridge, this is not a drill. Put on your life jackets. I repeat this is not a drill. We've hit reefs and the hull have substantial damage," the speaker died followed by static. The door to the cabin flung open making me jump. Demos appeared in the frame with the front of his shirt soaked.

"Quick! Didn't you hear the captain? Life jackets!" he shouted. The boat rocked violently forward. Demos fought to close the door. "Don't just stand there!" he spoke to Grant who nodded once. He went to the panel next to the door and pushed it. It opened revealing several orange bags with jackets written on them in bold black letters. He tossed one at Demos and ripped one open. Grant took out the folded garment.

"Arms up," he ordered. I stared in disbelief. Demos had him already on. He went to get his bags and took Grant's also.

"But...but," I stuttered in panic. Grant ripped the second bag and slipped into his. He smiled as he did so.

"Don't worry the shore is not far," said Demos.

"But I can't swim!" I was a squeal. Grant held my jacket out and forced my arm into the designated hole.

"That's why you need a jacket. Left arm," I lifted my arm without thinking and he shoved the jacket on, strapping the front. Demos came to join us when the boat rocked heavily again. He Pulled his shirt above his head.

"Liliane, the water is cold take it," I frowned.

"What about you?" my lips quivered.

"We are waterproof as long as he shut our mouth. We can swim faster we'll reach shore before any of you. Captain Thomson already send a distress signal. This the recent attacks on artificial factories the island is on shut down. So we don't know if they will send a rescue team," said Demos. He pushed his shirt into my trembling hands. "Take it, when you hit the water the jacket will expand. The shirt is large enough it won't restrain your movements. You paddle forward. I'll help you," he looked up at Grant, they shared a long knowing look.

"Grant will swim forward to seek help, he is lighter than me. He will be faster," I turned to Grant tears welling up. Grant took my shaky hands in his. He kept silent. It's good he didn't make impossible promises.

"Let's go," said Demos. I let go of Grant.

"Wait!" I shouted and went to my bag to retrieve my panties. "I'll need those," I turned around searching for a pocket but the freaking dress had none. Demos chuckled and scratched his head.

"Ok, give them to me," he opened a pocket of his bag and shoved it in. "Anything else? shampoo, toothbrush?" he asked full of sarcasm.

"Cut it out," smiled Grant. Their smile faded when we opened the door. Roaring waves and an angry orange sky greeted us. The sun peeked over the horizon between clashing black waters. I held onto Grant to stay upright. Fear gripped my stomach. I turned my attention to the dark shape on the left.

There loomed from vapors, a menacing form. Spiky peaks hid in the shadows. There was no beach but only fields of uneven rocks. My heart sunk when I saw the distance we had to swim in the raging waves to reach safety. I drew in a raspy breath.

-I'll be near, you just have to trust me, whispered Demos through the link

I swallowed the lump trying to choke me. The door to the kitchen opened, Angus and Dr. Nadaly came out both wearing their life-jackets. Their faces were pale.