Chapter 81: Survival and Intrigue

After sharing the meal, the group decided to separate tasks to search for resources. Dylan and Oliver would go out in search of fresh water, while Bella and Susan would look for food. However, Bella warned of an important problem and said:

"Susan can't go with me. She's hurt and taking antibiotics because of the deep cut on her leg. She should stay here with Theo. Carter will go with me."

Dylan arched an eyebrow and didn't miss the chance to tease:

"What does a doctor know about looking for food in a wild place like this?"

Carter didn't let it go.

"I used to be a Boy Scout and learned a lot about survival in the forest."

"And that was when? When had 10?" Dylan laughed mockingly, but Bella interrupted before the situation could get worse:

"Enough of that. I think he can help us, yes."

Without waiting any longer, Bella took Carter's hand and led him towards the forest, while Dylan watched the scene with a serious and clearly annoyed look.

On the other side, Oliver was crouched next to Susan, giving the last instructions.

"That's it then. Your medicine is scheduled for 10:00a.m. keep track of the time on my watch"

"Thanks, Oliver! You can go, I'm fine." Susan smiled, still grateful for his care.

When Oliver stood up, he noticed Dylan watching him with a curious look. Awkwardly, he blurted out:

"What?"

"What did I miss? Am I seeing this right? You helping Bella's secretary?"

Oliver scratched the back of his neck, trying to hide it.

"She's hurt. I'm just helping, that's all."

"Okay, if you say so..." Dylan replied with an ironic smile, making Oliver even more uncomfortable as the two walked away to begin their search.

Back at the camp, Susan tried to rest in the shade of a makeshift shelter, but her attention was caught by Oliver's muscles, which glistened in the sun as he walked. For a moment, she didn't even notice Theo calling her. Only after a nudge did she answer:

"What's wrong?"

"I want water, please."

"You just drank water 10 minutes ago, Theo."

"It's not my fault that the sun is boiling my head!"

"Try to wait a little longer. We don't have that much."

Theo made a big deal, looking at her with big, pleading eyes:

"Susan, are you denying water to a child?"

Susan crossed her arms and looked at him, impassive.

"A child who knows very well what he's doing and who can hold on a little longer. Or would you rather we run out of water sooner than expected?"

Given her firm tone, Theo had no choice. He sighed, defeated, and sat down again, silent.

DK and Oliver spent hours exploring the island, and the dense vegetation and trying to find more resources to help the group survive. During the long journey, they collected banana leaves, dry branches and wood to keep the fire burning. Amidst the silence broken only by the sound of nature, DK took the opportunity to touch on a subject that intrigued him.

"Oliver, can I ask you something? About Rebecca... Why did she leave the mansion like that? I saw her dragging her bags and getting into the taxi, while you just stood there, watching." Oliver let out a heavy sigh. 

"You know how she is. Once something gets into her head, there's no going back." 

"Yeah, I know. I just hope she doesn't do something she'll regret later." 

"Yeah." Oliver answered in a serious tone, continuing without giving details

The two continued walking until they began to hear the sound of running water. Curious, they veered through the trees and plants until, suddenly, they came across a surprising sight: a crystal-clear waterfall flowing into a small lake.

"This is incredible! How has this island never been discovered before?" Oliver asked, delighted.

"Maybe it's for the best. Everything humans touch, they destroy."

"You're right..." DK's advisor agreed, still admiring the landscape. "Let's fill the bottles and bring the others here. This is a find!"

With the bottles properly filled, the two began to return to the improvised camp. Along the way, DK broke the silence:

"I wonder how Bella and Doctor Know-it-all are doing?"

**On the other side of the island**

At the same time, Bella and Carter walked through the forest, keeping an eye on the trees and bushes looking for any food they could find,besides coconut tree. Luckily for them, nature was generous: bananas, mangoes, blackberries and raspberries were scattered around the place.

"There's more up here!" Bella warned, already climbing a mango tree with agility.

While she collected the fruit, Carter was cutting a bunch of bananas with difficulty. After filling their bags with what they had managed to gather, the two began to return to camp. Carter, taking advantage of the moment, took the initiative to hold Bella's hand, which was free.

"I liked that you held my hand in front of Dylan. Are you trying to show that we're together?"

Bella stopped in the middle of the path, looking at the doctor with a serious expression.

"What do you mean by that?"

"You know... It's like you're making it clear to him that we're together."

"Have you had other relationships, Dr. Carter Kwon?"

"Yes, but nothing serious. We never even had time to travel together. Always busy: when I was on duty, she was off duty, and vice versa."

"I get it." Bella sighed, adjusting the bag full of fruit on her shoulder. "But let me make one thing clear. I held your hand to end the argument and make Dylan stop picking on you. It wasn't to show anyone anything. Everyone already knows we are getting to know each other better." Carter smiled, but Bella kept walking, clearly frustrated. When they reached the camp, Bella soon noticed DK and Oliver's absence. 

"They're taking a while, don't you think?" She commented, worried. Before Carter could answer, Susan spoke up, with her usual sarcastic tone: "Yeah. And did you happen to notice that your son and I are still alive? Thanks for asking." Bella took a deep breath and ignored the provocation.

"How's your leg, Susan?" 

"It still hurts a little, but I'm not going to die because of it."

"You were very brave to accept the stitches without anesthesia. In two weeks, they can be removed." Carter added, amazed.

"I'm tough, doctor." 

"I don't doubt it."

"The alcohol drank helped, didn't it?" Bella joked, drawing a small smile from Susan.

"We could try to build a better shelter. That storm is approaching fast." Carter suggested, looking at the horizon.

"I agree." Bella nodded and began to gather banana leaves, vines, and thin branches scattered on the ground.

With the material gathered, Carter began to stake the trunks, positioning them carefully to give stability. Meanwhile, Bella covered the structure with banana leaves, creating a sloping roof to protect the group from the rain. On the ground, they placed dry leaves and thin branches, leaving only the space for the fire free. Finally, they placed large rocks around the fire to prevent the flames from spreading.

When everything was ready, Bella looked into the distance, trying to see any sign of DK and Oliver. Dark clouds were already dominating the sky and the first drops of rain began to fall. Finally, the two appeared running towards the shelter.

"You guys took so long! We had to do it all by ourselves." Bella complained, crossing her arms.

DK smiled, breathless. "Were you worried about me, brunette?"

"Actually, everyone was. Can't you see the rain falling?" Carter interrupted, in an irritated tone.

Dylan ignored the provocation and announced:

"We found water. We found an incredible waterfall."

Everyone's expression changed instantly. For the first time since the accident, a flame of hope shone in the group's eyes.