Original story, created by- Dakotahstacy3. ONLY on Wattpad.
Anywhere else, it has been stolen, without permission. Support real artists and writers!
(Written back in April 2024)

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[Photos not mine, of the beautiful Spirit Bear]

Peter's pov
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Something was off about Cole the whole day, it was worrying me that it didn't go away. He didn't want to tell me, but it made him cry. So what could be that bad?
We ended up cuddling and watching a show, it was really relaxing and it made him feel better.

Maybe he'll be okay tomorrow. I just want to sleep right now, cuddling with Cole. And Toby. Both are adorable.

🍂

Cole's pov
<><><><>

Peter was so warm and cuddly, I didn't want to ever get out of bed again. Toby stayed with us most of the night, of course he had to nestle in between us, or lay on my face, but it was all worth it.

Me and Peter were laying together comfortably, until a sudden hit of cold water woke us up.

"Ah, what the-!?" We both screamed out, as the cold water shocked us awake. Jumping up and turning to see what just happened.

I looked up to be surprised and confused, "Edwin!?"

"Good morning, boys!" He shouted out happily. Holding a now empty cup.

"Of course, who else would it be." I said sarcastically, getting out of bed and hugging Edwin.

"It's good to see you. Where have you been all this time? Why didn't you visit sooner?" I asked.

"I've been living my own life. Away from the city." He said. "Why don't we go downstairs, make some breakfast and talk about everything that's happened since we last saw each other." He said with a smile.

"Alright. But did you really have to wake us up with cold water?" I said annoyed, with the cold water soaking my clothes. At least it was only a cup and not a whole pond.

"To remind you of the island. And it was fun." Edwin said chuckling then walking out of the room.

"Ughhh." Peter groaned. "I hate waking up suddenly. That was rude."

"We haven't seen Edwin in awhile. It's nice." I said smiling.

"But cold water? He didn't even say anything to me!" Peter complained.

I sighed, "Peter. Relax, baby. Let's just go get some breakfast."

"Can we change clothes first?" He asked, pulling at his wet shirt.

"Yeah." I said then grabbed us some dry shirts.
Watching as he pulled off his shirt, showing his naked chest.

"Cole."

"Hm? What?" I asked in a dazed state.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked, still shirtless.

"Just watching."

He smiled and shook his head. "Just focus on putting your own shirt on." He said putting on his shirt.

I took off the wet shirt and put on a new, dry one. Then the two of us went downstairs, hearing pots and pans being moved around and talking.

My mom and Edwin were talking about something,
"Cole, Peter. Ready to make us breakfast?" He said happily, flipping up a pan in the air.

"Your in a good mood." I said.

"I have a right to be. I'm happy, life's good, and I get to see some old friends." He smiled, getting some eggs and cracking them into a pan.

My mom spoke up, siting at the counter. "I would love to hear more about you and Garvey. Everything you say sounds so interesting and wise."

"I've got plenty of stories to tell." Edwin said.

"Then how come I barely ever heard you speak?" I asked, crossing my arms and furrowing my brows in confusion.

"That's because you needed to be alone. Only you and nature. No man, or man made things. Just you and your thoughts." He said wisely in his gruff voice.

Pausing before saying, "I know the island was used before for other people. But was that the first time two people were allowed there at the same time?" I asked, thinking about me and Peter.

He froze in place, then looked over at us. "I guess so. I haven't really thought about it before. Now, if we're going to talk, let's cook while we talk!"

"Ha, alright." I said, washing my hands then grabbing some stuff to make.
We all worked together to make a delicious breakfast feast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast. Each taking our own food to make and talking to each other.

🍂

"How do you make food taste so good Edwin?" My mom asked.

"You have to add love to it. It has to become more than just food, it's sustenance, it's what keeps you alive." He explained.

"Also some seasoning helps." I said sarcastically, staring at my mom.

"Uh, Cole! You like my cooking." She said offended.

I looked down, laughing with my hand covering my face. Then looking back up at her, "It was just a joke. I- love...your cooking...now at least" I said slowly and mumbled the last part.

We all started laughing.

"Oh, I've missing being around you two. I'm glad you and Peter are doing better." He said with a warm smile, staring between us.

Did he know we were together? I mean we were sleeping together. So?... Garvey probably told him some stuff.

Peter spoke up, "Uh... did Garvey uh. Tell you? About us?" He said nervously, glancing at me.

"He's kept me up to date on things, when he told me about you to, I was...surprised. But I guess it's better than you two hating each other. I'm happy for the both of you." He said looking over at us.

Peter looked down at his plate and glanced over at me. Edwin may be old fashioned, but at least he's not a jerk. But he can be pretty annoying at times.

—

After we finished breakfast I wanted to talk to Edwin about something but I was very nervous.

"Can I talk to you, alone?" I asked.

"Yeah. Sure thing." Edwin said then followed me to a different room.
"What's on your mind?" He asked curiously.

"Uh..." Tapping my foot nervously. "So, what do you think about me and Peter? Being together?"

His face softened, "Cole. It's your own life, it's none of my business or anyone else's. You and Peter seem very happy together and that's all that matters. Don't let anyone stop you from being happy or loving something."

I relaxed as he said that, realizing that he was supportive too.
"Thanks, Edwin." I said.

"I may be old and I don't exactly understand...But I don't have to understand to see how much the two of you love each other." He said gently.

We both smiled at each other, then I hugged him. Enjoying the embrace.

—

Edwin wanted to meet up with Garvey so we all headed over to his house.
We walked since it was the "natural" thing to do, you know how Edwin is.

I walked slowly, staying behind Edwin and Peter by my side.

"Are you okay?" Peter whispered to me, looking concerned.

Glancing over at him, my face showing obvious worry. "It'll be okay." I managed to say.

Peter grabbed my hand as we got closer and closer to the house.
We're just going to see Garvey and spend some time with him. Sophie won't be around... I hope.

My heart was starting to speed up and my hands were clammy. Peter could tell I was uncomfortable, tightening his grip on my hand as we were now standing in front of Garvey's house.

"I can't believe it's been so long since I've seen Garvey." Edwin said, turning around to look at us.

"Yeah, it's been awhile." I said, standing up straight and pretending everything was okay. But I was freaking out, I wanted to run away and cry. Being back here made me so uncomfortable.
But we're here for Garvey, so, it'll be okay.

Edwin made his way to the door, knocking and stood there with a huge smile as he waited for Garvey.

"Hel- Edwin!" Garvey said excitedly as he opened the door, quickly hugging Edwin.

"Good to see you again, Garvey!" Edwin said.

"What are you doing here!? I didn't think you'd be around anytime soon. Why didn't you tell me?" Garvey asked.

"Because I wanted to surprise you." Edwin said.
"Come on, get ready. We're going somewhere."

"Another surprise?" Garvey asked.

"Yep. Come on!" Edwin smiled.

Peter whispered to me, "See, it's okay. Today is about fun."
My body and mind relaxed as he said that, looking into his eyes. "I love you." I whispered, kissing him.

🍂

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"Be patient." Edwin said.

"Why do you always have to hide things from us?" I asked playfully.
"We barely know anything about you two."

He just turned to me with a smile then kept walking.

Garvey and Edwin walked together, talking about things. While me and Peter were behind them, still holding hands.
I had relaxed and any negative emotions went away. Right now I was just walking with my boyfriend.

Edwin had lead us to some random place I've never seen before, hidden away from everything.

"Uh, where are we?" Peter asked confused.

"I found this place recently and it's very special. It's one of the reasons I came here. I think you guys will enjoy it, come on in." Edwin explained, opening the door for us.

. . .

As we all sat together talking, I got to thinking about something. A thought that kept interrupting my mind.
We barely know anything about Garvey or Edwin. They knew so much about me, helped me for so long, yet I barely ever saw them or got to talk to them.

Garvey said he went through the circle and the island helped him, but that means he did something bad before in his life. So what did he do? What was he like before? What about Edwin?

~Flashback~

While doing my daily chores on the island, a sudden buzzing noise started to get closer. It was the distinct sound of Edwin's small boat.
I jumped up and rushed over to the shore, excited to see another human again.
Edwin didn't say a word, unloaded the supplies then headed back to his boat.

"W-wait! Edwin! Aren't you going to stay for a-while?" I said with a hoarse voice, that kept cracking.

"No." He said simply, turning away.

"Wait! Please! Don't leave me! Just stay for o-ne more minute, p-please!" I pleaded, grabbing onto him.
It's been months since I've been around people, the only human connection I had were the visits from Edwin. But those were becoming rarer and rarer. He gave me the supplies then left quickly. Barely staying a few minutes, not saying a word then leaving me again.

My body was craving human connection and touch, my ears needed to hear someone's voice, and my mind needed to see there was still other humans in the world.
I couldn't be alone any longer. I was going crazy, fighting every day to survive, just me and nature.

With no one to talk to, I started to lose my voice.
My body missed the touch of another person so bad, I just wanted someone to hold me.
All I wanted was to see that another human was around.

So why did Edwin leave so quickly? Why did the visits get shorter? Why didn't Garvey visit?

"Pl- please! Edwin... Just talk to me for one minute. Please?..." I begged, holding onto his arm.

He grabbed my hand, pulling it off his arm.
"I have to go." He said in a gruff voice, getting onto his boat.

"W-why?" I said quietly, my voice continuing to crack. My emotions were so high right now, I was so excited to see him, but now it hurt to see him leaving. It felt like I was about to burst out crying.

"This is your time, Cole. Your meant to be alone. You'll learn from it." Those were the last words he said before leaving. Turning on the boat engine and disappearing into the distance.

My heart felt so cold and empty, like it was being ripped apart. W-why!? Why? Please don't leave me. I can't be alone anymore. I can't take it anymore.

Seeing the only person around, disappearing into the horizon felt so isolating and empty.
Falling onto my knees, sobbing as I was alone again.
The only noises were of nature. The waves washing onto the shore, birds chirping and flying around, wind blowing through the trees.

But no humans. No conversations, no man made objects like cars or buildings. No worries about first world problems or drama.

Now it was just about survival.
Even thought this island is me meant to help and heal me, right now I just felt...empty.

~End of Flashback~

"Cole?" Peter whispered to me, leaning over. "You okay?"

"Oh. Yeah, sorry. I just zoned out." I said.

What did Garvey do? How did him and Edwin become friends? What was there lives like before? What did they go through at my age?

What would have happened if me and Peter didn't become friends? What would happen if I never went to the island?

I continued to think about what my life could have been like if things were different. I wouldn't be here, like this, I wouldn't have Peter, I wouldn't have Garvey or Edwin with me. I would just be alone with them.

Being alone on the island was one thing, but feeling alone in a crowd of people hurts even more.

I'm so glad that Garvey and Edwin have helped me and I now have an amazing boyfriend.
What would I do without this adorable idiot?

Looking over at my beautiful ginger boyfriend, freckles all over, an small smile. He's perfect, to me.

"I think my cookings better." Garvey said, snapping me out of my trance and listening to whatever conversation they were having.

"That's only because I've been gone so long, you forgot what my food taste like." Edwin said.

"I dunno. I think Sandy's cooking is better." Peter said.

"Oh, I guess this means we need to have a cooking competition." Edwin said.

"Ha, your on!" Garvey said.

"Hey, I thought it was about love." I said.

"I put so much love in my food, that's why it's better." Garvey said.

"But you could also use some seasoning." Edwin quipped.

"So are we going to have a cook off? Cause that sounds fun to watch." Peter said.

"And eat." I said.
All of us chuckling together.

_______________

🍂Author notes:

I had a hard time trying to figure out what to write for this. So...there probably won't be much of Garvey and Edwin. I'm just not that good at writing them, at least not at the moment.