Chapter 7 A Beauty’s Invitation

Dumbstruck, I felt like my head was hit by a lightning bolt. The goddess of the entire school wants me to take her virginity? “Are you out of your mind?” I asked in shock. “I’m not! In fact, I’m being rational.” “You’re joking, right?” Taking a seat beside me, Jovie said in a serious manner, “I’m aware of our shipwreck and situation. Yesterday, I met Dante and his friends. At first, I thought since we were schoolmates, we should at least help each other, so I led them to this lake. But very soon, I realized that in this deserted place, a man's primitive desires would be awakened as well.” “So you’re the one who led them here?” “Yes, but I drove them all away last night.” So it was her doings? Surprised, I asked, “How did you do it? You’re just a weak girl…” With a soft spoken voice, she replied, “Don’t ask me how. The situation now is, you and I may end up dying on this island, right?” “Right.” “So, I wish to die with no regrets. I like you, and have been looking for you. I wish to find you and give my all to you.” Not knowing how to react, I did understand Jovie’s action as somewhat similar to Rosalie wanting to give her first to Dante. However, there was one thing I didn’t understand. Why did she choose me? “Why me? Is it because you like me?” I asked hesitantly. “I don’t like you, but I don’t like anyone else in class too. You were often bullied by Rosalie and her gang of friends. In class, many classmates would poke fun at you, but you’ve never given up on yourself. Instead, you worked hard for your studies and even achieved good grades. I often wondered that, if I were you, I would resent this world. But you didn’t, and you were kind and eager to help others. You’re the one who got bullied all the time, but you would still help those who are weaker than you. To be honest, I knew Dante ran out last night, and I sneaked after him. When I saw you protecting Rosalie and her mom, I thought fondly of you. As expected, you always carry a kind and loving heart. I’m often curious about a lot of things, including relationships. I don’t wish to die without knowing how it feels, but since I don’t have anyone I like, and my heart often aches for you, I do hope that the person is you.” If this confession was heard by other men, they would probably feel elated. However, for some reason, I felt kind of upset. Noticing the saddened expression on my face, Jovie held my face. “Don’t ever think you are the weakest. Every person has a light of their own, and it will shine toward a place which you can’t even see. In this case, the ray of light within you have shone at me.” “I…” I sniffled, the urge to cry welling within me. So, there is someone who noticed me all along... Saying softly, Jovie asked, “Are you willing? Though this is my first time, I’m prepared for it.” Shaking my head, I rejected, “No, I can’t. For a girl as beautiful as you to confess to me, I felt happy, and I do wish to make love with you. But I don't want you to do it because you felt empathetic toward me. I’m a man, and I have my pride, so I hope you will grow to like me one day.” “I didn’t mean to hurt your pride. It’s just that I’m really fond of you, as compared to all the other classmates.” “I know, so all the more reason why I should not take this lightly, in order to deserve your fondness.” Holding Jovie’s hands, I declared solemnly, “I’ll protect you! I’ll work hard to make you fall in love with me someday, and I won’t let you die. And thank you, your words have brought a new light into my life.” Hearing that, Jovie smiled abruptly. Reaching out her hands, she pulled me into a hug. It was a warm and cuddly embrace. Cupping my face in her hands, Jovie congratulated, “You’ve passed my test. Everyone, come out now!” “Test?” Puzzled, I was wondering what she meant by test. At this moment, there were four shadows coming out from the forest, and they were all girls. So they were all hiding behind the bushes all along. No wonder I didn’t notice them. Their clothes were in rags, and they looked in a mess. “I see you’re quite a gentleman there, Jonathan! Someone trustworthy indeed!” “Not bad, for being able to resist Jovie’s charms.” Hearing that, I was struck dumb. “We’re all girls who nearly got raped ever since coming to this island. On this island, men who are physically stronger will take advantage of us girls. By working together, they won’t be able to bully us,” explained Jovie. “So everything you said earlier was just a lie?” I asked in shock. “Well, partly…” Making a silly face, Jovie stuck out her tongue and said, “I did find you outstanding. Jonathan, do you want to join us? Though we are afraid of men, we still need to depend on one in a place like this. We’ve already got 20 of us in a sect. Based on your moral character, you can certainly join us!” Out of curiosity, I asked, “Did you all drive Dante away?” “Yes, but this is not a safe place to linger. We need to find a new place. Are you coming with us?” “Can I bring Rosalie and Melody along?” “No way!” Upon bringing up Rosalie’s name, they opposed the suggestion. “Rosalie is a slut. All she does is seduce men, and she’s so arrogant! I won’t allow her to join us.” “If Rosalie’s in, I’m out! Which girl in school doesn’t hate her?” “She thinks she’s all that, so she’s always mean to other girls! I hate her guts.” With her brows knitted together, even Jovie objected to the suggestion. “Rosalie… I don’t think so as well.” Putting on a bitter smile, I wholly understood why the girls hated Rosalie. After giving some thoughts, Jovie suggested, “I understand that you were raised by her dad. How about this—if you still wish to join us after you’ve settled them, you can come and find us anytime! Our door will always be opened to welcome your arrival.” “Jovie’s arms will be open for you, too. Seriously, she always praises you in front of us,” teased one of the classmates. With her face turned crimson, Jovie said, “Hey! What are you talking about?” “Sorry to let you down, but I need to find my friends,” I apologized sincerely. Ever since I had been on this island, I had never seen my buddies, and I was worried about them. “I see. Since we’ll be heading north, we’ll eventually meet someday. I’ll be waiting for you,” said Jovie. After filling up the water bottles, I decided to bid them farewell for the time being. Frankly, I really wished to join them, but I had to find my friends. Also, I had to take care of Uncle Matthew’s only child in order to repay him for raising me up. Just then, a girl mentioned, “Your friends, isn’t it The Wimpy Four? The loser group who was often bullied by others, but will stick together and comfort one another?” Immediately, Jovie halted her. “Don’t call them names. That’s so rude!” Perturbed, I exclaimed, “You’re right! Everyone calls us The Wimpy Four! Have you seen them?” “I saw them this morning...” Pausing for a moment, she went on, “Near the west, they were fighting against another group, but they were totally beaten up. I was tittering and thought they were no doubt The Wimpy Four. If you hurry up, you might still see them there!”