𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑖𝑓 𝑖𝑡 𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐒

HAVING TO KEEP HER EYES from rolling at this dance is harder for isa than she thought it would be, particularly because she didn’t consider being caught off-guard with her and isco’s tense history so soon, however she gets by somehow. “ you’re kidding, right ? don’t get it twisted, the cameras don’t bother me. ” in a sense, she isn't being COMPLETELY honest — and of course she isn’t, she’s got a step-brother she barely knows and an ex-friend who she isn’t on good terms with living under the same roof as her, ON TOP of the fact that millions are watching her every bankable move; however, attempting to rectify questionable, past decisions or having a fun summer abroad outweighed the cons. “ i just didn't think we'd be addressing anything already, ” she continues lowly, “ if either of us was gonna act like the other didn't exist for the whole season, it would've been you. ” she's quick to correct him, albeit with pursed lips beforehand. “ we aren't now, no. but you’re right. ” wrapping the string of the teabag around the handle of the mug out of habit, all isa can really muster is a shrug — she ought to pat herself on the back for her somewhat redundant statement — as she tries NOT to come across as presumptuous. “ i mean, you said you didn’t really wanna be here, but it’s a contractual obligation... can’t say i blame you for being frustrated when it sounds like you’ve been tossed back into the LION’S DEN, y’know ? ”

 “ GOOD CALL, ” THE AMUSED KOOK retorts, “ you’d have to share the blame with me anyways for being involved, and that wouldn’t be the greatest start for me here. ” isabella’s grin is slow to fade, their disruptive household and the clever producers’ possible reactions still at the forefront of her mind as apollo hints at the former’s at times draining impact; she dons a sympathetic smile between that and his current posture. “ honestly, ” she starts, nudging her pot ahead to rest her forearms on the countertop, “ i agree — it’s been pretty overwhelming so far and drinking all day with all this TENSION in the house ? i can’t say that’s helpful for anyone here. ” a brief pause is taken, followed by a contemplative hum. “ i’m still figuring that out too, but i’m definitely following your lead; there’s too much to see to stay here all day. ” isa makes no sudden move towards the coffee maker just yet, rather she turns around to find a mug and spoon. “ of course — cow’s milk, i’m guessing ? ”

A SOFT GRIN FORMS ON isabella’s lips at the enthusiasm of the brunette as she nods along to her statement; thrifting, boutiques and everything in between have always been a source of enlightenment for the newcomer of the cast, however it’s typically increased tenfold whenever she has the opportunity to explore BEYOND north carolina — and given the simple and relaxed, cute and crisp aesthetic that she has often associated with australia being at arm’s reach, it’s no wonder that she’s as sold on it as eden. isa can’t help but to chuckle at the other’s comment, “ and i’m sure tons of guys would agree. ” and she assumes she will as well by the time they hit the dressing rooms. “ that we DO, ” she states while her free hand sweeps across the array of fabric beside them, enthralled brown eyes taking a peek before fixing themselves upon eden’s form again, “ any suggestions ? since you’ve got a bit of a head start over me. ”

SOFT LAUGHTER LEFT ISA’S LIPS at apollo’s hypothetical scenario, knowing damn well that he’d be right about the chaos it’d spawn. “ and after a night out or something ? they’d be ASKING for a revolt and i wouldn’t wanna witness the outcome of that, so we better not give them any more ideas — they might just go along with super early rises once this ends up being edited. ” as she continues to shovel small amounts of oatmeal into her mouth, isabella dons a slight smile which she directs at apollo. “ right... so, anything else planned for today ? or should i assume you’re kicking back for the better part of the day ? ” a beat of silence passes before she lets out a quiet ‘ oh ’ upon remembering the machine whirring in the background. “ what do you have in your coffee, by the way ? ”

IT WASN’T UNCOMFORTABLE FOR HER to have met a handful of her friends who have prior connections to her quite distant step-brother — not at this point, at least — however to live in the same space as them while isa truly learns to live with ezra for the first time since their parents have been together is a tad off-putting; though, naomi having experienced him at different stages and situations offers her some RELIEF regarding the anxieties that are bound to come with their stay. “ i’m honoured, ” she teased the fellow dark-haired beauty, “ plus it’s only right since your idea started right here. ” a slight noise of disgust emerged from her throat at the vision painted in her mind, “ tell me about it, anything more than yoga or a light workout and i’d TAP OUT — so their stamina and dedication ? wild. ” brown eyes dart towards naomi’s figure as isabella offers a tight-lipped smile for her friend. “ trust me, you’d help me plenty with both; but now that you mention WRATH, that would probably be the main thing for me. ”

𝑰𝑺𝑨: is this @ the career switch or the wine tasting ?? bc you’re always welcome to join me for both nomi 🥺

𝑰𝑺𝑨: i’m sorry love, i kinda just stumbled upon it while exploring :( there’s still time to join me, but i’ll definitely keep that in mind ! 💫

𝒊𝒔𝒂: hello, i’ve decided to become a vinter and settle here permanently once the season wraps 𝒊𝒔𝒂: thoughts ?? 𝒊𝒔𝒂: and no, this isn’t JUST bc i’m at a wine tasting..... but it’s a big part of it ngl

HER TOP TEETH NIBBLE ON her bottom lip as isco’s words summon her guilt once again, isabella making no move to glance at the other. “ i — are we already having this conversation ? ” she poses genuinely, albeit nothing more than a murmur; she dares to speak louder as nimble fingers toy with the string of the teabag, “ i know you won’t believe me, but it’s not like that, isco. ” it wasn’t like that years ago either, but figure eight’s brand of peer pressure can be an UGLY, damaging thing — her and isco’s long-extinguished friendship being a prime example of the casualties that can lie in its wake. the dark-haired kook offers a tight-lipped smile at the mention of contracts and his obvious discomfort. “ tension DOES seem to run high, ” isa agrees, eyes flitting over the steam that continues to rise and dance from her mug, “ ‘s not fun to stick it all out just because you’re stuck. ”

HAVING GLAZED OVER SEASONS PAST to know exactly what she was getting into, isabella was sure that eden — like a good portion of the house, as far as she could tell — was stuck on her own negative experiences and feelings while readjusting to the process of making a reality show. and it’s for that reason that she feels a TAD guilty for not extending the offer to a couple of the other girls, however having some alone time with a friend she only sees every so often is a NECESSITY. rose-tinted lips don an agreeable grin at the confirmation, “ you’re definitely not wrong, ” followed by a light chuckle, “ it’s hard to find the right shade and the right style though. ” thank god that australia’s changed that for the picky fashionista. a giggle escapes isa as she’s whisked over to where eden was just moments prior, clutching her potential purchases by the hooks of their hangers; deep brown eyes take in the array she’ll soon skim through just as the other woman flaunts her find in a much appreciated, exaggerated manner. “ just a little SHORTER than what i’d go for, personally, ” she muses, “ but your legs would look great in it — and i like the wash of it; you’re totally showing me how it looks on later. ”

THE SIGHT OF HIM INDULGING in the fruit reminds isa of the oatmeal sitting on the stove behind her, flaring up a pang of hunger for the raven-haired woman that sees her grabbing the pot handle and placing it in front of her; the smaller spoon she used for stirring remains in the pot — THANKFULLY — and results in her making use of it once again. “ don’t i know it, ” she huffs amusedly, skimming the mixture idly with her utensil, “ we could have a stampede in the house right now and they’d all be pretty much solid... i’m still not sure if that would be impressive or concerning. ” isa FINALLY digs into her breakfast, albeit slowly, as she keenly listens to apollo and offers a smile at the slight ramble he goes on — with her mouth closed, of course, and waiting to swallow before speaking again. “ hm, so THAT’S why you’re going against the norm too, ” she jests, finding the situation endearing, “ but really, i’m glad it’s all working out for her, fingers crossed that we can add that test to the list. ”

“ ISN’T IT ? ” CHOCOLATE BROWN EYES lock on isco’s form, a slight furrow to her brow and a confused chuckle at his response being all that she can muster at the moment. isa has tension with people on both sides of the long-standing rivalry, and while it’s not an ideal situation, she’s making the best of it knowing that she can’t avoid them forever. isco being one of them. not to mention that with her bad influences being half a world away, she’s SLOWLY dropping the remnants of her kook façade that always seem to fluctuate whenever she returns to the outer banks. snapping out of her reverie as the kettle’s switch flicks off, she offers a shrug that she’s CERTAIN he doesn’t see while idle hands make quick work to handle the jug, words lost on her as the piping hot water makes contact with the mug and teabag. “ i just... did, ” isabella answers in a tone lacking confidence — due in part to not wholly understanding the decision to go against the echoing voice of insecurity that can rear its head on occasion, “ seemed like a change of pace that i wouldn’t mind checking out — just to say i did it, i guess. ” trailing off leads to her pausing, before curiosity gets the better of her. “ and how did you end up coming back ? ” the raven brunette counters.