Chapter 11: Round Robin Talks
A disaster.
Complete, utter disaster. That had been the singular word that could be used to describe the previous elimination around losing not just Justin but Courtney – whom in all of her 'wisdom' shoved the entire blame of the challenge, which she avoided to do, onto Harry then blurting out the one thing that everyone on the island noticed. The attraction between Trent and Harry… with Gwen.
It became a nice, fine mess.
Honestly, none of them was to blame. It had been one of those things which could have happened to anyone Bridgette and Geoff were another obvious couples, but no one dared call them out, those two had their own things which needed to be worked through, the other three were an entirely different story. With the truth thrown out and into the open Trent, Harry and Gwen avoided each other not even exchanging good nights upon returning to the camp; Harry switched bunks without a word. Breakfast became even more awkward with no one daring to say a single word when Trent came back without snatching a muffin for the two. Their resident goth withdrew into herself and outright avoiding all forms of communication where Harry gave short responses and changing subjects at a moment's notice. Tension could be seen from the Gopher's Table strict in silence, so quiet that a pin could be heard drop. Heather, who had been known for not having a filter, suddenly found herself unable to say anything after nearly getting a face filled with Chef's so-called casserole flung at her. The Killer Bass found themselves in an awkward position unable to do anything other than watch; Courtney, who had been a member, had been the one at fault for the problem.
Surprisingly the Killer Bass did not seem to want to use the strain to their advantage instead showing remorse for their former teammate's actions. Their resident badass Duncan even shared a moment of empathy and winced when the three strolled in having sensed the tension but wisely kept his mouth shut. No one really knew what to do. With the lack of a challenge for the three days, not much could be done other than trying to help them through this crisis. Worse came to worse a series of losses might befall the Screaming Gophers which would not be good for anyone.
Cody groaned and slammed his head. What could be done? Gwen, Harry and Trent… they were his friends, but it felt intrusive to invade on such a delicate subject, neither of them wanted to talk or do anything outright refusing to interact with people and even he knew that had not been a good thing. While a typical nerd to the definition socializing was important! They needed to talk or at least say something to each other. The silence had been killing him. Hating the entire thing. He could not stand seeing his friends like this. It had been obvious to everyone at the camp about the "triangle" between the three though more-so one-sided from Gwen's view and Harry had been oblivious until last night. Trent… well, who honestly knew what had been going the guitarist's head? A laid-back cool guy he might have been but reading Trent had been an entirely different story. Trying to get them to one place, challenges excluded, would prove to be nigh impossible.
"Urgh." He groaned aloud.
"You know slamming your head on the desk doesn't really amount to much," Noah commented bemused, focusing on the book sitting in his palm. "If you're trying to whack yourself in a coma might I recommend heading to the forest? You might see something that will knock you out."
Cody lifted his head and glared. "That isn't funny, Noah."
"Maybe." He replied succinctly. "But I found it amusing."
"Can you be serious at least for once?"
His friend's eyes rolled insufferably, closing his book and gazed flatly. "It I must."
"Fine. Whatever be an ass," Cody rolled his eyes. "I know what about you said – yesterday about not interfering and all but…"
"Let me guess after last night you believe that it's our duty as fellow members of the Screaming Gophers to resolve the problems while finding a way to ensure that all three somehow remain friends and end up having their happy ever after. Right?" Noah's brow cocked. Cody hesitated it had not been the exact wording though the description had been near dead on. "Listen much as I'd love to put the time and money into helping there is not much we can do. Say we interfere one of them will end up unhappy; that's a given. You can't make everyone happy Cody. That isn't how the world works. The one left out is going to end up feeling like a third wheel, sure it'd be nice if the three of them could work together but that's not gonna happen. You need to let things go at their own pace."
Cody wanted to say something. Refute the words back and show Noah that something could be done! When the other talked like that he knew that the harsh truth was probably the likelier outcome, curling his hands in frustration and tore his gaze away. "So all we can do is sit and wait for something to happen? Vote them off one by one?"
"That isn't what I meant." Noah countered exhaustedly.
"Sounds like it." He shot back angrily.
A silent paused as a facepalm echoed before Noah slouched slightly against the chair. "First off, I think it's utterly doubtful that the three are going to be voted off even with what's going on; Gwen's too valuable due to her creativity and willingness to stand up against Heather, she's a strong opponent to keep the balance of power in check since we all know that Heather's gunning to vote her off and take control. Trent's the mediator and cools everyone's heads to come up with strategies and plans when emotions start running too high, sees reason and puts us all back on track to our goal. Harry's resourceful and quick thinking is the one that's helped us with our current wins with the exception last night but that's more Justin's fault that his. He holds up together as our leader –"
"You think Harry's our leader?" Cody interrupted, curiously.
Noah quirked a brow. "Can you deny that? He's been the one to lead us to victory time and time again."
That could not be denied. There had been an underlying charisma that Harry wielded that managed to rally the Gophers together in times of need when Noah had initially refused to join the dodgeball challenge until Harry convinced him when he talked with Heather and Beth about jumping during the first day. He had always been there to listen and help by pulling them together to win.
"I guess that's true…"
"That doesn't necessarily mean he's safe. Heather's gonna start gunning for the three sooner or later by trying to get into our good graces," Noah added. "She's determined to win."
Cody shot a look. "No duh, I'm surprised she hasn't tried to get rid of us yet."
"She'll try after getting rid of the stronger competitors." He mused, thoughtfully. "Taking out Eva and Courtney – even if she had been annoying was intellectual and capable. The rest of the Bass isn't weak by any means but there is a large gap since most of their teammates have been voted off, their hurting badly. We might be ahead but that can change in an instant if they start using their brains."
"Like Harold and his reflexes?" Cody prompted.
Noah grimaced slightly. "Don't remind me. I was unaware he could even move like that."
"Right, right. So what's the second part?" Cody waved his hand dismissively.
"The second part is that there is still more than a handful of these episodes left. Now I'm not going to say that the 'power of friendship' is going to suddenly happen and everything is going to be all dandy," Noah added sarcastically. "We can still use the challenges to at least force them to work together. The incentive not to lost would be enough to ensure each other's cooperation for winning. I doubt that they'd want to go home this early in the competition. Granted none of us knows how exactly Chris is going to exploit us for said challenges but we'll have to make do with whatever he throws at us."
Cody stared. "… You're almost sounding optimistic."
"Don't mock me," Noah retorted and throwing a glare. "I don't do optimistic."
"I dunno man." Cody's smile widened. "Sounded like you were hoping that things would work out between them."
His friend rolled his eyes before glaring. "Hey. They're my friends too… aww, damn."
"See!" Cody leapt up and pointed. "You do care!"
"Urgh." Noah slapped his hands to his face as groans echoed loudly. "Why must you do this to me?"
"Because I'm your friend and I care for you," Cody answered immediately unable to fight off the growth on his face.
All that could be heard had been the strangling noises echoing deep from within the cabin and the cackling laughter of Cody.
Fingers strummed against the strings echoing sounds of music and noise near the side of the lake. Music to be enjoyed by those who were nearby and to join in, however, the sounds coming from the instrument had been meant with frustration and anger, the melody falling into disarray. Falling apart with each note played and unable to properly focused to create the desired rhythm. His mind dwelled elsewhere affecting the way he had played the song and let out a groan of anger allowing the guitar to lend onto his lap while groaning, no matter how many times attempted to play nothing seemed to work. A roadblock. Common but rather annoying to overcome, taking a moment to attempt to regain some form of thinking and control, events of the previous night surfaced in flashes.
What happened could not be undone and what had been worse alienating two of the people Trent cared about most. No matter what he tried to say, think or do things ended up feeling so awkward that nothing could break through the walls which risen preventing him from getting near, not that it had been deserved.
Trent felt like utter shit.
It seemed that everything which he attempted to do ended up crumbling between his fingers one way or another without anything that could be done. He hated the fact that Gwen and Harry ended up being hurt in the process, the fact that Courtney so blatantly revealed his attraction to the other openly with disregard for his own, it had never been meant to hurt anyone. Unfortunately, what exactly had been what happened. All due to his own goddam refusal to open and wanting things to say as they were rather than ruining friendships. That little revelation last night managed to drive a wedge so deep between the three that he no longer knew what to do, not wanting to risk pushing Gwen and Harry further away than the two already were deciding to give the two space; rather cowardly, now that he truly thought on it and let out a humourless laugh. In the end, all that he had been doing was running away from his problems just like always.
A coward. That's all Trent had been this entire time. Rotten, good for nothing coward who refused to take responsibility.
"I should get voted off next," He remarked sardonically. "Make everyone's lives easier without me."
"You shouldn't talk like that."
A little breath escaped his lips and took a moment to gather himself, glancing from the corners of his eyes. "What do you want Bridgette?"
"I came to see how you were doing." She answered calmly, stopping just before the docks. "I figured you could use an ear."
An ear? Is that honestly what she believed that's what he needed? What an utter joke. There had been no reason for Bridgette to be wasting her time with a nobody like him after last night he felt certain that the Screaming Gophers – no, the entire camp would be better off without him on the island. That way no one would get hurt because of him.
"Thanks." Trent started, firmly. "But no thanks. I'm fine Bridgette."
Silence. Sounds of footsteps echoed against the wood as the sharp flicker of blue entered his peripheral leading towards averting her gaze entirely.
Bridgette remained quiet. "Trent," She started. "I'm not going to lie and say that Courtney was not at fault for telling something that you obviously were not ready to share because it is her fault. It wasn't right for her to out you like that in front of the entire world, I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now." Her head shook sorrowfully. Blue hues reflected sympathy and genuine concern and shoulders slumped as she placed a hand upon his should carefully. "Having your agency taken away like that isn't something that can be undone. I think the rest of the Killer Bass agree with me when I say that Courtney went way too far."
"Like that matters now." He responded snippily. "She's already off the island."
"Maybe." Bridgette agreed. "I doubt that she'll have many friends after this is all over."
"Oh. That's very helpful Bridgette," Trent remarked sarcastically.
Her head shook. "Sorry. No one blames you for this at all Trent, you can't help whom you end up falling in love with. Love is a very powerful thing, it can't be controlled by anyone or anything. To blame you for something like that is like saying that it's the fish's own fault for swimming in the ocean; if neither Gwen or Harry can accept your feelings then that's on them."
"You make it sound so easy." Trent ran his hands over his face and glanced tiredly. "I can't even muster up words to talk."
"You will." She smiled gently. "The three of you will be able to work things out Trent, I believe that."
He shot a wry grin. "You certainly have a lot of faith."
"Someone has to." Bridgette giggled. She fell silent afterwards. "Trent…?"
The hesitation in her voice had been enough for him to put his guard up once more. It had never been a good thing when someone's voice trailed off like that, despite knowing Bridgette caretaker nature, the question about to be asked would be rather difficult to answer. It had been inevitable truthfully having a vague notion of what she desired to ask. Trent swallowed thickly. "Hm?" He responded slowly, tapping his fingers against the strings of his guitar trying to distract himself. "What?"
"What do you like about Gwen? And Harry?"
He blinked, owlishly. That had not been what Trent had been expecting. "Sorry?"
"What you think of them," Bridgette elaborated. "You know things that you like and find attractive about them; looks, personality, interests that type of thing."
"Are you… "His eyes squinted uncertainty and hesitated. "Are you trying to set me up with one of them?"
The look she gave could be compared to 'I'm disappointed in you' stare. "That's reaching, Trent. Really far."
"Hey. You're the one that worked that way, take responsibility." Bridgette's snort ended up causing a smile to form on his face and snickering as she punched the side of his arm sending him into a fit of laughter before managing to compose himself. "Okay, okay! I give! I'll talk!" Trent relented, chuckling still. "Okay. I guess… what I like about Gwen is the fact she isn't the type to let things get to her? She's creative and has spunk in everything she does. Smart, strong and beautiful too." A fond smile came over his face thinking about Gwen before his expression turned thoughtful. "Harry… whenever I'm around him I can't help but feel drawn; just… listening to being near him always puts a smile on my face. There has not a day that's gone by where I haven't wanted to spend time and be around him. Whenever we go to jam here at the docks I end up getting lost in his eyes and his voice whenever he sings even after all this I'm… glad that I was able to meet and be friends with him."
The sappiness from his words was aware on his part. There had been no denying the truth how much that Harry made him feel whenever the two were together, each second passed by had been exhilarating beyond comprehension and words seeking one another out whenever there had been time available. While Trent had also enjoyed Gwen's company; chatting and exchanging jokes here, and there ultimately, he preferred spending majority of his time with Harry. Not because he liked her any less rather the connection between him and the other boy felt far stronger. And yet…
Bridgette sensed his uncertainty. "Do you want to hear what I think?"
"What makes you think you know what I feel?" Trent retorted, not unkindly.
"I wouldn't go that far." She shrugged, breathing quietly and then stood stretching her legs. "And I don't want to make any assumptions about you guys either it just sounds like… what you feel is a bit more than a simple crush."
Trent's head rested against his cheek. "Like you and Geoff?" His own teasing seeped through watching with glee at the rose-red colouring that burned upon her cheeks the thrown look Bridgette had ended up being the cherry on top, rarely seeing the surfer get so flustered like that. It had been a moment which he planned on savouring. The two were the most obvious couple on the island next to Tyler and Lindsay, the latter already being an official couple regardless of what Heather tried to do to separate them, one way or another the two would end up confessing. The spluttering denials coming from Bridgette's lips prompted to smile further enjoying the scene before him until she managed to gather herself.
"This isn't about Geoff and me." Bridgette denied, blushing brightly and coughed.
"You sure?" His eyes gleamed. "We could change the subject you know."
She glared face still red. "Trent!"
His cheeky smile remained leaning against the pole and folded his arms across his neck thoroughly enjoying the flustered gaze Bridgette wore. "You know I feel fairly certain he feels the same way about you, Bridgette."
"Trent!"
"Bridgette!" He retorted cheekily watching as she rolled her eyes pouting. "Okay, okay I'll stop. Really."
It had been clear that she had not been too pleased with the teasing briefly crossing arms and stared wryly before snorting softly, smiling slightly. "You know, you're a really great guy Trent." Bridgette bent slightly placing her hand on his shoulders and gripped with assurance. "I think you'll be able to work things out just fine."
"You say that but…" Trent averted his gaze focusing on the gentle currents not knowing what to think. The sentiment had been well intentional although in truth anything could happen from here on out.
Bridgette stood and turned walking a few steps before halting. "If you leave things as they are then they won't get better. Harry and Gwen are going to drift further and further away from you until your voice won't reach them, I'm not saying go jump on them now. Take your time to think things over; how you feel… what you think. Then talk to them." Her fingers ran through her locks. "It isn't just on your shoulders either Trent."
"Not… really feeling much better?" Trent responded confused.
"Never mind." Bridgette's head shook. "You'll figure it out."
Trent watched as she began to walk away and swallowed. "Where are you going?"
"Who me? You aren't the only one that's in need of someone to talk to. I'm going to have a chat with Gwen next and then later with Harry." She answered easily. "Figured that you aren't the only one that needs an ear."
His brows furrowed confused. "Shouldn't you talk to Harry first?"
"He needs time to himself for a bit. Figure I should go and talk to Gwen before Heather tries to use this to her advantage and all." Bridgette waved slightly.
Trent grimaced. Heather had blunt about her desire to win no matter the cost and consequences go as far as to manipulate, steal and lie her way to the top the thought of her finding some way to use this to her advantage. None of them was stupid enough to believe every little thing that Heather said even Lindsay started to develop doubt about her despite trying to see the good, and Beth has been pulled into Cody's and Noah's friendship far away from the Queen Bee's insidious grasp. Barely anyone on the Screaming Gophers trusted Heather to throw her though there had been little reason to not think that she had a backup plan. For now, he was not in the right mindset to dwell upon such thoughts letting Bridgette deal with it seemed like the best choice.
"I wish you luck Bridgette. Heather can be quite a force to deal with." He warned seriously.
Bridgette's eyes flashed. "Don't worry, I'm no pushover either. Thanks for the word of advice."
*flash*
Trent sat on the toilet avoiding the camera, dejectedly staring at the ground before eyes slide to the lens. A breath taken and then exhaled ruefully smiling. "Bridgette's right. I need to seriously think about what's going to happen from here on out rushing… that's going hurt them both more, it's never what I wanted in the first place." Head shook. "I wanted time to sort out my feelings. What I feel and for whom but then Courtney had to go and do something like that! I-I am I in the wrong for being angry with her? Damn it. Why did everything have to spiral so out of control – just when things were finally looking up. Now… neither of them is going to want to talk with me again."
*flash*
Since coming to the island never once in her life would Bridgette believed she'd end up meeting so many bizarre and yet friendly people on Total Drama, each of them signing for one reason or another to win the grand prize of ten thousand dollars, the surfer discovered herself surprised at the many friendly competitors. Her own team had been made up of some of the most life-like people from DJ; the sweet and lovable giant to Tyler; clumsy yet filled with determination and encouragement to Katie; friendly all around even to those who were downright horrid towards her (Ie: Ezekiel and Heather). Each of them brought a little something to the group making it worthwhile to spend and work together like a family, Bridgette did have a problem with a few people here and there but that had not really been much of an issue. She believed that no matter what that everyone had good somewhere deep down inside of them even if others said otherwise. There were times when believing in someone proved to be rather challenging, however, never once gave up on them eventually becoming good friends.
Her patience put to the test strolling towards the lounge and hearing the sharp, harsh tones of one Heather echoing from inside. The girl truly drove people up the wall due to her sheer cruelty and lack of human decency that even Bridgette found herself questioning whether it had been worth talking with her but for sake of Gwen, she was willing to put aside her disdain.
"What I don't understand is why you're wasting your time pining for the wannabe guitarist and four-eyes when there are better things to worry about. Like oh, I don't know winning maybe? Or is that just too hard of a concept for your goth mind to grasp?"
Bridgette stomped the desire to grab Heather by the hair and toss the brat out the door. Hard. Who knew it would be that difficult. She arrived just in time to witness Leshawna ready to throttle someone and Gwen preparing to dunk Heather's head into the ink, Beth seemed ready to hold the two girls back while Katie and Lindsay stood frighteningly uncertain. The latter two did not want hostility between the group and wanted them to get along probably why neither jumped into the fray, violence had never been the right answer even if the other party attempted to coerce into fighting, Bridgette prided on being level-headed. With Courtney gone she knew that it had bee time for her to step up to the plate and do her best for the sake of the Killer Bass.
The moment she entered all eyes snapped towards her with the girls settling back down. Leshawna tossed a glare at Heather, who shrugged off and whipped her hair around. Katie, Lindsay and Beth shot her a grateful look that said much more than usual, strolling to a spare chair and sat down to join them.
"So," Bridgette began casually. "What's going on?"
Silence. Tension rose quickly wordlessly as each girl turned their head away with furious expressions bar one more the latter three. It took zero time to figure out the reason having heard the comment from the window she took a moment to prepare herself to have known Bridgette was about to drive straight into enemy territory but did not care. Gwen and Leshawna were cool to talk with when challengers were not preventing them from working together. She had not gotten the chance to sit and talk with Beth yet but knew that the girl probably had one of the biggest heart's out there even if timid. Lindsay and Katie had zero mean bones in their bodies. The real problem had been Heather practically controlling the weaker contestants on the show through fear and angry manipulating them with little effort yet noticed how far they were beginning to stray from her side, even the Killer Bass noticed how much stronger Beth started to become and the way Lindsay began to stand up if for a moment. Personally, cheering the two on from the sidelines knowing that the two would be okay, that did not mean things were going to go as easy as Bridgette had hoped. Aware of the competitive nature the girl had – the willingness to do whatever to get on top. Winning had been nice but at the cost of one's integrity and Morales? No thanks.
The surfer's eyes gazed at them as none desired to budge from their spots, speak up or say anything. Frowning in dejection Bridgette pushed her thoughts away reminding herself that she came for Gwen placing her own feelings away. Helping a friend meant more to her than some petty negative emotion. "How are you feeling Gwen?" Bridgette asked.
Gwen stared sourly. "How I'm feeling? Not great."
"Okay. That's fair." Perhaps that had not been the best way to start the conversation.
"Honestly, I just don't get you goth girl." Heather scoffed. "Wasting your precious time over a guy that probably won't look in your direction. Here I thought you actually had a brain!"
Bridgette shot a stare. "That's enough Heather."
"Tell me about. I've been trying to get Heather off Gwen's case since she got her. Does she listen? Aw hell no, skinny little busy-body here seems to think that her way is the only way a girl should think!" Leshawna snapped. "Me thinks that little miss Queenbee has never had her heart crushed before. Then again this is the same person that her diary for the world to see!"
"That was really low." Katie nodded sharply.
Heather rolled her eyes. "Spare me the lecture. It's done and over with, can we move on to the real problem, please? I'm mean. We've all long since established that fact. Why continue beating a dead horse? Instead of focusing on how cruel and vile I am how about we talk about Gwen and how her self-pity party is so overdone and not needed. I mean, really. It had been obvious from the start that it was never going to happen Trent's eyes have always been on four-eyes since we got here I mean – HELLO! Anyone with two eyes could see that. We're just being polite and not saying anything because it isn't our business. I may be a bitch but even I wouldn't go as far as to out someone; I have lines that I won't cross. Hey. Here's an idea; maybe if Gwen would stop trying to oh not socialize and avoid the team that maybe she'd be able to move on!"
"I mean… Gwen does like hanging out with Trent and Harry. Cody too! But like I thought everyone knew about Trent and Harry?" Lindsay hesitated and poked her fingers together. "I mean they look at each other really fondly-like. I kinda thought that you got over your crush on Trent since you know," She glanced at the goth. "You and Cody have been talking recently. You two kinda make a cute couple and all."
Gwen nearly gagged. "Cody and me? Yeah. Right. He's more like the annoying little brother that won't leave me alone."
Katie's eyes glanced. "Um…"
"Not to mention he hits on nearly every single girl at the camp," Leshawna added. "Honestly that skinny ass white boy has been pretty tame lately. I'll give him that. Not a bad kid."
"He hasn't hit on me yet." Heather pointed out.
"That's because even Cody isn't that desperate." Bridgette countered feeling his lips twitch into a smile vanishing immediately at the venomous stare.
"E-excuse me… girls?" Katie's voice piped up quietly.
Heather planted hands upon her hips. "Funny surfer girl. In fact, that it was so funny that I almost forgot that Gwen is moping over the fact that Trent isn't fawning over her like a little lamb now that is sad."
Much as Bridgette desired to snap at Heather and the callous attitude of hers there had been an unfortunate reality. Trent and Gwen were never together while the crush on the former had become something that everyone knew about the two seemed to fall steadily into a friendship than an actual relationship, with the revelation of the crush on Harry blurted openly. The blow had been more than she could have taken and retreated into herself not wanting to be hurt. Personally, the surfer wondered if Gwen blamed the two on some level and had been trying to mask the anger with pain to push others away fearing coming off as prejudiced, there had been no doubt in her mind that the goth truly cared about the two. Being the only one who had not realized the growing closeness between the two hit her hard forcing to confront that reality. No one ever truly got over their first crush, their first love. She knew that well.
Love, crushes and infatuations complicated matters. It took time for things to settle and let go; moving on. The gruelling painful road of knowing that the person you liked did not share those same feelings; very few managed to move on easily after rejection and as bad as it sounded Gwen seemed like the type to cling and hold on to things until reaching the point of letting go.
"You know what girl?" Leshawna stood angrily. "You've never had your heart broken before? Then how about I show ya how it's like? Because yer gonna need a new heart once I'm done with you!"
"Please," Heather responded, uncaringly. "If you started something now than you'd be disqualified. Much as you 'care' about Gwen you want the money just as much as I do. There is no way you are going to risk your chance at ten thousand dollars because of some crush. Get over it, both of you."
The utter hatred burning in Leshawna's eyes was enough to set rival a volcano. Her teeth gritted together before slowly sitting back down with arms crossed next to Gwen ready to leap at Heather before snapping away with begrudgingly as a gaze of victory gleamed on the taller's face, all of them joined the show for the money. To win the crash for their own reasons. No matter how angry the girl might have been neither of them desired to risk being sent back home without a fighting chance. Bridgette certainty did not want to go home not until she had fought as far as her abilities would take her. The gruelling quiet confirmed that no matter how mad they were with Heather's treatment towards Gwen ultimately she needed to get past that and move onwards re-focusing on challenges instead of wallowing in her own pity. It had been cruel worded though perhaps it merely had been an attempt of Heather to help the goth in her own strange, cruel manner. Bridgette stomped on the snort. There had been no way after all this time that Heather would grow conscious she proved to be malicious and underhanded using whatever method to pull ahead in the game no matter whose expense, disinterest and using the file on her nails reinforced that thought. But even Heather had some good in her. Deep, deep down.
"Um," Beth spoke up timidly.
Heather glared. "Um, what Beth?"
"Hey. Give the girl some space," Leshawna growled and gazed encouragingly. "What's on your mind?"
"A-ah well, it's just…" Beth took a moment. "Isn't it weird?"
"Weird? What's weird?" Gwen prompted.
Katie glanced around utterly perplexed and opened her mouth to say something before getting caught off.
"I can't put it into to words." She continued choosing her sentences carefully. "But doesn't it feel like something's wrong?"
"The only thing that's wrong is the fact that Gwen over there still can't get over the fact that Trent plays for the other team and can't seem to get her head back into the game," Heather growled and folded her arms. "That is what's wrong. Beth." If stares could kill she would be dead ten times over in the span of a millisecond.
Beth's head shook. "No. That's… that's not it."
"Yeah…" Linsday tapped her lip. "Something is wrong!"
"Yeah?" The sarcasm from Gwen's voice could not be more obvious. "How so?"
Katie seemingly ready to burst slammed her foot onto the ground. The chair Bridgette sat in wobbled back and forth taking the surfer by surprise nearly toppling onto the ground barely able to recover from the outburst from the usually docile girl taking time to recovering, and she had not been the only one shocked. It had been so unlike her to suddenly do things like that but the stern gaze forced herself to keep quiet not wanting to earn Katie's wrath. Moments passed until she seemed to exhale.
"Sue isn't here." She explained.
It became so quiet that a cricket could be heard each glanced at one another with Lindsay counting quietly confused more so than the rest. Each knew that Sue had been less than friendly towards Harry for one reason or another driving a wedge during the dodgeball challenge to say they were at odds had been putting things lightly. Bridgette worried about what she might attempt to do. Proving to be untrustworthy given her records and her lack of remorse, she desperately wanted to believe that she was not all that bad but found it difficult to stand beside the girl after all had been said and done, the fact she had not been in the remote area had been worrisome and with none of them knowing where Harry currently all their thoughts jumped to the worst. Shooting up from her chair rushing towards the door with the rest not too far behind her gazing at the empty fields of green; Geoff had been playing catch with DJ, Tyler and Duncan and Trent remained near the docks strumming his guitar obliviously. Harold had been sitting by himself with his face stuffed into a large book. Her lips curled worryingly searching for the rest of the girls with her bar the missing one and noticed Cody and Noah leaving the Gopher Cabins the latter far more annoyed than Bridgette knew what to think. It had not been her prime concern.
"Where is she?" Heather hissed nudging her out of the way looking wildly.
Leshawna squinted her eyes. "Has anyone even seen her or Harry all day?"
"I haven't!" Gwen answered up. "Really!"
Lindsay and Beth shook heads. Katie forced on the ground. "I… I think I saw Sue head into the woods earlier but I'm not sure? I-I tend to avoid her."
"That girl is trouble," Heather growled, slamming a fist on the ledge. "From me, that's saying a lot."
Beth attempted to diffuse the anger. "W-what damage she can do? Harry's pretty smart, quick-witted too I don't she'll be able to do anything too him."
"He's not exactly in a good place right now. I remember the look he wore from last night." Gwen gripped the side of her arm gazing away ashamed. "Now that I think about it he looked pretty shocked about what Courtney said."
Leshawna patted her shoulder. "It ain't your fault girl. Harry didn't know either… heck pretty sure that Trent's still trying to sort out his feelings but... it worries me. Don't get me wrong the kid's strong. Stronger than he honestly believes but Sue's a shrewd girl I don't doubt that she's gonna try and use his confused state to her advantage."
"You honestly think that Leshawna?" Bridgette asked, hurt echoing loud and clear.
"Bridgette. Listen sweetheart." Her expression stern. "This ain't about the Gophers or the Bass. This is something about what Sue said that she hasn't admitted yet I feel certain about that there's another motive to why she's been after Harry all this time I don't what it might be but I'll be damned letting her walk around like she's some queen. Leshawna does not like it when her friends are threatened. I'll give her a good smack!"
"But like how do you know?" Katie pressed further. "Like, I get that Sue really doesn't like Harry even though he's super nice and cute and all but can you really prove that she's out for him?"
It might have been the trick of the sun. For that one moment, Bridgette felt certain she saw Leshawna's lips curl angrily putting on a large, sunny smile and shrugged then excused herself to rush over to the guys. Getting help from the guy's would help spread out the search since she felt certain that neither Chris or Chef would the island had been easy to cover the grounds with the remaining campers. Bridgette felt bad for having such horrid thoughts about Sue it went against everything she believed but the attitude and sense of self-importance created friction unable to climb over the obstacle to truly getting to know the girl, however, the surfer knew that one day they would be able to become friends or so she believed.
She wanted to believe that they were merely overreacting to Sue's lack of presence at the camp and that nothing was wrong, time on Total Drama Island revealed otherwise. Her eyes flickered nervously trying to keep the rest of the girls calm reminding herself that she needed to keep composed. Someone needed to be the mature one.
"Let me get this straight. Sue's missing and Harry isn't around so now all of you are tugging at the ends of your hair trying to find them." Duncan's voice could be heard unable to mishear the sarcasm. "Here's an idea how about you give the kid some space instead of worrying about him like a little kid?"
Geoff scratched nervously. "Duncan's right Leshawna. Harry's a big boy he can take care of himself besides what's the worse Sue can do?"
"What." Heather retorted. "Don't tell me you actually trust her, do you?"
Tyler scoffed. "Of course, we don't! But like it's between them you know? A dude knows when another dude needs their space."
"Yeah, Tyler's right y'all." DJ ever the mediator. "Let's just all calm down. I'm sure that Sue isn't anywhere even near Harry. Heck pretty sure that neither wants anything to do with each other remember what happened at the lodge? No way she'd try something."
"Dude." The athlete shuddered. "Don't remind me. That was freaky man!"
Bridgette agreed. Never had she experienced something so utterly frightening recalling the tense atmosphere and the utter cold emerald pools not knowing the outcome of the confrontation, she knew better now after coming to know Harry a bit more. That did not change how frightened all of them were; the fear had been real and undeniable forced to be spectators to the conversation that had been lost on them. She never felt right intruding on to Harry's past and situation. Having dirty laundry being revealed like that if their positions were in reverse Bridgette would not have forgiven Sue at all… not that he had far as she knew. From what everyone else Harry started to avoiding Sue immediately afterwards prior to the campfire where he challenged her with a wager, falling through and gained the upper hand, no one really knew what his true fear was. Not even Chris or Chef and they were the ones that had eyes and ears everywhere, not much had really been known about their British contestant keeping mainly to himself though did participate in challenges and activities though if rather silent, dedicated and friendly however distant and reserved.
Their prescience gathered attention from the last of the three Gophers strolling over to their location with Geoff filling in the blanks of the situation.
"So that's why you rushed out of the lounge?" Noah responded dryly.
Gwen glared. "Oh stuff it Noah."
"Fine." His shoulders shrugged disinterestedly. "Oh by the way, if you're all looking for Harry I know he went for a stroll in the forest."
"The forest? Why'd he go there to hunt?" Duncan questioned.
"Or maybe, he needed to think after what happened last night." Bridgette mused, thoughtfully.
The punk snorted. "Right. Think whatever you want surfer girl."
"Guys." Trent interrupted getting between herself and Duncan. "You two can go and argue on your own terms after Sue and Harry get back."
"Or." Cody stared forward and raised his arm pointing. "We can go and talk to Harry, I can see him from here."
If on cue he emerged from the forest nonchalantly as though nothing had happened. Bridgette took a few moments to register his appearance and shook off the shock feeling relieved feeling rather foolish for overreacting and scowled for not knowing better, it bothered her slightly that Sue had yet to make herself known but that had been an issue for later.
"See? Looks like we were worried about nothing. Honestly." Heather scoffed. "I have better things to do than worry about four-eyes."
"Then why stick around?" Leshawna jabbed.
Before Heather could even get a word in Lindsay hollered Harry over catching his attention flickered on with a surprised. "Over here Harry!"
"H-Hey what are you doing!" Gwen scowled sharply and grabbed her by the ear.
Lindsay winced. "I-I thought we all wanted to talk with him?"
"No! I-I mean yes, kinda but not now." Gwen spluttered trying to find words just for them to fail.
"Is… something going on?" Harry asked once joining the rest of the group. "Is there another challenge starting today?"
Bridgette spoke quickly. "A challenge? No! No everything's fine. W-we all just happened to come together since it's a day off, you know, enjoy the freedom until the next torture session that Chris devises."
"Y-Yeah…" Leshawna continued. "Just hanging out!"
Gwen and Trent tore their gazes away awkwardly refusing to speak. Harry seemed to catch on rather quickly and merely turned his attention away even though Bridgette foresaw the gaze of hurt flickering in his eyes, there had been nothing she could do other than try to be there for him just as she had for the other two. The road to them speaking to each other would belong. Bridgette had faith that the three would be able to overcome the strain, whether for better or worse they were stronger than they believed. Geoff placed a hand upon her should exchanging tiny smiles and listened somewhat bemused as Noah exposed their little reaction, she felt embarrassed glancing away as she felt the emerald hues glancing at her. It could have been better handled.
"Ah, Sue?" Harry said. "The two of us were together."
"Wait? The two of you… together?" Beth's hand flew to her mouth. "But you two hate each other!"
His head shook. "I don't hate her… and I don't think she hates me?" Harry did not sound certain. "She's free to think and talk to me however Sue wants. I don't really care."
"Then why were you with her in the first place?" Heather accused haughtily.
"Never said about being willing company." He retorted without missing a beat. "Frankly, I barely paid much attention. You want answers to go and ask her."
His thumb pointed backwards with a slight smug Sue waving her hand sitting soundlessly on the porch. Doing a double take before Bridgette even realized that Sue had been hanging around the entire time without their notice had she been right behind Harry or was it just by coincidence of the appearance? Seemed a bit too convenient for her to write off.
"So. Where exactly were you?" Trust Leshawna to be the first to leap into questioning.
Sue seemed disinterested. "In the forest. Taking a walk away from the camp. That isn't a crime, now is it?"
"With Harry?" Katie asked, innocent.
"Yes. I was with Harry the entire time trailing after him because I was bored, and I knew that none of you wanted me, so I decided in my infinite wisdom that following him was the best." Sue stretched her legs letting out a tired yawn. "Basically, made me chase after him with how fast his walking is. Didn't think I would ever catch up to you. Has anyone ever told you to slow down?"
Harry dropped an arm to his side. "I'm a speed demon or so Hermione's told me."
"A speed demon?" Trent piqued curiously and smiled excitedly.
Her eyes rolled sarcastically. "I should have guessed. How ignorant of me," Sue stated. "Anyway, I pestered him about a few things. Not that it's worth sharing with anyone of you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Gwen pressed.
"Nothing." Sue dismissed.
Noah brows shot up. "And here I thought we were having a sharing circle."
"Me… share? Yeah, not my thing thanks." Sue waved. "I'm heading back to the Bass cabin ta-ta everyone~"
Bridgette inwardly applauded her for leaving before things got out of hand. It had been an understatement to say that the girl had not been the camp's biggest fan almost close enough to rival Heather, and even she did not want to be around Sue. Not that she had won a lot of fans. Still, things resolved peacefully, and nothing bad happened perhaps there had been a few things that she needed to learn. Lips tugged catching the glimpse at the reddened and sheepish expressions on the girl's face just to giggle quietly. While things ended in a way that imaginable it had been a better outcome than she had envisioned. Just as everyone started to disburse to different directions with the guys resuming their catching, Harold whom glanced from the book at the table and scowled as Cody and Noah passed by, and the Heather dragging Beth and Lindsay. Bridgette opted to spend time with Leshawna and Katie a bit more preparing to join the two for a little relaxation and halted slightly turning back to call out Gwen and fell silent.
Trent, Gwen and Harry were discussing something between one another. A look of something passed through their eyes in tandem with the fatigued tiredness overcasting Harry's face walking passed the two silently leaving Bridgette, Katie and Leshawna to stare on in confusion and concern pondering what transpired between the three.
Chapter 11 End.
Sorry for the long wait ended up getting incredibly sick and would not find the energy to write along with some RL issues that came into play, but now I'm back to getting this up and going.
Just wanted to say that while I enjoy people reading this and wanting to know more, please kindly don't badger me by sending constant emails about updates or sending reviews with 'please update' it's very uncomfortable and doesn't really make me want to work on Reality Summer or any fic. So please be considerate when sending a review as a writer I want to get better at my writing and storytelling which is why I'm asking
LEAVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IN YOUR REVIEW. Thank you!