Chapter Thiry Seven – It's An Important Promise, Charlie Brown
(Somewhere in the woods)
Chef Hatchet led Linus throughout the woods in search for the missing blanket. Chef strutted along as best as he could in his high heels while holding onto his dress with one hand to avoid any mud getting on it. Linus, now dressed in a trench coat that was much too large for him, dragged his feet behind him miserably.
"Head up detective!" Chef ordered. "You ain't gonna solve the case of the missing blanket with your head to the dirt like that! You've got to act like a detective if you're going to be successful at this detective business stuff. Otherwise, forget about it!"
After Chef finished lecturing the boy, he pulled some lip stick out of his purse and applied it to his face. He then pulled out his magnifying glass and studied the ground they were walking on carefully, looking for any trace of the missing blanket.
"Ugh...what am I doing all the way out here?" Linus moped. "How could I have possibly allowed myself to get into this kind of a situation?"
"Positive attitude detective!" Chef barked. "Stay positive or you'll never find your blanket!"
But Linus wasn't listening. He continued to sulk as he cried over his missing blanket. "It's that stupid Charlie Brown's fault," he muttered. "If I hadn't felt sorry for him, I wouldn't have encouraged him to sign on for this stupid show. Then, I wouldn't have felt the need to send him my blanket for good luck. I wouldn't have developed withdrawal symptoms, I wouldn't have had to fight for my life against a crazed clown trying to kill a man in a bat suit, I wouldn't have had to bargain with a witch doctor, I wouldn't have had to fight to survive against a giant robot creature, and I wouldn't be out here in the middle of nowhere in Canada following a man around who thinks he's a woman looking for my lost blanket."
This was followed by few seconds of silence. Then, without warning, Linus cried out to the top of his lungs, "NEVER FEEL SORRY FOR A BLOCKHEAD!"
(The Final Challenge)
"And now...Snoopy, if you would spin the wheel one last time," Chris grinned.
Snoopy nodded and spun the wheel to pair up the contestants for the final part of the challenge. The wheel spun around for what seemed like forever. Then, finally, it stopped. The wheel stopped on Harold's face first. Snoopy took his picture out along with Duncan's and replaced them with pictures of Heather and Bridgette. Once the pictures were in place, he spun the wheel once more.
"And Harold will be partnered with...
…
…
…
…
…
...Bridgette!"
Bridgette smiled as she high-fived the nerd. She then turned to Duncan and smiled threateningly at the delinquent.
"You...are so going down," she stated.
"We'll see," Duncan retorted.
"No one's going down just yet. The final challenge isn't quite ready yet," Chris explained. "The interns need ten more minutes to finalize the hill of terror."
Instantly, all four contestants went bug eyed.
"Hill...of terror?" Heather gulped.
"Oh shoot! Pretend you didn't hear that," Chris said. "Anyways, until this challenge is ready, you guys can take a ten minute break. But don't go too far off."
Confession Cam
Chris – (Rolling his eyes) Seriously! You think for three dollars an hour, those interns would move their butts a little faster! Cripes! Chef only gets paid one dollar an hour. They should be grateful! I should really consider looking for a new intern.
Bridgette – This is it! All I have to do is win this race and Duncan is as good as gone! (She pauses for a minute as she wipes a tear from her eye) Ezekiel, if you're watching, this one's for you!
Heather – Okay, I know that even if we lose, the odds of me going home are pretty slim. I mean, with Duncan being the number one target around here, a lot of eyes are off me...but still, I know of a few people that would vote for me if they got the chance. I may need a little insurance policy.
END
Harold sat under a tree and was enjoying the beautiful scenery from the top of the hill while he could. He knew that in a few minutes he wouldn't have the chance.
"Hey Harold."
Harold's ears perked up when he heard the voice of the one girl he knew was meant to be his soul mate approaching him. He cleared his throat and brushed himself off as Heather took a seat next to him under the tree.
"It's a shame that we're not partners this time around, huh," Heather stated, trying to sound as sweet and caring as possible. For the queen bee, this was easier said than done.
"Indeed it is, milady," Harold smiled. "I have no doubt that together, we would have conquered that Hill of Terror without any trouble."
"Oh, definitely," she replied as she put on her best fake smile.
"I just want to let you know that despite the outcome of this challenge and what other contestants think of you, there is no way I would ever vote to eliminate you from the game," Harold assured her. "If anything, I would vote for that jerk Duncan."
"Oh, so would I," Heather agreed. "But still...oh, I don't know..."
"What is it?"
"Well...it's just that...if we do lose, I'm still up for elimination and...well, I know of a few people who are more than ready to see me get eliminated first. Gwen, Tyler...what scares me the most is that those two could easily motivate some of the other contestants to vote me off tonight and wait another night to eliminate Duncan...and..."
"That's preposterous!" Harold exclaimed. "I know for a fact that a majority of us would rather see Duncan go right now!"
"Can you say for sure?" Heather asked. As she questioned him, she formed a small puppy dog pout on her face.
"Well...um..."
The more Harold began to think about it, the less sure he was about Heather staying over Duncan. Sure, he knew he and Bridgette would vote for Duncan. But Heather did bring up a good point: Tyler and Gwen could encourage other contestants like Charlie Brown and Cody that Heather might be the bigger threat. And indeed, the queen bee was a big threat in the game.
"See? You're not sure either," Heather gasped. "Oh no! If I do go home tonight...well...that could mean that you and I..."
"You and I what?" Harold asked. He was now fully interested in his crush's reasoning.
"Well...you and I...couldn't spend more time together," Heather replied, quivering her bottom lip a little bit.
Harold gasped in shock. His moment had finally arrived! Heather, his dream girl, was saying that she wanted to spend more time with him! Hos wish had finally become a reality. And now, she was in danger of being eliminated.
"What can I do to help?" he asked. "I can talk to Gwen and Tyler! Maybe they'll hold off for one more day and vote for Duncan!"
"There's no guarantee in that," Heather retorted. "There's only one thing you can do to ensure my safety!"
"Name it and it shall be done," Harold replied.
"Harold...I need you to throw the challenge for me!"
Again, Harold gasped. But instead of being excited, he was shocked. And a little scared at the thought of doing such a thing. Especially to save a girl that wasn't exactly popular with the other contestants.
"But...but that might put ME on the block!" Harold gulped.
"I know it's a huge risk," Heather admitted. "However...do this one thing for me Harold...and I promise you that you that I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety tonight."
Harold was at a loss of words. He wasn't sure how he should respond to this. Or what consequences would follow if he agreed to it.
"Please Harold? For me?" Heather begged. She gave him his best puppy dog pout and the right amount of quivering in her lower lips. The sparkle she had conjured up in her eyes helped her case too.
For most men, this would have done the trick. Unfortunately, Harold wasn't most men. He may have had a crush on Heather, but he was also aware of her conniving ways.
"So...you REALLY want to get to know me better?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Definitely," Heather bluffed. "I mean, I know I said some pretty nasty things to you today. But Harold, honey, don't you know anything about flirting?"
"Maybe."
"When a girl treats you like crap, she's really telling you that she's into you."
"In that case, every single girl back in my school wants me," Harold replied.
"Yeah, but I'm not every other girl out there," Heather continued. "After seeing your mad skills today, I've come to realize how awesome you truly are and how wrong I was to belittle you at first. I must know more about your mad skills!" At this point, Heather was trying to make herself sound like she was practically lusting for him. "Please! You must let me have the chance to know you better! If I'm voted off tonight, I'll just die knowing I won't get that chance!"
Harold liked what he was hearing, but he still wasn't convinced.
"Are you serious?" he asked.
"I've never been more serious about anything in my life," Heather lied.
"Then prove it to me," Harold shrugged. "We've got seven minutes before the challenge starts and I want you to prove yourself to me."
"Of course! Just say the word. Anything and I'll do it," Heather replied.
"All right then. Make out with me right now."
Heather's face froze. She did not expect him to say that.
"Um...what?"
"You heard me," Harold said. "If you're serious about digging me, then you should have no problem accepting my invitation for a make out session."
Heather's eyes almost popped out of her head. She had not expected the nerd to call her bluff like that. In fact, she had not expected him to call her bluff at all.
"We've still got six minutes before the challenge officially starts," Harold continued. "That means we've got six minutes of making out to do. If you're serious about what you just said and you make out with me, then I'll throw the challenge. Otherwise, no deal. And like you said, there's still quite a few people out there who would like nothing more than to see you voted out of the game."
Heather gulped. Now she truly was backed into a corner. Either mentally scar herself for life by making out with a nerd on live television or risk losing out on one hundred thousand dollars. Heather sweated as she deliberated the two options in her head.
"Tick Tock Heather," Harold said, pointing to his watch.
Finally, after debating with herself for nearly one while minute, Heather came to a conclusion: she had done far worse things for far less than a hundred grand.
"Sure...no problem..." Heather squeaked, putting on her best fake smile possible.
"All right then...I'm ready when you are," Harold smiled. He closed his eyes and puckered his lips.
Cautiously, Heather moved closer to Harold as though she was afraid he might jump up and bite her. She took a deep breath as she puckered up her lips and moved them closer to Harold's. Her eyes were closed as she moved in for the kiss. Right before they could touch though, she had opened one eye. All she could see were the tiny little orange hairs that had just begin to grow above his upper lip and the saliva soaking his bottom lip.
Heather squealed in disgust as she pulled away and cringed at the thought of making out with those lips.
"Something wrong?" Harold questioned, not looking amused at Heather's chicken-like tactics.
"Oh, nothing," Heather lied in a sing-song voice. "It's just...I thought I saw a bug...and..."
"Five minutes left," Harold reminded her. He closed his eyes again and puckered up his lips.
'Okay Heather, you've kissed worse,' she told herself. 'You've kissed that nerd back in school to get him to do your book report back in eighth grade and he was greasy and chubbier than Owen...just breathe girl...you can do this. It's just...a make-out session with Harold...ugh...what have I gotten myself into?'
Heather moved in close to Harold once more. She shivered as she looked at his lips once more. But she shook those gross thoughts out of her head and, focusing on the bigger picture, slowly moved into Harold until finally, their lips met.
It was light at first and Heather's lips had puffed in pure disgust. Seconds in, Harold began to put more passion into it and pulled Heather in closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her and tenderly continued to kiss her. Heather muffled a little at first. But soon, for whatever reason, Heather found herself leaning into Harold and kissing him back.
'Ugh...I can't believe this...the things I'll do for a hundred grand...but still...this isn't as bad as I thought...in fact, it's a lot better than I thought...wow...this guy's good...he's obviously been practicing on some of his dolls I bet...as sad as that is, it's paying off for him quite well...very well...oh wow! Was that tongue? How does this nerd know how to kiss like this? WOW! Where did he learn to do THAT with his tongue? I've never had anyone do THAT before! Oh God, he's good! I hate to admit it, but this is great! This is...'
"Attention campers!" Chris called though his megaphone. "The final challenge is now ready! Will the four remaining contestants report to the top of the hill please!"
Harold and Heather pulled away from one another, ending their make-out session. Harold looked proud of himself.
"All right then, milady! You've got yourself a deal!" he stated.
But Heather hadn't heard him. Judging by the goofy expression on her face, she was still lost and stunned at the amazing make-out session she had just had. She was upset that it had ended so soon.
"Um...Heather?"
"Huh? Wha? Oh! Right! The challenge!" Heather pulled herself together and brought out her normal self once again. "Well, just remember to keep your end of the bargain mon nerdo!"
"Will do," Harold beamed. "Glad to know you still care for me."
Confession Cam
Harold – I know I'm taking a big risk in doing this...but even if I do get voted out as a result...at least I can say that I made out with Heather! YES! Score one for the H-bomb! (He then suddenly pauses and gets a very serious expression on his face) Am I doing the right thing? Betraying Bridgette like this?
Heather – (She looks a little disgruntled) That was the most humiliating thing I've ever done in my life! Once I win this thing, I'm going to need to use some of the prize money for therapy. (She then gets a dreamy look on her face) Although...I'm going to have to learn how he does that thing with his tongue...
END
The remaining contestants were back on top of the hill for the final challenge.
"Now then campers! This final challenge a toboggan race down...THE HILL OF TERROR!"
Bridgette, Duncan, Harold, and Heather just gave Chris blank stares as he echoed his voice.
"Sheesh...you could at least pretend to look surprised and scared," Chris grumbled. "Anyways, getting to the challenge! Gentlemen, you'll be blindfolded for this one. You and your lady partner will be riding down THE HILL OF TERROR together. The only thing is that the men will be the one's steering the sleds!"
"Oh lovely," Heather growled.
"Ladies, you won't be doing nothing though. You will have to serve as the eyes of your partner. In other words, you'll have to help him steer by telling him where to go. First team down the hill wins invincibility and the shower reward! Any questions?"
"Yeah, but what's the point in asking? You'll just ignore us anyways," Duncan mumbled.
"True that!" Chris replied. "Now on your sleds!"
Harold and Duncan were blindfolded and led to their sleds by the two inters that had survived the task of setting up the said hill or terror. Once they were on their sleds, Bridgette climbed on behind Harold and held on tight. Heather climbed on behind Duncan, but didn't even want to touch him much less hang onto him.
"Okay loser," she scoffed. "I've got this thing all settled for us. So just so as I say and we'll be fine. Understand?"
"What do you mean?" Duncan asked.
"That's for me to know and you to never mind," she hissed.
"Okay Harold, just listen to me and we'll win. After that, we can finally vote off Duncan. Okay?"
Harold nodded. But he felt sick to his stomach. Was he doing the right thing?
"Okay then campers...on your marks...get set...and...GO!"
Chris sounded the horn and the two interns pushed the toboggans down the hill. Slowly, they began to pick up speed until they were practically free falling. Harold was frightened to say the least because he could feel the speed of the sled, but he couldn't see anything. Duncan felt scared too, but he didn't show any sign of it.
"LEFT!" Heather barked.
Duncan veered left just in the nick of time before they had crashed into a tree.
"Nice reflexes grandpa!" Heather snapped.
"Just shut up and let me drive!" Duncan snapped. "Sheesh! You're worse than my driver's ed teacher!"
"Right Harold!" Bridgette called out.
Harold veered right. He was still giving it his all despite his agreement. First of all, he didn't want to make it obvious he planned to throw the challenge. Second of all...he still wasn't sure if he could or should betray Bridgette, one of his closer friends on the island.
Suddenly, his thought were interrupted by a loud explosion that sounded like took place a mere three feet next to him and Bridgette.
"GOSH! What the heck was that?" he cried out.
Back on the top of the mountain, Chris held a detonator and pushed the button a second time, causing another explosion on the mountain.
"We had some explosives leftover from the Phobia Challenge when Lindsay crossed the land mine. And...well, I just hate to see good explosives go to waste," he grinned at the camera.
Confession Cam
Snoopy – (Snoopy holds up a picture of Chris holding the detonator. Shortly afterward, he holds up a picture of an insane asylum and points back and forth between the host and the asylum.)
END
Heather and Duncan shrieked as another explosive was set off right in front of them. Of course, Duncan didn't know this. He could only hear the explosions.
"Turn left you idiot!" Heather snapped. Stress had taken over the queen bee by this point.
"What do you think I'm doing?" Duncan barked back.
"At the point in time, not much! Now move faster or I swear I'll kill you before this stupid mountain does!"
"Is that a threat princess?"
"No! It's a promise you...RIGHT! LEFT! RIGHT! WATCH OUT!"
Duncan continued to swerve frantically as Heather barked out command after command. But soon, he became very confused as to what was going on and lost track of where he was supposed to be going.
THUD!
Heather and Duncan had crashed into a tree head on. Their sled was destroyed and the two were sent sailing through the air with bits of their sled following them.
Harold and Bridgette were cooperating with one another much more commendably than the previous team and were smooth sailing down the hill. Well, as smooth as one could go down a hill of terror.
Bridgette heard the collision take place behind her and turned around to see what had happened. She cringed as she heard the two despised contestants land on the ground. She almost felt sorry for them, but she was too focused on getting Duncan eliminated to care too much.
"Okay Harold! We've got this in the bag!" Bridgette exclaimed with excitement. "Heather and Duncan just crashed! We've got this!
'Heather crashed? Gosh! I hope she's all right! Dang,' he thought to himself. 'Now I can't fake a loss. I guess I can't keep my promise to Heather...she's going to be so disgusted when she sees I didn't hold up my end of the agreement...unless I...there's only one thing to do...'
Sorrowfully, he pulled his blindfold down from over his eyes and looked back at the disastrous scene behind him. Seconds later, he and Bridgette crossed the finish line.
"And that's the race!" Chris announced. Somehow, he had managed to make it to the bottom of the hill before the others. And, for whatever reason, no one saw fit to question how on earth he did that.
"Bridgette and Harold! You two have crossed the finish line first! Heck, you're the only two to finish the race! Congratulations!"
Bridgette cheered as she pulled Harold into a tight hug. Harold smiled in return. But to him, it was a bitter sweet victory.
"Harold! We did it!" she exclaimed excitedly. "We won! Now we can finally vote off Duncan!"
"Uh, not so fast there surfer girl," Chris interrupted. "There's a small problem."
"What?"
"You see, despite the fact that you two finished the race flawlessly and with your sled in tact whereas they did not, Harold broke the number one rule about this race: he was supposed to remain blind folded throughout the race. I saw him remove the blind for a few seconds. Therefore, for breaking this rule, the team of Harold and Bridgette have been disqualified. That means that by default, Duncan and Heather are the winners!"
"WHAT!" Bridgette exclaimed. "NO! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!"
"Can and am," Chris replied.
Nearby, Harold was relieved that Heather was safe for another day. 'But at what cost?' he asked himself. He couldn't shake this feeling of guilt inside his head.
Bridgette let out a cry of frustration as she glanced back up the hill. She could see Duncan approaching them slowly due to his accident. He looked to be in great pain, but not enough that he couldn't muster up laughter at Bridgette's misfortune.
"Well, well Malibu," he teased. "Looks like I win this challenge and am guaranteed a spot in the next round. Better luck next time...if there IS a next time for you."
Confession Cam
Duncan – (He's got some band-aids on his face) Well, this victory came at a hefty cost. (He smirks evilly) But in the end, I've got a feeling that the result's going to be VERY satisfying for me. (He points to the camera) Home-school! If you're watching this, don't' worry about Malibu. Cause she's coming to join you real soon!
Bridgette – (She sighs) Now I'm really in a pickle. The only two people everyone wants to vote off and they're both immune. That means I've got to choose one of my friends to go home tonight. Not only that, but I'm probably going to be a target as well with Duncan coming after me. (She takes a deep breath) But it's going to take more than this to get me to leave! I promised Ezekiel I was going to win this for both of us, and I meant it! Don't worry Zekey! Your surfer girl isn't going down without a fight!
Harold – (He looks depressed) I know this kind of thing happens in these kinds of games...so why can't I shake this feeling of guilt?
END
(Hospital Wing)
Duncan and Heather had some bandages wrapped around the scratches on their foreheads and were a little bruised up. But other than that, they were okay.
Heather quickly studied her surroundings. Charlie Brown was sleeping warmly in his bed. As for Geoff, he was too busy vomiting poison from his body to take notice to what was happening around him. As for Woodstock, he was moping up Geoff's mess while light jazz music filled the air.
When she saw that the coast was clear, Heather leaned over and whispered to Duncan.
"You owe me creep," She hissed.
"Excuse me?" Duncan demanded.
"You don't know this, but I had to...do something excruciatingly hardcore to secure our victory today and our spot in the next round!"
"Oh really," Duncan responded raising an eyebrow "And what, may I ask, did you do that was so HARDCORE?"
Heather gulped and reminisced on the kissing session she had with Harold just before the challenge had begun. She shook the image from her head and glared right back at the delinquent.
"None of your business," she snapped. "All you need to know is that we only won because of me and that had it not been for me, your butt would so be going home tonight!"
"Your point?"
"My point is that puts you up to your neck in debt to me," Heather replied.
Duncan opened his mouth to say something, but was instantly silenced when what Heather had just said sank in. In a way, she was right.
"What are you getting at?" he demanded.
"I'll make it simple," Heather grinned evilly. "From this moment on, I own you. I have you in my power! Cooperate with me, and I can protect you. If you don't do exactly as I say when I say it, I could have you eliminated in the blink of an eye. And as much as people here hate me, you're enemy number one now creeper. So they'll go for you before they go for me."
Duncan, who had begun to sweat somewhat, growled at the queen bee that had just cornered him.
"What do you want?" he asked impatiently.
"Your vote," Heather replied. "Tonight, you vote for the person I want eliminated."
"And who's that?"
"...
…...
…...
…..Bridgette."
Duncan raised an eyebrow and chuckled.
"Fine. I was going to vote for her anyways."
"Glad to hear it," she grinned. "I've already spoken to Beth and Lindsay. They're on board with it. I've also secured Harold's vote as well."
"Harold? How'd you get doofus to vote with you?" he asked.
"Uh...easy," she frantically replied. "You know what a hopeless romantic he is. He'd do anything for me! Even vote for one of his friends!"
Duncan smirked at this. "I've got to admit: for a spoiled brat, you're pretty good at this."
"Yeah, well just watch your step loser," Heather growled. "Because one wrong move and you're done!"
(Mess Hall)
"So what do you guys think?"
Bridgette had called together a meeting in the cafeteria. In attendance were Gwen, Cody, Harold, Tyler, and Izzy. Needless to say, none of them were too thrilled about the situation they were in. Especially Harold, who felt guilty about betraying Bridgette the way he did.
"They're gonna gun for you, that's for sure," Tyler said.
"I know," Bridgette groaned. "The worst part is we can't vote off either Duncan or Heather tonight! And those are the two we want gone the most! What are the odds of that happening?"
"Pretty good apparently," Cody replied. "And, of course, that leaves us in a tight spot. Who do we vote off now?"
"Oh! Oh! Simple! We vote off the midget!" Izzy announced.
"Izzy, if you're referring to Charlie Brown, forget it," Bridgette replied.
"Why not? That midget's been lying to everyone since the start of the game!"
"Izzy, for the love of all that is sacred to the planet Earth, Charlie Brown is not a midget," Gwen groaned as she massaged her temples.
"PFT! You actually believe that? Think about it people! If he was really six years old, do you think Chris McLean would allow him to compete?"
"Considering his craving for ratings and his willingness to get them at any cost, yes," Cody answered.
"ARGH! Izzy cannot believe her ears! You people have been duped by a midget! You actually believe he's six years old! Unbelievable! This is a sad day for humanity, that's for sure! Why, I never thought I would..."
Izzy jumped from her chair and continued to rant as she stormed out of the mess hall. Everyone else just stared off in her direction blankly.
"What about Izzy?" Gwen suggested.
"No," Bridgette replied. "As crazy as she is, she's still a good friend. And she did promise me she'd help avenge Ezekiel and get Duncan eliminated."
"This bites!" Tyler groaned. "No matter what we do, we've got to vote off someone we like! UGH! Why couldn't Chris have just declared you two the winners after Heather and Duncan crashed?"
"Something tells me we was just looking for an excuse to keep those two around just because they create so much drama," Cody replied. "I mean, the man loves to do that more than Chef Ramsay" (1)
Again, the five remaining contestants sat in silence, trying to decide who had to go.
"How about Geoff?" Tyler spoke.
"No," Bridgette groaned. "I turned him down. It'd be too cruel to vote him off next right off the bat."
"Well, then WHO?" Gwen snapped.
All eyes turned to her disapprovingly.
"Sorry," Gwen sighed. "It's just...I'm with Bridgette. I don't want to vote anyone else off BUT Heather and Duncan...and that's just not going to happen."
"Well...we could vote for Lindsay," Bridgette said.
"NO!" Tyler and Cody cried out at the same time. They then turned and glared at one another.
"Well...then that means the only possible choice would be Beth," Gwen said.
"Yeah...but she's such a sweetheart," Bridgette replied. "UGH! THIS SUCKS!"
Bridgette slammed her head on her hands and let out a light sob. It was bad enough that she couldn't vote off the one guy she disliked the most, but to be forced to vote off one of her friends...it was just too much for her to handle. Tyler gently rubbed her back and soothed her.
"I know it does Bridge...but it's what we all signed up for. Everyone's gotta go but three of us. Then, those three compete for the grand prize. That's the name of the game."
"I know," Bridgette replied, wiping a tear away from her eye. "But...I hate the thought of having to vote one of you guys out tonight. I consider almost everyone here my friend. I mean, you've all been so supportive of me ever since Ezekiel got kicked off and I truly appreciate each and every one of you for that. Especially you guys, Izzy, Geoff, and Charlie Brown. I think I appreciate and trust you seven the most out of anyone else here.
That did it. Harold, who had been silent the whole time, slammed his fist on the table and stormed out of the cafeteria without a word.
"What's eating him?" Cody asked.
Confession Cam
Duncan – That Heather...she's certainly someone to keep an eye on. Now that she's got my number, I need to start looking for a way to get myself out of this. Otherwise, I'm done! But as for tonight, I'd be more than happy to help her out. Look on the bright side Malibu! Tonight, you're going to be rejoining Home-School!
Heather – Ugh, the things I have to do to keep myself in the game (She grins slightly) Though to be honest, I wouldn't mind having to kiss Harold again for his vote...he's a lot better at it than...(she snaps out of it) UGH! Emotions! It's just my emotions running high from all the drama going on around here! That's it! (She takes a deep breath) Anyways, I vote for Bridgette. She's popular, athletic, and nice. Definitely a threat to me in this game!
Izzy – (Scowling) Izzy votes for the midget! But mark my words! First chance Izzy gets, Izzy's gunning for Duncan next! Fear not Zekey! Izzy will avenge your injustice!
Charlie Brown – (He still looks a little sick from the landing) Ugh...I may never try to kick a football again after this...it could end up killing me...anyways, I vote for Izzy. I think she's trying to kill me.
Beth – (She looks pale) Heather athked me and Lindthay to vote for Bridgette. Geoff thaid that he wath thtill good friendth with her and I don't want to thee him any thadder than he already ith...but if Heather found out...(she sighs) Thorry Bridgette...but I'm jutht...too...thcared...
Gwen – (Looking flustered) So we all sat together and tried to come up with a reasonable solution in regards to the vote tonight...but we couldn't come to a mutual agreement! (She sighs) So, in the end, we all just hugged one another, wished each other luck, and decided to let the votes fall where they may.
Bridgette – (She looks miserable) I know I'm probably going home tonight...but it won't be so bad. I'll be able to see Ezekiel again. Sorry Zekey, but it looks like I'm not going to be able to keep my promise.
Harold – (He, too, looks miserable) What have I done?
END
(Campfire Ceremony)
The twelve contestants soon to be eleven were gathered around the campfire once more for another dramatic ceremony. Chris stood in front of them with a tray of marshmallows.
"Campers," he spoke. "As you are all aware, marshmallows in this game represent more than just a tasty campfire treat. They represent life as a camper! Therefore, whichever contestant tonight does not get a marshmallow will no longer be a camper and will be eliminated from the game. That camper..."
"...must immediately return to the dock of shame, board the boat of losers, and can never come back! Can we get on with it please?" Gwen barked.
Chris looked irritated at this. "Fine," he mumbled. "Ruin the tension! Why do I even bother trying anymore? Anyways, Heather and Duncan! You won the challenge today, so you're safe!"
He tossed the two villains their treats.
"Lindsay! Beth! Here you go!"
Lindsay and Beth received their treats next. Lindsay looked excited. But Beth wasn't as estatic.
"Harold!"
Harold sighed as he caught his treat. He looked sick.
"As for the rest of you...it looks like we've got a pretty indecisive group of people here! The rest of you each received at least one vote. So I'll call out those that received only one vote next! Those contestants are...Izzy...Tyler...Gwen...Cody...and Charlie Brown!"
He tossed each contestant their treat.
"And that leaves...you two..."
Geoff and Bridgette sat in front of Chris. Geoff gurgled something inaudible while Bridgette placed her hand on top of his and nodded her head. She knew this was coming.
"Well, I'll miss you guys," she sniffled.
"Right then. Let's make it official," Chris continued. "The last marshmallow goes to...
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...Geo-"
"WAIT!"
All heads turned towards the individual who had spoken up...
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...Harold.
"DUDE! First the dramatic introduction! Now the finale? What is up with that?" Chris barked.
"I can't do it!" Harold cried out. "I can't go on with this guilt! I'm pulling myself from the game!"
All the contestants gasped at this.
"Well, I guess that makes up for this," Chris grinned. He sat the tray down and watched the show.
"Harold? What are you doing?" Bridgette asked. "You know you were going to continue on, right? I was the one that was going to go home."
"Bridgette, I just can't let you take the fall for my mistake!" Harold cried out. "I sabotaged the challenge!"
Again, all the contestants gasped in shock.
"Oh HOH! You can't buy this drama!" Chris gleefully said. By this time, he and Snoopy, who had been recording the ceremony, were eating popcorn and enjoying the show.
"Harold? What do you mean?" Gwen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I mean what I said," he replied, hanging his head in shame. "I made a deal with Heather to save her and Duncan during the final challenge. True, it was somewhat unintentional how I did it, I was still responsible and I had the intent to sabotage you...I betrayed you..."
Bridgette just stared at Harold in shock. Her hand was over her mouth and she looked hurt.
"You did WHAT?" Gwen snapped. "You mean you're the reason we can't vote off Duncan and Heather tonight?"
"I mean to say," Harold admitted.
All was silent. All eyes were practically glaring at Harold in disbelief. Before anyone could say anything, Harold spoke again.
"I know I have dishonored you all with my actions. I have dishonored the possum scouts! I have dishonored my own honor! And mostly, I have betrayed the trust I have earned from my friends. If you all choose to hate me for it, I fully understand. But I cannot allow myself to continue on in this game with this weight on my shoulders. No amount of money would ever lift that burden off of me. Therefore, it is only fit that I take the punishment of leaving the island tonight! I will not allow my disloyalty to cost the one I betrayed her chance at not only the prize money, but at redemption for her fallen comrade. Therefore, I shall now take my leave!"
Without another word or looking at anyone, Harold picked up his belongings and headed for the dock of shame.
Everyone just watched him leave in silence. But when they saw him approaching the boat, which was being driven by Woodstock tonight, Heather suddenly jumped to her feet and raced after him.
"WAIT!" she cried out.
Harold stopped and turned around to see the queen bee racing for him. When she reached him, she quickly caught her breath and spoke to him.
"Harold...you don't have to do this," she panted. "You can stay! Let Bridgette leave! You...can join my alliance and...we can make it to the end together...just stay..."
"Sorry, milady," he wheezed. "But my mind is made up. My code of honor has been broken and as a result, I must leave. I'm sorry you couldn't get to know me better...but alas, you don't want to know Harold the traitor. So, as a favor to you and everyone else, I must leave."
Harold turned around once more and left a speechless Heather there. He jumped into the boat. But before Woodstock took off, Harold turned around once more and spoke his final words:
"Farewell Total Drama Island! I loved! I competed! But...I betrayed...Truly, I have dishonored myself...But hear this: I will not rest until I find a way to right this wrong! Mark my words! When you all see me again, I will not be seen as Harold the traitor! I will be Harold, the redeemed! Until then, I beg your forgiveness and wish you all nothing but the best of luck!"
With that, he signaled for Woodstock to start the engine and take him away from Total Drama Island. Woodstock, feeling somewhat emotional, did as he was told and drove Harold away from Camp Wawanakwa.
Heather just stood there and watched him drive away. She could hear someone inside her head screaming at her to stop this. But deep down, she knew she couldn't change the nerd's mind. But still, even though, she felt responsible, she couldn't help but feel...bad.
"Yeah? ….YEAH? WELL, GOOD RIDDANCE TO YOU, YOU NERD! WHO NEEDS YOU ANYWAYS? I CAN WIN THIS CONTEST WITHOUT YOU! I'M GLAD YOU'RE GONE YOU CREEP! YOU NERD! YOU LOSER! JUST GO! GET OUT OF OUR SIGHTS!"
She threw some stones in the water out of frustration and finally sat down on the dock, letting her emotions finally get the best of her. She let out a sob as a tear fell from her eye.
(Outside the Killer Bass Cabin)
Bridgette sat outside her cabin along with Gwen, Tyler, Cody, and Charlie Brown. She knew this game would be emotional, but she had no idea it would be THIS emotional.
"We had it all set...we had it all set, and he gets suckered into betraying me," she whispered to herself.
"Don't worry Bridgette," Cody comforted her. "This is just a minor setback. We'll still get Duncan the first chance we get."
"Yeah...but still, I know Harold liked her, but how could he get tricked by her like that?" Gwen growled. "All respect I had for him is totally gone!"
"Don't be mad at him," Bridgette replied.
"Excuse me?" Gwen asked.
"Well...I'm not happy he did what he did...but I really can't blame him," she explained. "I mean, it's kind of like what Ezekiel did for me when he beat up Duncan. He only did it because he cared for me on a deeper level. Harold cared for Heather on a deeper level too. That's why he did what he did."
"Yeah...but still," Tyler sighed. "He almost got you kicked off."
"I know...but he DID sacrifice himself so I could stay...even though it was kind of cheesy and came right out of nowhere."
"Yeah...he did," Gwen admitted.
"But still...if this is how people are willing to play the game...how can I ever hope to get rid of Duncan?"
Bridgette knew she was being sappy, but she just couldn't help herself. Her emotional neurons had been strained in the past forty eight hours and she was drained.
"Don't give up Bridgette."
Bridgette looked up at the small voice that spoke to her. Charlie Brown was there to give his friend one of his good old fashioned Charlie Brown smiles.
"Look, I know it's tough. I'm still trying to find a way to keep my promise to Trent and Leshawna by finding a way to eliminate Heather. And, as you can tell, I haven't had much luck yet...but I can't give up! They're counting on me! Just like Ezekiel's counting on you to stay strong and find a way to get rid of Duncan! If the promise is that important to you, then you'll be able to find a way to keep it. I know my promise is important to me. That's why I'm going to keep going until I finally fulfill my promise to my two friends! So if it is that important to you, I know you can do it! I have faith in you Bridgette! And so does Ezekiel. And everyone else here right now."
All was silent as they let these words sink in. Finally, someone spoke.
"Yeah...I couldn't have said it better myself," Tyler replied. "I know you can do it Bridge!"
"Me too," Cody added.
"You know I do...as corny as it sounds," Gwen smiled.
Bridgette wiped a small tear from her eyes and called for a group hug. The four of them surrounded their friends and embraced her: Tyler from behind, Gwen and Cody from the sides, and Charlie Brown from the front.
As Bridgette looked at the bald head of Charlie Brown, a thought entered her head.
'It's funny...out of all of us here, it's a six year old that's emotionally stronger than the rest of us. I'm going to definitely work to get Duncan out of this game! But...still...I can't help but get this weird feeling...Charlie Brown is going to be the one that actually eliminates Duncan...he's a funny kid all right.'
Her thoughts were interrupted when a familiar groaning sound filled the air. The five looked up to see Chef Hatchet still dressed in his dress leading a drained Linus back to the campgrounds. He was still blanketless. When they reached the contestants, Linus collapsed at their feet.
"Oh, man up solder!" Chef barked at him. "We'll rest and we'll try again at six hundred hours!"
"SIX HUNDRED HOURS?" Linus shrieked. "I CAN'T WAIT SIX HUNDRED HOURS! THERE'S NO WAY!"
Linus felt himself go weak again and nearly fainted once more.
"Pathetic," Chef muttered as he strutted away. The image of him strutting left a horrible taste in the contestant's mouths.
As Chef walked by, Duncan approached the contestants. He was wrapped in a towel as he had just finished taking his prized shower.
"What's with the drag queen?" he snickered.
Bridgette just glared at the punk.
"Don't think it's over yet Duncan," she calmly yet boldly said.
"I know it's not over," he coldly replied. "It's over when you're gone. And mark my words: you WILL be gone. Not even your friends here can protect you."
Tyler, Gwen, and Cody all glared at Duncan. Charlie Brown, however, shivered and hid behind Gwen.
The confrontation was interrupted when Linus groaned once more and the attention focused on the blanketless boy.
"Tch. What's junior's problem?" Duncan asked mockingly.
Linus looked up at the individual who's voice had mocked him. He could make out the muscular figure of a teenage boy with a green Mohawk smirking down at him wearing nothing but a light blue towel. The teen was chuckling at his misfortune and...wait...light blue towel...that towel...THAT TOWEL! IT WASN'T A TOWEL AT ALL! IT WAS...
"MY BLANKIE!" Linus cried out. Then, faster than a bolt of lightning, he pounced towards Duncan and ripped his blanket off the delinquent, exposing his naked body for the entire viewing world to see.
At first, Duncan was to shocked to do anything. Finally, when he came to, he cried out in horror and raced for the boys side of the Killer Bass cabin.
The contestants, too, were in shock as they watched the scene unfold. Once Duncan had entered his side of the cabin, Linus let out a great sigh of relief and happiness as he nuzzled with his long, lost blanket.
As he nuzzled, an upbeat jazz song that was heavy on the piano filled the air. (2) Then, in an even stranger twist, Linus and the blanket began to dance with one another as though the blanket had come to life.
As the music continued to fill the air, Linus and his blanket danced over to Cody and Tyler and began swinging them around with such energy and happiness that it almost threw the boys off balance.
When they were done dancing with then, they danced over to Gwen and Bridgette and did the exact same thing. The girls were also taken aback by this and almost swung off balance.
When they were done dancing with the girls, Linus and his blanket just continued to dance with one another for a little longer as the music became more and more energetic. Finally, the blanket's life disappeared as the music faded, leaving a very happy Linus sitting on the ground, nuzzling his security blanket happily and cozily. No one could tell he was the same person from just a few minutes ago that seemed to be on the brink of death. It was indeed a much needed heart-warming sight for the contestants. Especially after all they had been through in the past couple days.
However, they weren't the only one's that had seen this scene play out.
"THAT! WAS! WICKED!"
Chris McLean approached the campers and Linus with a grin on his face.
"Kid! I've got to say! That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! You and that blanket are something else!"
"Uh...thanks," Linus replied. "Well, I've found my blanket. So I guess I'll be on my way home now."
"As if!" Chris exclaimed. "You and that blanket aren't going anywhere! Just think of the ratings you and that blanket will bring in! I've simply GOTTA HAVE YA!"
"Excuse me?" Linus questioned.
"Kid, since we helped you find your blanket, you've got to do something for us in return!" Chris explained.
"Uh, you guys didn't do anything," Gwen pointed out.
"Shush!" Chris shushed. "Anyways kid, we're running low on interns around here and that blanket can do the work of ten interns. Therefore, as of this moment kid, you are not contractually obligated to help me out throughout the rest of this contest...as our HEAD INTERN!"
Linus was speechless as he let this news sink in. Then, just like old times, he fainted once more.
A/N – And there you go people! Chapter 37 finished. I hope this added up in the end as to Harold's elimination. I know it was sort of out of nowhere and probably didn't make that much sense as much as I tried to make it make sense (Awkward sentence) but it was just his time to go. Only problem was there was no reason for him to go, which was what had me stuck on this chapter for so long. Don't think everyone's going to hate him for what he did. But he is going to be on a journey of self-redemption in later chapters, so there's going to be a story to this in the near future and has more of a purpose that simply a reason to eliminate Harold (I had planned him to be eliminated here anyways...but I didn't know how to do it until now). Like I said, I hope this makes sense.
Anyways, I hope you guys still liked it. And sorry to all Harold fans out there. But on a bright note: Linus is now an intern! I know this is going to make for some funny moments with Chris McLean, Chef Hatchet...even Snoopy!
Next chapter – How will Heather take Harold's departure from the island? Will it be what turns her around? Or will it make her worse? Can Bridgette find a way to get rid of Duncan once and for all? And will Beth be able to finally stand up to Heather? Plus, what horrific creatures await our contestants next time? Tune in to find out!
Voting
Heather – Bridgette
Duncan – Bridgette
Lindsay – Bridgette
Beth – Bridgette
Cody – Tyler
Tyler – Cody
Charlie Brown – Izzy
Izzy – Charlie Brown
Bridgette – Geoff (Out of sympathy for him being sick)
Gwen – Geoff (Out of Sympathy for him being sick)
Harold – Gwen
Geoff – Geoff (Out of sympathy for him being sick)
Bridgette – 4
Geoff – 3
Charlie Brown – 1
Izzy – 1
Tyler – 1
Gwen – 1
Cody – 1
Order of Elimination – Courtney, Noah, Justin, Sadie, DJ, Owen, Eva, Leshawna, Trent, Katie, Ezekiel, Harold.
1.)Gordon Ramsay from Hell's Kitchen tends to keep in contestants that cause a lot of conflict and drama for the sake of ratings as well. Are he and Chris related, I wonder?
2.) This music playing in the background for Linus is actually the original Peanut's theme. If you want to hear it, type in "Peanut's Linus and Lucy theme" in the search bar on Youtube to listen to it.