In case I wasn't clear enough before, we're on the second-to-last chapter here. It has some family time. I'll now reply to reviews given since my last update.
Harmony735: Thank you very much!
SideshowJazz1: Glad you understand my point on avoiding a cliché ending and enjoyed what I gave. You'll find out soon enough how things go following the revised All-Stars season's conclusion.
Jeptwin: Much appreciated!
acosta perez jose ramiro: Nice to know you enjoyed what I did with the characters, and Scott loved winning the finals.
animefan1009: Crazy indeed! Canon All-Stars had flaws, and a goal I had was to give people something they'd enjoy more than that, though the actual season was still something I enjoyed and personally think many people are too harsh on. I do realize my opinion on it is probably unpopular within the Total Drama fandom, but oh well. Nice to know you preferred my fic and that (at least with you) I accomplished my goal.
That British Guy: You might not be the only one surprised by that.
Gage the Hedgehog: Yes indeed! Hope you liked it.
Phenomenal Ultra Instinct: Here it is now!
Let's resume the story.
Just as I finish my law book, the helicopter reaches the spot Chef landed to pick me up and begins its descent. Pretty good timing on my part. I stuff it into the bag and grab that along with my money box as I exit. My transportation then takes off as I exchange handwaves with the pilot. Nice to be back home before nightfall, although the sun is fading now. Having some cash to take back with me this time is great even if I got second place instead of first. Carrying that and my bag with me up to the house I grew up in, I knock on the door before calling out "Mom, Dad, I've returned from Total Drama All-Stars. I ended up coming in second place this season, though my finale opponent and I agreed in advance to split the million, so I brought some cash home after all!"
Within 15 seconds, my parents open the door and greet me with "Welcome back!" at the same time.
I put my things down upon entering the house to hug them both. Afterwards, I say "It's nice to be with you again. Where are Stuart and Timothy?"
"They went out with friends for the night who had no other open times in the foreseeable future, and probably won't be home until past midnight." Mom answers. "The whole thing was planned at least a month in advance."
Dammit! I somehow totally forgot about how they poorly scheduled a night of partying for this day. At least I can see them in the morning. I legally could join them for drinks when Canada allows 18-year-olds to consume alcohol (I of all people should know that when the three of us plan to be lawyers like our parents), though clubbing with my brothers somehow doesn't feel right even though they'd be willing to protect me from any creeps who try to get too close. With some irritation, I reply "Talk about bad timing when their sister comes home."
"True, but to be fair, none of us knew in advance when you'd be back." Dad says. "By the way, we heard from Chris that you've found a new boyfriend this season named Scott. Is this just another one of his lies? That host isn't exactly the most honest man around. I've learned to take much of what he says with a grain of salt."
"McLean was telling the truth about that." I confirm. "Scott ended up defeating me by a narrow margin in the finals, and honestly has been quite a gentleman with me both before and during our relationship. It was his suggestion for us to split the money if either of us won. The guy of course followed through by putting half of the money in this box that I carried home. While we might not have dated for long just yet, I can already say he treats me better than Duncan ever did and overall is more compatible with me. Believe it or not, I saw some of my past self within Scott. Even if I initially didn't expect to become attracted to him or start this relationship as soon as I did, I have no regrets about saying yes to the guy this season. You'll probably meet him once I figure out when his open days are."
Both parents smile after that, approving of someone who treats their daughter well. They of course knew all about my prior strained relationship with the delinquent and were sympathetic to me over his infidelity as well as Alejandro toying with my heart. Speaking of Al, I still need to find an apartment far away from where he and Heather end up moving into. No way am I listening to their noisy sex sessions or arguments through thin walls if I can avoid that! In the meantime, I'll enjoy a night here before moving out.
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into." My mother replies.
"Completely. You can trust me on that." I assure her. "On another note, after re-watching the past seasons and talking things out with Gwen, I realized I was wrong to be so vicious towards her in season 3 and we made amends off-camera. The goth wasn't to blame after all for, shall we say, an unfortunate occurrence as it turns out she in fact wasn't the one who initiated anything or made moves behind my back plus felt really bad for what happened."
"At least you know the truth now." My father says. "In the meantime, I've got dinner cooking and shouldn't let that burn. Expect that to be ready in the next 15 minutes."
I tell him "Not a problem. I'll go unpack what I can beforehand." and then take my bag to my room.
Thankfully I only brought one bag with me when leaving for All-Stars. That makes things easier. I take out my clothes, toiletries, law book, and the pieces of paper with contact details for Sam, Scott, and Gwen. After turning on my phone, I add each of their numbers and email addresses to my contact list. If I wasn't pressed for time, then I'd also turn on my laptop and add them on Skype.
Just as I get the last of my clothes back into my drawers, Dad calls out "Time for dinner!"
Feeling hungry anyway, I don't waste any time getting to the kitchen. Plates of grilled salmon with green beans and rice are at the table when I arrive. Sounds nice to me. It also tastes quite nice. As we're eating, Mom asks "How much of your half million do you plan to spend on the apartment once you move out and how much will go to college?"
OK I hadn't thought about that. It still is a fair question, though. I reply "Not sure yet, but since you bring up apartments, I'd like to look at other options before making the move. Remember how thin those walls were when we visited? While that was the best that we could find during our initial search without spending too much money and I thought I could live with it back then, I now think it's better to go elsewhere. May as well make good use of my half million."
"Understandable point. We can now afford something better anyway." my father admits. "Just be sure not to get anything too expensive!"
"No worries; I most definitely won't!" I assure him.
"If you'd still like to stay in Eastern Canada, then that would probably make things easier." my mother tells me.
I respond with "Fine by me. I just feel there's some place out there that won't keep me up at night."
After the meal is finished and our dishes are put away, I go find my laptop and turn that on so I can search for apartments. Just need to find something that isn't the Ottawa place I chose in the original timeline. It takes a few hours before I find anything decent that isn't super expensive. Once I find some listings that are both good and affordable, I grab my phone to call Scott. He picks up after the first three rings, asking "Hi Court, did you get home OK?"
"Yes, and thank you for your concern, Scott. Hopefully you did too." I answer.
"Of course, and I did." the ginger tells me. "Thankfully the half million I took home is enough for Albertha to kickstart the business she'd been hoping to create and run with me. We start tomorrow and will hopefully make some nice profits from it."
Out of curiosity, I ask "Has a name been chosen for it?"
"Yes; it'll be called 'Gordon Farm Goods', and we plan to make this a family business." he affirms.
"If it ever needs an attorney, then feel free to call Gomez Law Inc., the firm that my parents own and that I'll someday work at along with my brothers. Best of luck either way." I offer.
Scott thanks me with "Duly noted and appreciated. Chances are I will in such a case."
"Of course." I say. "Let me know how the sales go once you've got it up and running."
"By the way, how far are you from Quebec?" my boyfriend asks. "I do hope the apartment you choose is at least in that province as it's where I live."
"My current home is in Hamilton, Ontario. Moving over there shouldn't really be an issue, though." I respond. "It turns out I was thinking of moving towards Montreal. Just found some good options there and am trying to decide on which one I want."
"Actually, that's great!" my boyfriend proclaims. "My farm is about half an hour from Montreal. I'll text you my address after this call so you can figure out which one is closest."
I affirm "Sounds like a plan. I'll talk to you later after choosing one, plus I have another call I need to make."
"Goodbye then, and I love you." he says.
Right before hanging up, I reply with "I love you too."
Within ten seconds, I get a text from him with his address. Very useful for helping choose which apartment I want. The other necessary call I mentioned is one to Gwen. After quickly texting thanks to Scott, I dial the goth's number. She picks up after several rings and greets me with "Nice to hear from you. How are things back home? By the way, in case you're wondering how I answered this with bad arms, I'm on speakerphone right now and my mom helped set this up."
"Pretty good, as a matter of fact." I inform her. "Just got off a call with Scott and he's planning to use his half million to start up a business tomorrow with his sister where they sell their farm's crops. I'm looking for a new apartment to move into so we can be closer to one another."
"Fair way to make use of any food grown there that they don't already eat." she says. "As for the apartment, I hope it isn't so expensive that you have to spend all your earnings too soon."
"It definitely won't be." I insist. "After this call, I'm going to figure out the distances between his address and some Montreal listings I have in mind."
"Good idea. I'd probably do the same thing in your situation. Maybe I'll visit you at some point." Gwen replies.
"I'd really like that! Once I've moved in, I'll send you the address." I say.
"Looking forward to it." she tells me. "Right now, I need some rest and pain meds that a doctor recommended for me. Talk to you later."
"Understandable, and I wish you the fastest possible recovery!" I respond before hanging up.
With that out of the way, I now realize it's getting late. I'm starting to feel tired anyway and change into my pajamas before going to clean my teeth. After that's done, I go to the living room and see that both of my parents are watching TV. Dad asks me "Care to join us?"
"I would, but after a long and eventful day, I need some sleep. Just wanted to wish sweet dreams to you both." I answer.
"Goodnight from each of us as well, then." Mom tells me, and then I hug both before heading off to my room.
Life feels pretty good right now. In addition to the family who already loved me, I have a great boyfriend who went to the finals with me, plus I'm bound to get visits from a good pal once her arms are better and I've chosen an apartment. I'll look more into my Montreal choices in the morning. Climbing into my own bed feels great after being away to compete on another season of Total Drama. Within a few minutes, I feel myself dozing off to sleep.
THE FINAL CHAPTER IS UP NEXT! That's when I'll fast forward six months in time. Before getting into the new future, I wanted to dedicate a chapter to Courtney's return home. It's been a long ride and I thank my readers for their patience and reviews.
Chapter posted: May 12, 2019.