A/N Alright, onwards!
Chapter Eight
The Heroes team took the opportunity to eat in the Spa Hotel before heading to the elimination ceremony. Since Chef had only served them gruel that morning, Zoey shared the wealth of apples she collected earlier.
"Want one?" She offered an apple to Duncan as the team sat around the kitchen table.
Grown in that radioactive soil? There's no way Chris was able to clean the island that well…
"I'm good," Duncan smiled. "Besides, I think I'll take the opportunity to explore the Spa Hotel for a bit. I've only seen, like, two rooms."
Mike and Zoey need to talk. Alone. Let's speed that up.
"Alright," she shrugged. "They're here if you want them."
He never eats… Obviously, I can't ask about that.
"You really should eat," Cameron suggested. "You need nutrients in order to function optimally."
"Nah, he never eats," Sierra spoke nonchalantly. "Even on World Tour, he barely ate anything."
That bitch… No way.
C'mon, read the room, Sierra.
"Thank you for sharing that with the rest of the group, Sierra," Duncan glared at her. "Clearly, you have a great grasp on what's appropriate to tell other people."
"I know, that's why… oh, you're being sarcastic."
"Mhm."
"Oh, sorry," she blushed. "I need to work on that, I guess."
"It's fine," Duncan sighed.
It's not a good time to start something...But maybe, I can use this.
"You know, if you want to make it up to me, you can come exploring with me?"
"Oh!" She perked up. "Yeah! That'd be super fun! I can take pictures for my blog!"
"Ah, sure. Cameron, want to join?" Duncan asked innocently.
"Uh-"
"You have to come with us, Cammy-bear! It'll be so much fun!"
"Oh. Sure," Cameron looked less than thrilled.
Perfect, now Zoey and Mike can kill each other. Talk. They can talk to each other.
Aww, that's so nice of Duncan to let us talk alone! He's a good guy.
"Alright!" Duncan rapped his knuckles against the kitchen table. "Onwards."
He started to walk out of the kitchen, Sierra and Cameron behind him, leaving Zoey and Mike alone.
Alright, time to talk.
"You didn't want to go with them?" Mike asked as the trio left the room.
"Nah," Zoey shook her head. "I thought we could hang out for a bit."
"Oh," Mike stared down at the table.
Great, he's probably worried we'll argue again. I guess I should get it over with, while we still have time alone.
"So um, there's actually something I wanted to ask you?" Zoey asked in a timid voice.
"Yeah?" Mike looked equally as nervous.
"It's just…I wanted to talk about earlier."
"I thought we already talked about that?"
"No, I mean, the conversation we had after. It's just, you seemed upset with me, and I wasn't sure why, and then I started thinking, and I just wanted to know what happened?"
"I wasn't upset. Did I seem upset?"
He's obviously lying…He totally left me in the woods. I guess he's just really nervous. Poor guy. Maybe a different approach?
"Alright," Zoey continued, "it's just, I want you to know, it's ok if we disagree on things sometimes."
"Sure." He didn't offer anything else.
"So, when I said that I was confused by what you said about Brick, you...walked away. And I'm thinking maybe you were annoyed with me? So I just wanted to say- it's alright if you're annoyed. Like, we're allowed to disagree, you know?"
It's like pulling teeth, but I know he'll get there.
"I'm not annoyed…"
"Mike, please just tell me."
"Well," he sighed, "it's just, you're right. I shouldn't have said that stuff. And I don't want you to think I'm that kind of guy."
"Oh," she breathed a sigh of relief.
I thought it was something serious.
"I know you're not that kind of person," she continued. "You're a good guy, Mike. You just said something you shouldn't have, but we all do it. I know you're not a jerk. Just talk to me, alright? You had me nervous for a second there."
"Yeah, sorry about that," he bit his lip.
"Don't apologize," Zoey smiled. "It's just one of those things we need to work on. This is new for both of us."
"Yeah…Will do. I'll talk more about…things."
"That's all I ask," she nodded.
He said everything was alright. He said he'd talk about his feelings more. Why don't I feel satisfied?
In another part of the Spa Hotel, Duncan was trailing Cameron and Sierra.
"Wow!" Sierra squealed as she entered the living room. "This is so fancy!" She took out her shattered phone and took a photo. "Do you guys want to be in the pic?"
"Uh, no thanks," Cameron backed away.
"Aww…"
Oh, fine.
"I'll do it?" Duncan offered.
"Yay, thanks Duncan!" Sierra grinned. "Here, smile!"
Duncan gave a half-hearted smile as she took a picture of him.
"Do you want me to take a picture of you guys?" Duncan offered.
I need to be on her good side…
"Wow, that'd be so cool!" She handed Duncan her cellphone. "Come here, Cody-Cam!"
How do I use this thing?
"Ah, sure," Cameron crept over to her.
"Alright," Duncan tried his best to get a good angle. "3, 2, 1…"
He took the photo and handed Sierra's cell phone back to her.
"Ah!" She shrieked. "I love it! I'll treasure this moment forever!"
I sure won't.
"Alright, campers!" Chris announced. "Time to vote!"
"We better go find Mike and Zoey," Cameron announced.
"Lead the way, Cam," Duncan smiled. "Cameron? Cam?"
Are we on good enough terms?
"Either's fine," Cameron shrugged as he started to walk.
"Aw, nice!" Duncan cheered. "It's always cool to have a nickname."
"Agreed!" Sierra added on. "That's why I call him Cammy. Nicknames are so much better."
I wonder if Cameron's actually bothered by Sierra. I mean, I don't want her to harass the poor guy.
Cameron led the group back to the kitchen, where Zoey and Mike were sitting at the kitchen table.
I wonder how their talk went? Neither of them look particularly happy.
"Alright!" Zoey sprung up. "Let's go watch the elimination ceremony."
At least Duncan tried to help.
"So, did you guys find anything interesting?" Mike walked next to Cameron and Sierra, leaving Zoey and Duncan to trail the group as they left the Spa Hotel.
"How ya doin', Zoey?" Duncan asked.
"Hmm… alright," she spoke hesitantly as she eyed her boyfriend, who seemed deep in conversation.
I wonder if he can hear us right now?
"Are you… better than before?"
I can't make it seem like I'm prying.
"Yes," she nodded.
Not really. But I don't want to bother him with that.
She doesn't look better…
"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Duncan smiled.
"Actually, I wanted to thank you."
"Me?"
"Yup. You know, for talking to me earlier."
"Oh! It's no problem, really," he grinned.
"I know, but it helped calm me down. I was overreacting," she slowed her pace, letting more distance gather from the group in front of them.
"Really?" Duncan tilted his head. "I didn't think you were."
C'mon, Zoey, don't tear yourself down.
"Really?" She seemed surprised.
"For real. It's not overreacting. He literally left you alone in the woods. And it's not like you yelled at him or anything. I'm assuming. You just had a civil conversation, yeah?"
"Yeah," she nodded her head.
"So, where's the overreaction?"
He's right. I'm not overreacting.
"I guess… I don't know."
"Did Mike make it seem like you overreacted?"
"God, no. I don't think he'd say something like that."
"I never said he said anything. You know, actions speak louder and all that bullshit."
Gosh, is he right? I guess Mike was upset- no, he still is. But how am I supposed to move forward? Why do men do this…
"Anyways, I'm glad things are better between you guys," Duncan smiled.
"Thanks, I think it was just a miscommunication thing. But you really helped. I mean…"
Should I tell him this? He HAS been really helpful, and he seems like a really good guy. I doubt he'd judge me.
"You see," she blushed, "this is actually my first relationship. And Mike's. So, I think we just need to work on communication. I know that sounds embarrassing and all, but your perspective really helps."
…What…
"It's all good, you said this was both of your first relationships? You and Mike?"
"Yeah, I know that sounds immature, but that's just how it worked out. He's never been with anyone else, neither have I. Gosh, you don't think that's immature, do you?"
...Fuck. He lied. He fucking lied. Fuck him. Fuck…him. That fucking…I hate him. I fucking hate him. I could strangle him right now.
He clenched his teeth.
Get it together. Get it the fuck together right now.
"Are you ok?" Zoey asked.
God, maybe it IS dumb that I haven't dated anyone else.
"Fine. Yeah, you're eighteen and you've only dated one person. Not a big deal. Nobody gives a shit."
"Um, alright. That's good."
Did I say something? His tone changed so quickly.
I need to get off this show before I kill him. I can't be here. Fuck their whole relationship. I must be really fucking stupid, helping Zoey with her relationship issues. And I was wondering why she was so nice to me! She has no idea! I hope he cheats on her. So she'll hate him forever. I hope they have the worst breakup of all time.
He was losing control, fast.
"Alright, we're here," Cameron noted.
"Ah, Heroes!" Chris yelled. "Welcome to tonight's elimination ceremony!"
The team took a seat in the bleachers.
So I'm just some dirty little secret, aren't I? Something to use when it's convenient? Pretend it never happened?
He was desperately trying to get a hold of himself.
Am I really that embarrassing to associate with? Am I that disgusting? I'm just a cheap whore, yeah? Something to fuck and throw away, huh?
Zoey noticed that he'd been quiet.
Is he alright?
I need this ceremony to end, and I need to leave. Go somewhere. I'm gonna say something I shouldn't.
"Are you ok?" Zoey whispered.
"Yup," he strained. "Just tired."
"I feel that," she smiled. "I don't think any of us slept that well. Well, I know Sierra and I didn't. I guess the other guy's did!"
"Yeah."
Why's he being so distant?
"Alright, campers!" Chris announced. "Welcome to tonight's elimination ceremony! The Heroic Hamsters won this challenge! For once! So, Vulture's, you're on the chopping block…which is what I would say, if this were an elimination challenge!"
"What?" Heather gasped. "It's a reward challenge?"
He's dead to me. I swear to God.
"Yup!" Chris smiled brightly. "This was a reward challenge! Nobody will be going home tonight! Instead, as a reward for winning the challenge, the Hamsters will be receiving… movie night! Complete with complimentary popcorn."
"Aw, nice," Zoey smiled.
God, who cares? I can't sit in a room with them and watch a movie while they cuddle on the fucking couch.
"But!" Chris kept going. "I still need someone to volunteer for Boney Island, so-"
"I'll do it," Duncan stood up immediately. "I'll go. I volunteer."
"Are you sure?" Zoey asked.
"Yup. Positive."
"Well," Chris seemed surprised. "Alright! Duncan, you're off to Boney Island! Chef is in the boat waiting for you!"
"Cool. See ya, guys," he left as fast as possible.
"Anyways," Chris spoke in the background, but Duncan was gone.
He jogged over to the dock, where Chef was sitting in a small boat.
Well, I haven't seen him this season.
"Hey kid, you're going to Boney Island?" Chef glared at him.
"Yessir."
"Well, hop on."
Duncan stepped onto the boat.
"Been a while, Chef," he commented as he balanced himself on the deck.
"Hmm," Chef ignored him as he started to turn the wheel. "I gotta say, I didn't think you would volunteer for this."
"Yeah, well, neither did I."
Duncan's favorite thing about Chef was that he understood the value of silence. He wasn't going to pry or ask any more questions.
"You look terrible."
"Thanks, Chef."
Nobody said another word on the journey to Boney Island.
I can't do this anymore. Chris was right. I can't handle this. Maybe I should try to get voted off on purpose? Just so I don't have to deal with him. But that means I'm letting him get away with it. He's gotta suffer.
"Alright, kid. We're here. Get off."
"Oh. Thanks, Chef."
"Good luck out there."
Duncan stepped off the boat and onto the soil on the beaches of Boney Island.
Well, I guess now I have time to think of something.
Back at the elimination ceremony, Chris was finishing his announcements.
"Will the Heroes win again? Or will the Villains reclaim their winning streak? Find out next week on Total. Drama. All-stars! Alright, good job today, guys. Get some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow!"
"Oh God, what's tomorrow?" Cameron asked in fear.
"Ok, I obviously can't tell you," Chris rolled his eyes.
I wonder what happened to Duncan… Did I do something? I just can't figure it out…
"Hey, you good?"
"Hmm?" Zoey snapped out of her thoughts to see Gwen standing there.
Oh, everyone's leaving… I didn't even notice.
"Yep, all good," Zoey smiled.
"Hmm," Gwen raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem good."
"It's fine."
"I've heard that line before. Look, you can sulk, but if you want to talk about anything, I'm always here to lend an ear. And keep it under wraps, of course."
"Zoey," Mike called out to her. "You coming?"
I can't focus on anything with this in the back of my head… Maybe Gwen will be able to help me out. I could use the fresh air, anyways.
"I'll be right there," Zoey waved to him. "I'll catch up with you guys."
"Alright," he shrugged and started to walk away with the rest of the team.
"Want to go for a walk?" Gwen asked her.
"I'd love that, actually," Zoey stood up from the bleachers. "Where to?"
"I dunno," Gwen shrugged. "Preferably not the woods. I can't do that twice in one night."
"We can walk along the water?"
"Perfect," Gwen smiled. "As long as the sharks don't find us."
How is she in good spirits? Maybe the Villain team really is better.
Zoey trailed behind Gwen as the two of them walked towards the beach.
"So…" Gwen started. "What's up?"
"Hmm," Zoey turned around to make sure they were far enough away from the other campers. "Well, I guess the past few days have been crazy."
I don't want to jump right into it.
"Is that why everyone on your team looks like they haven't slept in months? "
"Something like that. I don't know, I guess, well, some stuff happened…I shouldn't be worrying about this anyways. It probably has nothing to do with me."
"It must be serious if you're missing movie night," Gwen stepped onto the sandy beach, slipping off her shoes. Zoey did the same. She dug her toes into the sand.
"I love the beach," she sighed. "You know, I live in the middle of nowhere. Super far from the coast. So we don't have stuff like this."
"You know we're not near the ocean, right?" Gwen didn't look as excited.
"Yeah, well…I like to pretend."
"God, so many terrible memories on this beach," Gwen surveyed the area. "Fighting, cheating, almost dying…Sorry, not to burst your bubble or anything. I know you like this kind of thing."
"No, it's fine. At least you're being honest."
Gwen scooped up a handful of sand and let it run through her fingers.
"I guess it looks kind of nice out here. Maybe if I'd never been on this show, and I saw a picture of this beach, I would like it, ya know?"
I guess I should bring it up?
"At least we're not on Boney Island?" Zoey offered. "I wonder how Duncan's doing out there…"
"Can we, like, not talk about him?"
What? I thought they were friends?
"Oh! Sorry," Zoey blushed. "I didn't mean to, um, say something I shouldn't have."
Gwen turned to Zoey and squinted at her face.
"Wait, is that why you're so upset? Did something happen?"
"It's fine, I don't want to talk about it, you know, if you don't want to. It's actually stupid-"
"What happened? Now you have to tell me."
"But I thought you said you didn't want-"
"Yeah, but this is totally different," Gwen nodded. "C'mon, what happened? I won't tell anyone, I swear."
Can I trust her? I'm sure it's fine…
"Well," Zoey looked out at the water. "We were talking earlier, and out of nowhere he seemed really upset, and he wouldn't tell me what was wrong, and then he volunteered for Boney Island."
"I see," Gwen contemplated her words. "Well, what were you guys talking about?"
"Nothing crazy," Zoey kicked at the sand. "I was telling him about something with Mike… Some stupid argument we had, and Duncan was really helpful about it, and then out of nowhere he snapped."
"Yeah, that'll do it."
"What?" Zoey was surprised. "You know why he's upset?"
"Nope. But he gets upset at random things like that sometimes."
"Wait, so he's upset with me?"
"Maybe," Gwen shrugged. "Probably. Who knows?"
You're supposed to know!
"But why is he mad at me?" Zoey rubbed her hands together and toed the sand.
"Look," Gwen sighed. "I just…" she scooped up more sand. "I need you to understand that you really can't share this with anyone. Not even Mike, ok?"
"Alright, I promise."
"Do you?"
"Yes, I swear on my life that I won't say anything."
Please tell me.
"Ok," Gwen eyed her. "I'm only going to tell you this because I care. Girls protect girls and all that. But Duncan is, like, fucked up. Ok? Not in a cute way, but in a real way. He's not a dangerous guy or anything, but… he has some issues."
That's pretty mean of her to say. She can't just tell me something like that.
"But he's upset at me?" Zoey echoed her earlier question.
"Does that bother you?" Gwen tilted her head.
"Well, yeah! I can't have him be angry with me."
"Hmm… you do seem like the type to care about that sort of thing. But look, I wouldn't bring it up to him. I'm sure he'll get over it. He always does."
"So he's just upset for no reason?" Zoey pressed.
I have to know.
"Alright, look," Gwen sighed, clearly fed up with the conversation. "If you really want to know, you should talk to Courtney. She knows more than I do. They've spent more time together. But honestly, I don't see the point."
"But right now, he's annoyed with me?"
"You repeat yourself a lot, you know."
"You're right, sorry," Zoey blushed. "And thanks for warning me."
"Of course," Gwen smiled. "Now, besides all that, how's the Heroes team?"
"Oh! Well, it's fine. You see, someone broke Sierra's phone…wait, you know all that. But anyways, Cameron fixed it, and so she's been obsessing over him. And she keeps me up all night. So, that's nice. But how's your team?"
"Ugh, brutal. Alejandro and Heather won't stop doing this love-hate thing, and it's just the worst. Also, now Scott and Courtney have a thing? So it's like I'm fifth-wheeling."
Right, Courtney… Gwen said she might know something. Maybe I could ask her? If I don't make it obvious… I just can't stand the thought of him being mad at me…
"Scott and Courtney? I wouldn't have seen that coming."
"Oh, they're kind of perfect. Opposites attract and all that."
"Hmm, I suppose so."
Back on Boney Island, Duncan paced along the beach, kicking at the sand. He wasn't worried about any creatures that may be lurking nearby. He was too upset to think about that.
God, I'm so stupid… Why did I expect any differently? That's the problem. I'm just not smart. I'm a complete fucking idiot. He despises me. Of course he does. He wants me to die. Seriously, he wishes I were dead right now so I have no chance of ruining his life with my existence.
He picked up a handful of sand and threw it into the water, watching as the grains broke the surface with a satisfying splash.
I probably shouldn't think so badly of Zoey. Fine! I just hate her. I shouldn't, though. It's not her fault she's being lied to. She's just too stupid to pick up on it. Then again, I was also lied to. What does that say about me? We were both played by the same guy. It's actually funny. Well, it's not like we can laugh about it, since she doesn't know and all… I wasn't THAT mean to her. I just snapped a bit. And maybe I had some mean thoughts. But can you blame me? It's not like I said what I was thinking. I just insulted her mentally. Psychically. There are worse things.
He sat down on the sand, looking out over the horizon. It was only a few hours until morning. He should take the opportunity to sleep. Instead, he traced pictures in the sand.
I should tell her. Fuck Mike. She deserves to know. Right? Isn't that a thing? You're supposed to tell someone when… wait, that's if they're being cheated on. This is different, I guess. And is it really my business? I'd only be dragging myself back into it. I'm trying to leave this all behind. I promised I'd leave it all behind. Remember why you're here. Money, and that's it. Besides, what if she doesn't believe me? Then I'll look fucking crazy. This is her battle to fight, not mine. Are there actually monsters on this island?
Duncan turned around and peered through the trees behind the beach.
Probably not. Chris can't let any of us actually die. Anyways, I won't say anything. It's his job to tell her, I'm not doing it for him. He has to suffer. Yes, that's it. I don't need to step in. He's already fucking himself over, he doesn't need me to help. I'll let this fester.
He lied down on the sand, knowing he wasn't going to sleep but figuring he may as well try.
This isn't my responsibility. It's over. It's been over for years. We agreed. His problems are no longer my problems. I'm not getting involved. I have to respect myself, at least a little bit.
Back on the island, Gwen and Zoey were walking back towards the spa hotel.
"You're sure you don't mind walking back to the cabins alone?" Zoey asked.
"Please, do you know how many walks I've taken on this island? I'll be fine."
"Alright," Zoey accepted. She walked up the steps of the Spa Hotel and opened the front door. "See you tomorrow?"
"Yep," Gwen waved. "Enjoy your movie night."
Shoot, I totally forgot about that.
Zoey closed the door behind her and crept towards the kitchen. To her surprise, the rest of her teammates were sitting at the table, a bowl of popcorn between them.
"Oh, hey guys," Zoey greeted her teammate. "Did you have movie night?"
"Yup! Uh, sorry we didn't wait for you," Mike smiled sheepishly.
"It's all good, I was gone for a while anyways."
"Where'd you go?"
"I was just hanging out with Gwen. We went to the beach."
Maybe one of them knows why Duncan is so upset… I need to know if I did anything.
"What movie did you guys watch?" She asked.
"We didn't," Sierra answered. "We just took the popcorn and called it a movie night."
"Oh," Zoey pulled up a seat at the kitchen table. "Well, that's just as good."
They sat quietly for a moment.
Do I ask? Maybe I should ask…
"Hey, um, real quick," Zoey rubbed her hands together. "Did anyone notice Duncan acting kind of weird earlier?"
"Nah, he's always acting weird," Sierra was engrossed in her phone. "He's just a weird guy."
"What do you mean, Zoey?" Cameron asked.
"I dunno," she shrugged. "He was just being weird. Like, he volunteered for Boney Island, and I didn't think he would do that."
"Maybe he was just being nice?" Mike offered.
"I don't know… he seemed kind of upset. I think I'm just worried I did something to annoy him," she laughed. "Um, does anyone think that's true?" She immediately stopped smiling.
I can't tell them what Gwen told me…But I need to know if they saw anything.
"Don't be crazy," Mike shook his head. "You didn't do anything."
"Yeah, Zoey," Cameron added on. "You're the nicest person I know. There's no way you did anything wrong."
"Well, thanks, Cam," she smiled, then sighed. "I guess I'm just overthinking."
I don't believe him, though. There must be something I said.
"I'd put it out of your head," Mike insisted. "Don't worry about him."
"For real, Zoey," Sierra didn't take her eyes off her phone. "I wouldn't worry about it."
"Alright… alright, you're right."
"You know," Cameron started, then quickly shut his mouth. "Actually, nevermind."
"What is it, Cam?" Zoey asked him.
Cameron looked at Mike, then back at Zoey.
"Nothing, it's just… Well, you've been spending a lot of time with that group… and we don't have a lot of time…" he looked at Mike for help.
"Yeah?" Zoey tilted her head. "What's up?"
"I think what Cameron's trying to say is that sometimes, it gets a bit annoying that you focus on Duncan, Gwen, and Courtney so often instead of us," he stared at the kitchen table. "Sometimes."
"Oh."
Where's this coming from?
"Sorry, I guess I didn't realize… I was just trying to make some friends," she tried to explain.
"I know, I know…"
"I hope you guys don't think I'm ignoring you."
Clearly, they've talked about this before.
"No, of course not," Mike put up his hands. "It's just… we don't exactly live close-by...I just wish we spent more time together."
"It seems like you'd rather hang out with Duncan than the rest of us," Cameron blurted out. "Sorry, someone had to say it. I mean, you didn't come to movie night…"
"What? Of course not. It's not like that," Zoey was flustered. "Sorry guys, I guess I didn't realize…"
"It's fine," Cameron spoke quickly. "It's alright. I get it."
"Sorry, what's going on?" Zoey was confused. "Are you guys actually upset?"
Was I wrong?
"We only have limited time together," Mike trailed off. "Like, us as a friend group, before somebody gets voted off."
"And this was our night off," Cameron picked up. "Like, the four of us, to hang out."
I guess by 'the four of us,' he means Sierra too. So he must not want Duncan to be here.
"It's not like the whole team is here," Zoey fidgeted.
"The people that matter are here," Cameron answered.
"So Duncan just doesn't matter?"
Damnit, why did I say that? I should've just agreed with him and let it be over.
"He's not really in the group, I'd say," Sierra offered her two cents. "He wasn't an original member, anyways. Cameron and Mike are just upset that you'd rather hang out with Gwen then have movie night with us. It's like you're neglecting the rest of us."
Cameron nudged her hard under the table.
"Ow! What, am I wrong? Isn't that why you guys are upset?"
"Neglecting you?" Zoey squinted. "Sorry, I just don't think that's true. It was one night where I hung out with someone else."
Mike really can be clingy sometimes. This is too much.
"It's fine," Mike insisted. "Let's just leave it."
"No, I-"
"It's not a big deal," he shook his head. "You're right, it was one night."
I don't want to start an argument with him. I think he's being a bit unreasonable, but then again, I did skip movie night. That was supposed to be a special occasion, and I blew it off. Maybe I'm not treating the other members of this team as well as I should?
"Alright," Zoey accepted. "I guess I'll go to bed, then."
"Me too," Cameron stood up, thankful that the conversation was over. He was basically tripping over himself to leave the kitchen.
"I'll go with you, Cam," Mike sighed, not looking at Zoey as he left.
"Well," Sierra tapped her fingers against the table. "That was intense. I'm gonna go update my blog. Not about this, of course. Just the challenge."
"Yeah, sure, Sierra…" Zoey trailed off. "I'm gonna try and get some sleep." She didn't go into the bedroom, though. Instead, she opted to sit at the kitchen table and rest her head on her elbows.
...What just happened?