Chapter 12: Contest Finale
Kim woke up in a decidedly grumpy mood for the last day of the contest. While she generally enjoyed waking up cuddled with Ron, last night's events made it more frustrating than comforting. She looked at the alarm clock and realized that if she wanted to help Bonnie win this contest, she was going to have to get up and get moving. She sighed, prodded Ron to get him moving, then managed to turn off the alarm just before it would have sounded.
The teens stumbled about, getting organized for day's events. Kim set out her clothes for the day then turned to speak with Ron, only to find him staring at the shower. Kim opened her mouth to berate him for just standing there, before she stopped to stare at the hygienic fixture, herself.
They both needed showers to start the day and she wasn't about to use hers while Bonnie was still in her room. Right now, Ron was probably wracking his brain to broach the subject of sharing the morning ritual and Kim was sorely tempted. If he were to ask at this moment, she would agree, with no doubt where it would lead and that it would take up enough time that they wouldn't be able to assist Bonnie. Kim found herself debating what to do.
On the one hand, she had agreed to accompany Bonnie, but she had never really agreed to assist her. That had been implied. Would she really be betraying anybody's trust by making love with Ron, rather than watching Bonnie preen and strut in this disgusting contest?
Then again, her implied word was as good as her spoken promise, wasn't it? When she and Ron agreed to accompany Bonnie on this little adventure, they had implied that they were going to help her win it. Not only that, they had helped the girl earlier in the week. Didn't that mean that she had an obligation to fulfill her commitment to Bonnie, even at the expense of indulging in some mutual seduction with Ron?
Suddenly, the vision of Bonnie listening at their wall intruded upon Kim's internal debate, settling the argument.
"Why don't I get breakfast started while you take the first crack at the bathroom?" Ron suggested. His quick glance at the point he had bounced the book off of the wall told Kim that he was thinking the same thing. Kim heaved a massive sigh and got on with the day.
After finishing breakfast, Kim stalked next to Bonnie on the way to the Dining Lair. "So, what's the devious plan for today?" She grumbled. The morning interaction between the three teens had been awkward, to say the least.
"Nothing complicated," Bonnie replied. "I'm just going to turn on the charm. That's why I ate with you and Ron this morning, I had a good meal so I can daintily pick at my food, while flirting with Junior."
The two continued to walk silently for a couple more minutes until, just before they reached the Dining Lair, Bonnie spun to confront Kim.
"Look, Kim," she said. "I'm sorry I interrupted the two of you last night."
"That was a smart move," Kim conceded. "Camille was up to something and you brought it to our attention. Sure, I didn't exactly like the timing but…"
"That made sense, but wasn't cool of me to move in with you two for the night," Bonnie pointed out. "I was scared and I didn't know what to do…"
"That was smart, as well," Kim interrupted Bonnie's apology. "When the bad guy, or this case girl, is up to no good, you want to take precautions. Now, what wasn't cool…"
"Was listening in on you two," Bonnie admitted. "C'mon Possible, if the roles had been reversed…"
"I would not listen in on you and Junior, or Brick, or anybody else you might have been with!" Kim snarled.
"You wouldn't be curious?"
"Yeah, I would be curious," Kim admitted, keeping a tight lid on her anger, "But I would have kept it under control and respected your privacy."
"What if it was your friend, Monique having some fun with her BF?"
"It would have been the same sitch," Kim insisted. "I would get her alone later, and pump her for details, but I would respect her privacy."
"If it makes you feel any better," Bonnie's voice was strangely sincere. "I was kind of hoping that you and him would be doing something. I knew I told you I'd keep clear and I hoped the two of you would get around me being in the suite."
"So you put your ear to the wall."
"Okay, fine, I was snooping! I'm not proud of it but I was thinking that if the two of you still managed to…"
"Then you wouldn't have to feel guilty about interrupting," Kim concluded.
"Yeah," Bonnie answered.
"Bonnie, let's get something clear between the two of us," Kim snarled at her former rival. "We're not friends! You've gotten better since graduation, and we might work that way someday, but we're soooo far from being friends and we're even farther away from being to the point where I'd dish about that with you!"
"I can accept that," Bonnie nodded. "This is the last day, K. Once I win, you'll be free of me for as long as you want."
"So lets go finish this stinkin' contest!"
Bonnie nodded again and strutted into the Dining Lair, where Senior, Junior, and Camille were already seated. Even though Kim wasn't wired that way, her years of cheerleading had taught her to judge other girls' poise and beauty. So far, she gave Bonnie a slight advantage in poise. As for beauty, it all came down to Junior's views on the subject. Ron was correct in that Bonnie had a more athletic, healthy figure but if Junior went for the 'rail thin' look…
Ron joined Kim shortly before Senior announced the end of the meal and outlined the day's activities.
"My two most lovely and devious, prospective daughters in law," he announced, rising to his feet and saluting them with his glass. "I will now inform you about the day's activities. My daughter in law must be able to remain cool, collected and lovely at all times, and in all situations. We will start today with a little light exercise; you will compete against each other in a badminton match, followed by a foursome croquet match with Junior and myself. These matches will allow Junior to see how you handle stress and judge your athletic abilities."
"After croquet, we will have lunch, followed by some time at the pool. Consider the pool to be similar to a pageant's swimsuit competition. After lounging about the pool for an hour or so, we will return inside where the two of you will indulge in poetry reading and discussion. This will showcase your grasp of fine literature. After this, my wealthy guests will arrive. As they are all arriving on their own transportation, they will arrive at different times. Each of you will greet two of my guests, acting as members of my family. This will allow Junior to see how you interact with the powerful, wealthy individuals my daughter-in-law will find herself dealing with, continuously."
"Finally, this evening the two of you will dress in your finest, formal wear and meet us in the Banquet Lair. Here, Junior will make his choice, based upon the grace, poise, and beauty you show throughout this day. You have an hour to prepare yourselves, before meeting at the badminton court. Good luck, ladies."
Senior set down his glass and left the room, followed by Junior. For a moment, the two contestants stared at each other. Camille was the first to act, standing up and striding towards her suite. Bonnie quickly collected Kim and headed towards her own rooms.
"Any suggestions?" The brunette asked, disappearing into her bathroom to change.
"Not really," Kim told her. "You have a big advantage for the first event. Just remember to be gracious."
"Kim? I've never been gracious, remember?"
"Okay, then act gracious, like you were to the squads we beat back in the day. Ron and I will be close by, and we'll coach you as much as we can. Whatever you do, don't accept anything from anybody, even Ron or me, unless you can see Camille. She still might try something."
"That's true, isn't it?" Bonnie commented, stepping out of the bathroom wearing Monique's active wear ensemble. "She'd rather do something tricky than take me on honestly. Well, let's not give her the chance. C'mon guys, let's go crush the competition."
Bonnie led the way out of her quarters and to the badminton court, where Senior and Junior were waiting. Minutes later, Camille arrived. While the fallen heiress initially caught Junior's (and to Kim's amused chagrin, Ron's) eye, the males quickly lost most of their interest. Camille had taken a different approach to fashion than Monique had. The former socialite was clearly trying to catch the males' attention, wearing an extremely short skirt and an abbreviated top. Bonnie's ensemble, while flattering her form, was clearly made with physical activity in mind. Senior Senior Senior acted as the game's only official, taking an elevated seat under a parasol, and announced that the match was on.
Both young women understood the basic rules and scoring, but neither had any experience with the sport outside of a few, casual games. It didn't take long for Kim to conclude that nobody would pay to watch this match, at least for the actual display of skill. Bonnie still managed to quickly gain the upper hand. While neither girl had any appreciable experience, the brunette was an athlete. Kim also had to admit that Ron had been correct with another observation, Bonnie had gained her figure through exercise and a healthy diet, while Camille had gained hers through fad diets. Bonnie not only had a speed and strength advantage; she had an endurance advantage, as well. It didn't take long before Camille was staggering about her side of the court, barely on her feet.
It took Bonnie less than an hour to win her match. Bonnie, while winded, still looked ready to compete while Camille looked like she was ready to collapse. Senior, realizing that Camille was probably in danger of a heat injury, called for a short break before croquet. Kim had expected Camille to be more of a competitor at this less-physical activity, but the badminton match had left her exhausted. While Bonnie wasn't as dominant as she had been swinging a racquet, she still managed to outplay Camille. Furthermore, Kim noted, she managed to have some charming, witty conversations with Junior while Camille spent her time gasping for breath.
With the croquet match finished, Senior announced that they would have a half-hour break before lunch. Bonnie didn't hesitate, as soon as the Seniors turned their backs, she grabbed her attendants and sprinted for her quarters. Leaving Ron in the living room, the girls ducked into the bathroom so that they could discuss strategy while Bonnie rinsed off her sweat. The two girls came to the conclusion that they needed to watch Camille closely, since the changeling had to realize that she was in danger of losing. Bonnie quickly put on another casual wear ensemble and rushed back to the Dining Lair, arriving shortly after Camille.
Again, Kim was forced to note the difference in the two girls' wardrobes. While Monique's creation complimented Bonnie very well, Camille had opted for slightly more exposure than was really appropriate for the occasion. Still, she seemed to catch Junior's attention, at least initially. However, Kim noticed that the younger Senior's eyes were drifting to Bonnie more and more often, as the meal wore on. Again, while Camille could draw eyes with her "overexposure", Bonnie's more conservative, yet flirty, wardrobe maintained the gent's interest. All things considered, Kim considered lunch to be more or less a draw. The contestants left the Dining Lair and returned to their suites to prepare for the swimsuit competition.
"So Kim, what suit do you think?" Bonnie asked.
"The one piece," Kim told her. "Junior seems to be a little more drawn to flirty than brazen."
"You've noticed that, too?" Bonnie commented, grabbing the particular article of clothing and rushing into the bathroom. "I'm beginning to think that Miss Perfect has a bit of a temptress side to her." Kim could hear the grin on the other side of the door.
"Come off it, Bonnie," Kim shook her head. "Your job is to catch Junior's eye and I'm just pointing out what seems to be working."
"Okay then, try telling me that you aren't going to have Monique make a suit for you," Bonnie prompted.
"It'll be ready when I get back from this mission," Kim admitted, certain that Bonnie could hear her grin, now.
"Does Ron know that you're going to flirt him up?"
"The most important element in any conquest is surprise," Kim informed her rival.
"So Miss Perfect has a human side," Bonnie observed. "There's hope for you after all! Let's go make Junior's jaw drop to the deck."
Camille was already lounging poolside when Bonnie arrived. Kim left her charge and joined Ron on the wall overlooking the pool area.
"Mouth shut and no dirty thoughts," Kim instructed her boyfriend, who jumped guiltily.
"KP, I…uh…I was…"
"Admiring the scenery just a little too much," Kim commented. "Keep your eyes on Camille…professionally." Kim then grinned at her PF. "Take it easy, I'm just having a little fun. Let's watch Bonnie destroy Camille."
Before long, Junior arrived on the pool deck. As happened during the two earlier 'events', Camille's outrageous wardrobe quickly caught Junior's eye. However, this time he showed every inclination of keeping his eyes on Camille. While he chatted with both girls, he spent more time, and seemed to be a bit more smitten, with the scantily clad changeling. Bonnie, however, wasn't ready to just concede Junior's attentions. The next time Junior left Camille to speak to her, the brunette jumped into the pool.
"Good move, Bonnie," Kim murmured.
"Okay, I'll admit that jumping into a pool during a hot day is a good move," Ron admitted. "But I'm not seeing how this helps her win Junior."
"You don't understand fashion, do you?"
"Hey, if it covers what it's supposed to cover, what more is there to know?"
"That's why women's fashion is such a bigger market than men's fashion," Kim answered, with a shake of her head.
"Okay, for the sake of argument, let's assume I don't know what you're talking about," Ron shrugged his shoulders. "What does that have to do with Bonnie taking a swim?"
"Camille probably can't do it," Kim told him, gesturing towards Junior, who had just jumped into the pool with the brunette. "Like you said, it's a hot day and a dip feels great. Now Bonnie can spend some time with Junior that Camille can't."
"Still not understanding," Ron informed his girlfriend. "I don't know for sure that Camille can't swim, but the pool has a shallow end. Just like cheese on cardboard is still cheese, a shallow pool is still a pool."
"You don't get it, do you?" Kim asked, amazed. Ron simply shook his head. "Camille can't get in the pool because her suit probably isn't made to get wet while being worn."
"What!?" Ron looked incredulous. "Are you kidding me?" Kim shook her head. "Why would anybody make or buy a swimsuit that you can't swim in?"
"That suit is supposed to make an impression," Kim explained.
"But why…I still don't understand," Ron confessed. "Why go to a beach or a pool if you're not going to swim? I mean, I've spent some time on some meals' visual presentation, but I always meant for them to be eaten. Why not make a suit that looks good but you can still swim in?"
"Water alters the fabric's fit, so if you're really trying to be bold…" Kim tried to explain, then gave up. "I don't think you'll ever understand, and I hope you never do."
"I'll just let it go at that," Ron nodded. "But it looks like Bon-Bon has grabbed the advantage again."
"That she has," Kim agreed, looking to where Bonnie and Junior were playing some sort of water-basketball game. Camille, rather than stewing, was looking smug. Kim didn't like calm, collected opponents.
Eventually, the pool event came to an end and Team Possible escorted Bonnie to her suite for a quick rinse before the literary event. Since neither teen had managed much sleep the night before, Ron took over 'Bonnie-sitting' for the early afternoon. Kim retired to Ron's room to catch a nap while Ron accompanied Bonnie to the poetry reading. It seemed that her head had no sooner hit the pillow than the Kimmunicator was going off, waking her for the evening's events.
"Senior's guests are due to start arriving in another hour or so," Bonnie informed Kim, when the redhead met back up with the other two Middleton teens in Bonnie's suite. "I drew Martin Smarty and Pop Pop Porter. I'll greet them when they arrive. Now, I'm going to put on some business wear and get ready."
"What happened to Ron?" Kim asked Bonnie, pointing to the blonde. Ron was sitting on the couch with a dazed, horrified expression on his face.
"The poetry reading didn't go too well," Bonnie answered. "I've never been much on highbrow literature and Camille was even worse. The only poems she knew had the word 'Nantucket' in the first phrase. Anyway, Senior tried to explain the finer points of most of the poetry and it sort of left Ron and Junior confused."
"It was like listening to your dad and Wade discuss four dimensional interception vectors," Ron chimed in, his voice week. "I managed to keep up for a few seconds, then I was lost in a sea of metrical patterns, rhymes and other terms I couldn't understand."
"I was kind of lost, as well," Bonnie admitted. "I don't think that Senior was terribly impressed with any of us; Camille, me, Junior or Ron. Anyway, Kim, can you stay with me while Ron goes back to your quarters? I'm going to be rushing around getting dressed and I'd rather have your opinion."
"That's just as well," Ron said, heaving himself to his feet. "I've had enough of things I can't understand for one day." Ron stalked into Bonnie's bathroom and reported 'all clear' before leaving the suite.
"It's almost over, K," Bonnie commented, selecting her clothing for her greeting duties. "In a couple more hours, you'll be free of me and I'll be married."
"You haven't won yet," Kim warned as Bonnie disappeared into her bathroom. "Remember, we figured Camille would lose the last two contests, but she's still here. The fact that she didn't get angry when you one-upped her at the pool has me suspicious. Anyway, you have the upper hand at the moment, but she knows that as well as we do. She'll have the advantage during the next event, the greetings. After all, she's used to rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous."
"So she's going to do something tricky?" The question emerged from the bathroom.
"I'm pretty sure, but I don't know what. That's why we aren't letting you off on your own right now."
"And it's why Ron checked my bathroom before leaving?"
"Exactly," Kim called back. "If you were in her shoes, what would you try right now?"
"I can't really think of it," Bonnie confessed. "It's really just hit me that I'll be married in a couple of hours. I mean, back in the U.S. it was just a way to avoid continued probation and maybe prison. Now, I'm really coming to grips with what it means."
"I thought you'd be excited," Kim quipped. "I mean, you're working hard enough to win the competition."
"And I'm wondering if I really want to win," Bonnie added. "I know that it's only going to be a marriage in name only, but it's still a pretty big contract."
"I would think that it would be a life you would want," Kim observed.
"Six months ago, so would I," Bonnie's voice replied. "Now, the thought of spending the rest of my life on this island with Junior is scary. I know I dealt Pump, but this is a pretty big price to pay for a couple of mistakes."
"Those mistakes cost more people than you," Kim snarled back. "Ron didn't exactly enjoy choking out you, or any of the other teens he had to and he got off light! When you get me thinking of all the lives you helped mess up, I have a hard time feeling any sympathy."
"Yeah, I can understand that," Bonnie replied, stepping out of the bathroom. "I'm not asking you to feel sorry for me but I have to wonder, you've put yourself in danger, over and over for the last several years. You've never had anything happen to you that will affect you for the rest of your life but me? I got hooked on pump and I might pay for it for the rest of my life."
"I haven't exactly had it easy," Kim admitted. "Not many people know about this, but that abdominal wound I took last fall might have kept me from ever having children."
"What?" Bonnie gasped.
"You heard me," Kim grumbled. "The worst part is that the doctors can't say anything for sure. I won't know if I can or not until we start trying."
"Well, that's something you have on me," Bonnie told her former rival. "You've actually found someone who you want to do that with… you're going to marry Ron, aren't you?"
"Oh, yeah," Kim grinned back.
"I envy you, K, I really do," Bonnie admitted. "I mean, I've been jealous of how you always beat me in school but this is different. The two of you really have something special and it makes me want something like it, and get it the way you two did. You guys didn't take any short cuts or play any tricks on each other, you just took your time and made it something…amazing."
"I know," Kim whispered back. "I know that we're nowhere near ready to plan on kids but…"
"You want it to be perfect for the two of you," Bonnie finished for her. "You love each other so much that you want the whole thing." Bonnie shook her head, sadly, "for what it's worth, I hope you have the fairytale ending."
"Thanks, Bonnie, but we aren't going to have any ending until we finish this contest.
The girls decided to let Ron sleep while Bonnie and Camille greeted Senior's guests. After all the guests had arrived, the two contestants mingled with them and the Seniors for a little over an hour. As Kim suspected, Camille handled herself a little better than Bonnie did, probably due to her familiarity with the upper crust. Still, Junior seemed to be favoring Bonnie over her competitor as the contestants left the gathering to don their formal attire.
The sun had already set when Kim and Ron escorted Bonnie to her Dressing Lair, backstage at Senior's Formal Banquet Lair. Camille had already gone to her Dressing Lair. Kim and Ron knew the drill; Senior would address his guests, then Junior would take the stage. After this, the contestants would take to the stage where Junior, in full view of Senior's wealthy friends, would make his choice. Immediately after the choice, a priest would marry the couple.
Kim and Ron, after checking Bonnie's Room, stood guard outside the door. They kept a careful eye on Camille's door, since the competition seemed a little too confident. Senior passed by the two teens, inclining his head politely. He took his position behind the closed curtains and signaled one of his henchpersons, who drew open the curtains.
"My dear and well-to-do guests," he announced. "I have already told all of you about my medical condition. I am not long for this world that has given all of us such joy, but I do not want to dwell upon my passing. I wish to concentrate upon the joy that the future may hold. For the last several days, a number of beautiful, charming and devious young ladies have competed for my son's hand in marriage. I am delighted to inform you all that we have narrowed the field down to two young women. Tonight, Junior will choose between these young ladies and you will all witness his wedding. Therefore, without any further delays, let me present my son, Senior Senior Junior."
The audience couldn't see Kim and Ron, but the teens could easily hear the polite applause and see Junior, looking quite dapper in his tailored tuxedo, take his place on the stage.
"Honored guests of my papa," the younger Senior addressed the audience. "It gives me great happiness to happily announce my happy occasion. I now make the introductions that will introduce these young ladies to you. First of all, I introduce Miss Bonnie Rockwaller."
Kim knocked on Bonnie's door and the tall brunette emerged, looking like she was ready to faint. She took a deep breath, however, and regained her composure. The very picture of beauty and grace, Bonnie Rockwaller paraded out onto the stage, eliciting a round of applause from Senior's guests. Bonnie gave Junior a chaste kiss on his cheek then stood to one side, flexing one leg too show off her figure.
"Now I will make the introduction that will introduce the second of the two young ladies. Honored guests of my father, let me introduce Miss Camille Leon."
Even Ron, who knew absolutely nothing about fashion, was shocked when he saw Camille. The fallen heiress emerged from her Dressing Lair wearing a very baggy, man's tuxedo. The blonde favored Team Possible with a smirk before strutting onto the stage, eliciting gasps from Senior's guests. Camille kissed the cheek opposite of the one Bonnie had, then struck a pose on Junior's other side. Junior continued his presentation while the guests continued to murmur in confusion.
"The time has come for it to be time for me to make my choice," he announced. "I shall now select between these two, lovely and evil ladies, but which one?"
Junior turned to Bonnie. "Miss Bonnie Rockwaller," he announced. "Is beautiful, athletic, and possessed of a calculating mind that is most calculating. Her fashion sense and grace are eclipsed only by her breathtaking hotness."
Now, Junior turned to Camille. He seemed to notice her odd wardrobe for the first time, but gamely continued with his presentation. "Miss Camille Leon," he declared. "Is also quite attractive and even more devious. She eliminated two of the competing girls herself. Add to this is the fact that her socialite background has prepared her for a life among wealth and privilege. Still, how will I choose between the two?"
Now Junior, fanning the drama, took a position directly between the two contestants. "I have made my choice!" He announced, pulling a diamond ring from his pocket. The young man started to turn towards Bonnie, when Camille's subtle movement made him halt. As contestant, guest, host and guard stared in shocked amazement, Camille's features altered, darkened and expanded until she stood as a duplicate of…
Senior Senior Junior.
For several heartbeats, silence reigned in the Formal Banquet Lair until Junior's voice broke the tension.
"So…lovely…" the heir stammered. "So…beautiful." He turned completely towards Camille, turning his back upon a shocked and fuming Bonnie.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Bonnie snapped.
"This goes beyond sick and wrong," Ron whined to Kim. "This goes way beyond wrongsick. This makes wrongsick look pure and wholesome!" Kim could only nod her speechless agreement.
"My son, what is the meaning of this?" Senior asked, as Junior, in an awestruck daze, approached his doppelganger.
"My perfect mate!" Junior declared. "The one whose face I will never grow tired of seeing when I see it!"
"This so not going to happen," Kim monotoned, unable to pull her eyes from the scene. "At least not in front of me."
"Dude! No! NOOOOOOoooo!" Ron couldn't help but shriek.
As the rest of the island stared in dumbstruck horror, Senior Senior Junior slipped the ring upon a finger that mimicked his own. Like watching a train wreck, all eyes couldn't stop watching as Junior kissed lips upon a face that was identical to his.
The stunned silence only ended when Senior Senior Senior collapsed in a dead faint.
A/N: For your convenience, I have heated the tar, gathered the feathers, and am prepared to face my just punishment. I must thank Joe Stoppinghem for his beta services, and for not quitting after the scene you just read. One chapter to go folks and don't worry, no more brain soap.
Best Wishes,
daccu65