EZEKIEL: PART FOUR
Ezekiel's House
4:30 p.m.
"Oh my gosh! You're Noah! Hi! I'm Jasmine! And I'm-" Jasmine's words trailed off as the newest arrival to the farm house stared up at her with a deadpan expression and bored disinterested eyes.
"Thrilled. Now if you don't mind making yourself useful, the car still needs unloading." Jasmine stared at the famous know-it-all with her mouth open for several seconds before she reacted.
"Uhh…excuse me?" Noah paused briefly to turn his head, while the would be actress spoke. "Just because you were fortunate enough to be on the show instead of me does NOT mean you can just go and order me around! You can do all that unpacking yourself."
"Sure…I'm really capable of carrying in all those boxes. Why don't I just walk on both of my legs and use my arms to do so?" Noah commented sarcastically as he leaned on his crutches for support.
When Jasmine didn't reply, the bookworm continued. "Injuries trump fan obsession." Noah finished simply before swinging his way into the farmhouse. Jasmine scowled and put her hands on her hips.
"Now I see why LeShawna calls him a disrespecting turkey." She muttered darkly before her eyes flew wide open in alarm as someone pushed her roughly aside. "Out of the way Diva." The punk said walking past with a large box.
Said Diva felt herself lose her balance and pinwheeled her arms rapidly in an attempt to remain on her feet, but to no avail. A cry of fear involuntarily escaped her lips as she fell backwards off the front porch.
Mentally she prepared herself for the impact. The crush of snow followed immediately by the wet chill of frozen water vapor. While the first occurred, the latter never did. Instead it felt like she was suspended in mid air.
Confused, the female opened her eyes and noticed immediately the large pair of hands wrapped around her waist. "Are you alright Miss?" DJ asked as he set the unknown sister back down on her feet.
In response the brunet batted her eyes. "I'm Jasmine. And you can pick me up anytime." DJ blushed and proceeded to speak incoherently. After several failed shots at communication, the brickhouse quickly gathered the fallen boxes from the snow and quickly darted inside the farmhouse leaving behind a smiling Jasmine.
Traveling Cam
By the Old Shed
Jasmine-Momma always told me that when it comes to guys, you want a gentleman. Doesn't matter how strong or cute they are, you want a guy that will treat you right. And this brother is strong, a gentleman AND he's kinda cute.
DJ is shown next still blushing and babbling nonsense, before the screen switches again.
Jasmine-And sure the brother is a fraidy cat, but besides that I think it's doable! If you ask me Shawnie gave up the gold medal for the booby prize. Oh well. Her loss is my gain.
The would be actress giggled to herself before the screen switched again this time to Noah.
Noah-Gwen just informed us about the Traveling Cam in Zeke's backyard, which tells us something. Either my book buddy is obsessed with Total Drama Island, or this is all just a setup for something more. But so be it. As eloquent as Gwen put it, I agree with her. For now.
The Traveling Cam flipped revealing Bridgette and Geoff making out. Another flip showed the pair sitting side by side.
Bridgette-Looking back it's almost kinda obvious who Ezekiel liked once you put the clues together.
Geoff-The Zeke dude said cute, someone who smiles a lot and someone he never got to really talk to. And that's Katie right there!
Noah-Admittedly of all the people Zeke could have fallen for I'm glad it's Katie. Double dates are much easier when you get along with other people.
The know-it-all's eyes suddenly widened and he scowled.
Noah-I am NOT implying that I like Sadie! So get that out of your head Chris!
Static.
The bored expression on Duncan's face turned to immediate interest when he took in the lone table, the work tools and a simple desk cabinet sitting off to the side. "And behind Door number 2 is Home-School's workshop." The punk smirked before rummaging in the cabinet.
To his disappointment, it was empty save for a roll of tape and a green marker. Slamming the cabinet shut, Duncan frowned. "Okay now if I was Home-School where would I hide something important?"
Carefully studying the small room, he noticed a large plush moose sitting on the floor. To the untrained eye it was just a stray toy and nothing more. The delinquent moved the plush aside and a wicked grin lit his face at the sight of an old worn folder.
Snatching it up, Duncan proceeded to flip through its contents. His eyes promptly widened and he laughed heartedly. His merriment was cut short when the door opened again. DJ entered the room and quickly closed and locked the door.
"I take it the brickhouse has just had an encounter with Hurricane Wannabee. DJ crossed his arms and frowned at the punk. "That's not funny man. Jasmine's headstrong, obsessive and eager sure, but overall she's not bad."
"Then why did you lock the door?" DJ didn't answer, but the expression on his face told all. Duncan let out a chortle. "Oh man…Tell me you have not fallen for Diva." Noticing the dark frown on the gentle giant, the delinquent quickly switched topics.
"Okay okay…Looks factor…Diva almost could pass as Princess's sister so yeah, she's hot. Personality wise…she's stubborn, demanding and fanatical about being getting on Total Drama Island. Again crease qualities. Not that's a bad thing…just look at me and Princess."
Duncan picked up the folder again and pulled out a single piece of paper and grinned at it. Curiously DJ wandered over. "What's that?" Duncan smirked. "Home-School's notes. And there's no way I'm giving this one back."
Holding out the paper the gentle giant could easily see rough sketches outlines of Courtney holding her violin, the compass and otherwise as well as a few detailed close-ups of her facial features and clothing. Scribbled on the edges of the page were several notes.
Very Boosy, Wore Chicken hat, Violin works better then compass, Got freckles only in center of forehead…the notes went on. DJ had easily recognized one of the poses as the one used for the CIT's cookie cutter.
"Where did you find that? Hidden under a moose in the corner. And here's the kicker! Check out this! Half of these pictures in here are of Katie! Man…that dude has got it bad. "And those comments of his!"
Her eyes shoine when she blushes, she looks adorable in pink…and stripes and anything! She loikes blueberries, boot can't stand raspberries, pigtails are soft even when wet…From the pool water! Should I try to talk to her? Boot she's always with Sadie…how the heck am I ever gonna talk to her withoot getting killed by one of the other girls?
The punk laughed again in amusement while DJ just shook his head. "Well Ezekiel's crush is out in the open now. And for a guy with virtually no social experience, I think the reencounter with Katie went pretty well."
"The dude called her Katie Kat and then completely froze up. Not that I'm complaining. A distraction is a distraction." DJ nodded. "True, but by now there probably just sitting in the snow bank talking and getting to know each other."
Katie screamed as the motorized vehicle beneath her left the ground for a few heart pounding seconds before landing with a slight thump. Unlike before her screams now held a sense of joy and she couldn't help but giggle in delight.
Gripping the olive green jacket tightly, the tanned skinned female dared to look ahead to where the go kart was. It hadn't taken Izzy long to become bored and as usual the red head reacted accordingly.
Much to the BFFFL's surprise, they quickly found themselves smack dab in the middle of a private war, with Sadie in the go kart with Izzy and Katie sitting behind Ezekiel on the snowmobile.
"Hold on toight eh!" Ezekiel yelled out seconds before gunning the engine. The taller girl let out another scream as her surroundings disappeared into a blur of white. Closing her eyes tight she once again felt the snowmobile leave the ground.
Only this time the thump of the vehicle was accompanied by Izzy's voice yelling out revenge. Confused, Katie opened her eyes. She quickly spotted the go kart which was now behind them.
IZZY'S NOT OUT OF THIS YET ZEKEY!
Izzy yelled into a bullhorn angrily before shoving it into Sadie's hands. Vaguely Katie wondered where the crazy girl got it. Now that Ezekiel was in the lead, the insane chase had taken on a simply different tone. The prairie boy headed right for the highway.
Car 3
Justin, Lindsay, Beth, Heather, Eva, Courtney
5:00 p.m.
"Okay justh make a left turn at the blinking light and we'll be in the home stretch." Beth announced earning several sighs of relief. "At this point I'll be glad to see S-Ezekiel's farmhouse as long as it's far faraway from this vehicle." Courtney sighed.
"For once I agree with Miss CIT. Ezekiel just had to live in one of the farthest and most remote areas of Canada." Heather commented as she turned onto a snowy path that led right into the woods.
Almost immediately after, the queen bee was forced to slam on the brakes when a dark green snowmobile suddenly darted in front of the neon green car. Ignoring the screams from most of the female passengers, she managed to get the nightmarish vehicle back under control.
Sighing in relief, Heather rolled down the window to yell at the riders. Unfortunately they had already vanished from sight. Scowling, the popular girl started to release the brake only to slam back down on the pedal when a second vehicle passed.
While the dark helmets masked the features of the snowmobile riders, here there was no confusion. The driver's orange curls were easily visible against the wielder's mask she wore and a heavier girl sat next to her in the go kart clad in a bright pink jacket.
Despite being a victim of Izzy's wild ride, the shorter BFFFL was giggling between shrieks of fear. Picking up a bright green bullhorn, Sadie raised it to her lips.
WE'RE SOOO GONNA CATCH UP TO YOU KATIE!
Huh? OH! AND IZZY SAID BEST FRIENDS OR NOT YOU'RE GOING DOWN ZEKE! OR IS IT ZEKEY? OH WELL! YOU'RE STILL GOING DOWN!
Inside the lime green monster most of the occupants exchanged a disturbed look as the snow worthy go kart raced past in pursuit of the snowmobile. Lindsay however let out a moan of defeat.
"Oh no…Sandy was actually right! The crush girl was Kally after all! Oh Beth! I'm sooo sorry you had to find out like this! You must be soo upset right now!" Slowly the uneasy look on the farm girl's face dissipated and she started back in minor confusion.
While the pretty blonde kept trying to comfort her, it finally sunk in. "Ohhhh. That'sth okay. My mom saysth that if you love something let it go. And if it comesth back itsth meant to be." Lindsay's eyes went wide with wonder.
"That is sooo deep!" Beth grinned back revealing her braces. "And itsth not like there aren't other guysth out there!" Justin did a double take at the love struck look on short brunet's face. Heather scowled.
"Eyes on the map, not on the hunk. Now do I follow the road until it stops or do I turn somewhere?" Beth frowned back at her ex-ringleader before looking back down at the map. "Follow the road. Turn left and down the hill. Then we justh got to find the right farm house."
Heather nodded once and the car was set back in motion. All too soon the winding road reached the divide. Turning left, the hill loomed in front of them and down below they could see a few farmhouses. The passengers of the neon green creature car cheered.
Ezekiel's House
5:00 p.m.
The majority of the preparations had been done. The beds had been set up with fresh sheets ready for the visiting guests. Luggage had been stored and blankets were placed in nearby, but not obvious enough to be noticed right away.
The kitchen was filled with enough food to accommodate the drooling Owen and half a dozen other people. The modest dining room table was stretched to capacity and several folding tables were set up. The latter would eventually be brought into the living room.
As for the living room itself, it was decorated with balloons and steamers amidst the Christmas scenery. Most of the teens were now gathered around the large party sized television watching some of the many DVD's.
Others, namely Duncan and DJ had joined Tyler and Jasmine on window watch. Diva had latched herself to the gentle giant's arm the moment she spotted him. An action that had annoyed LeShawna, embarrassed the brickhouse and had greatly amused Duncan.
The punk's pleasure was cut short when Jasmine suddenly let out an ear piercing scream of delight. Good mood gone, the punk frowned at the beret wearing girl. Jasmine was jumping up and down excitedly jerking DJ's arm up and down as she did so.
Turning back to the window the punk now noticed the obnoxious neon green 4 door car now parked out in front. Doors were flung open and the passengers were quickly vacating the creature car.
Likewise other ex-campers were running outside eager to meet the new arrivals and the resulting chaos caused the delinquent to laugh. Spotting the last person climbing out of the glow bug, Duncan smirked.
LINDSAY BEAR!!!!
The pretty blonde smiled back at the rapidly approaching jock. "Oh hi Tige-" That was all the blonde got out before she was snatched up into Tyler's arms. Lindsay let out a delighted squeal from the action.
Heather rolled her eyes. Stomping over to the trunk she promptly removed her things and walked after the fitness buff. Both females managing to get inside before the crowd descended on them.
Courtney had not been so lucky. She had scarcely had gotten out of the car when she was besieged by a blur wearing a beret. "Hi you must be Courtney! Hi I'm Jasmine! And I so hope you'll be one of my future competitors for-"
The CIT's mind whirled as she tried to follow the other girl's conversation to no avail. After several minutes of mindless talk about acting and something about competing in something or another she had had enough.
"Look. Jasmine. I had to ride in one of the most garish cars ever to exist, I had to give up MY navigation job cause Beth couldn't keep down her cookies, I was SQUASHED in the middle of an overly crowded backseat and I had to listen to an argument between two squeally girls over they're best friends liking Mr. Sexist!"
Courtney took a couple of deep breaths before continuing. "All I want to do now is find my room, take a short nap and possibly work my class president campaign for next year before the party."
"Sounds like a plan. Want me to join you Princess?" The CIT's face darkened and she shoved her "boyfriend" away. "Not a chance Ogre." Courtney scowled before noticing that the new girl was giggling.
"Don't you have another 40 audition videos to do?" Duncan said pointedly staring at the would be actress. The girl beamed before racing off towards a curtain placed next to an old shed. Courtney stared after her with a frown.
"And just WHO would THAT be Duncan?" Duncan scoffed. "That's Diva also known as LeShawna' s friend from home. And don't worry she's only obsessed with two things. Getting on Season 2 and DJ."
WHAT SEASON 2?!!
Traveling Cam
By the Old Shed
Courtney-If Chris thinks that he can do another season and NOT include ME He's got another thing coming!
Lindsay-Oh my gosh! There's going to be Season 2? Season 2! Oh I'm sooo going to get on the cover of Star Stalker Magazine! EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Justin-Jasmine is clueless. She walked right by ME and didn't even faint! She was too busy eying DJ. That can't be right! I can't be losing my touch! Can I?
Eva-It's the holidays don't be competitive. It's the holidays don't be competitive…
Cody-Jasmine's obsession is starting to get a little out of hand. Now Courtney's gone on the warpath about not getting on Season 2!
Gwen-Which does not exist.
Tyler-I mean if it did we would have heard something about it now right?
Trent-A second season I could do without. Then again it was the 7th challenge that I hooked up with Gwen. It might not be as lucky as the number 9 but it's still lucky.
Noah-Holidays remember? Unlike others I'm keeping in the spirit.
Courtney-HUUUGGGE TROUBLE!!! So Chris you better watch out!
Eva- It's the holidays don't be competitive. It's the holidays don't be competitive. Cody's kinda cute. It's the holidays don't be competitive…
Eva suddenly blanched and scowled at the camera.
Eva-You had BETTER edit that out Chris!
Static
The overachiever wandered the short hallway and immediately found the room belonging to Ezekiel. Looking around carefully she entered. Over the prairie boy's bed was the camp picture. Unlike her own picture his was framed.
Also his didn't have the red ink that hers did. Written on the back of her copy was phone numbers from the friends she made on the show. On the front her friends were circled while similarly her enemies were crossed off.
The Screaming Gophers, Ezekiel and Harold all bore the hateful X marks. Turning away from the picture, the CIT noticed a Playa des Losers photo album sitting on a simple desk in the corner and a pair of red folders each with a picture of Santa Claus on the front.
Curiously she opened them and almost burst out laughing from the sight. In each of the photographs were Ezekiel, Izzy and Owen wearing brilliant green elf costumes and holding giant candy canes. Ezekiel was on the left, Izzy on the right and Owen in the center on Santa's lap.
Unlike the boys, Izzy was wearing the homeschooler's toque instead of the elf hat. Courtney chuckled as she closed the folders. Knowing how Ezekiel was with his hat, she was surprised he allowed his friend to wear it.
"Knowing Izzy it was the other way." She corrected herself out loud with a smile. Placing the folders down, she picked up the album. Rolling her eyes at the first picture and making a note to get Izzy and Ezekiel some seriously needed counseling, she continued.
The smile on her face disappeared when she noticed the picture of herself and Harold hanging from the balcony. Courtney's hands curled into claws and she was sorely tempted to rip the photograph from its holder and rip it into a million pieces.
Instead she flipped the page to see Noah and Ezekiel reading books in the hot tub. The rage slowly drained away and she slammed the book shut. Without saying a word she reached for her suitcase.
Removing a small book with a dolphin on the cover, she placed it and the photo album back on the table before the overachiever left the room.
Chance Encounter
Gas and Food Shop
6:00 p.m.
Ezekiel somehow wasn't surprised when they needed to stop for gas for the vehicles. Next to him Katie and Sadie were chatting happily to each other while he and Izzy filled up. The red head however was pouting.
The prairie boy chuckled. "Does Dizzy Izzy want to ride in the snoomobile this toime?" In response the crazy girl grabbed the key from his hand and swapped it with her own before darting towards the small building with a cackle.
Ezekiel shook his head in amusement. Katie and Sadie looked at each other in confusion. "Okay we sooo get the best friend connection, but why did Izzy run inside?" Sadie's question was soon answered by Izzy herself.
The crazy girl slammed open the door with her foot, her arms full of packages. Wrapped around her neck, waist, and ankles were several glow-in-the-dark necklaces, bracelets and makeshift anklets.
"I've learned its best to noot ask questions unless it involves Snakey, Faux, Bertie or Gertie eh." Ezekiel said calmly accepting the packages that Izzy held out. The BFFFL's exchanged another look before doing the same.
Ezekiel's House
7:00 p.m.
At the risk of Owen turning into some insane food crazed monster, Ezekiel's mom had finally allowed a platter of veggies and chip and dip to circulate around the over packed living room. The booming television was for once turned down low as were the house lights.
Conversation was hushed as 19 teens and 3 adults waited for the tell tale rumble of the snowmobile and the modified go kart. With each passing moment the homeschooler's mom was starting to become worried especially since the sky had darkened and snow started to fall.
Finally they heard it…the loud roar of the engines. To confirm it Jasmine left her perch to look outside. Shortly after the would be actress raced back into the living room. "I see them! Well I think I do."
"Did you see them or not?" Heather asked staring at Jasmine coldly. The beret wearing brunet glared back. "There IS a snowmobile approaching. And it IS late so by default it SHOULD be Ezekiel or that crazy girl."
As the pair of females glared daggers at each other, Geoff quickly stepped in. "Girls! Girls! It's Christmas Eve so enough with the downer hate. Jazz Girl did you see ANYTHING else?" The sister nodded. "They're glowing."
THEY'RE GLOWING??!
Another rush to the windows revealed Jasmine was right. Moving lights were rapidly approaching the farmhouse and the noise from the engine was getting closer with each passing moment.
Geoff nodded. "Okay lights off and everyone be quiet!" The illuminated room immediately darkened and despite exited whispers it was silent. Those closest to the window watched the snowmobile come to a halt.
"Okay we've got Izzy and Sadie. And both are wearing glow necklaces." DJ whispered. "That explains the glowing lights." Trent whispered his voice coming somewhere from the other side of the room.
"Alright strange go kart confirmed. And what a surprise...They are also wearing those necklaces." Jasmine added. "And that makes four. Now everyone hush you 'all!"
"Oh my gosh! That was sooo much fun! Can I drive it again tomorrow?" Katie asked excitedly batting her eyes at the male next to her. Though she couldn't really see his face in the darkness, she could picture Ezekiel looking downwards his eyes hidden by his hat and his face red.
She giggled as she climbed out and she giggled more when there was a soft thud of someone falling into the snow. "Wow. Katie Zeke is acting just like your driver after you crashed into the snack shack!"
Katie frowned, her cheeks red from embarrassment and fury. "That was totally not my fault! It was in my blind spot and who uses those side mirrors anyway?" Inside the dark house she heard someone chortle.
Ezekiel in the meantime was being helped up by Izzy. "I'm driving next toime eh." He whispered to his best friend. Izzy cackled. "Zekey's had a rough day." The homeschooler smiled back weakly.
"Moor loike a rough week. First Owen and Izzy crash by here, then I see Harold, LeShawna, Cody and ummm…Jazzy at the store, Bridge…tte at the food store and now Sadie and Katie Kat…"
Hearing the giggles from the wonderland twins Zeke blushed before he sighed. "I was barely tolerated on the shoo and joost aboot everyone hated me eh. All those boxes were the final send off."
Ezekiel played with his toque for a few seconds before he spoke again. "I never expected to see anyone froom the shoo again eh, boot now its loike fate. I'm either meant to see everyboody again or they have joost been searching to find me."
"Maybe a little of Column A, a little of Column B and of course Column E and Z!" The prairie boy looked at her with a wry grin. "That Ezzy huh?" Izzy grinned back wickedly. "Exactly! It's Ezzy to be friends with Zekey and Izzy!"
Ezekiel chuckled and the wonderland twins giggled. Inside the house though there was a collective groan. Ezekiel's head automatically snapped up. "Did you girls hear something eh?"
"Nope! Now come on my Zeke! It's late and Izzy is starving! Hey! That reminds me of the time when there was this all you can eat no hands food challenge in the cafeteria of Izzy's high school…"
Holding the door open for his friend, his crush and her best friend Ezekiel waited patiently for the trio of the girls to enter the house. Closing the door and locking it behind him Ezekiel is greeted by almost complete darkness.
"Did the loights go oot again eh?" He questioned out loud only to hear someone giggle in response. Someone shushed the giggler and Ezekiel gradually relaxed walking in the direction of the living room.
"Very funny eh! Knoo cood someboody turn the loights back on? I-"
SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
Ezekiel let out a surprised yell as the lights were abruptly turned on followed by several voices yelling out at him. Startled, he leapt backwards in reflex and hit his head hard against a wall.
Ezekiel vaguely saw spinning images of several other former campers before he collapsed on the carpet. "Oops." Owen summed things up as the large group stared down at the unconscious teen.
While several campers winced and a few raced forward to help, Duncan couldn't help himself. He laughed wholeheartedly over the irony.
Imagi's Ramblings: Ladies and Gentleman….Boys and Girls we have finally reached it. The next chapter WILL be the LAST of 23 Presents. I hope you guys have been enjoying this story as much as I have writing it.
And I hope you will all continue to read and enjoy my stories in the future. And review of course! I LOVE hearing what my readers like and dislike. :)
And speaking of reviews thanks so much for them! :D
As for future stories…well I guess you'll just have to wait and see!
Thanks again everyone for sticking with me from December to AUGUST!! Oh boy am I a procrastinator!
Til next chapter!
Imagi
