After an additional two hours, Logan and Carlos make their way back to Palm Woods and head towards the pool area.
"Where were you both? You were gone for quite some time," Kendall inquires while relaxing on a pool chair.
"It's not important. It's none of your concern," Carlos responds curtly.
Kendall is surprised by his uncharacteristic reply.
"Carlos, are you feeling alright?" James questions.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Carlos responds.
"Because you seemed a bit short with Kendall," James points out.
"I wasn't. Where's the beach ball that's usually here?" Carlos asks, scanning the pool toy bin.
"I have no idea. Mr. Bitters probably took it for no reason," Kendall remarks with a shrug.
"I know where it is," Katie interjects as she walks over to them. "Buddha Bob kept it safe just in case Mr. Bitters decided to be mean and confiscate it. Tyler and I are planning a ball battle with it on Friday."
"What's a ball battle?" Logan inquires.
"It's a game we created where you have to keep the ball bouncing in the air for as long as possible without it touching the water. Tyler and I are really excited to play it on Friday," Katie explains proudly.
"I'm sure you both will have a great time. It sounds like a fun game," Logan responds.
"We definitely will. It's going to be amazing," Katie agrees.
As the sun dips below the horizon, everyone retreats indoors. Making her way to Apartment 2J, Camille gracefully steps into the elevator.
"Evening, gentlemen. Katie," she greets, her voice echoing in the confined space.
Silence greets her words.
"Alright, I understand Logan's frustration, but must you all shun me as well? It's rather unjust," she remarks. "Logan, I know you're upset, but the cold shoulder from everyone else is truly disheartening."
"I don't despise you. Never could," Logan finally speaks up. "Lately, all I've seen is hostility towards Callie. She's not trying to replace you as my girlfriend. Your unwarranted jealousy is not the Camille I first met at the Palm Woods. You've transformed into a possessive figure I don't recognize. You're still dear to me, but your behavior is unacceptable."
The elevator halts at their destination. "We should head home. You should do the same to avoid your father's curfew. You know how strict he is," Logan advises before exiting. "Goodnight."
Camille watches him depart, the doors sealing her in. With a heavy sigh, she contemplates his words, vowing to amend her ways and regain his approval. Upon reaching her floor, she steps into her apartment. "Dad, I'm back," she calls out, scanning the room. "Dad?"
From the comfort of his opulent bedroom, he called out to his beloved daughter. "I'm in here, sweetie. Tonight, I shall be venturing out with some esteemed companions to partake in the exhilarating spectacle of a football game at the renowned Wild Buffalo Wings restaurant." With an air of sophistication, he emerged from his sanctuary and meticulously adjusted the collar of his impeccably tailored shirt. "Is something amiss, my dear? Are you still grappling with issues concerning Logan?"
Camille let out a weary sigh, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "Yes, but fear not, for I am handling it. Logan is not the root of the problem; it is I who bears the burden."
Her father, ever the sage, expressed his concern. "I am uncertain of how much assistance I can provide in this matter. It seems like something your mother would excel at resolving. However, I shall endeavor to be a worthy substitute for her. I hold Logan in high regard. He lavishes you with compliments and gifts, always displaying impeccable manners in my presence. He is your soulmate, just as your mother is mine. You, my strong-willed daughter, never shy away from a challenge. I am confident that you and Logan will overcome this relationship hurdle together."
Camille's gratitude overflowed as she responded, her words laced with admiration. "Thank you, Father, for your invaluable counsel. You need not feel inadequate in the absence of Mother's advice. Your wisdom shines brightly on its own. Enjoy the game with your esteemed friends, and may the team you support emerge victorious."
"Thank you, my dear," Mr. Robertson replied, planting a tender kiss on her forehead before departing the luxurious abode. Camille, seeking solace, made her way to the kitchen and procured a delectable assortment of pretzels. Settling onto the plush couch, she indulged in her favorite pastime of watching Jeopardy, yet a melancholic sigh escaped her lips, for she knew that sharing this activity with Logan had become an irreplaceable part of her life.
In Apartment 2J, Logan lounges on the couch, absorbed in a game of Jeopardy.
"Usually you watch this with Camille, right?" James queries between bites of chips.
Logan grimaces. "Could you chew any louder?"
"Why not just watch it with her?" James suggests, unfazed by Logan's irritation.
"You know why I can't," Logan retorts. "And seriously, could you eat any louder?"
Kendall interjects, telling James to lay off Logan.
"How am I the problem?" James protests innocently.
"Acting like a caveman with those chips," Kendall quips.
James concedes defeat with a heavy sigh. "Sorry, Logan. Your thing with Camille really gets to you, huh?"
"It's tough, but I'll be okay," Logan replies. "I've got you guys for support."
Soon, the ethereal glow of the moon casts its luminous rays upon the somber abyss of the opulent apartment. A tranquil silence envelops the space, until an abrupt cacophony shatters the stillness, resonating through the entire Palm Woods edifice. The shrill wail of the fire alarm jolts every inhabitant from their slumber, rousing them from their peaceful repose.
Startled, Logan jolts upright, only to lose his balance and tumble off his lavish bed. "What is transpiring?!" he exclaims, disoriented. "I am bereft of sight! I have been plunged into darkness!"
With a composed demeanor, Kendall approaches Logan, gently removing the sleep mask from his eyes. "Calm yourself, dear Logan. Your vision has not forsaken you. It was merely concealed by this trivial accessory," he reassures, handing the mask back to its rightful owner.
"Oh, my sincerest apologies. I had forgotten that I adorned it before retiring," Logan admits, placing the mask delicately upon his pillow.
Kendall offers a comforting smile. "No need for remorse, my friend. In moments of panic, the mind often falters. You once imparted this wisdom to me."
Logan's gratitude shines through his words. "I am elated that you retain such knowledge," he expresses, as they both exit the room, leaving the disarray behind.
Perplexed by the blaring fire alarm, James questions the situation. "Why does the alarm persist, when no scent of smoke permeates the air?"
Carlos ponders for a moment before responding. "Perhaps the source of the disturbance lies in a distant corner of this grand establishment," he suggests.
Fear tinges Katie's voice as she voices her concern. "Does this mean we are in peril?"
Carlos, ever the protector, reassures her. "As long as we evacuate this edifice and join the others at the front, we shall remain unharmed. Fear not, my dear Katie. Allow me to carry you upon my back, and hold onto Giggles tightly."
Ms. Knight, the guiding force, urges the children to follow her lead. "Come along, my darlings," she beckons, and they all make their way outside. The atmosphere embraces them with a refreshing coolness, a gentle breeze that stirs a longing for the comfort and warmth of their opulent beds.
"Do you possess any inkling as to the current state of affairs?" Jo inquires of Kendall.
"I must confess, I am oblivious to the details, but I can certainly attest to the fact that I did not relish the jarring awakening," Kendall responds.
"You appear rather disinterested in being present here," Mr. Bitters remarks.
"Indeed, I have no desire to be in this place. I am plagued by the cold, weariness, and the embarrassing exposure of my undergarments. Why do you even bother conversing with me? I am not in the mood," Kendall retorts.
"And yet, you constantly label me as unpleasant," Mr. Bitters retorts, walking away and rolling his eyes.
The firefighters arrive and make their way into the building.
"Logan, do you harbor concerns that the Palm Woods might explode with the firefighters inside?" Katie asks, still gripped by fear due to the unfolding events.
"Fear not, Katie. Look into my eyes. They shall emerge unscathed. Whatever predicament lies within, they possess the capability to resolve it," Logan assures her.
"I am filled with trepidation," Katie admits, embracing him tightly.
"I am here for you," Logan reassures her, soothingly caressing her back.
Camille inquires, "Are you well, Logan?"
"I am perfectly fine and I have no desire to engage in conversation with you. My main concern right now is to ensure Katie remains calm," Logan replies.
"You can't hold a grudge against me forever," Camille remarks.
"I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed in you. Your deep-seated animosity towards Callie is something I cannot overlook. Remember when I first mentioned her to you and you asked if I found her attractive? Naturally, I said yes. I find all women beautiful, including you," Logan sighs. "I'm feeling cold and exhausted, and I'm not in the mood for this discussion."
The fire chief emerges. "Attention, everyone! We have located the origin of the fire and have successfully extinguished it. The cause was an at-home sauna kit that was left on for an extended period and plugged into an overloaded electrical outlet."
"We have many teenagers residing here. It's highly likely that one of them is responsible," Mr. Bitters comments. "Him! He's a prime suspect!" He points at James, who appears shocked and bewildered by the accusation.
"What?! Me?! I would never do such a thing!" James exclaims.
"Don't try to deceive me! You are overly concerned about your appearance, constantly fixing your hair and showing off your muscles. Always flirting with girls. It's clear you want to look as attractive as possible," Mr. Bitters accuses.
"None of that proves I started the fire!" James shouts in anger. "It's 3:30 in the morning! I was fast asleep before that deafening fire alarm went off. Why would I be awake, using an at-home spa at this hour, and leave multiple electronic devices plugged into an overburdened outlet?! I'm not that careless, even at my worst."