Chapter Text
From the viewer's perspective, it seemed as though the show was fast-paced. Nothing could be further from the truth. By now, the campers lived on the island for about a month. The first challenge would start in a few weeks (the reason being that Chris needed a tan and that the show was running low on money because of Chris's extravagant lifestyle).
During these times, three girl campers would find each other and waste time by either swimming, walking in the forest, or gossiping. Who were these three girls? They were none other than Courtney (The Type A), Bridgette (The Surfer Girl), and Gwen (The Loner). Even though they had nothing in common, they found themselves more comfortable around each other than with the other contestants.
On Tuesdays, the three girls are usually found swimming in the infected water (Chris swore it was safe). However, the gray clouds in the sky ruined their plan so instead, they went into the cafeteria knowing that they'd be alone. Knowing little about each other, they decided today would be a good day to get to know each other. The topic ranged from school to living location to why they auditioned for the show to... boys.
"So tell me, Bridgette," said Gwen. "Are there any guy surfers waiting for you back home?"
Bridgette shook her head. "Nah. All of the guys that I was friends with are in a committed relationship with their surfboards."
Courtney laughed and said, "You know, I think I spotted Geoff watching you surf the other day."
"Yeah, I've noticed that too," she said with a sigh. "But every time I try to talk to him, something stupid comes out of his mouth. Sometimes I think that's he's just as dumb as Lindsay."
"Is there a 'but' coming along? Because that sounds kind of depressing," said Gwen.
Bridgette laughed and rolled her eyes. "But," she said looking at Gwen. "He does have his moments when he's really sweet and great to hang out with."
"Did he ask you out yet," asked Courtney.
"Nope," said Bridgette. "And I'm afraid he might be too dense to figure out that I actually like him."
"You know," said Courtney thoughtfully. "They say that jealousy gives guys the courage to ask girls out."
"I like where this is going," said Gwen. "Why don't you just make Geoff jealous?"
Bridgette shook her head. "I don't think that will work," she said. "Geoff doesn't seem like the jealous type. Besides, what guy can I convince to do that?"
"How about that guy who's been staring at you through the window," asked Courtney pointing out the window at Ezekiel.
All three girls looked at Ezekiel staring at Bridgette. Poor Ezekiel noticed too late that the girls were looking at him and quickly fled the scene causing all three girls to laugh.
"So how about Ezekiel then, Bridgette," asked Courtney.
Bridgette shrugged. "I don't know guys. It seems weird."
"How about this," said Gwen. "I dare you to try to make Geoff jealous with Ezekiel. If you choose to accept this dare, then Courtney will have to make Duncan jealous with Noah-"
"-Wait, now I'm a part of this," shouted Courtney. "And why Duncan? At least Bridgette likes Geoff. I don't like Duncan!"
"Denial," sang Bridgette. Courtney rolled her eyes.
"As I was saying," said Gwen glaring at Courtney. "Courtney has Noah, and I will make Trent jealous with Justin."
"Wait," said Bridgette. "Why do you get to choose your own person?"
"Gotta even the playing field," said Courtney. "I think it's fair if we choose a person for you."
"Fine," said Gwen rolling her eyes. "So who do you guys choose?"
Bridgette and Courtney took one glance at each other and said, "Cody."
Inside, Gwen shuddered at the thought of pretending to date Cody. But she didn't show it. She didn't need them to think she was weak. "Fine then," said Gwen while trying to relax. "Now, for the consequences-"
"Wait a minute," spoke up Bridgette. "Nobody said anything about consequences."
Courtney nodded. "And I don't remember accepting this dare."
"We need the consequences to make sure we follow through with the dare," explained Gwen.
"Or," Courtney said. "We could not do the dares and just ask out the guys ourselves."
Gwen and Bridgette gave Courtney a look as if she were crazy.
Courtney sighed and mumbled, "Chickens" under her breath.
"Says the girl, who's in denial about her feelings," Bridgette said while laughing.
Courtney glared and threw her shoe at Bridgette, who ducked quickly.
"Anyway," Gwen said trying to get the girls back on track. "Back to the consequences. If you don't succeed, Bridgette, you have to hold Ezekiel's hands for at least five minutes."
Bridgette had a look of horror on her face. That home-school boy put his fingers up his nose! And who knew how often that boy washes his hands?
"Courtney," said Gwen. "You will have to say a speech about Duncan written by Bridgette and me word for word. And trust me, we'll know if you're changing the words."
Courtney gulped. Even without telling them, she knew that they knew about her crush on Duncan. Telling it just to two people would be humiliating enough, but the whole camp? That's just cruel. "I don't know," said Courtney slowly. "I think the punishment is overkill."
"How about instead we write to Duncan a love letter sent by you," compromised Bridgette.
Better than telling the whole camp. "Fine," snapped Courtney after gaining back her composure. "Then Gwen has to kiss Cody."
Gwen felt as though she would throw up. Gross, thought Gwen. But she nodded.
Courtney put her hand in the middle of the three. "Winner is determined by the end of the week?" The other two put their hands in as well and said, "Agreed."
After agreeing to the rules, the girls had to decide who would go first to talk to their "dates". However, they knew that today all the guys were partying in the Killer Bass cabins and none of them were ready to see their actual crushes.
They went through many challenges to see who would go first.
First, it was agreed that the first one to eat all of Chet's food would decide who goes. However, Bridgette fainted when she thought she saw an alive bird being cooked in the pot while Gwen and Courtney's food literally crawled off their plates.
Then, when they found cherries, they decided that whoever could tie a cherry stem into a knot in their mouth would decide. Unfortunately, Bridgette swallowed hers causing Courtney to try and get Bridgette to choke it out, and Gwen just rolled her eyes and said "this was dumb."
"Let's just draw straws," suggested Bridgette.
Courtney and Gwen just shrugged their shoulders. "Why not," said Courtney.
Gwen grabbed three straws and cut them. "Shortest straw goes first?" They nodded in agreement. So Gwen held out the straws and each girl took one. Holding it against each other, it was obvious that Courtney had the shortest straw.
Putting her head down in defeat, she walked towards the Killer Bass cabins.
"Hey Courtney," yelled Bridgette. Courtney turned around. "Remember, you're there for Noah, not to make out with Duncan."
Courtney furiously shook her head and stormed out while Bridgette and Gwen laughed. Once she was outside, she tried to fan her face so that her blush wouldn't show. The last thing she needed was Duncan's teasing. When she reached the boys' side of the cabin, she knocked on the door.