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“He’s like an eel dipped in grease, swimming in motor oil,”
“Slippery,” Noah clarified to Owen’s face.
The screen displayed everything in perfect detail, met with Alejandro’s taunt face. Whatever smile he wore had dropped, a somber expression following behind it.
He turned towards Noah, staring at him.
Noah swallowed hard, adjusting the neck of his shirt. He felt sweat drip down his forehead. He couldn’t exactly deny that he’d said it. In fact he meant what he said. The way Alejandro was looking at him now he wished he didn’t.
“Amigo,” Alejandro began, stepping closer to him.
“What is the meaning of this?” he asked. Noah felt everyone’s eyes on him, watching. It was almost laughable when some of them also looked angry. What did they know? Alejandro didn’t care about them, he didn’t care about anyone other than himself.
The recognition sparked something in the back of Noah’s head. Something he knew was a bad idea. He still rushed to it, standing up straight.
“You heard the video,” he muttered, swallowing down his unease. Why was he acting ashamed? There was no point in trying to suck up to him, no point in playing koi. Alejandro heard what he said and he was probably gone come their elimination ceremony.
He might as well go out with a bang.
Alejandro was taken aback at the words.
“Everyone heard me, he’s trouble, he eliminated Leshawna, Bridgette, Harold, and DJ..and probably more yet everyone keeps treating him like he’s an angel,” Noah said, pointing an accusing finger.
Chris frowned from his place next to the screen. He looked like he wanted to step in but, Alejandro raised his hand up.
“I would advice you to watch your words my friend..I’m sure you are simply angry that we lost today’s challenge,” Alejandro said, sickly sweet.
“That has nothing to do with it, I know I’m going home Al..everyone deserves to know what you’ve done, you aren’t getting much farther,” Noah said with more bravado than he could normally muster.
“What are you talking about little buddy? Al’s been nice to everybody,” Owen said, laughing amidst the silence.
“No he hasn’t he rolls his eyes every time you walk out of the room dude, you’re just too much of an idiot to see it,” Noah said frustratedly. He wouldn’t back down, he was so close.
Owen’s face fell, like a light switch was turned off
Noah realized what he said, cursing himself. He wasn’t trying to attack Owen, he was trying to hurt Alejandro.
“No..I..I didn’t mean that chubby buddy,” Noah tried to no avail.
“You know it kind of seems like you’re projecting Noah,” Courtney said with an entitled huff.
“You’re just saying that because you have a crush on him,” Noah fired back. It was almost easy letting his anger at himself win out.
“Ugh do not! I bet you’re just jealous that he hasn’t given you any attention yet!” she said with a smile.
Noah froze, feeling rage build under the surface. He noticed Cody look away, trying to sink into the ground same as him.
“I’m not..”he sputtered.
“Can everyone just let that go!” Noah seethed, clenching his fist. He felt like punching something, someone.
“I don’t like Alejandro I hate him and I just thought everyone deserved to know what he’s done since no one believes Heather,” Noah said.
He looked at the others, waiting for any spark of recognition, or approval, to come from them. He got nothing. All he could see were hurt faces and Courtney’s scowl.
Alejandro gave him a smile, his lips curled almost unnaturally.
“That was a nice attempt amigo but I’m afraid no one believes you, I am hurt to know that you feel that way,” Alejandro said, drawing pitying glares just by frowning.
Noah threw his hands up, opening his mouth but not finding anything to say that would win the argument.
“Fine.” Noah gave everyone a dramatic huff.
“Don’t believe me, I don’t care, you all are stuck with him and I’m going home, I’ll be laughing when you finally realize I was right,” Noah said.
He stormed away, not bothering to look behind him.
Maybe he needed to calm down. There was still time before his elimination ceremony and he was stuck on a plane with a now vengeful Alejandro.
God he had really screwed things up. He should have just pretended he didn’t mean it. He would have been gone either way, at least the others wouldn’t be looking at him like he was crazy.
Whatever. It was over. He dug his grave, all that was left to do was lie in it.
_________________________
“I cannot believe him..an eel? Dipped in grease?” Alejandro asked.
“I thought we had a better relation than that..”he said, frowning.
He took a seat in the confessionals, unable to shake the expression.
He couldn’t believe it. It hurt. He felt like someone had stabbed him in the chest.
How could he? How could he say those things?
It was made worse when he doubled down on them, like the knife was twisted. Everything he’d worked for, Noah was intent on destroying it. He didn’t even pretend to care, he was ready to jump if it meant exposing him.
There was no hint of remorse, no hope for an apology, one Alejandro rightfully deserved. It would be impossible to prove his guilt on most of his accusations. Noah knew that. Yelling it wouldn’t change that.
At least that was what he thought. He wasn’t used to such an open opposition. With Heather it was subtle, she got him alone before spilling everything. He could control that. Noah exploded, damaging everything around him.
He wasn’t sure what to do about it.
He could simply eliminate him. It was what everyone expected. He didn’t even need to ask for anyone’s vote, they would probably do it without his guidance. Even Owen, he hadn’t escaped unscathed.
That felt too easy.
Alejandro was angry, and hurt. How could he? He thought they had something, at least a resemblance of a bond. He knew it was stupid to wish. He shouldn’t care about anyone.
He didn’t care about anyone.
He needed to teach Noah a lesson for his outburst. He needed everyone to understand that he was in charge, that he was going to win.
To do that he needed to crush Noah under his heel until he was begging for mercy.
Alejandro shook his head, squeezing his fist until he calmed down. He needed to think rationally, his anger would get the best of him otherwise.
He needed a plan, a way to teach Noah— and everyone else— that he wouldn’t stand for the defamation. He was a good person, he cared about others.
Noah didn’t know what he was talking about. He was simply angry that he got caught, like most people he was lashing out defensively.
He even managed to hurt that big oaf he called a friend. That part was amusing. Watching his face fall made Alejandro feel a little bit better, slightly. Noah regretted it, even if it wasn’t the part Alejandro wanted him to.
Alejandro looked into the confessional mirror, taking a breath to calm himself.
Maybe he was missing an easy solution. One that would be certain to make Noah feel as bad as he felt.
A cruel smile found its way onto his lips.
Noah wouldn’t be going home, not until Alejandro was done with him.
_________________________
Noah knew elimination would be too easy. The stares were already keeping him on edge but, his heart rate spiked when Alejandro took a seat next to him in economy class.
Noah tried to ignore his lumbering presence by reading a page in his book. He could only repeat the words in his head, every other inch of him hyperaware of Alejandro’s movements.
He couldn’t take it, he wasn’t going to be intimidated by him.
“What do you want?” Noah asked, turning to look at him. He could tell Tyler, Duncan, and Owen were watching him but, he didn’t care. Alejandro was looking to start another fight. Noah wasn’t going to lose it again but, he wasn’t going to sit there and take his silent threats.
Alejandro’s eyes widened. “Amigo, it’s okay, no need to be hostile,” Alejandro said like he was trying to talk down a toddler from a tantrum.
“I’m not being hostile I’m just asking why you’re breathing down my neck, I know you’re going to eliminate me so if you could leave me alone for my final hours I’d appreciate it,” Noah said, curling his lip in disgust.
Alejandro smiled at his words, leaning in. Noah didn’t like the invasion of personal space but, he remained stagnant. If he backed up it would be a sign of weakness. It was too late to play that card.
“I simply wanted to let you know that you won’t be leaving this round,” Alejandro said. He acted like it was good news. Noah knew it was worse. He didn’t want to stay on the plane after what he did. He was getting stares, the others hated him.
“If you won’t eliminate me I’ll jump myself,” Noah said in a low voice.
“I dare you to try, Chris will find you,” Alejandro threatened. Noah knew Alejandro was right.
Noah didn’t respond, finding nothing to say.
“Why are you telling me this?” Noah finally asked. It sounded like a ruse. Alejandro wouldn’t really risk him staying after his hostility. It would be better to throw him away now then try to control him.
“To illustrate that there is nothing you can do to stop what is going to happen,” Alejandro said vaguely. Noah really wanted to smack him.
“What are you talking about?” Noah asked, more vocally this time.
“You will find out my friend,” Alejandro said with a smile. He leaned in even closer, brushing his lips up against his ear as he looked at the others.
“I hope everything was worth it,” he said.
Noah felt a chill run up his spine.
Alejandro then stood up from the bench, strolling off to God knows where.
Noah blinked, scowling at the others. Alejandro was just messing with him.
He had to be…
Or else he’d just made a grave mistake.
_________________________
“Welcome contestants, to the elimination ceremony, I am your host, the one and only Chris McLean,” Chris said. Noah rolled his eyes.
“Is this really necessary?” Noah asked.
Chris scowled. “There’s no drama if I just tell you.”
“It’s obviously me, why are we even going through this?” Noah deadpanned.
“If you keep yapping I might tell Chef to keep your parachute for himself,” Chris threatened.
Noah sighed, begrudgingly complying with the theatrics.
“Alright, unfortunately team Chris is really hot are tonight’s losers so some cuts will have to be made,” Chris said.
“I’ve counted up the votes and I must say I was surprised,” Chris said. It must have been sarcasm but, Noah couldn’t hear the tone in his voice.
Whatever he was probably overacting on purpose.
“Now the people that are for sure safe tonight are Tyler and..Duncan, you’re not escaping that fast,” Chris said with the wag of his finger as he tossed them both a bag.
Duncan scowled, grabbing the peanuts reluctantly.
“Oh and I suppose I should give one to Al too,” Chris said with an underhand toss.
“Alejandro,” Alejandro said sourly as he grabbed it. He held it tightly, giving Noah a smile. Noah wasn’t sure what he was so happy about. No one was surprised with how things would end.
Noah crossed his arms, a look of dissatisfaction on his face.
“Well it looks like we only have two left, Noah and Owen,” Chris said dramatically.
Noah watched Owen out of his peripheral vision. He looked downcast, like a cupcake had been snatched away from him. Guilt wormed around in his stomach. He’d done that, he didn’t think.
And he hadn’t even apologized.
He wouldn’t.
It wasn’t him.
He was too afraid to anyways.
“Just get it over with,” Noah wanted to say. He held his tongue, allowing Chris his moment. Why was he taking so long anyways, no one was really wondering who was going home, right?
Noah looked over at Alejandro. He looked like he was trying to hide a wider smile.
Noah matched it with a frown. Why was he…
Noah looked around at Duncan and then Tyler. They looked anxious, Tyler tapping his foot and Duncan flipping his knife with his free hand.
Noah looked back at Alejandro.
He was missing something wasn’t he.
It was right in front of his face.
“Well I guess I’ll be the one to deliver the bad news,” Chris said. It didn’t sound like he was sad about it, go figure.
“Owen, it’s time to head out,” Chris said. He thumbed the exit to the plane where Chef stood with a parachute.
Noah felt like he was cracking in two.
“Huh?” Owen asked, looking up. He looked confused.
“Oh…okay,” he said sadly. He stood up, giving no protest.
“What? Did you get the wrong index cards?” Noah asked, dumbfounded.
“I’m going home, obviously, you all heard what I said, right?” Noah asked, eyes frantic.
Duncan shrugged, only giving his head a slow nod.
Tyler broke their apparent vow of silence. “I totally heard you man but Al said..”
“That’s enough Tyler,” Alejandro said, holding his hand up.
Tyler’s mouth shut instantly.
“It is what the team wishes,” Alejandro explained, coaxing the others u too they nodded along. How could no one see what a puppet master he was. Maybe they didn’t want to see.
“But..but he won the challenge, he didn’t do anything I did it, I bad talked you…”Noah tried to no avail. He felt clogged up, angry with nowhere to release it.
He resorted to begging.”No look I’m sorry if that’s what you really want to hear, but don’t do this, I deserve to go home,” Noah tried, realizing it was hopeless.
“It’s okay Noah..I’m not good enough for the team anyways,” Owen said quietly. Noah had never heard him sound so down cast. He was like a shell, no smile to be found anywhere. He couldn’t beg Alejandro to make that go away.
“Don’t do that, don’t listen to me I was being stupid, I..I didn’t mean what I said,” Noah tried. He was struggling to keep his voice calm, hearing it waver the more he rambled.
This couldn’t be happening, this wasn’t real.
Yet as Noah turned his head he became aware, and also incredibly angry.
Alejandro.
That eel.
That bastard.
“No..you know what no, you did this,” Noah said. He was getting worked up again. He hated feeling the surge of emotion but he was right to feel it.
“If you’re trying to punish me it won’t work, you’ve just made an enemy,” Noah spit out. He turned towards Chris, still feeling desperation bubble to the surface.
“Look I give up I don’t want to be on this show anymore,” Noah tried. Alejandro had just said it wouldn’t work but, he had to try. One last try before he accepted reality.
“Sorry all votes are final, and you’re not leaving this plane, not until they vote you out,” Chris said stubbornly.
“It’s okay little buddy, I’ll go,” Owen said. He gave him a smile as he stood there. Noah felt his heart squeeze and he hated the feeling. It was deplorable. Yet he surged forward, grabbing onto Owen without any care. He would be gone, what was the point in pretending he was too haughty to apologize.
“I’m sorry dude, okay I didn’t mean anything I shouldn’t have said what I said, I didn’t realize…”Noah said, face pressed up against his side. He was blubbering, he was well aware. He doubted anyone other than Owen could understand him.
Noah took a deep breath, struggling to calm himself down.
“He’ll pay for this,” Noah said, it was one line he didn’t butcher, he was too determined.
Owen looked worried. “Oh Noah I’m not mad, I wouldn’t have made it much farther anyways,” he said with a smile.
He pulled back from him, stepping towards Chef.
“Bye little buddy, and bye everyone it was fun hanging out with you..good luck,” Owen said with a wave.
“Don’t worry about me Noah I bet they’ll be a lot of snacks back at the studio,” he said. The words didn’t help as Noah still felt an unquenchable anger towards Alejandro.
Eliminating him was one thing but purposefully eliminating the only person he even remotely cared about? He was going to pay for that, there was nothing left to exploit, Noah was alone.
Left to contemplate his actions with me, myself, and I
“Alright enough with the sappy stuff, go on,” Chris said.
“Okay,” Owen said. He grabbed the parachute, holding on as he leaned back.
Noah met his eyes one last time, unable to do more than nod at him. He clenched his fist as Owen fell, turning around before the door could be closed.
“You’re finished,” Noah said bluntly.
Alejandro grinned. He watched as Tyler and Duncan both shuffled out of the room before stalking closer to Noah.
“I hope you learned your lesson amigo, perhaps you are willing to cooperate now,” Alejandro said. He stared down at him, he didn’t look as big as he used to.
Noah took another breath, calming his facial expression. “Right, I’ll just make an alliance with you, you’ve fully convinced me after eliminating the only person you know I care about, “ he said sarcastically.
Alejandro scowled. His arm shot forward. He grabbed the bottom of Noah’s chin, holding his face up to meet his eyes.
“You will stay on this competition and you will regret what you said about me,” he said angrily. Noah froze, only staring at him blankly. Alejandro’s grip was tight, threatening.
Alejandro stared at him, eyes full of vengeance. He held him there, his hand shaking from what Noah thought was anger.
Then Alejandro scoffed.
He threw Noah’s chin down, stepping back. He looked surprised at himself, shaking his head slowly.
“Get some rest Noah, we have a challenge soon,” he said coldly.
That was it. He walked away, leaving Noah alone, providing no other explanation.
Noah stared, feeling nothing other than despair.
He was alone.
And there was nobody he blamed more than himself.