Page 84 of Surviving Love
I watched him leave, feeling conflicted about all that had transpired. I felt hurt yet flattered that he’d cared enough about my opinion to tell me the truth about his sister. I was depressed he’d be gone tomorrow morning, but almost relieved too. He did things to my emotions like no one ever had before.
Jack had been like a cyclone. He’d spun into my world, tossed everything I thought I knew into turmoil, and then left just as quickly.
****
The scent of torches filled my nostrils as I entered the Fire Council. They’d added more vines to the set, and there was also now a statue at one end of Bathala: a supreme god and creator deity in the Philippines. Bathala supposedly had control over thunder and lightning. It made sense the producers might erect a statue to such a deity, considering the insane weather we’d endured so far. It probably couldn’t hurt to show a little respect to good ol’ Bathala.
Jack sat down by Sherry, and I was between Rob and Harold. I’d tried during the day to persuade Harold not to vote Jack off after all, but he’d refused to change his vote. He felt too threatened by Jack’s popularity within the tribe. Rob simply wanted to vote Jack out as payback for voting Luciano out. I was now conflicted. I had a feeling that Jack really would win the game if he continued on. He’d already been a huge threat, but after the TV audience heard about his sister, he’d probably be unbeatable.
I wasn’t as focused on winning now, so much as wanting to use my time here to grow. I was learning a lot about myself during this experience. One thing was clear: I needed to toughen up a lot more. I needed to learn to read people better. The show was giving me the freedom to explore human nature in its rawest form. It was a painful but also fascinating adventure.
“You guys certainly have had an exciting week.” Shep stood behind the altar as he spoke. “A tropical stormanda snake in your shelter. What will happen next, I wonder?”
“Don’t ask, Shep.” Harold laughed. “I’m afraid of what the answer might be.”
Shep smiled. “Well, so far you nine have toughed it out, but only eight of you will make it to the merge.”
I glanced at Jack, but he didn’t react to what Shep said. If he was upset about being voted off, he was hiding it.
“Harold, you’re still here.” Shep leaned forward. “So far, your age hasn’t got you in trouble. Think that might change tonight?”
“I hope not.” Harold lifted his bushy white brows.
“Mason, you’re not shooting daggers at Jack tonight. Is that because you’re best friends now?” Shep smirked.
Rob guffawed. “Not likely.”
I scrunched my cheek. “Jack and I have come to understand each other a little better.”
“How very diplomatic.” Shep smiled.
I shrugged. “This show is allowing me to learn a lot about myself.”
“Like what?” Shep nudged.
“I’d rather not say. I don’t need to give this group any reason to vote me out.”
Everyone laughed.
“Okay, let’s get to the vote.” Shep pointed at Rob. “Rob, you’re up first.”
One by one, we made our way to the voting room. When it was my turn, I stood there, once again staring at the blank parchment. Why was it so damn hard to write Jack’s name down? This time I hadn’t promised him I wouldn’t. In fact, Jack had even told me I should write his name down. Haroldexpectedme to write Jack’s name down. I’d probably get myself in hot water if I didn’t write Jack’s name on the parchment.
Perhaps I was so attached to Jack because he was the one player who made me feel safe around camp. He caught fish for us to eat, and he’d saved me from a possible snake bite. He was watchful and protective. I liked having him around, and there was just no denying that. Yes, he’d hurt my feelings a bit today by making it crystal clear he’d just been having fun with me. But honestly, I’d known that was the score all along. Guys like Jack didn’t end up with guys like me.
Whether it was smart or not, I decided I wanted to keep Jack around a bit longer. I blew out a shaky breath and wrote down Rob’s name instead. Harold was going to be mad at me, but I had to follow my heart. I didn’t like Rob, and he didn’t like me. I wanted to play this game with people I enjoyed, and I definitely enjoyed Jack. Maybe even a little too much.
I tucked my vote into the box and went to sit down again. Harold winked at me, and my stomach swirled with anxiety. He was going to murder me when the votes were read. But it was too late now.
Shep went to get the votes. “Okay, once the votes are read, the person with the most votes will be asked to leave the Fire Council immediately.” He lifted the lid. “I’ll read the first vote.”
The contestants shifted uneasily.
“First vote is for Jack.” Shep shot Jack a glance.
Jack didn’t react.
“Next vote is also for Jack.” Shep reached into the chest and tugged out another vote. “Next vote is for Rob.”
