The Game Show Affect [†] Luke Hemmings

~12~

"Twenty two days, Squid!" My dad cheered and my heart dropped. There was no way I'll see him. That means I will have not seen him for an entire year. I'm stuck.

My fingers toyed with the hem of my rather playful skirt as I gave a half hearted chuckle, "Yep... Twenty two days."

"Don't stress it, Princess." He comforted me. "As soon as I have internet access, I'll Skype you. I'm just as bummed as you are, but be thankful that you had the chance, right?"

"Yes, sir." I smiled weakly. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Daddy."

"Tomorrow, Baby Doll." He assured me, hanging up. I stared at the most recent photo of my dad and I.

It was taken the day before he was deployed. I had longer hair back then, and was a bit chubbier, as I hadn't yet hit my growth spurt. We were watching the lion king and having a couple hours to ourselves, Kian included. Kian had snapped a photo of us cuddled up. My dad was kissing my head and I smiled with my eyes closed. It was a simple picture; but in this moment it feels like my whole world.

"Girls! Please gather on the patio for a special announcement." I winced at the high pitched voice but obeyed, shuffling down the stairs. When I got outside, I took my usual seat on the ground. The guys sat on stools looking just as confused as us. Its not Saturday, so it can't be eviction. Its only Thursday.

"Hello!" Amy greeted. "Since all the events are over with, we decided to throw a wee little curve ball at you ladies!"

A curve ball? What's she gonna do, make us fight to the death? This whole ordeal is painfully enough.

"We have decided to do an early eviction." She paused, "Not only that, but we are also evicting two house guests. Whoever won with each boy has total immunity!"

She's giving me a headache. Amy should really shut up. I don't care if I go anyways... Do I? I mean, I really like all the guys, especially Luke, but there's also Delta and Jessa. They're tolerable, a little more than that. But going home... That means I get to see my dad, make sure Parkers all right, see how Colton and Tyler are. I don't even know what I want.

"So boys, tell us who gave you the most unique, spontaneous and fun time." Amy commanded.

Michael went first, "I have to pick Mickey, her event was very creative. We went on a hike, then had a little lunch." He shrugged. Cue obnoxious tears of joy and glares of hatred.

"Well," Calum bounced on his heels, "I pick Delta, because she was very laid back, minus those random fangirl moments, and went with the flow. When I asked her what we were doing, she said I don't know. We ended up down by the lake and I got to know her really well."

Ashton sighed conflictedly, "I pick Cara. We went swimming and had a surfing lesson. It was pretty cool."

And finally, Luke. He looked... Not scared, but apprehensive. I knew why; he has to voice his opinion. His eyes met mine, while Ashton nudged him. I gave him a thumbs up along with a small grin. He descretely shook his head. Amy seemed to grow impairment, so I desperately mouthed 'I've got your back' hoping he understood.

"I pick... Um, Blake." He looked at the floor.

"What?" Tia screeched, rising to her feet. "How could that pathetic excuse of a girl beat me? My daddy is going to - well, he'll-- ugh!"

"Tia, hun?" I rolled my eyes, "your daddy can't do anything. This is a game."

"Now, why was Blake's day the best?" Amy asked.

Luke shrugged, "I guess, well, she was spontaneous and laid back. The rest of my events were planned so precisely, whereas when Blake and I got to the Parkour place, we both were clueless as to what the day would bring."

I smiled widely at Luke; nor because he chose me, but because he did it. I hope he understood my actions.

"Now, time to evict!" Amy cheered. "Boys, make your nominations."

"Camille."

"Delilah."

"Ella."

"I..." Luke trailed off. "IpickTiffany." Guilt crossed his face as the girl pouted.

"Time to evict, two votes per a person. Boys, you vote this week!" Amy cheered. After listing the names and coming to a verdict, she clapped her hands, "I am sad to announce that we will be saying goodbye to Camille and Delilah."