I used Andy Grammer's 'Don't give up on me lyrics in the chapter
Previously on Total Drama Island
Alexandra distances herself from Duncan.
Gwen and her blond friend can't get rid of Cody's presence.
And Heather stole Alexandra's diary thanks to Courtney.
Is it just I or something big is about to happen?
-Where were you?- Courtney asks- What happened?
-Don't bother pretending. I know you don't care anyway. I'll just grab dry clothes and leave.
I take my favorite sweater, and other necessities and head to the bathroom. After the shower, I head to the amphitheater, where my team is. Geoff is checking his skateboard, Courtney is playing the violin, Duncan and DJ are playing cards, and Harold with Bridgette is standing by chatting.
-Hi guys.
-Hi, what happened with your hair?- Bridgette asks.
-I had an unwanted encounter with Gophers boys. I ended up drenched. I'm just glad I didn't have a lot of things in my bag.
-Did they destroy anything?- She asks.
-Just my sketchbook...- I look down, it's upsetting. I put a lot of work into my art, it hurts when it's destroyed.
-Maybe, we can fix it.- She suggests.
-Not really, but I know they didn't want to do it. They couldn't know, I brought it with me.
-I know you can draw even more amazing things in your new sketchbook.- Geoff walks over.
-Thanks, Geoff.
-Me and the boys were thinking, did something happen between you and Cody?- He asks.
-Noo... How do you know I talked with him anyway?
-He told us.
-What?! What did he say?!- I clutch his shirt, hoping Cody didn't eavesdrop on my chat with Gwen.
-Nothing bad, really. No need to stress out.
I take a deep breath to calm myself. Geoff takes my hand and squeezes it, I smile at him.
-So, can you stand on your hands for twenty minutes?- Tyler asks Bridgette after a while.
-Wanna bet that I can't?- She says, taking a bite from her candy bar.
-Oh, you're on!- Geoff speaks excitedly.
-I'll take a piece of that action.- Harold joins.
-Yeah, that's like virtually impossible.- DJ states.
-Ante up!
The boys place their bets on one of the boxes, and Duncan also joins them.
-You can do it, Bri. Show those boys what you're made of.- I encourage her.
-Of course, I will. Twenty minutes... starting... now!
She stands on her hands and starts to walk around the stage. Duncan is checking his watch all the time. Everything goes smoothly till Bridgette's leg gets tangled in the rope. She struggles to break free. I can see an unstable stoplight.
-Courtney, watch out!
I move without thinking, pushing her out of the falling object range. I didn't think it through, and I got hit on the back while trying to grab her violin.
-Ouch!!- I collapse to the ground.
-Oh crap!- I can hear Bridgette's voice.
Someone moves the heavy object from me, and I roll to my back.
-Alexandra, I'm so sorry.-Bridgette whines, grabbing my hand.
-It's ok, I'll just lie here for a while.- I groan.
-Maybe, we should get help. It looked dangerous.- Tyler asks.
-I'm going to get Chris.- DJ takes his leave but, I stop him.
-I'll be fine. No need to worry. Courtney, you're alright?
-I'm... Yes, thank you.- She avoids my gaze.
-You. You killed my violin, and barely Alexandra.- She points at Bridgette.
-I didn't mean to. There must be something we can do.
Bridgette picks pieces of the destroyed instrument.
-Bri, don't. You'll make things worse. You have no idea about lutherie.
She listens to me and leaves the pieces. Courtney starts crying and runs away. I get myself back up.
-Courtney, wait!
I want to run, but the pain in my back stops me.
-Why are you helping her?- Duncan asks.
-Even though she was mean, I can't just leave her like that.
-Mean is not enough, she was a bitch.- Duncan scoffs.
-But she deserves a second chance. She's distraught, now.- I confront him.
-Was she there for you?- Duncan asks.
-No.- I admit.
-What about the violin? Can you repair it?- Bridgette asks with hope.
-Not a chance. I'm not so good at it. Besides, we don't have supplies.
-What now?- She asks.
-I'll check on her.
-What about your back?- Geoff asks.
-If it was something severe, I would feel it already. It's probably a simple bruise.
-You should rest. I can make you tea or bring a cupcake.- DJ protests, grabbing my wrist.
-That's proper sweet. But I'm fine. I'm a badass which doesn't kill me, makes me stronger.
I walk away to catch up with Courtney. It's a perfect idea to make up with her.
-That girl is impossible.- Tyler states.
Cut to the cabins
I find sobbing Courtney in our cabin. I sit next to her and give her a chocolate bar, I got from Chef. He makes sure I receive something tasty every day.
-We are all addicted to something that ruins us.- I start.
-What?- She wipes her tears.
-Your violin, you loved it, didn't you?
-Well... yeah.
-Sorry, I didn't grab it.
-You saved me, it's more important.
I chuckle, and we remain silent for a moment.
-Why are you nice to me?
-You need help, and I don't quit when there's something I can do. Don't mistake my kindness with stupidity, though. Besides, I know what it's like to be the loser, and no one deserves to feel this way.
-I have never thought you are a loser.
-You said it yourself before.
-I'm sorry.
-That's new to hear something not insulting.
-Did people bully you before?
-Only at music school.- I admit.
-Why?
-I guess they must have had reasons. Everyone does. My mum used to tell me 'Listen, sweetie, there are moments when we face hard events. To escape them some people smoke, some drink, some erupt with anger, and some fall in love. I want you to always choose love, even if you think it's stupid. It's the only thing from those above that has a chance to do good.'
-Used?
-She passed away.
-I'm sorry.
-Don't be what I try to say is, we didn't have the best start. How about we work for a better ending?
-I'd like that.
I give her my sweet smile.
Confessional
Courtney: I made a mistake judging her like that. She's so nice, and I was so mean. She always protects everyone. She can't stand when others get bullied, because she used to be in their place. Oh no, Heather. She has her diary. What now?!
Meanwhile
-Can you remind me what are we doing in Bass cabin?- Lindsay asks Heather.
-Just keep nit.
Heather walks into the cabin. She opens Alexandra's guitar case and pulls a knife from her pocket. She cuts strings.
-Guess our little miss artist, won't perform tonight.
She closes the case and gets away without being noticed, dragging Lindsay along the way.
Confessional
Heather: Perfect. Now that Courtney can't play and I destroyed Alexandra's chances as well, we're going to win. Thanks to my special surprise, she's going to be kicked out for sure.
Cut to the amphitheater
It's me, DJ, and Bridgette, now. Geoff was meant to replace Courtney but he destroyed his skateboard by accident.
-Ok, I know I'm not as good as you are at the violin, but I can do this.- Bri reassures.
-Bridgette... Aw, too bad about the accident. I guess you're going to get your fifteen seconds of fame after all, huh?- Heather walks over.
-Butt out. - I snap back.
-What is that supposed to mean?- Bridgette questions.
-Oh, nothing... no one would sabotage their teammate. Unless they, maybe felt threatened.
-Hearing this from someone so manipulative is hypocrisy.- I scowl.
-Don't use too many intelligent words, your brain won't handle that.
-Back off Heather, we're a team and we support each other.- Bri speaks.
-Well, I guess you'll go down as a team too. Oh and, easy on the chips... you don't want to sink that surfboard of yours, do you?
-It's the TDI Talent Extravaganza! Welcome to the very first Camp Wawanakwa... Talent Contest. Where six campers will showcase their mad skills and desperately try not to humiliate themselves. First up for the Screaming Gophers... is Justin!- We hear Chris.
We peek through the curtains to have a look. I can hear Owen and Lindsay cheering for him. He moves to the music, flexing and posing. In the end, he sits on a chair and pulls a rope that makes water splash on his shirtless chest. He receives six points from Chef.
Confessional
Owen: There are two syllables for hot: Jus and tin. Man, that guy is just so hot I could kiss him! Because he's a good teammate! Oh! Why'd I said that?
-Okay, I don't know what that was... but daaang, you got some moves, dude. - Chris stays next to Justin.
-First up for the Killer Bass... make some noise for the big guy! DJ!
-You have this DJ. I know you can do this!- I cheer for him.
He walks onto the stage and our team cheers for him. DJ sends my way a stressed look. I give him a reassuring smile and a nod. Soon, music starts playing and, I watch DJ's moves enchanted. He's doing great but got tangled in his ribbon. Before he can break free his time is over.
-Dainty and yet masculine. Let's see what Grand Master Chef thinks. - Chris states.
DJ only gets two points and walks disappointed down the steps to sit next to not participating campers. I wish I could cheer him up, but I need to get ready for my performance.
-So, with two down and four acts to go, it's the Screaming Gophers... screaming ahead. Next on deck... Trent. Take it away, my bro.
-Wish me luck.- He whispers to me before stepping onto the stage.
-This one goes out to someone special here at camp.- Trent says, sitting on a stool.
They say that we've only got summer
And I say that's really a bummer.
But we'll swim in the sun and have lots of fun...
It'll just be the two of us...
Nothing to do... just hang...
So let me say only this...
Stick around... for just one kiss...
I cheer loudly with everyone else. He wrote this song by himself, and I liked it.
-Nice work! I'm liking your style, dude. And so does Grand Master Chef!
He receives eight points.
- All right, quit hogging my light, buddy.- Chris pushes him off the stage.
-Three down and three to go and the Killer Bass are sucking so far. Let's hear it for Bridgette!
-You sure you're okay? You've eaten quite a lot, and are pale now.- I worry.
-Definitely, uh, I'm great. Really.- She stutters.
I hear her belly rumbling and watch with worry as she steps on the boards.
-I have a feeling it's not gonna end well.- I turn to Courtney.
-You're not making me feel better.
Bridgette stands in her hands. Promptly, her stomach rumbles, and she burps. After a while, she vomits, covering the stage and some of the campers including Owen, Izzy, Leshawna, Katie, and, Sadie. In the end, she slips on her puke and lands on Tyler's lap.
-Hey, puke on your own, boyfriend!- Lindsay screams.
-On your own what, Lindsay?- Heather is fuming.
-I didn't say, boyfriend.
-Clean up in aisles three, four, five, and six! In the meantime, we'll take a short break to hose the joint down.- Chris announces.
-Bri, how are you feeling?- I help her up.
-You were right, Alexandra. I'm sorry.
-Tyler, can you take her to the cabin?
-Will do that.- He answers.
-Thank you. Bridgette, listen to me change into clean clothes, brush your teeth and drink some water. When it's over, I'll get you a tea.
-What about the challenge?
-Don't worry about it.
I leave them and go backstage. It's my turn soon, so I want to tune my guitar. I open the case and can't believe my own eyes.
-Ahhh!!!
Courtney hears and rushes up to me. I crouch in front of my destroyed guitar. Someone cut the strings and scratched the soundboard.
-Oh my, what happened?- She asks.
-Someone destroyed my guitar.- I hold back tears.
-What now? You can't play.
-But I still can prove to whoever did it that I can't be stopped so easily.
-Welcome back. Okay. So in a strange turn of events, Bridgette's chunk-blowing fest registered two thumbs up by Grand Master Chef. But, it's not enough to pull ahead of the Screaming Gophers, who held the lead with Trent's love song. So, without further delay, the last chance for Bass... Alexandra!
I walk on the stage with my instrument.
-I guess two guitarists would be too many for one night, so thanks to whoever decided to destroy my guitar, you won't listen to it.
Gasps are heard among campers, some have angry faces and some seem to pity me.
-There is no situation without a way out. Music is a thing that always finds a way to speak my emotions, and I believe it's the only thing that can help me now.
I lightly thump out the wooden surface and sing. Letting melody take control over me with every word. I close my eyes and forget about my surroundings.
'Cause I'm not givin' up
I'm not givin' up, givin' up, no, not yet
Even when I'm down on my last breath
Even when they say there's nothin' left
So don't give up on
And I will hold, I'll hold onto you
No matter what this world will throw
It won't shake me loose
I'll reach my hands out in the dark and
Wait for yours to interlock
I'll wait for you, I'll wait for you
'Cause I'm not givin' up
I'm not givin' up, givin' up, no, not yet
Even when I'm down on my last breath
Even when they say there's nothin' left
So don't give up on
I'm rewarded with loud applause. Katie and Sadie are hugging each other, crying slightly with DJ. I look at Trent, who smiles warmly and claps his hands. Heather avoid my eyes. I can hear Leshawna, saying 'That's my girl.'
-That was wicked, Alexandra. I almost shed a tear. Let's see what Chef thinks.- Chris put an arm around my shoulder.
-Check it out. Grand Master Chef is impressed and gave ten of ten. Bass takes the lead.
-You did it!- Courtney hugs me.
-I guess I did. Let's join the others.
We join our teammates. Geoff waves to me so, I sit next to him.
-I knew you have a talent, but that was beyond awesome.
-Thanks.- I avert my gaze.
I don't want him to see my blush, the effect of all the emotions affecting me now. He grabs my hand, and I let him hold it.
-It's the last performance today. Will Gophers win? Make some noise for Heather!
She sits on a stool with a book in her hands.
No way! It can't be.
- Originally, I was going to dance for you. But instead, I want to celebrate team spirit, with collaboration.- She looks at me.
-Don't you dare read my diary.- I stand up.
-She wouldn't.- I hear Gwen.
-Why did you take it?! How did you find it?!- I ask her.
-So, with words by Alexandra, the performance by me, enjoy. "So I've been here for some time and, I'm disappointed. All those people are dull and stupid. Especially Geoff and Bridgette, they are worth each other. Duncan is just obnoxious and perverted. Harold? Don't even bother to ask. Tyler is incredibly naive to date someone as stupid as Lindsay. I don't know what she sees in him anyway. It doesn't matter because I have them all under my charm. They'll do whatever I say."
-I didn't write it. I didn't...
-Thank you.- She says, closing my diary and throwing it in my direction.
-Stupid and dull, huh?!- Geoff yells.
-I didn't write it. I promise.- I feel tears in my eyes.
-And I thought we were friends!- Bridgette screams.
-Because we are.- I'm crying now.
-Chef is not impressed, Heather. Your team loses cause' you don't get enough points. Screaming Gophers. Pick your favorite loser, and I'll see you at the bonfire.- Chris ends the challenge.
Everyone starts to leave.
-Guys, wait.
-Save it.- DJ walks past me.
I collapse to the ground and let my tears fall.
Confessionals
Heather: It was pure joy. There's no way she'll get out of this trouble.
Geoff: And I thought a girl like Alex can like a guy like me.
Bridgette: She is worse than Heather. I thought we are friends!
Courtney: Oh no. How can I take it back? What have I done?
-Hey, please don't cry.- Leshawna places a hand on my shoulder.
-I didn't write it. Please believe me.
-Of course, I believe you. You were always there for me. I know you won't do something like that.
I hug her as if it's my only anchor.
-I think I know exactly who wrote it.- Gwen joins us.
-Definitely. Heather's gonna pay.- Leshawna states.
-I just want my friends to believe me. How can I convince them?
-I'll talk some sense in them.- Leshawna grabs my hand.
-I'm coming too.- Trent says.
-Count me in.- Justin states.
-Thank you.- I dry my eyes.
Cut to the cabins
Leshawna knocks on the door. Duncan opens it.
-We have to talk now.
-What makes you think I want to talk?- He crosses his arms.
-It wasn't a question, it is a request.- She pushes him aside, allowing all of us to enter the cabin.
-What are you doing, people?- Geoff stands up.
-And what do you think, helping you see your mistake?- Gwen answers.
-There is nothing to say.- Bridgette states.
-Do you believe Alexandra would do something like this? Alexandra from all the people?- Trent puts his hand on my shoulder.
-I think we saw enough of her.- Geoff says with pain in his voice.
-I didn't do it. Why can't you believe me?
-Give us proof.- Duncan says.
I open my diary and hand it to him.
-It's not my writing, someone else wrote the last part.
He examines it, carefully.
-I don't know about it. DJ, have a look.
Soon, all of them take a look, starting to regret their angry outburst.
-It's still fishy, if you didn't write it, then who?- Bri says.
-Do you remember when we talked about Heather?
-I saw her and Lindsay next to our cabin today when you and Gwen were by the lake.- Tyler says.
-That witch wanted to kick her off from day one. Open your eyes, people.-Leshawna speaks.
-How do you know that?- Geoff asks.
-Time to spill the beans.-I say- All this time when I was disappearing, it's because I was with one of them.- I point at my Gophers friends- After the first challenge, I heard Heather explaining her plan to Lindsay. I had to warn Leshawna, from that moment we support each other, trying to predict Heather's moves. Since it's mostly the other team's concern, I asked them for help.
-Why didn't you tell us?- Duncan asks.
-Looks like I'm a troublemaker. I didn't want any of you to get involved. During the awaketon we were sure, she'll try to get rid of Leshawna.
-Alexandra told me about Heather having an alliance, and I asked her for help. While I was talking with Owen, Izzy, and Cody, she was busy with Justin and Noah.- Leshawna adds.
-We didn't predict she'll aim for someone else. She stole Eva's MP3 player, knowing it will make her lose composure. From that point, it was just a matter of time before she'll use her anger against her, making you vote her off.
-She knew Eva will be able to stand up to protect Lexy. That's why she decided to kick her out first. Then she stole her diary to turn you against her.- Trent says, putting his arm around my shoulder.
-Now you know everything.- I look down.- You can decide if you believe me or not.
-I believe you.- Harold says. - You're the first person I've ever met, who was genuinely kind to me.
-I believe you too.- Tyler states.
-Thank you.- I smile warmly.
-I'm sorry I doubted you, Alex.- Bridgette approaches me.
-It's alright, I'm thankful you changed your mind.
-We're sorry, Alexandra.- Katie and Sadie say in unison.
-Alexandra, forgive me.- DJ stutters.
-It's alright, big guy.
-I'm so sorry.- Geoff says.
-My bad, cupcake.- Duncan looks at me.
-And that's what I want to see. Mission complete team.- Leshawna high-fives all of her teammates.
-Now we have to deal with elimination.- Gwen says.
-It's time for Heather to say bye-bye.- Justin states.
-We'll see you tomorrow, k?- Trent asks me.
-Alright, thank you for everything.
-I said, I have your back and, you can always ask for help when you need it.- He hugs me.
They all leave and, so do I. Feeling worn out after all of this, I go straight to bed.
Preview
Morning has some surprises for Alexandra.
Was Heather kicked off that night? Will she seek revenge?
Find out next time in Total Drama Island!