Lies We Tell

38 : And Then There Were Four

The votes were in, and as the islanders rejoined one another to await the next announcement, Zahra was incredibly anxious. Had she and Lucas made a mistake? Had another couple sent in their names? She glanced around the group, letting her gaze settle last on her partner. Was this it for them?

"Chin up," Lucas murmured. It was as if he was reading her mind. "It's not over yet."

With a resolute nod, she gripped his hand.

A new text rang through the nervous silence– Zahra's phone. With a deep breath, she unlocked the message to read it aloud. "'Islanders, the decision has been made. The two couples with the most votes are... Chelsea and Henrik and Hannah and Bobby.'"

Lucas squeezed the hand that he held so tightly as mixed reactions floated around the group. Lottie and Gary embraced quickly, and Noah and Shannon touched foreheads for a brief moment in relief. Henrik wrapped his arms around a crestfallen Chelsea, and Bobby and Hannah were avoiding everyone's gazes.

The sound of another text came through. Lottie pulled out her phone this time. "'Lottie and Gary, Noah and Shannon, and Zahra and Lucas must now each cast their vote for which couple should stay. The couple with the least amount of votes will be dumped from the Villa.'"

Chelsea smiled weakly. "No hard feelings here, guys. Do what you think is right. We'll understand."

It was a hollow comfort for Chelsea to say that, which was why no one else in danger of being dumped rushed to echo the sentiment. The safe couples didn't say anything either as they moved to separate for the vote once more.

Lucas eyed Zahra. "We have to stick with our vote, don't we?"

"We have to," she said firmly. "I'd feel horrible to switch now."

He nodded, then sent in their vote. They rejoined the vulnerable islanders, and to Zahra's surprise, the other two couples were right behind them.

"That didn't take long," Chelsea observed painfully. "Is that a good or a bad thing?"

Zahra couldn't have answered even if she wanted to.

There was another hushed silence, one that seemed to stretch forever, until finally Bobby's phone buzzed with a text. He looked noticeably paler as he pulled it out with a half-hearted "Text." Hannah patted his arm, which seemed to give him a wave of resolve as he read out, "Bobby and Hannah, you have received the lowest number of votes to stay. You have thirty minutes to pack your belongings and say your goodbyes.'"

A sad murmur rang through the islanders as they rushed to give Bobby and Hannah hugs. Zahra didn't miss the way Chelsea and Henrik hung back for a moment to collect themselves before joining in, and she caught the glossy sheen of tears in the bubbly blonde's eyes.

Zahra reached Hannah first. "I'm sorry, hun."

"Me, too," the redhead replied, hugging Zahra lightly and swiftly. "Oh well. It had to be someone."

Lottie edged her way in next, which sent Zahra retreating and bumping into Bobby. "Aw, Bobby."

The baker put on a big, sweet smile to mask his disappointment. "Don't be sad, Zahra. I'll only be gone a short while before you'll see me again whether you like it or not."

"Of course I want to see you again," she mumbled, pulling him into a tight hug. "You're one of-"

He cut her off, pulling away from the hug. "Don't get sappy now. Save the real goodbyes for after I've packed." Bobby looked around her to where she knew her partner stood. "Help me pack, mate?"

"Absolutely," Lucas said gruffly. Zahra ran a hand down his back as he followed after Bobby towards the Villa– she knew how much it was killing him to see one of his best friends walk out of here.