Deal Breakers

Day 2

A commercial bus picked us up from the hotel, driving us deep into the woods. All the couples and their one family member were crammed in. The bus smelled like sweat and maybe even downtown. So mostly like sweat and human feces.

It was the kind of bus they have in Disney if you've ever used those, the front half of the bus is everyone staring at each other while the back has stadium seating. I was sitting there, focusing on anything but Chase who kept glancing at me left and right. I don't know why I couldn't look him in the eye, maybe I'm too stressed today thinking about the games ahead. I didn't get much sleep last night, sadly. We did have to share the room with Chase, which was awkward and nerve-racking. Peter seemed stressed too, I think it might have been seeing his brother after so long.

The bus was quiet, just the sounds of the tires on the road ahead. On either side, you could see tall green trees and, a lush forest. It was beautiful so far, but I'm also still in air conditioning, so I think once I'm outdoors against my will I might feel differently. But for now, the views were lush and beautiful.

Peter had my hand in his lap, his head resting back, eyes closed. He's getting his game face on again.

I glanced around, Denver and Rachel looked like they didn't have a care in the world, they were grinning: psychos. Everyone had gone to the back except myself, Chase, Peter, Charlie, Lizzie, and Lizzie's sister Amanda who'd just finished high school.

Everyone else was focused on the road ahead, or in deep thought. This didn't feel like a game show this feels like The Hunger Games. I always said if I was put into that kind of situation I'd be the first to die and now I know why my stomach has been in knots since we left home.

"This is your stop," the grey-haired bus driver said.

We all clamored out of the vehicle, and when I could see past everyone I understood the chattering of amazement. It was a cul-de-sac, a small cabin perched on the out edges, in the middle a large cabin stood. The talk trees shadowed behind every cabin, creating this small and almost magical-looking community.

The cabin in the middle read 'Community Center' while the others were numbers 1-11. The 11th cabin had a big DB on it, I could only assume was for Todd.

Todd was standing in front of the commune center, the camera crew and his makeup assistant all waiting for us.

"Hi, everyone!" Todd said loudly. "Welcome to your homes for the next six weeks!"

The producer and director were also there. Diana Smith and Oscar Smith. "Welcome," Diana said with a big bright smile. "I'm excited to have you all here, in a moment we are going to film opening clips and some introductions, and then Ellen is going to show you to your cabins."

Ellen was Diana's assistant, I knew because her badge said it in big bold letters. Ellen smiled her warm and friendly smile. I'd met her a while back when we had to do our in-person interviews for the show. Her ebony skin was shining in the sun, it was beating down on us, though she looked as fresh and happy as ever. Her tank and shorts were both camo colored and I wondered if that was a fashion choice or to blend into the surroundings. "Okay, let's start rolling the opener!"

We all just nodded, like robots waiting for instructions. I glanced over at Chase, he looked bored already and I wondered why he even offered to come. But, he didn't offer. Peter's dad couldn't make it.

Todd had us all line up behind him, the cameraman pulled back and background music that sounded similar to Survived started playing. "Action!" Oscar shouted.

The camera zoomed in on Todd whose arms were spread open like he was waiting for a bear hug.

"Welcome, to the first night of Deal Breakers. We have ten couples here putting their lives and their love on the line." Todd stopped and looked at Diana who nodded that it was a good take.