𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙮 ;; tdi noah x oc

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Prologue

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Zahira prided herself on never backing down.

It could be anything, and she would accept it with a puffed chest and lifted chin. Whether it be an assignment she hadn't studied for, a club she'd decided to join spontaneously, or a shift at the bakery she hadn't expected, she'd accept it with open arms and hope for the best.

That's why, when her best friend Allie Whites burst through the office doors of Zahira's high school, on a warm and sunny Tuesday right before summer, waving a flyer around and telling Zahira what a great opportunity it would be, Zahira grabbed the paper, standing at her locker to put her things away before first period exams.

It was the way of their life. Allie was more carefree, brave, and had more confidence in herself than Zahira did. And since they'd been best friends since middle school, Zahira was quite often dragged into the plans Allie made for them. It was the way it had always worked out.

She could feel Allie grabbing her shoulder behind her as Zahira scanned the paper, warm from the office printer. No doubt Allie had printed this out while working her office attendance job, despite being told off for using the printer multiple times. Allie didn't bother with a set of rules.

Looking for a way to make some money?

Looking for a way out of the house?

Looking to start your journey to TV fame?

Looking for a free stay at a five star resort?

Then sign up for popular celebrity Chris Mclean's newest show, Total Drama Island! Thousands of applications sent in. 22 chosen. Will you be one of the lucky winners?

Under the words was a photo of a small island on a lake, and then contact information.

Zahira knew who Chris Mclean was before the poster. Every teenager and their parents knew who Chris Mclean was. He was one of the top celebrities right now, despite the multiple times he'd been in controversy, he always seemed to remain famous.

Zahira had glanced at Allie, already sensing herself getting roped into a new plan. "We should sign up together!" Allie grabbed the paper, twirling. "We could be famous, Z! You could win money! Plus, it's a five star resort!" She had beamed at her best friend. Glancing at the paper, Zahira couldn't tell where the resort actually was, but figured at the time they wouldn't lie about something like that. Zahira hadn't been able to bite back her smile, but that hadn't meant she was in agreement. "You know how much I hate being the center of attention." Zahira had pointed out, which was very true. "There are a thousand people in this school who would rather do it."

High school students were always broke, wanted freedom, or wanted to be famous. Sometimes all three. Zahira didn't want any of them. Sure, she and her dad weren't rich, but they were well off, with her dad owning a bakery. And Zahira loved her dad. She didn't want to be apart from him. He was her best friend next to Allie, and the friendly customers that came into their shop.

Allie had pouted at her statement. "But I want to do it with my best friend." She'd pointed a perfectly manicured nail at the flyer. "Look. Thousands of people sign up. Chances are, we won't even be accepted. Just try it. Step out of that bubble you've been living in your whole life!"

Zahira had to admit, Allie had a point. They wouldn't even be picked, right? Especially not a normal high school living in a small New York town. "Okay." She had smiled, shaking her head, and slammed her locker closed. "I'll sign up."

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Zahira debated what in the world possessed her to do such a thing as the boat moved choppily across the lake, heading straight for Total Drama Island, and Zahira's chance at fame that she didn't want.

She would've never guessed that she'd be on a reality show. Definitely not on her bingo card for this year. She still wasn't prepared.

When making the audition tape, hoping she didn't look dumb.

When her phone had buzzed and she'd received that acceptance email.

When she'd told her dad about how she'd be away.

When she broke the news to Allie and their other friends.

When her dad texted all her family to let them know she'd be on TV.

When she'd began packing her bag

When she'd hugged her dad goodbye at the boating dock.

It still hadn't settled in, and Zahira thought it was a little too late now as the boat hurled across the lake.