The Strength of Love

Chapter Four: Challenges and Questions

Chandler blinked the red clay-dust out of his eyes. The sun beat down on him, causing him to feel like he was on fire. Owwwh, he groaned as he stretched out his sore muscles, reducing the ache to a gentle throb.

"Owww. Where am I?" Chandler ran his hand through his sun-bleached hair, causing the brilliant reddish blonde to release little puffs of dust. His throat was parched and ached. As far as the eye could see was open wilderness, nothing was in sight for miles around. "What the-?" Chandler reached into his pocket and found a small scrap of paper. "Weird... I definitely did not have this before." Paper was of low use these days; most people only used their smartphones. Chandler reached into his pocket once more for his phone-he searched for the familar piece of sleek metal. It wasn't there. It was gone. He was all alone, in the middle of nowhere. Desperate, he turned over the scrap of paper.

In elegant handwriting was scrawled, "Save your beloved, if you so choose. You better hurry, or you will lose." Chandler's sense's went on high alert. It was almost as if someone had touched a tight strung nerve in him. The thought of losing Annette was unbearable... he couldn't. As much as the note puzzled him he clutched it tightly.

"Don't worry my love, I'll do anything for you. I'm coming."

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Aidan brushed the dust from his eyes, streaking the dirt agross his face. earlier that day he had woken up in the middle of nowhere, with a piece of paper stuck to his head. He’d even had the shape imprinted onto his forehead.

"YES!" this was exactly what he had wanted, a shot at competing against Chandler for Annette. Is there really any choice for Annette? I’ve known her for years… well so has Chandler. But I was, and am, her best friend! What could possibly beat that? It’s either losing her lifelong companion and friend, or the man she thinks she loves. As soon as she comes to her senses… To be honest, Aidan had been secretly training for this for months. As soon as he had heard of Annette's engagement. Actually, he had planned this whole thing. He had called the show to Annette's wedding. Aidan wasn't sure it was actually going to work though. The show hadn't promised anything. I'm surprised this worked... Aidan thought as he panted. It was getting too hot out here. Maybe this isn't such a good idea...

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"Are you ready for your first question?" the voice, Annette had decided it was a he, asked in a slow, steady, reassuring voice. Annette wiped her hands down her thighs and smoothed her hair, making herself look presentable for those in the room…or those that were unseen, anyway. She swallowed hard and forced herself to answer.

"Y-yes," she stammered. Annette imagined that he gave her an encouraging smile as he began.

"Okay this first question will benefit or disadvantage Chandler." Annette felt as if the room was spinning, like she was going to throw up. "What year did Howard Mason become president?" Annette perked up a little, she knew this one. Annette's grandma, Isabel, always told her stories that Isabel's great-great-grandma passed down about meeting him.

He began to read the choices. "A. 2011. B. 2504. C. 2391 D. 2762"

"C" Annette said, confidence creeping into her voice.

"Correct!" said the man, with a hint of cheerfulness in his voice. Relief flooded over Annette and she resisted jumping our of her chair and screaming in delight.