A Different, Better Timeline

Rules Aren't There for a Reason

"I so wish we didn't have to go back to the island," Lindsay sighed. "It's so much better here with the big beds and yummy food and nice showers! I want to stay here. Where there are no bugs. There are so many bugs on the island."

Bridgette rubbed her friend's back. They had already gone through this twice, once last night and once at breakfast, and she wasn't surprised they were going through it again. The reward had been almost too nice, and it was hard to let go of it. Some were having a harder time than others.

"I know, baby," Bridgette comforted. "It is really nice here, but we have to go back to real life now."

"But the island isn't even real life!" Lindsay argued. "So why not stay here? It has everything I need! My friends, a shower, air conditioning... it's the perfect place for me. For us!"

Closing her eyes, Bridgette let out a long sigh. She got it, she did. Why should they leave this nice boat with nice amenities to go back to the shitty island to risk their lives for money? It felt like a punishment, but they were going to dock at any moment now, and Lindsay needed to get her head back into the game.

"Lindsay, it's going to be fine, I promise. Don't you want to win the $100,000?" Bridgette asked, hoping to appeal to her materialistic side.

Lindsay pouted, and Bridgette resisted the urge to laugh. "But $100,000 isn't even that much money," she whined. "Especially not when I have to do all this weird stuff to win it." It was quiet for a moment. Then, "it just sucks that we have to go back," Lindsay mumbled. "Heather's there. It was so nice being away from her."

"Oh, Linds, no." Bridgette face softened. "It's okay. There are no more teams, and you have me and Court and our guys. Please don't worry about Heather. I'm sorry, I didn't even think about that."

"I know." Lindsay turned away from the other blonde and looked out across the lake, which was no longer so spacious. She could see the dock and their other castmates waiting on it. Forcing her eyes shut, she turned back around. "Goodbye, beautiful cruise ship. I'm going to miss you so much."

Bridgette smiled and picked her bag up off the floor. It was time. The boat docked, and they were officially back at camp. Grabbing Lindsay's hand, they followed everyone off the boat. As they went, she whispered reassuring words to her friend.

Once they were back on land, Bridgette didn't have a moment to even let go of Lindsay's hand before she heard a loud, "Bridge!" Looking around for the source, she saw Geoff running towards her. What?

"Bridge! Court! You're back!" Geoff pulled the two girls into a joint hug. "Please never leave me here alone again! I missed you so much. It sucked without you here."

Completely confused and a little startled, Bridgette just went with it. "Oh, um, sure... I missed you, too, Geoff."

Right away, she felt Courtney's eyes on her, silently judging her, and she knew exactly why. She was supposed to be distancing herself from a potential relationship, but she couldn't do it now! He was clearly emotional! Bridgette just mouthed "later" to her.

Courtney shook her head but thankfully let it go. Then, she cleared her throat, "as much as I... enjoy this, Geoff, I'd appreciate it, and I think Bridgette would appreciate it, if you'd let us go."

"Right, sorry, got a lil' swept up." Geoff released the girls but didn't move away from them. "I just missed you two so much! It wasn't the same without you. Like, at all. I'm so happy you're back."

"I'm happy we're back, too," Bridgette lied again, only feeling a little guilty about it. "I missed you on the reward." She heard Courtney gasp and cringed slightly. This was going to bite her in the ass later, but she didn't see what else she could do now. So maybe she didn't like him, but he just looked so happy. She couldn't crush him yet.