Coming Home

by Kimberly McKay

  For the first couple of hours into their date, she had such a shy nature that he had to practically pry any conversation from her.

  Chad lifted his eyebrow at the next memory, and sat back, tossing Rachelle’s picture in the ‘no’ pile. Not because she was shy, but because after a few hours and a bottle of wine, Rachelle not only lost her shy demeanor but tried losing her top too.

  He wasn’t a huge drinker, but liked the occasional glass of wine. Anyone he dated needed to enjoy herself, but without becoming a lush.

  The next afternoon he planned a dinner cruise to sail around the mouth of the bay for the girls, who had won the game. It was to end in a romantic dinner under the Texas stars. Well - as romantic as it could be for seven people.

  And after what he’d seen Cara pull, Chad really hoped she wouldn’t cause too much trouble with five other women around, but soon realized he was hoping for too much.

  Within minutes of their trip, she was doing whatever she could to not just gain Chad’s attention, but thwarted any other conversations he was having with the other girls on board.

  It quickly became so tense that the others went from quietly grumbling to openly verbally accosting her. And before he knew what hit him … or Cara, Tina let out a heated yell and pushed her overboard.

  Chad sat, laughing at the memory of Cara’s shriek, as she flew into the water. Thankfully, he knew her to be a good swimmer already, so he wasn’t too concerned. He knew the valiant thing to do was to jump overboard to save her, but one of the other girls threw her a life jacket so instead he ordered the captain to circle back around for her.

  The rest of the evening kind of went down hill from there, so he cut the night short and asked the captain to take them to shore.

  Ned found him lounged in his bunk, sorting through pictures and felt a twinge of jealousy.

  This is the life, he thought, wistfully smiling down the stack of rejects Chad was collecting.

  “Hey man. You ready for tonight?” He asked, pulling a chair next to Chad. “I know I am.”

  Chad sighed and looked down at the stacks he’d separated out.

  “I have five I’d like to let go tonight.”

  “Nuh-uh.” He waved his hands. “We talked about this. You need a top ten for the next elimination.”

  Chad closed his eyes in defeat. “I know.” He brought his gaze back up to meets Ned’s. “And I can’t say this has been a bad experience at all. I’m having a great time. I’ve never seen women act so crazy!” He laughed and crossed his arms.

  “We just don’t need a predictable outcome. We need to keep the viewers guessing. Although we’ve done a great job of that already with how you’ve switched up the show.” Ned raised his eyebrows, taking in his surroundings. “This place has been genius.”

  Chad grinned. “So you need three for elimination?”

  He nodded, as Chad sort through his stack.

  “Okay. But you may not like, who I’ve chosen.” He said, handing Ned a few photos, one of which was of Cara.

  “You’re breaking my heart. She’s my one crazy ace in the hole, who people are loving to hate. Sure you can’t keep her any longer?” Ned winced.

  Chad shook his head, and said, “Maybe someone else will rise to the occasion. After this week’s events, Lauren and Tina spring to mind.”

  Ned chuckled. “Okay then. Get dressed. The girls will be summoned for dinner in an hour.” He stood and bumped fists with Chad before leaving.

  True to his word, Ned had Terence assemble the women for dinner in the cafeteria. Most had given up on dressing up too much as they’d gotten used to life at camp, but there were a few that still showed every asset they had.

  It had only been one night since the group date that had gone so horribly wrong, and Anne could definitely see Cara’s entourage crumbling beneath her. She was no longer surrounded by her usual group of adoring fans. In fact, they had migrated to the table, which sat next to Anne’s.

  It was all she could do to keep herself contained when she overheard the miserable details of Cara’s overboard experience.

  Kamryn and Lauren’s eyes darted to Anne when they overheard Tina bragging about rushing her off the side. Anne’s dimples came in rare form, as she squeezed her mouth shut, trying not to laugh and strained to listen.

  “I mean, I nearly fell overboard myself if Chad hadn’t saved me.” She lifted her hand over her heart, to dramatize her story.

  “Put a cork in it, Tina.” Cara’s face burned, as she hollered across the room at her.

  “I guess everyone’s got her number. See, I told you it wouldn’t be long before the mean girl got ousted.” Kamryn looked over to Anne, who just smiled.

  What could she say? Was she surprised? No. Was she happy that Cara had no one there to support her? No. But, she did it to herself.

  “I didn’t come here to make friends, Tina.” Cara spouted from across her lonely table. “I came here to win Chad.”

  “Well, he didn’t act concerned enough to save you from drowning.” Tina smirked in return.

  Cara narrowed her eyes, and turned her back to the group in time to see Terrance make is way into the room.

  “Evening girls.” He grinned. He saw the division in the group, but it was no surprise. It happened every season.

  “Hi, Terrance.” Cara smiled brightly. She needed to win someone over.

  The rest of the group just smiled nervously. They knew what it meant when he came inside. It meant someone was either going home or there was about to be a change.

  “I wonder who it’s going to be?” Lauren whispered. She was willing to bet it was her name on the chopping block, after her display on the softball field.

  “It may not be an elimination.” Anne smiled reassuringly. When she turned back to Terrance, she saw Chad step in behind him. He looked amazing in his royal blue and turquoise Hawaiian shirt and white linen pants.

  “Well, take my breath away.” Kamryn gasped. “That’s a change from the tight t-shirts and shorts he’s been wearing. I wonder what’s up.”

  In his hand, Chad held ten cards. He smiled to the girls and gave an awkward wave. Anne thought he looked like the new kid, stepping up in front of a class, for the first time.

  Something’s up. She bit her lip, and waited.

  “Here you go.” Chad handed him the notes, and stood by anxiously awaiting the next twist.

  Terrance grinned. He’d never been so happy. This was the final elimination at this dirty dust bowl, and now they were getting ready to leave for someplace, where he could enjoy life’s finer amenities.

  “When I call your name, and it’s in no particular order, please come up and grab your card. Then please step over here next to Chad, but don’t read it until instructed.”

  The girls looked to one another in confusion but quickly diverted their attention back to Terrance, who began reading names.

  He slowly called them one by one. “Brooklyn … Anne … Denise … Chantal … Kamryn … Tina ... Staci … Treana … Brandi … and …” He drug the last name out for effect. “Brianna.”

  With each name that was called, came more anxiety. Chad could see their tight expressions, and couldn’t wait to surprise them.

  No one knew what the cards held. They hoped for the best, but knew last time someone was given a card - it meant elimination.

  Kamryn held hers carefully, not wanting to open it. She looked to Chad unsure of its contents, only to receive a reassuring wink.

  “It’s okay.” He whispered down for her ears only. “I think you’ll like it.”

  “Cara, Lauren, and Rachelle?” Terrence started in with a diminished tone. “You three need to pack your gear and get on the van, which is waiting to take you home.”

  “What?” Cara stood up in shock.

  “What?” Anne said softly, partially in shock, but mostly with pride that Chad would cut such an obvious choice. She looked to Chad, who grinned down to her.

  “See?” Kamryn elbowed Anne. “Told you.
”

  Immediately, Rachelle stood and made a beeline for Chad. Her sad eyes and open arms were begging for a hug.

  “I’m sorry I have to go. I had a great time on our date.”

  Chad wanted to be honest without hurting her feelings, but didn’t feel it was right to do it in front of everyone. He pulled her to the side, as Cara stood arguing with Terrance.

  “You’re a great girl, Rachelle. Some guy back home will be lucky to have you. I just think you’re too much for this guy to handle.” He gave her a warm smile, hoping she understood.

  She frowned in return, and said, “Sure. Good luck.” She left for her exit interview with the cameraman stationed outside. There were already tears in her eyes.

  Chad let out a deep gust of air. This was hard. He hated having to hurt someone’s feelings, especially when a normally shy girl, like Rachelle, took a chance. But, this wasn’t just a show … it was his chance at finding love, and Rachelle wasn’t it.

  When he turned around, he came face to face with an angry Cara.

  “I got a concussion for you, and you boot me off? That’s heart.” She seethed.

  Chad flinched. He knew her sentiment would be most of America’s too, but as an honest person, he couldn’t fake what wasn’t there … even if Cara could.

  “Come with me.” He pulled her outside, as Rachelle’s on-camera cries were being taped near-by. He guided her to a wooden stool, and sat on the one next to hers.

  She reluctantly sat, arms folded, and scoured. “We made out. And you dump me on national television?”

  As Chad watched her face contort with a myriad of emotions, he was suddenly relived she was going home. Any reluctance he felt prior - vanished. And although he hated the camera was rolling for their exchange, he needed to part ways with some serious honesty.

  “For the record, you kissed me,” he said as politely as possible.

  “You didn’t seem to mind.”

  “Well.” He paused. He wasn’t going to bash her on national television, but wouldn’t be her punching bag either. “If memory serves me right. You initiated it, and it wouldn’t be very chivalrous to push you away.”

  “You wanted to push me away? Are you kidding me?” Her face twisted in anger.

  “No, listen. I think you’re a really great girl. We’re just not great together. And, I can’t see long term potential with you.” He braced, thinking she was going to deck him at any moment. He watched her face, as it turned bright red.

  She quickly stood and shouted down at him. “You missed out on the best thing you’ll ever have. Better than what you’ve got in there.” She pointed inside, and stomped off.

  As another cameraman pursued her for an exit interview, she spun around and took a swipe at the lens, yelling, “Forget it! You’re not getting a word from me.”

  Chad’s eyes bulged. He stood up with caution.

  “Aren’t you glad you dodged that bullet?” His cameraman, Alex asked before Lauren approached.

  His look was one of pure relief.

  “Chad?” Lauren said sadly, and opened her arms. “Good luck. You have some great girls in there.”

  “Thanks. I think you’re a great girl.” His eyes were apologetic.

  “I know. And, I’ll find Mr. Right someday. I’m sorry it wasn’t you.” A tear slid from her face, and she turned to walk away.

  He dropped his head back to look to the sky, and groaned, “Geez.”

  “Come on Cassinova.” The camera operator said, with a smirk, “I feel real sorry for you.”

  Chad brought his eyes into the lens and grimaced. “Shut up, man.”

  When he returned inside, he saw ten sets of expectant eyes. Anne’s were the only ones that drew him in though. It was like she sent darts into his heart with just one look.

  “Ready to open your cards? Or should I say invitations?” He smiled widely, and watched the women tear into their envelopes with joy.

  “Since you’ve endured so much.” Terrance widened his arms to sweep around him. “We wanted to give you all your own plane ticket …”

  One by one the men watched the girls jump for joy and scream, “We’re going to Hawaii?!”

  Anne was beside herself. She never expected to be flown to the islands, and couldn’t wait to get some alone time on the beach with Chad.

  “Seriously?” She looked to Kamryn and squealed.

  “Go pack girls.” Chad’s heart was full. It felt nice to do something for them after all they’d been through.

  “We leave right away!”

  He watched their faces light up, grateful to have a good group of girls to take the step in their journey together.

  “Alright, ladies. Next time I see you, it will be on the warm sands of Oahu.” He waved to all ten, and stepped outside, as they were still jumping for joy. His heart felt light and sincerely hoped a new setting would bring out something more in the girls, who were left.

  Allyson and Abbey double-checked their cabin to make sure they got all their belongings.

  “Well, kiddo,” Allyson sighed and fell back on her bunk. “I don’t know about you but this has been a nice change for me.”

  “Miss dad much?” Abbey smiled sadly, and joined her mom, putting her arm around her shoulders.

  “Yeah. This place definitely brought back memories, but … good ones. And, we made some new ones too.”

  “As Kammy and Claire?” Abbey wrinkled her nose and laughed.

  “Yeah. I’m glad to have had that distraction while here. Because around every corner is a reminder of your dad. Did you know right out there …” Allyson pointed out the screen door toward the path that wove through the woods. “… is where I met your dad?”

  “Really?” Abbey jumped up, opened the screen door, and stepped out on the porch. “Over there?” She looked across the campfire pit.

  Allyson joined her daughter, and nodded. She looked to where she first met her Charlie and had to blink twice, because she swore she saw him stepping out from the woods.

  “Look, it’s Chad.” Abbey ran down the steps.

  Allyson smiled wistfully. She should have known. Chad was stepping into Charlie’s shoes in so many ways – even in his confident stride. Her son had grown into a carbon copy of his father in so many ways.

  “Hey ma!” He waved across the lawn to his mom, and drew his sister in for a hug.

  “Come up and help us with our bags.” quickly turned to go inside, wiping a tear from her face. It was so bittersweet to see her sweet husband in her children – a constant reminder of who he was and what she missed most.

  Chad and Abbey bounded up the steps, racing each other inside.

  “Ah! I won!” Abbey shrieked, as Chad picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

  “No, you didn’t little sis.” He laughed and spun her around. “I just let you.”

  “Well, don’t you look handsome?” Allyson took in her son. The afternoons in the Texas sun became him. With his dark skin and Hawaiian shirt, she thought he belonged on the cover of an exotic magazine.

  “Well, I just gave the girls their tickets to Hawaii. I thought I’d dress the part.” He smiled, remembering Anne’s excitement.

  Allyson saw her son’s far away look and knew whom he must have been thinking of.

  “You know … I like her.” She reached up and held his face softly.

  Chad set his squirming sister down next to him and grinned. “Like who?”

  “You know exactly who I’m talking about.” She said with soft confidence. “Anne.”

  Abbey smiled when her brother’s cheeks burned bright red. She punched him in the shoulder and giggled.

  “Chad’s in love,” Abbey sang.

  “I like her too.” He looked to his mom’s warm eyes. It meant a lot that she told him that. “You sure you two can’t come along?”

  Abbey looked expectantly toward her mom. She’d love to go, but knew she needed to stick close to her mother. With the memories of their dad, she knew it hit her mom
harder than she’d like to admit.

  “No,” Allyson said firmly. “It’s time to go home. And Abbey needs to get back to school.”

  “Aw, when will I ever have the chance to go to Hawaii again?” Abbey groaned. “It’s not fair.”

  Chad grinned. “Sooner than you’d think.”

  Abbey spun back around to face her brother, with questioning eyes.

  “When it comes down to the top five. I’d like to invite you both to come back … as you, my family. I’d like to shake it up and see how the girls react.”

  Allyson smiled. She liked that idea. “Maybe.”

  “When will that be?” Abbey squealed. “I’m going to need to get new clothes.”

  “Think you’d be able to come in a few weeks? It would give the show another fun twist.”

  “Let me see how things are back home with my business. I’ve already been here for a month.” Allyson said, worried.

  “Come on mom. You know you’ve got fully capable people in place to take care of the store for one more week. Plus, you’re going home right now to follow up on things. You’ve not taken any time off since dad died. It’s okay to live a little,” he urged, taking his mom’s hands.

  “He’s right.” Abbey stressed. She fully believed in what Chad said, but backed her brother for selfish reasons. She wanted to go to Hawaii.

  Allyson bit her lip, unsure. “Okay.”

  Both her kids yelled in unison, “Yeah!”

  “But only … only, if …” Allyson held up her finger, and said, “If I’m confident with how things have handled while I’ve been gone, and if we don’t have any snafu’s between now and then.”

  Chad knew he’d already won the battle, but said nothing. He just grinned and leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek.

  “Now, get these bags and let’s go,” she ordered, as she left the cabin before more tears escaped. The thought of leaving the camp was tearing her in two, and she didn’t want her kids to see her cry.

  Chapter 23

  Anne was never one for social media, so as the girls scrolled through their smart phones for whatever information they were looking for, she closed her eyes, uninterested.