Slide 1:First Comes Love – A Barsoomian Bachelor Challenge Day 5


Slide 2:Djor was waiting for them. It was cold, and he could feel the icy bars of the cast iron steps through his jeans, but he didn't care. As soon as Liz and Inga arrived he was going to get some answers. Considering all that had happened in the past week, his mind was unusually blank as he stared across the grounds and into the forest beyond. It was just time to wait, he reasoned. He would have plenty of thinking to do soon enough.


Slide 3:Djor rose as soon as he saw Liz and Inga come around the corner. Since Djor was usually not at all anxious to do his daily interviews, they were taken by surprise to see him waiting for them outside their makeshift office. Inga offered a chipper hello, but neither Djor or her sister were having any of it. With a sigh, she fumbled with the lock on the office door to let them all into the waiting warmth.


Slide 4:As the two sisters removed their sweaters and coats, Djor flopped down and waited. Inga turned round and admonished him for being in her seat, but he was in no mood to be accommodating He stared at her insolently. “Let's just switch things up a little bit, k?” Inga shrugged and took her seat. “That's fine, I guess, Djor. But you could have just asked.” “Well,” he answered while leaning forward, “I just figured it was appropriate since I'm the one who's going to be asking the questions today.”


Slide 5:Inga put on her best smile. “Okay, Djor, but can we please get your interview done first?” When he started to protest, she interrupted him. “Oh, you know it won't take long. And it would makes things so much easier for Liz and me if you would. Please?” What she didn't add was that she wasn't sure if Djor would even stay for the interview if she answered his questions first. This was her safety measure. Djor suspected as much, but only vaguely. It made him uneasy, but he also considered that they'd probably be more open with him if he didn't cause them a lot of trouble first. With that thought, he narrowed his eyes and acted extremely put upon before answering. “Fine.”


Slide 6:Liz stayed out of the conversation, but it was apparent she was still listening. She was apparently surprised at Djor's ready agreement to do the interview first, because her head snapped up from the computer. Inga met her surprised gaze with one of her own. “Really?” Inga's voice almost squeaked with the shock. “Well, let's get started then.”


Slide 7:By the time I walked back inside after talking to you yesterday, my mind was going a mile a minute. Liz's statement that there were answers to my questions, but she couldn't just tell me what they were, had me thinking through a hundred different possibilities. Instead of reminding everyone of what was scheduled, I decided to just wait alone and see who came on their own. Moon was already working out when I came in, so while I soaked and thought things over, I watched her pedal away. When she hopped off and looked back at me, I invited her over. She nodded, but walked straight out of the door instead of over to me. Sometimes her not being able to tell me what in the world she's up to is kind of a pain.


Slide 8:When Moon came back a few minutes later, I realized that she must have gone to change. Wren had already settled in beside me. Now I was just wondering what was taking Beth so long. Maybe she didn't feel like she needed to rush anymore. Then again, I thought, Beth never seemed to feel the need to rush in the first place. I was going to wait for her before I started the conversation I'd been planning, but I wasn't sure if she'd be coming or not, so I decided to just go ahead. “I asked the TV people about the missing memories yesterday.” Moon's was obviously surprised, but Wren just looked thoughtful. “And what did they say?” she asked.


Slide 9:“Basically,” I answered, “they said that there was a reason for it, but they couldn't tell me yet.” Wren thought this over. “Well, that's pretty vague and mysterious.” “I thought you weren't worried about anyone's missing memories.” “I said I was used to strange things happening. I never said I didn't care. Plus, I don't like vague and mysterious non-answers. They're irritating.” “They're supposed to talk to me about it more at interview time tomorrow. I figure they'll try and blow me off again. I'm not sure what I'm going to do after that.” Wren had been addressing both of us, but at that point she turned and gave me her full attention. “Djor, you're being really stupid about this. I think you need to let things alone until after this is over.”


Slide 10:Wren turned back to Moon. “Don't you agree?” Moon closed her eyes for a minute as if she was thinking it over. After a moment, she nodded, and Wren turned back to me. “See? Even the snowflake agrees with me on this one.” As soon as the words were out of Wren's mouth, I turned to look at Moon. For a second I thought she might come across the hot tub at Wren she was so pissed. Wren seemed to notice the same thing. “Whoa, Moon. I was just joking around. Calm down.” Moon leaned back against the tub and quit glaring, but I didn't think she looked much calmer.


Slide 11:I was kind of glad that Beth had chosen that moment to finally arrive. It gave me a chance to change the subject while I got her caught up on the conversation. I ended by asking her opinion. She sank down further into the water as she thought it over. “Well,” she finally began, “I think I agree with Wren and Moon.” She held up her hand when I started to interrupt. “Let me explain. You're under a contract here. We all are. Not to mention that you're here for a specific reason. I think the consequences might be bad if you go poking around and ruining things and generally not living up to your end of the bargain.” I tried to interrupt again, only to get another another look. “I'm not done. You don't have that much longer until this is over and then you can stick your nose wherever you want. Tell me I'm wrong.”


Slide 12:I looked around at the three of them. I really hadn't expected them to disagree with me. Beth had some good points, but I couldn't stand the idea of being involved in something that was so obviously shady. Still, I was at least giving Liz and Inga until tomorrow to give me some answers. Maybe opinions would change after I got some more information. So instead of arguing, I announced that I was hungry and left to go eat.


Slide 13:We all began eating a short time later. As I shoved a forkful of lettuce into my mouth, I began to realize that everyone was looking at me like they were expecting something. I swallowed a mouthful and looked around the table. “What?” Beth was the first to answer. “We were just wondering if you have anything else to say. It's not like you to just give up on an argument like that.” “Oh, that. Just didn't want to talk about it anymore. I've got other things on my mind, too.”


Slide 14:Wren leaned in closer. “Like what? Anything we should know about?” “Kissing dates later,” I mumbled. I had taken another bite, so I had a good reason to mumble, even if it wasn't the only reason. The idea of kissing dates one right after the other was disturbing enough, much less having to discuss it before hand.


Slide 15:Mumbling wasn't enough, I suppose. Everyone stared at me just a little more: Moon seemed a little concerned, Wren was cracking a smile, and suddenly Beth was standing to leave. “Where are you going?” “I'm not going anywhere. I finished my jello and now I'm going back for salad.” “Do you always eat desert first?” “It's a small pleasure, but I enjoy it when I can.”


Slide 16:Wren wasn't going to be distracted. “Let's get back to our previous subject, shall we?” “I said I don't want to talk about the memory stuff again right now. I'm dropping it until after I talk to Liz and Inga tomorrow.” Wren's mouth quirked into a smile again. “I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about the kissing dates.” A piece of cucumber slide down my throat the wrong way and sent me into a coughing fit. Wren lifter her eyebrows. “Does it make you that uncomfortable?” “No,” I stated quickly, “and yes.”


Slide 17:“Look, this isn't actually normal dating stuff for any of us. And so I feel like I should get a free pass on some other normal dating stuff.” Wren rose to the challenge. “Oh yeah? Like what?” “Like having to endlessly discuss my feelings about every little thing. And having to worry about saying something to make one of you jealous--when you all know what's happening with everyone else.”


Slide 18:Wren set down her fork. “I see. So it's all about what you want, then is it?” “No, Wren, don't get your panties in a twist. Here's the long explanation if that's what you want.” I stood up to leave as I was talking. “I like all three of you a lot. I also like to think that whatever I say and do with each of you is personal. It's hard enough to keep it that way when we're forced to do this like we're on a damn assembly line. But sitting around and discussing it like it's a schedule for who cleans the kitchen makes it almost impossible.” I paused for breath and gathered my empty plate. “ What I'm saying is that I'm uncomfortable with talking about our personal dates as a group and I'd like you to respect that.” The dining room was silent. “I'm going to get dressed now. I'll see you all in a little while. And you can decide who comes first. I'll be in the den.”


Slide 19:And that's exactly where I was when Moon found me. I watched her chew on her finger the entire time she crossed the room toward me. It was pretty obvious that she was even avoiding looking in my direction.


Slide 20:I stood up to meet her when she finally stopped in front of me. “Don't tell me you're nervous, baby. After all the times you've kissed me already?” She smiled a little when my hand touched her cheek, but she still shrugged. “Different,” her lips said. “Yeah, it is different this time. Because you're not surprising me and you're not the one in control. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this.” Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink.


Slide 21:I hadn't lied to her. I had been waiting for this for a long time. Maybe since I first saw her. This time there wasn't the surprise of the first time we'd kissed, but there was something else there to replace it, something deeper. I'm not good about putting stuff like that into words. All I know was that I couldn't get enough of her.


Slide 22:Since that had to be enough, however, I sat myself back down to wait for whoever was next. Moon had hardly been gone when Beth came up behind me. “Are you okay?” The sound of her voice made me jump a mile. I hadn't even heard her walk into the room.


Slide 23:I stood as she came around to face me. “I'm fine.” Beth was skeptical “You didn't look fine just now.” I looked away from her for a minute. “I just don't like the way I have to do this. I didn't realize how,” I searched for the right word, “cheap it would make everything feel.” “I understand. I think maybe this is harder on you than it is on us. In some ways,” she added after a moment. “Yeah, maybe,” I agreed. “You always seem to understand. I'm really glad you're here.”


Slide 24:That was as good a moment as any to kiss her. This might have been our first kiss together, but there was nothing uncomfortable or timid about it. Beth, I think, gives as good as she gets in everything, and that includes kissing.


Slide 25:Wren, I didn't fail to notice, didn't come over to me. Instead she came into the room and waited for me to come to her. I decided I could play along, in my own way. She like to call me out, so I figured I could return the favor.


Slide 26:“Are you trying to make a point or did you decide to play a bit of a game with me?” At least she didn't deny it. “Maybe a little of both.” “You know Wren, I've been trying to be on my very best behavior this week, but that doesn't mean I don't know how the games work.” “I was just a little bit of a game. You don't have to get so worked up about it.” “But you like getting me worked up don't you?” Wren leaned into me. “You know I do.”


Slide 27:I put everything I had into kissing Wren at that moment. And she seemed to be doing the same for me. For a minute it was almost like we were trying to prove something to each other. Suddenly, something changed and the kiss was less of a battle and lot more of just a very hot kiss.


Slide 28:I could be cute and say that I needed a cold shower after all that, but really, I was just hungry again. I ate in silence for a while until I suddenly realized that I was stuffing myself. As soon as I decided that I wasn't going to take another bite, Moon was beside me clearing my plate. I started to tell her that she didn't need to, but I know she's a lot like me in that way, so I just kept quiet as she walked into the kitchen. I guess she was washing up other dishes too because she didn't come out for the longest time. I just sat and enjoyed the silence. I wasn't exactly waiting on her, but I just didn't really want to be anywhere else.


Slide 29:When Moon came out of the kitchen and noticed me still sitting, she immediately walked over and pulled me out of my seat. I was expecting another kiss, to be honest, so when she started balling up her fists and tapping my shoulder, I had to laugh.


Slide 30:I guess I got a little too in to it after that. She glared at me as she rubbed the shoulder I'd probably just bruised. For someone who's supposed to be so nice, she sure does have a temper. “Crap. I'm sorry, Moon. I didn't mean to hurt you.”


Slide 31:When she rolled her eyes at me, I moved behind her. “I'm serious. Let me make it up to you.” I didn't say anything to her while I rubbed away at her shoulders.


Slide 32:Eventually she spun around and pulled me into another dance.


Slide 33:This time she didn't catch me off guard when she leaned me back and kissed me. Suddenly I realized what all of the dancing was about.


Slide 34:As we stood up I motioned for her to come a little closer. “Let me tell you a secret.” Moon leaned in and I brushed my lips against her ear as I whispered, “You don't have to pull me into a dance every time you want to kiss me.”


Slide 35:“All you have to do is this.”


Slide 36:The next morning, there were a lot of things that should have been on my mind. The upcoming elimination, for one. Or the flirting I was supposed to be doing that morning. But all I could think about was getting some answers to my questions. I was in the middle of something that I didn't understand at all—and I didn't like the feeling. I trusted my gut on this one. I had the same feeling about Llana's boyfriend and it turns out I was completely right about that. I shivered at the memory. I sincerely hoped I wasn't involved in something that serious.


Slide 37:Honestly, I just wanted to get the flirting over with. So that's what I did. Not that I didn't have a little fun with it. I was way past being charming that morning, so I decided to just go for broke and played a lot of grab-ass. I did my best to at least be a little charming afterwards though. It was probably the most fun flirting I'd had since I'd gotten here.


Slide 38:Contractual obligations complete, I had nothing left to do but wait for noon. I needed to get off by myself to think some things over before then, but it was early yet, so I joined Wren and Beth for a game of pool.


Slide 39:I watched my latest shot go wide of the pocket I was aiming at. This was pointless. Not only was I missing every other shot because my head wasn't in the game, everyone else seemed just as tense. Moon had been staring at the wall the entire time. And beyond calling their shots, Beth and Wren had been just as silent.


Slide 40:“I really can't take much more of this,” I muttered to no one in particular. Beth's eyes never left the table as she answered me. “It's worse for us, you know.” I looked at her quickly before turning back to the game. “Never said it wasn't.” Beth studied the table for a minute before calling the three ball in the corner pocket. She missed.


Slide 41:Wren looked across the table at both of us. “This is the definitely the worst game of pool I've ever been involved in. Is it noon yet? I'd like to get this over with.” “Take your shot,” I told her. “We've still got an hour yet.” Wren aimed, sunk her ball in the intended pocket, repeated the process and then finally missed again. It was the longest run any of us had at that point. “Well, why don't we just go ahead and do it? What difference does an hour make? At least we won't all be on pins and needles anymore.” I rolled my eyes at her while I sized up my next shot. “I'm serious. Go get the stupid rose and we'll meet you in the foyer. We're all here and ready.”


Slide 42:“Fifteen, corner pocket. Because I still need some time to think. If we'd ever finish this game, I'm going to go somewhere quiet for a while.” “Besides,” I continued after sinking my shot, “I'm not doing the stupid rose thing. I've been jumping through their damn hoops all week. I'm done with it. Whoever I'm sending home today—I'll just come find her when I'm done thinking. I'm not going to make a show of it. Not today.” I thought for a second. “And not tomorrow either.” “It's your show,” Beth chimed in, “but whatever you're going to do, I think we'd all be happier if you'd just go get it over with.” I hung my head a little as I put away the cue. “Fine. I'm going outside to think. I'll come find one of you when I'm done.”


Slide 43:“He didn't make it very far did he?” I heard Wren's comment to Beth from across the room. It was no wonder—she wasn't even trying to hide that she was talking about me.


Slide 44:I left Moon standing. “Damnit, Wren. I'm getting tired of you laying into me. I'm not doing anything that I'm not supposed to do. I'm spending time with each of you. What more do you want from me?” I was shouting by the time I finished.


Slide 45:“Oh, ho, ho. Are you seriously claiming that you have spen t just as much time with me and Beth as you have with Moon?” When I hesitated, she crossed her arms. “Yeah, I didn't think so.” A bunch of responses flooded through my head all at once. The fact that nothing was stopping her from coming to me herself was my first and best one. But as I watched her glare at me, I realized something. “I don't have time for this crap, Wren.” With that, I left the room.


Slide 46:After leaving the girls in the game room, I grabbed my sweater and jacket. As cold as it was, I figured that I'd be the only one stupid enough to sit outside in it. Not that I figured anyone would be following me right now. And I couldn't blame them. This situation was starting to get to me. Well, it was pretty obvious that it was starting to get to all of us. I didn't know exactly what Wren's problem was, I thought, but I figured that a lot of it had to do with having a short temper in a place designed to create drama. That's was my problem, anyway, and Wren and I were a lot alike. I tried to put Wren's outburst out of my head so that I could consider my situation rationally. I stayed outside long enough for the snow on the bench to start soaking through my jeans and biting into my skin. Finally, I decided that enough was enough.


Slide 47:By the time, I was done thinking, it was almost noon anyway. I guess I wasn't breaking the rules as much as I thought I would. The thought disappointed me. I was sick and tired of feeling like a puppet on a string. Still, I considered, just one tough conversation to get through, and then I'd be able to get the answers I needed. With that thought pushing me forward, I went to find the girl I was sending home.


Slide 48:I found Beth outside shivering and blowing on her hands to warm them up. “Are you cold?” I asked. “We could go inside to talk.”


Slide 49:I guess she didn't here me come outside, because it wasn't until she heard my voice that her body stiffened. I watched her close her eyes and take a deep breath. “This means what I think it means, doesn't it?” I knew that I was only doing what I had to do, but I still felt like a jerk at that moment. “Yeah, Beth, it does. I'm sorry.”


Slide 50:“Beth, I like you. A lot, actually. It's just that--” “Please don't do that, Djor,” Beth said as she shied away from me. “I really, really don't want to hear the explanation.” “Well, hell, Beth. What am I supposed to say, then?”


Slide 51:“You don't have to explain, that's all. We both knew it might come to this. All I'm saying is that I know why you're sending me home today. I don't need to hear the words. That will just make it worse, honestly.” “I'm not good with stuff like this. I had a speech prepared. Since that's screwed up, I really don't know what to say.” Beth sighed. “You don't have to say anything. Just do me a favor.” I met her eyes for the first time since I'd walked outside. “What?” “Make some kind of excuse for me to those TV people. I just really don't feel like doing an interview with them right now.” “I can do that. No problem.” “Good. Thank you. I'm going to go inside and say goodbye to Wren and Moon. Good luck, Djor.”


Slide 52:“Alright,” Djor ended his story abruptly. “That's it. Now it's time for you to explain yourself.”


Slide 53:Inga's gazed lingered on Djor for a moment. “Wouldn't you like to discuss Beth leaving, and you're reasons behind sending her home?” Instead of answering, Djor narrowed his eyes and crossed him arms defiantly, causing Inga to sigh heavily. “Fine. I have a prepared statement. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't interrupt me.” Carefully, she pulled a sheet of paper from her pocket and unfolded it. “The producer and creator of the First Comes Love Bachelor Challenge appreciates the thought you are giving to the background of those who have been chosen to join you on the show. Such care shows that you are not only intelligent, but also wanting to give much thought to choosing the person you will be marrying soon. That is an admirable quality and shows that the show's recruiters chose well. Please rest assured that any memory loss on the part of the contestants is merely a side-effect of the efforts taken to bring such a diverse group of women to the show. It is in no way dangerous to them and in some cases may even be beneficial. Thank you again for your concern.”


Slide 54:“So in other words, you're kissing my ass and telling me to mind my own business at the same time.” Inga was taken aback. “Well, no, Djor, of course not.” Djor rose in a fit of anger. “Oh, come on, Inga. I was in politics before I came here. I know bullshit when I hear it. Is that all you have to say? That stupid statement is it?”


Slide 55:“Djor, I'm sorry. I want to help you, but honestly, I can't. Please just calm down. It really is nothing to worry about.” “You know what, Inga? That's not good enough.” He paused to point at her. “Because I don't trust you.” Turning to point his finger at Liz, he added, “Or her. Or whoever is behind this show.”


Slide 56:Stopping before he opened the door to leave, he looked back at Inga. She was staring straight ahead and stoically refusing to look over at him. “This isn't over yet,” he said coldly, “not by a long shot.”


Slide 57:After the door slammed behind him, Inga moved over to stand beside her sister. She was smiling, but only half-heartedly. Compared to her usual exuberance, she seemed almost dejected. “Mom's making a big mistake.” Liz nodded slightly. “Maybe. Probably. Or maybe she knows something we don't.” Fiddling with a strand of hair, Inga glanced at the daily scores on the computer screen. “We have an angry bachelor, contestants refusing to do interviews, and another whole day of the show to get through before it's all over. I just hope it doesn't get any worse. Mom owes us so big.” Moon: 100 / 100 = 200 (best friends, both in love) Wren: 100 / 63 = 163 (best friends, double crush) Beth: 100 / 53 = 153 (best friends, Beth in crush) Meanwhile ---->


Slide 58:At a large cabin just a short drive from the bachelor's house, Liv was yelling down the stairs in alarm. “Trini!” she called, “Did I just hear a cab outside?”


Slide 59:From her lookout point in the front room, Citrine stared out of the window for a few moments before replying. “Yes!” She winced as her voiced bounced back at her. “But as far as I saw, it's just Beth. No Liz or Inga.”


Slide 60:With that news in mind, Liv burst through the door to a previously locked bedroom. “Alright, girls, we've got a little time, but Beth's here. Liz and Inga won't be far behind. Let's move.”


Slide 61:Instead of jumping up and hurrying as Liv suggested, Abby calmly closed the drawers she'd been rifling through and smiled to herself.


Slide 62:Rosemary lifted herself off the floor and glanced over her shoulder. “If only Miss Bookacy is coming, is there any need to shout at us? I nearly knocked my head against the bed frame, you startled me so.” After issuing that admonishment, Rosemary grabbed the item she'd been delighted to find hiding under the bed, She pulled herself off of the floor and brushed at her clothes to remove the dust.


Slide 63:Liv looked at the smiles on the two women as they turned to follow her out of the bedroom. She smiled back in response. “So you found something then.” “It would seem so, yes. Miss Simpleton and I found some disks. She advises me that they are information storage devices and may contain the answers we were looking for.” Liv pumped her fist in excitement. “Okay, but we still need to get out of here before they get back. Is everything else back the way it was?” Abby looked around the room. “Of course it is. Rosie and I are cut out for this kind of thing.”


Slide 64:Beth had walked through the front door as the women upstairs were talking. Citrine pulled her into a hug. The two had become close in the short time before Citrine left and she was glad to see her friend again, although she realized that Beth was probably not as happy to be there. “Oh, Beth. Are you okay? It must be hard to have come this far.” “I'm okay, Trini, really. I just need a hot bath and maybe some lunch. I'm starving.”


Slide 65:When Trini began asking about what happened, Beth stopped her. “Let's talk about that later, okay? Give me a chance to settle in. Besides, what's to talk about? It's pretty obvious what happened, now isn't it?” Beth stopped and looked at her friend. It was painfully obvious that Trini had stopped paying her much attention. She was looking right past her.


Slide 66:Beth turned around to see Abby pulling Rosemary into an impromptu high five and Liv grinning like mad. She crossed her arms while she took in the scene. “So why do you look like the cat that just ate the canary?” Liv giggled. “Because I was just thinking about something pretty funny, actually.” “Okay, I'll bite. What?” “I was just thinking, you see, that it was an incredibly bad idea to put four intelligent women in a house, one who's going be a reporter, another who's preparing to open her own private investigation service, and leave them with nothing much to do but find information you don't want them to have.”