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“Avery, do you care to comment on anything that happened while we were stuck?” Stella gently took the spotlight from Elizabeth, who could soak up the spotlight for a long time if they let her.
Avery scooted forward in her chair, leaning on her forearms. “To be honest, it was terrifying. When we found out we were stuck…” Her voice trickled off.
Stella could imagine what was going through her head. She’d been there when Avery’s panic attack hit. She’d felt her tremble in her arms. It was too dark to see much of her facial expressions, but the emotions rolling off Avery were enough to take Stella’s breath away, even now.
“It was an experience I’m sure none of us want to repeat anytime soon,” Stella said, giving Avery a moment to collect herself.
Turning back to Quinn, Stella leaned into her space. She knew the camera angle would capture the cut perfectly, helping the narrative along. “Quinn, nothing brings people together like surviving a natural disaster together. Does that make this week's elimination harder?”
Stella felt Quinn reach over and take her hand. She didn’t think it was for the cameras but rather a friend seeking comfort in someone she trusted. Providing a reassuring squeeze, Stella waited while Quinn took in the contestants before her.
“Yes, definitely harder. I’ve had nightmares every night, and it’s helpful to know I can walk anywhere in the house and talk to someone in the same position as me. They know what to say because it was a shared traumatic event. If nothing else, I feel bad taking away someone’s support during this time.”
Stella squeezed her hand again. “That’s kind of you. The show will provide a few months of therapy if that helps any.” She was talking entirely out of her ass but was reasonably confident Neil would comply.
“That would help tremendously, thank you.” Quinn sagged down in the seat.
“There is still the little case of eliminating someone,” Stella nudged.
“Oh, right.” Quinn looked at the four ladies in front of her.
Cameras circled the area, taking in the faces of everyone.
“The first person safe is someone I’ve gone on a few one-on-one dates with. She was fun at first, but as the weeks went on, I started to see another side to her. A kinder side with a dash of humility. The way this person handled the earthquake was helpful, so I now know she’s also great in an emergency.” Quinn paused, allowing the cameras to get different close-ups of the contestants. “Elizabeth, you’re safe.”
When her name was called, Elizabeth squealed and jumped up, launching into Quinn’s startled arms for a hug.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. I know we have a connection, and I am so glad you feel it, too.” Elizabeth peeled herself off of Quinn.
Monica leaned in to whisper in Stella’s ear. Nodding, Stella waited for Elizabeth to crawl out of Quinn’s lap.
“Wait, hold on, Elizabeth,” Stella called to her as she headed out of the room. “For this elimination round, stay in the room until everything is concluded. With fewer people to film, it will be okay for you to stay. We need to do one more take. Everyone, please remember how you reacted.”
Elizabeth settled back in the chair, unable to hold back a giddy grin. It took two other takes before Monica was satisfied with the reactions, but Stella finally gestured for Quinn to go on.
Riley was the next safe person, leaving Avery and Tanya. Stella couldn’t decide which one she preferred. If Avery didn’t make it into the final, she wouldn’t have to worry about the fact that Avery might actually choose Quinn.
On the other hand, she didn’t want to be in the house without Avery. Even though it was torture sometimes to be near her or watch her schmooze with Quinn, she’d rather be in a place with Avery than without her.
For her part, Avery looked relaxed. Very different from the first elimination, where she’d found herself at the bottom. Tanya kept sending eye daggers Avery’s way.
“I have to go with my heart on this last person. Avery, I love the way your mind works. You’re funny when given the time to open up and you care deeply for people. I’ve seen it myself a lot already. Tanya, you’re a joy and light up any room. And finally, someone gave me a run for my money while playing poker.” The group laughed in agreement, breaking some of the tension that was building. Quinn’s eyes took in both of them, but Stella only looked at Avery.
“Who do you choose?” Stella asked in a near whisper. She wanted the pause to last forever, to be suspended in reality of yes and no. Stay or go.
“Tanya…”
Stella closed her eyes, pain lancing through her midsection at the thought of Avery leaving.
“…You’re being eliminated.”
The wound on Stella’s face pulled when her eyes flashed open.
Tanya leaned forward, resting her elbows on her thighs. She turned to Avery. “Did you tell her?” Her question was merely a whisper.
For her part, Avery just shook her head, clearly one of the only people who wasn’t confused at the question.
“What’s she talking about, Avery?” Riley asked.
