The Riddle: Episode VII

[Host Kyle]

Survivor Holidays: All Stars
Episode VII
“The Riddle”

Saint Patrick’s Day: Christopher, JoJo

Independence Day: Missie

Halloween: Ashley, Isaac, Jake, Jon

Valentine’s Day: Beth, Elisabeth, Jenne, Kyle, Taylor

Jake Erickson sat quietly as others moved to grab their torches and gather their things. Drew Herlitz had just walked over the footbridge and into the darkness. Jake heaved a sigh and looked down at the ground. Of course Drew had not left happy, as should be expected. But Jake felt a pang of remorse.

“Well, Drew is gone, and it seems he wasn't...exactly happy about it. Before Tribal Council, he started fighting with me and asking if I was voting for him...I told him I was, which you would think would satisfy him, but I guess not. He whispered a nice “screw you” to me and walked away without another word.” – Jake

As Jake slowly arose and looked off into the darkness where Drew had gone, he was filled with a sudden indignance and new resolve. He had played safely and his own way. Who could take that away from him?

“If he wanted to really shake me up, I guess it worked. I've thought awhile, and it's really sort of disturbing that someone could get that involved in this game. Yes, I told him that I wouldn't vote for him, but things change. I lied and backstabbed him - but what's new? Honestly, you'd think he would have learned after I voted him out twice in Halloween, but some people never learn I guess.

I really did feel bad for while, but...I guess I need to move on. Drew is a nice guy, but I knew he didn't stand with me in this game. He might not have done the same thing to me, but in the end, I was not in Drew's plans. I was not ever going to be in the Final 2 with Drew. That's the way things work out.” – Jake

And with that, Jake decided he would harbor no more guilt. He had played smart and would continue to play smart until he found himself in the finals. No one was going to take that away from him. No one.

While Jake was mulling his actions over, Christopher Collins lit out of the tribal council as quickly as possible, still upset, still fuming, still wondering what had gone on with all the lies and drama between Missie and Taylor and Jenne and everyone else seemingly.

He kicked sand toward the beach once he reached the pier and stood staring off into the dark abyss. What kind of allies had he involved himself with? They were supposed to be much smoother than this if they wanted to work with him. And even worse than that, what was going on with Jenne, the one person outside of JoJo Treadwell he was supposed to be able to trust no matter what?

One thing was for sure, Jenne was not going to let the night pass without making her feelings known.
Christopher shook his head and sighed as he stared out over the water.

“Well...I expect I will be hearing from some very angry people pretty soon. Jenne, for one.

I voted Drew, in spite of Jenne's wishes to vote for Missie. After the lies from Jenne, Taylor & Beth...I simply couldn't vote for Missie. It wasn't what I wanted to do, and I wasn't going to just roll over because they want her gone.

Both Missie & Kyle deserve jury, in my opinion. No offense to Drew...but how can we keep the Drew's, Jon's & Ashley's around while we vote out Missie & Kyle? It just doesn't make sense to me.

And I won't be bullied. Not at the last vote, and not at the next one either. My vote is my vote, and that is how it will always be...” – Christopher

Not only Jenne, but there were other things he knew he would have to contend with in the days to come. The announcement of Kyle’s selection for new challenge teams had raised many an eyebrow across the board. Stacked was all that came to Chrisotpher’s mind. In what little time Kyle had had in throwing out names to Karen, he had stacked those teams for easy boots.

“I am a little worried about the Teams that Kyle set up for the Immunity Challenge. They make me VERY nervous.

For one thing, Kyle's team has Jenne, Jojo, Missie & Isaac. Five really strong, smart people. I just don't see how my team can hold our own against them.

The other thing that makes me nervous is that I see a VERY scary pattern in the set up of both teams.

Clearly, if Kyle's team loses Immunity, they will go for Jenne. Because Kyle's team is all of Kyle's "people", along with Jojo (who he wants to work with) and Jenne.

And my team? My team is all of my people, along with Ashley. And I have to give Kyle credit - Ashley has major sympathy points going right now - with me, in particular. If our side lost, Kyle put the one person from his group over here that we would likely not boot.

Because she is going through a tough time...

This one is going to get ugly. I can see it already.” – Christopher

Whatever the case, Christopher would not give up. In fact, he would still make it all the way to the end. The path just wasn’t seeming as straight and wide. He was going to have to maneuver.

But first things first. It was time to get to the bottom of Jenne’s and Taylor’s dramas. One way or the other, he would figure it out.

Beth Sowles caught up with Kyle Adams on the beach, Kyle feeling much better than he had in days.

Beth: A ten to three vote?

Kyle turned to look at her.

Kyle: Did you not even vote for Jon?

Beth: I voted out Drew. I told you I would.

Smiling at her, Kyle reached out and reeled her in to a side hug. At least it seemed that he might have overcome his stalemate with his supposed final two partner.

Beth: Things are so ugly, Kyle. I just want my friends. I don’t care about this game; I care more about my friends.

Kyle: What has gotten ugly?

Beth shrugged.

Beth: Just the way people are going about stuff. I mean, why be mean and rub people’s faces in things?

Nodding Kyle looked ahead.

Kyle: Who’s rubbing people’s faces in stuff?

Beth: Jenne.

Kyle: What did she do?

Beth: Was mean to Jon unnecessarily. And I have no clue about what’s going around that evidently Taylor lied to Missie. Or Missie lied to Chris about Taylor. I don’t get it, and I don’t want to.

Kyle shook his head quickly.

Kyle: Nope! Not touching that with a ten-foot pole!

And he seriously wanted to stay out of it. For the first time in the game it seemed that he wasn’t high in the drama around camp, and it felt good to be of a lower profile. He figured he would let the others battle it out and let them fight amongst each other.

Beth would enjoy the same, but a nagging part of her wanted to be involved on all sides to keep herself high on all of her friends priorities. While she was grateful for an opportunity to lose Jenne without soiling her hands, she wanted to remain in Jenne’s grace. If things didn’t work out as Kyle had hoped, Beth wanted to fall back into the security of Jenne and Taylor.

Beth found Jenne just arriving at her hut that evening after the council and moved upon her for a tight embrace. Jenne giggled and returned the hug.

Jenne: Don’t knock me down, stuff just might ooze out of my brain.

Beth: My brain is already empty. Join my fun!

Jenne: I’m not seeing straight!

Beth laughed.

Beth: Good!

Jenne: You just want me dizzy so you can feel me up!

Beth: Well, duh! Though, I’d feel you up anyway!

They laughed together for a moment, and Jenne grew quiet as she slung her bag over one shoulder and headed for her hut.

Beth: How are you holding up, babycakes?

Jenne sighed and shrugged.

Jenne: I’m doing ok. I feel bad ‘cause I know Drew went ‘cause of me, and I blame Taylor and myself. If Taylor hadn’t told me Missie wanted me gone, I wouldn’t have wanted her gone. If we’d just stuck to Jon, none of the drama would’ve happened. I really do feel responsible for Drew; he went, and it’s all my fault. I sorta feel crappy about that.

Beth: I don’t think it was really your fault, hun. I mean ten votes against him? Not your fault at all.

But Jenne couldn’t be made to feel better. The damage had been done. She went inside with Beth, closing the door behind her.

Jenne: My heart is not in this anymore, though. Everything got so distorted. I tried to make things right with Kyle today. After his caption thing, I just felt ridiculous. I apologized for my part in things and truly wanted to make it right. I didn’t want to wait till this game was over; I thought it was too long. I don’t know if he thought I was being sincere or just…I dunno.

She sighed in defeat and sunk down in a chair.

Jenne: I just wanted to make things right. You know how I get. I’m all sensitive.

Beth: He loves you. This I do know. Did he reach back?

Jenne: He did…sorta. I don’t know if he meant it like I did.

Beth nodded then looked down. A silence fell over them, and she bit her lip before she continued on. Jenne had already been emotional that evening and asking the question of the day was most likely not the best route to take.

But Beth had to know. So she prodded anyway.

Beth: If I ask you something straight out, you won’t get mad?

Jenne: Please do.

Beth: This is an awful thing to ask you…

Jenne cocked her head as Beth hesitated.

Beth: Were you setting up Ryan and Kyle at all?

At that Jenne gaped and stood to her feet.

Jenne: Beth? What is going on?

Beth: Things just feel…weird to me. And I love you too much.

Jenne paced distraughtly.

Jenne: Oh my gosh, I don’t understand why everyone thinks that all of a sudden! JoJo asked me that! Beth, you are the one person in this game I tell everything to! You seriously know everything I’ve done!

Jenne paused in midsentence, and it hit her what might be going on.

Jenne: I think they are trying to turn everyone against me! You, Chris, JoJo….all asked me the same thing! I’m being set up, Beth! Honestly, every li’l thing I’ve done I’ve told you about! I never told Ryan Chris started rumors! Ryan made that up as an excuse for why he was targeting Chris!

Beth groaned and rubbed her face before standing to face Jenne.

Beth: Oh, Jenne…I’m a complete idiot! I doubted you! I’m so sorry!

Jenne: How could you ever doubt me, Beth? You know I stand by my friends!

Beth: I know! I’m an idiot! A complete and total idiot!

Jenne: They—whoever they are—managed to turn my friends against me! They are good, I’ll give them that. But this feels really crappy!

Beth: Jenne, I’m so sorry. I feel lower than a snake’s belly. I should never ever doubt you, and I know that!

Jenne shook her head.

Jenne: Why should you feel bad? They got to you. They seem to have gotten to everyone.

Beth: I know, and I should know better! I should! I love you, and I know you! I’m stupid…I’m a stupid, stupid girl!

Beth paced for a moment before sitting down. Jenne eyed her curiously in all of her groveling.

Beth: I don’t blame you if you hate me.

Jenne: Beth, you didn’t do anything wrong. You just got sucked into lies…we all have in this game. If they can turn you on me and have Chris and JoJo questioning me, then they are more powerful than I ever gave them credit.

Beth: I want the four of us to talk soon. Oh, Jenne, I love you…please know that!

Jenne put her hands on her hips and studied Beth for a moment.

Jenne: I know, Beth. Why are you reacting so much? So you doubted me. You still came to me right away.

Beth: I just feel so bad.

Jenne: Well, we cleared it up. I’ve told you everything I’ve done. Missie had all kinds of false info going around about me because she was told I was gung ho Valentine’s Day—which is funny. Both Kyle and Ryan told me that Valentine’s Day needed to stick together. They also told Missie I was aligning with everyone. I’m glad I talked to her today.

So Jenne cleared the air with Beth, or so she thought. And Beth Sowles did leave her hut that evening with a clearer understanding of what had been going on—or so she thought. Jenne wasn’t feeling too social that evening so she declined Beth’s invitation to head up to the main resort for a drink.

Meanwhile, after taking a while to breathe and think, Christopher sought Kyle out to give him a heads up on the dynamics thus far and to prod a bit into Kyle’s strategy. Jumping to side with him against Jenne’s actions had seemed like a safe option at the beginning of tribal council, but once Drew left and teams Kyle had chosen were revealed, Christopher wasn’t sure anymore. Those teams seemed very strategically placed, and not for Christopher’s benefit.

Christopher: Obviously, JoJo and I flipped. It just started all coming out, and you were right about some things. Now I wonder if Ryan wasn’t set up.

Kyle: I know he was…just like last time.

Christopher: I’m just very, very happy now, and I feel bad for Drew.

Kyle: I felt bad for him too, but he put all his eggs in one basket.

Christopher looked off toward the huts tragically.

Christopher: Taylor and Jenne are tight, Kyle. They apparently made up pre-game.

Kyle: I knew this.

Christopher: You need not tell a soul.

Kyle waved him off.

Kyle: I knew all of this. That’s why I haven’t trusted Jenne from the get-go.

Christopher: I caught Taylor lying about Missie, trying to set her up while Jenne was trying to force me to vote Missie. I don’t do “forced” very well. Bunch of pieces just came together, so I wanted you to know.

Kyle: Thing about Ryan…Jenne told me before Tenzil was booted that she was going to make an alliance with him. I knew then what was going to happen.

Christopher: I’m just floored. I just don’t even know her in this game! This is not the person I know.

Kyle: I hurt the most for Taylor.

Christopher paused and looked at him.

Christopher: Why?

Kyle: Because she does this to him! Strings him along, drops him for petty crap, picks up friendship again before a game…

Christopher considered it for a moment.

Christopher: I see. I think I am just having a hard time seeing past him lying to me about Missie tonight. It just kind of grosses me out. Most of us know each other in one way or another; I didn’t think it was being played that way.

Kyle: The whole thing about this…this game just started with a lot of assumptions involving me. That I was going to be loyal Kyle with Tenzil and Taylor and Jenne and Beth and add Christopher, we were going to slide easily to the end.

Christopher: I don’t think that is true. I was never in that alliance. In fact, I spent the early part of the game cussing Taylor out.

Kyle: I never thought you assumed it, but I know they did. It was talked about all summer.

Christopher: Really?

Kyle: Yes, and I didn’t want to play that way.

Christopher studied him for a moment.

Christopher: Well, me either. As you know, I tried to vote out Tenzil twice.

Kyle: Pretty much, Tenzil and Jenne were supposed to be flies on the wall to help us through this game, which I knew wasn’t going to happen. Tenzil’s not passive enough, and when I found out on day one that Taylor and Jenne had secretly made up…my trust was gone.

Christopher: There is no reason they needed to lie to me.

Kyle: Or me either. I wasn’t against them, had no finals with them. Do you want to know when angry Kyle entered this game? Angry Kyle entered number one when I found out Taylor and Jenne had lied to me already, and number two when Taylor started telling me who to cut ties with and how to play the game and not to be pushy…

Christopher: That happened to me tonight.

Kyle: Basically Jenne was the vantriliquist.

Christopher: Yes, that is becoming clear now, I have to tell you. I know you may not like this because I know you have a soft spot for him, but if my team loses, I might vote off Taylor.

Kyle paused for a moment. It was not something he wanted to hear, but the way things were going, he knew it would make the game a lot easier.

Kyle: Christopher, do what you need to do.

Christopher: I really don’t appreciate him stooping and lying about someone to get them out.

Kyle: I do have a soft spot for Taylor, but I will not interfere.

Christopher: I will have to sleep on this. But I don’t see how my immunity team will win thanks to you.

He winked playfully at Kyle.

Kyle: That’s not so. We have equal chance.

Christopher: Are you kidding me?

Kyle: For real, I think it’s equal, but I think I’m going to head to bed. I’ve had enough excitement for the day.

Christopher extended his hand which Kyle took gratefully.

Christopher: Thank you for listening.

Kyle: Thank you for trusting me again.

And as Kyle left him, Christopher couldn’t help but to wonder after him. Just what was Kyle up to? Sometimes Christopher trusted him and sometimes he didn’t. The whole immunity team selection just baffled him, and he couldn’t help but feel he was being led to a slaughter.

But Kyle was feeling better than he had since Jamie and Angie left. It seemed to him that people were beginning to realize what he thought was going on behind the scenes.

“Last night was huge. Eyes were opened, things were laid out on the table--I swear it was a buffet, and some people ended their game, I think. But you know what? It was a long time in coming. I think Jenne just finally wore herself thin. All I can say for Jenne right now is she lost her power when Tenzil was gone and came unglued, and it's been down hill from there. I was almost sick at my stomach when she came to me, fawning over my Texas accent, remembering days when we used to flirt and laugh...

*Beautiful Dreamer playing softly in the background*

I went along with her, but I knew exactly where she was headed. I said from day 1 of this game that I will stand my ground and not be swayed. I have made my decision where I stand and nothing is going to sway that. I don't hate Jenne. I don't even dislike her. I don't like what she's doing, and I DON'T like what she's doing to Taylor; therefore I am not supporting her in this game. I never promised I would in the first place. There were many assumptions about me coming in.

I think pretty positively that whatever team loses this next challenge, Taylor or Jenne will be going. Does it make me sad? Eh....for Taylor a little, but they both dug their own graves. I don't know what Taylor was thinking getting wrapped up in all that again. You just gotta use a little discretion sometimes.” – Kyle

When Beth left Jenne’s hut, the first person she stumbled upon was Christopher, and she greeted him with a smile.

Christopher: What’s up, kiddo?

Beth: Ten to three!

Christopher nodded.

Christopher: I know, I almost feel bad for the kid.

Beth: He paid the price for Jenne.

Christopher: It was just you and Taylor and Jenne, right?

Beth: I voted out Drew.

He nodded slightly, narrowing his eyes.

Christopher: Must’ve been Lizzie then.

Beth: Probably Lizzie. I let Tay and Jenne think I was voting Jon, though. Jenne gonna be unhappy, me thinks.

Christopher shrugged.

Christopher: She’ll get over it. I have to tell you, though. We may have jumped too soon. Did you notice how immunity teams were stacked? You, me, Jake, Ashley, Taylor, and Lizzie. Nobody wants to vote Ashley out now.

Beth: Given those choices I would.

Christopher: Yes, well, me too! But will everyone? I mean, Beth…I dig Kyle, I dig Missie. But I have no clue where we fit into their plans, ya know?

Beth: I know, but I also know that Kyle and Missie both think that you and I are honest. I think Ashley would go. Kyle has indicated that that’s who he would vote out.

Christopher: I hope so. I’d rather not see us lose Lizzie.

Beth: Kyle told me that he put an easy vote on each team. Jon on theirs and Lizzie on ours.

Christopher: Or Jenne on theirs depending on how they’re feeling. I doubt he picked Jenne to keep her safe.

Beth glanced at Jenne’s hut minutely before turning back to Christopher.

Beth: What if I misjudged Jenne?

Christopher wrinkled his brow as he looked at her.

Christopher: What do you mean?

[Host Kyle]

Beth: Jenne has told me that she tells me everything she’s done in this game and that the others are trying to turn everyone against her.

Christopher: Well, that scares me, then.

Beth: Me too!

Christopher looked at her sternly—to the point that Beth took a step back.

Christopher: Please tell me this all isn’t coming from somewhere else.

Beth: I honestly took everything I was given, and it wasn’t adding up. It all started with Jenne. Chris, I feel awful.

Christopher shook his head with a sigh, and turned to go.

Christopher: Keep me in the loop. I’ve got things to do.

And he walked away, though not far away. He wasn’t finished with his investigation that evening, but he was finished with Beth Sowles.

After a while of thinking and crying and wondering just how long she had left at All Star Island, Jenne ventured over to the main resort despite the late hour of the night. A good stiff drink sounded very good for a night that threatened sleeplessness. She wanted to go alone, keeping to herself, and even when she crossed paths with JoJo on the way, she groaned.

She didn’t want to see anyone.

JoJo: Wanna talk?

Actually she didn’t, but Jenne shrugged and walked on in silence. JoJo fell into step with her and walked a good ways without a single word passing between them.

Finally Jenne looked up at her.

Jenne: Do you know how much it hurts to have someone you love tell you they are disappointed in you?

JoJo sighed and put an arm over her shoulder as they walked.

JoJo: Jenne…Jenne…you told me this in the beginning…this is a game. You have real friendships with many of these people! They aren’t going to change!

Jenne: I tried to make up with Kyle today, way before any of this.

JoJo: Hell, Kyle himself keeps saying outside of this game Jenne will always be his friend!

Jenne: I didn’t want this game to come between us.

JoJo: You have your friends. Game or no game, the friendship is real.

Jenne: I play for my friends. That’s how I play!

JoJo: Game is yours to play! The friends are there no matter what!

Jenne: No reason to play if not with my friends.

They walked on in silence again, and JoJo knew well that Jenne wanted to be by herself.

JoJo: You need some time alone?

Jenne: Yeah, I’m sorry.

JoJo: Don’t cry, Jenne.

It was too late for that. Just when Jenne thought she had cried her last tear, they kept coming. JoJo finally released her and watched her walk away in the distance.

However when Jenne reached the bar, she found she was still not alone. Christopher was there waiting, and for a moment she considered turning around and going back to her room for the night. When they locked eyes, she knew she was obligated.

Christopher arose at once and approached her.

Christopher: I’m wondering if you feel like telling me what is going on?

She bristled momentarily then dried her eyes quickly as she stood up to him.

Jenne: I was kinda wondering if you felt like telling me what was going on ‘cause you just took off.

Christopher: Have you been one hundred percent honest with me in this game?

Jenne paused, knowing she was not going to get around this obstacle without coming clean.

Jenne: You’re asking about the Tay thing right?

Christopher crossed his arms and glared at her.

Christopher: You tell me whatever you want to tell me.

Jenne: Kyle confronted me about it a long time ago. I thought I told you about that. Maybe it was Beth.

Christopher: Maybe?!

Jenne jumped as he raised his voice but stood even more firmly up to him, reflecting the same intensity as he.

Jenne: Dude, I try to tell all three of you!

Christopher: Beth seems quite clearly in the know about your connection to Taylor!

Jenne halted at that. So it was out in the open. Beth had been the one to blow their cover. She felt the temperature rising to her head, but she still had her real life buddy to contend with.

Christopher: Jenne, what about the rest of the game. This is not what I expected from you.

Jenne: This is the deal, Chris. Tay and I didn’t speak for four months…you knew that! We talked pre-game, right before and agreed not to go after each other. I was still hating him at that point and wanted to make him suffer. I wanted him to feel what it felt like to be lied to by someone he trusted, so I made a deal with him. It wasn’t honest on my end, and I reveled in your torture of him ‘cause I was doing the same. Beth knew what I was doing, but no…I didn’t tell anyone else. So…no, I was not being one hundred percent honest with you about what I was doing to him.

They looked at each other for a long moment it seemed. Jenne wondered if Christopher was buying any of it because his expression remained unchanged.

Jenne: My loyalty was always to you. I just wanted to have fun torturing him, too.

Christopher: I need you to know that I have been one hundred percent honest with you when it comes to talking to other people. I never implicate you. I don’t mention your name, and I don’t keep secrets. And JoJo hasn’t either.

Jenne: You have every right to be pissed at me, Chris. I hid it, but it wasn’t to hurt anyone.

Christopher pressed his lips together and nodded as he studied the sadness on her face.

Christopher: I need you to know that I am keeping this in the game and am doing my best not to let this go beyond. So many things have pointed to you, and I keep blowing them off. Ryan claimed you were the one who said I made up rumors about him, and other people backed him up. I defended you. I’m not saying you did that, but I just don’t really know what is going on anymore.

Jenne put a hand to her aching head.

Jenne: Oh my gosh, Chris. I did not tell Ryan that! Ever!

Christopher: And Beth knowing things like this Taylor thing? Three-way group meetings with her and Taylor? I am just like, what the hell? When did Taylor suddenly become that integral to anything?

Jenne: The only thing I was not upfront about was the Tay thing. That’s it! There was one three way group meeting today, and it was about Missie.

Christopher leaned in closer to Jenne.

Christopher: He was lying today! Seriously, like majorly! He fully got caught!

Jenne: Taylor is the one who told me Missie wanted me gone. That’s why I wanted her gone today. Otherwise I never would have said her name. But I so did not tell that to Ryan. JoJo asked me if I set them up earlier, as did Beth, and it’s ridiculous, Chris!

Christopher: Twenty-four hours ago you know I would have killed them for you! But right now—and I’m not calling you a liear—I’m just saying I feel disappointed. My head is cloudy.

Jenne: Chris they are doing a bang-up job trying to tear us apart, using anything they can.

Christopher: I hear that. They might be.

Jenne: I hope you know I never would have done that to you, telling Ryan that you were spreading rumors. I hope you at least believe that implicating me is just a bonus for them.

Christopher: Well, today I voted Drew. There was no way I was throwing a random vote when Taylor was lying about Missie to get her out. I am not going to be a party to that.

Jenne: Missie had all kinds of things in her head about me that were so not true. She turned me around today. See….so many lies and they’ve even got JoJo believing them too!

Christopher: Let’s go back and talk with her.

So Jenne’s time alone had been ruined. She found herself hustling to keep up with the stride of Christopher’s long legs back to the aisle of huts where they convened in JoJo’s hut. She welcomed them graciously, giving Jenne a hug as she came through the door.

Christopher: It’s been a tough night.

JoJo: Yes, it has.

Jenne: Very.

Christopher took Jenne by the shoulders and sat her done in a chair.

Christopher: Here’s the thing, Jenne. I always love you…this is a game, and I am separating that. So for the game right now, you have been pissing some people off—more than me and that is saying something. The Taylor thing, that was tough to find out tonight. You said people are trying to break us up, and I think that is probably true.

Jenne: I don’t care if I piss people off or I’m hated. As long as I don’t lose my friends! I would’ve given my immunity tonight, actually. I was like, let the bullets fly and end my misery.

Christopher rolled his eyes.

Christopher: Bah! Anyway, thing is, if people are trying to split people up, I just don’t know. I feel like it is everyone—including people you are counting as friends.

Jenne: What is going on Chris? I feel like all of a sudden I’m the bad guy, and I don’t get it.

JoJo stood by quietly, watching them, taking in every last word, studying expressions and movements.

Christopher: I don’t know what is happening anymore. I think you are probably guessing right. I think most of the people have said you’re the villainess.

Jenne: What I’ve done is stand by my friends’ side. That’s all I’ve done! I stood by Tenz, I stood by Drew. All I care about is my friends, ever!

Christopher nodded while holding up his hands to calm her down.

Christopher: I’m not mad right now, more like gripping my head—headache.

Jenne: I’m being painted like I’m evil, and I don’t get it! I’m the cute, sweet, nice one, and now I’m evil!

She looked hopelessly from Christopher to JoJo and back again.

Jenne: It’s so upsetting, and all I’ve done is wonder why I’m even playing!

With that Jenne stormed out of the hut, slamming the door behind her. She was not experiencing any joy in the game. In fact, she had reached her lowest point thus far. She escaped to her hut crying, tired, defeated, exhausted from trying to maneuver votes all the while defending her honor. Nothing had looked positive that day.

When she slammed herself into her hut, she flounced prostrate onto her head and began to sob.

“Hate this game. I really do. I came in here with all these friends who I loved. Ain’t that cute? Look at that girl over there! She's cute and she has friends! Oh and she loves them too! Ain’t that cute? Well, I guess that don't mean shit to anyone besides me! I tried to make things right between Kyle and myself today. After reading the caption he wrote about me it just felt silly. Kyle, my friend, this guy I care about saying hurtful things about me cause of a game! So I went to him and soooo sincerely and so heartfelt apologized for how things have been and tried to make things right. And he plays into it! Of course he tells people later I was buttering him up. Kyle, you dont know me at all. At all! If you can be so cold to me, we aren't friends because I was crying today talking to him, trying to make it right, and he pretty much just spit in my face. And oh yes then there is Taylor. Taylor f**ked up today. He lied big time and got caught big time then lied to me covering it up. Oh surprise surprise. Taylor lied to me. Whoopty do at this point! No shocker there! But then the clincher that’s what really stung…I thought beth was the one person out here who I could always depend on, who would always be supportive and loving and behind me. Well that’s crap too. Apparently Beth wants me gone and has been doing a number to turn folks against me. So at this point I've just about had it. My own friends want me gone, then what the f**k am I doing here? The ONLY reason I'm here was Beth BEGGED me to play. I came out to play this game so I could hang out with my friends. Since chris moved I dont see him so much so this was a chance for us to do something together, and what the f**k happens? My heart gets broken and trampled. I'm some huge bad guy. I set up ryan and kyle. CRAP. All of it CRAP. Ryan and Kyle wanted me gone and yah I worked to set up their boots. But what am I s’posed to do? Play Suzy Sunshine all d**n day. F**k! So Beth is talking shit bout me, Kyle is talking shit about me. Why do i f**kn bother? All I care about is my friends and family in this world and somehow when I stand by them I get vilified. What a world is this? I know I'm not innocent out here. I've plotted, schemed, and even lied as much as I despise it. I decided to be a bitch this time, but a bitch who stood up for her friends, and what the f**k happened? Oh well. They can all hate me. At this point the only one I care about is Chris. This internet shit can go f**k itself cause Chris and I are the only thing real in this game. He is the only thing I care about at this point. I love that man and I would sacrifice ANYthing for him, in game and in life. ‘Cause that’s what friends do, and after this shit is over, jenne is checking out. Only REAL friends for me, none of this fake shit. Well mikey, of course. I would never ditch. I love my Mikey but all the rest of em can f**k themselves. Course not JoJo either. JoJo rox. So not mikey, JoJo, or Chris but EVERYone else!!!!” – Jenne

JoJo and Christopher were left in utter, upsetting silence. Christopher wondered if they had totally pushed Jenne away. More importantly than that, all this drama revolving around Jenne most certainly landed some suspicions upon Beth as well.

After a long moment, Christopher looked at JoJo.

Christopher: Beth completely flipped on me again tonight before our failed pow-wow with Jenne. She wondered what if she was wrong about Jenne. I’m truly starting to believe she may be playing both sides of this equation. As far as Jenne, she’s been a brat, yes, but not acting against us. Beth played it up I think.

JoJo sighed as she looked at him tragically. Their once solid group was falling apart.

Christopher: I don’t know if she meant to or just got all caught up in it, but I’m starting to think she just revels in drama. Inadvertantly creates it. I think Jenne needed a wake up call, but at the same time Beth massaged things more than they needed to be.

JoJo nodded.

Christopher: Honestly, I’m a bit embarrassed to have been so quick to buy in.

He looked up at her.

Christopher: I think we might have made a big mistake voting Drew. I think we kind of got tricked.

JoJo shrugged.

JoJo: Maybe I’m the one that pushed Jenne inadvertently. I asked questions and it snowballed. Chris, I wasn’t kind to Jenne today. I’m my conversation with Missie, telling her I wanted to help her.

Christopher: Jenne wasn’t kind either.

JoJo: I feel horrible.

Christopher: Jenne was mean to some people and did set them up. Not us, but Ryan for sure.

JoJo sighed, rubbing her head.

JoJo: Here is one thing to consider: long before the Ryan thing there was some allegation about Kyle targeting you?

Christopher: Yeah.

JoJo: Beth said Jenne made that up. That she point blank told her she was making it up to get Kyle gone.

Christopher: I don’t know about that one.

JoJo: And then Beth is always voting with Jenne.

Christopher: Are you comfortable bringing it up with Beth?

JoJo: I will bring it up with her. Just please don’t say anything yet, hun. I feel like I was honest with Jenne and Beth wasn’t. Sorry to be pulling at your sleeve.

Christopher reached out and hugged her, grateful to be aligned with her. JoJo seemed to be his only sane harbor in the game.

Beth wandered that evening between the huts of her prized Bitch Four but oddly enough found no one around. Being that it was so late in the evening—now early morning hours—she was curious as to where her allies had gone.

She more or less ambled down the aisle, thinking. When she heard a noise she turned around quickly to find Kyle stepping out onto his porch. He smiled to her as she approached.

Beth: Why are you still up?

Kyle shrugged. It had been an eventful day. Perhaps adrenaline was defeating his sleep. Something had gone right in the game for a change, and Kyle was still excited. He just wanted to be up, relaxing, soaking in the island.

Kyle: Question should be why are you up—and walking around?

Beth: Just winding down.

She approached and climbed upon the porch where they both leaned on the rail and stared out over the ocean.

Kyle: Been quite a day.

Beth: Yes it has.

They both fell silent for a time, hearing only the gentle crash of the surf. But Beth shattered that peaceful silence with disturbing news.

Beth: I talked to Jenne tonight.

Kyle cast a sidelong glance at her.

Beth: Do you think maybe she was set up by Ryan?

Groaning, Kyle exhaled a breath and turned to stare at the sea again.

Beth: What? I think she was very sincere in wanting her friends back and putting the game aside. She said she tried with you, but got the feeling you didn’t believe her.

Kyle chuckled, shaking his head.

Kyle: Well, she is a smart one, isn’t she?

Beth: Kyle!

Kyle: Beth, are you kidding me? I can’t believe you let her break you!

Beth: I feel like she was sincere in wanting to make up with you.

Kyle: When she got caught going head over heels to get Missie out and found she didn’t have the support? I think not.

Beth bit her lip. It was time to change the subject. This was an old and stale subject, and Kyle was just as stubborn and frustrating as a mule.

More silence followed.

Beth: If my team loses tomorrow, do you know who I want to vote out?

Kyle turned to look at her but said nothing.

Beth: Ashley.

Still Kyle said nothing, and Beth frowned.

Beth: You want Ashley to stay?

Kyle: Um…yeah!

Beth: I bet you want Lizzie again, don’t you?

Kyle: No, actually, I’d rather my tribe lose and vote out Jenne.

Beth sighed and massaged her temples.

Beth: Kyle, I can’t do that. I’ve told you I can’t do that. I really think that Jenne’s been sincere and I’ve told you I will not vote out Jenne, Taylor, Chris, Lizzie, and JoJo.

Kyle: Stalemate.

What had turned out to be a great day had just become frustrating once again. Kyle turned and stared out over the water.

Beth: What about what Beffy wants?

Kyle: What about what Kyle wants?

It was a stalemate if there ever was one. They were supposed to be final two partners, yet neither would agree on strategy. In Kyle’s eyes it seemed that all of Beth’s wants were stacked for her safety and not his. Beth felt the same.

It was etched into stone at that moment that Beth was honoring other agreements and the final two she had asked him for early on was not in her higher priorities. That was becoming glaringly obvious.

Beth: If I vote out Jenne, then that leaves me vulnerable! If my team loses, if anyone goes other than Ashley I fear it will be me!

Kyle: How do you figure when we’ve been trying to get Lis out for eighty-five years! Besides, I know that Taylor has pissed off quite a few people today. I’m fairly positive the votes would be there if it swung that way.

She was slightly comforted that more eyes were on Taylor than her, but she needed Taylor’s protection as well. But she said nothing. They stood side by side for the longest time in total quiet before they bade each other a good night and turned in to their huts.

Kyle undressed quickly and crawled into bed. The frustration he was feeling toward Beth was overwhelming, and he could clearly see, now, that she was and had been a roadblock to him the entire game. It was time to figure out how to maneuver around her.

“Am I the only one that can see that there is absolutely no strategy in this game? No. None. It's all about emotional ties and personal, outside-of-the-game relationships.

Beth has said who she will not vote out. Christopher, Jenne, Taylor, Lizzie...not under any circumstance. That makes a daunting group of five. Well, hey...guess what! We will be down to 11 soon, and that is dangerously close to the game majority and I'm sure JoJo and Jake are snowed by them like I was last time.

I am infinitely regretting working with Beth in this game. She promised me all sorts of false hopes as the game started that she wanted Tenzil out first and she wasn't going to be loyal to Taylor and Jenne, and BLAH BLAH BLAH. Now she will not vote for them under any circumstance because she is of that group that can't see this for a game. She's pissed me off for the last time, and should I manuever my way into a leadership position in this game, Beth will not be sitting with me in the final 2. I had toyed with that before, but now I'm settled.

She has put me in a position that I don't like to be in. I could become loyal Kyle again, go along with their wishes, and find myself in final 6....Kyle, Jenne, Taylor, Lizzie, Beth, Christopher. I've played that game before. Where did Kyle end up? 6th place. Deja vu?

That's the position she's putting me in and I resent her for it. She'll argue that I'm putting her in a position against her friends.

Well....no....Beth dear, you put yourself in that position because you can't take this for a game. You're just like all the others.” – Kyle

[Host Kyle]

Day 19

Missie Bird woke up the next morning quite pleased with the results of the night before. Not only had her name not even come up once from the parchments Karen revealed, but her choice of boot left the game by more than a seventy-five percent margin. It would seem that people were beginning to wake up.

At the same time, it would seem that Jenne had stayed true and withdrawn her campaign after their discussion the night before.

Missie thought back to her long chat with Jenne. Maybe Jenne held some truth. These thoughts and more had burdened Missie throughout the night. It could possibly be that she and Jenne were being played by both sides—Kyle included.

At breakfast that morning, she was sure to relay all of her thoughts to Isaac Miller. Isaac nodded as she spoke rapidly. Things coming from her mouth seemed to make so much sense.

Missie: I had a nice talk with Jenne yesterday.

Isaac: What did she say?

Missie sipped her coffee before answering.

Missie: Between you and me, I think that I and maybe you are being played by both sides.

Isaac raised his eyebrows and clasped his hands beneath his chin.

Isaac: Really?

Missie: Well, she gave me the line that she was told that I wanted her gone so she wanted me…blah blah blah…Taylor can kiss my fat white bum!

Isaac: I get tired of Taylor.

Missie: He told me that maybe Chris and Kyle were doing this, and the next thing I know he was telling Chris that “I” was saying it! Good thing is that he was sloppy about it. I am sick of Taylor!

Isaac: I think Lis needs to be eliminated next. She’s just being used as a pawn by people.

Missie: I agree—totally agree. Although Jenne swears she is not talking to her.

Isaac rolled his eyes.

Isaac: Uh huh. Well, somebody is.

Missie paused and studied Isaac for a moment.

Missie: Isaac, I trust you. I trust Chris. I did trust Kyle implicitly, but lately I’m wondering. Beth is a wuss. JoJo is good…very under the radar.

Isaac: I feel the same. I don’t trust Kyle a hundred percent anymore, but I think he will keep us in for now.

Missie: Agreed, but we need to rally people. Me, you, Jon, and Ash stick together. It’s unlikely but I can’t trust any of JoJo, Taylor, Jake, Jenne, Beth…

Isaac grinned.

Isaac: I have Ash’s vote one hundred percent now.

Missie: Sweet.

Isaac: I think that we should keep Jenne and Kyle in because they fight each other.

Missie cocked her head for a moment.

Missie: From what I gather, you have a little affinity for Jenne now?

Isaac: Eh, not exactly. She is just using me.

Missie: Big time!

Isaac: Well, she thinks she is using me. Anyway, if we win immunity we vote out Lis? And if we lose, we really only have the option to vote out Jenne, the way the teams are set up.

Missie: We got numbers?

Isaac: Ash and Kyle, Jon…

He paused for a moment.

Isaac: I have a feeling everyone is going to be gunning for Kyle. Well, Jenne will be going for Kyle and Kyle for Jenne.

Missie: I worry about Chris though.

Isaac: He confuses me. Oh well, even if we are being played by both sides, we don’t have to worry too much.

Missie: We just play along.

Isaac: As long as they eliminate each other and not us.

Missie: And keeping Kyle and Jenne around does stop a bullseye from our asses.

Isaac: So what exactly are the two sides?

Missie: Me, you, Kyle, Ashley and Jon.

Isaac: Where does Chris fall in?

Missie: Chris, JoJo, and Beth are playing both sides. Chris is with Jenne and Taylor to a point but won’t shut the door on us totally.

Isaac: There may be hidden alliances all over the place.

Missie shrugged.

Missie: I don’t know. Jenne does seem to think she has one with everyone. I think JoJo has one with her.

So there was a lot out in the open to think about. With so many players at each other’s throats, Missie and Isaac were confident in a bit of longevity. But once the players were finished or voted out, Missie and Isaac needed a plan.

At the same time that morning, shortly before heading to the beach for tree-mail, Christopher gathered an alternate final four. Jake and Elisabeth were the two he knew JoJo felt most confident in creating a final four with, and if Jenne and Beth were going to offend so many people, it was just as well.

When Elisabeth entered Christopher’s hut at his invitation she was all smiles as usual.

Christopher: Hey, you! Jake should be coming too.

Elisabeth: Excelente!

She came through the door and hugged Christopher tightly. Jake followed shortly.

Christopher: There you are.

Jake: Hi!

Christopher: I just thought we could all check in. How’re you guys?

Elisabeth: Great!

Jake: I’m ok.

Christopher: As far as last night, I’m kinda lost actually. Jenne and Taylor were pushing hard for Missie to go, and I don’t feel comfortable being told how to vote.

Elisabeth: I’m way lost as well.

Christopher: Then Taylor lied to me about Missie.

Elisabeth: That part I heard.

Christopher: So, I said no way am I voting Missie. So I voted Drew.

Jake: Jenne apparently knew she didn’t have the votes for Missie and turned it on Jon, I guess. I think she thought she had JoJo and my votes.

Christopher: I would’ve voted for Jon.

Jake: No! Drew absolutely needed to go!

Christopher feigned question.

Christopher: Did he? I can’t even tell anymore.

Elisabeth: Why did he need to go?

Jake: He swore at me right before tribal council. Nice big screw you!

Christopher: Oh wow.

Jake: Yeah. Until then I was actually feeling a little bad. It was tough to know where he stood, though.

Christopher nodded quickly, ready to move on to the next order of business.

Christopher: Anyway, I already see it coming. I have a feeling our immunity team will lose. Kyle picked Missie, JoJo, and Jenne. Those four seem to have it up on some of us in challenge skills. Isaac is a brainiac too.

Elisabeth and Jake exchanged glances.

Christopher: Which means our side will likely lose. Kyle, Missie, Isaac, Jon, and Ashley are a solid five. And while I don’t want to vote Missie out based on lies, I also know that none of us are in their long term plans.

Elisabeth frowned and clasped her hands.

Elisabeth: Oh, good point.

Jake: We’ve got to break them up somehow.

Christopher: It will be a scary vote because Kyle stacked the teams on purpose. I like him, but it is totally strategic. Think about it…he put their weakest member on our side, likely in hopes that one of the other five of us would go while his core four are protected.

Elisabeth: Good move for him personally if he meant to do that.

Christopher: Agreed. I give him kudos.

Jake: I would much rather vote Jon.

Christopher: Sorry to overthink.

Jake: I don’t think you’re overthinking. Kyle is dangerous.

Christopher nodded vigorously and Elisabeth agreed silently.

Christopher: Kyle is dangerous. Great guy—playing hardball.

Elisabeth slapped her hands at her side.

Elisabeth: Then we win immunity! As if that’s easy to do seeing I haven’t done it yet!

Jake laughed.

Jake: You and Taylor both.

Elisabeth: Well if they don’t target Ashley, I would think they will target me because I’ve been up for elimination before.

Christopher: Beth…somehow nobody targets her.

Jake: Beth is always in with someone.

Christopher: She is. That is her game—everybody’s best friend. Taylor has pissed people off, but Kyle will protect him. Kyle has a soft spot for him, told me as much last night. Missie doesn’t like Taylor, but Kyle is running that ship. But I want the three of us here.

Elisabeth frowned and paced away.

Elisabeth: This is setting up to be a miserable vote if our team loses immunity.

Jake: There are so few options.

Elisabeth: Basically we have to win.

Christopher: Well, I just wanted to give you guys a heads up. That is what we are facing. Lizzie you may need to work on Taylor if we lose. He and I are on the outs after he lied about Missie. Just make sure he will vote Ashley because I don’t know where he stands.

Christopher paused thoughtfully before continuing.

Christopher: The only reason Taylor would flip is if Kyle laid into him, but Taylor is very tied to Jenne. I’m afraid the vote could go to me. I cussed Taylor out last night, and Kyle knows. He may capitalize on it.

Jake: Missie would vote you out this quickly?

Christopher deadpanned at Jake.

Christopher: Jake, Missie would eat her young. Of that I have no doubt.

They stood, content with each other’s company for a while. They were a breath of fresh air to Christopher.

“Lizzie & Jake are both just amazing. Two of the greatest personalities out here.

It is so funny to me that everyone underestimates these two. Both of them are smart, both of them are thinkers...and both of them could very easily win this game.

Which wouldn't upset me in the least. I love 'em both.” – Christopher

So as they dispersed, there was much to think about. Christopher was suddenly enthralled in somehow keeping Taylor and Kyle on the opposite sides of the fence. Somehow there was a way.

But as Jake and Elisabeth left his hut, they were only concerned with winning the immunity challenge whatever it may be. In their minds it was their only option.

Elisabeth returned to her hut and paced.

“After talking with Chris, I slowly realized that my immunity team is being led to misery. It’s just absolutely horrible, because at this stage in the game nobody deserves to go and on top of that…Ashley. My heart just breaks for her, really…it makes me so sad, I just, I can’t even put it into words and I don’t know what to say even if I wanted to. I love everyone on my team, though, so I just cannot imagine what tribal council would be like if we lose. But what do you do about a miserable fate that you have already seemed to choose? Misery, Survivor is now a misery.

As much as Chris doesn't want to admit it, if we lose immunity I stand a very substantial chance of going home. It doesn't scare me, in fact, it's probably the best chance, realistically, that our group has at surviving the vote as a whole. This, either way, is going to be a very, very, very important immunity challenge. This is the turning point, the climax, the denoument...this is it. We'll see what happens, if I go it'll just dissapoint me more that the ones I care for fall into the minority.

And so it begins...

I now realize that this immunity challenge is not only crucial to the game, but crucial to me. Win or lose, this game changes. Lose, I may not be here to even see that happen.

Do or do not, there is no try...

...I hope to god these are not common sense questions. :: laughs ::” – Elisabeth

And once again, for a seventh time in the game, twelve castaways gathered at the beach while Karen read tree-mail aloud.

Karen: Down to twelve, what will this challenge be? If you want to win, you need to be good at jeopardy.

She glanced around quickly at everyone.

Karen: Challenge will be held in the ballroom tomorrow evening at seven o’clock.

And Karen left them to their discussions. As was obvious, the two teams would be facing off in a game of Jeopardy. Christopher swept his eyes over those chose to his team and cringed within himself. In his mind there was no way that his team could beat the likes of Jenne and JoJo and Missie.

It seemed as though he was heading to doom and he could take the fall. There was something he had to do, and he had but a short time to figure it out.

For the time being after thinking and thinking things over, Christopher wanted to clear the air with Jenne once and for all. Looking around quickly, he wisked JoJo and Jenne away to the pier, as far away from others as possible.

Christopher: I pretty much think Beth somehow, inadvertently got caught up in the drama and pushed things hard. That of course shook me and JoJo.

Jenne crossed her arms and smirked.

Jenne: She believed lies about me.

Christopher: I don’t know how much she means it, though. Last night she was wondering if she was wrong about everything.

Jenne: She said that after she asked me if I had set up Ryan and Kyle.

Christopher: How can you push an agenda that hard and possibly be wrong?

Jenne shrugged.

Jenne: Once I set her straight she changed her mind?

Christopher: I just don’t know what the hell is going on in this game, but I will say this: I think we made a mistake voting Drew. Right now it is five to seven, and when my side loses immunity tomorrow, Jake, Lizzie, Beth, Chris, Taylor, and Ashley are up for leaving. Kyle was smart; he stacked it well.

JoJo: I just think the four of us need to get back on track. If we stay four strong, we will be strong.

Jenne: Drew was solid on our side, and I was sad to see him go, but I think we are ok.

Christopher: I would really like to see us all commit to all truth all the time. No more fake alliances with people.

JoJo: I would like that too.

Christopher: No more setting people up or not. Just…everything out on the table. Part of the reason I was pulled in was because I was not being told everything.

JoJo: I haven’t been one hundred percent with you three about every semi-alliance I have discussed. It’s like it was bogus to me, so I didn’t get into it. But I would love it if all four of us were here and could lay it out there.

Christopher: Yes, where is Beth?

They all looked toward the beach. Presently, Jenne offered herself up to go find her, which she did quickly. Beth came with her at once.

Beth: How is you today?

Jenne shrugged, but said little as Beth carried on.

Beth: Taylor was saying last night how we have seven and easily control the votes out of twelve.

Beth grinned impishly, and Jenne couldn’t help but smile.

Jenne: You cute.

Beth: You cuter! Taylor is convinced that Chris will vote with Missie against us.

Jenne rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Jenne: Taylor is an idiot. And you the cutest! Why would he think Chris would do that? Is he out of touch with reality?

Beth: I have no idea why, but he is totally convinced that Chris is up Missie’s ass. I let him think that. He wouldn’t listen to nothin’ else anyways. I told him the only way we could lose our advantage was that if he himself switched his vote. But he is our loose cannon. What’s cool is of our seven, we—Beth, JoJo, Jenne, Chris—have the majority in that group. We should easy make final four!

Jenne looked up at her.

Jenne: You getting cocky? It looks good, yes. And keeping Tay tied in is good. After his fight with Chris, he is the loose cannon. Chris thinks he could go.

Beth: Who do you want?

Jenne: You don’t think we should go for a bigger dog on my immunity team?

Beth: Missie? We surely can if you’d like. Or are you thinking Kyle?

Jenne: Both of them are always immune so I think one should go if my side loses. And Jon keeps slipping by.

Beth: Who on my side besides Ashley?

Jenne: Ashley or Taylor. But I don’t want to vote out Taylor.

Beth shook her head vigorously.

Beth: No, we can’t afford to vote out Taylor, yet.

Beth giggled out loud.

Beth: Kyle told me last night that he’s sure he can get the votes to vote him out. I almost laughed.

Jenne jerked her head up.

Jenne: To get Taylor out? He thinks he can get Chris, I bet because Chris actually wanted to get them to target Taylor so Tay would be forced to vote with us.

Beth nodded.

Beth: Yeah, last night Kyle said Taylor, but I don’t think he can get him.

Jenne smiled up at Beth.

Jenne: If they target Tay, it will force him into our arms.

They found themselves back at the pier where Christopher and JoJo were waiting. Beth went at once to JoJo while Jenne pulled Christopher aside momentarily.

Jenne: Beth was totally up my ass. Whatever happened last night sent her reeling back to my side. I know she’s two-faced but she was talking strategy like mad. To quickly fill you in, she told me Taylor is convinced you are with Missie, and I guess Kyle is targeting Taylor and not you. That further keeps Tay cemented to our side. We are good, you are good, they stink.

Christopher smiled and glanced back at JoJo and Beth who engaged in their own conversation. Beth, of course, scoffing at Kyle’s misled idea that he had votes to take out Taylor.

Christopher: Should I tell Kyle and them that I am voting with them? If Kyle is targeting Taylor…last night I told him after my fight with Taylor that if I could vote Taylor out I would.

Jenne shrugged.

Jenne: Beth said Kyle thinks he has the votes against Taylor, which means he thinks he already has you.

Finally the duo of conversations merged into a group meeting. Beth and JoJo turned front and center as did Chris and Jenne.

Jenne: I just want everyone to know that I’ve been completely loyal to this group. I think it would be good if we reaffirm that.

Christopher: Yes, we need to get back on track. I want us all to hear the same thing because that clearly has not been happening. We have to work to be on the same page. We can’t assume that everyone knows we are doing everything right because outside forces will try to undermine trust.

JoJo: Let me throw a few things out there because I have trusted all three of you without having a real life friendship involved. Maybe in my mind it’s real, but it doesn’t have the history you all have.

She swept her arms out indicating the three around her.

JoJo: There are the people I want to play with, go to the end with. I’m loyal to you three completely. However, the last week has involved all kinds of rumors, and I feel horrible for buying into them.

Jenne: First off, since all three of you asked me…no, I did not set up Ryan and Kyle. At all! It was the opposite by the looks of it. They were setting me up! I talked to Missie yesterday and she had all kinds of false information about me, not doubt fed to her by the same people spreading stuff about me…

[Host Kyle]

Jenne went on to explain the whole debacle that had almost cost her her allies the day before. JoJo took it all in intently. Christopher had heard it all before, but Beth stood by quietly.

Jenne: There is no Valentine’s Day or Survivor-Central conspiracy out to get everyone. I am not out to get everyone. I never got shady on Ryan and Kyle until they were after me.

JoJo pressed her lips together and nodded.

JoJo: The Kyle thing…Beth and I were talking even before the Ryan vote. I was under the impression that you had said Kyle was targeting Chris so that Chris would get rid of him.

She looked at Beth.

JoJo: Beth, do you remember that conversation?

Beth held up a finger.

Beth: Just a sec, guys! I have to potty!

With that, she scampered off toward the huts.

JoJo: Oh no…not now!

She giggled, but when she turned to the others, they seemed equally as frustrated.

Jenne: Chris is the one who told me he was being targeted, not the other way around.

Christopher: I was told by Jake.

JoJo: For me, it was hearsay completely. It makes no sense now.

Christopher held his hands up quickly.

Christopher: But Jake isn’t a baddie! He was told.

They discussed the origination of the targeting Chris rumor until Beth rejoined them.

JoJo: Beth told me, Jenne, that you made up this thing about Kyle, and Beth can smack me if I’m remembering wrong. In order to get Chris mad at Kyle? That’s all I need to ask.

They paused but Beth said nothing. She merely looked around at them until Jenne spoke up.

Jenne: Kyle and I had our fight that one day, and in my emotional state, I said I wanted Kyle gone. But I calmed down the next day and made up with him which I thought set things right with us. Then he still wanted me gone. That’s when I realized Kyle was against me for good in this game.

Christopher nodded.

Christopher: Kyle still wants you gone.

Jenne: I know this. But I wasn’t the one who started the thing between Kyle and me.

Christopher: The Ryan thing didn’t start and stop with just Jake saying it. Somewhere, somehow Ryan did admittedly pimp my name…”based on rumors”. He did claim these rumors were started by you, Jenne, in your short-lived alliance with him and Drew. Just so it’s clear and on the table.

Jenne: I know Ryan said that. Don’t mean it’s true. The alliance with Drew, Ryan, and Jon—which I told you about immediately—no one ever talked strategy once. It didn’t last long enough. All I ever said about Chris to Drew was that he was my friend, and I didn’t want to vote him out.

They all grew silent for a moment, all lost in their own thought.

Christopher: Guys, I think we’re ok here.

Beth: Group hug?

Christopher grinned playfully.

Christopher: I don’t do group hugs with this backstabbing bunch!

Beth: Oh, bah!

JoJo: Right!

Beth pulled Christopher by the arm and he willingly came into a hug with the rest of them. It was a very reassuring moment for all of them, even though JoJo and Jenne were wondering why Beth never answered JoJo’s most pointed question.

Why had Beth said that Jenne made something up? She never even acknowledged the question, much less own anything.

Still the group seemed as tight as ever.

Christopher: Can we talk strategy for a bit, now that we are all together and aired out? I feel overtly worried now that there seems to have been a slander fest against us to break us up. Beth and I will lose this challenge…

Beth: Our team sucks.

Christopher: Me, Jake, or Lizzie would easily go.

Beth: Ashley, too.

Christopher: You said that Kyle gave each team an easy boot? Ashley on our side, Jon on their side?

Beth nodded.

Christopher: How does that make sense? Why would Kyle want Jon gone? Jon votes with him…they both vote with him!

JoJo: You think he was targeting Jenne?

Jenne smirked.

Jenne: Of course.

JoJo: Well, Jenne, we are winning.

Christopher: There is no reason on God’s green earth he would put out Ashley or Jon.

JoJo: But it’s still a twelve person vote. It doesn’t matter what team wins or loses, we still have more than Kyle voting at tribal council.

Christopher: It might. Taylor could swing depending on who the target is. We had a big falling out yesterday.

Jenne: Which is why I will be on Taylor duty today! I think he’ll be ok. He’s said he will vote Ashley.

Christopher: I’m not sure I trust it…just putting it out there.

Jenne: He won’t want to piss you off if it’s not guaranteed. He’s a pussy.

Christopher: I guess we will face it when it comes. I will stop worrying and let it happen.

JoJo: Yeah, stop that worrying, Chris. But, Beth and Jenne, where is Taylor in the grand ol’ scheme?

Beth: A vote?

Jenne: A retard?

JoJo chuckled half-heartedly and nodded.

Jenne: I think he used me to get Missie out, which I don’t particularly appreciate. Seeing as my whole intention in this game was to use and abuse the man, he’s very low on my list right now.

Beth: This is why we need these conference times. I’m so glad we are doing this. You guys just don’t know!

JoJo arched her brow.

JoJo: You talk now, Beffy?

Beth: I just want us to be together. I feel like crap for doubting Jenne.

Jenne and JoJo exchanged glances at that. Beth had never owned up what JoJo had asked her. Nevertheless they smiled and joined in on the group love.

Jenne: I feel so much better right now. Yesterday I had thought I lost all three of you.

JoJo: Hell no! Jenne, I’m so sorry.

Beth: Me too! We’re all together, y’all.

Jenne: Yep, the four mean girls!

And so ended another meeting of the Bitch Four, but as they separated, Jenne pulled JoJo by the hand.

Jenne: So Beth told you I made up Kyle wanting Chris gone?

JoJo nodded.

Jenne: Did you notice she avoided addressing that?

JoJo: Yes, it really bothered me. I felt like I was being all open and waited for her. And nothing.

Jenne: Why would she say I made it up? Makes no sense. I’m so being set up! I didn’t tell Ryan anything and they are trying to turn my own peeps against me!

JoJo: Well, it’s impossible. We are all good again, and you are unframeable.

Christopher returned to his hut for a short nap that afternoon, rolling all sorts of thoughts around in his mind. There was much he needed to do before the next tribal council—before the next challenge even. He needed to make amends with Taylor. He needed to ensure Kyle’s trust—all of this so any target would be deflected off him should his team lose.

He was glad to have his foursome together again, and though they had all laid everything out, there was still the loose end in Beth.

“Beth says she voted Drew...but I dunno if she actually did. Because she told Jenne something completely different. And after all of the stuff Beth has been saying about Jenne...I am just beginning to wonder about her.

Who is Beth loyal to? What is she trying to pull by getting me & Jojo to vote Jenne out? What is her ultimate goal?

So I confronted Jenne with Beth's accusations. I needed to know what Jenne's response was. Jenne denied setting up Ryan and Kyle (as Beth claimed she had). She did apologize to me for keeping the reconciliation with Taylor a secret. She seemed pretty upset by all of it. In the end, she made a good point - someone is trying to tear us apart.

But I didn't tell her is that I worry that our mystery "someone" is actually Beth.

Jojo & I are both feeling VERY suspicious of Beth. Something is NOT right with the woman. We both like her a lot, but we don't feel we can trust her. She changes her loyalties on the flip of a dime.

Beth is definitely sleeping with EVERYONE. You cannot be everyone's best friend in this game! After trying so desperately to turn me & Jojo against Jenne, she has now completely changed her tune! Once again - she loves Jenne, and now she can't stand Kyle. After claiming that Jenne had set Kyle up...

What in the f**k is going on with her?” – Christopher

He groaned as he lay across his bed. This was going to be his game finale, and it was supposed to be much easier than it had been. He felt he had lost his grip on the reigns that he once held firmly. And now Beth. To top it all off he was a member of a tribe with a ridiculous name!

Can we please get a new tribe name? Please! I hate that our name sounds like some godawful failed candy bar.

Stupid.” – Christopher

There was a knock on the door, and he groaned some more as he forced himself to roll out of bed to answer it. Jenne was a pleasant surprise and he let her in at once.

Christopher: I’m so glad we are back together in this game. I feel much better playing again.

Jenne: Here, here! Let’s finish this off with flair and retire with style!

Christopher: So much more drama than I expected, considering we have final four locked up.

Jenne smiled.

Jenne: We still do pretty much. Next couple of votes will cinch it.

Christopher: I agree.

Jenne: So if my side loses, who we goin’ for? I say Missie only because Kyle will be harder, but I know you like the girl.

Christopher: Well, yes. Let me think about it, but I am more than willing. I am pretty sure my side will lose. The only brains we got are me, Beth, and Jake.

Jenne: Well, I suck at Jeopardy.

Christopher sat on the edge of his bed and looked at Jenne curiously.

Christopher: What if we did let Taylor go. Then we’d be six to five still. Just a thought.

Jenne: I’m not comfortable dumping him yet. Next vote, sure. But right now the numbers are so close, and I like the padding. He’s someone that’s easy to dump anytime. Everyone would be on board. And he’s never immune!

They laughed together.

Christopher: How embarrassing.

Jenne: Kyle and Missie are going to be a bitch to get rid of.

Christopher: Yes, they will, but immunities will drop close to merge time.

Jenne: Here’s hoping.

Christopher: Can I say how awful I think our tribe name is?

Jenne chuckled and patted his knee as she sat next to him on the bed.

Jenne: Um, yes! But it’s better than Hyman!

Christopher: Why can’t we have a normal tribe name! In St. Patty’s day we were O’Brien, O’Malley, and O’something else. Our merge was Meara.

Jenne: We were Cupid, Arrow, and Orleans.

Christopher: Those are nice too. This is All Stars! Snickalick? I don’t want to be named after some fake-ass candy bar!

Jenne shrugged.

Jenne: Maybe we can rename at final ten. Immunity challenge can be naming and voting…we make sure we vote for one of our own and knock Kyle out right before jury.

Christopher: I want you to win this immunity, babe.

Jenne groaned.

Jenne: It was obvious Kyle set those teams up for easy boots. He told Beth. They are so in cahoots.

Christopher: Yes, I’ve realized that. Beth is on everyone’s side—which means nobody’s.

Jenne: She is acting like she is all peachy with me.

Christopher: She spent days working on me to make me think you were underhanded and doing crappy stuff, and now…poof! We vote Drew off and suddenly everything is in flux? Why am I playing with people I know? I miss Okinawa.

Jenne: Beth has just been kissing my ass. I’m just playing like it’s all good between her and I, but I’m glad I know what I do. I’m playing for you, JoJo, and me now.

She looked at Christopher seriously and put a hand on his arm.

Jenne: Thank you for being here! Gosh, I can’t imagine right now if I didn’t have you.

Christopher reached over and hugged her tightly, ruffling her hair. Jenne squeaked and pushed him off.

Christopher: Should I talk to Taylor?

She considered for a moment.

Jenne: Well, if the other side targets him then it won’t matter, but if they target you, you may want Taylor not so hostile.

Christopher: You’re right. I should probably talk to him.

Jenne narrowed her eyes and looked at Chris.

Jenne: Should I tell him that Beth told me Kyle wanted to target him? I’ve been goin’ back and forth on that.

Christopher perked. He had been silently wondering to himself how to deal with both Kyle and Taylor separately. Jenne had just come up with a potential solution to deal with them both at the same time.

Christopher: Let me tell him! That way he will see that I…

He raised his hands and simulated quotation marks.

Christopher: I care.

Jenne smiled brightly, getting into the plan.

Jenne: Will he believe it?

Christopher: He might! You can confirm it later.

He paused and looked at her.

Christopher: Maybe we both should tell him. And you can confirm.

Jenne hadn’t heard of a better plan the entire game. If anything would cause Kyle to lose some support it would be turning Taylor against him. This was a sure-fire plan, and Jenne loved it. First Kyle, then Missie.

They were at Taylor’s hut at once, and when Taylor opened the door, instead of being invited in they stormed around him. Taylor whirled around in confusion as they both came in throwing out greetings. He shut the door quickly and turned around.

Christopher: Here’s the thing. The next tribal council might be a big night.

Taylor: Why?

Christopher paused and looked at Taylor seriously.

Christopher: I need you both to swear to me that you will not breathe a word of this.

He paused and put a hand on Taylor’s shoulder.

Christopher: I know this is going to be hard on you what I’m about to say.

Taylor’s eyes bulged as he looked from Christopher to Jenne and back. What could be so serious?

Christopher: Taylor, you need to trust me on this. I didn’t vote you last tribal council.

Jenne: What’s going on?

Christopher looked at Taylor sternly.

Taylor: I promise, I won’t say a thing.

Christopher: Thank you, because if this goes out, I will be enemy number one. Taylor, Missie must have gone to Kyle about our fight.

Taylor: Yours and mine?

Christopher nodded, a tragic look washing across his face.

Christopher: Kyle thinks he has the numbers to get you out. That is my understanding.

Taylor gaped, and words failed him. His focus bounced between the two of them before he was able to say anything.

Taylor: Kyle wants to vote me off?!

Jenne approached and put a hand on Taylor’s arm.

Christopher: Obviously I’m not going to do that. I am going to vote with you guys. But Taylor…I think you need to be brave and keep quiet about this one. Even if it somehow tied six to six—which it shouldn’t—you beat Ashley. She has more prior votes.

Taylor swallowed, still looking at both of them.

Taylor: Ok. What if we win immunity?

Christopher: If we win immunity, I believe Jenne will be targeted.

Taylor suddenly grew angry.

Taylor: Well, same difference!

Christopher: There is some belief that I am disgruntled with Jenne about the Missie vote. Jenne, didn’t Beth tell you the same thing about Kyle targeting Taylor?

Jenne: This morning, yes. She told me she almost laughed when Kyle told her he had the numbers to vote you out.

Christopher: I believe Kyle thinks he has me and JoJo. It seems that Missie and Kyle think the deal is sealed. They will absolutely hate me when I don’t vote with them.

Taylor frowned and he felt his ears burning.

Taylor: We will just show them. Thank you, Chris.

Christopher: No problem. I hold the past few votes over foot and mouth syndrome. Anyway, JoJo and I have talked and she won’t vote with them, either. I believe that.

Jenne: Wow, it’s been quite a week. Frienships tested and all.

Christopher glanced at Taylor.

Christopher: Kyle stacked the teams. None of us can see how we could win immunity.

Taylor: I don’t believe that.

Christopher: Our side is just not as intellectually strong.

Jenne: It could go either way.

Christopher shot Jenne a look.

Christopher: Lizzie? Ashley? A fifteen-year old?

Jenne: Jake is a genius!

Christopher: Well, you don’t have anyone like Lizzie and Ashley!

Jenne: The girls are both smart! Ash goes to USC!

Christopher glowered at her.

Christopher: Jenne…

Jenne: I know, I know.

Christopher: Do not even try that on me. I played Family Feud with Ashley. She was horrendous, as was sweet Lizzie.

Taylor stepped up.

Taylor: Lizzie wasn’t bad on our side!

Christopher: Well, that is good to know. I just feel like we are likely doomed. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what was going on.

Jenne: I’ve been dreading telling you, Tay.

Christopher: So, Taylor, I do recognize that the Missie thing could all be a part of this. So our bump was just that—a bump. It annoyed, but it’s cool. They have been very good at undermining long established trust.

[Host Kyle]

Jenne: Too good.

Taylor: They aren’t that smart. This will sound rather retarded, but honestly, I think we will win the war.

Christopher smiled and clapped him on the back.

Christopher: I think you are right. I hate that it turned into this “we” thing, but it is what it is.

Taylor: But “we” aren’t rooted in lies.

Jenne: I can’t wait to see their smug faces turn to shock when they see they’ve lost the battle.

Taylor: That’s what I’m waiting for.

Christopher: I have to go, but Taylor, trust me on this. Do not warn Kyle that I am flipping. All hell will break loose. Sorry to keep repeating; I just know we all like to talk. I include me in that.

Taylor nodded, but as Jenne and Christopher left him he couldn’t fathom how he would be able to contain this or the anger that was threatening to erupt. How could the one he called a close friend, the one who had shared so much with him, the one Taylor had fought for two games over do this to him.

Christopher and Jenne walked out of the hut, grinning madly. If ever there was a plan to permanently etch Taylor by their sides, this was it. Taylor would be going nowhere anytime soon.

“Taylor is in panic mode. He realises he f**ked up by lying to me about Missie. He has told Beth & Jenne he is terrified of me.

Good.

He should be...

I told Taylor that Kyle is after him...which, according to Kyle, is the truth. Maybe it isn't very nice of me to pass the information on - but hey...Survivor is a game of information. And if the information helps me solidify my hold on another player - so be it.

So Taylor & I are "good" again. WHatever good is. I only have one question.

How in the f**k did Taylor make it this far?” – Christopher

Taylor paced for a moment. It hurt. It was maddening. It was driving him crazy that all that was hanging in the air for all to see.

He paused and glanced toward the window.

That was it. He needed help. He needed to figure out what was going on. The first person he saw when he ventured out was JoJo. However he did stop to collect himself.

Taylor: You ready to go down in the Jeopardy tomorrow?

JoJo turned to look at him and smiled wryly.

Taylor: I’m not joking…my side is winning!

JoJo: Now you got me going, boy!

Taylor forced himself to laugh.

Taylor: I love talking with you. It’s so much fun! Actually, I’m not so confident in my team here, and with Missie targeting me…

JoJo gaped at him.

JoJo: She is?

Taylor: JoJo…Chris told me so you don’t have to play surprised. I know that Kyle has votes to get rid of me…at least he thinks he does.

JoJo: Wait, Kyle or Missie?

Taylor: Both.

JoJo looked down for a moment. Beth had told her the same thing earlier, but Kyle hadn’t said a word about it. He usually came to JoJo with any strategy he was thinking. Something seemed fishy.

JoJo: I’m not acting stupid.

Taylor: You don’t know what they’ve been doing to Jenne, Chris, Beth, and I. They’ve been trying to create mistrust between us, saying that we are targeting each other, getting us to be suspicious and then running to the other one and telling them we are thinking of voting them out.

JoJo: Actually I haven’t heard Kyle target you. That sincerely has surprised me.

Taylor nodded incredulously.

Taylor: Kyle is going to work on you tonight, if he hasn’t already.

JoJo: Nope. I just assumed he was always after Jenne.

Taylor: That’s why he picked you for his team. If my team loses he’s targeting me; if your team loses he’s targeting her.

JoJo shook her head and patted him on the shoulder.

JoJo: Kyle is one man, and obviously you are safe.

Taylor: Kyle has Missie, Jon, Isaac, and Ashley.

JoJo: You have me, Chris, Beth, Jenne, Jake, Lizzie.

Taylor grinned innocently.

Taylor: Awww, I can count on you?

JoJo: Of course! We have talked about this! I thought you and Kyle were buds, though.

Taylor scoffed.

Taylor: I’ve had Kyle’s back, and he hasn’t had mine. That’s why I’m upset.

JoJo: He’s worked hard this game. I’m sure things haven’t gone the way he planned.

Taylor: He’s worked too hard.

As always, after discussing with JoJo, Taylor felt better about the situation. Kyle may have been aggressively throwing his weight around up to that point, but Taylor had more support. That was a fact, and JoJo just assured it.

But as Taylor stepped away, JoJo was a bit confused. She was almost certain Kyle would have passed along the information to her. He had asked her for help in every move he had tried to make thus far. For the time being, she would sit on the information.

Taylor returned to his hut more peaceful than usual, and when he passed Christopher, Jenne, and Beth on his way, he smile and addressed them calmly.

Taylor: You know what? I’ve had a good day today. I’m not letting Kyle bother me.

Christopher: Good! And don’t!

Taylor: I’ve made up my mind that we are winning this challenge.

Beth and Jenne exchanged glances as they talked.

Christopher: I feel like the odds are against us, but I will try my best. If we win, then we have to worry about taking care of Jenne and JoJo.

Taylor: I know. Kyle makes me sick.

Christopher: I know he is very into to doing well this game. He says friends and games are separate, which is true. It just doesn’t work like that.

Taylor: Games and friends are separate. But every tribal council since I met Kyle, I’ve worked to save his ass. You know what? Even if I do go, I’m not nervous. I know we will beat liars.

Beth reached out to touch his arm.

Beth: You are loved.

Taylor turned confidently to head back to his hut, and Beth watched him curiously. She hadn’t a clue of what he was rattling off about, acting as if everyone was on the same page of knowledge. She glanced quickly at them, and Jenne put a hand on her arm.

Jenne: Just to fill ya in, Chris and I just told Tay about Kyle targeting him. We’ve instructed him to keep his yap shut, and we’ll cover his ass. This way it keeps Tay on our side, voting with us.

Jenne grinned, and Christopher smiled, both certain they had concocted the most brilliant plan with the loosest end of the web.

Jenne: So all is well now finally! What a hard week!

Beth: Ugly week all gone! Happy times now!

Christopher squeezed Jenne to his side.

Jenne: Sweetness! If Taylor asks about it with you, you can confirm what Kyle said to you. I did tell him that I heard from you, and that you almost laughed that Kyle thought he had the votes.

And so they seemed to be set once again. The communication between them would now be constant and their game to the final four totally fluid. Nothing was going to stop them, and as far as they were concerned, their duties for the day were complete. There was nothing left to do but relax and rest up for the following day’s festivities.

Immunity was at stake. However, none of them were afraid any longer. The day passed rather quickly, and strategy had been minimal. So much rode on the immunity challenge that no one cared to play or make predictions until they knew what their options were.

Day 20

Not many stirred until lunch time and closer to time to head up to the main resort for the immunity challenge. Many took the morning for leisure.

Kyle took a jog out on the beach, and it was quite exhilarating. He had plenty of time to breathe in the fresh air and to think, collect himself. After such a successful last tribal council, Beth had frustrated him once again.

As he reached the pier, someone called out to him, startling him out of his thoughts.

JoJo: Hey, you!

Kyle slowed his gait and turned toward her.

Kyle: You are hiding!

JoJo grinned and looked around her, taking in the majestic scene of crystal blue ocean.

JoJo: How secretive of me.

She stepped off the pier and made her way toward him.

JoJo: You left a note saying you needed me? I love being needed.

Kyle smiled and nodded.

Kyle: I’m just very frustrated. Just altogether.

JoJo: This game is screwed up.

Kyle regarded her for a moment. If he was going to confide such heavy information to JoJo he needed to make sure she didn’t stand more closely with certain people than what met the eye.

Kyle: Do you have a final two with Beth?

JoJo: No, I do not. Not one person has agreed to a final two, and I’m not the one to ask.

Kyle sighed and looked around quickly before turning back to JoJo.

Kyle: Can you keep this between you and me?

JoJo: Yes, of course.

Kyle: I’m starting to regret agreeing to work with her. I feel like she’s using me for the very same reasons as the last game.

JoJo bit her lip.

JoJo: I feel like I’m going to be like all the people in season four, too—who trust like an idiot and get screwed. This game is screwed, Kyle. I can’t compete with the relationships in this game.

Kyle: Then we need to do something. They’ve made it very clear to me that they will not vote each other, no matter the circumstances.

JoJo: Who? Beth and who?

Kyle: Beth, Jenne, Taylor, Lis…

JoJo: That’s interesting.

Kyle: Chris seems to be a little more open-minded about not staying with the group, but…I was talking to Beth last night, and she was all in love with Jenne once again. Told me she would never vote her out.

JoJo had heard that all too many times.

JoJo: That is true, in my opinion.

Kyle: There are twelve left. Four of them—

JoJo couldn’t hold it in any longer. She was dying to know what exactly Kyle had planned for Taylor and she came right out with it.

JoJo: I heard you want Taylor gone.

Kyle had been accused of much in the game, but in his mind, this topped them all. Where could that have even come from?

Kyle: Oh my gosh…who told you that? That has never come out of my mouth!

JoJo: Taylor said it.

Kyle looked down and thought quickly. Obviously this was a brand new scheme, otherwise Taylor would have been beating down his door days ago. He began to think of his recent conversations. As a matter of fact, he hadn’t talked with anyone since he last talked with Beth two nights ago.

Kyle: This is another reason I don’t trust Beth anymore.

JoJo: You never said that?

Kyle: I told Beth the other night that I heard people were mad at him. That’s all I said. No I’ve never said that I wanted Taylor gone this entire game.

JoJo: Criminey.

Kyle eyed her for a moment.

Kyle: Are you close with Jake?

JoJo: I adore Jake, but we have not made any agreements in this game. I just think he’s a great kid. Why?

Kyle: We need to take action now or they will run with the game.

JoJo: After last tribal council I was wanting to hand them all the game. I don’t mean to sound weak, Kyle, but some of this intensity is such bullcrap. The pre-game alliances, the whole thing!

Kyle: We need to do something! If we lose…I want Jenne out.

JoJo paused and nodded slowly.

JoJo: I know you do, and if I agreed it would need to be on the down low.

Kyle: I think you would have to be the one to sway Jake. I don’t know where he stands, and he’s one of my “pushy” accusers.

JoJo snickered.

JoJo: You pushy little so and so!

Kyle smile at that.

Kyle: I know it! Raaawwwrrr!

JoJo smiled and wrapped her arms around him affectionately.

JoJo: I love that about you. Push me!

Kyle: You’re not the one I want to push!

They shared a moment together before Kyle cleared his throat and ventured the question. No one liked to give names, and it was the most frustrating thing he had ever experienced.

But now Kyle had another investigation to take on. He was going to get to the bottom of whoever was spreading all the things that were destroying him. He was going to expose it if it was the last thing he did in the game.

Taylor opened the door, and when he saw Kyle, he wanted to close it in his face. But Kyle put his hand up to the door and made his way in.

Kyle: Can you tell me why you think I’m after you?

Taylor: Probably because you are.

Kyle: I have never said that in this entire game, and I think you know that. Who told you that I was after you?

Taylor: About five different people.

That’s when Kyle knew the whole thing was a set up.

Kyle: You can believe what you want, but I think you know me better than that.

Taylor crossed his arms angrily.

Taylor: I thought I did.

Kyle: What five people, Taylor?

Taylor: You really think I’m gonna give them up?

Of course not! Kyle found himself chuckling. As a matter of fact he would be disappointed if Taylor did change his game suddenly and start giving up names.

Kyle: Listen, I put my neck on the line, risking getting myself linked with Rami and Ryan to get their targets OFF you and Chris!

Taylor: You may well have, and I thank you. But when people come to me and tell me that you have told them YOU have enough votes to take me out—not just one person, Kyle, a group! I believe them.

Kyle shook his head as they glared at each other.

Taylor: I have one question. How close are you with Missie?

Kyle: I have one answer that you probably won’t believe. I’m not close with her at all beyond trying to save Ryan from the snow job he got for a second time in a row.

Taylor: Kyle, I don’t know what to believe.

Kyle: You’re already believing what you want to believe.

Taylor: Kyle, I desperately want to believe you. I just don’t know if I can.

Kyle: Why, Taylor? “Cause I finished off what you started and took the rap for it? Because I pissed Jenne off?

Taylor: Oh, Kyle, please!

Kyle: Because now that Jenne has smeared me, you are a part of it?

Taylor: Kyle, it’s not just Jenne—

Kyle: Then explain to me why the vote was ten to three the other night? I made no moves whatsoever that tribal council!

Kyle looked at him for a moment, coming to a stark realization.

Kyle: You know what? You’re the only person in this game that has riled me up with your accusations, so I don’t even know why I’m letting them bother me.

Taylor: What the hell am I supposed to think, Kyle? Missie says she has a huge alliance with you. You tell me you guys don’t! I get word that you are targeting me from different sources. You say you aren’t!

Kyle: Sources! There’s where your credibility stops!

Taylor sighed and paced away for a moment.

Taylor: Tell me, Kyle. Tell me what I need to believe!

Kyle: Different sources…

Taylor: Kyle, I can’t tell you.

Kyle: Of course.

Taylor: This is Survivor.

Kyle: So we can go around in an endless circle.

Taylor: We can.

Kyle: You’ve already decided what you want to believe, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

Taylor: Kyle, do you really think I want to believe that a person I consider a good friend is a backstabber? Do you really think that?

Kyle: Well, you have believed all the crap people have told you.

Taylor: How can I not? You don’t see, Kyle. You don’t see where I’m at.

Kyle shook his head vigorously.

Kyle: No, I don’t!

They both stared for a long moment, breathing deeply. They were obviously destined to be against each other for the entire game. Kyle could not defend himself, and Taylor listened to everything his mystery sources were telling him.

Taylor: Why did you stack the teams in the challenge?

Kyle: I had one minute to come up with names, and I wanted it stacked in such a way that if my team lost, I would not be a target.

Taylor: Right, so if my team lost, Ashley won’t go because her dad just died. Chris, me, Lizze, Jake, and Beth?

Kyle shrugged.

Kyle: So? You think you’d be the bigger target of that group?

Taylor: I just might be.

Kyle: Not what I was thinking.

Taylor nodded cynically.

Taylor: Really, so if we lost, who were you going to vote for?

Kyle: If you want the God’s honest truth to turn around and spread to everyone you think will listen, I was putting Lizzie in that position. So there ya have it. Spread it to whoever you want—all your “sources”.

Taylor put a hand on his shoulder.

Taylor: Kyle, I know you want to do so well, so badly in this game—

Kyle wiggled his shoulder from Taylor’s grasp.

Kyle: It has nothing to do with that, Taylor. Nothing.

Taylor: Kyle, you realize that these people want to target you, and I have to still defend you? Telling tham that Isaac, Jon, and Missie should go first.

Kyle gritted his teeth angrily as he rubbed his eyes.

Kyle: What people…Taylor!

[Host Kyle]

Taylor: Kyle, I don’t believe you are capable of betraying someone like that, but I also know how badly you want Jenne out. Somehow, some way Missie found out about my secret alliance with Jenne, and others too. You, Jenne, and I were the only three that knew.

And suddenly Beth found her way in the midst of the argument. Kyle knew it, but Taylor obviously didn’t.

Kyle: There you are wrong. You were not the first person to tell me. I already knew.

Taylor laughed and turned away.

Taylor: I think everyone is lying to me in this game. Everyone! I don’t know who to believe, so that’s your answer, Kyle. I have no idea. I do know the only person I don’t believe is Missie. Don’t know where that puts ya, but…yeah.

Kyle: Just vote me out.

Taylor: Kyle…

Kyle: I’m done with this game.

Kyle turned to go, but Taylor stopped him.

Taylor: Please! Don’t you see I don’t want you to go! I never have! I’ve saved you from Jenne, and that’s why I’m baffled at this.

Kyle shook his head and went for the door.

Taylor: Talk later? After the challenge.

Kyle: Sure.

And Kyle left, but not to sit on the information. As was Kyle’s way he would go to the nearest person to him and unload. At the moment, that person was Beth. She was the last person he had talked to before going to bed that last tribal council night.

Something was fishy.

Kyle: I just got some interesting news. Can you explain?

Beth was surprised to see him at her door, but even more surprised to be confronted by his tone. She let him in quickly.

Beth: What’s that?

Kyle came in, crossed his arms, and turned to face her.

Kyle: Taylor thinks I want him out.

She looked at him for a moment.

Beth: How can I explain that?

Kyle: Why would he think that?

Beth shrugged, feeling cornered.

Beth: Because he thinks everyone wants him out?

Kyle: You are the only person I’ve talked to between tribal council and now, and the only person I said anything about Taylor having people mad at him.

Beth: Taylor already knew people were mad at him.

She stepped up to him angrily.

Beth: If you’re gonna accuse me of something, just do it. Don’t beat around the bush.

Kyle held his hands up.

Kyle: I’m just asking for an explanation, Beth. I’m not getting all mad.

Beth: Jenne and Taylor are well aware they’ve upset people. If you want, I’ll tell you the whole conversation between Taylor and I—

Kyle rolled his eyes and huffed.

Kyle: It doesn’t matter, you don’t have to.

Beth: Obviously it does matter—

Kyle: Beth, do you remember the things we discussed before we decided to work together in this game? How you ultimately gained my trust?

Beth: How did I gain your trust?

Kyle: We came into this game with you telling me who you wanted to see gone and when, and who were just going to have to accept that you weren’t going to be as loyal to this time around. You told me I don’t know how many times you wanted Tenzil out first—not that I wanted to point my guns at him right off the bat—but you’ve basically gone totally back on all of that to where I feel like I’m in the exact same situation as Valentine’s Day!

Beth took a step up to him.

Beth: I did want Tenzil out. I did not affect that vote, and I did not rally to save him! I don’t know what is going on here, but I don’t like this!

Kyle: What’s going on here is we’re dangerously close to number crunching, and you’ve basically told me there are four people you will not vote out.

Beth: You’ve done the same thing, Kyle! You said you won’t vote out Missie or Isaac or Jon.

Kyle: But you are with me! I am not with all your other buddies! Do you see where I’m coming from?

Beth sighed and looked away.

Beth: Back at our stalemate.

Kyle: What do you want me to do?

Honestly, Beth didn’t know. She stood with her back to him for a moment before she turned to look at him.

Beth: Take me to Paris? We’ll forget the game?

What was meant to lighten the mood wasn’t the slightest bit amusing to Kyle, and as he crossed his arms and stared back at her, she cleared her throat.

Beth: I will not lose your friendship over a stupid game, Kyle. I refuse to do that.

Kyle: I’ve told you a million times I don’t do that, but you are putting me in a situation in this game.

Beth gaped.

Beth: Into voting me out?

Kyle: No. I’m going to end up with Beth, Chris, Lizzie, Jenne, Taylor…then what?

There was another pause before Beth forced a smile.

Beth: We run away to Paris? Tonight.

Kyle didn’t laugh; he didn’t smile. He didn’t so much as make a sound. Beth sighed. She had tried to lighten the mood but it was apparently beyond that.

Beth: I wish I had a magic wand. I have a feeling your team is gonna win this. Just remember, no matter what happens, I love you. I adore you. So there.

Kyle softened a little at that, and Beth smiled slightly.

Beth: Vote me out if you hafta.

Kyle: I don’t want to vote you out. I just don’t want to fall in a minority and make sixth again.

Beth: I don’t blame you a bit! I’d love to see you win.

Kyle rubbed his face with a sigh and paced.

Kyle: Taylor told me five different people told him I was after him. What did you tell him?

Beth: That he had pissed people off.

Kyle: What did you tell him about me?

Beth: That you hated his guts and wanted to see him bleeding and dying on the side of the road.

Still it was another failed joke that Kyle saw not the slightest bit of humor. Beth cleared her throat awkwardly and nodded.

Beth: Is he saying I said something?

Kyle: No, of course he won’t give names. No one ever gives names. There’s no credibility with any of it!

Beth: I’ll give you a name. You can be Kyle Adams.

Kyle: I’m done with this game.

Beth: Kyle. If you voted me out tomorrow, I would be your friend no matter what. This is a game, a stupid game. You are my friend!

Kyle: Taylor also asked me about my strategy behind stacking the teams—which I told you about. You’ve told him all this stuff haven’t you?

Beth: Told him what?

Kyle nodded and started for the door.

Kyle: I’m done with this game.

Beth: I’m going to Paris! Seriously, I just want to yell at all of you. All of you want me to pick and choose. Like her, hate her, hate him...

She stood up as Kyle stopped at the door, and they glowered at each other for a long time. They were never going to come to an agreement about anything, and Kyle was certain Beth had been passing along everything he had confided in her.

Beth: You guys pick and choose between yourselves! Good night!

Kyle shrugged and left. Beth waited a moment and rushed out. There was no telling to whom Kyle would go or what he would do. She needed to cover herself.

Taylor closed himself in his hut all worked up. He was angry, he was confused, he was hurt. The worst of it was trying to sift through all the information to the truth. So much was going on that Taylor had tortured himself trying to figure out the direction he should take. Somebody was most definitely doing a number, sewing doubt among everyone. Somehow he didn’t believe it started with Kyle.

The fact was…he knew the people around him. He knew the people he was aligned with. More than that, he knew how Christopher Collins could play the game.

Taylor sat down on the edge of his bed.

“Why do I feel like Brutus?

It's so ironic that Jenne and I were planning Chris's elimination and I felt like Cassius. I'm actually Brutus.

Who do I belive Kyle? Chris, Beth, Jenne?

Both have an agenda, when Chris, Jenne, and Beth came to me and told me that Kyle was trying to target me, I became outraged, and I couldn't belive it, at all. How could he? I mean I've fought for him (passivly, but fought none the less) for this kid for the longest time, and now all of a sudden because I piss off Missie, he wants to vote me off because he thinks Chris is pissed at me and he has the numbers? Last night going into the immunity challenge I was so detrimed to win that just to prove his little smug ass.

I was detrimed, telling everyone. Don't even listen to them, we are going to win! And I was ready to vote Kyle off.

But then I realized something, once I finally talked to Kyle.

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

I don't honestly think Kyle was trying to actively target me. He probably mentioned a few places that he had the votes to take me out, however. I have another theory. May or may not be correct, but here goes.

Kyle did say he had the numbers to vote me off, but he probably really was gunning for Jenne. Chris goes to me, the last Kyle hold out, and tells me that Kyle is plotting against me, for one reason.

To take my eyes off of Missie.

I wanted Missie out last week, I've already went over that. Voting Kyle out serves two purposes for Chris. One) It protects Missie, his partner, from the vote because I am so mad at Kyle, and Two) It eliminates Missie's closest person other than Chris, himself.

Chris is smart enough to think of this and pull it off, would he, I doubt it. I'm probably wrong, but it is something to think about, and I know this game doesn't revole around me. Would be fun if it did though, right?

I feel like, I guess, where Jenne and Beth felt last time. How do I pick? How do I choose between two good friends? Answer is, for me, right now, until I can figure this whole thing out, is to target Missie. I honestly feel if I eliminate Missie from the game, it will get better. She is the route of the problem. SHE has turned friends against each other. She is the liar, she must go.” – Taylor

Though Taylor didn’t have much time to think and process before another pounding came to his door, almost rattling him out of his bed.

Beth was there fuming and as soon as the door opened a crack she forced her way in.

Beth: What the hell did you do?

Taylor: Huh?

Beth: You told Kyle!

Taylor: No! What is going on?

Beth crossed her arms as she marched right up to Taylor and glared at him nose to nose.

Beth: He just quizzed me!

Taylor gaped and found himself at a loss, but he had not told Kyle. That was truth. Kyle had attacked him out of the blue.

Taylor: Kyle knows—

Beth: What did you say? And if you gave me up, I’ll be ticked!

Taylor: No I didn’t! He confronted me, and I told him I was told by five other people.

And just when Taylor thought he was having a good couple of days since the last tribal council, everything was crumbling once again. Some unwritten rule stated somewhere that all-star tribal councils were supposed to be dramatic every time. If word got to Christopher that Kyle knew, Taylor knew he was in trouble. He had to break the news himself…

But Kyle beat him to it.

Kyle: Christopher, where is this game going?

Christopher came out onto the porch and laughed.

Christopher: What a first question!

Kyle held up his hand and pinched an inch with his thumb and forefinger.

Kyle: I’m this close to walking away. I’m that burnt out! Between Taylor and Jenne and Beth…it’s not worth it.

Christopher smiled and came down the steps to approach him.

Christopher: Ah, I had those feelings a couple of days ago. I was very upset. The untruths, the ones who are everyone’s friend. Those are the kind that bounce back and forth, creating drama. I hear you.

Kyle: Where do you stand, Chris? Me? I just want to shut my mouth vote however the majority’s going. Then I will end up with Christopher, Lizzie, Beth, Taylor, and Jenne. We’ve all been there before. Beth and Taylor and Jenne have made it quite clear that they will not under any circumstance vote for each other.

Cocking his head, Christopher eyed him for a moment, frowning a bit.

Christopher: I kind of resent you shoving me in there, kiddo. Did I not vote against those very people at the Tenzil vote? The second Tenzil vote? The Drew vote?

Kyle: You did…which is why I trust you and am talking to you now.

Christopher: I just keep following my heart, and that is about all I can do. It probably won’t get me to the end, but I am going to vote what I want. If it makes people mad, I just hope they remember it is a game. Chris does what Chris wants. I won’t change that in my retirement game.

Kyle: How is it that you can play Chris’ game without all the backlash?

Christopher gaped, even laughed out loud.

Christopher: Oh my gosh, are you kidding? This week was hell! Taylor and Jenne were coming at me hard. Then I got Beth’s wishi-washiness. Then Missie was calling Taylor a liar—it was a madhouse.

Kyle: Thank you on Beth!

Christopher: Beth is everyone’s friend. I don’t know how she does it, because in some ways that should make her nobody’s friend. I swear she changes her mind based on what she ate for lunch.

Kyle: Yes, she does.

Christopher: For two days, Jenne was the anti-Christ. Then she wasn’t.

Kyle: Yeah, now she wants to have Jenne’s babies!

Christopher: Yep, and I like Beth. I like most everybody.

Kyle: I do too! There’s not one person I don’t like! Jenne’s treading thin ice, but still! Anyway, I’m just told now that all these “people” are after me and that Taylor has been saving me.

Christopher dropped his head in exasperaton and rubbed his forehead.

Christopher: Oh, man. You are going to put me on the spot. This is where I get scared in this game. Does it not seem like every time we are asked to ferret things out—somehow everyone knows?

Kyle: Uh huh.

Christopher: It just wears a man down.

Christopher stared out thoughtfully, and Kyle waited for some kind of an explanation, but nothing came.

Kyle: I’m just floored at how it could go from me telling you that I wouldn’t stand in your way if you needed to take Taylor out to five “people” have told Taylor that Kyle is targeting him and has all the votes he needs.

Christopher looked up quickly.

Christopher: So you think it was me?

Pausing, Kyle wasn’t certain. Beth was the one he told there might be enough votes to take Taylor out.

Kyle: No, I don’t. I think it was Beth.

Christopher: I am willing to break it down with you.

Kyle: As I am with you.

Christopher: Even though I fear it will bite me in the butt hard.

He looked around quickly before leading Kyle back into his hut and shutting the door. Presently he crossed his arms and turned to Kyle.

Christopher: What is on your mind?

Kyle took a deep breath.

Kyle: Here is my game…everything I’ve done so far. I came into the game with Beth and Jamie. Jamie goes, and I didn’t try to stop it because she was being shady. I wanted Tenzil gone, so I went for it.

Christopher nodded.

Christopher: Understood.

Kyle: Jenne got pissed, and that’s where the drama began. Taylor comes unglued, and from there it was always Kyle said this, Jenne said that…

Christopher: Right.

Kyle: So, I started nosing around the Ryan crew to see what was really going on because Jenne had told me she was going to work with him, and I wanted to see if Ryan would tell me anything. Ryan tells me the whole alliance and that you and Taylor are the prime targets. I mention Lis because he won’t consider anyone else. Rami goes and tells Beth that I mentioned Taylor and Lis. Then Rami goes.

Christopher: Oh, intriguing.

Kyle: Then I see what’s happening to Ryan—again. So I decide I don’t care if I throw my game, I’m gonna save the kid. To counter all the Jenne crap I start working with Missie and Isaac to have numbers. Jon thinks I’m God because I “saved” him at the Tenzil vote. And I think that about covers it.

Christopher sighed aloud and paced.

Christopher: Oh, Kyle, you seem so real to me right now. But d**n if everyone doesn’t seem real on one night of the week. This just sucks!

He stopped to face Kyle again.

Christopher: Jenne, Beth, Taylor…they have said they won’t vote each other? Or have only some of them said it?

Kyle: Beth said she won’t ever vote them or you or Lis. Jenne I can draw my own conclusions by what happened with Tenzil and how she preaches that friends never vote each other out.

Christopher: I’m wary of saying too much because I don’t want it to get out, but I don’t think that Jenne subscribes to that universally. But…having said that, when I told her I wanted Tenz out, she was cool with it, but freaked when I tried to do it.

Kyle: Same thing happened to me.

Christopher: I don’t know how much of that she means. Or maybe she doesn’t know if she doesn’t mean it until it happens…

Kyle held his hands up.

Kyle: She told me she wouldn’t oppose me, but she did. So between Taylor, Jenne, and Beth, I feel like retiring.

Christopher laughed out loud as Kyle mustered some semblance of a smile. Then Kyle asked the question of the century.

Kyle: Would you consider a solidified “working together”?

Christopher froze.

Christopher: You and me or you mean them?

Kyle: You, me, and JoJo.

Christopher: I’m listening.

Kyle: I don’t think anyone would see it coming, and I think JoJo feels as out of it as I do.

Christopher: Well yes…and yes. She’s told me as much. She was caught in nearly as much crossfire this week.

Kyle: I think with the people the three of us have trusting us loosely, we could work something out.

Christopher: What is your rough order? I mean, who is going pre-jury versus who goes post? I know that is a huge question…

He regarded Kyle for a moment. The option was there on the table and seemed highly lucrative, if not to stick with him but to use him. Either way. The wheels were turning.

Christopher: The hardest thing on me in this game is that I want to play a normal game…badly.

Kyle scoffed.

Kyle: So much for that.

Christopher: I do. I miss season one, but I’m as afraid of backlash as anyone.

Kyle: If you want a normal game, then one of the three of them has to go.

Christopher: Oh boy.

Christopher backed up a couple of steps.

[Host Kyle]

Christopher: I know.

Kyle: Me being honest.

Christopher: No, it’s true, and I know this. It’s just that leap, ya know? Tenzil was one thing—very easy for me to say bye! Taylor I can do at some point. It sucks, but I know I can and more and more. Beth I can do. Jenne…

He looked at Kyle directly so no mistake would be made, and he watched him cautiously.

Christopher: Jenne is the one I wouldn’t. If someone gets her, I’m not going to go ballistic, but I do know her in a true, real-life context. Girl was in my play!

Kyle nodded.

Kyle: I know.

Christopher: So that vote is one I don’t see myself jumping in on.

Kyle: Which is what I’m getting from Beth about all of them!

He paused thoughfully, as something crossed his mind that hadn’t the entire game thus far. Beth had squashed every move he had tried to make, and it was obvious what Kyle needed to do.

Kyle: I could go with Beth. I’d hate to…

Christopher studied him like a book. One could’ve heard a pin drop in that hut.

Kyle: But I’d do it.

Christopher: Wow. So big.

Kyle couldn’t believe it had come out of his mouth, but he knew it was going to end up being something he needed to do.

Christopher: You mean this vote?

Kyle: Doesn’t have to be this vote.

There was a long silence between them. It felt like an enternity. Kyle could feel his heart racing.

Christopher: We need to get with JoJo and talk about this.

Kyle: Yes, we should.

Meanwhile, Beth took her grievances over Taylor and Kyle straight to Jenne. Kyle had more or less attacked her, and she knew Jenne would be there to smooth things over.

Beth: Kyle is pissed at me.

Jenne shook her head. It was getting to be an All Star staple, Kyle angry at someone.

Jenne: I’m sorry.

Beth : He told me that he gives up.

Jenne rolled her eyes.

Jenne: He’s said that so many times. You know he is a hyprocite? He’ll bitch and bitch about stuff all the while doin’ exactly what he’s bitchin’ about others doin’.

Beth: I just don’t like that he wants me to pick between friends.

Jenne: Don’t worry about it. He’ll get over it. He’s just now realized that he’s never had control in this game, and that’s hard for him. Picking between friends sucks, and I know you want everyone to be happy and to get along. You want everyone to like you, but that’s an impossible position.

Beth: The thing that gets me the most is that he says we are in a stalemate and wants to vote out my friends. He gets mad when I won’t do it. But there are people he says he won’t vote out. What’s the difference?

Jenne: The difference is he wants everyone to need him. He wants to win, which is expected, but he wants you to be his minion and not have anyone else. You work together as much as you can, but neither of you are going to give on this. Stalemate.

Jenne narrowed her eyes at Beth as she studied her.

Jenne: Seeing as you have the upper hand, there is no reason for you to give that away to him.

Beth nodded quickly.

Beth: We have an easy road to final four. Why mess that up now?

Jenne: He don’t know that.

The door opened presently and JoJo came into the hut, welcomed by smiles from both Jenne and Beth. However, seeing the two of them together in Beth’s hut made her wildly uncomfortable. The suspicions of her placement within this huge, seven-person alliance—five of whom had known each other for years—was weighing more heavily on her by the moment.

Jenne was on her way out and gave JoJo a hug as she did so. JoJo turned to look at Beth. She had come there with a purpose. Kyle targeting Taylor sounded manufactured to her, and she was all around confused.

JoJo: Who said Kyle wanted Taylor gone?

Beth: Kyle told me he could get the votes to vote Taylor out.

JoJo: Jenne told me that Kyle would be asking me to vote Taylor out, and then Taylor told me.

JoJo paused. Kyle had, in fact, approached her but regarding nothing of the sort. This further impacted her suspicions of Jenne and Beth and now Taylor.

Beth only beamed at her.

Beth: Beth, JoJo, Chris, Jenne, Jake, Lizzie, Taylor. Seven people. Clear majority. From those seven we have Beth, JoJo, Chris, Jenne. Another majority.

JoJo: Where does Kyle fit in?

Beth: Poor Kyle…playing his sweet heart out.

JoJo: I’m shocked he would go for Taylor, but what do I know?

Beth: Kyle said that Jenne and Taylor had isolated themselves or some such junk. Shows how off the map he is.

She scoffed and shrugged.

Beth: I think we should be more strategic this vote. I would think Missie, but we are a democracy.

JoJo: Missie is strategic. Missie and Kyle are strongest, but you know I love Kyle way more than Missie.

Beth: I totally agree…

She sighed and pressed on with her strategy.

Beth: When it comes time to vote out Jake, Lizzie, and Taylor it will be sad.

JoJo nodded skeptically and continued to scrutinize her, all the while appearing objective.

JoJo: All of them will be crushed, but Taylor…my gosh. I would assume he thinks he’s going all the way with you and Jenne?

Beth smiled at her but said nothing. It was almost as if she was thinking about it, considering, deciding right then if it would be the case.

JoJo: Don’t think about it. Just answer Mama.

Beth looked up and grinned once again.

JoJo: What does Tay think?

Beth: I don’t know.

JoJo nodded.

JoJo: Mama asked a toughie.

Beth: I haven’t talked to Taylor today.

JoJo: He thinks I go at final five or six?

Giggling, Beth nodded.

Beth: Silly, silly Taylor. I asked him about final two’s and he said he had one with me and one with Jenne and an implied one with Kyle.

JoJo: Who wants him gone now…interesting.

Beth: He’s so silly!

JoJo: Maybe it’s me who’s really the idiot. Who knows?

Beth: Mama is no idiot!

At that moment, Christopher rapped on the door and Beth couldn’t finish what she was going to say, not that JoJo cared to hear. Her suspicions were bubbling over, and she was never more grateful to see Christopher poke his head in the door.

Christopher: Mama! I’ve got something to show you!

JoJo breathed a discrete sigh of relief before returning to Beth.

JoJo: We’ll continue this later. Just hold that thought.

And she hurried out with Christopher. They walked toward the beach, not straying far from the aisle of huts.

JoJo: Is this game normal?

Christopher: You’ve played more than me. I don’t even think I know what normal is. These people are high strung!

JoJo: This game is so frustrating! I just want to play and may the best man win! But tracking back, and I’ll own this and apologize later if I need to, but Beth is not being truthful. She is not telling me the truth anymore. She is keeping things from me!

Christopher: Tell me what’s up.

JoJo shook her head tragically.

JoJo: I felt the same about Jenne a few days ago, and maybe I was wrong, but I think I’m playing into their plan. I really do! But I made a commitment, and I’ll honor it!

Christopher: What is she not telling you?

JoJo: Well first was yesterday when she wouldn’t come clean with Jenne in front of us. She let me blurt out all the crap I had felt and how I betrayed Jenne and didn’t say squat!

She glanced off toward the huts.

JoJo: And now today…I was just asking her about Taylor. She would say Taylor “thinks” he’s in a final two with her and Jenne, and then just giggle! What does that mean?

Christopher: I have heard that before.

JoJo looked at him seriously, thinking about all of their ties, the whole Valentine’s Day group, the Survivor Centrals.

JoJo: Kyle always, always makes a good point.

Christopher: Yes, he does. He just got through working on me now.

JoJo: I just asked her where Taylor stood in all this and she didn’t answer for a long time while just grinning at me, then said, ‘I don’t know, haven’t talked to him today’. What does any of this mean?

Christopher couldn’t help but to chuckle at JoJo’s frustration.

Christopher: You are cracking me up!

JoJo: Well, good. I’m gald you are laughing. We don’t laugh enough in this game. Anyways, I asked her who said Kyle was targeting Taylor. I heard it from Jenne.

Christopher: Jenne heard it from her.

JoJo: Screw this!

She kicked at the sand quickly, then looked up at Christopher sheepishly.

JoJo: Don’t worry, I’m not going ballistic on you. I just know I can tantrum in front of you, and you can make it all better.

Christopher: No worries.

JoJo: I just feel like…well, Jenne loves you. Jenne loves Beth. If they have an agreement to rid the game of me at the end, they are not going to tell you, sweetie.

Christopher reached out and took her by the shoulders.

Christopher: Sweetie, I am telling you, I commit to offing Taylor with you, Jake, and Lizzie. I don’t think Jenne has that deal, but even if she does, no worries!

JoJo sighed and stepped away from him.

JoJo: I know this is hard for you. I never want to say turn on a friend or hurt your friend because you would never do it…and I wouldn’t want you to say it to me. But as the game progresses, I know I would jump ship if not for you. I’m loyal to you. So, I’m loyal to Beth who is lying to me…

Christopher: Babe, you can jump ship! You have my permission! Just keep me safe if you do it! Listen, do what you need to do, but I will say this…

He looked around quickly. Kyle was waiting for them on the pier, but he wanted to make sure no one else was watching.

Christopher: I do think we need Jon gone before we off any of our own. There is only one of you and you can’t control five.

JoJo: What do you mean?

Christopher: If you are flipping this vote, I think it might be too soon. I think one of their numbers should go, otherwise it would be too hard for you to control.

JoJo: I have zero loyalty to any of them. If I jump in with them, they will be done with me asap.

Christopher: Kyle wants a three-way alliance between you, me, and him.

JoJo paused.

JoJo: Well, if it was a normal game, I’d love that alliance.

Christopher: It can be a normal game. Problem is, I cannot vote Jenne out. Anyone else is fair game.

It seemed like the world went silent around JoJo, even the crashing of the waves were muted. JoJo only heard Christopher’s voice.

Christopher: Kyle says he’s willing to vote Beth.

JoJo: If you helped vote Beth, you’d have to deal with Jenne. Either way you are screwed.

Silence fell.

JoJo: Do you think Jenne would be relieved if Beth was gone and she didn’t have to do it? I know I’m sounding like the bitch from Hell, stabbing everyone in sight, but everyone wants to play this game for real without having to worry about someone else.

Christopher: I think you may be right.

JoJo: I’m just throwing stuff out. I feel like crap, but I feel like I’ve owned up to it. I felt like Beth pushed me to be upset with Jenne and then suddenly was asking me to cover everything over.

Christopher: Oh, me too. I feel somewhat manipulated.

JoJo: And I can’t know what they have in mind for Taylor.

Christopher: If we do this, will it be the right thing?

JoJo: I don’t know. If Kyle takes us anywhere, we have a day to decide. He’s told me that he trusts you.

Christopher: I think I’m as honest as I can be with him.

Christopher groaned and turned away.

Christopher: Oh good gosh, Mama, this is so insane. We will be turning on them.

JoJo: Yep, and if Beth hates me after this is over ‘cause d**ned if she didn’t start working on me long ago and vice versa…I will be disappointed in her.

They stared at each other thoughtfully for a long moment. Christopher turned to look at the pier where he could see Kyle pacing in the distance.

Christopher: We may have to agree to vote with Kyle this round.

JoJo: Whatever you say.

Christopher: Then screw him over.

JoJo nodded.

JoJo: Of course.

Christopher: We will be the bad guys, but whatever.

JoJo: No problem.

Christopher nodded toward the pier.

Christopher: Let’s do this.

When Kyle heard them approach, he turned quickly and stuffed his hands in his pocket. Seeing them coming toward him caused his adrenaline to race. This meeting between the three of them could be the game-shifting move he had waited for since the game began.

Kyle: Howdy folks.

Christopher and JoJo approached ominously as it were. Not a one of them were completely confident in what was about to take place. Christopher addressed them all like a business meeting.

Christopher: So we’ve all talked already. Do we know where we are or does someone need a review? I’m just so over the drama right now, let’s just cut through the crap.

Kyle: First order of business…

JoJo and Christopher looked at each other before Christopher began.

Christopher: My main concern is that if JoJo and I helped vote Beth or Taylor or someone else out right now, we could find ourselves up a creek with everyone, and that scares me.

JoJo: Same thing for me. If I jump, what does the other side have for me over there besides a snuffed torch?

Kyle: Basically, I’ve got Missie, Jon, and Isaac.

Christopher: Jon does nothing for me. Isaac has never been honest with me. He plays this game, then acts dumb with me. Kyle and Missie, I respect. Jon and Isaac, not so much.

Kyle nodded quietly.

Kyle: Who would be the easiest target of each team should they lose right now?

Christopher: I would feel better working with you, Kyle, if Jon was gone. I’m just putting it out there.

Kyle bit his lip thoughtfully as he looked from Christopher to JoJo and back. That was not going to happen, but he had to play along, come to some agreement.

Kyle: Let’s map this out. If my side loses, Jon goes.

Christopher: I don’t think your side will lose. You gave us team retard!

Kyle: No, I didn’t.

Christopher: Yes! Put me on team retard, you ogre. But anyway…say Jon or Ashley goes. I am willing to compromise and do something terrifying.

Kyle cocked his brow.

Kyle: As in?

Christopher glanced at JoJo who nodded in approval.

Christopher: As in…one of the three. But I won’t vote Jenne. That one I can’t do.

JoJo: We know. It’s ok.

Kyle: But you could throw a random?

Christopher cringed.

Christopher: Oh, Kyle. I don’t feel like I could do that right now. I would rather be honest.

Kyle nodded, chuckling to save face.

Kyle: Ok, scratch that. But could you please get her off my heels?

Christopher: Just so you know, I put her through the wringer the past few days, made her cry quite frequently about her behavior.

Kyle rolled his eyes.

Kyle: She always cries.

JoJo: I don’t want anyone crying. Can’t we just play the game?

Christopher: Taylor or Beth I can do. After this vote, I will commit to that.

JoJo: After Jon or Ashley.

Christopher: All hell is going to break loose.

Kyle: As if it hasn’t?

JoJo: I think everyone has respect for a good game. I think even Taylor or Beth would say it.

Kyle: Where will Lis throw a vote?

Christopher: That one I don’t know. She may throw with them, she may throw a random. She has known them a while even though they have capped on her before.

Kyle turned to JoJo.

Kyle: Do you know where Jake is?

Christopher: Jake is a player, that’s where he is. He griped about Beth to me just last night.

JoJo nodded.

Kyle: I lost my trust for him when he became one of my “pushy” accusers—to my face.

JoJo: You guys, this discussion needs to stay right here. If it starts flying around with people then all bets are off.

Kyle: I am not talking anymore outside.

JoJo: What’s hard for me is that I love Beth. I think we all feel the same. She is so friggin’ loveable.

Kyle and Christopher both nodded vigorously.

Kyle: I do, too, but this is a game to me. And she uses her loveability.

JoJo: Yes. She is working every one of us. So I’m feeling like it’s ok for me to work too.

Kyle: I’ve been worked the whole game. The other night when she pledged her undying love for Jenne again, I was over her. But in all honesty, we’d have a harder time pulling this off without Jon or Ashley.

[Host Kyle]

Christopher: No. There will be eleven left. Six takes care of it. But, Kyle, I just want to put this out there so you’re not surprised. I prefer Taylor over all of them. I know he has lied to me recently. Beth is more ambiguous, and I will do it. I just prefer Taylor.

Kyle: Ambiguous seems much more threatening to me, but whoever goes will cut power so it really doesn’t matter.

Christopher: Logically you are one hundred percent correct. I’m just sharing my fears. This makes me want to eat cookies, I’m that stressed!

JoJo tilted back and roared laughter, leaving Kyle to glance between them curiously.

JoJo: Kyle, this is how we met in St. Patrick’s Day. He was always eating cookies the size of his head!

Kyle: Keep your cookies…just give me Starbucks.

They all laughed some more before JoJo put an arm over each other their shoulders.

JoJo: My favorite boys, thank you for this. It stays here.

Kyle: My lips are sealed. I’m not going through any more days like in the past week.

JoJo: We all have loyalty to Beth. If Taylor goes, we answer to her. If she goes, we all feel like crap.

Kyle: I don’t think we’ll answer to her if Taylor goes. I think she will be open-minded about it. She just won’t help us.

Christopher: I agree with that.

Concern briefly washed over Kyle’s face.

Kyle: Even though Taylor will never speak to me again.

JoJo: Kyle come on! Is he that offended by that sort of thing?

Kyle: The way he’s acting toward me just by thinking I was targeting him? I wonder. You’d think I raped his grandma.

Christopher laughed out loud. JoJo thought it was humorous, but neither she nor Kyle expected the response it invoked from Christopher. They both looked at him oddly until he straightened up.

He waved a hand at them.

Christopher: Taylor was just telling me today how calm he was and that he wasn’t going to be bothered at all about Kyle wanting him gone. Yet, Kyle says the raping granny thing.

He chuckled some more.

Christopher: I can’t help but giggle.

So they left the pier with a new plan in the works. It was something not one of the three were totally confident in, but they knew something had to be done shortly. Kyle left the pier with a new resolve. He wasn’t totally sure that letting go of Jon or Ashley to a promise that either Taylor or Beth would go next was the best plan, but he had to go with it for the time being. He still had an allegiance with Missie and Isaac that he intended to keep. The game was certainly tossing him in all different directions. The past few days in particular had been a rollercoaster. But once again he felt better.

“I was *this* close to walking away from this game.

I will never play this game with friends again--friends who are unable to separate game from real life. I understand that this isn't Tiddly Winks. But it's not life or death either. When I voted Tenzil out, it was not because I wanted him dead or had a vendetta against him or thought that gremlins were waiting on the other side of TC to wisk him off to the unknown so he can be forgotten forever.

I just wanted him out of the game. Is that so hard to comprehend? I don't hate the man. We are not that close, and I didn't want his ties to others that I am closer to interfering.

Can I say this to Beth, Jenne, and Taylor right now?

GET A FREAKIN' LIFE!

If you can't handle the dynamics of this game....DON'T PLAY! Jenne, I didn't try to encourage you to play. I didn't even vote for you to play because you didn't want to. I knew it would be much easier without you here.

I will not be swayed. I'm playing a game, and if I ever sat down to play Monopoly with you and purchased Boardwalk and Park Place to bankrupt you....would you scream and cry that friends don't backstab each other?

Basically I've turned to Christopher and JoJo because they are the most level headed people here. Oh and Missie, we've all professed our respect for that woman. Right now, that's looking like an ideal final four to me. I would really love to see Isaac up there, but JoJo and Christopher don't trust him so much.

We've got such a long way to go.......sigh.....” – Kyle

JoJo shared similar thoughts. The game was in a very intense place, and JoJo felt she was on the summit of some dangerous cliff and no matter which way she went she was destined to fall to her death.

One thing was for sure, she was going to have to follow her gut. In some sense, her gut was all she could trust—even above Christopher.

“This game is not a game. It is some intense, friendship based nightmare. My whole dilemma this week has been whether I want to play this game with my gut, or to stick with a pre-arranged alliance. My gut says this: "jojo, if you stick with this alliance you are going to be royally screwed over." And if I do, will I be surprised? I KNEW these real life friends had done the same thing in Valentines Day. Here I am, acting like half of the VDay cast, saying "i'm different! i must be special! They arent gonna do that to me" but in my head i'm thinking "are you stupid??" But even as I type this I know I'll likely plug along, playing the village idiot, because I cant screw Chris and he can't screw Jenne.

When I talk to Missie and Kyle, they make so much sense to me. I all but went to Missie and begged her TWICE to work with me. But the reality is, she has her own loyalties. If I jumped to another side I'd be even more disposable than I am now.

So I've stuck with my f4 of me, Chris, Jenne and Beth. And when we all talk it makes great sense. Until yesterday I guess. Beth was NOT completely honest with Jenne during the chat where we threw everything on the table. She has since that time been really funny with me too. I think she is playing many of us at least and is screwing me over at worst. I've asked directly and she has really seemed uncomfortable.

Chris almost seems like he'd be relieved if a final four was him, me, liz and jake. But then he'd need Jenne and Beth voted off and he'd need me to do that without his knowledge. A few times this week I wondered if he was sublliminally telling me to rid the game of Jenne and Beth without his knowledge.

Sigh....i dont know....play this game for me? for Chris? Safely? With guts? I honestly dont know.” – JoJo

She returned to her hut for a rest before the challenge, harboring a raging headache. That’s all the game had been in the past several days.

Christopher Collins walked away from the meeting no less antsy than the rest, but feeling secure in multiple options. While not ready to make the plunge into such a game shifting move, he was more confident than JoJo that he had places of refuge whichever way he chose. Furthermore, his trust for Kyle waffled, more so than he liked, but he was trusting Kyle a bit more than he had.

“Jojo is showing the first signs of weakness I have seen from her in the game. She truly doesn't believe that she can make it past F6 with Beth & Jenne.

I don't agree with her. At all. We have Lizzie & Jake, meaning that at F6, we have the numbers to turn the game around once again.

Nonetheless, Jojo isn't so sure. Beth makes her very nervous. And while I agree with her that Beth is shady...I don't see Beth leaving the group of four. I think she is banking on it. That doesn't seem to matter, though - Jojo is pretty much through with Beth.

And while I like Beth...my loyalty is with Jojo. Jojo doesn't lie to me & she doesn't play both sides of the fence.

Beth told me today that the only people who have earned the right to lie to her in this game are myself, Jenne & Jojo.

Let's see if she feels that way once the game is over.

Kyle & I had a big talk today.

I really like him - a lot. He's funny, smart, mature...and I feel like we have some of the same ideas about where we'd like to see the game go. In an ideal world, anyway. Being in All-Star kinda f**ks "idealism" up.

Kyle tells me he is willing to boot Taylor, but honestly - I don't really believe him. Kyle has a soft spot for Taylor, and as much as he says he wants to boot him...something doesn't quite ring true about it.

I would like to work with Kyle. He wants to align with me & Jojo and take it all the way. There is something very refreshing about the potential of that trio. But I know that making that leap would require me to vote out Jenne & Lizzie...which is something I am simply not willing to do.

So I will probably be able to work with Kyle for awhile...and then have to f**k him over. It sucks...but that's the game. I really don't know what else to do about it.” – Christopher

But Christopher had no sooner walked away from his group meeting, the prospective flip of the game before he was cornered by Jenne, just coming into the aisle of huts. She seemed very determined as she marched right up to him

Jenne: I want to vote now.

Christopher: Jon or Ashley is who I would do.

But Jenne didn’t like that decision apparently. Regardless of who was going to be immune following the challenge, Jenne was set on Missie or Kyle. Why could nobody see reason?

Jenne: Chris, this has to be lined up on my side or I go home.

Christopher: What do you mean?

Jenne: You don’t want to vote Missie out now? I thought Beth told me you wanted to.

Christopher sighed with a smirk.

Christopher: I have learned to not listen to Beth.

He looked around quickly for anyone who might be nearby, particularly Kyle, and seeing they were alone he wisked Jenne off into a clandestine place.

Christopher: Here’s the deal: I got Kyle to agree to vote off Jon. It’s a long story, but he will vote Jon on your side, Ashley on my side.

Jenne smiled, pleased.

Jenne: Kyle got caught and now he’s wiggin’. I don’t trust him.

Christopher: I understand. I think with this deal Kyle thinks I will turn on some people. But he doesn’t have the numbers anyway. We talked for a long time today.

Jenne crossed her arms and frowned. She could feel the blood rising through her face.

Jenne: I’d like to express some extreme dissatisfaction.

Christopher: About what?

Jenne: I’m feeling very frustrated at the moment. For some reason, the person I trust the most in this game will never vote out the two people who have wanted me gone all game! I’m frustrated!

Christopher nodded. It was coming again.

Christopher: There’s a lot to talk about on that front. I know you don’t like them, and I don’t blame you. But I have to say, I feel a lot better about them being on jury than Jon or Ashley, ya know?

Jenne: Well, I don’t.

Christopher sighed.

Christopher: It just doesn’t seem fair. Even if you don’t like them, at least they are playing!

By then, Jenne was fuming once again.

Jenne: One minute you want them gone and the next you are letting them lick your ass! And I sit here with my thumb up my butt while all my friends are doing kegstands with the people who want me gone!

Christopher cocked his brow.

Christopher: What is a kegstand?

Jenne rolled her eyes and brushed him off.

Jenne: I understand a “worthy” jury, but I’m not happy, AT ALL! I feel like Kyle was our next boot, and he managed to charm everyone every time! It is getting real old! I’m just letting my emotions go here…I’m upset!

At that point, Christopher’s anger and frustration met Jenne’s if it didn’t surpass. It was the same scenario he had just faced at the previous tribal council all over again.

Christopher: I say this with no malice or anything other than my own emotional needs, but do you remember the other day when you just walked away from me because you couldn’t deal? Too many people and too much coming at you?

Jenne just looked at him.

Christopher: I need to do that right now.

And he walked away from her point blank. Jenne’s jaw dropped as she watched him head over to the main resort, and in that moment she wanted to pound something, a tree—anything! Better yet, she wanted to pound Missie or Kyle.

Looking around quickly she searched for a way to release her frustrations. There was nothing she could do in the game with Christopher at her side. He was controlling everything. Beth Sowles she was not trusting anymore, but she found herself barging in on her nonetheless.

Jenne: I’m, like, ridiculously pissed off right now!

Beth arose and came to her quickly.

Beth: What’s going on?

Jenne: We have to vote Jon or Ashley.

Beth: And not Missie?

Jenne nodded and threw her arms up angrily.

Jenne: Chris! I have no say in this game…never have!

Beth: Evidently me either. I thought we all said Missie to take out a power person?

Jenne: Yeah, well whatever!

Beth: What is up with Chris?

Jenne gritted her teeth angrily before she answered.

Jenne: I asked him about Missie, and he was like, no Jon. Kyle will vote Jon now. Kyle and Chris communed today and are buddies now.

Beth crossed her arms.

Beth: And he doesn’t “tell” us about it?

Jenne: Now Chris wants Missie and Kyle on the jury because Jon and Ashley don’t “deserve” it.

Beth: I don’t care that he thinks that. I’m more annoyed that he doesn’t “discuss” it with the group!

Jenne: He goes back and forth so much! How can we ever count on someone so fickle? He’s tied to so many people and pulled in so many different directions, and he’s letting them! He makes his decisions and is firm in them, and it feels like we can do whatever we want, but we don’t get anywhere! We have to bend to his will!

Beth sighed and paced away.

Jenne: I have no say in anything! It’s fine if you aren’t in a dominant alliance, but if you are you’d think you should have some control in how things go! That ain’t happening!

Beth: Or at least a say in the d**n discussion and not just told!

Jenne: Chris has never told me what to do, it’s just that without his support on something it goes nowhere. Tenz went ‘cause of Chris. Drew went ‘cause of Chris. Missie didn’t go ‘cause of Chris.

Jenne threw her hands up as she raised her voice frantically.

Jenne: Now he’s hand picking his jury!

Beth: I’ve noticed.

Jenne: He’s had more power, more control than anyone! Even knowing that I won’t vote him out. He’s locked.

Beth: You know, we didn’t work like this at all in Valentine’s Day. We talked about everything—

Jenne: Discussed everything, then decided on a course of action.

Beth sighed and sank down in a chair.

Beth: If Chris is gonna win anyway I might as well quit trying and do what I’m told.

At that moment, the door flew open and Christopher walked in. Beth was immediately at her feet and Jenne whirled around, startled. He didn’t look any happier than she had just seen, but she asked anyway.

Jenne: Feeling better?

Christopher: No. Let me just make this brief. Today Kyle went to work really hard on JoJo and I—

Jenne rolled her eyes.

Jenne: Which was to be expected.

Christopher: This has to stay in this hut!

He glared at both of them and jabbed his finger in their directions.

Christopher: If one word goes out, I will not hesitate to vote against either one of you, and I mean that! I am so sick of leaks!

Beth, wide-eyed, put a hand to her mouth and exchanged glances with Jenne. Even Jenne was caught off guard and speechless as Christopher’s voice boomed within the hut.

Christopher: Kyle worked hard on us, and JoJo and I got him to agree to vote against Ashley or Jon, which is why me voting Missie out right now would be dumb. We would split our votes, and he won’t agree to vote Missie. He did agree to Ash or Jon.

Beth: I’m amazed.

Christopher: We will be lessening their numbers, and—

Jenne: May I point out that we don’t need Kyle’s vote to get Missie gone?

Christopher shot her a look and stepped over her words.

Christopher: If he doesn’t vote Jon or Ash, then we have every reason in the world to turn him out next.

Jenne stepped up to him.

Jenne: I thought we had every reason to do that NOW!

Christopher placed his hands on his hips as he turned fully toward her.

Christopher: Jenne, I don’t know why it is ok for you not to vote Tenz or Drew or whoever, but there are people who mean nothing to you who I don’t want to vote!

Jenne: But I don’t want to hold anything back either!

Christopher: Missie and Kyle deserve jury a hell of a lot more than Jon, Ash, or Isaac!

Jenne: People you don’t want to vote for do mean something to me. But Chris, if you are talking deserving, Jon and Isaac “deserve” it more than Lizzie! This game isn’t about “deserving”!

Christopher held his hands out to control the anger boiling in him.

Christopher: Let me cut through that right now. Just because you guys don’t talk strategy with her, doesn’t mean I haven’t!

Beth: How can we? She isn’t here!

Jenne: Strategy involves talking to more than one person!

Christopher: I see her at least once a day, so you’re wrong Beth. I talk to her at least once a day, which is far more than I talk to Jon or Isaac.

Beth: I’m around all day, every day!

Jenne: So strategy in this game is measured by how much one talks to Chris?

Beth and Jenne had closed in on Christopher, and he immediatlely glowered.

Christopher: Jenne, you can bite me with that one! My vote, my vote is based on who I feel deservers to be here! I have barely met Jon or Isaac, so when I look at Missie, Kyle, and Lizzie, I realize they are people who I am playing this game with!

Jenne huffed and took yet another step up to him. The three of them, by that point, had formed a tight triangle with words flying, temperatures rising and breaths heaving.

Jenne: This is your game, Chris. So, yes, your vote is your vote, but YOU are the one who decides who goes! You have to understand that this is frustrating! I don’t feel like a partner in anything! I have no say in anything!

Christopher: How is it you have no say? How does my vote determine what you do? I am one vote!

Jenne: You aren’t one vote, Chris!

Beth: You are also Jake’s vote and JoJo’s vote.

Jenne: You control this game and always have. My vote is meaningless. Your vote carries a lot of others’. So, I never tell you how to vote, but it’s not like I’m able to do anything here.

Beth: I just wish I felt like we were discussing the vote!

Jenne: I can say how I feel, but I’m never supported!

Christopher was never more angry in his life as Jenne and Beth began to tag team him. For a long moment they all fumed at each other. Christopher was ready to storm between them, never to give them his vote in the game again.

Christopher: Jenne, this is so weird to me. When I tried to tell you I felt unsupported about two weeks ago, you walked out on me. Why is it that Missie has to go now? Is she going to get you? They do not have the numbers!

Jenne: It’s not about Missie!

Christopher: What is it about then? Why is Missie getting shoved down my throat for days now?

Jenne: It’s the feeling that it’s Chris’ way all the time!

Christopher: That’s not the feeling that I heard about from Beth or JoJo or me! Beth, I’m calling you to the mat here, but what I heard leading into all the drama this week was that it was JENNE’S way all the time! The only person I have heard that it is Chris’ way is from you, Jenne!

There was a pause. Jenne felt she would scream in his face but she held it in. Instead, the tears welled up once again. Beth broke the silence.

Beth: It did feel that way at the last vote, that Missie was being pushed. That’s why we didn’t do it, because it was pushed…rushed!

Jenne flung a tear from her eye.

Jenne: I did push Missie, but did it happen? NO! I did push saving Tenz and Drew, and did it happen? NO! I’ve never had any say in what’s happened period! Nothing I’ve wanted, and I’m fine with that!

Christopher: Not having it go through and not having say are two different things. Not having your way is not the same as not having your say.

Jenne: I can say all I want! It don’t translate to shit!

Christopher: Because this is a game, JoJo and I play hard—

Beth: Chris…

Christopher threw his hand up.

[Host Kyle]

Christopher: Let me finish! Kyle was angling hard, and JoJo and I angled hard back—

Beth: I’ve been around to play just as—

Christopher turned on her voraciously, his voice rocking the walls.

Christopher: LET ME FINISH PLEASE! We got Kyle to agree to vote with us, and the thing you guys have not taken into account is that JoJo and I will be the evil people when this is all said and done! We will be bearing the brunt of if when we screw Kyle over. We did this for the sake of knocking their numbers down—for all of us.

Jenne clamped her jaw angrily. The tears had stopped now. She was just furious. Even Beth glared, not wanting to open her mouth for fear of letting go rash words.

Jenne: We didn’t need Kyle’s vote.

Christopher: It’s too late for that.

Jenne: We have the numbers to take Kyle or Jon or anyone of their side out. Why bother with Kyle?

Christopher took a deep breath.

Christopher: Because we’re playing the game, Jenne.

Jenne: I guess that’s what I don’t get. You two enjoy the game. I’m leaving.

And Jenne stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Christopher jerked his head over to Beth who remained calm, expressionless. She merely stood her ground with him. In that moment, after having been attacked and threatened she was ready to solidify herself firmly to Kyle’s side.

Beth: You are punishing me for not being around all the times you are “playing” the game.

Christopher shrugged and left. Without any hesitation, he returned to the main resort where he began drinking. The game was too much at the moment, and a drink to numb his senses was exactly what he wanted at the moment.

He settled at the bar with his drink and replayed in his mind all that had happened that day. He was completely disgusted with everything.

”Jenne & Beth cornered me tonight. Both of them went off on me about not wanting to vote Kyle & Missie out.

I am so d**n sick of having to defend my vote. When I signed up for this game, I didn't realize that I was supposed to just vote however they wanted.

f**k that. They really had better stop pushing me. I have other options. And I am just about pissed off enough to explore them.

They both keep saying that "Chris has all the power & we have none".

Fine. Don't f**k with the guy who apparently has "all the power". Because he will dump you, flat on your asses.

No regrets.

Jojo & I had a long talk. She is truly & utterly done with Beth...she is over the Jenne drama.

I gave her my blessing to jump ship. If Beth, Taylor & Jenne do leave...I know I have a place with Kyle & Jojo.” – Christopher

As he sat there, sipping his drink, he was more determined than ever to split up Taylor, Jenne, and Beth at some point. The bullying had to end.

Seven o’clock came whether Christopher was prepared or sober or not, and the twelve of them headed in some staggered order to the grand ballroom of the main resort. Christopher stumbled as he had had plenty to drink beforehand. Others came more apprehensively.

Jenne was beside herself as she made her way to the hotel. Now after her many arguments with Chritopher, she felt more vulnerable than she ever had in a Holidays game. She needed that immunity or she felt very certain she was going home. She caught up with Jake as he made his way alone, hands in his pockets.

Jenne: Can I steal you for my team tonight?

Jake: Why would you want to steal li’l ol’ me?

Jenne smiled and gave him a side hug.

Jenne: Because you gots yourself a big brain.

She looked over at him and grinned.

Jenne: I’m speaking bad English for you…it’s funner!

Jake tilted his head back and groaned.

Jake: Funner…no! Why is it so funny to torture me?

Jenne: ‘Cause you are cute, and I like to tease cute boys!

Jake: Ok!

Jenne: Fair ‘nough?

Jake: I guess I am cute. Fair enough.

Jenne smiled, but it in no way covered the anxiety she felt inside.

Jenne: It’s rather obvious why I was chosen for the team I was.

Jake: Kyle no likey Jenne.

Jenne: Have you picked up on that, too?

Jake: Slightly.

Jenne: So if I had your brain on my side, I could feel a li’l more confident. Imagine, Kyle and I were buds when this game started. I tried to make up with him, and he told people I was buttering him up. I actually cared about our friendship.

Jake: Obviously he isn’t thinking along those lines.

Jenne: He’s in game mode.

Jake looked over at her as they walked.

Jake: We all are to some degree, but he is intense.

Jenne: Did you hear how I was set up in the last few days? Beth, Chris, and JoJo were all lead to believe that I somehow set up Ryan and Kyle and that I told Ryan that Chris was spreading rumors about him. None of it was true, but they doubted me. But I think I managed to clear my name from the vicious attack.

Jake: I did hear about that. Nasty business that I kept out of.

Jenne shrugged.

Jenne: You’d think after people see how I am in this game with friends, that they wouldn’t doubt me.

Jake: Things are crazy, but that’s what happenes. Just gotta make the best of it.

Before long they reached the ballroom. They had last left this room looking like the Family Feud, but now it was dressed like Jeopardy, complete with two panels, a podium, and a giant screen baring categories.

Karen waited for all to arrive and divide into their teams.

Karen: Ok, Survivors…as you know this immunity challenge is Survivor Jeopardy. Team number one is Isaac, JoJo, Kyle, Missie, Jenne, and Jon. Team number two is Beth, Christopher, Elisabeth, Jake, Taylor, and Ashley. You will answer questions in alphabetical order. If Isaac goes first and gets the question correct, then JoJo will have control of the board. If he doesn’t get the question correct, then the other team will have control of the board. Questions will get harder as the price for each question goes up. When a question is asked, you have exactly fifteen seconds to take a guess, and you only have one guess. A correct guess wins money. An incorrect guess deducts money unless you were not the first to answer.

She looked around briefly.

Karen: Immunity will be determined by which team completes the game with the most money. Are there any questions?

No one spoke up as the rules made perfect sense to them.

Karen: The categories are as follows: Holidays Castaways, Holidays Challenges, Holidays Moments, Holidays Host, Real Survivor, and finally the Grab Bag. Isaac and Beth, you are up to face off!

In a coin toss, Beth one the option of choosing the first category, and she went with Holidays Challenges for $100.

Karen: Who won the first challenge in St. Patrick’s Day?

Isaac: Chris!

Beth: Rafe!

Karen: Beth answered correctly with Rafe—alias Chance.

Isaac groaned and turned, apologizing to his team, but they only fed him encouragement.

And the face-offs continued. Team number two continued to dominate the board for a while, much to Christopher’s pleasure. Each and every one of them in their respective turns were able to answer quickly and correctly over the other team, until the face-off returned to the beginning.

Karen: What did Little Steven tell Ashlee to eat in Valentine’s Day?

Elisabeth groaned with the memory and covered her face.

Isaac: Poop!

Beth: Poop!

Karen: Isaac answered first, scoring his team $100!

For the next couple of questions the control bounced back and forth with more of an edge going to team number two, tying the teams up at $500 apiece. At the beginning face off, Isaac once again regained control, and when JoJo chose the host category, team number two groaned. No one knew the host better than JoJo and she was able to feed her team all the correct answers.

Beth: JoJo sucks up to the host!

JoJo winked at Beth from across the room.

JoJo: Ain’t it the truth?

Christopher: Well, I had a romance with Rafe! Beat that, you host-butt-kissing thang!

Both teams erupted in laughter, and the game went on. Throughout the game, the teams bounced around with control keeping their respective pots neck and neck. When the control went to JoJo she never failed in choosing the host category, much to the other team’s chagrin.

In the end, both teams lost the final Jeopardy question, but team number two came out on top.

Hugs and highfives went around to Christopher, Ashley, Beth, Jake, Taylor, and Elisabeth while the other team applauded them graciously. Taylor and Elisabeth were especially excited for having garnered themselves immunity for the first time in the game!

Jake Erickson walked away, proud, but with other things to consider as well.

“I cannot BELIEVE we won the immunity challenge. Unbelievable - we had some good bidding on our side near the end and that helped us out a ton. Underdogs pull it out for once!

That just sort of made me realize something: in the four Holidays seasons, the underdog has never won. Chris, Jeff, and Beth were all in their own core alliances from early on, and I was really in control for a majority of Halloween. Now, there really doesn't appear to be a core alliance...but maybe I'm just too dense to see it. It has happened before.” – Jake

It wasn’t anything he had to worry about at twelve. There was still time to figure out how to maneuver himself ahead once again. Besides, JoJo and Christopher would not fail him.

Kyle caught up with Missie on the way back to their huts following the challenge. Jenne was now vulnerable, and that meant the game-shifting plan could be brought into action. He still had his loose deal with JoJo and Christopher to get rid of Jon the next day and one of Beth, Jenne, and Taylor to follow, but Kyle wasn’t comfortable with that. Furthermore, he knew Missie would not agree to it.

Kyle: I don’t know if we can do it this time, but Taylor and Jenne are at the end of their ropes, and God forbid that I make that movement.

Missie eyed him for a moment. The past few days had been nothing short of erratic, and she had had to take a step back from her alliance with Kyle to sort things out. Though she knew Jenne had no long-term plans for her, Jenne had opened her eyes to some things.

Missie: Kyle, I’m going to admit that I’m a bit skeptical with you, but only because I’ve obviously heard crap. I’d like to really, really talk honestly with you and figure things out ‘cause I feel very lost here.

Kyle: I’d like that, and it doesn’t offend me that you say that. Stuff has been going around. I’d rather be open and honest and clear it away. Allies are much better that way.

Missie: I felt like you and Taylor were my tightest along with Isaac in this game, then I got sick of Taylor and Jenne’s little scam. I caught on quick.

Kyle: So what has you skeptical about me? I can tell you I was skeptical of you at the beginning of the game, but not now. So you and I have flipped.

Missie laughed. It was an interesting turn of events.

Missie: It’s just this whole thing with Chris. I think he is pivotal in all this. I think he is the catalyst in all the misgivings and then tries to act like he’s all indignant about them.

She paused and looked at Kyle directly.

Missie: Were you in an alliance with Jenne, Ryan, and Drew?

He laughed, shaking his head.

Missie: Why does Jenne hate you so much in this game?

Kyle: Because I made the move to vote out her boy toy. Let me tell you how the whole Ryan thing went down. Jenne trusted me before Tenzil left…told me everything. Told me she was making an alliance with Ryan. So after she began hating me and Taylor starts telling me she wants me out, I nose around in Ryan’s business to see if she would tell him anything. Enter “Kyle targets Chris and Taylor” which is opposite of what I did. I deflected Ryan’s targets to Lis.

Missie: So, Ryan was the liar?

Kyle: Well, I think he lied to Chris about me being with him on the whole target issue, but probably just to save his own butt. Jenne was with him, but undermined him.

Missie nodded as she considered it all. It made sense, but she just didn’t know who to trust. Who was with her? Who, other than Isaac, had plans to take her all the way to the end?

Missie: Where do you and I sit now? Isaac and I both really want to have a solid base here. It’s odd that I’m working with him ‘cause he hated me after season two.

Kyle: As far as I’m concerned, you and I are very strong allies. I was going to fight for you when I heard your name as a target, but then it was done for me.

Missie: Jenne told me Ryan sold out their alliance—Jon and her and Drew…blah blah blah…

Kyle: Anything out of Jenne’s mouth is blah blah blah…

Missie: I had a nice long talk with her that night. She thinks she is using me and Isaac.

Kyle nodded.

Kyle: She thinks she’s Miss Seductress of Strategy.

They grew quiet for a moment as thy walked. Before speaking up, Missie looked at Kyle straight-faced.

Missie: Between us, and if you sell me up the river…I’ll kick you in the shins. Isaac wants to take her out tomorrow.

Kyle nodded.

Kyle: Can I tell you something for Missie’s ears only? Not even Isaac for the time being?

Missie: Yes.

Kyle: I’ve been brainstorming, and I don’t think Chris is the catalyst, and you may not believe me when I tell you my hunches.

He looked around quickly.

Kyle: This gets out…I’m a dead man. I think it’s Beth.

Missie: Oh my gosh! I told Isaac today that Beth worries the piss out of me ‘cause she’s a pussy and way too quiet and sneaky.

Kyle: Everything Taylor has attacked me with in this game has all gone back to things I’ve said to Beth in private. After the last tribal council, I was arguing with Beth—as usual—about who should be the next target and said I didn’t know who it should be, but that I knew Taylor had pissed people off. I told her there just might be enough votes against him. In no time Taylor was on me that I was pushing his ousting and that I was confident I had all the votes I needed.

Missie nodded. She had her eyes firmly on Beth, but she was set on Jenne being the next one to go.

Missie: Isaac thinks a Jenne vote would be good.

Kyle: I do too, and it would all depend on Jake and JoJo. I’m not telling Beth anything anymore.

Missie: JoJo worries me, too.

Kyle: Just being honest with you…JoJo shouldn’t worry you. I promise you on that. We had a long talk about Beth, Jenne, and Taylor running the game.

Missie: I want to believe her.

Kyle: She trusts you a lot.

Missie: Thank God. Me, you, Isaac, Ashley, JoJo, and I would think Jon is with me…

Kyle: Jon would do it. Since we are not immune, Jon will be the next target next to Jenne.

Missie jerked her head up.

Missie: I will not vote him.

Kyle: I’m voting Jenne. That’s all I will do. Whether she goes or not will depend on Jake and JoJo.

But that wasn’t the end of strategy for one of the most active days in the entire game. JoJo grabbed Christopher and tugged him to her hut where Kyle would join them shortly. Christopher laughed and stumbled a bit, still feeling the affects of all the Merlot he had drunk before the challenge. Physically he was feeling great, but he knew that no amount of inebriation could push out what he was really feeling inside.

Nevertheless, he cackled aloud as they entered and JoJo shut the door. Christopher pointed to her as if making fun.

Christopher: Kicked your asses!

JoJo: Yeah, yeah…

Christopher: Had to get that out of the way.

JoJo: Once again, I say bite me! Team Retard…ha!

Christopher: I am drunk! I did that challenge drunk and still fed my team half the answers!

He tilted his head back and roared with laughter just as Kyle walked in the door. Christopher gave JoJo a playful shove and headed toward Kyle.

Christopher: Leave me with Kyle and his package…

Kyle: Ok! Um….give me that bottle! No more for you!

Kyle reached out to grab the bottle but Christopher held fast.

Christopher: I’m so kidding…

He looked at both JoJo and Kyle before turning to Kyle.

Christopher: Want me to give you a hummer?

JoJo stepped up quickly.

JoJo: Stop talking about this!

Christopher shrugged and stumbled away, taking a swig of his wine.

JoJo: Ok, Kyle…say what you want to, knowing we might have to remind Chris tomorrow.

Kyle: Right…

Christopher: Bite me!

Kyle: Missie won’t vote Jon, and I want to keep her trust while working with you guys.

JoJo: Aha.

She looked over at Christopher who took another drink.

Kyle: I want the drama to stop, and we can end a third of it this tribal council.

JoJo: I’m assuming Missie and Jenne still want each other to go?

Kyle nodded, and JoJo sighed deeply.

JoJo: Ok, if a third stops at this tribal council, then Chris should leave this chat.

Christopher whirled around quickly to JoJo. His face was a picture of shock and disbelief.

JoJo: I’m just throwing that out there. I’m putting a huge target on my back, by the way, Kyle.

Christopher stepped up quickly.

Christopher: You guys…the only one I can’t vote is Jenne. The ONLY one!

Kyle: I lose Missie’s trust and all I have left is you two. That’s it.

JoJo: Would she consider someone else besides Jon? Isaac?

Kyle: No, and there’s only six to choose from.

JoJo: Or me. Hell, vote me off!

Christopher: If you guys are going that way, I can’t vote with you…you know that.

Kyle: We know that.

Christopher’s eyes were big as he looked at both of them. There was an air of finality with what was going on before him, and it felt very much like a death in the family. He felt it straight through to his core.

Christopher: I should go, then, because I can’t support that.

JoJo looked at Kyle quickly.

JoJo: We had a deal last night.

Christopher: We did! We did agree to Jon last night. Not to be a bitch, but we did!

Kyle threw his hands up.

Kyle: So, Jon it is, and I’m done for.

Christopher: You are not. We have your back, Kyle. I can’t vote Jenne.

Kyle: How can I explain this to Missie without losing her trust? I can’t even mention your name!

Christopher: I don’t know, but Missie is smart. She will come back. She let Shaun go. This is why I like her! Girl is a player and would eat her young.

[Host Kyle]

Kyle: Can we bring her in here?

Immediately Christopher put his hands on his head and paced frantically. JoJo jumped to his side.

Christopher: Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh…

JoJo: If Missie comes in, Chris is out! I’m sending him out!

He looked at JoJo tragically.

Christopher: This begins to get so scary!

JoJo: Just go, Chris!

Kyle crossed his arms and watched the scene before him with slight amusement. Then it made him…a bit angry. And all this time he had been accused of carrying the most drama through the game. How could anyone witness this and still maintain that.

Kyle: Then will you do me a favor, Chris?

JoJo was actively herding him toward the door when he turned back toward Kyle.

Christopher: What’s that?

Kyle: Will you tell Jenne to shut her d**n mouth for a change?

Christopher: Is she still talking to you?

Kyle laughed out loud.

Kyle: Never! Only around and behind me, feeding Taylor. Missie already questioned me today because of her.

Christopher wiggled away from JoJo’s grasp.

Christopher: You give Jenne too much credit and Taylor not enough. I know you adore Taylor, but he is not innocent! Trust me on that! He tries to play too hard…he talks about booting you, Kyle!

Kyle: I know this.

Christopher: He does! He isn’t her puppet, he does his own shit, too!

Kyle: So, how’m I going to explain this to Missie? I can’t assure her that Taylor or Beth goes next without dragging your name into it. Oh ye that can’t ever soil your hands!

JoJo groaned as she reached out for Christopher again.

Christopher: Hey! I voted Tenzil and Drew! I soil my hands!

Kyle looked back at him. He knew it was true, and he said nothing.

Christopher: Look, I know Jenne is a pain in the ass. I didn’t even think about it, but I know she is. I know she is being a brat, but she is one of the most loving souls I know away from here. I’m dead serious. She is all smiles and laughs and positivity. Playing this game with her has been awful! I won’t take that away from you guys.

JoJo and Kyle exchanged glances.

Christopher: She is sulky and bratty and just all about Jenne’s wants.

Kyle: So what can I tell Missie?

Christopher: I don’t even know. I feel like what you guys do is out of my hands.

JoJo gave him a shove again.

JoJo: Go, Chris! Please, honey, just leave!

Kyle: I want to stick with what we agreed, but we have to keep Missie on board!

JoJo forcefully took Christopher by the arm and dragged him toward the door. She turned on Kyle quickly before leading him outside.

JoJo: Stay here, Kyle! Invite Missie in a sec!

Christopher stopped himself at the door.

JoJo: Chris if you don’t leave you hereby will have to hear what I’m going to say.

Christopher: I can’t do this vote!

JoJo: Go! Bye!

Christopher pressed his lips together and turned to go. JoJo shut the door behind him and turned to lean against it.

JoJo: I’m sorry, Kyle. I’m so sorry!

Kyle: Is he going to be pissed at me?

JoJo: No, he knows this is right. He just can’t be a part of it. Whatever. I’ve made friends in this game, and perhaps I’m naïve enough to think that if I play hard they will still be my friends. I have nothing to lose. He does.

Kyle nodded. Contrary to popular belief, he understood.

JoJo: The only person I think I can talk to is Jake. But here is my concern, so help me here. If Jon or Isaac or anyone at all squeals to Jenne, this whole thing will blow up in my face! All our faces…I just don’t want to deal with it! I’m wishing it wasn’t Jenne this time…

Kyle: I can’t share the same sentiments.

JoJo: But it is the right thing.

Kyle: I will make sure that Missie and Isaac say nothing.

JoJo: You really can trust them?

Kyle: Yes I can. Isaac hangs on my every word. He passes everything Jenne tells him to me.

JoJo: Jon and I have bonded, so I feel good there.

Kyle: It all depends on Jake and Ash.

JoJo: I will talk to Jake. Not sure about Ash.

Kyle: She is Isaac’s baby.

They paused and looked at each other for a moment, adrenaline coursing through them. At last JoJo thought she would feel somewhat secure without this huge band of friendship staring her in the face. Kyle was equally chomping at the bits to see Jenne walk that footbridge out of the tribal council area, taking with her all the drama she had, in his mind, inflicted on him.

It was a pivotal moment for both. JoJo reached out and hugged him tightly.

JoJo: Thank you…for not giving up on me earlier in the game. And, Kyle, don’t tell, Tay.

Kyle: Never!

JoJo: I know you won’t. Good night, sweetie.

Kyle: Night, Mama.

They both returned to their huts, crashing in their beds for the evening. Sleep was not long in coming as the day had been quite eventful—one of the most eventful since the beginning of the game.

“The plan is to keep it on the WAY down low. Jenne will be our target. Our for sure votes are in me, JoJo, Missie, Isaac, and Jon. Christopher cannot vote for her and I understand completely why. JoJo and I discussed this at length last night, and it is just the right thing to do for the better, peace and serenity of this game....Lord help us all!

We need Ashley who I think Isaac has the most pull and.....*takes deep, huge breath* Jake.

Jake will be the clencher. If we have Jake, all is good in All Star land and the spoiled brat can go take a time out. If we don't have Jake, I think some trickery might work. Trickery that might involve one of us to sacrifice ourselves for a few votes. I'd be willing to do it.

This game is all about risks. See these hands? *holds hands up* They are diiirtay! Might as well stick 'em into the mud up to my elbows, huh?

Oh....and Beth? I wash my hands of her. If the other team had lost, Beth would be going home, and I assume taking the Barbies she accused Jamie with.” – Kyle

JoJo stayed up only for a bit, looking out the window to see if Christopher would return. There was no telling where he had run off to, and she wondered if he would return before daybreak.

She paced, she thought, she hoped, she prayed.

This was the right thing. It had to be done.

“Is it completely insane for me to say that I think Chris needs me to vote off Jenne? Let me say it, she is freaking awesome and i have nothing nothing at all personal against her. But I can't win this game if Jenne is in it, with not only alliances, but with people who would walk through fire for her. She is so lucky to have friends like Beth and Taylor and Chris. But come on, where does that leave me?

If I help Kyle and Missie vote off Jenne, I will be completely hated by Beth and Taylor, and maybe even Chris will be upset with me. I will also join an alliance where I belong on the very bottom of the ladder. But let me say this here and now. Beth is not telling me the truth. I just feel it. She is playing everyone. If I am wrong, I sincerely apologize for doubting you Beth. I cannot play a "game" that is in reality a "friendship game." I would like to think I"ve made friends in this game, but I can't compete with the relationships in this game. And simply put, its not fair. We have people editing chats, we have 3 way telephone conversations with cast members who will never post those conversations for anyone to see in a journal. Maybe I'm making a mistake and will be voted off next but guess what? I'm gonna play this game the way I want to. Not the way Chris wants me to, not the way Beth manipulates me to. So I'm seriously considering voting off Jenne. And I'd rather vote off Beth first quite frankly.

Yes, it may be a stupid move. But one thing that may also happen is that people will see that I"m not stuck up Chris' ass either. So hopefully he and I wouldnt be targetted as a pair.

I need Jake. I need to convince him that somehow Chris would be relieved by this.

ohhhhhhhh forgive me chris!” – JoJo

But Christopher did not return to his hut for some time. He had returned to the bar, slamming back drink after drink, thinking only of Jenne and the challenge and the events of the day. He was hurting and frustrated and…scared. How could he have come into this game with a true friend and think it would be a piece of cake.

It was quite the opposite. It was misery.

“...I know this pretty much means Jenne is on her way out. I talked to Jojo & Kyle. THey are moving forward with the plan of eliminating Taylor, Beth or Jenne. ANd with Taylor and Beth having Immunity. Jojo is sick of the drama. She is done.

So Jenne is leaving. And I don't think there is a thing I can do about it.

Yeah. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that I am crying right now. I told them I would not vote Jenne...but it won't matter.

In spite of Jenne yelling at me, and not being 100% honest with me...I love her. SHe is my friend. And it makes me very sad to know that she is on her way out.

I have to do something. I have to save her. I just don't know what my options are...” – Christopher

His night ended when he stumbled back to his hut and passed out the first place his body gave out.

There he slept all night long.

Day 21

Day twenty-one dawned with a new twist for the camp to mumble about. Those who were watching carefully awakened to a parchment just inside the door of their huts. Others in their haste to strategize and keep their fingers on the pulse of what was to come, overlooked the note, one of those being Kyle Adams.

Beth Sowles noticed the parchment right away before she stepped out her hut for the day. She unfolded it quickly and read aloud.

Beth: Of your opposing team, Isaac, Jenne, JoJo, Jon, Kyle, or Missie, name two that you think should have immunity.

Lowering the parchment, Beth thought about it for a moment. There should be no question. Quickly she wrote down Jenne and Kyle, folded the parchment and placed it in the urn she found outside her door.

She looked around quickly and headed toward the hotel.

Just a few huts down, and despite a raging headache, Christopher Collins ventured to his front door quite early. He, too, saw the parchment on the floor and looked at it at once. He read the same words that the other five from his immunity team would read.

Could it be true? Could he really award immunity to two people on the other team? A smile crossed his lips as he looked out the window into the sunny day.

“Wow...

...the answer to my problems may have just arrived!

We have a new twist - the winners of the Immunity Challenge get to vote for 2 different people on the losing side to win Immunity.

On the flip side, the losers of the Challenge get to vote for 2 different people on the winning side to lose Immunity.

If I maneuver this correctly, I can work it so that jenne & Jojo get Immunity...and that Taylor & Beth lose it. Meaning that Jenne is safe...and one of them goes home: keeping Kyle & Jojo happy, and keeping one of my best friends in the game.

So, yeah...things are looking good and I couldn't be more pleased. This should be a cinch for me.” – Christopher

He quickly jotted down Jenne and JoJo before dropping the parchment into the urn by his door. No one was going to take Jenne Lotz away from him, no matter how much they fought. And speaking of fights…

Jenne opened at the sound of his knock and didn’t know whether to smile at him or slam the door in his face. She merely stood there, holding the door, watching him.

Christopher: I don’t really want to get into this too much because I have a headache. I really resent the way you come at me, Jenne—especially when you reflect on how I’ve supported you recently. I want the same handling, and I don’t feel like I’m getting it.

Jenne: I’m massively frustrated right now and shouldn’t even be playing this game.

Christopher: Regardless, I voted you and JoJo to have immunity, as I imagine most of our side will. You both should be safe.

Jenne shrugged.

Jenne: My vote doesn’t mean anything. Then again, it never does. I was gonna pick Ash and Tay.

Christopher regarded her for a moment.

Christopher: I have never seen this side of you.

Jenne: I don’t know what that is supposed to mean.

Christopher: I don’t know if it’s because we’ve never played in a game, and it’s a game only thing or if it’s something else. But it gets back to me, Jenne. You know nobody is keeping secrets, but it has gotten back to me that you are mad at me. I think it’s odd that you feel ok being mad because I don’t want to vote someone. I definitely never pulled that card with Tenzil.

Jenne: I want you to understand how it feels for me that Tenz and Drew were so easily voted out—two people who were on my side—and Kyle and Missie are impossible to consider. Those two have wanted me gone! I feel unsupported! I mean nothing in this game.

Christopher: We are supposed to be able to vote how we want.

Jenne: It feels like it’s pointless for me to even be playing. I don’t care that we all do our own thing but it doesn’t feel like we are all working together.

Christopher: Nobody said that Kyle and Missie were impossible to consider. I just, personally, don’t want to vote them off pre-jury unless they try and pull something crazy off.

Jenne: I’m just frustrated, that’s all. We talk and share but don’t work together as a team. I guess I just thought things would be different. But they have pulled something off! Kyle was supposed to be next boot a long time ago, but he’s turned you around!

Christopher: Kyle was dangerous then. He isn’t now…we have the numbers.

Jenne: He’s always dangerous! But I don’t care about any of this. I’m not mad at you, Chris, just frustrated.

Christopher: Well, Beth reported that you were.

Jenne: I’m frustrated and she was too, but I doubt she told you that part.

Christopher: Well, she apologized to me, not that I am looking for that, but that is the person Beth is. She placates who she is talking to.

Jenne shrugged and looked away. Christopher cocked his head.

Christopher: My understanding is that Valentine’s Day was very much like this. You guys had internal strife and vote issues.

Jenne: No, we didn’t actually. It was easy—like the opposite of this experience.

Christopher shook his head quickly.

Christopher: No…Tenzil and Jamie, booting Kyle…Taylor. I know you guys had strife.

Jenne: Not really…

Christopher: You’ve all told me!

Jenne: Not like this!

Christopher: Well, whatever! I just feel you’ve chosen to direct it all at me, and for the second time you’ve said I run the game!

Jenne: Chris, I just don’t care! I care about you! I’m so done! I’m done with this Survivor world!

Christopher: We should’ve all done that after our first game.

Jenne looked up at him.

Jenne: I just wanna say one thing about our chat yesterday. You came in and the first thing you said was a threat. ‘No leaks or I vote you out.’

Christopher: Yes.

Jenne: That did not sit well with me.

Christopher shrugged.

Christopher: You know why I said that, though. Nothing has stayed in this room yet! It has come to the point where I don’t feel like I can even talk in front of Beth, and even your slip with Ryan! You gave him that note! Last night I needed to be clear!

Jenne: But I would never use threats.

Christopher: Well I don’t really know how else to make myself clear on it. I don’t know that we solved much, but I do feel better that we talked.

Jenne: I was never mad at you, and if Beth said I was, she is full of it.

Christopher: She specifically said you were and told JoJo too.

Jenne: Well, then Beth isn’t on my side in this game.

Christopher sighed as a silence fell over them.

Christopher: Just between us, I may vote her out soon. I’m really tired of it. She almost turned me against you.

Jenne: I’d like her on the jury, but I’d vote for her then.

Christopher: I’m just mystified by her and feel that a lot of our division has stemmed from her.

He paused, his features softening. He reached out and took her by the hands.

Christopher: Jenne, whatever happens, I adore you.

She smiled at him. It was the first time in a while that they were able to smile at each other.

Christopher: I’m just beaten down. This whole thing with you the past week has hit me hard. It makes me very sad because this just doesn’t work for me.

Jenne sighed.

Jenne: This is why I was upset with Kyle. Not over the Tenz thing. If it were that, then I’d be upset with you. It’s how he chose to play the game. I didn’t want to judge what others do or hold them to my moral code or act all high horse. I was just really disappointed.
And, yes, as crazy as this game has been between you and I…I adore you to the heavens.

Christopher reached out and they embraced for a long moment. In that moment, Christopher knew his girl would be safe. He would make sure of it.
He then made his way to JoJo’s hut.

JoJo: I saw it last night.

JoJo went and grabbed her parchment from a nightstind and showed it to Christopher.

Christopher: My guess is that you and Jenne will have immunity.

JoJo: So, best laid plans are all screwed. If Jenne and I get immunity…

She trailed off as she looked him. Christopher was listening intently.

JoJo: Nevermind. Not talking about it with you.

Christopher laughed in spite of her.

Christopher: We can always vote Jon this time and flip to Taylor or Beth next time. Just to ensure Kyle’s numbers never overtake ours.

JoJo: Or we just wait to see what Karen has up her sleeve. Don’t stress.

Christopher: Here’s my thinking…we rethink Jon. Just a thought, not trying to push you. I am just worried that Beth will work her magic again and offer to boot Lizzie with Kyle in the next go-round, giving them six votes, and we can’t do anything about it. Anyway, just think about it. We don’t need to dwell.

JoJo bit her lip thoughtfully. Was there ever going to be a method to the madness? Was there ever going to be an easy tribal council? JoJo wasn’t sure when her last opportunity to get the upper hand over the Valentine’s Day three would be. She smiled at Christopher who had definitely left her food for thought.

By lunchtime, Beth had changed her parchment votes from Jenne and Kyle to Jenne and JoJo and yet again to Kyle and JoJo. She held the parchment in her hand thoughtfully before placing it back in the urn.

Beth: Several more hours yet…I have time.

But she wasted no time in finding Kyle.

Beth: Hi, Kyle!

Kyle looked up from where he sat on the beach, watching the surf but didn’t smile in return. Instead, he turned his face back toward the ocean.

Kyle: Hi, Beth.

Beth: Did you see the parchment in your hut?

She squatted to sit next to him in the sand as he looked over at her curiously.

Kyle: I wasn’t paying attention.

Beth: We have to vote two of your team to receive immunity, and you have to vote two of ours to take it away.

He hadn’t noticed. In his haste to get out that morning he had totally overlooked anything slipped beneath his door in the middle of the night. This wasn’t good news. He knew immediately that Jenne would now be safe.

Kyle: So, I guess Beffy gets to screw us now, huh?

She gaped at him, offended.

Beth: No! Why would you say a thing like that?

Kyle: Just a hunch I get.

There was a long silence between them.

Beth: Actually I voted for you and JoJo to have immunity.

Kyle: Really? Huh…

He didn’t know whether to believe her or not, but he watched her intently.

Beth: Yeah. I’m pretty much over Chris at this point. He threatened Jenne and I the other day.

[Host Kyle]

At that point, Kyle wanted no part of whatever plan she was trying to cook up. He had fallen to those with Tenzil, with Ryan, with Jenne. It wasn’t going to happen again.

So he politely excused himself to his hut where he found the parchment on his floor. He knew this was going to have to be a team effort. He wasn’t going to write anyone’s name down without discussing with everyone first. They all had to be on the same page if they were to follow through with their plan.

Kyle: Who should we choose?

JoJo glanced down at his parchment as he waved it before her.

JoJo: If Jenne is immune—

Kyle: I will throw up.

JoJo snickered.

JoJo: We need to all choose the same people.

Kyle: Taylor and Beth?

JoJo: That’s what I say, but Missie has Tay and Liz.

Kyle: You know what Beth told me?

JoJo: What?

Kyle: That she voted me and you.

JoJo narrowed her eyes.

JoJo: I can’t imagine that being truthful. Ready for a good one? She told Chris that she voted Jenne and me.

Kyle nodded, not surprised.

Kyle: Really now? I’m through with her. Who knows what’s for real.

JoJo: Will Missie be as willing to vote Beth as she was with Jenne?

Kyle: Oh yes.

JoJo groaned aloud.

JoJo: Man, my backstabbing is at an all time high. It doesn’t matter which one it is, but it’s gotta be one of ‘em. The others who stay will panic and try to butter y’all up.

Kyle shook his head vigorously.

Kyle: I’m immune to that right about now. I am not swaying, I can promise you that.

And throughout the day, the scramble was on. With immunity pending, the new ensemble of JoJo, Isaac, Missie, Kyle, Jon, and Ashley fought hard to get on the same page of music of who they would choose to loose immunity and a basic boot order depending on vulnerability of Beth, Taylor, and Jenne.

The general consensus for the choice of stripping away immunity came down upon Taylor and Beth, but even while Kyle was writing his votes he couldn’t put Taylor’s name down. It was his first time to win immunity in the whole game. Instead, he marked Beth and Elisabeth and placed his parchment in the urn outside his door.

He then went out to further secure his plans.

Kyle: Have you talked to Missie?

Isaac: Yesterday a bit.

Kyle: I’m assuming that Jenne is going to be immune.

Isaac: So we’ll have to go for Lis, unless you want to aim for Taylor or Beth.

Kyle: I think we should go for Beth. Beth is more dangerous.

Isaac nodded thoughfully.

Isaac: Do we still have JoJo’s vote for Beth?

Kyle: Oh, yes. Beth is a two-faced sweet talker.

Isaac: I’ve noticed lately.

Kyle: She thinks she’s got it good, and she’s even told me she knows she’s hard to vote out.

Isaac: They’re gonna go for Jon most likely.

Kyle: Either Jon or Missie. Beth and Jenne are pushing hard for Missie.

Isaac: Might be better for them to go after Missie in case of a tie…Missie has no past votes.

Kyle: I don’t think there will be a tie.

Isaac: I don’t think we have Jake.

Kyle: JoJo is working on Jake.

Isaac: Have you talked to Jon?

Kyle: I will…are you sure you have Ashley?

Isaac: Of course.

They smiled at each other. Even if Jenne was immune, things were looking good.
Isaac quickly found Ashley Miller browsing through the main resort. She beamed when she saw him approaching and bounded to him for a tight hug.

Ashley: Who do you have in mind for a boot?

Isaac: Jenne if she is not immune.

Ashley looked at him skeptically.

Ashley: I think Lis should go, but you know people will go for Jon and not Jenne.

Isaac: I think Lis definitely needs to go. People are just using her for her vote.

Ashley sighed and looked down.

Ashley: I know, but she’s from season four, so she probably has more alliances.

Isaac: I think she can still be voted out. A lot of people are tired of her still being here.

But Isaac also knew that probably wasn’t going to be the following vote. He went into the plan with Ashley and she listened intently, smiling, nodding her head.

Throughout the afternoon, the remaining twelve were all a-flutter with what they thought should happen for the evening’s tribal council. Taylor was still set on throwing his vote at Missie, but once he realized that wasn’t going to happen he settled with Jenne and Beth in voting for Jon.

Once again Jon Kennedy was placed at the top of the block for leaving the game, and word went aroud quickly.

On the other side, the battle for a selection between Taylor and Beth was on. Missie firmly wanted Taylor and made her opinions known. Kyle tried his best to persuade Missie that Beth was more dangerous, but Missie grew skeptical by the moment. Kyle was ultimately showing his connection to Taylor and it made her wary.

JoJo preferred Beth over any of them because of the dishonesty, and Christopher had resigned himself to sticking with his original team in getting rid of Jon.

For all intents and purposes, the decision was left primarily up to Jake Erickson, and nobody was sure which way he was headed.

Christopher: Quick updates…Kyle is concerned about you, and apparently Isaac doesn’t like you. According to Kyle—who is aligned with him—Isaac doesn’t have your back.

Jake: Not surprised. But how is Kyle concerned about me?

Christopher: He thinks you’re with Jenne, Beth, and Taylor and that you should be smarter than that.

Jake rolled his eyes.

Jake: Oh please, like I need Kyle being concerned with me.

Christopher: I know. I just wanted to give you a heads up, and that’s the first I’d heard about Isaac’s stance on you. I know he wants to vote Lizzie out, too. Have you talked to Jo? Some big things are about to happen. JoJo is real sick of Jenne and Beth.

Jake: Oh, man…

Jake shook his head and looked down.

Christopher: I think she is going to flip and boot Jenne with Kyle.

Jake: That could really screw up a lot.

Christopher: She and Kyle did a lot of private talking.

Jake frowned and crossed his arms indignantly.

Jake: That is going too far!

Christopher: I suggest to her that we vote Jon.

Jake nodded quickly.

Jake: Jon would be a good holding vote for me and then start eating ourselves.

Christopher: You, me, Lizzie, and JoJo could bounce back and forth eliminating both alliances while we play the middle, but if JoJo boots Jenne or Beth now, she knocks their group down to two and they won’t trust us. Kyle still holds five, and that worries me.

Jake: I agree with everything.

Christopher: The problem she has is if she doesn’t vote with Kyle, she pretty much loses his trust.

Jake: Jenne or Beth does need to go at some point.

Jake listened to Christopher for some time, agreeing with every point, but he wasn’t about to make a decision without consulting JoJo, too. It was much too dangerous of a position to not study all options firmly.

Jake: I voted for you and Jenne to have immunity, which, according to Chris, might be a contradiction to what you want to do. Correct?

JoJo nodded.

JoJo: Did he encourage you in either direction? No wrong answers here, I swear.

Jake: Not particularly.

She bit her lip thoughtfully as she went into her plan.

JoJo: I think Chris would be relieved if we took care of getting Jenne out of the game. Maybe not Jenne specifically, but splitting up Taylor, Beth, and Jenne. I want to split up those girls, and I prefer Beth quite frankly. Beth has deals all over the place!

She paused and took him by the shoulders.

JoJo: But, Jake…I’d like to hear what you think about possibly voting Jenne if she doesn’t have immunity or Taylor or Beth if she does.

Jake: I have known form day one that Beth and Jenne need to be split up. But one question…if we vote for Taylor or Jenne or whoever, would you be trusting Kyle?

JoJo: I know you don’t trust him…

Jake: I absolutely do not trust him in the slightest.

JoJo: I’m not trying to give Kyle power, but he wants them split up.

Jake: If we do this now, JoJo, we are toast! Kyle will turn on Chris in a second! Maybe me, I don’t know, but Kyle has so much freaking power over the rest of the group!

JoJo: They are more interested in Lis…not Jake, not Chris.

Jake: But once Lis is gone…

JoJo: You, me, Lis, Chris—

Jake: And Taylor and Beth who know we voted for Jenne.

JoJo nodded, fully understanding.

JoJo: They will run to the others, but the others won’t want to hear it. Reality is…Beth, Jenne, and Taylor have no use for us. So we can follow them and get axed or take a risk on this other end.

Each way had pro’s and con’s however they looked at it. At the moment, JoJo and Jake weren’t feeling confident in their positions at all. From the outside looking in, they felt cornered whichever route they took.
JoJo sighed heavily.

JoJo: Maybe Jon should go first to make the numbers better…

Jake nodded.

But that wasn’t the end to the debate. All afternoon strategy went on, people throwing out who they thought was best to boot, Missie wanting Taylor, Kyle wanting Jenne, Isaac wanting Elisabeth, Jenne and Taylor wanting Missie, but settling for Jon, JoJo bouncing back and forth from Jon to Jenne and back again. It was a rat race if ever there was one in the game of Survivor.

“The word now is that Jenne or Jon will probably be heading home, and JoJo may surprisingly be pushing for Jenne. I am not comfortable with that, but I haven't had a chance to talk to JoJo yet, so I guess we'll see what I can do. Still could be Missie or Kyle though - it depends on who gets their way around here.” – Jake

Taylor Napier was highly disappointed that for a second tribal council in a row Missie Bird was wide open and not up for receiving a single vote. He was itching to see her walk the path of shame. Nevertheless, Jon was as good as anyone.

Taylor: Well, unfortunately it looks like Missie will not be going tonight.

Elisabeth stepped out of her hut and walked with him toward the beach.

Elisabeth: What’s the deal?

Taylor: It’s Jon. Can’t get the votes for Missie yet. People don’t want Jon and Ashley on the jury.

Elisabeth: That’s fine, but Kyle and Missie are extremely large threats. It has to happen relatively soon before something changes.

Taylor: I’ve tried to tell them that.

She looked at Taylor tragically as she wrung her hands.

Elisabeth: They’ve tried to get one of us out already and it will keep happening again.

Taylor: I know, Lizzie, trust me, I know. You, Beth, Jake, and I are four. Jenne and JoJo want to take Missie out so we can wait one more vote.

Elisabeth: I know. It happens when it happens. I’m just saying it needs to be one of our priorities.

On the same path that evening, Jon was well aware that his name had come up again, and he couldn’t help but be distraught. It was getting to be personal, and he wondered if the people on that island seriously had something against him. Was he not likeable? Had he done something? He began to question himself whether he wanted to stay or not.
When Missie caught up with him, she noticed right off that something was off.

Missie: Hang in there ok? This is going to be a rough tribal council, but I think we can do this where you are safe!

Jon: I hope.

But he wasn’t convinced.

Missie: You up for a Jenne vote, me dear? They are going to be voting for you. You know I will do whatever I can, Jon. I do like you and think you were unfairly targeted early on.

He sighed and shook his head.

Jon: Apparently I’m not the most ideal person, but if I stick around, I’ll do what I can to make it up to you.

Missie put an arm over his shoulder.

Missie: I don’t care. We just need to do all we can or the pre-game alliance will be together at the end.

Jon nodded but couldn’t bring himself to care that much anymore.

Kyle walked along in silence, hoping, praying, thinking. This was the moment he had hoped would come all game. The moment when he could take the power away from the pre-established trust that had now dominated two games over.
He was nervous and anxious, his heart pounded. He wrung his hands together as he walked until they were raw.

“tick tock tick tock tick tock......

*raps fingers nervously*

This has to be the longest leg of a Survivor game in the history of time. The challenge set back has done nothing in our favor. So we have to sit and wait and hope for days.

Tonight's tribal council will be no success unless we have Jake. Jake seems to understand the threat behind Jenne, Taylor, Beth, and Lizzie, but he's a smart boy and is threatened by my connections with Missie and company. Honestly, if I were to get the upper hand with these 6....Missie/Isaac/Jon/Kyle/Ashley...I planned on using that to my advantage and taking out all the people I want out of this game immediately. But that doesn't mean Jake. Heck, once the people I want are gone, I don't care what happens after that...just as long as it isn't me. I know right now I will be sticking with JoJo and Christopher. I will have a hard time deciding between Missie, Isaac, and Jake. I like them all too much. But you know what? It is a game, and I will take out who I need to if I can.

To Taylor, Jenne, and Beth, it is not a game, and I will vote them out without a single shread of remorse. None. I'm over them.

The *only* thing that makes me worry at this point is Christopher not willing to vote one of the trio right now. I know we initially agreed on Jon. But I want this drama to stop or at least be cut by a third. I don't know...I understand where Christopher is coming from, but it is just too much like Beth.

No. No! I will not back down! Christopher has said that he will NOT vote for Jenne and Elisabeth. The thing is I WILL vote for anyone else outside of Christopher and JoJo. Is it so hard to see the threat that is to me? No....I will not let Jon go until we get rid of Jenne and Lizzie, or Christopher agrees to let them go. Come on people...play the game already.

I am not stupid!” – Kyle

Taylor’s voice called out from the distance, and Kyle whirled around to see him trotting over. Kyle continued walking as Taylor caught up with him. He didn’t have the nerves to deal with whatever Taylor was going to bring, but Taylor pressed on anyway.

Taylor: Who are you closer to, Missie or Jon?

Kyle: Neither. I’ve told Beth I’m just doing challenges and voting. That’s it.

Taylor nodded. Beth had told him the same. So it had finally come to that. Kyle had given up.

Taylor: Ah, well…Jon is going. But I wanted to vote Missie off. So…

Kyle looked up at him.

Kyle: So are you just running it by me? Asking my permission? Making sure I’m in your loop? What?

Taylor frowned at him.

Taylor: I’m making sure you knew Jon was going because I thought you two were close.

Kyle: And if we were, it would matter why?

Taylor: I didn’t want you to be surprised. Why does every one of my actions have to have some alternate meaning?

Kyle stopped in his tracks to face him.

Kyle: Well, Taylor, you’ve been slapping my hand all game telling me to shut my mouth, who to talk to, who to cut ties with, to back off, to play smoother…how would you feel?

Taylor shrugged.

Taylor: You’re not playing anymore, so what does it matter?

Kyle: I want to know right from the start before Tenzil left…what got you in my face telling me how wrong I was playing? I want an honest answer.

Taylor: Honestly, you were pissing Jenne and others off.

Kyle: Jenne, not others, Jenne!

Taylor: Others in the voting majority also were not happy.

Kyle: Others is not specific enough.

Taylor: I was trying to help you stick around, telling you to play how they wished you would play.

The temperature boiled immediately to Kyle’s head. It was Kyle’s biggest gripe the entire game, not being allowed to play as he wanted, and Taylor just admitted it. He glared at Taylor with fury.

Taylor: You know my friends.

Kyle knew them more than he cared at the moment.

Kyle: Beth, Lis, and Jenne basically.

Taylor: Right. I was just trying to help you.

Kyle: So, hmmmm, I wonder why I pissed them off? Could it be ‘cause I broke through their clique?

Taylor backed down a bit.

Taylor: Maybe, I don’t know.

Kyle: Not maybe! Definitely!

Taylor: I don’t know why you pissed them off.

Kyle: They didn’t get what they wanted! So, this has all led us where? I took your rap for Tenzil and you joined up with Jenne and her pissed off posse!

Taylor: Kyle, what was I supposed to do? Go with Missie?

Kyle: You could’ve played the game on your own! Like I’ve had to do!

They approached the council area, and others were already there to overhear them. Taylor looked around nervously.

Taylor: We need to sort this out, and I’m ready to.

Kyle: Yes we do.

Taylor: We’ll talk after the council.

Kyle wasn’t sure Taylor would be in the best spirits after the tribal council to talk. If all went to plan, Jenne would be gone. And if she was awarded immunity then Taylor or Beth could be taking her place.
It was all too much.
Taylor turned to go into the area, and Kyle followed.

[Host Kyle]

Tribal Council 7

Filing in was no quiet matter. Conversations carried on whether loudly or discretely well into the council area and to the benches where twelve castaways sat. Decisions were being made up to the last possible minute.
To make matters even more complicated, immunity was still pending for four people.

Karen waited for the chatter to die down before she spoke up.

Karen: I know you’ve all been eagerly looking forward to tonight.

Nervous giggles went up all around.

Jake leaned in to JoJo and whispered.

Jake: I’m horrified as to what Karen has in store for us tonight.

JoJo nodded and patted his leg.

Karen: Let’s get started. Welcome Tribe Snickalick to tribal council number seven. Unfortunately one of you will be leaving the game tonight. My first question goes to Jenne…

Jenne nodded as a few heads turned to look at her. She was somewhat confident as she felt Jon would be leaving the game shortly.

Karen: You seem to have been in the middle of a few conflicts this season. Tell us your take on that.

She nodded and glanced over at Kyle before she cleared her throat.

Jenne: I’m an emotional person. I think most people know that.

She threw another glance at Kyle.

Jenne: I’m also a person who stands by my friends, and I think that has resulted in some tension—especially with Kyle. This has been a real shame for us both, I think, and there have been a lot of lies told about me as well. I know having talked to Missie last week that she had a lot of untruths about me in her head. So with my emotionality and lies all over the place, I’ve been stuck in the middle of a lot of crap. I can’t play this game without tears…

Kyle and Missie at once exchanged exasperated glances. Missie shook her head before she turned back to the front.

Jenne: I play this game with my heart as I do everything in my life. Not always the best strategy out here and has caused problems, but it’s who I am. That doesn’t change. I’m loved by those who matter. Problems, conflicts, whatever happen, so whatever happens…happens. You move on from that.

She nodded her conclusion.

JoJo glanced down at the floor as she considered her words.

Karen: Jenne mentioned Kyle, so…Kyle, tell us your take.

He shrugged before he spoke up.

Kyle: I don’t have to spin stuff about people. I’ve been honest with my decisions and who I work with or against—if that is the way they want to take it. If others can’t handle a little loss of control, that’s not my problem.

He thought for a moment, then shrugged once again.

Karen: Also, Kyle, are you having any fun playing this game? What changearound would you like to see happen?

Kyle: I’m having a blast. It gets intense, it gets emotional, and I get pitted against people who I care about, but some things have happened that have made it less fun. The changearound I’d like to see is the end of character assassination when people don’t get their way.

Jenne shot him a look, but Kyle faced the front.

Karen looked around at all the faces briefly. There was an air about the council such as hadn’t been felt the entire game.

Karen: Elisabeth, your lack of paricipation has been buzzing around the tribe. Do you think it is going to hurt you? Are you satisfied with your gameplay?

Elisabeth smiled sweetly and tossed her long, blonde hair.

Elisabeth: Glad to know I’m the buzz of the town, I guess. I try to do the best of what I can do here. There have been times I’ve come out of my hut and nobody else has been around. I talk to as many people as I can.

Karen: How excited are you about your first immunity win this season?

She beamed across to Karen.

Elisabeth: I’m so excited I could write my own techno song, guest star on the Tyra Banks Talk Show, and strut my way to a Food Network cook-off in the blink of an eye. I’m beyond excited! I defeated my own Ulong!

Laughter arose from the others and Christopher patted her arm fondly. Karen looked to Missie.

Karen: Missie, have you made any friends in the game?

Missie looked around fondly.

Missie: Yes, actually I have made friends, and it is nice. I mean you can’t really tell who is a friend or who is playing just for the sake of the game, but I think I’ve made a few that I will keep for a long time. Others, we just have to see.

Karen nodded before looking at Beth, and Beth grinned back at her.

Karen: Beth, you seem to be friends with everybody. At some point that would seem to create conflict. How do you feel about blindsiding people, or would you be telling each of your friends when you are voting them out.

Her smile faded slightly and she cleared her throat.

Beth: I like everyone in this game. Hopefully people know the whole point of this game is voting others out. I’ve already voted out people I like, and I’m sure people I like will be voting my cute ass out.

A low murmur went up around the group. JoJo glanced at Christopher quickly. Even Kyle looked down.

Beth: As far as telling people, it sorta depends, I guess. I have to think strategical, and I think all emotional. What I truly hope is that we all know this is a game, and friendship outweighs the game.

Karen: Christopher, Some people have lumped you in with the Season Four people. How do you feel about that?

Christopher shrugged, holding his gaze directly at Karen as he spoke.

Christopher: Christopher is Christopher. Basically, Season Four folks are lovely and wonderful, but I already spearheaded two votes against Tenzil.

He glanced sidelong at Kyle who didn’t react.

Christopher: I think that would tell you something. If you have a question for me, just ask. Don’t make assumptions.

Karen looked over at Jake who had been staring into the fire quietly, no doubt mulling over in his mind a tough decision.

Karen: Jake…

Jake looked up slowly.

Karen: Have you lied to anyone so far?

He didn’t even hesitate or look around.

Jake: Yes. This is not Pretty, Pretty Princess. It’s Survivor.

At that, the council erupted in laughter, a much needed break from the intensity. Jake didn’t even crack a smile as he settled his gaze back to the fire.

Missie: Quote block that shit!

Beth: Dangit! I wanted to play Pretty, Pretty Princess!

Karen waited for a bit before the others settled down.

Karen: JoJo, how important is keeping one’s word in a game.

JoJo glanced at Jenne who was smiling brightly in return.

JoJo: I think we all want to be as honest as possible. I believe people think that honesty and integrity go hand in hand. However, I have learned that very good Survivor players at times do not keep their word. I think it is part of the game, and that being part of an all-star cast, we are all used to it by now.

Karen: Jon, you have nearly been voted out several times. Why do you think that is?

All eyes went immediately to Jon, one of the quietest of the whole cast. As far as anyone could remember, he had never opened his mouth at a tribal council. Jake looked over at Christopher and whispered.

Jake: Wait, wait…Jon is going to talk?

And Jon did clear his throat to begin.

Jon: I wish I knew myself. I haven’t had immunity for a while, and it would feel much better if I did.

Jake nudged Christopher on the arm again.

Jake: I didn’t even know he could talk.

Karen: Taylor, I have several questions for you.

Taylor nodded and swallowed as he looked up at Karen.

Karen: Do you consider yourself a good player?

Taylor: That’s a hard question to answer, Karen. I think I’m a decent player, yes. By no means great or even good. But I had to do something to make all stars didn’t I?

Karen: Were you surprised you finally won immunity? And do you think it was necessary that you won?

Taylor: I was not surprised actually. I thought we had a great team, and Lizzie and I were hungry for a win. When Lizzie is hungry, watch out! It’s always nice to have immunity, and I’m guessing by the number of questions you say you have for me, I might have needed it.

Karen: You’ve said several times to people that you have control of others. Do you still feel that way or do you think you may be losing control?

Taylor swallowed again and looked around quickly. Many eyes were on him, and he could certainly feel the heat.

Taylor: When I say I have control of someone, it means I think they are voting the same way as I am. I’ve never felt like I had control of anyone in this game. No one is anyone’s lapdog, and people can vote the way they want to. I don’t care.

He looked around quickly, suddenly nervous.

Taylor: To answer your question from before, I really feel like I needed immunity now that the Spanish Inquisition has rolled through.

JoJo reached out and patted his arm.

JoJo: Breathe, Taylor. Just breathe.

Karen looked around at all of them and addressed no one in particular.

Karen: How important is this vote tonight?

Missie’s hand went up promptly.

Missie: I think this vote is very important because it’s going to show who is lying to who about what. It’s also going to get us that one step closer to jury.

Christopher: It’s clearly shaping up to be a huge vote. The questions alone have been really rough. I feel like the winds of change are sweeping through.

At that, Beth, Taylor, and Jenne all exchanged glances. Was he serious or just playing along? Jon leaving wasn’t necessarily the winds of change. Taylor’s heart thudded within his chest.
Karen allowed the answers to sink in for a moment.

Karen: Each of you were asked to select two members from the opposing immunity team to gain or lose immunity as the case is. Without further adieu, the majority of the winning team chose Jenne and JoJo to have immunity.

Jenne let out a breath of air. JoJo merely nodded. Kyle, Missie, and Isaac exchanged frustrations.

Karen: The majority of the losing team chose Beth and Taylor to lose immunity.

Taylor’s heart sank, as did Beth’s, but Taylor had reveled in his immunity win since the previous challenge had ended. Now it was stripped away from him so coldly, just as he felt his dignity was. And with all the questions just asked of him, he had a horrible feeling.
He nudged Beth.

Taylor: What’s going on?

Beth: I have no clue.

Karen: Beth, Isaac, Jon, Kyle, Missie, and Taylor, I’m sorry to say but you are all vulnerable to tonight’s vote. The rest of you are safe. It’s time to vote.

There was a flourish of whispers and last minute scrambles as many attempted to align the votes. It was most definitely a mad dash. Missie arose and made her way to the voting booth first, only to return to more scrambling.
When she heard the latest word, she was most displeased. Her vote had been cast.
Sitting she threw daggers at Kyle and mouthed.

Missie: I’m not happy about this, Kyle! Not happy, at all!

Kyle tried to calm her, but she was livid.

One by one they all marched over to the booth to write a name down on the parchment. Taylor returned, sweat beads appearing on his forehead. Beth looked around curiously. JoJo returned to her seat burying her head, knowing full well she was losing trust with some people with her vote. Jon was ready to grab his torch.

Karen: I’ll go tally the votes.

In a flash Karen was off and back again with the urn under her arm. All waited quietly. It was the most intense moment they had experienced yet.

Karen: Once the votes are read, the decision is final, the person voted out will be asked to leave the council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

It seemed like an eternity before Karen revealed the first parchment she took from the urn and studied. When she turned it toward them, Taylor dropped his head.

Karen: First vote….Taylor.

Beth reached over to pat his arm. Jenne looked around curiously.

Karen: Second vote…Jon.

Jon nodded. Kyle and Isaac exchanged glances.

Karen: Third vote…Jon. Fourth vote…Beth.

A gasp went up around the room, and Beth stiffened.

Beth: Love my name!

But she was not happy in the least.

Karen: Fifth vote…Jon. Sixth vote…Beth.

Beth: Again!

Karen: Seventh vote…Jon.

Jon looked around. He looked at Missie for confirmation, but she only nodded back at him.

Karen: Eighth vote…Beth.

Beth: Wow!

Karen: Ninth vote, and the ninth person voted out of All Stars…Beth. Beth, you’ll need to bring me your torch.

Beth smiled broadly as she arose, clearly trying to cover the pain she felt. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine her alliance would turn on her. She turned to Kyle as she headed for her torch.

Beth: I can’t believe I fought this vote off you.

Kyle didn’t say anything or move as he watched her grab her torch and head toward Karen. She was clearly shaking.

Karen: Beth, your tribe has spoken.

Once again, the ninth flame of the game was doused, and Beth stood before a smoldering wick, the thin stream of smoke spiraling into the air. Her game was over, and she still couldn’t believe it.
Turning, she smiled and raised her dead torch in the air.

Beth: Good luck to the peeps!

And with that she turned and headed out of the council area over the footbridge. Taylor and Jenne watched her in utter bewilderment. JoJo covered her face as she bowed her head. Jon breathed out a sigh of relief. Missie clasped her hands together as she looked at Kyle. She was not happy in the slightest. The vote was to be Taylor. She wanted Taylor. She had hungered for it. They had decided it.
Kyle changed it. She fumed over at him, but he was busy being relieved with Isaac.

Karen: Congratulations to all of you surviving tonight’s vote. You are all the final eleven. You will be happy to know that you have reached the point of the game that would normally be called the merge. All of you at this point will play a key role in the outcome of the game. Two of you will become the final two and the rest of you will make up the jury.

Many excited and surprised faces looked around at one another. It was a breath of fresh air to many, but everyone knew the road would only get harder.

Karen: Tree-mail will be read tomorrow at noon. You can head back to camp.

All of them stood to gather their things. No one could believe that Beth Sowles had just left the game. A staple to the Holidays series, it was a surreal feeling that she was gone.
Jake looked up at Christopher anxiously.

Jake: Oh my gosh, we did it.

Christopher sighed.

Christopher: We did.

He looked around quickly. Isaac, Kyle, Jon, and Ashley were gathering their things and their torches.

Christopher: I hope we didn’t just make a huge mistake.

He said nothing further as he turned and left the council area. JoJo shrugged and followed. Jake was never fully keen on the idea of who they had just released. Now he was certain. The game was one treacherous riddle, and they were all caught in the middle. Who trusted who?
The game may have just taken a wrong turn…

[Host Kyle]

Beth's Final Words

hallelujah! and pass the salt.

There is a difference between "bitter" and "hurt". Buy a dictionary, people. I'm not bitter at being voted out. Not even a little. This game is/was UGLY as hell and I'm probably lucky to be out before it gets worse. And it will. Am I hurt? Yes. My "friends" lied to me. They took their lies outside the realm of a game and *that's* what hurt. It's too bad they didn't know me better than they obviously don't.

I hope the story shows I was voted out basically for being TOO loyal. I told Kyle I wouldn't vote out Chris, Jenne, Jojo, Taylor and Lis. I told Chris, Jenne and Jojo that I didn't want to vote out Kyle. *laffs* So instead they vote out me. Que sera sera.

There are two things I basically regret in this game. Well, maybe three.

1) I should NOT have voted out Jamie. That was a mistake.

2) I should have voted out Lis. Lis is a great person and I truly enjoyed her.

3) I should have listened to Kyle.


That is all

[Host Kyle]

Tribal Council 7 Voting History

“Ashley (self-vote)” – Ashley

“Jon. no reason. Just Jon” – Beth

“Beth...this is the hardest vote I have made. I am literally shaking. I can barely write.. Anyway. The tides have changed. And I can't try to swim against them otherwise I will drown alongside you. Our alliance blew it. We were too cocky and we thought we had it made. We weren’t always nice to people. It wasn't smart. And on top of that...there has been a lot of wishy-washiness & pushiness from the inside. People don't want to be party to that kind of game. You're a lovely woman & I am so very sorry. I really wanted you to be in the Final 9. Big love.” – Christopher

“Jon. Beth- at this point, there is nothing I would rather do than cast a vote for you tonight. How many time I trust you, I mean, I'm embarrassed. I feel stupid. Sometimes it's personal, sometimes it's not...this time, it's personal. However, unlike you...I keep my word.” – Elisabeth

“Beth, I really do like you for real, but I have reason to believe that you're in an alliance that gives me no shot in this game. This is the turning point in the game, and it must be done. Sorry.” – Isaac

“Beth. It has been a pleasure playing with you. And you said yourself tonight that this is a game. And someone goes home every Tribal Council. There are people who may deserve to go before you. But I am not willing to be a just a jury member and to let you choose where I will place. So something in this game needs to change.
We need some chaos. I want to take my destiny into my own hands. So...this is what I think I have to do.” – Jake

“Jon. it gets easier to vote for you every time! maybe 3 times a charm?” – Jenne

“Beth. this vote is for Beth. Beth, you know now from reading my convos that i'm conflicted but feel like you need to go. I hope that we are still friends and that you will respect game. Your answer tonight sounded like you do, but you werent thinking about yourself at that point. I hate that you gave me immunity while i helped take yours away. You were not honest with me last week, which is when i turned. When I said that you are still my favorite person in this game, I was serious. We had a blast.” – JoJo

“Beth. My vote is for Beth. I don't know how much longer I can dodge bullets but this vote once again is to save me from leaving.” –Jon

“Beth I'm surprised that I will be casting my vote for you, but you have been a roadblock since the beginning of the game. I'm sure you understand.” – Kyle

“Taylor. I vote for Taylor cus he's slimey.” – Missie

“Jon- Hope it's you, looks like it's me” – Taylor