Scrupulous Loyalty

[Host Kyle]

Survivor Holidays: All Stars
Episode XIII
“Scrupulous Loyalty”

Saint Patrick’s Day: Christopher, JoJo

Halloween: Jake

Valentine’s Day: Elisabeth

With only a couple of hours to spare before tribal council, Elisabeth Marie was absolutely shocked with JoJo and Christopher. The plan had been set for Jake Erickson to leave that evening.

Now this?

Elisabeth eyed them in disbelief.

JoJo: I was worried about how close Taylor has been to immunity—twice!

Christopher nodded gravely.

Christopher: If Taylor takes final four, then one of us leaves. He suddenly seems like a real threat to pull that off.

Elisabeth looked down. So what if Taylor did pull it off? She was safe with him—would probably be taken to the final two with him.

JoJo: It suddenly doesn’t seem as likely that Jake will win immunity.

Christopher looked at JoJo then back to Elisabeth, acutely aware that she was struggling with this new turn of events.

Christopher: JoJo has me thinking…Taylor?

JoJo: With Jake next.

Christopher: We wanted to know what you thought.

Elisabeth stuttered, completely unsure of how to respond. Her glance bounced between them furtively.

Elisabeth: Now…I’m just making a point…because obviously I wouldn’t do this…

JoJo beamed at her.

JoJo: You are always good at that!

Christopher: Go for it! That’s all we’ve been doing this morning—going around and around with points.

Elisabeth: For the matter of challenges, JoJo has won three in a row and second in the other…

JoJo clamped her mouth shut at that and threw wide eyes at Christopher. Elisabeth noticed right off.

Elisabeth: Of course, I would never vote her off for that! I do understand where you guys are coming from…

Christopher shook his head.

Christopher: Well, I wouldn’t vote for JoJo for that because I want her in the final three with us.

Elisabeth looked down quickly.

Elisabeth: Nevermind. I just realized JoJo winning was good.

JoJo reached out with a tender hand and touched Elisabeth’s arm.

JoJo: You and Chris also know that I want to be in the final three with you.

Christopher: But I don’t want Taylor there—or Jake.

Elisabeth nodded slowly.

Elisabeth: Well, I do say that I have to agree. It’s just that for me…I have reservations because I am much closer to Taylor than Jake.

JoJo: I know, Lizzie. I am closer to Jake but was willing to vote him tonight because I thought he was brilliant at challenges.

Elisabeth: But I agree that Taylor is good at challenges and consistent.

Christopher: It hadn’t even occurred to me until JoJo said he was doing so well. I always think of him as such a doofus.

JoJo: Suddenly it’s like, what if Jake goes home tonight and Taylor wins next? Jake has been anything but brilliant at challenges in this game.

Elisabeth: Right…

There was a long pause before Christopher stepped up and lifted Elisabeth’s chin with his finger.

Christopher: JoJo’s proposal is Taylor.

They looked at each other, Elisabeth’s thoughts a blur. She couldn’t. She absolutely couldn’t vote for Taylor.

Christopher: I have a proposal too—which will also be tough. I think we have to blindside.

At that Elisabeth gaped and paced away.

Elisabeth: Not let him know at all?!

Christopher followed her closely.

Christopher: Taylor is going to flip out. It is going to be a crazy, ugly night if he knows he is leaving.

Elisabeth huffed and looked down.

Christopher: He knows we were supposed to vote Jake. He will tell Jake in hopes of swaying Jake’s vote—which will make Jake work even harder for immunity next time.

Elisabeth made no implication that she agreed or would go with it. She merely watched the ground and listened.

Christopher: We don’t need Jake to think he is in danger. Purely strategy and bottom line—Taylor is going to be an angry juror. Blindside or not.

JoJo: I’m so bummed for Taylor.

More silence.

Christopher: So yeah, that is my proposal. It isn’t a fun one, but I think strategically. Letting him know would be a big mistake for us. He will rile Jake—I have no doubt.

JoJo: Less drama.

It was quite a long time before Elisabeth responded. She stood there with her head bowed, her long, blonde hair covering her face. JoJo and Christopher wondered if she was still conscious, if she was still thinking, if she was ready to unleash fury on them. JoJo fully expected it.

But when Elisabeth finally looked up and brushed a lock of hair from her face, a tear glistened on her cheek.

Elisabeth: Alright. I agree that Taylor should go over Jake.

Her voice cracked, but she held it in firmly.

Elisabeth: I also agree that he shouldn’t know about it.

Another tear slid down her cheek, bumping the first one. She reached up and flicked it away with her finger.

Elisabeth: But it will be hard for me. I told him I would not be voting against him when we talked about getting Jake out at final five.

Christopher: Me too.

JoJo: I did too.

Christopher: Well, I guess we all three are in the same boat. That helps me a teeny bit.

JoJo: Me too…

JoJo looked at each of them hopefully.

JoJo: If we all three agree.

Elisabeth sighed.

Elisabeth: I worry that if Jake gets immunity next time that I leave. In fact, I’m positive of it.

Christopher: I worry too. You have the most votes. But that could’ve happened if Taylor got immunity too…I think.

Elisabeth: I don’t hate a lot of things, but I hate this. I know that for sure.

Christopher reached up and caressed her face.

Christopher: I hear ya, kitten. You’re awesome. Just remember that Jake has been with us the whole game. Taylor only joined us with the Kyle vote. It isn’t right to cut Jake first. That sealed it more for me than anything else.

Elisabeth nodded. And that’s when the tables turned.

“I'm honest to goodness afraid, anxious...dreading, tonight's vote. Every minute weighs more on my mind the fact that I...I don't want to vote for Taylor. I don't want to vote for Taylor. But my loyalty is to Chris and company; I need have them on my side for the next vote becuase I have so many votes against me. And I wonder- why do I feel bad? Am I naive? Am I supposed to feel this way, that I'm betraying my word? Would Taylor have voted me off had the other side gained control? I do believe he would of at least told me, but I just cannot stand this. I don't want to vote for Taylor. I love Jake, Chris, and Jojo but...am I stupid and just being dragged along by Taylor? Why does he have all these agreements with other people? These questions are just boggling my mind right now and I honestly do not know how I will vote until I go to tribal council. Heck, I will probably not know how I want to vote even at tribal council; probably not even after. The calm before the storm and I'm already nervous...that's probably not good. :: laughs :: Not good at all, indeed.

I do not want to vote for Taylor.

But I may have to.” – Elisabeth

Jake was also informed of the plan, much to his relief. The silence had worried him, but he was non the wiser of his near dismissal.

JoJo: It’s Taylor.

He had sighed and put a hand over his chest.

JoJo: It’s Taylor, and it’s a blindside.

Jake: Lizzie and Taylor are voting for me?

JoJo: Taylor. He thinks we are all voting for you.

Jake grumbled.

Jake: Figures.

JoJo: It makes me slightly ill, if you must know.

He looked up incredulously.

Jake: You have immunity! I’m the one who should be slightly ill!

“Jojo has assured me now that Taylor is going home tonight...and it looks to be a total blindside. Taylor really has played a great game, and I think it has to catch up with him at some point. He'd be a huge jury threat if we didn't vote him out now, and the way it sounds, it would probably be me going home if it weren't him.

This game has been long. There's no denying that. It's been a really hard road, and...if I make the final four tonight, I'm thinking it will all be absolutely worth it. I have had my eye on the top spot all game, and I'm not about to let it go for anything. I am going to be trying to do it with three of the absolutely strongest players in the game standing next to me, but I'm going to try to do it. I don't know that I can pull it off - but I never did in Halloween either.

Not much farther to go, and things may be looking rocky, but I think I can.

I think I can.” – Jake

Just an hour before tribal council, JoJo collapsed in her hut, ecstatic over the turn of events. While she hurt for what she was going to have to do to Taylor, she was euphoric that Jake would be staying in the game.

She sank down in a chair, fighting back tears.

“OMG! I think Jake is going to stay! After a sleepless night, I presented Chris with my opinion that Taylor is much more of an immunity threat than Jake right now, and that, if Taylor wins immunity next, that Chris would be in a really crummy situation of having to vote for Lizzie or me. Jake isn't presenting himself as much of a threat immunity wise, and I agreed with Chris that if Jake does win immunity at final four, Chris could go ahead and vote with Lizzie, for me. This would force a tie and I would still be ok. Jakie staying in the game tonight is something that I have really been wishing for all week. But what is bugging me then? Well, for one I have come to like Taylor and I have a lot of respect for the game he has played. Secondly, I told him I wasn't planning to vote for him at final 5 and that I wouldn't blindside him either. Tonight I shall do both, as Chris, Lizzie and I met and agreed that telling Taylor will result in drama...he will tell Jake that he was targetted...and will likely cast an angry vote Christopher or Lizzie's way. Then what happens? Taylor will freaking hate my ever loving guts, thats what! I feel comfortable in remaining loyal to the same three people who have worked with me all game, but Taylor WOW will think I'm the devil. It won't be until episodes air that he will see how I really had planned to go with the Jake vote, and that I was conflicted about voting for Taylor. In his mind, I'll be the bitch....even worse than the people who he calls friends who slammed him during the beginning of the game while pretending to love him. Beth called him a moron and said he'd only win Special Olympics Survivor. Jenne said she was using him so he'd know how it felt to be lied to. But JOJO will be the one he will curse in LL, saying I get close to people and hurt them.

Taylor, if you read this in an episode, I'm sorry I blindsided you. It was good strategy, good game play in this particular case. I loved our laughs and I loved getting to know you the past few weeks. I ADORE Jake. Even though part of me knows you are working harder in the game and not playing the Danni role as I feel Jakie is doing, my loyalty lies with him. I'm sorry that this will hurt you. I'm sorry you went with an alliance that voted you out at 5th. I know that was a big issue for you.

My trust in Christopher really was secured after todays' chat. I feel bad that I ever doubted him. He and I are in this together, I sincerely feel. We both are making a compromise if this works out the way that I described above. And I love that he heard me. He really is an amazing ally and a wonderful friend.

And Jake.....I feel better that I helped to save him. But I will vote him out next if he is not immune. I don't want to sit next to Jake in final 2, as he plays the role of good guy and I'm labeled the big back stabber of the game. I want Jake to work hard to save his own sweet little butt next time around. And if Jake goes on an immunity spree suddenly, and I'm not in Final 2 with Chris, then yes, I still believe this was the best decision.” – JoJo

And Taylor left the game by eighty percent of the vote.

The final four could only brace themselves for the wrath that would come from the jury.

JoJo couldn’t bear the look on Taylor’s face as she watched his torch get snuffed. What made it worse was that if her goal was to be obtained, she would have to see the same ritual with Jake.

She caught up with him on the way out of the council area.

JoJo: I’m sorry for pretending the vote was you and therefore letting a vote go your way.

He shrugged, happy to still be in the game.

Jake: It’s really no big deal.

JoJo: I was worried for you. I heard Taylor was trying to align him, Liz, and Chris against you and me.

Jake: I’m not surprised.

They headed out along the beach; the water crashing against the shore was somewhat soothing, but JoJo’s mind was everywhere else.

JoJo: When I won the challenge, I freaked a bit, thinking you would go tonight.

He cast a sidelong glance at her as they walked along the sand.

Jake: I was really, really fearing that. I was scared for my own well being today.

JoJo nodded.

JoJo: I was scared for you, too.

She stopped him and turned to face him.

JoJo: I was feeling convicted about potentially being a part of it, if I must be honest.

Jake narrowed his eyes. His expression changed into just short of a frown.

JoJo: My loyalty has always been to you, but I was wanting to save me, too.

Jake: I kept telling myself all day, ‘JoJo wouldn’t do that to me…’

JoJo glanced away guiltily and started walking.

JoJo: Ouch.

Sighing, Jake walked along side her.

Jake: I don’t know…

He hesitated for a moment. JoJo knew he was struggling with words.

Jake: I am glad I am with you guys.

JoJo knew better.

JoJo: Tell me. You want to say something else. You yell at me if you feel like you need to!

Jake: If you aren’t voting for me, then I don’t care what else you do.

JoJo: I’m not, Jake.

Shaking his head, Jake rubbed his eyes and grunted to himself.

Jake: Ok, maybe that’s not exactly what I meant. Even if you did vote for me, and I knew why…I’d understand.

JoJo looked at him.

Jake: I wouldn’t be happy, but I’d deal with it. If you’re not voting for me or not breaking my trust, then I have no reason to yell or be mad at you.

JoJo: You know this is a game.

Jake: Yes.

JoJo: And we are—whatever it is appropriate to call us—

She trailed off thoughtfully, searching for the right words.

JoJo: Your friendship is certainly more important than any game.

Jake: I feel the same way. And whatever happens tomorrow or the next day or whenever…doesn’t matter.

He looked at her and smiled affectionately. It was a moment Jake rarely allowed himself with another, but he felt compelled.

Jake: I’m glad we’ve got something here, in game or out.

JoJo smiled and threw an arm over his shoulder. They walked together the rest of the way. It was a wonderful moment, and JoJo knew it was only going to make things harder for the following evening.

Immunity would come quickly followed by another tribal council.

There were only three days left.

Elisabeth Marie returned to her hut that night broken in pieces. She went straight to bed without further words to anyone.

Christopher Collins retreated to his bed a bit more pensive than usual. It was the first vote of the game that had been particularly hard—on all of them.

He thought back to their last stroll together as a group of five, none of them able to tell Taylor what they wanted as parting words.

“The Final Five had a chance to walk to tribal council together tonight.

And it was awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better group of five. I really do have strong feelings of love and admiration for all four of them.

Jojo has been my rock in this game. Our friendship extends to the real world. I truly believe that she will be in my life for years to come. I love her, and feel so lucky to have her as a friend.

Lizzie has been a ray of sunshine in my life, ever since the day we met. She's always been a source of friendship, laughter and support. She can truly make me smile, when nobody else out here can. Lizzie is a truly good soul, and in a sometimes difficult world, she always manages to look on the bright side.

Jakey is amazing. Brilliant, sarcastic, funny...and yet very vulnerable. His honesty, at age 15, just floors me. I very much appreciate that he has been willing to trust me and bring me into his life. Knowing how smart he is, I am grateful that he sees me as worthy.

Tay is a crack up. We've known each other for a long time, longer than anyone else in this game save Beth and Jenne, who are long gone. And while Tay and I have had our share of ups & downs, we've always come back to our friendship. Learning his secret in this game...I truly think it brought us closer. I feel like I have a much better understanding of him now, and it is so much easier to be forgiving of his idiosyncrisies, knowing that he is only 17.

They're a great group, and I feel lucky to be a part of it. Any one of them could win, and I would be thrilled. And I mean that...honestly and truly.

Tonight, before Tribal Council, we said our goodbyes.

It was tough - Taylor didn’t know he was leaving. We decided to blindside him, at my urging. Knowing Taylor...I just thought it would get really ugly, really quickly if he knew that he was on his way out. He's the kind of player who would stir up as much shit as possible on his way out, and he could have easily gotten Jake upset by telling Jake that he was the one who'd been slated to go. And that just wouldn't have left us in a very good place, once Tay was gone.

So, it was tough. We couldn't say the goodbyes we wanted to say to him. He really has become a valued member of our group, and we will miss him. He's a good guy.

Bye, Tay. I wish I could have given you a hug on your way out, and tell you how much you will be missed.” – Christopher

Taylor.

Christopher had had a bumpy road with Taylor throughout the game. It was interesting. It was even more interesting that they had become allies there at the end of the game.

“Taylor seemed pretty pissed off when he left tonight. Most of his ire was directed at Jojo, but that tells me that he had more invested in her than I knew...

...and that means that he'd probably vote for her over me, in the end.

But honestly, I sorta figure that any one of the Final Four will whip my ass in a Final vote. I mean...Taylor isn't my only problem. Missie was pissed at me when she left, Isaac was trying to get me out, Drew was essentially booing me at his first Tribal Council as a jury member...Beth felt incredibly betrayed by me when she left...Ashley is the only person who was saying nice things about me as they left.

And, um, one in six is not exactly a winning number.” – Christopher

He shrugged it off for the time being. He had to get there before he worried about the jury.

Christopher fell asleep eventually. The milestone of the game had been hit. Only four remained.

The game was now on.

[Host Kyle]

Day 37

“Final Four...

It's weird to be here again. As a former winner, no less. There was definitely a part of me that never thought I'd get this far...but here Jake & I both are. Two former winners! It's kind of shocking.

Not to mention the target I've had on my back this whole game. How many frigging times has my name come up? How many times have I been blamed for things? A whole lot more than I care to remember...

And on top of that...not ONE vote against me! ANd I have only had Immunity once post-merge. Too crazy. Too, too crazy. I guess, in spite of the negativoty directed towards me, I can only take that as a reminder that I have, in fact, played a d**n good game. And that I am more than worthy of a Final Two spot.

Now I just have to figure out how to get there...” – Christopher

Christopher awakened to a beautiful day and much work on his hands. If he and JoJo were to fulfill their goal of sitting in the final two together, they were going to have to maneuver around Jake.

In the pit of his stomach, Christopher knew that Jake would go all out for the challenge that would be held that afternoon.

He and JoJo met for an early breakfast. With only one day for a challenge, results, and a tribal council, they needed a headstart.

JoJo: How are things?

Christopher nodded, giving nothing away of the anxiety he felt.

Christopher: They are fine.

There was silence as they nibbled at their plates.

JoJo: I talked to Jakey last night. It was intense.

Christopher looked up.

Christopher: Uh oh. What happened?

JoJo smiled, fighting back more tears.

JoJo: He is so good. I mean, like a good person. He told me when I needed to vote him off—just vote him off. He promised we’d always be friends.

Christopher pointed with his fork.

Christopher: See! He will vote for you! Told ya! He hasn’t said stuff like that with me.

JoJo: He told me he was convincing himself all day yesterday that I wouldn’t betray him.

Christopher shrugged.

Christopher: Well, you saved him. He should be grateful.

He took a bite and watched her for a moment.

Christopher: You do realize you are going to win this don’t you?

She shook her head vigorously.

JoJo: I just want you to sit by me and hold my hand. Then I win either way.

Christopher rolled his eyes and laughed.

Christopher: Jew please!

JoJo joined him in laughter.

JoJo: Jew please! Best words ever!

They laughed together and enjoyed what remained at breakfast, but treemail call was promptly at nine o’clock that morning. The four of them gathered with wide eyes, none knowing what to expect. This challenge was going to be the hardest fought challenge yet.

JoJo winked at Jake as they gathered near the beach, and despite their deep conversation the night before, Jake was unsettled and restless. Just seeing Christopher and JoJo standing there together made his stomach ache.

He then looked at sweet Elisabeth as she stood with her hands clasped behind her back, more quiet and reserved than he had come to know her. She was more downtrodden than he had ever seen her.

But the present wasn’t the time to feel sorry for her. He had a game to play.

“To me, it's obvious that either Elisabeth or I will be heading home tonight. We have the previous votes, and getting three votes for Chris or JoJo would be more or less impossible. I think she's great, but I have every intention to vote her out. That's the problem with having great people in the game...they've all got to go at some point.

If Elisabeth wins immunity, everything will go crazy. Chris, Jojo, and I will all have to vote for one another, and if Elisabeth has immunity, I can't really imagine her not voting for me, and if she can get either JoJo or Chris onboard to vote for me as well, which under the circumstances probably wouldn't be tough, I'm gone. So I really just have to make sure and hope she doesn't win. And really, I'd prefer it if I won. I'm not keen on having another stressful TC for me, but I think that's the way it's going to turn out.” – Jake

Christopher’s eyes were locked on Jake as he scoped out his three opponents. When Karen approached with mail, Christopher noticed the hunger in Jake’s eyes.

“I have this really icky feeling in my stomach.

I truly believe that Jake will win Final Four Immunity...meaning I have to vote against Elisabeth or Jojo. The two people I made promises to in this game. And even worse...I think that he'll also win the FInal Three Immunity. And I firmly believe in my heart of hearts that he would take either Lizzie or Jojo over me.

So, I'm pretty much resigned to leaving the game at Final Three right now. I trusted Jojo's judgement when it came to booting Taylor over Jake, even though my gut told me differently. And if that leads to me leaving the game...I only have myself to blame.

So, yeah. I'm a little nervous going into this Immunity Challenge. It will pretty much decide not only my fate, but Lizzie's, as well. If she & I had stuck with Taylor on the last vote, I know that neither one of our fates would be in jeopardy.” – Christopher

Karen: Good morning!

Karen smiled at the four of them as she approached, and they greeted her in return. She wasted no time in reading the treemail. There was no time to be wasted.

Karen: How much do you know, we shall soon see. To guarantee your stay in the game, you must win immunity.

She glanced around momentarily. All four of Christopher, JoJo, Jake, and Elisabeth figured the challenge would be a quiz. Elisabeth groaned within herself. Jake rubbed his hands together.

Karen: Be at the ballroom in the main resort promptly at noon, and you will have a timed, point-driven challenge.

And it was a flash before noon came along and they found themselves gathered once again in the ballroom.

Karen held up a stack of papers as the final four seated themselves at one of the four tables set in the middle of the ballroom.

Karen: I have here a quiz with 118 questions over miscellaneous facts of the world holidays. You have exactly two hours to complete this quiz. Quizzes will be judged by points, but in the case of a tie, completion time will be the determining factor.

She grinned as she passed out the papers.

JoJo sighed as she glanced over the paper briefly. Just a momentary skimming of the sheet pointed out several difficult questions to her. It was not going to be easy.

Elisabeth wanted to cry.

Christopher remained expressionless.

Jake went straight to work.

All of them worked for two straight hours, slaving over the questions, guessing at some of the answers, using the resources available to them. At one point Christopher was struggling with some of his questions and he looked over to JoJo for help. Glancing around quickly, JoJo mouthed the answers to three of Christopher’s stumping questions, and he jotted them down hastily.

At the end of two hours, Karen collected the sheets and left the ballroom promptly, leaving them to silence.

Jake drummed the table with his pencil nervously. He had done all he could do and it was now up to the scoring. Looking over his shoulder, he caught sight of JoJo and she smiled at him.

Jake: I don’t think I’m ever going to celebrate a holiday again.

JoJo: Because of the challenge?

Jake nodded tiredly.

Jake: I feel like I need to go back to sleep.

JoJo: I’m sorry, Jakey. I’m stressed out, too. I wound up crying a bit last night, and I always swear I’m not gonna do that. I was just too emotional, but it’s always better the next morning.

Jake: Of course, of course. Tonight won’t be any easier. If Lizzie wins immunity, I don’t feel like I stand a chance.

He glanced over at Elisabeth who had put her head down on the table.

Jake: Honestly.

JoJo: This would be the perfect time for her to win it. But if you win immunity, you and I could get Lizzie out in a tie.

Jake nodded quickly.

Jake: You and I vote for her. Because I don’t know where Chris stands with everyone—what he’d do.

JoJo: I don’t either.

And Karen returned almost as quickly as she had left. Jake straightened at the table at once and gazed at her intently. This was it. This was the make or break moment. He was fairly confident in the answers he had given.

Karen: Results are in! This was a big challenge, the second most important one of the game. Here are the results.

Jake closed his eyes and pressed his lips together. Elisabeth lifted her head, but she did not look hopeful.

Karen: Coming in fourth place with 111 correct answers is…Elisabeth.

Elisabeth nodded, expecting nothing more, but Jake drew in a huge sigh of relief. In his mind, he had garnered himself one more shot for the gold—one more challenge he knew he could win.

Karen: Coming in third place with 113 correct answers is…JoJo.

JoJo gaped. She thought she had submitted all correct answers

Karen: Coming in second place, also with 113 correct answers, but finishing before JoJo is…

Jake clenched his fists. Christopher merely stared ahead.

Karen: Christopher!

Slowly, Christopher exchanged a look of dread with JoJo. Their worst fears had just come true.

Karen: Congratulations, Jake! With 116 correct answers, you are the winner and immune at tonight’s tribal council. You have guaranteed your spot in the final three!

Then it was Jake’s turn to gape. He couldn’t believe it.

Karen: Christopher, Elisabeth, and JoJo, one of you will be joining the jury soon.

Elisabeth nodded and left the ballroom at once. Jake, however, sat there staring at the table. He knew he had heard his name announced as the winner, but he also knew it couldn’t be true. Out of twenty players, the top profile players of a three-part series, he was guaranteed third place.

The breath that he had held for nearing a minute finally expelled with a force, and he let out a squeak with it.

“Wow. I cannot believe I just did that - won this challenge. I've been trying so hard...all game, and to have a guaranteed spot in the final three and having that final two slot well within my sights...wow. This is the first individual immunity I've won in this game, and I don't think it could have come at a better time. I'm really so excited now - final three in All-Stars. And now, especially, I think I have a great shot of winning the final challenge, I really do. Wow, all this game, and finally...a big break, and just when I needed it. Wow.” – Jake

Christopher had been watching Elisabeth, and when she arose from her chair and scurried out of the ballroom, he stood immediately as if to go after her. But something compelled him to stay. Maybe it was out of respect for Jake who had just accomplished a coveted feat. Maybe it was out of respect for JoJo who would most likely be getting his vote that evening.

He gripped the back of his chair and let his eyes fall on Jake who still appeared in complete shock at his own table.

“So my worst fears have pretty much been realized.

Jake won Immunity.

f**k!

Don't get me wrong, I love Jakey. A whole lot. But...man. This means that I have to vote for Jojo or Lizzie. And I do not want to be in that position. It's just an ugly, ugly place to be. My gut tells me that Jake will vote against Lizzie, as will Jojo. And I just can't make that unanimous. I love Lizzie too much.

I mean, from minute one in this game, I promised never to vote against her. And keeping that promise is so important to me. Never have I met someone who is as pure of heart as Liz. Not only that, she just pours herself into everything she does. That girl is truly incredible...she blows my mind. I can't believe she's only 17. I am nearly twice her age, and I wish I was as good a person as she is...

And Jojo? How on earth could I vote against my partner in this game? The one person who I have discussed every move, and planned every plan with...Jojo has crossed over from being a fellow competitor to being a true, real life friend in this game. Every day I spend with her is a joy. I wish we lived next to one another so that we could spend even more time together once this is over.

So, yeah...Tribal Council is going to suck. Hard. Voting against either one of these amazing women is going to pain me.” – Christopher

JoJo, wild-eyed and flustered, jumped to her feet and took Christopher by the hand.

JoJo: Don’t talk to that girl first! NO!

Christopher took her hand in both of his.

Christopher: Mama…

JoJo: Chris…please…

Christopher: Is it that bad already?

She looked up at him hopelessly.

JoJo: I screwed up three f**king answers on that challenge!

He nodded solemnly, glancing back at Jake, hoping to keep this fit at a low roar.

Christopher: I’m frustrated.

JoJo: Indeed! I’m a wreck, Chris!

Christopher: I’m the one that will leave before final two now!

JoJo: Why?!

Christopher: Jake is going to win final three!

Realizing he was raising his voice, he caught himself and closed his eyes before he continued almost at a whisper.

Christopher: We always knew that.

JoJo shook her head adamantly.

JoJo: He isn’t.

Christopher: JoJo, he is.

She glanced over at Jake quickly.

JoJo: I believe Jake will play the game now. I believe I’m probably gone!

They stared at each other for a moment. The whole game had built up to this very moment and they felt it somehow anticlimactic.

JoJo: Chris, I’m so sorry…

He sighed and squeezed her arms.

Christopher: Don’t be sorry. It happened. I don’t think you’re gone.

JoJo: Chris, he’s a good player! He wants to take who he knows he can beat!

Christopher nodded.

Christopher: If you effed up on purpose, then I will wring your neck.

JoJo gaped and for the first time the entire game was actually a bit miffed at Christopher. Would he really accuse her of such when she had been working so closely with him from the first day of the game?

JoJo: Are you insane?!

Christopher shrugged and blew it off.

Christopher: Anyways…if Jake wants to bring an easy opponent, he is going to ask Lizzie and you to vote me.

She looked at him intensely.

JoJo: If he knows that you are voting for me, then I’m gone, Chris!

Christopher: No. I don’t believe that.

But JoJo wouldn’t see reason. The worst had happened, and by default the worst was going to happen.

Christopher: I’m going to go find Lizzie. You stay calm. You didn’t eff anything up.

Still she fought back the tears. As Christopher left her, he patted Jake gruffly on the back, sending out a quick congratulations before heading out of the ballroom. JoJo turned quickly to dab her eyes and paint on a smile before she approached Jake.

When he arose to face her, she wrapped him up in a tight embrace.

JoJo: Jake! You did it! I’m so proud of you!

Jake: I’m so relieved! I want to jump up and down.

JoJo: Do the snoopy dance like I taught you! You rock, Jakey.

She released him and cupped his face in her hands.

JoJo: It’s so funny—the full circle thing.

He cocked his brow as she looked into his face, her smile fading, her face pleading.

JoJo: When you said you were worried yesterday…”JoJo wouldn’t do that to me…”

She pressed her lips together, constricted.

JoJo: Now, it’s me.

Jake: JoJo, it’s ok. You have nothing to worry about.

JoJo: Lizzie is going to work on you.

Jake shook her slightly.

Jake: Really…you have nothing to worry about. From me anyway. You and me vote for Liz, and it will work out just fine.

JoJo nodded, but she just wasn’t sure. She wouldn’t be sure until someone lost their torch that night.

They hugged once again and clung to each other for a moment.

Elisabeth Marie locked herself in her hut, a mess of emotions. Fairing last place in the challenge was bad enough, but with her vote history she was certain her fate was sealed. She paced for a moment, folded her arms over her abdomen, shed a few tears, and paced some more. She had been on that island for too long, gone through too much to be banished so close to the end.

She considered her options and decided the only way to be safe was to hook Jake. Jake would be the key.

She sat down at a table quickly and began scribbling a note. A knock came at the door and she paused to look up. Now was not the time, she thought in her head. She needed a bit to collect herself and find her barings—find her way to the final three.

She held her breath and froze until she heard footsteps leaving her hut.

Then she clamped the butt of her pen between her teeth and thought of the perfect words she needed to relay.

“Jake,

I plead my case with you today, you know where I stand.

Jojo, I believe, will beat us all. Most jury members have so much as said so. Jojo will also be stiff, stiff competition in the final immunity challenge. The best chance you have is to face me in a final three challenge becuase, try as I might, I am just not good. You can look at my record, it speaks for itself. Chris, as well- not so good in the challenges. It is my firm estimation that you will beat myself in a final two situation, and Chris in a final two situation. Jojo, I will tell you now- will not be the same. She has the reputation as a strong player and the same game this time around, they will respect her. They will not respect a first boot who did nothing, nor a winner that they all don't like for some apparent reason (Chris).

I understand that you believe it would be you v. us in a final three situation...and that's what I thought about. Chris is a great friend, but I know that I will lose to anyone of the final four. So if I'm going to lose, and I have no word with Chris but a friendship, I want to extend an olive branch.

At the final three, if you were to win immunity...you can choose whoever you want between chris and I becuase you'll win regardless. Chris, if he wins, I will concede to him to take you to the final two. BUT, if I win...

...you have my WORD that I will take you to the final two. It is an absolute win-win situation for you, as either way you end up in the final two and win. I was hesitant, becuase Chris is my friend, but I really just want the chance to make it to the final three; if final two. Again, I am a woman of my word as seen throughout all my online games, and if I was to win the final three immunity challenge;

I SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL TAKE YOU TO THE FINAL TWO.

No ifs, ands, or buts. I told you that I know we all just want to make the decisions that benefit ourselves most; and I firmly believe that this is an absolute win-win situation for you.

Take it or leave it, but you have my word. All I want is the experience as I haven't done it before. I know I won't win, so wouldn't you rather face Katie than Tina? The choice is yours, Chris and I will be voting for Jojo and I solemnly swear that from this point on I will not vote for you.

You have my word.” – Elisabeth

She spent a good hour scribbling the note, making it perfect, and rewriting a final copy to send to Jake. This was her only hope. She thought back to her promises to Christopher, guilty that she was considering to vote him out at some point, but she knew she had to do it. It was her only hope.

Jake had spent a good while out with an emotional JoJo at the main resort. He was firmly set on sticking with the two he had pledged his loyalty to since the beginning of the game.

But when he returned to his hut and found a note on the floor, everything changed. He read over the note quickly, sat feebly and read it again.

Elisabeth had so many good points, and now Jake was torn. What did he want? Did he want to stay loyal or to win the game? Did he want an easy win or a challenging win?

Either route, someone was going to get hurt.

Jake: Screw this game!

[Host Kyle]

He crumpled the letter in his fist, but then considered it.

“Well great. Just great. This is the biggest thing that has been dumped on me all game. I either choose to vote out my best friend in this game, who has been with me throughout, supporting me, which would almost certain result in my winning the game, or I vote out Lizzie, maybe throwing away that chance, but keeping with my word throughout the game.

Oh, and hey, guess what. I have two hours to choose.

Ain't that nice?

Do I want to win against the best, or take down the best and win?

If I don't take the deal, will I be seen as someone who doesn't play the game, or someone with morals? And if I do, am I a backstabber, or am I simply someone who doesn't let friendships interfere with the game?

I feel like I'm systematically, piece by piece, being broken down by this game.” – Jake

A knock on the door startled Jake out of his thoughts. He looked down at the crumpled note in his hand, straightened it quickly, folded it, and stuffed it in his pocket as he stood to go to the door.

Elisabeth: Congrats on immunity.

He was in no way surprised to see her.

Jake: Hey, thanks.

There was a moment of awkwardness between them. Elisabeth suddenly felt foolish for approaching him, but she knew she had to press on.

Elisabeth: What’s up?

He grinned slightly.

Jake: Plenty!

Elisabeth: Did you get my letter?

With his hands still in his pockets, he ran his finger over the wrinkled slip of paper.

Jake: Yes…yes, I did.

Elisabeth: I really do stand by it.

Jake nodded.

Jake: Call me wishy-washy, whatever, but right this second, I don’t know.

Elisabeth: I understand. I’m just trying to figure out what can help us both. I absolutely promise that I won’t vote for you in a final three situation.

Jake: I believe that. But still…I need time to think.

He frowned and looked at his watch.

Jake: Which, unfortunately, I don’t have.

Elisabeth felt herself growing disappointed.

Elisabeth: I understand. I just wanted to put it out there.

She sighed heavily and decided on impulse to slither into her killer play.

Elisabeth: I think you should know something which others my not have told you…

Jake cocked his head and shifted on his feet.

Elisabeth: If you want, that is.

Jake: Tell, tell…

She hesitated, twisting her fingers with her own hands.

Elisabeth: Some people may have sugar coated this, or hid it because of the situation, but as of the Ashley vote, JoJo and Chris made it into a JoJo, Chris, Elisabeth final three.

This was news to Jake, but he didn’t know if he could believe it.

Elisabeth: Had you not won immunity, you would have been the target.

It hit him like a shot in the chest. Elisabeth knew it; she could see it in his eyes.

Elisabeth: That includes JoJo. I wanted you to know so when you think about the vote you are not in the dark about what went on.

Jake: I did not know about this.

She nodded slightly, demurely.

Elisabeth: I wanted you to know because in that final three situation of you, JoJo, and Chris, those two may still hold that allegiance. Do you know what I’m saying?

Jake: Yes…yes, I do. I have anticipated that all game.

She clapped her hands together.

Elisabeth: Offer still stands. My allegiance is to you, but I understand you have a lot to think about. I’m sure you’ll make the choice that is best for you.

Jake nodded, but said nothing.

Elisabeth: Chris and I will be voting for JoJo tonight. You have my allegiance.

Still silence from Jake.

Elisabeth nodded and started for the door.

Elisabeth: That’s all she wrote.

And she was gone, though she wasn’t finished for the day. With only a few hours remaining until tribal council, Elisabeth Marie was determined to do everything possible. Jake didn’t seem to want to vote for JoJo, so JoJo was her next stop.

Elisabeth: Good job on immunity!

JoJo eyed her questioningly as she let her in.

JoJo: Honey, you cute thing…I didn’t win.

Elisabeth smiled sweetly.

Elisabeth: Well, ya beat me, and that’s good enough to say good job on immunity!

JoJo nodded, but couldn’t share the smile.

JoJo: I’m so bummed.

Elisabeth: You’re telling me! I worked so hard on that challenge! Now I feel like I am probably the next to go.

JoJo: I do, too.

She finally managed a smile.

JoJo: Can we at least hold hands during tribal council?

Elisabeth nodded with a smile. They could sweeten it all they wanted, but the fact remained that the two of them were in a dire situation and pitted against one another.

JoJo: Crap, Lizzie! You and I are now voting each other!

Elisabeth’s smile was gone at once.

Elisabeth: It just sucks.

JoJo: Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. So, so sorry.

Elisabeth: I just don’t want to go.

JoJo: I know. Me too. Lizzie, I’m so, so sorry!

Elisabeth: I know I’m not going to vote for Chris. I know you’re not going to vote for Chris. I guess that means you two are still in the game and probably final two.

JoJo shook her head.

JoJo: I don’t think so. I think I’m going. We both love our Chris.

Elisabeth: This is going to be worse than last night.

JoJo: No, we won’t let it! One of us is going with our head high.

Elisabeth: I’ve never been this far, so I’ve never had to go through this.

JoJo: Neither of us should go.

Elisabeth: I know, but who else?

JoJo: One of us. We can’t vote Chris. We can’t vote Jake.

Elisabeth: We are between a rock and a hard place.

A silence fell over them, shrouded in dread. JoJo knew the ultimate outcome would be determined with Jake no matter what Elisabeth suggested. Still JoJo wanted to ask. If Elisabeth suggested anything, maybe it could be used against her?

JoJo: What do you suggest? Help me!

Elisabeth bit her lip thoughtfully.

Elisabeth: Four routes. We pull in Jake and vote for Chris. You get majority and vote me off. I get majority and vote you off. Or…we go into a tie. Too bad all of them suck.

JoJo nodded sadly and they stared at each other, daring each other to make the first suggestion.

Elisabeth: You’re not voting against Chris, right?

Her heart racing, JoJo stared at Elisabeth. She had never considered it before, but now…

JoJo: Isn’t it horrible how we can suddenly be willing to?

Elisabeth waved if off.

Elisabeth: I was just wondering. What are you willing to do? I guess we should start with that so at least we know where each other stands.

JoJo: At this moment, I feel willing to do anything.

She eyed Elisabeth carefully.

JoJo: With anyone…

Elisabeth: I would like to see a woman win. It stinks that we’re supposed to be like…alright, either your or I leave.

JoJo: I guess I just assumed since we both are so in love with Christopher.

JoJo slapped her forehead.

JoJo: How naïve am I that I thought once we got here, someone would say, “It’s ok, guys, just vote me off!”

Elisabeth: I know. For a moment I imagined Chris saying that.

She chuckled uneasily.

Elisabeth: Not assuming anything, just imagined it.

Both of their hearts raced.

Elisabeth: I have a small inkling. I don’t know if it’s “ok”.

JoJo: Tell me your inkling.

Elisabeth: I want one of us to win. I want to try out final two. Jake and Chris have done it, so I want to give it a whirl!

JoJo said nothing as Elisabeth pressed on.

Elisabeth: Here’s the thing…Jake and Chris won already. Our best chance is against each other. Oh, I just feel like it’s a sin…

She looked away tragically, but she knew it was something that had to be considered.

Elisabeth: I know we’re both thinking it.

JoJo looked around guiltily as if Chris were standing nearby.

Elisabeth: Is it best to pull in Jake and vote off Chris?

The words sliced through the air like a sword. It almost bore physical pain to JoJo’s ears, but it was a necessary consideration.

Elisabeth: We just both don’t want to say it.

JoJo: You say it…I just think it.

More silence. JoJo thought her pounding heart was audible even to Elisabeth.

JoJo: Sin…

Elisabeth: Close to it…

JoJo: It’s desparation time…

Elisabeth: Now that I’ve said it…you tell me what you think.

JoJo: I think I want to stay. I think Jake might be willing to work with us.

Elisabeth: I would agree.

JoJo: I think it’s a sin to even think of Chris that way, but I’m really desparate.

Elisabeth: Same here. Have you given Jake a spiel yet?

JoJo shook her head, and they stared at each other for a long moment before departing, knowing what they needed to do.

Jake was not surprised by another knock on his door. Nor was he surprised to see JoJo.

JoJo: Lizzie asked me if I gave you a spiel yet.

Jake stared at her.

JoJo: It just shakes me up—the whole day! A spaz, I tell you! I’ve been a spaz!

Jake: Don’t be a spaz.

JoJo: What’s Christopher saying?

Jake: He may vote you, but just to show respect to Lizzie. I will still vote Lizzie, and she will leave.

JoJo: It’s slightly heartbreaking, but he’s a good guy to do that for her.

Jake: And will also earn him a sure-fire jury vote, darnit!

JoJo: He’s a smart cookie, that Chris. It hurts my belly that he will vote for me. Isn’t that whiney?

Jake: It’s not against you. It’s for Lizzie.

JoJo nodded, understanding.

JoJo: It’s supporing her, which is the right thing to do. She shouldn’t be blasted.

She paused. She had come to Jake for a purpose.

JoJo: Just between you and me, she was asking if I’d be willing to get you and vote Chris out.

Jake crossed his arms and deadpanned.

Jake: Uh huh.

JoJo hesitated.

JoJo: How would you have reacted if approached with such a thing?

Jake: If you had approached me?

JoJo nodded sheepishly, almost sorry she had brought it up.

Jake: I wouldn’t have done it. I don’t think I could make that stretch to do that.

JoJo: You’re right, you wouldn’t have.

Jake: Since final nine it’s been Taylor, Lizzie…and us three.

JoJo: I couldn’t vote for you last time or Chris this time.

All at once, Elisabeth’s proposation was destroyed. Jake couldn’t do it, and JoJo knew she couldn’t do it. She looked down for a moment before smiling at Jake.

JoJo: I appreciate you, you know that?

Jake nodded. It was another awkward moment for him, but JoJo left pretty quickly. Jake closed the door behind her and leaned up against it.

“So with the fun of winning immunity comes...people sucking up to you. Well, mainly Elisabeth in this case, who is clearly fighting hard, and I admire her for it. She wants to stay in the game and...really shows it.

But the choice is between Chris, JoJo, and Elisabeth. The season one folks have been working together this entire game, and this is the situation that makes or breaks whether or not we can be successful and make the final three together. And, I don't know, if in my heart, I can break that. I've been closer with Chris and JoJo throughout the game. I want to face the best in the final three, and I think that's ...and I think that's...what I need to do. I haven't talked to Chris yet, but I've talked to JoJo and reassured her that if she wants to vote for Lizzie, I'll vote for her, and Lizzie will be gone because she has previous votes. I think - I wouldn't be satisfied with any other result. I want to go to the final three with the toughest competition and hopefully come out on top. Is that the smartest strategy to play? Probably not. But I don't think I could live with myself if I voted out Jo or Chris and things turned out badly. I just feel like this is what I need to do for myself in this game. And by now, I have to be playing for myself.” – JoJo

When JoJo bounded out of Jake’s hut she was startled when she collided with Christopher and let out a shriek. He caught her and steadied her on her feet, but she was flustered and disoriented.

JoJo: Lizzie asked me if I’d vote you.

Christopher thought he didn’t hear her correctly.

JoJo: Babe, I screwed up, but please don’t leave me now. We have got to do this…

Still processing, Christopher backed away from her. Elisabeth Marie, the one he had promised to protect till the end of the game, the one who had promised him the same, was asking to round up votes for him? How could that be?

Nevermind that he had set it up for her ousting without suspicion of his own disloyalty—how could she campaign against him?

JoJo: Chris…please answer me.

Christopher turned quickly and headed straight for Elisabeth’s hut, leaving JoJo there to stare after him, heaving. Just as they had hoped and discussed it wouldn’t, the game had turned ugly in this otherwise utopian final four.

JoJo felt sick all the way around, and it irritated her that the brunt of it was going to fall on her.

Elisabeth was startled by a pounding on her door, and before she could even reach it, Christopher barged in.

Christopher: Why are you asking to vote for me?

Elisabeth stammered, not knowing what to say. She had been certain that JoJo was on the same page and their discussion was supposed to have stayed between them.

Christopher: Why are you asking JoJo to vote for me?

He took an intimidating step toward her.

Elisabeth: We’re not doing it! We were just talking about the options that were out there! I’m not voting for you, Chris…believe me! I just wanted to see where JoJo’s mind was at, to see where things were heading.

Christopher crossed his arms, the anger apparent on his face. Elisabeth had never felt the brunt of Christopher’s anger.

Elisabeth: So…so…if there was a group out there against you, I could tell you! I know I will probably leave tonight, I have all the past votes! That’s how it is…we talked about it. I wasn’t trying to persuade JoJo to vote for you.

He regarded her for a moment allowing his anger to subside.

Christopher: I just want you to know, I told them I wouldn’t vote for you the whole game. I never played that I would vote for you. It upsets me to hear you asking that question!

Elisabeth nodded, feeling like a child in detention.

Elisabeth: I understand where you’re coming from. I guess all I can say is I’m sorry and hope you believe I never did it with the intention of actually voting for you.

There was a long pause while Christopher studied her face.

Christopher: Ok.

Elisabeth: That’s the best I can say. Sorry.

Christopher took a breath and paced away. Like all the others, he never expected the final four to go to “this” place.

Elisabeth: I really won’t ever vote for you, just like in every game I’ve played.

He waved her off.

Christopher: It’s fine, babe. Don’t stress.

Elisabeth: I’m stressing because I don’t want to leave.

Christopher: I’m just in the middle of two wonderful women right now.

Elisabeth: I know. I believe it.

He turned quickly.

Christopher: How did this happen? How did all three of us mess up?

Elisabeth looked down for a moment, feeling irritated. She didn’t feel she “messed up”. She was playing a game, and that hit a sour note with her.

Elisabeth: JoJo, for all she says, was saying the same thing.

She approached Christopher and shot him a look.

Elisabeth: I just want that to be clear.

At that Christopher turned to go. JoJo was still outside, waiting there quietly, and when Christopher walked directly to her she began pleading.

JoJo: It’s my first screw up. You told me how great I played when Jenne screwed things up. Do you feel I should go now?

Christopher: No, of course not.

JoJo: Do you want me to go?

He took her by the shoulders.

Christopher: I’m not angry with anyone. Just frustrated, sad that my end is near.

JoJo: Please don’t vote for me, and let’s win at final three.

Christopher: I’m in a bad place with Lizzie.

[Host Kyle]

JoJo nodded, figuring as much.

JoJo: She worked a deal with me, honey. She knows the game.

Christopher crossed his arms.

Christopher: Tell me the deal. If it’s going to help my decision, then tell me.

JoJo: I told her I was desparate but never agreed to vote you. Neither of us did.

JoJo proceeded to tell Christopher the entire conversation between herself and Elisabeth—every last detail she could remember. Christopher listened, feeling his temperature and pulse rise with ever detail.

JoJo: That was where it ended. We agreed on nothing.

Pressing his lips together, Christopher turned away for a moment. He took some time to cool down before he faced her again.

Christopher: Umm…

Again, he put a hand to his mouth and collected himself.

Christopher: I’m kind of horrified by both of you, to be honest.

He stabbed JoJo with his eyes.

Christopher: One hundred percent loyalty with women certainly isn’t paying.

He challenged her with his eyes as JoJo defended herself.

JoJo: I was very careful how I worded it. I never said I’d do it.

He spread his hands wide.

Christopher: I’m shocked that it even came up!

JoJo balled her fists and jabbed them at her hips.

JoJo: I didn’t bring it up, but I thought it ridiculous to not pull more out of her. I thought it was my chance to show you that your loyalty to her might not be as reciprocal.

He nodded cynically.

Christophre: Um, yeah…

JoJo: I have never been more one hundred percent loyal to anything, Chris!

She took a step up to him, feeling her face flushing.

JoJo: I’m surprised that’s what you think of me! When I was insecure, you told me to get real! I’m saying it now!

Christopher only looked at her.

JoJo: Can you answer me? You think I would work with Lizzie to vote you off?

Christopher: I asked her why she mentioned my name to you and she said she was fishing to see what you’d say.

He groaned and turned to go back to Elisabeth’s hut. JoJo was left to fume. He hesitated at her door before entering.

“Things are starting to get really tense. And...a little ugly.

Both Lizzie & Jojo said that they would never vote for me...but Jojo told me that they talked about it today. And...that was honestly the first thing that has happened in this game that truly hurt me.

I value and care about both of them so much...and while it wouldn't be the end of the world if I left, what hurt me is that I have worked so hard to keep them both here - particularly Lizzie, who people wanted to take out of this game over and over. She wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me. Jake & Jojo didn't know her before...they wouldn't have had her back. So to have her offering me up to Jo...man. It cut like a knife.

So I confronted both of them. Told them I was disappointed in them. Because that is what I am feeling. Not anger...but disappointment. Two people I have been 100% loyal and protective of...both choosing to forget that.

It just really, really sucks.” – Christopher

He barreled in, but Elisabeth had been ready for him.

Christopher: I don’t want big time drama, but what you talked about with JoJo and what you categorized it as are two different things.

She challenged him with a cold stare.

Christopher: I’m disappointed. I’ve had your back this entire game, and I’m not going to go on and on, but I didn’t expect this! Maybe that was foolish of me.

Elisabeth gaped at him.

Christopher: I love you, but I think I just learned from you and JoJo that I need to take care of me in this vote. Everyone else is taking care of them!

Elisabeth: Unless you didn’t notice…both of us said we didn’t want to do it! I just was stating what was there!

Christopher: She told me the whole thing.

Elisabeth: I know what was said…I was there!

Christopher took a step back, surprised by her outburst.

Christopher: I’m not mad at you. You’ve always been a player and figher to the end. I just feel like my ass is on the line, and it takes me from the emotional to the logical.

JoJo poked her head through the front door and called out gently.

JoJo: You guys…

They both turned to look at her, and Christopher paced away, rubbing his head.

Christopher: This is only going to get worse.

Elisabeth: It’s getting ugly, and it shouldn’t.

JoJo sighed as she approached them, forming a triangle with them.

JoJo: I’m sorry I’m playing desparate, and it’s getting ugly.

Christopher shot her a look.

Christopher: Exactly.

JoJo: I shouldn’t be ugly. We all want the same thing.

Christopher swept them with his hands.

Christopher: You are the two people I backed completely in this game—the only two! You both know it!

JoJo and Elisabeth both watched him, both frowning.

Christopher: If you think voting me out is the answer, then that is what you should do! I don’t want to be pulled in half! It isn’t right!

JoJo crossed her arms. He was screaming about how awful it was for his name to come up, but he was about to cast a vote for one of them—as if he was entitled to that final three position.

JoJo: I don’t want to vote you out, Chris, but you have to pick also! It’s not easy for us, either! I feel pulled in half also! You are the only person I have backed in this game, and there is no reason for you to think I don’t back you now!

Elisabeth dropped her hands resignedly.

Elisabeth: Right, Chris. You are safe!

JoJo: We all worked hard to get here!

JoJo looked at Elisabeth.

JoJo: Chris is all I’ve had in this game in terms of complete trust.

Elisabeth nodded.

Elisabeth: Same here.

JoJo jerked her head back to Christopher.

JoJo: Don’t be upset, Chris. We both just want to stay.

And the discussion went on for a time, Elisabeth and JoJo both conceding that they would receive the votes and battle it out to remain in the game.

Christopher: You do realize we have no idea what Jake is doing.

JoJo: You are right. Jake is the man now.

Elisabeth: I worked so hard to not let Jake win immunity.

JoJo: We all did.

Elisabeth: Taylor should’t have been voted out. That’s where we faulted.

Christopher nodded quickly.

Christopher: Yes.

Then both of them looked at JoJo. JoJo looked from one to the other and back.

JoJo: Well, there ya have it, I guess.

Elisabeth shrugged.

Elisabeth: It’s done.

JoJo: I’m sorry for my error in judgement. At the time I really thought Taylor was the immunity threat.

Christopher stepped up.

Christopher: Guys, I think we should all take a breather. Enjoy the afternoon. I kinda need to get out of here.

Elisabeth: Group hug?

JoJo and Christopher both managed a smile, and they approached for a tender embrace.

Elisabeth: May the best woman stay.

JoJo nodded for that was what it was going to come to.

JoJo left the hut first and retreated to her own, leaving Christopher and Elisabeth alone.

Elisabeth: Don’t worry about it, really. It’ll work out how it is supposed to. Jake is the X factor.

Christopher: I wasn’t worried. It’s hard to explain. Just shocked to hear two people talking about voting me when I have worked so hard to get them both here.

She waved him off.

Elisabeth: It’s over and done with.

Christopher: I just wish there was a different possible ending to this.

Elisabeth: Don’t we all.

While glad they were able to sort things out as a group, JoJo was still annoyed when she returned to her hut. She was tired and worried and frustrated. Out of three vulnerable players, why was it only her and Elisabeth in danger? When discussing options, why was bringing Christopher’s name up in any form against the rules?

She flounced on her bed and covered her face with her pillow, all these grievances running through her mind.

Why were all the screw-ups her fault? Why? Why? Why?

She let out a frustrated scream.

Presently she arose from her bed and went to look out the window where she saw Christopher heading to Jake’s hut.

“Throughout the game, no matter who I upset, I felt confident that I was working so well with Christopher, that we had each other's backs. I also felt good about giving him complete loyalty. But now, its all changed. I screwed up horribly in that IC and in doing so I messed up all of our plans, I have Chris frustrated and upset and I've caused drama between him and Lizzie already today.

We worked on the IC together in order to get them in quickly. I knew at the time I was rushing and not being my perfectionist self. All I had to do was go through one more time and check, and yet I was so tired of challenges and the rough game that I submitted with a false sense of confidence. In doing so, I mistakenly also gave Christopher THREE wrong answers on the IC and now Jake has immunity. Yes, I'm proud of Jake. But Chris is so disappointed in me. And when I attempted to pull information out of Lizzie, in hopes that that would make Chris more loyal to me, it made him further disgusted with me and questioning my loyalty to him.

I don't want to leave and I'm so worried that Jake will vote me out. We have no agreement at this point in the game...hell, I was going to vote him off tomorrow. He deserves the immunity win and I deserve to be sent packing. He doesnt even know I saved his butt last week and to tell him now is just desperate and making Chris look bad.

When I attempted to patch things up with Chris and Lizzie, to just be honest and supportive, they both agreed that voting off Taylor was the wrong thing to do. So, it comes down to me making that mistake, after such a clean game of me being able to stand by my decisions.

When Isaac left, he told me to enjoy 4th place. I felt like he knew something, perhaps from Jake, that loyalty to me would end at this point in the game. All I can do now is cross my fingers and hope that my two best friends in this game will want me to stay. It would be a strategic mistake probably, and I don't think either of them make strategic mistakes.

And while I'm letting it all out, I'm not completely thrilled with Chris this morning. Accusing me of missing those questions on purpose? Come on! And then telling Lizzie and I that he is disappointed because he trusted us 100% and we turned on him? Chris, you were planning to cast a vote for each of us too.” – JoJo

She groaned again and flounced back on the bed.

Jake Erickson wasn’t surprised when yet another knock came at his door. What it boiled down to was three other people still inhabiting the island—two visitors down, one more to go.

As expected, he opened the door to Christopher.

Christopher: Have you seen the ladies?

Jake: Yes, and here is the story—tell me if it’s accurate. They are voting for each other and we are the wonderful deciding votes.

Christopher: That is my understanding. I suppose it is a relief in the sense that you and I progress, but it’s also really, really gross.

Jake: Yes and yes. I really don’t want to vote for either of them. I have told Lizzie I will talk it over with you so I suppose we better talk it over.

Christopher: Did they plead their cases to you?

Jake raised his eyebrows.

Jake: Yes! I feel like a moron for having them do that.

Christopher: I have to be honest, I’m surprised your answer isn’t Lizzie straight up. I figured you’d just say, “I’m voting with JoJo.”

Jake: More or less, I feel like I need to vote for Elisabeth.

Christopher: Do you think I should vote for her so she doesn’t feel left out to dry?

Jake: I don’t know. Do what you need to do. She’d go either way.

Christopher looked conflicted.

Christopher: There is a part of me that doesn’t want her to feel, not wanted by anyone…if that makes sense. She is the only person outside of the three who has been loyal to us.

Jake nodded.

Jake: If you wanted to do that, I’m absolutely fine with it.

Christopher bit his lip and considered his ultimate decision.

Christopher: I will sleep on it.

And he left as quickly as he came.

“Does Chris even want to vote JoJo out? He's just voting for her to give Lizzie respect, but I'm guessing that's not what he told her. Chris doesn't want JoJo to leave - does he? Maybe he told me he'd vote for JoJo in order to lead the way for me to vote for her too. Letting me be broken down by Lizzie.” – Jake

Just like everyone else, Jake had a difficult decision to make and very little time to make it. The day had quickly passed into late afternoon. Tribal council was not far away.

Christopher returned to his own hut to do exactly what he told Jake he would do—sleep on it. He took a long nap and woke up somewhat refreshed. As refreshed as he could be with such a heavy decision hanging over his head.

Voting with Elisabeth against JoJo seemed the better option to keep his loyalty to Elisabeth while knowing JoJo would still be safe. That is, if Jake stayed true and voted for Elisabeth.

Christopher wasn’t altogether sure Jake would do that.

“I'm not sure what is going to happen. Jake is a smart player...unpredictable. He can sometimes be ruled by strategy, so it is possible he could oust Jojo over Lizzie. Something that I didn't believe was possible a few days ago...but I now see as a potential outcome.

And Lizzie is working that boy as hard as she can. It's awesome to see. In spite of people writing her off throughout this game, that girl is a tiger. And she will not go down without a fight. A fair fight...but a fight nonetheless.

Jojo is starting to panic a bit...and she wants me to vote against Lizzie. But I can't do that. I know, that in my heart, I have to stick by Lizzie. As much as I love Jojo, and as much as we've stuck by one another in this game...I need to stick by Lizzie on this vote.

Tonight is a very difficult night. No matter what happens, I am losing a dear friend.

I suppose that I should be grateful that I am safe, in spite of not having Immunity. But...it's too much. I am just so broken up over losing a dear friend.

There will be no wins tonight...only a large, crushing loss. No outcome is going to be good tonight.” – Christopher

JoJo was still in her hut ready to bang her head. She hadn’t slept a wink and had wasted the whole afternoon away thinking and fretting.

“I think its going to be OK for me tonight, but at this point.....well, whatever happens, happens. If I go tonight my time is up and I'm feeling much better about that. Lizzie and I have spoken. We've both spoken to Jake and Chris. I have to trust Jake. I have trusted him for a whole game and have no reason not to trust him now. The whole groveling thing just feels icky to me. I was gonna vote Jake off myself tonight...how in the world could I go begging him to take care of ME? So in 25 minutes, the cards fall where they may. Don't get me wrong. I want to stay badly. I want to win the final 3 immunity challenge so I can make all this headache up to Christopher. I want the game over. So one step at a time....and this is a big step.” – JoJo

Shortly, she answered the knock at her door to find Christopher. It had been a long and trying day, and while she found some disappointment and irritation with him, he still brought out a smile.

Christopher: You seen Jake?

She shook her head.

JoJo: No.

They looked at each other for a long moment, then both started to speak at the same time. Laughing, JoJo beckoned for him to speak first.

Christopher: I’m not mad or running from anyone—

JoJo: Oh, I know. I understand every single word you have said. I said ‘em all myself. I’m disappointed in me, too.

Christopher: No…it happens—

She put a finger to his lips.

JoJo: I knew everything to expect, and you said it all.

Christopher: What did I say?

JoJo shrugged.

JoJo: You threw the challenge, we shouldn’t have voted off Taylor, I’m disgusted in you for baiting Lizzie…

Christopher: I didn’t say disgusted.

JoJo: I knew you’d say every one of those. For the record, all of them are false, honey.

Christopher: I didn’t say you did throw the challenge…just that I’d throttle you if it ended up being so.

JoJo: I expected you to throw it.

She paused and looked at him seriously.

JoJo: I need to know if we are going to say the same things to Jake.

Christopher: What are you planning on saying to him?

JoJo: I’m sticking with our story—us three to the end.

Christopher: Jake isn’t some random person. He is taking you to final two—mark my words.

JoJo frowned and looked down.

JoJo: But I was gonna vote Jake at fifth and then definitely at fourth. He won’t take me, Chris. I know that sweet boy. We shook hands and agreed to vote one another off when necessary.

Christopher chuckled and took her by the hands.

Christopher: You told him that, too! JoJo…what were you thinking?!

She shrugged.

JoJo: I thought I was a goner.

Christopher: You thought HE was a goner!

JoJo nodded.

Christopher: You should probably check in with Jakey. Elisabeth has d**n good arguments as to why he should keep her over you.

She nodded again. She knew it was what she had to do. It would only force a tie, but it was the only way JoJo knew to be completely safe.

Christopher took her hands and smiled into her eyes.

Christopher: This will be quite an episode—one for everyone to mock us.

But JoJo wasn’t worried about that right now. She had some solidification to do.

[Host Kyle]

JoJo: Hey, friend.

For the second time that day, Jake let JoJo into his hut. He was resigned to expect visitors and chats down to the beginning of the council.

Jake: Elisabeth is being a meanie.

JoJo: I heard she was working you good.

Jake: It ain’t exactly fun.

JoJo: Chris told me she has some d**n good reasons for you to vote me off. He advised me to plead with you.

He waited expectantly. JoJo wanted to get on her knees and beg, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

JoJo: It ain’t in me, Jakey. It isn’t us. Unless you want me to.

They both laughed.

Jake: She threw the final two offer at me.

She raised her eyebrows.

JoJo: And?

Jake: And told me that if I voted you out that I’d win no matter what.

JoJo: I think if you vote me out or not, you will still win.

Jake: I don’t get what Chris is doing. Is he still voting for you?

JoJo shrugged.

JoJo: Depends on you, I’d say.

Sighing, Jake turned away.

Jake: Yeah, great. Everything depends on me.

JoJo: What do you want to do?

Jake: I want to win—and keep you guys.

JoJo: As you well know, there are no guarantees that she will keep you in final two—

Jake: No, I think she’s being honest about that. She’s desparate enough.

JoJo nodded and looked down with a sigh.

JoJo: I don’t know what to say. I just want to trust you.

Jake: Did you and Chris and Lizzie have a final three?

So Christopher was right. Elisabeth had spilled the beans on that little agreement that would’ve had Jake removed at final five and now if he wasn’t safe. She looked down and stammered.

JoJo: There may have been a time we did talk final three for insurance purposes—when I worried she and Taylor would flip with Ashley. Is she saying we did?

Jake crossed his arms.

Jake: Yes.

JoJo: Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I can’t play like that.

Jake: I’m glad you don’t. I don’t either. She’s saying that you and Chris would take each other over me in the final three.

JoJo: Is she saying that I came to her and literally pleaded with her to vote off Taylor instead of you?

She turned away quickly.

JoJo: I don’t need to discuss loyalty here.

Jake: That isn’t the question.

JoJo paused.

JoJo: Is there one? I’ll do whatever you want, Jake, but let me just say this: I will vote Lizzie tonight. I promise. Please tell me if it’s me that is leaving. Ok?

He paused for a long time, as though he were contemplating.

Jake: It isn’t you. I’m voting for Lizzie.

JoJo felt a world of burden lifted from her shoulders hearing Jake say that, and she believed it as truth.

But he then smiled mischievously and chuckled.

Jake: Although…I could put you in a little pickle here.

She looked up quickly.

Jake: I could force you, force you, force you to promise that if you win immunity at final three, you have to bring me to final two.

She gazed up at him with wide eyes. He could be serious.

Jake: But I won’t do that.

JoJo: How come?

Jake: ‘Cause I’m nice like that.

She let out a nervous giggle and clutched his hands.

JoJo: I feel the need to kiss your feet!

When the time came for the four of them to head out to the tribal council, plans had more or less been solidified. Still Jake opted to make the journey to the council area alone. Christopher and JoJo set out together, but Elisabeth lagged behind them on her own.

Elisabeth was most certain she was leaving. Her plan at saving her self and attempt at playing the game had backfired and ended up in her first scolding from Christopher.

JoJo and Christopher enjoyed the beach stroll that evening. The air was cool and fresh, and they were acutely aware that they would see this beach for only two more days. It was almost sad.

JoJo: Jake believes he will win tomorrow’s challenge.

She looked at Christopher and grinned.

JoJo: Personally, I think it’s bad karma to brag that you will win.

Christopher: I have to agree with you. He has been saying that to me forever.

JoJo: And here is something just to put in your “d**n, I’m smart as hell” file—since you seem to know everything.

Christopher shot her a look.

JoJo: Jake said he could spin to the jury that he’s been holding back all game, then at the most crucial moment, shocked us all. Of course the jury wants to hear that.

Christopher snickered.

Christopher: He’s funny. He’s so sure he is going to be in the final two.

JoJo: He’s really so cute.

Christopher: We need to spank that rascal.

JoJo: Bad karma.

They made it to the council area, and Jake had already taken his seat on one of the stone benches. JoJo paused as she saw him, then turned to Christopher.

JoJo: I want this final two with you. I’m going for it. If I go tonight, I go tonight and I’m not gonna go all psycho. I love Jake, but it’s up to him. He doesn’t need me pulling his sleeve.

Christopher crossed his arms.

Christopher: You sure pull mine!

JoJo shook her head as she slapped his arm, and they made their way into the council area.

[Host Kyle]

Tribal Council 13


Christopher went at once to Jake’s side and took a seat next to him.

Christopher: How’s things?

Jake deadpanned.

Jake: Do you really need to ask?

Christopher: Well, what’s happening? Anything I need to know about?

Jake shook his head.

Jake: Lizzie worked plenty hard, telling me all the things I “need” to know.

Christopher nodded, understanding. He knew Elisabeth wasn’t going to roll over without a fight. He hoped Jake would vote as planned.

Then Elisabeth came in and sat at Christopher’s other side. She tugged at his sleeve and whispered.

Elisabeth: Did you get to talk to Jake?

Christopher: I did. Not sure what he is doing. I told him I am voting with you.

Elisabeth: We need to cut a deal with Jake that if he wins final three, he chooses. And if one of us wins, we take him.

Christopher looked at her quickly.

Christopher: Wow! And stick to it?

Elisabeth: Either way—we could stand by it or not.

Christopher: I think it is them versus us. That’s been my worry for a while that whoever ended up with them in the final three would be cut.

Elisabeth: That’s why we need to play hard now, Chris! If you want to.

She looked up at him hopefully.

Christopher: It isn’t that I don’t want to…I feel sort of paralyzed by it all.

JoJo approached and sat on the other side of Elisabeth and the conversation came to a screeching halt. Karen and Kyle also appeared at the podium signifying the beginning of the council.

JoJo leaned in to whisper to Elisabeth.

JoJo: Love you.

Smiling, Elisabeth threw an arm over her shoulder.

Elisabeth: You, too.

JoJo: If I leave, bring it home for the girls.

Elisabeth: Good luck…honestly.

And Karen cleared her throat.

Karen: Welcome, Tribe Feste, to tribal council number thirteen. Unfortunately one of you will be leaving the game tonight. Let’s bring in our jury. Drew…Beth…Missie…Isaac…Ashley…

Taylor entered, getting his first glimpse of the final four from the outside of the game. His gaze was icy as he grazed all of them and went to sit next to Ashley on the panel.

Karen: Taylor…voted out last night.

She turned and looked at JoJo.

Karen: JoJo, we’ll start with you. Do you feel that breaking promises is ok as long as it gets you further in the game?

JoJo sighed.

JoJo: To answer that question in general, no I don’t think it’s ok for people to break promises. In this game I have broken promises. I believe that is the question, so there is my honest answer.

Taylor glared, but JoJo kept her attention on Karen, fully expecting a dozen more questions.

Karen: Some of the castaways have called you spineless. How does that make you feel? What is your response to that?

JoJo: Initially I want to defend it. Beth said it best in her last tribal council: sometimes it is strategic not to tell people when they are going. I believe in those cases only I haven’t told people the truth. I think that is strategic…not spineless. I told Jamie and Kyle that they were leaving. In Taylor’s case, I have never wanted more to tell someone they were going. I had immunity so it couldn’t hurt me with an angry departing vote, but he could hurt others, and I had agreed to not let that happen.

She glanced at the jury and at all the cold faces and blank stares.

JoJo: If I’m being completely honest, I can’t totally defend it. I have been spineless at times.

Karen: Do you feel you are truly deserving of the final four spot you are in?

JoJo: Yes, but I think everyone in the game deserved it, too. I played a certain game, and so it worked for me.

Karen: Why should the players keep you in the game tonight instead of voting you out?

JoJo looked to her left and grasped Elisabeth’s hand in her own.

JoJo: This is difficult because it’s between me and Lizzie, and I can’t bash her. I can say that I have exhibited strong loyalty to people in the game and can only hope that they will be loyal to me as well.

Karen nodded.

Karen: Thanks, JoJo. Elisabeth, do you feel you are truly deserving of the final four spot you are in?

She nodded emphatically.

Elisabeth: I do because I picked a game plan, stuck to it, and got to here with the original group I started with. There is no fault in that. However, the general perception of me is that I’m not. I understand that’s just the way it is.

She shrugged and JoJo squeezed her hand tightly.

Karen: Why do you believe you are still in the game?

Elisabeth: Because I stuck with a group of people. It certainly wasn’t my challenge prowess. I’m here because I try, and I stuck with my core group of friends and this is how far it got us.

Karen: Why should the players keep you in the game tonight instead of voting you out?

Elisabeth: Try as I may, I’m most likely not winning the final immunity challenge. My allegiances benefit the people I have them with, and I’m an easy opponent in the final two for the one that opposes me.

On that the jury all nodded their heads almost in uniform. It distracted Elisabeth, but she kept on.

Elisabeth: Three strikes may keep me in…who knows?

Karen: If you could replace anyone in the final four with someone from the jury, who would it be and why?

Elisabeth grinned brightly and looked at the jury.

Elisabeth: Oh! This is supposed to get ugly but I won’t let it! I honestly love the group of people I’m with and believe that our fate in this game was already determined. All we did was merely fulfill it.

Taylor and Isaac both rolled their eyes, and Elisabeth perked up.

Elisabeth: Oh good! My first eye rolls, what a night! The final four is here because we’re supposed to be—Jake, Chris, JoJo, and myself. I love the jurors, I love my tribe. That’s how I feel.

Christopher couldn’t help but laugh out loud and rub his forehead.

Karen: Thanks, Elisabeth. Jake, what exactly, if anything, have you done to warrant your placement in the final four? Do you feel you are truly deserving of the final three slot you will have?

Jake rolled his eyes and crossed his arms as he sat back. He grazed the jury with a challenging look before rolling his head toward Karen.

Jake: I don’t exactly feel like explaining myself, but I had a plan from day one. It was essentially the same plan as in season three. I had a plan…

He glanced to his right at the three next to him.

Jake: I had these three. Maybe I didn’t get involved in the drama. Maybe I didn’t make a half a billion alliances but I got here on my own two feet, and I’m proud of what I’ve done. I knew what I needed to do in this game, and I did it.

He glared at the jury once again.

Jake: Whether or not anyone here likes it.

Karen: At the last two tribal councils, you received a vote from the player eliminated from the game. Why do you think that is?

Jake: Heck if I know. Ashley wasn’t too fond of me. Taylor thought I was going. I didn’t have strong ties with either and they had to vote for someone. I don’t know…ask them.

Karen: Thanks, Jake…

Jake rolled his eyes and shook his head, his arms still crossed aloofly.

Karen: Christopher, some people claim that you are a hypocrite. Why do you think that is?

Christopher: Not trying to take the easy way out, but I have no clue. I’ve been called names before, and I’m sure I’ll be called names again. I am a strong personality and I usually do what Christopher wants to do. That doesn’t always endear me to people, but, yeah…that one is new.

Karen: Do you think you have played this game ethically?

He shrugged.

Christopher: It’s hard to say what ethics are in Survivor. I haven’t been setting anybody up falsely.

Many of the jurors looked around at each other in disbelief.

Christopher: I think there are probably some misconceptions about my motives with regards to certain deals. For example…I had every intention of sticking with Kyle, Missie, Isaac, Ashley…

Some of the jury members gasped. The flurry of exchanged glances was almost audible. Beth Sowles was particularly shocked and intrigued by such revelation.

Christopher: No joke. There was too much drama on the side I’d been working with, and I didn’t feel secure. But Kyle decided to boot me right after I had flipped.

Taylor and Isaac looked at each other and snickered.

Christopher: So, I needed to flip back and save myself. So I did, and it had to be a quiet operation. It certainly undermined any faith that Missie and Isaac had in me.

Isaac shook his head.

Christopher: Anyway…point being, I think few people necessarily know what I was doing in this game or where my head was at. So…accusations of ethics or lack thereof, I don’t know what to make of them right now.

Karen: Some people say that you seem to bend the rules so that they fit only when they help you out, yet when they hurt you they don’t apply. How do you address this?

Christopher: I wish the person that asked this had been more specific. When I tried to answer a question by bringing up a point just now, the reaction wasn’t favorable. People thought I was rambling. So, feel free to be more specific if I’m here next time, and I’ll do my best to answer.

Taylor gasped audibly and Isaac made some reaction. Christopher had been trying to ignore them but he couldn’t hold back any longer.

Christopher: Ok…you boys are dorks!

But Karen cleared her throat.

Karen: Ok, Chris…getting a bit more specific. Why is it fine for you to target people to vote out, but it’s not fine when someone targets you?

He looked around quickly. Both JoJo’s and Elisabeth’s eyes were on him.

Christopher: It isn’t “not fine”. People can target me all they want. But if I hear about it, I wil do my d**nedest to get them out first. It’s the game. I never once said it wasn’t fine, and whoever thinks that is drinking. And I want some!

Karen: One more specific example…

Christopher groaned.

Christopher: Ok.

Karen: Why is it fine for you to falsely accuse people of cheating?

Christopher: That needs to be more specific. I don’t know what that refers to.

Taylor rolled his eyes once again. Isaac straightened in his seat and made a showing of flipping and running his hand through his hair.

Christopher: How pretty you look, Isaac…

Isaac smirked.

Karen: We’ll just leave this question at that. Next question…in conversations with others in the game, you have used name-calling, words such as gross, immature, and stupid. Do you feel good about doing this? Do you think it is a viable strategic tactic?

At that point, Christopher wanted to walk away, especially with all the eye-rolling tossed back and forth between the jury and the castaways. But he collected himself.

Christopher: As far as calling someone gross or saying they are being stupid…yeah, I suppose it isn’t so great looking back. Probably how I felt at the time, though. I tend to just tell it like it is. Calling someone immature?

He glanced at the jury.

Christopher: No apologies. If it came up, it was probably well deserved. I certainly haven’t set out to hurt anyone’s feelings, and I hope that nobody has set out to hurt mine. Sometimes things happen in this game in the heat of anger or when you feel someone has attacked you. You vent with a friend. I have certainly done that, and if someone feels I owe them an apology that hasn’t come—I welcome them to bring it up with me.

Karen: You are considered a power player in this game. Why have you kept the three members of the final four up to this point?

Christopher sputtered for a moment.

Christopher: That question is set up so ridiculously that I almost choked. If someone is trying to kill me…good job! I haven’t kept any of these people! We have kept company with each other! We came together before the first vote and have kept our alliance! Why? I trust these people and they trust me! That is why we have been together.

Karen: Since you have no experience on the matter, how do you think you would do in a game without either Jenne or Michelle or some combination of buddies you’ve been working with in all the games you play?

Christopher: Considering that Jenne and I rarely voted together in this game, I think that’s sort of a moot point. Trust was a major point of contention between us.

He shook his head, dumbfounded.

Christopher: I have no clue. I’m not alone in knowing people in these games. It’s how each of the seasons were won, so since I’m having trouble articulating an answer, it may be best to direct a similar question to one of those cast members.

There was a moment of silence before Karen went on with her next question.

Karen: Why should the players keep you in the game tonight instead of voting you out?

Christopher laughed out loud.

Christopher: Oh…easy answer! The jury clearly dislikes me, folks!

Karen: Thanks, Chris.

Christopher: Umm…sure. It was a pleasure! Sort of like being bar-b-qued alive!

He crossed his arms and scowled as soon as the spotlight was off him. He’d never been riddled so hard in all his life.

Karen: I have one group discussion, and I’d like to hear an answer from all of you.

She was met with groans from all of the final four. Tribal council was beginning to drag out, and the castaways felt attacked. They wondered if they were ever going to get to the vote.

Karen: The jury has been described as bitter. However some would claim they are, instead, hurt. What is the difference between bitter and hurt, and which do you feel the jury is?

Jake spoke up at once.

Jake: There isn’t a difference.

He shrugged.

Jake: If they were truly hurt in the sense that WE hurt them, I don’t think it matters what the jury is.

Many grumblings went up from the jury, and Taylor coughed and made a showing of rolling his eyes. Jake turned his head quickly and glared at Taylor.

Jake: But I do know I wish a few more people in the world knew when to talk…

He then turned to Karen.

Jake: And when to shut up.

Disapproval over this comment was apparent all around the council area that evening; it was almost audible.

Elisabeth raised her hand, now devoid of the meekness she once displayed.

Elisabeth: I understand if certain jury members are hurt. I understand if certin jury members are bitter. But that is not the question here. There has been so many eye rolls and pukes that I’m surprised their heads have not turned a complete 360!

Her eyes twinkled with contempt as she raged toward Karen, not looking at the jury. Elisabeth had never been so aggravated the entire game and possibly her whole life.

She then turned to the jury to make her point.

Elisabeth: Whether you’re hurt, whether you’re bitter…it’s about respect. I respect that you’re hurt; I respect that you’re bitter…

She narrowed her eyes and sneered.

Elisabeth: Now…respect that we’re still in the game!

She locked eyes with Isaac, and they both glowered at each other.

JoJo raised her hands, feeling the heat of the tension that was rising in the room like an inferno.

JoJo: I think I can understand that all the jury can do right now is express themselves with silent actions. I’ve decided that we are all entitled to opinions. I have vented to friends about the actions of the jury…and they have every right to vent in their way, too.

She nodded and looked down, wondering if her fellow opponents would agree. Christopher glanced at her quickly before speaking up.

Christopher: You know, I can understand why some people would be hurt. I do. It’s a tough game, and I’ve been on the other side of a vote before. Sometimes it isn’t even just that. Sometimes an interaction can leave a long-lasting sadness. I’ve been there, and I have no doubt that is some of what’s going on. It’s fair, and I accept it. I think the reason people are being perceived as bitter is because of the nature of the questions. Until tonight, we haven’t heard that someone is hurt. Instead, the questions have seemed designed to cut people down. They haven’t seemed designed to find the answers to make someone feel better or even get clarification.

He looked around at his fellow final four.

Christopher: I think I speak for all four of us when I say that nobody here wants to hurt anyone. It doesn’t feel good to know that we have.

Christopher nodded and all grew silent as they considered what he had said. Karen looked around briefly.

Karen: Does anyone have anything else to say before the vote?

Upon having seen the dissatisfaction with his earlier response, Jake raised his hand into the air.

Jake: Quickly, just clarifying that my earlier comment was directed at the entire jury. I am only…umm…slightly stressed tonight considering I’ll be voting someone out in thirty seconds, and we have barely talked about that at all tonight.

He threw the jury panel a glance.

Jake: I think that may be an indicator of how much the jury has interfered in this game.

Though Jake wasn’t prepared for the level of dissatisfaction that arose from the jury at that. Even Kyle and Karen exchanged glances and frowned toward Jake. The jury was suddenly restless and not subtle with their interaction with one another.

Jake: Ok…I don’t know what else to say, so I’m done.

Karen set her jaw firmly and crossed her arms.

Karen: Hmmm…

Jake looked down at once, but Karen didn’t take her eyes from him when Christopher raised his hand again.

Christopher: Just going off of what he said…we haven’t talked much about the vote tonight. This sucks a lot

He looked around at JoJo, Jake, and Elisabeth. There wasn’t a pleasant or contented countenance in the whole arena. Karen still had her eyes trained on Jake.

Christopher: You guys have been such a great support in a really effed up game. I can honestly say I care a lot about each of you. This just really…sucks.

He sighed and ran a hand through his blonde locks.

Christopher: I’m exhausted…

JoJo: Thanks, Chris.

Christopher: Love all three of you.

Then the jury made a showing of hugging each other and wiping tears from their eyes. Each of them, as it seemed, traded hugs. Only Ashley and Missie did not participate in the mock support group as they sat there, arms crossed, bored.

Karen finally took her eyes off Jake and burned holes through Christopher.

Karen: I understand that you are here tonight to vote someone out, but you are also here to account for your actions in the tribe. That is part of the reason of tribal council.

Christopher nodded and raised apologetic hands.

Karen: With that said, I wonder if anyone would care to further comment on how this game has been manipulated by the jury.

She returned her gaze toward Jake and waited sternly for him to answer. He felt the eyes of everyone in the council.

Jake: I want to go to bed, quite honestly.

Karen: It is late. But you should elaborate.

Christopher: I hate to point the finger, but only one person said that.

He looked at Jake.

Christopher: So answer her, Jake!

Jake avoided eye contact with anyone until the silence was maddening. He looked up quickly and smirked.

Jake: Oh…what?

He tried to laugh, but no one was amused.

Kyle: We’re all waiting…

Jake shrugged.

Jake: I don’t have anything else to say…

Taylor scoffed audibly from the jury panel, and Jake shot him a glance.

Jake: Other than I wish to refer Taylor to what I said before.

Kyle looked to Karen for quick persmission then stepped up.

Kyle: Then I have something to say…

He scanned each of Elisabeth, JoJo, Christopher, and Jake.

Kyle: Just because you get it a little hard, don’t assume your game has been manipulated! None of you are as perfect as has been crammed down everyone’s throat. There are people here who have worked hard so that you WOULD have a game to complete, despite all the crap that’s gone on in this game. If you think it’s messed up your plans…deal with it! You are STILL there!

Christopher arose to his feet at once.

Christopher: Yeah. Get ready. Kyle, your inablilty to show some impartiality since you’ve been selected to co-host has reared it’s head. You’ve lectured me…you’ve lectured JoJo, and it’s getting old! I have not seen one person here cram anything about perfection down the jury’s throat! If that is your perception, then it is coming from somewhere other than this public forum which we call tribal council! We have all been grateful that you’ve stepped up as co-host, but if you can’t step back and withhold judgment…you’re not doing the job you agreed to do!

He and Christopher glared at each other more fiercely than any confrontation the entire game.

Christopher: Now I would really effing appreciate it if we can get back to the d**n game and stop getting lectured at every other effing tribal council! Thank you!

At once Karen stepped in between them, pushing Kyle back and motioning for Christopher to sit down. Kyle clamped his jaw tightly not appreciating being singled out personally when he had made a general accusation.

Karen: Ok, ok!

Elsewhere in the council area, one could have heard a pin drop.

Karen: This will be settled in a private forum. It is now time to vote. Jake has immunity tonight…everyone else is vulnerable.

She eyed Christopher as he slowly took his seat.

Karen: It’s time to vote…Jake, you’re up.

So, Jake made his way to the voting booth and cast his vote. No one was more appreciative for the moment to vote and get out of tribal council than this final four. The jury was weary as well. Kyle was just ready for the whole game to be over and behind them.

JoJo made her way to the voting booth with clammy hands, trembling and shaken from all that she had witnessed that night. She uncapped the marker and wrote Elisabeth’s name across the parchment.

JoJo: My vote is for Lizzie for no reason at all except…I don’t wanna go! You are a doll, Lis—a breath of fresh air.

She kissed the parchment.

JoJo: I almost hope you stay and I go tonight…almost. I’m sorry it has to be one of us, Lis.

She returned, and Elisabeth followed in kind, casting a vote for JoJo.

Elisabeth: JoJo, this vote is not so much a vote for you to leave as it is for me to stay. You know how I feel, and that’s all there is to this vote. Love you so much and good luck.

Once Elisabeth returned, it was Christopher’s turn, and he stared at his parchment for a long moment. It was a task forcing himself to write JoJo’s name, but it was what had to be done.

Christopher: This isn’t a vote against JoJo. It’s a promise to a friend.

Once the four had settled on the bench together, however angry, tired, and discontented they were, the urn of votes was fetched promptly.

Karen: Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.

She reached in for the first vote and revealed it for JoJo. JoJo’s stomach dropped. Seeing her name at a tribal council this late in the game was disheartening.

The second vote, as expected, was for Elisabeth. Both JoJo and Elisabeth grabbed each other’s hand and squeezed tightly. The third vote was once again for Elisabeth.

Karen hesitated on the fourth vote, and as she turned it around she spoke.

Karen: Fourth vote…JoJo. We have a tie.

[Host Kyle]

After the intense night, groans went up around the arena. Tribal council had already lasted long enough with the questions and discussions and fights. Now a tie-breaker?

Per Holidays rules, votes were to be recast by those not in the tie, which in this case was Jake and Christopher. If still at a stalemate, the individual with the most past votes would be leaving.

Just as expected…just as planned.

Christopher and Jake wasted no time in casting their votes again, and Karen read off the secondary votes.

Karen: First vote…JoJo.

JoJo nodded, still grasping Elisabeth’s hand. She wondered at the odds that Jake would have changed his vote as a last minute resort to secure himself the win. Anything was possible. She tried to look at him to gage what he might have done, but he avoided eye-contact with anyone.

Karen: Second vote…

JoJo and Elisabeth looked at each other fondly. This was it. The final night for one of them after thirty-seven days together.

Jake kept his head down, even buried his face in his hands.

Christopher massaged Elisabeth’s shoulders.

The jury waited patiently. They knew who they wanted to join them, but he wouldn’t be joining them this time around. Only the revelation of the next vote would tell…

To be continued…

[Host Kyle]

Tribal Council 13 Voting History

first vote

“JoJo. This isn't a vote against Jojo. It's a promise to a friend. A friend I love and respect and hold very dear to my heart. Lizzie, you are one of the most incredible souls I've ever had the serendipity to meet. You are kind, you are beautiful, you are brilliant, you are forgiving...and most of all - you bring joy to all who take the time to get to know you. Thank you so much for being a friend. You are loved. Playing by your side has been an absolute honor. My only regret is that you won't likely go further in the game than tonight. I love you.” – Christopher

“JoJo. This vote is not so much for you to leave; as it is for me to stay. You know how I feel and that's all there is to this vote. Love you so much, and good luck tonight.” – Elisabeth

“Elisabeth. What an f'ed up night. And I am sorry it has to end this way. I may not be looking out for myself in this game by doing this. But I know that it's what I need to do to make sure I have no regrets about this game. That being said. You are freaking awesome. And I want to talk to you post game. And we can talk about how crappy the jury was to us. And laugh and have fun. Thank you for everything.” – Jake

“Elisabeth. My vote is for Lizzie for no reason at all except....I DONT WANNA GO!! You are a doll, Liz. A breath of fresh air. Thanks for playing the game with me. Good luck with college and life. I almost hope you stay and I go tonight...almost.....i'm sorry it has to be one of us, Liz.” – JoJo