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“Seeing as we’ve got a lot going on for today, you guys will do a group interview.” Bridgette continued, explaining the specifics of their segment on the aftermath, but Leshawna didn’t listen. Not fully, at least. The last couple of nights hung heavy over her still.
After her jump in London, Leshawna had been driven to a nearby airport by the crew members waiting for her on the ground. She’d then flown to Hawaii, pleasantly surprised to learn the aftermath was being filmed there instead.
It had been a good first day. The moment Leshawna had walked inside the hotel they were staying at she’d been swarmed by people coming to greet her. Lindsay had rushed to hug her, followed shortly by Harold, DJ, and Geoff. Trent had given her a high-five and congratulated her for making it as far as she had. The rest of the cast were waiting in the common area, all smiling and waving at her. Sure, Leshawna had missed out on the million, but she discovered she didn’t mind it so much once she was relaxing in one of the lounge chairs on the patio later in the evening.
Then came the next day, with the highlight reel watch party— and everything came crashing down.
Leshawna watched as clips from the Olympic-themed challenge played out, and listened as Geoff went over the notes sent by Chris and the editors.
“-with the help of Heather and Alejandro, Noah has created a rift between Courtney and Gwen. Neither Heather nor Alejandro suspect he’s double-crossing them, but the jealousy act is working like it should, and we may or may not be seeing some actual feelings start to bloom-”
Leshawna still couldn’t believe it. Every watch party thereafter felt like a punch to the gut.
“And that should be all.” Bridgette said, clapping her hands together. “We start filming in five, so don’t go anywhere.”
“You got it!” Tyler gave her a thumbs-up from where he sat in his wheelchair.
Soon as Bridgette left, what little lightness had existed vanished. From behind the curtain, Leshawna watched as the girl walked up to Geoff. The distance did nothing to hide the awkwardness between them.
Leshawna had noticed it during dinner the day she arrived. Trent had explained it when she’d asked; the exact reason why Bridgette ended up with her tongue stuck to a pole way back in the Yukon. How she’d been put on blast for it during the first aftermath. How the producers had arranged for a big musical number when all she wanted was to talk with Geoff in private.
They had since gotten to sorting it out the best they could, but things were still tense.
It wasn’t just them either. Everyone seemed a little off. Especially Eva, who looked more upset than usual as she plopped down on the couches for the peanut gallery— no Izzy in sight. Come to think of it, Leshawna wasn’t sure she’d seen the ginger menace even once since her arrival.
“Hey, random question.” Leshawna said, turning to Gwen and Tyler, “Do you know where Izzy is?”
Tyler shook his head, “I haven’t seen her at all.”
“Me neither.” Gwen said.
Leshawna frowned. Weird.
She was given no time to think on it further, as the director began checking the cameras.
"Camera 6 rolling?"
"We're rolling!"
Where it took effort for Bridgette and Geoff to don their host masks, Blaineley had hers on in mere seconds.
"And, go!"
“Hello Total Drama fanatics, and welcome to the Aftermath Show!” she said, rewarded with loud cheers. “We’ve got a lot in store for you today so we hope you’re ready!” more cheering, and Blaineley gave the word to Geoff and Bridgette.
“When we last saw our friends in the game they were leaving the frozen, and rainy, land of Sweden. Some more soaked than others,” Geoff said, “And as they move on to the next destination, why don’t we bring out the contestants who have taken the drop since the last aftermath?”
“Sounds like a plan!” Bridgette said, her smile just a bit too strained to be believable, “Unfortunately, Owen won’t be joining us today due to his injuries.”
“Yeah, dude suffered a wicked blow to the head in Jamaica which then came back to haunt him at Area 51.”
“So make sure to send him lots of love as he recovers!”
“But, we’ve got other totally awesome former contestants joining us today!” Geoff continued, “She was the last standing member of Team Victory, a bombastic girl you don’t want as your enemy. Make some noise for Leshawna!”
She breathed in deeply— giving Gwen a thankful look as she felt her encouraging hand on her shoulder— then walked out on stage. She smiled and waved at the cheering audience, and the peanut gallery.
“Hey Harold, baby!” he was applauding louder than everyone else.
Once Leshawna had taken her seat on the couch, and the audience had calmed down somewhat, Bridgette and Geoff moved on to introduce the other two.
“He stepped on a landmine and lived to tell the tale. It’s Tyler!”
“Did she fumble or did she miss a bullet? Either way, she’s Gwen!”
Cheering followed each teen as they walked over to sit on the couch. Or roll over next to it, in Tyler’s case.
“Wow, it sure has been a journey for you three.” Bridgette said, “Especially for you, Tyler. Can’t imagine the hospitals are as grand as everything else in Vegas.”
“No, it was honestly really boring. But far from the worst hospital visit I’ve had.”
“And you’re still standing.”
“And I’m still standing!” Tyler beamed, “Doc said my leg was wrecked in like, seven different places!”
“Wicked!” Geoff said, sounding the closest to his usual self than he had all day. He leaned over to bump his fist against Tyler’s. “Can I sign your cast later?” there was already a pink heart scribbled on the white plaster, along with text reading T.B + L.R = Forever .
“Of course, dude!”
“Awesome.”
Bridgette turned to the girls on the couch, “So, Gwen-?”
“Can we maybe, not?” Gwen quickly cut her off, “I know what you’re going to say and I just… I’m tired.”
“Ah. No that’s… That’s fine. You good for a quick ‘how are you feeling’ question?”
“I mean, I feel better than I did on the plane, that’s for sure."
"Anything you wanna say? Anything at all?" Geoff asked.
Gwen pondered for a moment, before a small smile tugged at her lips, "Guess the singing wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. Still bad, but it could've been worse."
A few members of the peanut gallery hummed in agreement, Brigette included. She then turned to Leshawna,
“You held the lead for quite some time there in London. What happened?”
“I had some issues with the last clue, and by the time I had figured it out I was told Team Chris had already won.”
“Must’ve sucked. Especially since Team Amazon got a technical win too, leading to your elimination.”
“I mean, yeah it sucks. But I also don’t know how I would’ve managed the other challenges as a one-woman team.” Leshawna chuckled. “Might’ve been a somewhat advantage in Australia and Area 51, but a pain in Greece and Sweden.”
“I hear you there. And how are things with Heather?” there was a certain intent in Geoff’s eyes. Not the kind from last season, where he’d tried to stir up as much drama as possible. It was something more sympathetic. Like they were just two friends talking, rather than reality stars during an interview. Leshawna appreciated it.
“Well, she still has her less ideal moments, but who doesn't? I'm just happy she's trying to be better. And hey, it's working.”
“Nice seeing you give her a second chance.” Bridgette said.
“Well, nobody gets better without someone rooting for them. And without making an effort, but I’ve already said she is, and I believe you’ve all seen it.”
“She’s certainly no angel yet,” Geoff chuckled lightheartedly, and a handful of people joined in agreement. Leshawna included.
"No, she really isn't." Blaineley said, and the mood instantly soured. Bridgette and Geoff looked exhausted, and Leshawna could already tell why.
"But let's turn to the contestants still on the plane." Blaineley took a stance centerstage, clasping her hands while smirking. "You already know the deal, it's time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for,” she paused for dramatic effect, “ Will they, Won’t they !” the audience erupted with cheers as the vignette played. Barely halfway through, Eva stormed off. Her face was red in what Leshawna could only assume was anger. A few people looked after her, but none made to follow.
“Take things seriously much?” Blaineley hummed before turning back to the cameras, and the audience, “We’ve got tons of new footage of this little love triangle to show you all. Let’s see if any opinions will change after this!”
The screen buzzed to life, flashing clips from the plane and the locations they'd visited since Jamaica;
Heather and Noah bumping into each other in the common area, and then proceeding to snark at each other with amicable grins.
Alejandro seemingly trying to impress Noah out in some desert, earning him a fond eye roll and an earnest smile.
Noah laughing at something Heather said, causing her face to light up with delight.
Noah falling against Alejandro as they slept in first class, and instinctively snuggling closer.
Each new clip made Leshawna's stomach sink deeper and deeper.
“But the questions remain,” Blaineley said as the video ended, “Are these feelings genuine, or just a sham to get rid of the competition? And who will Noah choose, if anyone? What does the peanut gallery think?”
“I stand by my opinion from last time that I don't believe Noah is capable of feeling love.” Justin said and crossed his arms.
“That’s a little harsh,” DJ said, “He might not be the greatest guy, but there’s no denying the way he looks at Heather. Guy’s smitten for sure.”
“But the chemistry between him and Alejandro is so real.” Sadie pointed out.
At her side, Katie nodded, “They’re totally head over heels for each other.”
“I would like to remind everyone that Noah is acting .” Trent interjected, “He’s working to make them jealous, that’s the whole reason for this being a thing in the first place.”
"Oh, but don't you think something can spark from that?" Blaineley inquired. Trent was about to respond when she turned to the trio of newcomers. "What about you three What are your thoughts on all of this, best friend of Heather, Mr.Loyal, the cheater herself?"
"For the last time!" Gwen shot to her feet, "I didn't kiss Duncan!"
“But you’ve thought about it?”
“No!”
“Aw, it’s alright. You can be honest here-”
“Blaineley that’s enough.” Bridgette said sharply, sounding more angry than Leshawna had ever heard her. Rightfully so.
Leshawna had her opinions regarding Bridgette’s cheating, but she did feel bad for her, and Geoff, having been put on blast on international TV while emotional and vulnerable. Leshawna also had opinions regarding Blaineley’s current treatment of her friend.
Standing up to put a protective arm around Gwen, she hissed, “You need to back up, missy.”
Blaineley gave her a mildly irate look, but sighed in compliance. “I supposed we gotta get a move on. Tyler, go on and give us your thoughts.”
Tyler fiddled nervously with a loose thread on the wheelchair's armrest, “I don’t know. Last time I got involved in other people’s relationships it… didn’t go well.” he gave Gwen an apologetic glance, “It’s kinda shitty, but it’s not like Noah’s actively tricking them into falling in love. Right?”
“Hm, surprisingly mature coming from you.”
“Hey!” Lindsay called out from across the stage. Blaineley paid her no mind, instead moving on to Leshawna— who had returned to her seat.
“I assume this must’ve come as a shock to you.”
Leshawna had to bite down hard on her tongue not to scream and tell Blaineley and everyone in attendance what she thought. A shock? That didn’t even cover it. Leshawna had been crushed . Because she had seen it, the near longing gazes Heather sent Noah on the plane. She’d seen them talking and laughing in Newfoundland. The way Heather’s brows had knit tight in worry when Noah had been carried off to the medical tent in Jamaica. Leshawna had seen it.
Romantic or platonic, Heather cared about Noah, whether she wanted to admit it or not. And Noah… was using her, was working against her with Alejandro— who he was also working against with Heather?
Leshawna had yet to fully process that last bit. That they were right but somehow also wrong about Alejandro being untrustworthy. Because by the looks of it, Noah was the one pulling the strings. It made Leshawna beyond furious.
“Heather’s smart.” she said, trying to keep her composure, “She’ll figure him out in no time.” and then Noah would be a dead man.
Leshawna didn’t pay much attention to what happened afterward, barely even registering it when Geoff and Bridgette broke into song. Not even the Aftermath was free from the forced singing, it seemed.
It wasn’t until something metallic hit the side of her head that Leshawna returned from her thoughts.
“You okay?” Trent asked, appearing by her side.
“Yeah, just wasn’t ready.” rubbing the spot where the metal had hit her, Leshawna stared down at the can of peanuts lying in her lap. She picked it up and turned to Trent. He was holding a can of his own, with a Chris head attached to a spring coming out from it. “What’s going on?”
“Some challenge about getting back on the show. The cans are about determining who qualifies for it, which I did.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks. But honestly the only thing worthwhile this season is the singing, if you ask me.”
Leshawna snorted, “Of course it is.”
A quick scan of the room revealed that most had already opened their cans. So Leshawna swiftly ripped the lid off, and was greeted by an innocent collection of peanuts.
‘Lucky break for Noah.’
“Someone is about to get another shot at the million. Find out who next, on Total Drama Aftermath!”
Soon as the cameras stopped, the atmosphere changed. Blaineley muttered some complaints under her breath as she trotted off to the backstage area.
“I haven’t heard any destruction yet,” Bridgette said, “But can anyone go and check on Eva?”
“I’ve got it.” DJ said, and stood up. Leshawna watched as he walked away— then as Geoff approached to sit beside her.
“Don’t you look rough.”
“I feel rough,” Geoff said and ran a hand over his face, “Didn’t know this season was the cheater special. Ah- no wait, that’s unfair to Gwen.”
“I get what you mean.” Leshawna assured.
“You’d think we’d be used to this by now, after three seasons of Total Drama .”
“I think it’s because we really know each other now, as opposed to when we’d first met back on the island. Cuts a little deeper, or something.”
“Yeah. Let’s just hope most of this can be resolved before the wrap party. I do not want that to be ruined by drama, I’ve been looking forward to it since the season was announced!”
“Well, as long as Noah isn’t going to be there, it can’t really go wrong.”
“We can hope. But yeah, that guy is blacklisted for life.”
“Good.”
Geoff gave her a smile, then jumped to his feet as if fully charged again, “Let’s make like die and get this challenge rolling.”
“That was terrible!” Gwen called from across the stage. Though Leshawna could see the small smile playing on her lips. Yeah, so long as Noah or any mentions of him weren’t around, things weren’t all too bad.