Chapter 10
"EXCLUSIVE: Contestant 'Fabiola's Thomas' medical condition revealed, was she really honest with the show and the public?"
The post went viral in minutes as it was also associated with a fake medical report showing she was positive.
It was just hours ago that netizens were in an uproar about Fabiola choosing Braxton but it didn't go as they had imagined. They didn't expect to get this that very day, what a dramatic event.
The file was spreading everywhere and people believed it a whole lot.
"Why the hell is she even on that show?!"
"I knew there was something off, she needs to be removed ASAP!"
"This just shows the production is reckless"
The production has had scandals associated with its past seasons but none was like this.
Mr Connor was currently calling anyone he knows to confirm the source of the material.
He had even called the hospital where they did the contest screening and they said they didn't release anything like that.
Why would they, anyways? It was so unprofessional and more so, it wasn't true.
"Look, I know you can't release her real file because of privacy laws but you have to. It won't take long before they come for you as well"
"Sir?" Mr Owen called, tapping his shoulder and he whispered "I think we should let the hospital be for now.
Connor brought down his phone and asked with a confused expression "What do you mean? It's bad for the show"
"On the contrary, it's not. Look, the ratings actually skyrocketed. People are still watching and speculations are on the rise. Let's not clear the rumors yet or deny it either, let's use this to our advantage even if it lasts for a week"
"Good for publicity?" Mr Connor asked and Owen nodded, saying "Yes. Good for publicity"
"Okay. Release a statement by tomorrow or the next, and by the way, check who pulled such stunt"
"That might actually be hard because Fabiola seems to have so many haters, but I will try"
"We should remove her with this, she isn't a real contestant anyways" Connor said, stroking his beards and Owen immediately shook his head into a headache.
"We should let her stay for some time. You can disqualify her later" he said and Connor rolled his eyes.
"Or you just want her to continue being in the show"
"I…" he didn't know what to say anymore as he looked away and Connor said with a wave of his hand "It's alright, let's keep her for now, she's hanging in a thin thread. I won't hesitate to disqualify her if a problem arises"
Owen nodded and gave a huge heave of relief. He wasn't able to let go of the money Fabiola would make for him. He had a good feeling of her being in the show, she might not be the same after.
11pm came as expected, with the remaining boys chilling outside their tents.
Harry was the first to see the silhouette of six figures coming towards them.
"They are back" he announced as he sat up and straightened his shirt, Braxton looked at him, amused at his actions.
"How about talking to her now?" Braxton suggested as he looked on. He could make out Fabiola Thomas's face and she was locking hands with Mason who was whispering what-not to her.
"Should I?" Harry scratched his head a little and got up, moving towards Jasmine.
She was surprised when he asked to take her bag from Sean.
"Don't worry, I will help you carry it"
"You shouldn't worry either, I can help her carry it" Sean said and Harry looked embarrassed while Braxton shook his head from where he sat.
"How was it?" He could hear Harry's voice asked as they got closer.
"It was fine," Jasmine replied with a smile.
"Hey Braxton," Sean said as they came towards their tents.
"Hey guys. You're welcome" Braxton said.
"Hope you didn't miss us so much?" Natalia asked, holding her hands together. Asking that question felt like a gun was pointed to her head. She couldn't breath after.
"I didn't, really"
Jasmine was the first to burst out laughing as others followed suit. Fabiola forced a smile, at how hurt she felt, even if it might not have been directed to her.
"You have such a sense of humor, Braxton. Well, we better go inside lest the mosquitoes feed on us" Mason said, like the leader and everyone started bidding everyone a good night's rest while going to their various tents.
However, in the girls' tents, minutes later, Jasmine was talking about how she had such a nice time with Sean, he kept making her laugh and she enjoyed it more than when she went with Gavin.
"Remember I said I wanted to get to know Gavin better, after today, I realized we don't click at all. He seemed set on you Jasmine" Natalia noted while Raya rolled her eyes.
"So, you have three guys hooked on you?" Raya asked, joining the conversation. She and Zabrina had retired for the night because they were tired but ever since the three chosen ones came back, they couldn't stop talking about their dates, especially Jasmine.
"What about Harry?" Fabiola asked.
"She's a player," Natalia said with a laugh.
"Come on guys. I'm not trying to play anyone. I'm just a bit confused, to be honest. I thought I liked Braxton very much, but I also like Harry and Sean but definitely not Gavin"
"Gavin is off my list also. Actually, Braxton is the only one on my list" Natalia said with firm resolution.
Moments later, Fabiola was staring at the tent's roof unable to sleep because of a migraine. She got up from staring at it and looked at the past-out girls.
Her bed was just beside the tent's door so it was easier for her to just get up and open the tent. Immediately she did, a gush of air swore at her.
It was refreshing as she breathed it in but it didn't take away the pounding in her head.
She found herself staggering towards the kitchen direction. Some water could save her some trouble right now.
The sounds of waves crashing could be heard in the quiet night, with the stars twinkling brighter and the decorative golden lights lining their paths, their tents, and the kitchen which had a bigger one.
Fabiola had just stepped foot into the kitchen, a bit strained, when she saw someone sitting on one of the chairs. It was male figure, but she didn't know who. Who the hell wasn't asleep by now except her?
Her footsteps must have announced her presence so loud, he turned and she saw it was Gavin.
"Hi Gavin" she waved a little and went towards the refrigerator for some water.
"Hey Fabiola, I see you haven't slept as well. Anyways, I was about to leave. See you tomorrow" he said, standing up and she nodded, as she proceeded to drink her water.
She dropped the cup on the table and sighed for the umpteenth time and then, her eyes darted to the curtain noticing another figure. The breeze swung the curtain for her to see that it was Braxton sitting near it, staring at the ocean.
Was everyone sleepless today?
She attempted to at least tell him a good night but remembered he had said earlier that he didn't miss them… or her… it must have been directed to her.
She found herself glaring at his back and she shook her head and started walking towards where she came from.
"Fabiola?"
She stopped on her tracks when she heard his voice call her name. It's been so long she heard that tone.
She turned abruptly and it seems her brain twisted alongside because her migraine immediately increased but there was Braxton staring at her in surprise.
They stared at each other for thousands of seconds before she looked away.
Okay, screw what she said that she was angry. Hearing his voice call her name, magically broke all her defences. It was like a healing balm for all that she has been through.
She found the courage to sit beside him and felt him staring at her. He was probably surprised she was sitting beside him.
"Why aren't you asleep?" She asked, staring at the ocean with him.
"I don't think that's your problem, is it?" He answered sarcastically and she looked at him.
"You are soo…" she groaned, touching her head in frustration. Those eyes which used to look at her with admiration were filled with something she couldn't read and it hurt not being able to.
"Why are you out here, late at night?" She heard him ask and her eyes lit up amidst the frustration. At least, he wondered why she was here.
"Migraine. I couldn't sleep. You?"
"I was just getting some air"
There was another round of silence before she stood up "Okay, I will be going inside now"
"Wait…" Braxton stopped her with his hand on her left wrist. He immediately removed it when she looked down.
That was totally on impulse.
"Sit for a moment" he told her, and
she obliged, wondering why he stopped her. Fabiola was sure he wanted her gone the very minute she sat with him. So, why was he stopping her now?