It was the day before the big finale and the sun was just starting to set. The sky glowed a bright orange and it was such a lovely sight, too bad Courtney couldn't find it in herself to enjoy it. She was at the beach, her legs curled up to her chest and chewing her bottom lip with enough anxiety to peel off the skin. She had just left dinner and in just a couple of minutes Bridgette would be joining her so she could tell the blonde her plans. Too say she was nervous was an understatement. She was beyond terrified that she felt like throwing up. Bridgette was her only friend and she was worried that once she told the girl her plans to leave she would lose the only remaining friend she had. "It figures, once things start going my way they always take a turn for the worst." She groaned, burying her head in her knees. That just seemed to be her luck. She would get a taste of happiness and then when she finally thinks things will be different, thing will be better, everything falls apart. And just like all those times her own hand will be the one that ruins it.

She wondered if she was cursed. Whenever she felt the slightest touch of happiness it would instantly disappear because of her actions. It's happened with her relationships, her friendships, teammates and pretty much her whole life. It was a never-ending cycle that would continue on till end of her days or until she somehow manages to find a way to change things. But so far whenever she tries it blows up in her face. When she was with Duncan she tried changing him to fit her personality and lifestyle better but he fought with her the whole way. Scott was pretty much the opposite. She liked that he was comfortable being himself and happily accepted his country style but he either tried to hard or gave up too easily that it made her feelings for him vanish just as quickly as they came. The two boys were definitely not what you would expect someone like her to date but that was why she had fallen for the two. They were different, maybe a bit too different. They say opposites attract but once that passion fades what's left? She needed someone who was different but also like her, challenged her but at the same time accepted her. Someone who would only ever have eyes for her and make her heart feel secure whenever she was with them.

"Courtney!"

Her body froze when she heard her friend calling out to her. Her head shot up and she gulped back the tears that wanted to fall at the sight of the happy blonde. She wondered how much longer the girl would be smiling at her. "Hey, why the long face? You don't look to happy for someone who should be overjoyed that the really great guy you like totally likes you back."

She sighed; this was so not what she wanted to talk about. "Bridgette, this isn't about that. And for the last time, Trent does not like me." She would keep saying that until the blonde finally got it through her head. She needed for her to understand so that way it'll keep her from believing it and giving her the kind of hope she didn't need. She would be leaving tomorrow and she couldn't do that because some guy who she likes might like her back. She wasn't going to let another guy take over her life.

Bridgette wanted to laugh at her friend's shyness but when she saw the serious look on her face she kept back her comments. "What's wrong?" she reached over, her hand placed on top of Courtney's. "You know you can tell me anything."

Her friend spoke kind words that meant to help her but all they did was make her heart clench with pain. With a low sigh she looked out at the ocean, taking in the scenery and what she was sure would be the last happy moment she would share with the girl. "I'm leaving tomorrow."

"Leaving?" Bridgette was confused. Her head cocked to the side a bit as she tried to make sense of things. "You mean before the finale? But why? We were going to hold this huge party and Trent and the others were going to perform."

"No, I don't mean it like that," Courtney tensed up, finding this so much harder than she originally thought. She had been mentally preparing herself for this talk all day but now that it was happening she wasn't sure she could handle it anymore. "I mean I'm leaving as in permanently. The moment I set foot off this island my contract with the total drama series and anyone involved with it is over." She gulped back the tears. Her words were harsh and she wanted to explain herself more but her throat burned and she found she couldn't find the words to speak.

"Permanently..." Bridgette knew those words, knew exactly what she meant but she was still confused. What was Courtney saying? How could she be saying this? "You mean as in forever?" she reached out, hands gripping the other girl's shoulders and forcing her to face her. "Why? Why are you doing this? Tell me why?" she shook her friend, tears brimming in her green eyes as she did so.

Courtney felt tears of her own but she held them back. She was taught to always be strong no matter what situation she was placed in. "Because I have too. I want to be free from this show. Ever since I signed up for this my life has been nothing but drama. Well I'm tried of all the drama. I just want a normal happy life."

Bridgette bit her bottom lip to keep herself from screaming out. There was so much she wanted to say, to yell at the girl who she considered a best friend but now learned she was being left behind. She was so betrayed and hurt that she couldn't withstand the pain that was in her heart. Pushing Courtney away she got to her feet and ran away, tears falling freely down her face as she raced back to the resort.

Courtney watched her go, one hand moving to reach out for the crying blonde but she stopped herself and with another low sigh settled back down into her original position in the sand. "It's better this way. Now I really have no connections for Chris to use against me." She told herself, in hopes of making herself feel better but all it did was make her feel worst. Placing her head back in her knees she wept silently on the beach.

~X~

Bridgette ran back to the resort at top speed. Her lungs burned from the pressure she was putting on her body and from her crying. Finally she collapsed at the pool, jumping into the water with all her might. The water always made her feel better and she hoped that it would work its magic in this case as well. Sadly for her the water she loved so much didn't seem to be working it's magical mojo. She swam in the clear blue water of the giant pool, loving how the motion of the water felt around her body, it helped to clear her mind and really think about things. Already she could feel herself start to calm down. "Courtney's really leaving." She's known the girl long enough that once she makes up her mind there isn't much that can change it. But what she didn't know was what sparked this sudden desire to leave the show and everyone. Why would Courtney do this? Sure she hasn't had the best experiences here but neither have the rest of them. There had to be more to it than what she was being told. Too bad she didn't have the slightest idea what that was. Sighing she got out of the pool and began to dry herself off. She knew there had to be something that happened for Courtney to just suddenly decide to give up on a million dollars. Now if only she could figure out what that was.

"Yo, Bridgette!" the blonde gasped softly when she heard the sound of her boyfriend and their friends getting closer to her. Above all else she knew that couldn't tell Geoff. He had almost as big a mouth as Chris and she knew once she told him all of Courtney's business would be all over the entire island and soon the whole world would know it. "Hey, I thought you and Courtney were having one of those girl talks where you share all your thoughts and emotions and other girly stuff."

"Man, what ear are you living in? Not all girls do that? Who says two girls can't talk and have it not be about our feelings?" Leshawna smacked Geoff lightly on the shoulder for his stupid comment.

"Ow, sorry." Geoff rubbed the spot where he had just been hit. Just because she hadn't hit him with her full strength didn't mean that it didn't hurt. "Hey, Bridge how come you're all wet?" he asked, looking at the back of his girlfriend's wet form.

Bridgette gulped, trying to gather herself to keep a calm and cool façade. "Hey, guys. What's up!?" too bad she was a terrible liar. She could feel the giant smile that was on her face and her one eye twitched as she spoke.

"You ok, Bridgette?" DJ asked, finding her behavior very strange. They all did actually.

"Oh yeah, I'm good. Never better. As cool as a cucumber." She grinned, moving her arms and legs, trying to dance and show that she was fine but she looked more like one of those Egyptians Hieroglyphics than anything else.

While the three friends tried figuring out what was wrong with the blonde Trent had a pretty good idea what was the cause of her strange behavior. He looked at the blonde, focusing in on her red eyes and the happy façade she was trying to put up in front of them. He felt for the girl, she looked exactly how he felt. Miserable. Hearing that a person you care about would be leaving forever was hard. For him these feeling for Courtney were new but that didn't mean that made them less significant. He was still upset about her leaving but Bridgette has been friends with the girl for much longer and it didn't look like she was taking the news well. And if she was this bad than Courtney had to be much worst.

With his mind made up he left the group silently and headed towards the path that would take him to the beach. "Wait!" Bridgette stopped him, grabbing his arm and holding him in place. "You can't go that way. Courtney is down there and she…" she bit her lip, trying her best to come up with an excuse for her friend.

He smiled at the blonde, glad that even after learning such hard news she was still a loyal friend. "I know."

Bridgette froze, green eyes widening. "You know?"

He nodded, pushing her hands off his arm softly. "I know."

"Know what!?" Geoff cried, hands going to grab his hat in frustrations. While those two knew something he, along with DJ and Leshawna were left in the dark. "Seriously, will someone please tell me like what is going on?" he wasn't pleased that he was left in the dark and utterly confused.

Both teens looked at each other, silently communicating through their eyes and came to the same conclusion. "We can't." Bridgette spoke softly, feeling bad for keeping things from her boyfriend but this wasn't something she could just share.

"You can't?" Geoff looked even more frustrated. "Well why not?!" he groaned, not liking that something was going on between his girlfriend and his best friend and he didn't have the slightest clue what that was.

"It's not our business to tell." Trent said, crossing his arms to show that he was serious about keeping this matter private.

Leshawna looked at the two teens and placed a hand on her hip as one eyebrow shot up. "I can only assume this business you can't share has something to do with Courtney." She said, looking at the two. She had heard Bridgette was supposed to have a talk with Courtney today after dinner and now she was acting weirdly and what made this even weirder was that Trent knew the reasoning behind it all. She did not like how this was going.

Trent felt his defenses rise when he heard the other girl mention Courtney's name and by her behavior he assumed she wasn't thinking anything good. "And what if it does?"

"Oh! I knew it! I knew that girl would try and pull something. Well whatever she's planning I'm not about to let it happen. Where is she? Let me at her!" she all but made a break for the beach but Trent stopped her by jumping in front of her.

"It's not anything like that. Just leave her alone." He stretched his arms out wide to keep the large woman from trying to go around him. He wouldn't allow her to hurt Courtney.

"What's your problem? You know how crazy and manipulative that girl is?" Leshawna didn't understand why he was suddenly helping someone he's has zero contact with in all their time being on this show together.

"You don't know her so you don't have any right to be saying such things about her!" Trent felt his temper starting to rise. Leshawna may be his friend but he was getting fed up with her talking about Courtney like that.

The others could hear his voice rising and could see him getting angry but that only added fuel to the fire. "I know her just as much as you do. Only I'm not letting my hormones cloud my judgment."

"Just what are you implying?" Trent didn't like where this conversation was going.

"I've seen her use whatever means necessary to do and get whatever she wants. Who's to say that she isn't using her feminine charms to manipulate you?" she poked the boy in the chest, hoping hearing the harsh truth would help him open his eyes.

Trent felt his mouth fall open at such allegations. How could she say such a thing about a person she hardly knew? All she knew was the Courtney who behaved on the show. She didn't know the real Courtney, the one he talked all night long with. The one that made him feel both crazy and sane at the same time. "Courtney isn't like that! You don't know a single thing about her and you have no right to talk about her like that?!" he slammed his foot down, stomping away from the group of his so-called friends.

Leshawna couldn't believe her eyes. Was this really happening? Why in the world would a nice guy like Trent want to help someone who could be as bad as Heather? "Man, what is wrong with you? Why are you suddenly so concerned about Courtney?" she wanted to know what exactly was going on. There had to be a logical reason for her friend to suddenly be acting so strangely.

Trent halted in his retreat and turned back to the group, glaring at those who were saying such cruel things about a person they didn't even know. "Because I like her!" he announced, not caring who heard him and continued his way down the path that would take him to the beach and from there to Courtney.

In his dramatic exit he left behind two stupefied friends and one who was giddy and another who could only smile. Bridgette was so glad he had told the others how he felt and DJ had a feeling this would happen. The moment he heard them mentioning Courtney he knew that Trent would go to her defense. It's just the kind of guy he is.

"He what?!" Geoff cried, eyes nearly popping out of his head from how wide they had grown. "He likes who?" it felt his mind was about to explode and freeze over at the same time. His brain wasn't able to process this new piece of information. There was no way what he heard could be true. It had to be some kind of weird joke that Chris was doing.

"Trent and Courtney?" Leshawna was just as flabbergasted as he was. Never once in all her time knowing the guy did she ever imagine he would say he liked the brunette. The two never even interacted with each other. So how could he have feelings for her? "This can't be real."

"Oh, it's real alright." Bridgette crossed her arms as she watched Trent's retreating figure walking down the pathway to the beach. She smiled at the determination that was radiating off him. She was so glad that he told his friends his feelings. Now if only he could do the same for Courtney.

"I know it's kind of surprising but don't worry, you'll get used to it." DJ told his friend, chuckling to himself at the looks on their faces. He was really glad he figured out his friend's feelings early on. It saved him from having to experience what they were going through.

"But how? When? Why? How!?" Geoff didn't understand any of this. So not only did he learn that Trent has feelings for Courtney but now he's finding out that his girlfriend and best friend also knew. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"

Leshawna shook her head, trying to come up with some kind of explanation to this that made sense. "Courtney better not be playing with him. I swear I will flatten that girl if she breaks that boy's heart." She cracked her knuckles, already thinking of what she would do if her friend got his heart broken.

"You think they're doing this to get back at Gwen and Duncan?" Geoff suggested.

"Kind of late in the game to be doing a revenge plan." Leshawna said, agreeing that it was a good idea but it didn't make sense. Gwen and Duncan had broken up a long time ago and neither even seemed to have feelings for their ex's.

Geoff rubbed his chin, trying to come up with something. "Well maybe for ratings? If they become the new "It" couple then Chris will definitely put them on whatever show he's planning on doing next."

Leshawna nodded in agreement. "Makes sense to me."

"That's not it!" Bridgette spun around, frowning at her friend and boyfriend. "Courtney isn't messing around with Trent for kicks or ratings or whatever else you guys thinks. There's no motive for revenge or ratings, only real true genuine feelings."

"You're joking, right?" Leshawna said, not quite sure what to think of this.

Bridgette shook her head. "I'm not."

"It's true. I saw how the two of them were acting around each other today and they definitely have feelings for each other. But we're the only ones that know so far," DJ told them, doing a quick view of their surroundings. Luckily everyone else was still inside and didn't appear to have heard them. "And I think both of them would prefer it that way." He added, looking more at Geoff than Leshawna. They all knew the blonde and his love for gossip.

"Alright, no need for the evil eye. I can keep a secret when I want to. Especially if it has to deal with one of my bros." Geoff told them. He was sincere in his words. Just because he was the host of one of the hottest shows doesn't mean that he would go running to the cameras every time he finds out juicy details about people.

"Thanks man," DJ smiled at his friend. "I think those two would rather not have the entire island finding out about their feelings. Especially since they haven't even told the other how they feel."

"Its too bad though. If only they could admit their feelings for each other. I bet it would make both of them very happy. Not to mention a sweet episode for the Aftermath show." Geoff said, laughing as he thought of the show and how things would go once he announced those two were together.

Bridgette nodded in agreement, thinking of her friend finally achieving the happiness she deserves. "If Trent tells Courtney how he feels then she'll be getting the happiness she was talking about." She gasped, eyes sparkling at the thought. "That's it!" she jumped with joy, throwing her arms around her boyfriend and kissing him. "Once Trent tells Courtney how he feels she'll forget all about leaving!" she jumped off him and took off towards the beach. She just had to see this all happen live.

"Courtney's leaving?" the three friends looked at each other, confusion once more shining in their eyes. Even DJ this time was taken back by this new piece of information. "Wait up!" they took off after the blonde, wanting answers.

Had they all not been in such a hurry they might have noticed the shadow hiding behind a tree, watching them and listening to every word that left their lips.

~X~

Time had passed since Bridgette had taken off running with tears in her eyes. The sun had now gone down even further, giving it a red-orange hue that reflected off the water beautifully. Courtney however couldn't see the beauty behind all the tears that were falling from her own eyes. She had remained in her spot, curled up on the sandy beach and crying silently to herself. She had just lost her only remaining friend and tomorrow she would be all alone. But that was good. This was what she wanted. She wanted to be away from this show and all the trouble it had brought it. She was doing a good things getting away from this show and all the people that have hurt her. She was moving on with her life. "So why do I feel like I just made a huge mistake." She sighed, curling up even more. Maybe if she was lucky a hole would suddenly appear and swallow her up. All she wanted to do was disappear and forget about this show and to keep her heart from feeling any more pain. "I knew I should have left today."

"Well I'm glad you didn't." she gasped, looking up to see Trent was sitting down next to her and smiling. "It would really suck if you left so soon."

Quickly sniffing to herself she wiped away the remaining tears in her eyes and avoided his stare. She may be able to stop the tears but her eyes were no doubt red and puffy and she didn't need him seeing her in such a state. "Why are you here?"

"I ran into Bridgette and she was upset so I figured you were too and well…" he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to find the right words without sounding to weird or cheesy. Courtney turned back around to look at him, wanting to hear what he had to say. The moment he saw her tear stained face he forgot all about looking cool or trying to be smooth. All he wanted was for her to smile. "The thought of you being sad really bums me out and I know this may not mean much, I mean we've only just started getting to know each other, but I really care about you and I want you to be happy." He blushed, admitting only the bare minimum of his feelings for her.

Courtney felt like her heart just did a summersault in her chest. All the boy did was say he cared about, something any friend would say to another, and yet it made her so happy the tears started up again. She smiled at him. Hearing him say that, even if his feelings were only of friendship made her feel so happy. Something she hasn't felt in a long time. "Trent, I…" she leaned in closer, her mind clouding over while her body seemed to be moving on its own. It was like she was in some kind of trance as she leaned in closer. Trent seemed to have fallen under the same spell as he returned her smile and started to lean in closer as well. Both lost in the other's eyes as the world around them started to fade.

The soft rustling of leaves was what snapped them both of their trance and followed by a pained yelp was what officially broke them apart.

"I can't do this." Courtney jumped to her feet and quickly began to walk away. Somehow in a matter of seconds she had forgotten her whole reason for what she was doing. She hadn't just risked losing her only remaining friend that she was leaving for nothing. By this time tomorrow everyone would be enjoying the huge party and she would be on a boat headed for home, away from everything and everyone.

Trent stopped her before she could walk away any further. "Courtney, wait!" he held tight to her wrist, green eyes softly pleading with her to stay. "Please, you don't need to run away. I'm sorry if things got out of hand but you don't need to be so freaked out from me." He rushed it out, embarrassment washing over him completely. How could he let himself get carried away like that? He was acting not better than Duncan, just jumping in without taking into account how the other person feels. "I didn't come here to make things worse for you. I just want you to be happy."

She looked at the musical teen that held her wrist. His grip wasn't enough to hurt her but only to keep her from running away. He wasn't trying to force her to do anything or leave it all up to her; he was just trying to make her feel better. "Trent…" it was one of the few moments she let go of all thoughts and rational and threw herself at the boy, hugging him softly. "Thank you." She wrapped her arms around his neck as her head rested in the crock of his shoulder. His body wasn't like that of Duncan or Scott who were more bulk, but he wasn't flabby either. His body was toned but soft. A perfect combination that had her melting into his touch.

Trent felt his own heart do a flip inside his chest at having the girl he held feelings for willing hug him. He quickly returned the gesture and enjoyed her soft body pressed against his, the smell of cinnamon seemed to surround her and made him smile. It was a good scent for her, it was something that could be so sweet but it could also burn if there was too much. Just like how she was. She could be sweet and when she lost it she could burn.

Both tried to hide their disappointment when she stepped away, breaking their hug. Awkwardly they stood before each other, not really sure what to say or do at this moment. "Was Bridgette really that upset?" Courtney asked, not quite sure what else to do in this kind of situation. She's never experienced something like this with a guy before.

Trent nodded, clearing his throat. "Yeah, she was," he shifted from her face to her hand that was placed at her side. He gulped, nerves starting to take over but he pushed them down and decided that he needed to be brave. "And so am I." He reached out and held her hand, heart beating a mile of minute as he looked back up to meet her gaze. "None of us want you to leave. I don't want you too."

"You don't?" she couldn't believe it. Was this really real? Was this how he really felt or was this some cruel joke that Chris was playing on her? Maybe it was some kind of robot made to look like Trent. There was no way he would be this nice to her.

He nodded. "No, not at all."

She really hoped this wasn't a robot in disguise because right now her heart was filling with so much hope and happiness that it would destroy her if she found out this was fake. Biting her lower lip she looked down at their conjoined hands. His fingers were coarse from years of playing guitar but she found that she liked that feeling. It made her feel safe. "Honestly, I would like to stay but it's not that simple." He made her feel safe and that was not something she needed to be feelings right now. She removed her hand from his and stepped away, holding herself to keep her temptation for him down.

The gentle look was gone and in its place came a sullen look, a frown now present on his face. "Why not? Come on, Courtney I know there is more to this than what you've been telling us. You may not like Total Drama but that didn't stop you from competing for four seasons. So why now? What's changed?" he demanded. He knew that he sounded pushy, something he doesn't normally do but he was desperate. He needed to know why after so long she was now leaving it all behind and cutting off all ties with everyone.

She didn't answer him right away. Instead she turned to look back at the ocean, staring out into the wide-open space that was before her. ""My dad is the CEO of an international trading company and my mother is the head of one of the best hospitals in Canada. I'm their only daughter so there are some expectations of me. Both my parents want me to eventually take over either the company or the hospital. As a child I was brought up to take on and succeed at any challenge. I've always aced every test, made sure I won every athletic and scholar event that my school did, even had articles written about me in the local paper for community service. My parents were so proud of me, always praising me and bragging to their friends and co-workers what a perfect child I was," She crossed her arms, hugging herself as the cool breeze blew by but she hardly felt it. She was to absorbed in her story to feel much of anything. "I was so sure that when I grew up I would either become the head of some company or run a hospital. But then one day some of the people on my father's company committee board tried doing a coup d'etat to take over the business for themselves. They framed him for stealing money from the company and he nearly went to jail. Thankfully we have a lawyer in our family," she smiled softly, eyes taking on a hazy hue as she remembered more of her past. "My father's younger brother is kind of the black sheep of the family. He didn't go into the family business but instead started his own and got married to this woman who happened to be an incredible corporate lawyer. I sat in on every court hearing and was blown away by her. She was amazing, her confidence in herself seemed to be oozing out and with every word that came out of her mouth was like magic. All the hard evidence that was against my father seemed to disappear instantly and he was free of all the charges in one hearing. I was so blown away that in that instant I decided that I wanted to become a lawyer myself. My parents weren't pleased that I wouldn't be taking over either of their businesses but they were satisfied that I still chose a noble profession. But they gave me an ultimatum. They wouldn't try to stop me from achieving my goals but they also wouldn't help me. Which means if I ever want to go to law school I have to pay for it all by myself."

"And that's why you went on the show? To get the money to pay for school?"

She nodded, a frown taking over her face. "As the seasons went on and I kept losing I started to get anxious. If I didn't win the money than I couldn't go to school. When Chris started that new season without us I began applying for scholarships and I had won a few that would help pay for books and cover some of my tuition. But then last season I received an email from my school saying I was short on my deposit and it needed to be paid by the end of the month if I wanted to attend school in the fall."

"So that's why you started acting craz...I mean, competitive again." He grimaced, mentally scolding himself for being so insensitive.

"It's ok. I know I was acting crazy, but I was desperate and scared so I tried to do everything I could to win. But we all know how that turned out." She chuckled softly, shaking her head as she remembered her past behavior.

"So what happened? Does this mean you can't go to school?"

She nodded her head sadly. "I couldn't afford the payment. Thankfully they said if I reapply next year I should have the same chance of getting in. Hopefully after a year of saving I can finally afford to go there. Maybe I'll even find some way to get there on a full ride from a scholarship."

"And that's why you're leaving. Not because of what's happened to you but because of school." He felt his heart clench when he came to that realization. All along in the back of his mind he had silently assumed she was leaving because she no longer wanted to deal with the other contestants that had ill feelings towards her. But now he knows the truth. She was leaving because she wanted to further expand her education and get that much closer to achieving her dream. He hated to admit it but deep in his heart he wished her reasons for leaving had been petty so this way he could have convinced her to stay. To stay with him.

She nodded. "You know it wasn't until Total Drama that all the praising from my parents stopped. I was no longer their perfect child that they could brag about. Instead I just became their daughter that's only mentioned whenever someone else brings me up in conversation," a bitter smile overtook her face as she spoke. "For the first sixteen years of my life I was told every day that no matter what I do I can always come out a winner so long as I work hard and prove to everyone that I'm the best. Well I did all of that and more but so far I have to win a single finale on this show. And you know what…" she turned back around to face Trent, the bitter smile gone from her face and now one of pride and joy appeared. "I'm ok with that."

"You are?" he asked, surprised by her sudden mood change.

"I am. In the past I was doing everything for my parents without even realizing it. I never once thought of how I wanted to live my life or what I really wanted. The decision to become a corporate lawyer was my first and only real decision for myself. That's why this is so important to me. It's not just to make my dream come true but it's about a new beginning and a new life for myself. This is a challenge I have given myself and it's one that I'm definitely not going to lose."

In that moment Trent felt his heart rate skyrocket. In a matter of seconds Courtney had gone from a girl who he was sure was going to cry from telling him about all her hardships and transformed into a confident woman. Her eyes burned with such determination that there was no doubt in his mind she would become one of the best lawyers this world has ever seen. "You're amazing, Courtney. Truly amazing." He smiled, stepping closer to her and taking hold of her hand once more.

Her cheeks burned a soft pink at his gesture but she didn't move away. "You really think so?" she asked, suddenly feeling bashful by the way he was looking at her.

"I do," he stepped even closer, their faces only inches apart from one another. His mind was screaming at him for acting in such a manner but he ignored it. Nothing else mattered to him right now besides Courtney. "I've always been impressed by your determination. Even when you did go all crazy, I couldn't help but be a little jealous by the sheer drive and motivation you possess. And the way your nose scrunches up on your face when you get upset is really cute too." He added, not at all ashamed or embarrassed that he was slowly starting to reveal his feelings for her.

"Trent…" a soft giggle escaped her lips at his words. No one has ever said something like this to her before. She was feeling so shy but so moved by it all.

He smiled at the sound of her laughter and wanted to keep on hearing it. Especially if he was the one who made her laugh. "I really mean it. You're an amazing girl and if the others can't see that than it's their lost." But that didn't mean it had to be his. This was the perfect moment. It was just the two of them, alone together on the beach, the sun setting in the background. It was the cliché of all clichés for a guy to confess his feelings for a girl. "Courtney, there's something really important that I have to tell you before you leave."

"What is it, Trent?" she asked, waiting for him to tell her. He looked so serious as he spoke that it made her wonder what it was that he had to say. She tried keeping her expression neutral but deep inside she was anxious to hear what it was. Her heart was beating like mad as her mind was flashing her on scenario after another of him telling her that he has feelings for her. But that was not what she needed right now. She just told him that she was planning to start over, leave Total Drama behind so that she could finally become a lawyer. She did not need to be in a relationship right now.

So why was it that she really wanted to hear him say that he liked her?

Trent felt like his mind was about to shut down as he searched for the right words. Just because the scenery was romantic didn't mean he was. He hasn't felt this way since Gwen but the feelings he has now for Courtney are different. It's not just a simple teenage crush that developed through time, but it feels more mature. Almost like finding that one perfect note on the guitar and wanting to play it over and over again. "Courtney, I-I…uh…what I mean is…I…" it felt like he was about to swallow his own tongue every time he tried opening his mouth to speak. It didn't help that he was getting flustered by his behavior and really wanted to smack himself to knock some sense into him. She must think he really is a total loser now. But just as he was feeling down he felt the smooth skin of her palm pressed against his that still held tight to her other hand. She gently held their hands together and offered him a reassuring smile. That was all he needed to get his act together. "Courtney, I really li-!"

"AHH!"

Their moment was ruined in mere seconds by the screaming of their friends. Their eyes closed and body cringed by their screams and by the loud thud of their bodies hitting the floor. The looked over and grimaced when they saw the pile of the four teens all stacked together among broken braces and bushes.

"Sorry guys!" Bridgette called out, feeling so ashamed that she and their friends ruined everything.

"Sorry!" Leshawna, Geoff, and DJ cried out next, feeling just as bad.

The two teens let out low sighs and after a moment of staring into the other's eyes stepped away and let go of their hands.

"It's fine." Trent said, though with not much enthusiasm as he walked over to help his friends up.

Courtney was right along with him, helping Bridgette get back onto her feet first. "Mind explaining why you all were spying on us?" she asked, one eyebrow raised.

The blonde blushed at being caught. "Sorry, we didn't mean to. Honest!"

"It's true," Geoff came to stand next to his girlfriend, wrapping an arm around her. "We came down because Bridgette told us you were leaving and then we kind of came during the middle of the moment you guys were having. So instead of interrupting we decided to just hide ourselves until you were done."

"Did it ever cross your mind to just go back to the resort and leaving us along so that we could have our private…moment?" Trent gulped, his cheeks heating up. He had been so ready to confess but now that everything was ruined he felt embarrassed that not only did he fail but also that his friends saw it all happen too.

"And miss that totally awesome scene? No way, dude!" Geoff raised his hand to get a high five but all he did was get smacked across the head by both his girlfriend and DJ.

Courtney sighed, already knowing what was going through Geoff's head. "I swear if you even think about telling Chris about this or putting it on your Aftermath show, I'll-!"

"Girl, I am so sorry!" Leshawna cried, hugging the brunette with all her might. "If I had known you were going through such a messed up situations I would have never said such bad things about you!" she hugged even tighter, trying to make up for all the bad thoughts and words she had said about the girl. Trent was right, she didn't know anything about her and had no right to say such mean things.

Geoff was right along with her. He jumped at Courtney and hugged her with just as much might as Leshawna was doing. "You are the most righteous girl I have ever met. Well besides, Bridgette. But still, you're awesome!"

"You really are, Courtney! And I don't want you to leave!" Bridgette joined in next, hugging Courtney from behind and completely missed the gagging noises that were starting to escape her.

"Same here," DJ was the last one to join in on the hug but with his large arms he was able to hug the four teens all at once with ease and put all his strength into the hold. "We're all friends here and no one wants you to go."

If Courtney had it in her to reply she would but right now she was using all her might to get air into her lungs that were slowly being crushed from the massive hug she was receiving. She sent a pleading look to Trent who up till now looked rather amused by the sight. "Alright, guys that's enough. I don't think Courtney likes not being able to breath." He chuckled softly when the three quickly released their hold on the girl who panted out a soft "thank you" to him. He had to say it was rather amusing watching as his friends attacked her with their unintentional killer hugs but what he enjoyed most out of it all was that small smile that was peaking out of Courtney's gasping lips. Even though she was practically crushed between the three teens she wasn't upset but looked like she actually enjoyed herself. And that's what he wanted for her. To be happy and be surrounded by people who cared for her. An idea instantly popped into his head and he grinned to himself as he pulled his four friends into a huddle and told them of his plan. By their expressions told him that they approved of his plan and with a nod they took off running. The only one who stayed behind was Bridgette.

Courtney wasn't quite sure what was going on. She certainly hadn't planned or expected this day to turn out like this. She had assumed that once she told her friend of her plans she would spend the remainder of her time on the island alone until the boat came to get her. But now instead she was being hugged and spoken kindly by people and now had just witnessed them go running off to complete some sort of plan that Trent had come up with. "What's going on?" she asked the blonde, thought she had a feeling that even if she asked a hundred times she wouldn't get told the answer.

Bridgette could only smile and wrapped her arm around Courtney's. "Don't worry, I promise you'll like it." She only offered her friend a playful wink before leading her back down to the shore where they talked amongst themselves. After all, they had a lot to discuss now that they all knew what was going to happen tomorrow.

Thirty minutes had passed before Leshawna had come to get them and tied a blindfold over Courtney's eyes. Personally she would have rather not walked down the beach completely blinded but it wasn't like she had much choice. No, really she didn't. Leshawna told her that she could either go willingly or get thrown over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Going with the more peaceful approach she grudgingly allowed both girls to guide her down the sandy shore. Thankfully they didn't have to travel too far and when the blindfold was removed she couldn't believe her eyes.

Standing before her was a red blanket spread out over the sand with foods and drinks scattered around over the soft fabric. A bonfire was burning not far from the area with a package of marshmallows, chocolate, and gram crackers sitting close by. Geoff and DJ stood next to each other, smiling and gesturing to the décor while Trent walked in front of gaping girl with his guitar slung over his back. "Do you like it?" he asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

Courtney was speechless. This whole scene didn't make any sense to her. Did they do all of this for her? "What is this?" she asked, trying not to sound too hopeful herself.

He smiled at her, finding her behavior utterly adorable. "This is all for you. If you really do plan on leaving tomorrow than we have to make you last night on the island memorable."

Just like last time she didn't think twice about her actions and threw her arms around Trent's neck, hugging him tightly as her head rested in the crock of his neck. "Thank you so much!" she spoke softly into his skin. No one had ever done something this nice for her before. In the past whenever someone had either done or given her something it was to usually win over her affection but this was all done just for the sake of her being happiness. There was no motive or underlying meaning but instead a gesture of pure kindness and for that she felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

Trent returned her hug, once more enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against his. For him this moment was bittersweet. He had succeeded in making the girl he cares for happy but at the same time this would be one of their few remaining moments together. They had a time limit and not a very long one. But he wasn't going to let that stop him. Just because she was leaving that didn't mean he had to sulk and wait for her to leave. He was determined to enjoy every last moment together and when they found another moment alone together he would tell her how he feels. "Come on, let's get this party started!" with his arm wrapped around her shoulder he guided her over to the blanket where they got her going away celebration started.

The five of them laughed and enjoyed themselves as they sat together on the blanket, sharing stories of their time spent on the show. Laughing at all the crazy challenges they had to go through and the even more insane stuff they did. They danced and even sung together as Trent started to play his guitar, not caring who saw or what the others thought when they passed by. Let them think what they want, this night was meant to be special and it was one they were all going to enjoy. They partied on all night until they could no longer keep their eyes open and slept on the giant red blanket. Courtney and Trent were the last two awake, their bodies lying down right next to each other, peaceful and joyful looks on both their faces as their eyes slowly shut and they drifted off into dreamland.