Chapter 4 - Do I Look Good?
Chris with his classic sly smile, standing in front of the camera
"Welcome back, fans of despair and chaos! In the previous episode, our campers came ready to face the adventure... or well, some readyr than others." Chris said
"We had everything: natural talent with Cody, dangerous muscles with Eva, pure attractiveness with Justin and, of course, some who already seem doomed to fail, right, Tyler?" Chris said mockingly
"But now, is when things really begin. Today is the first challenge, and I tell you something: not everyone will get out of this unscathed. Some will taste glory, others absolute failure, and who knows... maybe someone will end up in the hospital. Quality television, people!" Chris said
, "Will they survive? Will they die? Will Cody win hearts before breaking bones in the competition? We'll find out now, on the one and only...DRAMA ISLAND!" Chris closed with the intro.
**[Cut to the intro of the program]**
Now all the campers were going to change, to put on their swimsuits.
Inside the cabin, the boys begin to change for the aquatic test without any major worries.
Geoff turns around and notices something unexpected.
"Man, you really have a set!" Geoff said, surprised.
DJ also stops to look at Cody and raises both hands in amazement.
"Bro, what did your mom feed you? Pure protein and military training?" DJ asked.
Duncan exhales with a nonchalant air, but he can't help but take a look.
"I've seen tougher guys in reform school... but honestly, few with that level." Duncan said with disdain.
Cody turns around with a confident smile and, instead of responding with something typical, flexes his arm and closes one eye as if he were in the middle of a transformation.
"Nothing a little spinach won't do, guys! Yar yar yar!" Cody said, imitating Popeye in an exaggerated tone.
He makes a fake muscle movement, pretending to take a can of spinach out of his backpack, pretending to eat it quickly.
The guys laugh at the performance, with Geoff lightly punching Cody's shoulder in approval.
"Ok, ok, total respect for the reference. But now I really want to start training." Geoff said.
"Tell me the truth, does spinach really help or is it all genetics?" DJ asked between laughs.
"Well, never underestimate the power of a good diet... but the rest is just training sessions, sweat and the blessing of cartoons." Cody said mockingly.
The guys continue laughing while they finish changing,now with the certainty that Cody is someone to be reckoned with in the physical tests.
After changing for the aquatics event, the boys leave the cabins, ready to compete.
Cody walks confidently, feeling the sun on his skin, but when he sees the girls gathered, his pace slows for a moment.
The image in person was something else.
He stops for a second, looks up at the sky with a solemn and grateful air.
"Thank you, God, for this gift," Cody said to himself.
Gwen notices Cody's reaction and, although she tries to ignore it, a slight blush appears on her face when she sees him looking at her.
Lindsay seizes the opportunity and takes a couple of steps towards Cody, posing with a bright smile.
"Cole, how do I look?" Lindsay asked.
Cody recovers from the shock and maintains his confident attitude.
"Let me guess... water goddess or summer magazine model?" Cody said in a comical gesture of appreciation.
Lindsay laughs enthusiastically, clearly appreciating the comment.
"I knew it! I knew this suit would work." Lindsay said excitedly.
Cody nodded approvingly, making sure the conversation flowed naturally.
*Lindsay's Confessional*
"Hmm... everyone talks about Justin, but Cole has his charm too. He's like... more active, stronger. Not just a pretty face." Lindsay said with a thoughtful expression.
"If Justin is like a perfect model, Cole is more like a cover athlete. And honestly... that has a point." Lindsay said with a delighted face
---
Gwen's Confessional
"I didn't expect Cody to have that physique. I thought he'd be another guy with good style, but nothing more." Gwen said with her arms crossed.
"Justin is attractive, yes. But there's something about Cody... like his confidence makes him look even better." Gwen said.
"Not that I care, of course. Just... well, it's an observation." Gwen said blushing.
Heather's Confessional
"Oh, please. Don't tell me Cody is going to be Justin's competition now. There are levels, girls." Heather said, rolling her eyes,
"Although... well, I won't deny that the guy knows how to enter a scene. I guess that counts for something." Heather said with a slight smile.
Now, all the campers made their way to the top of the cliff where the first test would take place.
The sun hit the campers' skin gently as they began their hike to the top of the cliff, where the first challenge would take place.
Conversations came and went, some talked about the test, others only focused on the effort of the climb.
Cody, without wasting time, decided to take advantage of the walk to move among the group and talk to some girls.
Scanning the path with ease, Bridgette moved forward as if she were on her surfboard, accustomed to the natural terrain.
Cody seized the opportunity and stood beside her with a calm smile.
"You know, I thought surfer style looked good in magazines... but now I see that in person it surpasses any photo." Cody said, looking at her swimsuit with a playful air.
Bridgette laughed, tossing her hair casually.
"Well, if you're impressed by this, you should see me on my board," Bridgette said
. "I don't doubt it. Do you think we'll have a competition in the water at some point? Although I must warn you, my style is more about surviving than impressing." Cody shrugged, smiling.
Bridgette shook her head in amusement, accepting the lighthearted conversation.
The terrain was beginning to get more uneven, and Cody decided to move among the group, leaving Bridgette behind with a final comment.
"If the competition is about style, I admit defeat. But if it's about endurance... well, we'll see who sinks first." Cody said.
Bridgette just smiled before continuing on her way.
Cody noticed that Courtney walked with a firm posture, clearly evaluating the journey as if it were part of a strategy.
Without missing a beat, he stood next to her.
"Tell me something, Courtney. As a CIT, are you lifeguard certified?" Cody asked nonchalantly.
Courtney looked at him with a slightly suspicious expression.
"Yes. Why?" Courtney asked.
"Because if this ends in disaster, it would be nice to know at least someone will have to pull me out of the water." Cody said jokingly as he gestured toward the cliff.
Courtney exhaled with a mixture of amusement and superiority.
"Don't worry. If you end up sinking, I'll get you out... but I'll probably charge you for the service." Courtney said.
"A reasonable fee. Just try not to make me sign a contract afterward." Cody said laughing.
Courtney rolled her eyes before continuing to move forward, while Cody saw another opportunity to change company.
Heather was a few steps ahead, keeping her distance from the group but with her typical superior attitude.
Cody quickened his pace until he caught up with her.
"So, Heather, is the attitude still icy or have we entered the thaw phase?" Cody joked in a carefree tone.
Heather looked at him sideways, her expression impassive.
"Are you the type to ask unnecessary questions at every opportunity?" Heather asked annoyed.
"I was just making sure the ambient temperature didn't affect your disposition." Cody said laughing softly
Heather exhaled looking tired but not really bothered.
"Don't worry. My disposition is as firm as this cliff. I doubt I'd fall for something as simple as light conversation," Heather said.
"I knew the answer would be just as sharp. At least you saved my doubts." Cody said, smiling with an amused air.
Heather continued moving forward without changing her expression, while Cody decided it was time to approach his latest objective.
Gwen moved forward without hurrying, observing the landscape and enjoying the fresh air, keeping her own pace.
Cody approached naturally, making sure the conversation flowed without seeming invasive.
"I didn't expect your style to adapt to this as well. How many tormented souls have you impressed with that look?" Cody said, looking at her swimsuit with an amused air.
Gwen looked sideways, crossing her arms with a small smile.
"Not everything has to be black and depressing. Sometimes there's also room for something different." Gwen said
. "True. Although, let's be honest, the mystery is still there. Something that defines you." Cody said, nodding with a slight smile.
Gwen seemed to consider his comment before responding with a touch of humor.
"Maybe. Or maybe I just want people to think too much about my style." Gwen said
. "Mission accomplished then. Because trust me, it shows." Cody said, laughing softly.
After a long walk, the campers finally reached the top of the cliff, where Chris was waiting for them ready to start the first challenge.