Ch. 11

Mia wakes up the next morning battered. The eyelids are still heavy, she is freezing even though she sweats and every part of the body groans.

Crap! Now she has to swap places with Summer after all, is her first thought. Are the dates, i.e. where they go, then also swapped? What if your date topic is way better and then Summer gets it? Why does she have to be sick now of all times?

" Are you awake?", Sophia is sitting on her bed and looks over at her. "Yes I am. And I'm still sick. ”, Her roommate sighs. “I feared that. I'll get your breakfast up for you and you freshen up and change your bedding. ”“ Agreed. ”, She stands up with bowed head. Even that makes her dizzy. How much she hates being sick. She makes her way to the bathroom at a snail's pace. When she comes back she wonders why Sophia is taking so long.

#

Jack rings the bell. A radiant and overjoyed buzzer opens the door for him. "Good morning, Jack? Come in. ”“ Hi, Summer! ”, Confused, he follows her into the kitchen. What was wrong with her?

His eyes automatically search for Mia and cannot find her. Sophia prepares a tray for two. "How is Mia?", Sophia looks up and twisting her mouth. "Not better! She probably can't even hold up long enough to come down, that's why ... "She points to the tray.

He was so looking forward to today. That would have been so fun. "Jack! Mia and I swapped today. She'll go for me on Saturday and I'll go for her today, ”that's why Summer is beaming. She's looking forward to the date. “Well, we won't have any other choice. It starts at 4 p.m. I'll visit Mia for as long as that. ”He sprints up the stairs with that.

After opening the door, he finds Mia sitting on a chair. Your duvet and cover in hand. "Come on, I'll help you!", Mia is fiddling around and still can't manage it. "Thank you! My legs just gave way. ”, She smiles bravely. "As I heard, you have already made preparations in case you are not yet really fit." Her facial features are barely noticeable harder. “I was so looking forward to today. What will you do?"

Jack knows Mia won't like this. “We're going to have a bite to eat before going to a charity concert. Donations are being collected for educational centers in Africa. ”Now even a deep crease is forming between her brows. “When I found it, I thought of you. I will take photos so that you can at least have some of it. "

#

He wanted to go to a charity concert with her? Oh, how she envies Summer for it. Why, dear God, am I sick today?

“ It's a shame that I'm still sick. I wish you a lot of fun. ”“ Thanks! ”, He helps Mia back into bed and covers her. "I'll come up with something special for Saturday." That gets her attention. "You didn't even know what you wanted to do with Summer?" Jack blushes a little. "Uh, no. I only plan two days in advance. ", Mia somehow calms this down. It's satisfying to know that she will get her date after all and not have to take on someone else's.

Then the door opens and your breakfast arrives. “I'll leave you alone again in a moment. I just thought you should eat something. ”“ Thank you, Sophia! You're a sweetheart. “, She quietly puts the tray on her bed and leaves. “If you want something too, go for it. I can never do that anyway. ”He immediately takes a toast and takes a bite with relish. Then he gives it to her. Laughing or coughing, she takes a bite and closes her eyes! Inwardly, she laughs at the allusion to their first meeting. When she opens her eyes he smiles too. Nevertheless he has that look in his eyes again. Suddenly his gaze falls on her lips. Jack leans forward and Mia is also under a spell.

Their lips are touching. Mia sighs softly and closes her eyes. In this position they freeze for a few seconds until he gives her a gentle kiss. Then another and another. His mouth presses over hers.

#

His heart is beating wildly. His mind pauses on a cloud. He slowly encloses her head with his hands. As if intoxicated, he deepens the kiss.

He doesn't know how long they sat like that. "Jack ... so the danger is much greater that I infect you.", She whispers against his mouth. He didn't really care, but Mia seems to mind.

The rest of the time they have they spend talking about God and the world. Shortly before 4 p.m. he leaves her to go out with Summer.

You are going to a very posh restaurant. He and Summer are a little intimidated by the atmosphere at first, but as soon as the food is on the table, she loosens her demeanor. "How do you like it?", Summer chose a chicken fillet with white soy sauce and various vegetables. Jack breathed a sigh of relief when he ordered. No salad, he just thought. That makes them even more personable. "Excellent. Would you like to try? ”Even if her offer is tempting, he has to refuse. "No thanks! Otherwise I'm afraid I won't be able to finish my plate. ”He decided on a pasta dish with sprouts, corn, peas and pork. It tastes exquisite. "Can I ask you something Jack?", Her face is slightly sad. "Naturally! What do you want to know? ”, He suddenly becomes very aware of the cameras. How he hates having her around in such private matters.

“ Is there still a chance at all? I mean, don't you already know who to vote for? ", He looks at Summer in amazement. Is that something that worries the women in the villa? That everything has already been decided anyway? “No, I have no idea who will ultimately be the woman I like the most. I made my decision based on the dates. If I'm honest I like you pretty much, Summer. ”That brightens her mind again. “I'm glad I asked. I think it would be a shame to leave after this week. At the beginning I was a little skeptical about the cameras and you, but now I don't want to go anymore. ”A little silence ensues in which everyone continues to eat.

“ Summer, why are you actually single? There should be enough offers! ”She blushes, embarrassed. “There were two or three men, but they weren't ready to give up their freedom. Most men are just not mature enough to have a serious relationship. ”Jack shakes his head of hair in disbelief. "I can't believe they didn't prefer you." They skirmish and flirt.

After paying you will be driven to the concert. “Donations are being collected for schools in Africa. The bands play tonight without receiving a fee, ”he explains to her. They don't wait long, then they're let in. Jack automatically reaches for her hand. She freezes briefly. “It's easy to get lost in the turmoil,” but that's not the only reason. Jack just acted without thinking. Apparently his subconscious wants her around.

#

Mia sits wrapped up with the others in the living room and watches a movie with them. Letters to Julia are running. But her thoughts are with Jack and Summer. A look at the clock tells her that the concert is about to begin. Are they flirting with each other? Are they kissing? Does he get along with her even without words? Are you looking for the touch of the other? It sounds frustrated to itself. Why are you worrying like that? Before he left with Summer, they shared their first kiss and it was ... magical.

Does he do the same with the others? Don't you just tell it and think you are his darling?

Stop that, she says again. Focus on the movie. That works exactly 10 minutes. "Girls? I'm going back to bed! Good night! ”Before anyone can move, she is on the stairs. Max follows her with the camera. In the room, she snuggles up against the wall while sitting on her bed. So that she can look at Max, who has sat down on a chair. “What are you doing right now? Who is playing Are they getting closer? “, Max shrugs his shoulders. Mia snorts. Then she dials Kim's number. Her best friend immediately answers. “But it is about time that you report. I follow the show every day. Your raft instructor was really hot, but an ass. Jack almost attacked him when you were in the cabin to warm up. That was so cute. Just running as Summer asks you if you can't swap dates. Ooooh, I don't like her. Well, I do like her, just not when she likes the same guy as my best friend. And I haven't even asked you how are you? Wait, when you call you are not on your date with Jack, what does Summer mean ... ", Mia laughs hoarsely. “Make a point, Kim. I'm sorry I didn't call you earlier. Everything went haywire. Then the decision came. After that I got sick and now Summer has MY date. I've been working out scenarios the whole evening of how they touch, laugh, flirt or even, like last week, smooch. "Absentmindedly, she chews on one of her fingernails. She doesn't even notice that Max is filming. “Mia, stop worrying. You are by far the best of the six of you. What Emilia does with you is a mystery to me. The woman is a snake. ”“ It's good to hear you again. You help me! How are you? What has happened since I left? “, A loud squeak reaches her ear. Startled, she holds the cell phone far away. “I'll take that as a - yes, there is fantastic news.” “He asked me. HE ASKED ME !!! “, Kim is ecstatic. "Who asked you what?" It says honestly on the tube. “Well, LUKAS. He asked me if I wanted to be his wife. Of course I answered with a gigantic YES. ”“ WHAT? ”, This time she laughs so hard with joy that she starts to cry. "Congratulations. About time! ”She adds. The two have been inseparable for four years. Before that, they were best friends. “When did you plan the engagement party?” “In three weeks. Then you'll be back too. ”This comment is enough to turn Mia's thoughts back to Jack. "Kim?" She whispers. “I think I'm in love!”, The realization hits her like a punch. "Of course you are, otherwise you would be home long ago and would work."

She's in love. In Jack. Who has five other women to choose from.

#

The concert is coming to an end. He and Summer stand pressed together and laugh, panting. They shouted along and just let go. He looks into her eyes and sinks into them. As blue as a glacier and deep as the seas. He slowly lowers his head. Summer closes her eyes. This is now her second kiss, but this is less impetuous and not clouded by alcohol. Jack reaches for her cheek and pulls her closer. Your mouth is soft and pliable.

" YES! JEAH! “, A roaring noise breaks out around them. The crowd cheers. They are shown on the monitors on the stage. Summer and he. Her cheeks are lightly colored and her breathing is still faster. "Oh my god!" She whispers, hiding her face against his chest. "Encore! Encore! “, The audience won't let up. "Come on, Summer! Let's give them what they want. ”He gently takes her shoulders. She defends herself briefly until she gives in and sinks into his arms. “Uh!” There is clapping and hooting. But Summer and Jack are in their own world. She sighs dreamily and he plays with her dark blonde locks.

Quite a while later someone next to them clears their throat. Jack deliberately ignores this and doesn't let up on Summer. But the throat clearing does not stop. Annoyed, he turns to face the person and snorts; “WHAT!” He looks at the camera team.

He falls silent. Summer breaks free and takes a step back. "We should be on our way home." With a nod of the head the cameraman points towards the door.

" Yes ... of course!" Silently follow the man. Why wasn't Max with them? He's usually on his dates, isn't he? "Jack?", Summer has sat next to him in the car. “Yes?” “That was a wonderful evening. With a perfect ending. ”, A shy look. "I think so too." He grabs her hand. At this moment he is a little confused about the turn, but completely happy and satisfied. Summer leans on his shoulder exhausted. At the end of the journey he has to wake her up.

It's gotten late and all the lights in the villa are out. "Sleep well!", Jack gives her a kiss on the forehead and waits until she closes the door behind her.

Finn is waiting for him in his hut. “How did you go?”, But an answer is superfluous. The beam on his face says more than any word.

Finn throws Max, who is standing in the kitchen, a strange look. But he just wants to sleep.