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Poppy grabs the fuzzy blanket lying across her armchair and drapes it across her shoulders. She navigates her way across her studio flat to her couch, the television the only light source in the otherwise pitch-black room. As she passes, she grabs the bottle of Jack from her kitchen island in one hand and the jack and coke she just prepared in the other. The familiar Love Island jingle plays on the screen, indicating the commercial break's end. Poppy plops herself down in the middle of her couch, crossing her legs and placing her drink on the table in front of her and the bottle of jack on the floor. To her left lay Mr. Magoo, Poppy's small, grey tabby cat she'd adopted a few months ago from the local shelter. Mr. Magoo looks at her curiously with his bright yellow-green eyes, before ultimately putting his head back down to sleep. She gives him a small scratch behind the ears before turning her attention back to the screen."Siri sure had a tough choice with Bruno and Oliver," Poppy says to Mr. Magoo, who opens his eyes to acknowledge her but doesn't otherwise move. Poppy takes a sip of her drink and coughs. "Made this one a bit strong. I guess that's what I get when I decide to drink my sorrows away, hey Mr. Mags?" Poppy doesn't make it a habit to drink alone. In fact, she hadn't ever before now out of principle. She decided to make an exception today, what would have been her and Suresh's second anniversary. A day she would have been celebrating with him, had he not gone and bedded a woman Poppy didn't know after their first fight seven months ago. She feels the now familiar stab of pain in her chest as she blinks back tears, opting to take another swig of her drink and turn her attention back to her television rather than think about the cheater. The islanders were dressed in their best; Bruno was in a flashy pink suit with his partner Siri, who was in a matching pink dress. It was the finale, and Bruno was giving his speech to Siri before the results were read.Poppy knows how the season will end of course, as it was months ago now. Bruno and Siri will win together, happily trotting off into the sunset. James and Thabi will come in second place and Oliver and Angie in third. Poppy smiles as she watches the finale, knowing that Bruno and Siri, and James and Thabi are still happily together several months later. Oliver and Angie never did become a couple, as Angie had come out during the season, but he was known to be a lovely and supportive friend of Angie and most of the rest of the season's cast. A few drinks, a handful of shots, and a couple of short sob sessions later, Poppy looks over to Mr. Magoo again, drunk and determined."No more of this feeling sorry for myself nonsense," Poppy says to the petite feline with a significant slur in her voice from the alcohol she's been consuming over the evening. "I'm doing it. I'm signing up for Love Island and I'm gonna meet a nice boy. Like Oliver, or Bruno, or Bobby. Henrik. Tai. Jake...." she trails off after naming a few of the previous islanders who were well known to have hearts of gold. "and maybe we'll win Love Island, and I'll never have my heart broken again," she adds with a hiccup.Poppy moves from her couch to the swivel chair in front of the small desk in the corner of her tiny flat. After logging onto her computer (which took far more attempts than it should have, given her current state), she navigates to the Love Island application website, grateful she doesn't have to type out the entire URL as it pops up in her cache. She's been considering applying for a while, her friend Leon helped her film her audition video weeks ago and they prepared her form together then as well. Sober, Poppy was too intimidated to take the plunge, but drunk and on the 'supposed to be anniversary'? That was another story entirely.Good thing we prepared my application forms in advance, Poppy thinks to herself, letting out another high-pitched hiccup. Jack's giving me the courage, but I doubt he's giving me the -hiccup- brains.
Poppy uploads the video file and her written application file to the website and hits the submit button before she can change her mind. Swiveling in her chair to face Mr. Magoo again she slurs, "MistER MagOO, what do you think of that?" Suddenly, Poppy feels the rush of her stomach contents and runs to the loo, emptying her stomach before flushing the toilet and rinsing her mouth. Ugh. Water, Electrolytes, -hiccup- an ibuprofen and acetaminophen and -hiccup- bed. Poppy glances at her phone screen. 12:01 am. She looks to Mr. Magoo, who's much more alert now that it's later in the evening and smiles."I made it buddy," she says to the cat as she watches him slink toward her while she fills a glass with water, mixing some powdered sport drink in. She grabs one of each of the pills, popping them in her mouth before swallowing them both with a gulp of the sweet drink. "It's tomorrow now. And we all know tomorrow's another day," she says, softly booping the feline's tiny nose with the tip of her finger as he approaches her on the kitchen island.Poppy finishes her electrolytes, and another two glasses of water for extra good measure before crawling into her bed. Mr. Magoo curls up into the crook of her elbow, purring softly, as Poppy quietly cries herself to sleep.
--------------------------It was only four days later when the producers of Love Island reached out to her.Poppy was sitting on the steps outside of the university library with Leon when she got the call, sipping on a warm coffee end and enjoying some fresh air before the pair hunkered down to study for their finals. Poppy was feeling confident, she was the top student in their program at the University of Glasgow Medical School. Plus, after her breakup with Suresh she had shifted the majority of her focus on studying (with some focus to spare for Mr. Magoo, of course) so she was well prepared. Poppy looks down at her phone screen as it rings, the caller ID reads 'Unknown'. Normally she would ignore calls from blocked numbers, especially after Suresh had tried to contact her so many times using one, but something in her gut told her not to."You know Poppy, your phone isn't going to answer itself," Leon says to her with a laugh, looking over her shoulder at the caller ID before frowning. "You don't think...""Only one way to find out I guess," Poppy says with a sigh, cutting Leon off before he can say Suresh's name. Leon grabs the phone from her, giving her a playful smile before answering it in his thick German accent."Hallo, Poppy's phone," he says. It feels like an eternity, but after a moment Leon smiles. "Yes of course, she's right here," he adds, handing the phone to Poppy, a mischievous smile on his face."Poppy? This is Iain from Love Island!" the host says cheerily. Poppy recognizes his voice immediately, "we'd love to have you on the show!"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Poppy's heels click on the cobblestone pathway as she approaches the villa, recognizing it immediately from the show. She stops for a moment, taking it all in and hoping the butterflies that have made a home in her stomach settle down. She adjusts the bottom of her dress. It was a little shorter than what she was used to wearing, but it made her feel confident and sexy.Alright Poppy, here's to a fresh start and a nice, new boy. Poppy thinks happily to herself, excited for the chance to enter the villa at all. She takes a deep breath, taking it all in. Maybe I'll meet someone lovely and loyal for a change.She smiles to herself. Poppy, along with much of the UK, adores the way Bruno dotes on Siri. Along with what's-her-name and what's-his-face from Season 2, (Poppy could never remember their names, but they were lovely) they were the most popular couple to ever come out of the villa.
I'm not sure I want their level of fame... but I do want to look at someone the way Siri does Bruno, and have someone looking back at me the way he does her. I don't think that's too much to ask.Poppy thinks to herself. She knows she's right of course, even if it took her a long time to get there.
A pretty woman with honey-blond hair and blue eyes that especially stand out against her darker complexion steps out of the front door, distracting Poppy from her thoughts. The woman smiles brightly at Poppy when she sees her."There you are! We were wondering when the final girl would get here!" the woman says, clearly excited. Poppy can immediately feel the charisma off the stranger, and she returns her smile happily. The woman continues, speaking very quickly, "I'm Dana, and babe I hope you don't mind me saying, you're a total spice-bomb!" Dana does a little dance with the last two words, shaking her shoulders at Poppy before continuing, "I'm so pumped you're going to be in the villa with us!" Dana stops momentarily, taking a breath before adding, "but here I am, rambling on as usual and I haven't even asked you your name yet.""Hi Dana, I'm Poppy," Poppy says to Dana, trying to match her excited energy. Dana smiles at Poppy, shaking her hand lightly."So great to meet ya, Poppy! Can't believe we're here. Man, I was a big ball of nerves walking in," Dana continues, leading Poppy to the door into the villa. "How are you feeling?""Oof, all kinds of feelings," Poppy says honestly, "my stomach is full of butterflies. I'm nervous, but I'm so excited." "Hopefully we're both gonna be here for a long time and have a blast!" Dana says to Poppy cheerily, "come on, let's get inside. I can't wait for you to meet Kat...and she's got a surprise for you too!" Poppy looks at Dana slightly confused, but Dana mimes zippering her lips, shaking her head. She leads Poppy into the villa and around to the garden where a dark-haired woman is standing, holding a bottle of bubbly. She pops the cork as Poppy and Dana enter the garden."Cork popped as you walked in," the dark-haired woman says, looking Poppy up and down before smiling. "That's gotta be a sign.""This is Kat," Dana says, turning to face Poppy. "I made her wait til you arrived to pop the fizz.""And I ain't a patient girl," Kat says to Poppy, "let's see how you take a compliment Poppy. Dana bet you'd be a proper ten and she was bang on.""Thanks babe," Poppy says to Kat smiling warmly, "you're both absolute worldies!" The three women smile at each other, evidently hitting it off despite their apparently extremely varied personalities."Thanks for stating the obvious, I know I'm fire," Kat says with a laugh. "But enough chat! The champers is popped and there ain't no way we're gonna let these good bubbles go to waste!" Kat pours three very full glasses of champagne. "Let's get this party staaaaarted!" Dana exclaims as she grabs her glass, "shall we do a toast?""Ooh, I'll start, you finish it," Kat replies, raising her glass. "Here's to a summer full of..." she looks to Poppy who raises her glass in turn."To a summer full of fresh starts and new beginnings," Poppy says smiling while shrugging her shoulders slightly. She moves her glass toward Kat and Dana in anticipation."Oooh, I'm sensing some hot goss in your past, Poppy," Kat says, raising her eyebrows as if to ask her to spill the tea."Geez, let her have a sip of her champers before going into her life story Kat!" Dana says, shaking her head at the other girl while chuckling. Poppy laughs too, as they all clink and drink."So what are your types on paper then girls?" Poppy says looking to each of her new companions. "Love anyone who can make me laugh till I cry. If you’ve got the bants, you’re getting in my pants," Dana says immediately, causing Poppy and Kat both to giggle."Don’t really have a type. As long as they’re a 6-foot, confident, bad boy with muscles and tats," Kat says, pausing briefly before adding, "I get bored fast and I need a boy who can keep me on my toes. Or I’ll run riot." I can already tell you're going to be a handful, I hope that's confidence, it looks good on you. Poppy thinks to herself before adding, "sounds like you know what you want, Kat.""I might mix it up a bit in here. My Nan wants me to find a 'nice boy'," Kat says, miming the air quotes, as if she believes in nice boys as much as she believes in Santa. She looks slightly embarrassed, adding, "I must've dated every player in Basildon.""I might've dated one or two of those in Manchester," Dana says."I might know one myself," Poppy says before quickly adding, "but that's why we're here ladies. New boys!""Hear, hear!" Dana exclaims as Kat woops, and the girls clink glasses again. Suddenly, Kat's phone pings."Guys! I got a text!" Kat says excitedly, pulling her pink phone out of her pocket to read it. Poppy and Dana peer over each of Kat's shoulders to read the first text of the season.
Girls, get ready to meet the boys! There might even be an unexpected surprise for one of you!
#HereComeTheBoys #FirstCoupling
"Unexpected surprise?" Poppy says, looking to the other girls and biting her lip nervously, a habit she's done as long as she can remember. "What does that mean?""I reckon they've got a proper plot twist lined up for this year," Kat says, "so we should be ready for anything. There are fewer of us than normal..." "So looking our best is a must-must!" Dana says excitedly and starts heading into the villa, "let's go see the dressing room and get ready! You have no idea how stoked I am to get into a bikini!"When the trio arrive in the dressing room, Kat and Dana immediately start buzzing around it, excitedly putting on their makeup, and digging through their luggage. Poppy sits next to Dana at the vanity and pulls out her makeup bag, a pensive look on her face. She makes eye contact with Dana in the mirror."I can't stop thinking about the surprise," Poppy finally says, breaking the excited silence, "what in the world could it be?" Poppy notices herself biting her lip in the mirror and stops, trying to break the nervous habit. She applies some lipstick in her favourite shade of nude."You know whatever it is, it's gonna be big!" Kat says as she steps into pink bikini bottoms. "Maybe we'll get two boys each!" she adds, her face brightening significantly. Poppy can't help but chuckle.This girl knows what she wants, I love that. Poppy thinks with a smile. Poppy is all about confidence and self-love, especially after she struggled with those things herself for so long."Don't stress, dress!" Dana says, laughing to Poppy who gives Dana a small smile. Poppy turns to her wardrobe to pull out her teal and pink bikini from her suitcase. It was the one she decided on wearing to the first coupling after some internal debate on the flight to Mallorca."Even if the surprise isn't about me, I want to stand out," Kat says as she clasps the front of her bikini top on, finishing her look. She checks herself out in the mirror, posing confidently. Poppy finishes changing in her bikini, brushing her fingers quickly through her hair in the mirror next to Kat. Poppy's phone lights up with a notification, and she looks up to Kat and Dana excitedly."Guys! I got a text!" Poppy says, opening her phone to read it out.
Poppy, the boys are waiting by the pool for the first coupling. You get first pick of the boys!
#TakeYourPick #FirstChoice
"As if you get first choice!" Kat says grumpily but quickly shakes it. "Go get em, girl!" Dana says happily, lightly pushing Poppy toward the door to the lawn where the boys are waiting. Poppy laughs and opens the door, stepping out into the garden where she sees two boys waiting for her by the pool. When the boys see Poppy, they both cheer.The first boy is tall, he has a light complexion, blond hair and blue eyes with well-defined cheekbones and chiselled features, the other boy is shorter, with dark hair and a dark complexion with softer features and a friendly, lopsided smile. Both boys are in very athletic shape, and Poppy can tell they're both flexing their muscles."Here we go!" the first boy exclaims as he pushes his blond hair out of his eyes. "Now we're talking!" the second boy says happily, smiling at Poppy. Taking a deep breath, Poppy smiles at them both, giving them each a small hug as she approaches. I know I'm not nearly as outgoing as Kat or Dana, but maybe not everyone is into that anyway. Poppy thinks, trying to settle her nerves."Hey boys!" Poppy says, a big smile on her face, "ready to get this thing going? I'm Poppy.""I'm Alfie," the shorter man says, "you seem like a total vibe and I reckon we're gonna have a laugh.""I hope so!" Poppy says, giving him a cheeky grin, which he returns."Hey Poppy, my name is Eddie," the blond man says, flashing Poppy a perfect smile.Oof, I'm sure he's broken a load of hearts with that one. Poppy thinks to herself, smiling back at him.Eddie adds, "you are absolutely my type on paper, gorgeous. I can't wait to get to know you.""I saw some factor 50 by the daybeds if you want to lay it on any thicker," Alfie says, playfully nudging Eddie in the ribs. "Just being real, bro," Eddie says, rolling his eyes at Alfie. "Just winding you up, mate!" Alfie replies with a laugh. Poppy chuckles lightly. Behind Poppy, another man quietly approaches without her noticing. Why are there only two boys when there are three girls? I wonder if the 'surprise' is an immediate dumping? Poppy thinks nervously, not loving her chances over Kat and Dana. Both women were both gorgeous and confident, and Poppy knows she can definitely be on the quieter side. She shakes off the thought."Is it just you two?" Poppy says politely, biting her lip nervously. Right on cue, the man behind Poppy clears his throat. Eddie and Alfie see the immediate recognition on Poppy's face in response to the sound.No. It can't be. Poppy thinks, her body automatically tensing slightly. Coincidence. Anyone can sound like anyone else while clearing their throat...Poppy turns around quickly, in an almost knee-jerk reaction fashion. The man smiles at Poppy, his bright green eyes looking her up and down in a not-so-subtle fashion as he fixes her with his best smouldering smile. Poppy steps back slightly when she realises how close he is."Hello, beautiful. I always knew we'd see each other again," the man says to Poppy with an air of familiarity.Maybe he didn't know I was coming. Maybe this is a coincidence. Poppy thinks in a panic, realising that of course, Suresh was the 'surprise' the producers alluded to earlier."Didn't expect to see you here, Suresh," Poppy says as indifferently as she can muster after a brief silence. The first words she's said to him since before finding the photograph on his phone that day."I bet you didn't," Suresh replies with a smirk."Well, you might as well explain whatever you're going to so we can move on," Poppy remarks unhappily."That's all you're going to give me?" Suresh asks Poppy with a slight pout. "After all this time?"You're lucky I'm giving you anything at all. Poppy thinks internally."I'm busy meeting new boys now, in case you didn't notice," Poppy replies instead, deadpan. Eddie and Alfie look at each other briefly and smile."So you did actually date?" Eddie says, making it evident to Poppy that not only did Suresh know she was going to be here, but that he had said something about her to the other boys before she came out. Poppy can feel her heart sink a little, worried about what he may have told them. Suresh was well known to spin the truth to work in his favour; he did it professionally after all, being a lawyer."For over a year," Suresh says, not taking his eyes off of Poppy. "But I don't kiss and tell." He gives Poppy a wink.Poppy scrunches her nose in disgust, thankful for the distraction when Alfie pipes up, "Something tells me you're dodging for a reason, Suresh.""Getting the same," Eddie chimes in, smiling at Poppy before turning back to Suresh, "What went down?""I told you guys, that's personal between me and Poppy," Suresh says quickly and Poppy rolls her eyes.Deflecting, as usual. Poppy thinks sarcastically, familiar now with a lot of Suresh's manipulation tactics after spending the last year in therapy to repair the emotional damage his cheating had done on her."All I'll say is that mistakes were made and we broke up," Suresh says, quickly adding when Poppy scoffs at him in disbelief, "well, she broke up with me.""I ghosted you if you recall. But please, enlighten us all as to why," Poppy says unimpressed. Eddie and Alfie smile to each other again, clearly delighted with their chances after seeing Suresh and Poppy together. If you're going to be here, I'm not letting you get off that easily, Suresh. Poppy thinks, looking at Suresh with an air of smugness."Wow, we're going straight off," Suresh replies, slightly nervous. He's never seen Poppy so angry before, not even during that fight. " there's a lot to it..." Suresh trails off. When noticing how unimpressed Poppy looks he adds, "defo two sides to this story."Alfie looks to Poppy before looking back at Suresh. "Spill, Geezer.""I slipped up one night," Suresh replies quickly, clearly trying to rush past the subject.Won't even say the word 'cheated'. Poppy rolls her eyes. Haven't changed a bit in the last year, have you Resh?"Would love to know the 'second' side to that story, Suresh," Poppy says, staring back at him so intensely he averts his gaze momentarily."Not cool, bro," Eddie says angrily to Suresh, maybe laying it on a little thick for Poppy's sake. Poppy turns her attention to Eddie and Alfie.If he's going to play his whole 'lie by omission game', I'm not even going to look at him anymore. Poppy tells herself, trying to be more confident than she's actually feeling. I've worked hard for this. Suresh is not going to ruin anything else for me, ever again. "It was a one-time thing," Suresh says, trying to make eye contact with Poppy, but she's purposely avoiding his gaze."It's never a 'one-time thing' though, is it?" Alfie says, stoking the flames he can see burning in Poppy's eyes."There's a lot you don't know about me, but me being here changes the game boys," Suresh says confidently, his smile faltering slightly when he notices Poppy is still refusing to look at him. He recovers quickly."Or makes me and Alfie look like better options," Eddie says, giving Poppy a cheeky wink. "Things are certainly looking better, and better for you two," Poppy laughs, trying to relax the tension she can feel in her shoulders. She gives the boys a flirty wink of her own. "Well, I for one am looking forward to getting to know you, Poppy," Eddie says flirtily. Poppy smiles at him."What do you boys do? Tell me about yourselves," Poppy says, wanting to get to know a bit more about the person she'll be spending the first few nights in the villa with. "My old man and I have a family building firm," Alfie says first, clearly proud of this fact."A building firm?" Poppy clarifies, "Like a contractor you mean?" Alfie nods. "That's neat What do you build?""Well, I could start with building a wall between you and Suresh if you like?" Alfie says, smiling when Poppy lets out a quiet chuckle."Hilarious," Suresh seethes, clearly unimpressed with Alfie and unhappy with how this is playing out so far."Might take you up on that Alfie," Poppy says before turning to Eddie, "what about you, Eddie?""I’m a country boy originally. But often in London chilling with mates or doing modelling work." Eddie says, flashing his toothy grin at Poppy.Explains the heartbreaker smile. Poppy thinks to herself."Truth is, I’ve been single for a while and I’m definitely ready for something serious… with the right girl. What do you think, think that could be you Poppy?" Eddie asks, giving Poppy his best smouldering look. To Poppy's delight, Suresh looks incredibly unimpressed."You might be a bit of me, Eddie," Poppy says to him flirtatiously. Suresh shakes his head, letting out a low puff. "Glad you're on board Poppy, you're a bit of me too," Eddie says confidently. "What about me babe," Suresh asks Poppy playfully, "do I get a chance to get a proper chat?"Not unless you're about to tell me more about these 'two sides'. Poppy thinks to herself sarcastically."I think I’ve heard enough from you already, Suresh." Poppy says coldly, not even looking in his direction. "No reason for us to talk anymore." Suresh looks away for a moment, his jaw tightening a little."Right then," Poppy says after a moment, breaking the awkward tension, "I guess it's time to choose. If any of you fancy me, please step forward."To Poppy's surprise, all three men immediately step forward without hesitation. Eddie and Alfie look to Suresh surprised."Ballsy mate," Alfie says laughing, "you really think she's gonna pick you?""This girl’s full of surprises. Our future’s a bit of a mystery, boys. Like our past," Suresh says, looking at Poppy with intensity. I swear, my eyes are going to roll right out of my head if he keeps this up. Poppy can't help but think. Was he always this... annoying?
Poppy shakes the thought out of her head and smiles at Eddie and Alfie."Well, I've just met you two, but I think I'll couple up with.... Eddie!" Poppy says, before skipping over to him, giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. Eddie returns the cheek kiss, grinning happily."Super pumped you picked me," Eddie says quietly in Poppy's ear, putting an arm around her.Kat is next to step out of the villa, her hips swaying in an exaggerated manner as she walks out confidently.If I came off half as confident as she is right now, I'd say I did pretty good. Poppy thinks. "Sorry to break this up," Kat says, before quickly adding, "but not really." She winks at the boys with a giggle. She continues, "it's my turn now. Hi boys, I'm Kat and if you like the look of me, step forward."Suresh and Alfie both step forward for Kat, showering her with compliments. Internally, Poppy breathes a sigh of relief seeing Suresh step forward for someone other than herself."Thanks boys, you're both fire too. Could see me having fun with either one of you," Kat says, before turning to Poppy and Eddie, "but there's defo something about you, Eddie. Or rather, six somethings." she gestures to Eddie's abs. "Sorry Poppy, I gotta go with my gut. I choose Eddie."Is she seriously playing this game? He didn't even step forward for her. If I end up with Suresh because of this... Poppy stops herself before continuing the thought. Early days, it's fine.
Eddie gives Poppy an apologetic smile as she steps away from him. Her phone pings."Guys, I got a text," Poppy says, trying not to sound disappointed.
Poppy, as Kat has coupled up with your partner, you are now single. Please make your way to the subs bench.
Poppy shuffles over to the subs bench, ignoring Kat as she rubs her hands up and down Eddie's abs while eyeing Poppy pointedly. I thought I was pretty nice to her. Poppy thinks as she looks around the rest of the garden, ignoring Kat. Why is she acting like this is something personal?Finally, Dana stumbles out of the villa, literally, cracking a joke about being a giraffe in heels that gets a chuckle out of everyone. When Dana asks anyone interested in her to step forward, Eddie does immediately, causing Kat's face to go from gloating at Poppy to sour-grapes in an instant. Kat is sent to join Poppy on the subs bench, and told that she and Poppy will be given another opportunity to choose. It's probably best if I just continue to ignore Kat until I can get a better read on her. Poppy thinks, biting her lip again. Pleeeeease let me go first. Poppy begs the universe silently.Poppy's heart sinks ever so slightly when she hears a ping come from a phone that isn't her own. Kat pulls her phone out excitedly and reads aloud:
Kat, as you and Poppy are now single, you will need to choose new partners. Please couple up with one of the remaining boys.
#NewCouple #PickandMix
Fuck. Please pick Suresh. Please please PLEASE pick Suresh. Poppy internally begs Kat, desperately wanting to be nowhere near him.Kat stands up from the bench happily, already making her way over to the boys. "I want to couple up with Alfie!" she says, her confidence unwavering. When she reaches him she gives him a peck on the cheek.Poppy reluctantly turns her attention to Suresh and approaches him without enthusiasm. Suresh grins at Poppy, giving her a flirtatious wink."When it's meant to be, it's meant to be," Suresh says smiling happily and opening his arms to Poppy, dropping them quickly when he notices she's not interested. I wonder what my friends and family at home think of all this. Poppy wonders, realising that at minimum her brothers, parents and Leon are probably livid watching this happen. They weren't big fans of Suresh after what he did to her. Frankly, with the exception of Leon who had never met Suresh, they weren't big fans of him before what he did to her, either."Well, that's the first coupling done and dusted," Dana says, trying to break the awkward tension and looking around at the pairs, "what's next?" Right on cue, her phone pings with a text.
The first coupling isn't FINN-ished yet! #BombshellComing
"Love it!" Dana says after reading the text aloud. Maybe they'll choose Suresh and I will go home? Poppy finds herself thinking almost hopefully. Kat's attention is off to the villa, she quickly intakes a breath before dreamily lilting "Oh. my. days!" Poppy snaps out of her thoughts and looks to the doors at what's caught Kat's attention.A taller man covered in tattoos, with long auburn hair hanging loose over his shoulders steps out of the villa, swaggering confidently toward the islanders. <Or maybe he'll choose me and Suresh will go home! Poppy thinks a little more cheerfully. This was the first time the first-day bombshell was a man, so she was a bit surprised."Hello, beautiful people!" the man says in a thick Irish accent, grinning widely at everyone. "What's the craic? I'm Finn."He's my best chance at getting away from Suresh right now. Poppy thinks, internally cringing at herself for her next thought, time to up my flirt game a bit.
"You must be Irish? I love your accent," Poppy says flirtily to Finn who smiles broadly in return to the compliment. "Very kind, I'm from Dublin. You're unbelievable," Finn says back, giving Poppy a suggestive wink before turning to the other boys, "how lucky are we?"Finn's phone can be heard alerting them to a text. He pulls his phone from the pocket of his khaki shorts and reads aloud,
Finn, in 24 hours you'll get to couple up with the girl of your choice. The boy no longer in a couple will be left single and at risk.
#StealingHearts #TakeYourPick
Time to put myself out there. I can convince him to choose me in 24 hours, right? Poppy thinks nervously. "Well, Finn, I know who I'd like for you to pick," Poppy says, smiling at Finn cheekily, trying to mask her nervousness with confidence. Suresh seethes beside her, catching the attention of Finn who looks knowingly between the two."Suresh is your ex!? Let’s just say he’s got great taste. You’re a real beour!" Finn says, winking at Poppy who blushes. "Beour?" she asks Finn."Beauty," Finn clarifies. Poppy blows him a kiss, causing Suresh to shift uncomfortably. Before he can say anything, Dana's phone pings.
Islanders, in a couple hours you'll be participating in an icebreaker game. Until then, get to know each other and see what sparks fly!
#NewBeginnings #OldFlames #SparksWillFly #GetOnLikeAHouseOnFire
Poppy turns to Finn. "I'd love to get to know you better, Finn," Poppy says to the man, ignoring Suresh entirely. "Would you be interested in having a chat?" Beside her, Suresh rolls his eyes."I think we should probably catch up first, Poppy," Suresh says, gently grabbing Poppy's arm. To Finn's amusement, she shrugs Suresh off, continuing to ignore him."Lead the way, Beour," Finn says with a chuckle and holds his arm out for Poppy to hold. She does so happily, leading him to a more secluded area.Once the pair arrive at the sunloungers Poppy lets out a breath she didn't realise she was holding, the tension in her shoulders automatically relaxes when she's out of Suresh's reach. The pair sit on the edge of two loungers facing each other, their knees touching slightly. "So what do you do for a living, Finn?" Poppy asks the man who smiles at her in return."I make people happy for a living!" Finn replies, tucking a piece of Poppy's hair behind her ear, smiling at her when she blushes. "I run a craft brewery with a couple of my pals.""Very neat!" Poppy says excitedly, causing Finn to chuckle. Her cheer and enthusiasm are quite infectious. "do you enjoy it?""I love it!" Finn says honestly, looking Poppy in the eyes, "a lot more work than you might think, but I love that look someone gets when they love one of our new brews. Makes it all worth it. I must say Poppy, you are so beautiful when you blush." Poppy blushes again to Finn's amusement. There's something about Finn that reminds me of Leon... Poppy realises before shaking off the thought. She doesn't want to compare a new potential love interest to her best friend. "What about you? What do you do on the outside?" Finn asks Poppy. She smiles at the man, noting this is the first question outside of her intentions on the show or Suresh that anyone's asked her about herself."I'm in school," Poppy says, continuing when Finn nods, indicating interest, "I'll be in my second year of medical school when this is over." Finn raises his eyebrows in awe."Beautiful AND smart!" Finn exclaims, causing Poppy to chuckle. "How has nobody managed to snatch you up yet?" he ribs her playfully. Poppy's gaze drifts in Suresh's direction, where he's chatting on the beanbags with Dana before she turns back to Finn. He nods knowingly."Ah. I sense there's some history there," he says gently and Poppy nods."Exactly," Poppy says, emphasizing the next word, "history. I am ready to move on now. I wasn't expecting him here..." "Well, if you want to talk about it, I'm a good listener. And I know some big, strong arms that wouldn't mind having you in them," Finn says with a wink. Poppy laughs."I wouldn't mind getting to know the man attached to those arms," she says to him, "learned a pretty valuable lesson last time." she gestures to the direction Suresh and Dana are in and Finn chuckles."Well, that might have to wait Beour, looks like Dana's on a mission," Finn says, nodding to the beanbags. Poppy looks over to see Dana walking over with a serious look on her face. When she arrives to the pair she smiles at them both."Finn, can I steal Poppy for a mo'," Dana says to the man. He stands, grasping Poppy's shoulder gently."I'm looking forward to getting to know more about you," Finn says with a smile to Poppy, giving her a small wink before turning to Dana, "she's all yours."Poppy takes a sip from her water bottle, gesturing at the spot across from her that Finn recently vacated. Dana takes a seat."So, what did you talk to Suresh about?" Poppy asks, not wanting to beat around the bush. "Direct, I like it," Dana says to Poppy with a laugh, "though I guess we don't have much time before the challenge anyway." Dana lowers her voice, not wanting the others to eavesdrop. "So I dug him out a bit, told him not to be so cocky in his position," Dana whispers excitedly."He's got nothing to be cocky about," Poppy replies simply, "I didn't choose him. Nobody did. But go on then, what did he say?""He agreed with me that he was an idiot for cheating on you," Dana says, eliciting a huff from Poppy."They all say that when they get caught and want what they can't have," Poppy says, clearly unamused, "anything else?""He said you got serious really fast, which wasn't like him. Then he said something about you having a bust-up and 'acting out'," Dana replies, studying Poppy carefully. "'Acting out', huh?" Poppy says with air quotes, "still won't say the word cheated?" Dana laughs before Poppy adds, "did he say anything else?""Just that he needs to figure out where your heads at," Dana says, glancing in Suresh's direction before quickly turning back to Poppy."Thought I made that pretty clear when I left him," Poppy says, eliciting a loud "HA!" from Dana. "Anything about what he's up to?""That's where he got all vague and mysterious, said he needs to speak to you about that," Dana says a bit more seriously, noticing Poppy's lack of amusement. "Course he did," Poppy mutters. A short silence follows while the two women try to figure out what to say next."Are you still attracted to him?" Dana asks, glancing in Suresh's direction again before looking back to Poppy."He cheated on me after our first argument," Poppy says, not sugar-coating Suresh's wrong-doings for his sake, "over something he knew was going to happen from day-dot. So no, can't say I find that attractive. I just want to know why he's here." "Well, you've handled the situ beautifully from what I've heard," Dana says, quickly adding, "he's soooo cocky and you deserve better." She clears her throat nervously before continuing, "anyone would be lucky to have you as their girl. Trust me, I've got a good eye."Poppy smiles at Dana warmly before replying, "thanks Dana, you seem pretty nice yourself." Dana smiles happily in reply, she opens her mouth to say something but stops abruptly. A short silence lingers."How are you going to play it with Suresh then?" Dana finally asks, breaking the silence. Poppy lets out a huff."How would you play it?" Poppy asks carefully, not wanting to turn anyone against Suresh that might take him away from her."Cut loose and put him in his place," Dana replies quickly, causing Poppy to let out a relieved giggle. "I'm going to make it very clear I'm not interested in anything to do with him," Poppy says earnestly, "I've got a lot to talk about with him.""No doubt," Dana replies, "getting it out there isn't the worst idea." Dana turns glance in Suresh's direction again, noticing him approaching the women."You want me to stick around?" Dana asks Poppy quietly, gesturing to Suresh. Poppy looks over to him before turning back to Dana."No, I can handle him," Poppy replies, biting her lip nervously."Where's your head at with him?" Dana asks curiously."I came here to find new love," Poppy says, looking at Dana a bit perplexed, "I literally said that from go. Nothing's changed for me just because he's decided to stalk me to another country or whatever the hell is going on here."Dana lets out a snort in reply and the two women stand as Suresh approaches. "I was hoping you'd say that," Dana says a little flirty. Poppy smiles at her before the women turn to face Suresh."I need to talk to you," Suresh says, looking at Poppy with intensity. Dana gives Poppy a small wave before slinking off, allowing Suresh to occupy the space she once did. Once Dana is out of hearing distance, Poppy turns to Suresh, conscious of how close he is. Poppy's shoulders tense reflexively."So? Talk?" Poppy says angrily, opting to remain standing as Suresh sits down across from her."I need a minute. Seeing you again has got my head spinning all over the place," Suresh says, looking a bit embarrassed. Poppy rolls her eyes.A minute to go over your lies again, you must mean. Poppy thinks angrily."Sounds like you had way more time to prepare for this than I did," she says, referencing chatter with the boys before her arrival. "But I can start if you want, I have plenty to say to you." she adds angrily."I just... I applied out of nowhere one night," Suresh starts, ignoring Poppy, "I didn't know you were going to be here then. Beautiful island, swanky villa, hot girls! You know this place is right up my alley. Thought I could come here and have some fun. But then when I found out you were going to be here too, it felt kind of like fate, you know?" Poppy lets out a huff, rolling her eyes for what feels like the millionth time today."A second chance to put things right, one way or another," Suresh continues, still ignoring her. Hasn't changed a bit. Poppy thinks, still angry."That's what you wanted to tell me?" Poppy asks him incredulously. Suresh makes eye contact with her, holding her gaze intensely."Look, I know I was mainly to blame for how things went wrong with us..." Suresh starts."Mainly?" Poppy replies in disbelief, throwing her hands in the air. "Try entirely.""You ghosted me! You didn't even give me a chance to explain!" Suresh starts angrily, causing Poppy to step back toward her day bed to create distance between the two. Suresh notices and calms down immediately.All a big show, he always could flip his emotions at the drop of a hat. Poppy realises, remembering the few instances Suresh would turn off annoyance or anger at servers under her disappointed stare."I messed up Poppy, badly!" Suresh exclaims, changing his tone to almost begging. "But there are two sides to every story.""Enlighten me," Poppy replies deadpan. Suresh gestures for Poppy to sit, and when she wont, stands in front of her, holding eye contact intensely. The two are only inches apart, confined to the space between the two loungers."You know, it's taking everything in me not to kiss you right now," Suresh says, raising a hand to Poppy's face. He drops it immediately when Poppy doesn't reply, looking down slightly.Deflecting. How very... Suresh of you, Suresh. Poppy thinks. Don't think I'll forget about you trying to blame me for your cheating."Two sides? I'm waiting to hear all about how it's my fault that you can't keep your dick in your pants," Poppy says, crossing her arms. When he doesn't reply, she rolls her eyes. "You're still full of it, it seems.""Full of it maybe, but you love it," Suresh replies, looking back to Poppy's eyes intensely again. Poppy looks at him unamused."The only thing that's loved here," Poppy says, almost sneering, "is the way you love to tell me what I think and how I feel. Let me make this as abundantly clear to you as possible, Suresh. I am NOT here for your games. I am not interested in rekindling anything with you.""I get why you'd say that," Suresh says, shifting slightly closer to Poppy. "but with you and me, we couldn't keep our hands off of each other... and it wasn't just physical. We worked." He pauses before adding, "Life was full of surprises. No two days the same. We had a great thing together.""Especially the surprise of finding a photo of you and another woman nude in bed together," Poppy says to Suresh angrily, crossing her arms a bit tighter. "We're through Suresh. Have been since the second you decided not to be loyal to me.""Maybe we were. But I don’t think it’s too late for us." Suresh says sadly. "I didn't expect to feel this way, but I want you back Poppy."So you stalked me all the way to Mallorca to what, then? Poppy thinks sarcastically, not falling for his manipulative words."Course you do," Poppy decides to say instead, rolling her eyes before turning to walk away from him, "you've always wanted what you can't have." When she's out of the space between the two loungers where she left Suresh, she turns back to him."You cheated on me because I was following my dreams, Suresh. You knew from before we started dating that I was fighting to get into med school. We met in the library while I was studying for my MCAT for fuck sakes! You hurt me because you couldn't control me." Poppy takes a breath, consciously aware of the shaking in her hands. She continues, "No second chances for you, Suresh. No amount of gaslighting or manipulation will ever change what you did to me. This coupling is nothing, I will be grafting on whoever I want. I'll be as 'loyal' now as you were to me when we were in an actual relationship. I suggest you do the same. This coupling means nothing.""I messed up, that's on me," Suresh says, stepping toward Poppy."Say the words, Suresh," Poppy snarls.You CHEATED on me. You fucked another woman. Anything that doesn't make it sound like you accidentally put your dick in someone else, as easily as you accidentally drop a screw or spill a glass of water. Poppy thinks, realising now that she desperately wants him to admit how he's hurt her."I messed up," Suresh replies, feigning ignorance.Poppy rolls her eyes and turns on her heel to walk away. Suresh closes the gap between them in the blink of an eye, grabbing her arm."I know I'll find a way to get you to change your mind about us, Poppy." Suresh says to her before she shakes him off. She notices Dana watching them from the beanbags and heads to her quickly, leaving a surprised Suresh in her wake. Poppy quickly wipes the tears forming under her eyes, silently cursing herself for letting him get to her.Poppy flops down in the beanbag next to Dana, letting out an exaggerated sigh. Dana turns her bag to face Poppy, putting a hand gently on Poppy's knee as a sign of support. "That looked intense a-f," Dana says before sitting back in her chair. "Spill the tea, what did he say?" Poppy adjusts in her bean chair to face Dana, wiggling slightly to get comfortable. "Nothing surprising," Poppy says, exasperated. "I want you back Poppy. I messed up but it's your fault too. Won't say what I did because I haven't actually owned my own actions," she adds in a voice meant to mock Suresh. "The balls on him!" Dana laughs, "what did you say?""That I'm going to be as loyal to him in this coupling as he was when we were in an actual relationship," Poppy says, causing Dana to snort in laughter. "I didn't come here just to get back with him," she adds a little more seriously, " that boy hasn't stopped gaslighting me since he got here. Implied more than once that what happened wasn't entirely his fault, but totally ignores me every time I call him out on it.""If he cheated, that's on him, babe. You deserve better," Dana says gently, leaning toward Poppy, "acting like that is absolutely Player 101, I hope you know I have your back."Poppy smiles at Dana, "thanks Dana, that means a lot." The two sit in comfortable silence for a moment before Poppy pipes up, "I haven't even asked you about your couple yet, I'm so sorry!"Dana laughs, "I get it babe, you got a lot going on.""How's Eddie? Is he as dreamy as he looks?" Poppy asks. Dana flops back into her beanbag, looking at the sky exasperated before sitting back up to look at Poppy again."He's not my usual type..." Dana starts, "but he's really, really, REALLY good-looking. I'm just waiting to see if he's got the bants." She looks around to check nobody is listening before adding quietly, "my hopes are not up so far, suffice it to say." "Hm, that's disappointing," Poppy says seriously, but Dana's already moved onto the next topic."Did you SEE how Kat was throwing herself all over Finn?" changing the subject, Dana asks, brightening up significantly. Poppy laughs."No, I guess I was preoccupied," Poppy replies, looking quickly in the direction of the loungers before looking back to Dana. "Factor 50 everywhere?""Everywhere babe. You're really gonna need to step up your game if you want Finn to pick you tomorrow," Dana chuckles, giving Poppy a knowing look."He's my best chance at getting out of my current situation as soon as possible..." Poppy says quietly. "That's not to say I'm not interested in getting to know him, but I have to admit my motives aren't exactly... innocent." Poppy takes a sip of her water."Or Finn-ocent," Dana replies unexpectedly, causing Poppy to spit her water everywhere."Dana... that was SO bad," Poppy says, giggling. Dana laughs too."You've got solid chat Poppy," Dana finally says after the two settle down. Before Dana can say anything more, her phone pings. She glances at her phone briefly before yelling to everyone "Guys! I got a text!"Kat, Alfie, Finn, Eddie and Suresh eventually make their way over to the pair before Dana reads out,
Islanders, it's time to get to know your new partners! Please head to the firepit for the couples quiz!
#CoupleGoals #FirstTest
"We're gonna smash it out of the park, babe!" Kat says excitedly to Alfie, grabbing his arm and leading the group to the firepit. Poppy hangs back with Dana."Did you get to know anything about Eddie?" she asks her quietly as the two mosey over to the iconic firepit. Dana snorts."Guess I was too busy getting to know you," Dana replies shrugging. "It's just bants though, hopefully Eddie isn't the sore loser type. That'd be a real deal-breaker.""Maybe we can saddle Eddie with Suresh and try to answer for each other?" Poppy says, giggling. Dana smiles widely. When the group reaches the firepit, Finn takes his position as Quizmaster, holding the stack of cards as he waits for the remaining islanders to sit in their couples around him. Each person is handed a small chalkboard and a piece of chalk to write their answers on, and a large chalkboard stands behind Finn with each of the couples names on top of a column. Finn gives Poppy a subtle wink as she sits down next to Suresh, causing her to blush again."Who's ready for the first quiz of the summer!" Finn says in his best game announcer voice. Kat and Dana cheer, waving their chalkboards in the air."I love a good quiz," Dana says happily, "I'm terrible at them. Absolute rubbish, never won one in my life, but I still love them." "Well, there's a first time for everything," Eddie says to Dana, taking her hand. Dana squeezes it happily."I'm pumped to get to know you all better," Alfie says, sharing Dana's enthusiasm. He glances briefly in Poppy's direction. Kat notices, and looks at Alfie in disbelief. Finn chuckles at the pair. "Got anyone particular in mind, Alf?" Finn says to the man, winking at him.Finn sure loves to stir the pot... Poppy thinks, a lot like Leon..."That'd be telling," Alfie says in a joking tone to Finn, laughing and smiling. It's clear that Alfie and Finn are fast friends and that they are already forming their own inside jokes."My man Alfie's playing his cards close to his chest," Finn says, winking at Poppy who looks back at him, clearly confused.Maybe he means me? I haven't spoken to the guy at all yet... Poppy thinks, sneaking a glance at Alfie. His face isn't giving anything away."I know we're all new here, but he ain't your man, Finn," Kat snaps angrily at Finn. "Back off, yeah?"Ooof, I guess I got that confidence bit all wrong. Maybe I'm not the best judge of character... Poppy thinks to herself sadly.Finn laughs in reply to Kat. "Can't make any promises, he's a good lookin' fella," Finn says jovially, winking at Alfie who also laughs."Love this sexy pirate guy already," Alfie says, fist-bumping Finn who returns it happily. "Let's see how ya feel after tomorrow when I choose one of these lovely ladies," Finn says, looking at Kat, then Dana, then Poppy, giving her a subtle wink. Poppy smiles and exaggerates rolling her eyes.Loves stirring the pot, at least I got that one right. Poppy can't help but think."Love bringing that up, don't ya bro?" Eddie says to Finn, clearly annoyed. Dana gives him a look that can only be described as surprised-confused. "Kat and Alfie, you're up first," Finn says, ignoring Eddie and turning to the pair. Kat smiles at Finn and then at Alfie, who takes her hand to give it a short squeeze."We got this in the bag," Kat says confidently, "easily the best couple here." Kat pointedly looks at Poppy who looks back at her confused.Literally anyone is in a better couple than me, what the hell is she looking at me like that for? Poppy can't help but think. Maybe it's just in my head..."We'll get right into it then," Finn says, turning to Alfie "Alf, what's Kat's job?"Alfie smiles excitedly. "I know this one!" he says happily, scribbling quickly on his board. He finishes before Kat even does, and waits anxiously before flipping his board as she finishes."club dancer, all the way."Kat flips her board to reveal an identical answer to Alfie's. She turns to look at Alfie excitedly, squeezing his thigh affectionately. "Way to go babe!""Club dancer?" Finn says curiously, "wouldn't mind seeing some of those moves, Kat!""Maybe I'll show you in private later, Finn," Kat says suggestively. Alfie shifts uncomfortably beside her, but doesn't say anything."Wouldn't say no to that," Finn says before moving on, "Point for Kat and Alfie. Next question is for Kat, Kat, what do you reckon is Alfie's biggest turn on is?" Kat thinks for a moment before writing an answer on her board. Alfie quickly scribbles his and looks at her, anxious to see her answer. Kat flips her board confidently.I reckon he's into lip biting," Kat says, looking at him expectantly. Alfie turns his board somewhat sheepishly."I put 'sex in weird places'," Alfie says with a shrug. "Your thing sounds fun too though.""Maybe you'll find out later," Kat says to Alfie suggestively."The quiz master awkwardly moves on!" Finn says, reminding Kat and Alfie that they're not alone. Kat and Alfie finish their turn with only one point, which Kat decries as an outrage.Up next are Dana and Eddie!" Finn announces, turning his body slightly to face them, "Eddie, what is Dana's hidden talent?""I told you this one!" Dana says, quickly writing her answer on her board. Eddie tenses his face, tapping on his board nervously."Give me a mo', it'll come to me..." Eddie says uncomfortably. Poppy looks to Dana, who is actually laughing. "Eddie, babe, it's no sweat," Dana says, her relaxed nature seems to rub off on Eddie and he immediately seems calmer. "Just write whatever comes to mind, it'll be funny," Dana adds with a laugh. Poppy can't help but laugh along with her, enjoying Dana's chill vibes.Eddie ponders for a moment longer before scribbling on a board. He turns it to display proudly, "Tap dance!" Eddie says excitedly, causing Dana to burst out into full-on laughter. "Babe," Dana says, between giggles, "you watched me stumble in here like a giraffe on skates, I don't think I'm tap dancing without severe injuries anytime soon." Dana takes a breath and flips her board, calming down before adding, "I can put my entire fist in my mouth!"Poppy can't help but break out into giggles along with Dana, recalling Dana's lack of grace perfectly. Dana gives her a small wink before putting on the most serious face she can manage."Next question, please," Dana says to Finn, shaking her shoulders to get back into the game."Dana, lovin' how you go with the flow!" Finn says excitedly. Beside Poppy, she hears Kat give a small huff of jealousy. Poppy shakes her head slightly at Kat's ridiculousness and turns to look at Finn and Dana."Dana," Finn continues, reading out her question, "What is Eddie's favourite sex position?" Finn wags his eyebrows at Dana suggestively, causing the group to laugh. "We defo didn't get into this one yet, so I'm just gonna say mine," Dana says cheerily, clearly not fussed about winning. She writes her answer on her board before displaying proudly, "Spoon-humping!""Spoon-humping?" Suresh asks curiously. Dana laughs."You know, you're both laying on your sides, spooning... and humping!" Dana says."I'm not sure I get it babe, can I get a visual?" Finn asks Dana suggestively. Eddie looks annoyed, shaking it off quickly."I call it side-doggy, but yeah! Same!" Eddie says excitedly flipping his board, and he and Dana hug while Finn marks a point under the column with their name on a chalkboard beside him."I say that counts! Good job Team Edna!" Finn says. Dana shakes her head."Please, no ship names!" she says with a laugh, "okay for thee but not for me!""Noted, good work Eddie and Dana!" Finn says turning to Eddie. "Next question's for you, my man, what is Dana's occupation?""Er.. I don't know, we never got into that," Eddie says, looking at Dana nervously. Dana still looks chill as ever as she writes an answer on her board. He writes an answer as well, flipping his board. "I'm going to guess... teacher!" he adds with a quick look at Dana."Soz babe, way off!" Dana says, flipping her board, "I work in a bar."Dana and Eddie finish their turn with three points, all scored by Dana. Finn turns to Poppy and Suresh"Alright Poppy and Suresh, you're up!" Finn says. Suresh takes Poppy's hand, giving it a small squeeze."We got this, babe," Suresh says to Poppy, who stares straight ahead, frustrated that he's probably right."First ones for the lovely Poppy," Finn says, turning to Poppy. "Tell us Poppy, what is Suresh's occupation?" Suresh turns to Poppy, smiling smugly. I wish he wouldn't do that, it wouldn't hurt as much if it wasn't all just some kind of game to him. Poppy finds herself thinking sadly before she writes her answer on her board. She waits until Suresh finishes with writing his before she clears her throat and says, "he's a corporate lawyer."Suresh smiles, giving Poppy a small wink and flipping his board to reveal an identical answer. "Bang on, babe," Suresh says. Poppy shakes her head."Next one's for Suresh," Finn says, nodding to Suresh, "what is Poppy's favourite sex position?"Poppy thinks for a moment before writing an answer on her board, not the least bit surprised that Suresh is finished before she is. He flips his board, a cocky grin on his face."Doggy, with her laying down," he says, revealing his answer. Poppy rolls her eyes, not the least bit happy that Suresh was right."Doggy while I'm laying down..." Poppy says, slowly revealing her board. Suresh gives her a wink as Finn marks another point in their column. "Looks like we know each other pretty well after all," Suresh says to Poppy. She ignores him."Poppy, your next question about Suresh is..." Finn says to Poppy in his game announcer voice, "what is Suresh's biggest turn on?"I don't know if I actually do know this one. Poppy thinks to herself, tapping her chin. Clearly it's not me. She writes an answer on her board, turning to see Suresh already done writing his. She flips her board tentatively."I guessed... someone running her nails down his back," Poppy answers, looking at Suresh with a shrug. Suresh reveals his board."I put 'the little moan that Poppy does during foreplay',"Suresh says, looking to Poppy, "it got me everytime."Poppy rolls her eyes, not impressed with Suresh's showboating. Sure Suresh, of all the women you've had sex with, your biggest turn-on of all time is the sound I make during foreplay. "Too bad, Suresh," Finn says with a laugh, looking down at his cards before looking back at Suresh, "final question for is for you, Suresh, why would you cheat on such a lovely girl?" "That supposed to be a joke, mate?" Suresh asks a grinning Finn angrily."Is that actually the question?" Eddie asks, looking between Finn and Suresh surprised. Finn chuckles."Nah, I went off script," Finn says with a shrug. "Just wanted to know, really."Wouldn't we all? Poppy thinks sadly. As angry as she is with Suresh, she knows it's only because of how badly he hurt her. Poppy is distracted from her thoughts as Finn continues."The actual final question is.... who is Poppy's best friend?" Finn asks, still grinning."Oh that's easy," Suresh says with a smile at Poppy before writing quickly on his board.Poppy scribbles Leon's name on her board. He won't get this one, I met Leon the day Suresh and I broke up. Poppy thinks to herself, looking at Suresh curiously.I wonder who he so confidently thinks it is though?Suresh smiles at Poppy before flipping his board, saying, "it's Leon."Poppy can feel the colour drain from her face as the other islanders look at her curiously. She doesn't flip her board."How.. do you know that?" Poppy asks him slowly. Her face has a look of complete surprise.Suresh smiles at Poppy confidently. "I told you babe, I know you."Poppy leans closer to Kat next to her, for the second time today she tries to create distance between herself and Suresh."I met Leon the day I left you, Suresh," Poppy says blinking away the surprise on her face. She can feel the colour rushing back to her cheeks as her surprise turns into anger."And I met him one night at a bar the next week," Suresh says to Poppy, he feigns a look of surprise. "Did he never tell you?"Poppy feels like the floor is being pulled from underneath her as she processes what Suresh is telling her, and what that means for her friendship with Leon."I don't know what your game here is Suresh," Poppy says, carefully considering her words before continuing, "but I don't believe that you and Leon are friends, if that's what you're implying." Suresh only smiles smugly in reply.Did Leon know Suresh was going to be here?Poppy asks herself in disbelief. He was the one who encouraged her to come to Love Island after all. He was the one who helped me make my audition video, and the one who helped me fill out my application forms. Leon was the one who told me exactly what to write about my experience with Suresh.... Poppy barely registers Finn wrapping up the game, lost in her own thoughts. Once Poppy registers the game is over she stands up quickly and politely excuses herself from the firepit, heading to the beach hut. I need to sort myself out. There's no way Leon would betray me like this. Suresh is just trying to get into my head.Poppy takes a deep breath as she closes the door to the Beach Hut before turning to the camera, aware that she was going to have to talk to it, and the UK, about this. She places herself in the middle of the loveseat, taking another deep breath before reading the text she's just received, the questions the producers would want her to answer.
Poppy, tell us why you left the firepit so quickly?
"I left because I don't believe Suresh, and I was angry at him for spinning something that I'm sure isn't true," Poppy says, surprisingly calmly to the camera as she watches the blinking red light. "Suresh can turn the smallest thing into the biggest implication without telling a single lie. He's trying to get into my head, and it's unnerving to be honest." Poppy takes a deep breath before continuing, "I don't doubt that he ran into Leon shortly after I met him," Poppy says honestly, feeling slightly strange about being so open to a load of strangers. She continues candidly, "what I do doubt is that it meant anything. I noticed he didn't say anything when I told him I didn't believe what I thought he was implying. That's how he plays his game, and Leon's not even here to explain his side if the story, which I find just too convenient for Suresh. Regardless, of the two, one of them cheated on me. The other has been my support system and best friend for the last year, I know which I trust more. Not even a contest, and Suresh had really be careful about trying to make it one." Poppy shifts in her seat and looks at her phone, waiting for the next text.
Speaking of Suresh, how did you feel when you first saw him?
Uncomfortable? Worried? Devastated? Angry? Pissed? Like I should turn around and walk away? Like you've made me an indispensable part of the drama on your show?Poppy thinks sarcastically before landing on,"Fine. Suresh has just as much right to be here as I do," Poppy surprises herself with her calmness, "I just hope he will stop playing these games, I'm not having fun, and that was the point of coming here." Poppy looks down at her phone as she receives another text.
If your dream boy were to walk into this villa today, what would he look like?
"Oliver from last season," Poppy says with a giggle. "But seriously, just... someone sweet as, loves spending time outdoors and in the water just like me, kind and caring, creative and thoughtful," Poppy continues honestly. "I don't want someone who is going to play mind games with me all summer, I'm looking for something serious..." Poppy trails off. She receives another text.
That was lovely. Thank you for your time Poppy, you may return to the islanders now.
Poppy already feels a sense of relief, having said her thoughts out loud. She gives the camera a little wave before she opens the door and leaves the beach hut, ready for whatever they throw at her next.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Somewhere in London, the production team sits watching Poppy's Beach Hut interview anxiously for what feels like the millionth time. The producers had decided to air the first episode live to a paid subset of viewers this year in an attempt to mix things up after the blow of massive budget cuts had cut the number of contestants they could bring onto the show to less than half of normal. They knew immediately upon seeing Poppy's audition tape that she would be popular with the public, and they called Suresh upon finding out about him. To their luck, Suresh didn't need much convincing to come onto the show, and the producers were convinced they had a hit season on their hands.The team was completely flabbergasted by the negative feedback they'd been getting from the public so far; they thought for sure they had a rating shoo-in with the Suresh-Poppy reunion, only to find the public was utterly unimpressed; threatening to boycott the show unless something changed quickly. Subscribers were already trickling out after the first three hours alone, hopping on social media to warn others about the "toxicity" of this season. At least they already had tonnes of material for the Social Media challenge, if the season managed to make it that far.Nobody on the senior production team could figure out who sent Poppy the last text, asking her about her dream partner. Initially, they were livid that someone would go off script, jeopardizing the season even further when they didn't have a plan for her response. The mood in the room seemed to change as though a switch had flipped however when the social media comments started coming in about Poppy; it was clear she was a fan favourite and the public seemed to resonate with her candidness. At least they called that one right."We have to call him," one of the producers mumbles into his hand, frustrated."Not yet," another one says in reply, "it's only day one, maybe things will turn around."One of the assistants sits quietly in the back corner of the room, relieved that the senior team decided to stop investigating who sent the text. She turns her attention to the live feed of the villa beside her, silently cheering Poppy on as she quietly slides her production phone into her pocket. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________In Falmouth, Oliver sits at a desk in his flat working on art for flash tattoos with Dandelion curled up in his lap. His phone suddenly rings, startling him. Oliver glances at the screen to see Angie's face, a silly selfie she took herself one night while they were catching up in London with some of the other Season 4 Islanders.Oliver puts his pen down and picks up his phone."Oli, did you see that?!" Angie says, not even letting him say hello. "Uh hello Angie, lovely to hear from you," Oliver says with a friendly chuckle. "See what?" he asks her, absentmindedly scratching behind Dandelion's ears."The live feed of Season 5 started today!" Angie says, her tone exasperated, "oh man. You missed... sooooooo much! Quick, turn it on!"Oliver laughs, causing Dandelion to look up at him grumpily before jumping off his lap. "It's only day one, it can't be that much, Angie," Oliver says, amused. "Go on then, fill me in since you're so eager," he says, waiting expectantly. Angie was a lot more excitable and free since being on the show, and Oliver really enjoyed their chats, especially when Angie got so excited. "To start with, Bruno, Siri and Lexi are already doing PR damage control on their Social Media feeds. Some of these new guys are making Lexi look like a saint to be honest." Angie starts, Oliver huffs curiously, getting up to grab his laptop from his coffee table and boil the kettle to make some tea. Angie continues, "they're not all awful, but they brought some poor girl's ex on this season and there are some real concerns there. But on a more positive note, and the whole reason that I rang you.... somebody has a crush on yooooou," Oliver breathes a small laugh, shaking his head. He asks jokingly, "should I hop on my socials for damage control now or...?" "No, no, she seems like a good one. The one they brought her ex on," Angie says, adding a little quickly, "she's already having a rough go. Which you would know yourself if you would go turn it on!""Oh?" Oliver asks curiously, returning to his desk with his laptop and a cup of tea. He tucks his mobile between his shoulder and his ear, freeing his hand to navigate to the feed on his computer."Let me know what you think, I have a gut feeling about her," Angie says curiously, before quickly adding, "shoot, I gotta go. Watch the feed, I'll call you later!" Angie ends the call abruptly, something that wasn't unusual for her. Oliver puts his phone down beside his laptop at the corner of his desk and lets the live feed of the villa play in the background as he continues his drawing, glancing occasionally at the screen beside him.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Feeling a lot calmer, Poppy leaves the beach hut. Not looking for anyone in particular, she makes her way back to the firepit. When Poppy arrives she notices that Alfie and Finn are the only islanders still there, it seems everyone dispersed after the game. Poppy looks around briefly, noticing Eddie and Dana chatting on the day beds and Kat and Suresh chatting by the pool. Alfie and Finn smile at Poppy as she approaches them."Beour!" Finn says, standing to give Poppy a hug which she happily accepts, "we were worried about ya, what happened there?"Poppy shrugs as she pulls away from Finn, a smile on her face. "No need to worry about little old me," Poppy says playfully to Finn, "I just needed a moment... I'm all good now." It was really nice of you to ask though, Poppy thinks to herself happily, realising she really does like Finn. She knew it was not just because he can save her from her current predicament with Suresh, but she still wasn't sure if her feelings were romantic or strictly platonic."Well we won't pry then, will we Alfie?" Finn says to Alfie who nods in agreement."Course not," Alfie says in reply before looking to Poppy. "Poppy can I grab you for a quick chat?"Finn looks at Alfie curiously. "Sorry to be that fella mate, but there's something I need to talk to Poppy about too. Mind if I jump in first real quick?" Finn says to Alfie. Alfie huffs in frustration."Actually, I do mind mate," Alfie says, looking back to Poppy, "there's things I need to talk to Poppy about too and we haven't had a chance to have a word yet." Poppy looks between the boys curiously, wondering what they were talking about before her arrival."There's plenty of time to catch up boys," Poppy says with a gentle smile. "Decide between yourselves who will meet me there first, I'll wait for you at the roof terrace and talk to the other right after." Poppy makes her way to the terrace casually, not wanting to deal with whatever chest-puffing display that was about to go down.Once she arrives at her destination, Poppy doesn't even have a moment to think before the door swings open revealing a very happy Finn. Poppy returns his smile warmly."Hey stranger," she says, motioning for Finn to sit beside her on the bench. He does so eagerly."Proper chuffed we're doing this again," Finn says to Poppy, sitting next to her, "I really enjoyed our last chat." He looks around the plant-filled terrace before adding, "what a view this is!"
"Right?" Poppy says excitedly, "it's so beautiful up here.""I meant you, Beour," Finn says with a flirty wink, causing Poppy to blush again. He gently rubs a finger on her warm cheek before saying, "this shade of red is particularly adorable on you." Finn places his hand on top of Poppy's on the bench.Poppy laughs, slightly embarrassed. She doesn't move her hand. "So tell me Finn, what was so important to chat about right this moment?" she looks at him curiously.
"Well Beour, I got a big decision to make tomorrow," Finn says with a chuckle. "Cards on the table, you've definitely caught my eye first."
Poppy looks down with a smile, pleased that she and Finn are hitting it off so well. She looks at him again and gives him a wink. I do like Finn well enough to give things an honest go with him.... Poppy thinks to herself, still uncomfortable with the idea of competing for Finn to get away from Suresh, but grateful at least that she was open to the idea of making it work."And why's that?" Poppy says flirtatiously. Finn smiles at her warmly."You're interesting," Finn says earnestly, looking Poppy directly in the eyes, "you're quiet, but you don't seem too shy about going after what you want."Poppy laughs. I'm glad it appears that way I guess, she thinks to herself. "What about Kat and Dana?" she asks Finn, studying his face, "did either of them catch your eye too?""I won't lie, you're all stunning women," Finn answers honestly. "Tomorrow's gonna be a tough call.""So you haven't made a decision?" Poppy prods. Finn squeezes her hand beneath his, looking away from Poppy briefly before turning back to her and answering."Not yet," Finn says, looking Poppy in the eyes, "I'm going to take it as it comes, see who I have the best connection with.""Smart," Poppy replies with a nod, "you definitely turned a few heads with your entrance. Seems you're not afraid of stepping on any toes."Finn chuckles. "Nah, we've all only known each other for a minute," he says with a laugh, "except you and Suresh of course." It's Finn's turn to study Poppy's face, and he notices her smile slightly falter at the mention of Suresh's name.Please don't factor Suresh into choosing me or not, Poppy begs Finn internally. Not wanting to come off as desperate she decides not to mention it (though, she had to admit to herself that the feeling she was having regarding getting away from Suresh was at least bordering on desperation)."Yeah," Poppy says with a sigh shifting uncomfortably, "history, though, if you recall."Finn laughs, "of course Beour, I won't mention him again if it makes you uncomfortable.""It's not that..." Poppy replies, "it's just..." she takes a breath before continuing, "I would just rather not talk about him. I don't want him to get in the way of anything new I might find here." Finn nods. "Are you worried about Suresh getting between us?" Poppy asks him, biting her lip nervously."The exact opposite," Finn says with a laugh, "it kind of turns me on."Poppy laughs and rolls her eyes playfully. "Are you saying you want to crack on with me then?" she asks the auburn-haired man, who mimes zipping his lips shut."Now that'd be telling," Finn says with a wink before adding, "but I'm getting the sense you wouldn't mind terribly if I did?"Now where have I heard that before? Poppy thinks to herself, recalling Alfie's response to Finn asking him a similar question during the game. She answers him playfully, "now Finn, that'd be telling."Finn and Poppy both laugh, enjoying each other's company. Finn looks at Poppy again, adding seriously, "I'm feeling a bit of a cheeky vibe with you Poppy, are you feeling it too?"Non-chantlantly, Poppy replies, "there might be a bit of a vibe here.""Glad my Finn-stincts are on point!" Finn replies, causing Poppy to giggle."Even if your puns aren't?" she retorts, jostling Finn beside her playfully. He laughs."I do love it when a woman puts me in my place," Finn says with a chuckle. Poppy smiles at him, shaking her head."What's your favourite type of beer, Finn?" Poppy asks him after a brief silence. Finn chuckles before pretending to be shocked."Picking a favourite beer as a brewmaster is like picking a favourite child!" he says to Poppy in mock offense. "You can't ask me a question like that!"Poppy giggles and pretends to look ashamed. "How faux-pas of me! I'll never do it again!" she exclaims."I've always been an IPA man," Finn says a little more seriously. He still has a playful glimmer in his eyes that Poppy notices when they make eye contact again. "You're not about to tell me you're a beer drinker, are you?""Not much to be honest, but I don't mind a good lager," Poppy says with a laugh, "IPAs and Sours are defo not my jam, but I'll do a decent porter once in a while, too." Finn looks at her with surprise."I pegged you for a wine drinker," Finn says with a chuckle."Guess there's a lot you don't know about me," Poppy says, adding with a wink, "if you pick me tomorrow maybe you'll find out a lot more, too."Finn smiles and looks at Poppy intensely. The two hold each other's gaze for a moment, sitting in a brief, comfortable silence before Finn says, "if I tried to kiss you right now, would you pie me?"Poppy can feel the blush fly back to her cheeks, confirmed by Finn's chuckle. She bites her lip nervously."Finn, I pegged you for the 'act first, ask questions later' type," Poppy says looking him in the eyes with a smile she adds, "I suppose I might, it is only a few hours into the first day.""Well, I'm looking forward to what the next few hours might bring then," Finn laughs, squeezing Poppy's hand again before saying, "truth is Beour, I'm willing to bet you're worth the wait. Probably smart anyway, after all a kiss isn't just a kiss in the villa..."Poppy looks at Finn curiously before asking, "keeping your options open then?""Just building the tension," Finn says, leaning closer to Poppy. She smiles at him, catching onto his little game. "Fact is, I want to kiss you, and I'm willing to wait for the exact right moment."The two maintain eye contact, still sitting very close to each other. Poppy can feel an electricity between them, and she's more than a little conscious of the warmth of his hand on top of hers. After what feels like an eternity, Finn leans back a little and smiles at Poppy."You don't have to talk about it," Finn starts, Poppy realises now that he's nervous. Finn clears his throat before continuing, "but I have to ask, are you okay? That challenge was really... something."Poppy smiles at Finn, shrugging awkwardly. "I just had to get Suresh out of my head," Poppy tells Finn, opening up to him."You looked like you'd seen a ghost when he flipped that board," Finn says seriously, his eyes full of concern. He doesn't continue."I really wasn't expecting him to know Leon," Poppy tells Finn honestly, "I've had Suresh completely blocked on all my socials, everything, since the day before I met Leon," Poppy continues. "So when he did know Leon, it came as a massive surprise....""That's... messed up..." Finn starts, and Poppy can see him getting angry."No, it's probably not what you're thinking," Poppy tells Finn quickly, calming Finn down immediately. "I don't know how he knows Leon, but I'm sure he does somehow. I just think he's exaggerating what he knows. Or their relationship. Or something. I'm not going to jump to any conclusions without Leon around, he deserves a chance to have a say, especially if Suresh is 'saying' all over the place."To Poppy's surprise, Finn looks impressed. He gives her an approving nod before he says, "that's real mature of you, Beour. I have to admit I think you're onto something there."
Poppy nods sadly. "Suresh has always played little games, at least as long as I've known him," Poppy tells Finn, "even our relationship started, and in hindsight I guess, ended, in one of his little games." Finn looks at Poppy curiously, encouraging her to continue. "I wanted nothing to do with him when we first met," Poppy says, laughing at the memory. "I was so busy studying for the MCAT and fighting to get into a good school I barely even noticed him."
"He must have loved that," Finn says with a laugh.
"Hated it. Despised it," Poppy says, giggling. She shakes her head. "He came to the library every day for a while, studying for the Bar. He'd set himself up at the other corner of the table I was at, and wouldn't even look at me. To be honest, I didn't even notice at first. But then I did... and then I couldn't stop noticing it." Poppy sighs. "The day he got his Bar results back, he came to the library with the envelope they came in and plopped it right on my book. Tells me, 'Babe, I have you to thank for that. Wouldn't have studied half as much without you.'," Poppy says the last bit in her "Suresh voice". Finn laughs.
"Of course he did," Finn says, still laughing.
"Anyway, he asked me to dinner to celebrate, insisting that I couldn't say no because he had done so well on the Bar, and he at least had to thank me. I agreed, we went out and well..." Poppy says, taking a deep breath before adding, "anyway, the point is, it's always been a game to him, and I have no reason to believe that's stopped anytime recently." Poppy shrugs.
Before Finn can reply the door to the terrace bursts open and Alfie steps in confidently. Poppy raises her eyebrows in surprise.
"Oi mate, Kat's lookin' for ya," Alfie says to Finn, looking between Finn and Poppy with a mischievous smile. "Figured I'd come grab ya before she found the two of ya."
Finn looks at Poppy apologetically. "We can continue this chat later, Beour," Finn says warmly to Poppy who smiles in reply. He turns to Alfie and says, "I suppose I can't say no after queue-jumping you earlier, fella. Where's Kat to then?"
"Said she was coming up here last I heard," Alfie says with a shrug, turning to Poppy, "come on Poppy, I got us a spot at the bean bags."
Poppy follows Alfie, waving at Finn on the way out of the terrace. The first thing Poppy notices when she sits in the beanbag across from Alfie is that Kat and Suresh haven't moved from their spot at the pool. She frowns slightly, turning to Alfie.
"Alfie, did you lie about Kat looking for Finn?" Poppy asks him, her tone casual despite the accusation in her question. She gestures to Kat and Suresh behind Alfie. He looks down sheepishly.
"I may have heard her mention Finn briefly to Suresh," Alfie says before looking Poppy in the eyes, "I guess I just couldn't wait any longer."
Poppy purses her lips briefly. I don't know how I feel about that... she thinks to herself. It is all part of the show though I guess.
"That quiz was jokes though, weren't it?" Alfie asks, breaking the awkward silence before adding, "well, until that last part I guess..."
"It was fun getting to know more about everyone," Poppy answers kindly, ignoring the pointed way Alfie said the last part.
"I keep imagining your sex noise," Alfie says with a laugh. "Wait! No! That came out weird." He looks down, embarrassed.
"That's okay," Poppy says with a chuckle. "Some people might say that about my 'sex noise'," she adds with a laugh. Alfie smiles, relaxing slightly.
"What's your sex noise like then, Alfie?" Poppy asks, not sure what else to talk to him about. The silence is a lot more awkward than with Finn.
"You know the sound a dolphin makes? Yeah, nothing like that," Alfie jokes, smiling warmly when Poppy lets out a genuine laugh. "Glad my jokes are bringing a smile to your face."
"Well you had us all cracking up when I got here too," Poppy says, before grimacing and adding, "well, all of us but Suresh."
"Yeah, couldn't help but give him a bit of banter. I've always clashed with cocky alphas like him," Alfie replies with a smile, which Poppy returns.
"You seem to get on with Finn, though?" she asks curiously. He's just as cocky as Suresh easily, Poppy thinks with a laugh.
"Sexy pirate boy?" Alfie asks, referring to Finn. "Yeah, he's a vibe. Gives it out, but knows how to take it back. Unlike your ex…"
This man needs to learn to stop fishing and say what he means... Poppy thinks to herself. She rolls her eyes before quickly changing the subject. "How's things with Kat?" she asks, fiddling with a loose thread on the beanbag. "You guys did alright on the quiz."
"Pretty sweet," Alfie says happily. "She's got chat and sass, I like that. She's not my usual type, they're usually more chill and down-to-earth."
"She's definitely a firecracker," Poppy adds with a nod. Alfie laughs in agreement.
"How about you, anyone caught your eye?" Alfie asks casually. Poppy bites her lip nervously.
"I've really enjoyed my chats with Finn," Poppy replies. It wasn't a lie, she really did enjoy her chats with Finn, and she could see herself getting along with him. Poppy already promised herself she'd give it an honest go if he picked her, and she was definitely vibing with Finn far more than Alfie, Eddie or Suresh so far, at least right now.
"My heart sank when he walked in," Alfie says, "proper head turner, that one." Poppy laughs.
"You're all good-looking boys," Poppy says with a smile. There's an awkward silence.
The chat definitely doesn't seem to flow as well as with Finn, Poppy thinks to herself, still unsure of what she thinks of Alfie. She continues to play with the loose strand on her bean bag, rolling it between her thumb and finger.
"This is our first proper chat, isn't it?" Poppy finally says, breaking the awkward silence, and looking up at Alfie.
"Seems to be going pretty well!" Alfie says. Poppy would think he was joking if he didn't say it so enthusiastically.
At least one of us thinks so, she thinks, stifling a laugh.
"Look Poppy, I like you and I think we click," Alfie says a little more seriously, leaning forward in his chair. "But I think we should stay friends, at least for now."
Poppy coughs into her hand to hide the confusion on her face before replying, "okay, sure Alfie."
"It's just... I'm sensing some major history between you and Suresh," Alfie continues. Poppy notices Suresh looking over at them moodily from the pool over Alfie's shoulder at the mention of his name.
"Sure..." Poppy says. Where is he going with this? she asks herself.
"But I like you and I don't want to miss my shot with you," Alfie says, leaning closer to Poppy. "I really want to kiss you right now."
"Right now? In front of everyone?" Poppy asks incredulously, Alfie smiles.
"I'm game if you are?" he says, rubbing his hands on his knees.
Is this guy for real? Poppy asks herself in disbelief, "let's be friends. But let's also make out."
"I don't... think that's a good idea Alfie," Poppy replies, looking over Alfie's shoulder at Kat and Suresh again. She notices Suresh say something to Kat, who turns in her and Alfie's direction angrily.
"What the---" Kat says, getting up from her spot next to Suresh, stomping angrily toward Poppy and Alfie. Poppy rolls her eyes.
"Here comes trouble," Poppy mutters, gesturing to Kat behind Alfie for his sake. He turns around, standing to greet Kat.
"Are you for real?!" Kat screeches in Poppy and Alfie's direction as she heads toward the pair. "I need to talk to you! Now!"
Poppy turns to leave, intending to give the new couple privacy.
"Both of you," Kat snaps at Poppy.
Poppy stops short, turning slowly in Kat's direction.
"You don't need to get Poppy involved..." Alfie starts, but Kat cuts him off.
"Oh, but from where I was sitting she looked very involved with you, babe!" Kat says angrily. Poppy inwardly cringes.
Definitely read that wrong, this girl is so insecure, Poppy thinks to herself before gently saying to Kat, "I don't know what you think you saw, but I'm not interested in Alfie." Alfie looks down but Poppy pays him no mind.
"The whole villa saw you two just about to snog," Kat sneers at Poppy, "you were practically sitting in his lap!"
Poppy looks at Kat non-plussed. She shakes her head in disbelief. "You know what, whatever Kat," Poppy says before turning to walk away.
"Whatever happened to girl-code?" Kat yells after Poppy, trying to provoke her. "Cracking on with someone else's guy..." Kat switches tactics and turns to Alfie when she realises Poppy won't react. "She's after you, hun," Kat says angrily to Alfie, "she's a fucking snake!"
Poppy tunes the rest of Kat's nonsense out and heads to the kitchen to refill her water bottle. How is there already this much drama and it's barely after noon on the first day? Poppy asks herself sighing. I tried so hard to be nice to Kat...
"Oh my days, that was a lot," Dana exclaims as she walks into the kitchen to join Poppy, distracting Poppy from her train of thought. "Do you think Kat's gonna let it go?"
Poppy shrugs in reply before saying, "if I've learned anything about that girl in the last four hours, it's that she loves drama and she's unpredictable." Poppy fills her water bottle at the tap, screwing the lid on tightly when she's finished.
"She was totally out of line," Dana says as she perches on a stool across the kitchen island from Poppy. "What did she expect coming here?"
"To be honest, I don't even know what she was getting mad about," Poppy says with a shrug, "she interrupted me midway through pieing Alfie."
Dana looks at Poppy surprised.
"Seriously?" Dana asks, "I thought you'd go for him."
"I can't read him..." Poppy says slowly, confiding in Dana, "he basically pied me and confessed to having feelings for me multiple times just now, without me getting a word in edge-wise." Poppy grimaces. "Maybe it's in my head, but something feels... off."
"Well, I saw you take off with Finn earlier," Dana says, looking around conspiratorily to make sure nobody was listening in. "What was that about?"
Poppy laughs. "Dana! I can't tell you all my secrets!" she says before adding, "we were just chatting."
"Chatting, eh? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?" Dana says teasingly to Poppy. Poppy rolls her eyes, walking around the island to perch on the stool next to Dana.
"He's got good banter," Poppy says shrugging. "If nothing else, I think he'll be a good friend."
Dana perks an eyebrow at Poppy, "friend, huh?"
Poppy laughs. "I guess we'll see," she says quietly, biting her lip. Poppy looks out to the garden, where Kat is with Alfie. She's talking to him animatedly, pointing at him sternly, every once in a while peering over Alfie's shoulder to glare at Poppy.
Poppy stands with a sigh, gesturing in Kat's direction, Dana looks over, nodding knowingly.
"I'm going to go... anywhere else," Poppy says, exasperated. "I'll catch you later, Dana." Dana gives Poppy a small wave as she leaves the kitchen out of Kat's line of sight.
Poppy doesn't have to wander long before Finn and Eddie call out to her to join them on the daybeds. Poppy heads over to them, happy to be away out of Kat's direct line of sight for a while.
"Beour!" Finn says happily in greeting to Poppy, who gives him a friendly wave in hello as she approaches the two boys.
"That confrontation with you and Kat was intense!" Eddie says, a flair of excitement in his eyes.
"Breathing fire, Kat was," Finn adds, flapping his arms. Poppy chuckles.
"Like a chicken?" Poppy teases Finn, who laughs.
"A dragon! Careful Poppy, she'll steal your gold and burn down your village next!" Finn jokes. Poppy and Eddie laugh.
Eddie turns back to Poppy, asking her seriously, "how are you feeling after that?"
Poppy looks down, shaking her head. "Fine," she answers honestly. "Kat's just maybe a little... insecure. I can handle her."
Finn chuckles, gesturing for Poppy to sit between him and Eddie on the day bed which she does happily. "No way Kat's gonna let this one go," Finn says "can hear the fireworks already." Finn cups a hand around his ear.
"Don't stoke the flames, bro," Eddie says to Finn, looking at Poppy with concern. Poppy just laughs.
"It's calm," Poppy says, looking each of the boys in the eyes.
"You seem pretty chill, Poppy," Eddie says to her, "I quite like that. Chill is my goal in life."
"I can't see you have a barney," Finn says to Eddie, jostling Poppy into him playfully.
"That's because you haven't seen me and the boys after a rugby match!" Eddie says, jostling Poppy playfully back into Finn. She laughs.
"Boys! Leave me out of it!" Poppy says, still laughing as the boys continue playfully jostling her. Suddenly, Poppy raises a hand to each of their ribcages and tickles them both. Eddie shrieks in laughter, causing Finn and Poppy both to laugh even harder before they look at each other conspiratorily and tackle Eddie into a tickle pile without a word.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________From the garden Suresh watches Poppy with Eddie and Finn carefully, unable to pay attention to whatever nonsense Dana was dribbling on about. The trio's laughter rings throughout the entire villa as they wrestle on the daybeds, distracting Suresh from the woman in front of him.
I don't get it. Suresh thinks to himself bitterly. Combined the two of them don't even have a triple-digit IQ, what the hell is she doing?
"Suresh?" Dana says curiously, snapping Suresh out of his thoughts. Dana follows his gaze to Poppy, Eddie and Finn wrestling on the daybeds.
"You two have some unfinished business or what?" Dana asks him knowingly. "Why are you even here?"
Suresh raises an eyebrow at Dana before clearing his throat.
Wondering what the hell she's doing with those idiots, Suresh thinks bitterly. "I just... wanted to make things right with Poppy," he tells Dana, which was only partially true.
To be honest, Suresh was furious with Poppy. She left him without a word, because he missed her, because he wanted to spend time with her. He bought her those tickets to Belize, he bought her the perfect ring to surprise her with, and she turned him down flat, not willing to take the trip at all. Her exchange student she was supposed to be tutoring was flying in from Germany in a few days and she couldn't leave him high and dry. They'd have to spend Valentine's Day in Glasgow this year because she was so busy. He didn't even know why she was staying in school, to be honest. He made more than enough money for the two of them to live very comfortably, she didn't need to go be a doctor too.
On top of all that, she still hadn't come talk to him after the icebreaker game, and he had no idea what his next move should be if he couldn't tell where she stood with him. She had to see where he was coming from eventually.
Dana nods, looking at the daybeds before turning back to Suresh. He sighs dramatically.
"I just... wanted to show her that I'm working on myself," Suresh tells Dana, still watching Poppy with Eddie and Finn on the daybeds. They are sitting up and chatting again, Poppy looks relaxed and happy. "and that I'd do anything... anything for another chance. If I had her back, I wouldn't even look at another woman."
Dana nods, studying Suresh as he watches the trio carefully. "You seem like you really mean that," she says to Suresh, pulling his attention from Poppy to her. Suresh looks Dana in the eyes.
"I do," Suresh says with as much sincerity as he can muster. He gently rubs two fingers down Dana's arm, stepping slightly closer to her. "I've learned my lesson, Dana. I'll never cheat again." Suresh gives Dana his best smouldering look. He can tell he's having an effect on her; she swallows heavily, leaning slightly closer to him.
"Does that mean you're set on Poppy then?" Dana asks Suresh flirtatiously. Suresh continues gently rubbing his fingers up and down Dana's arm.
"I wouldn't say that," Suresh says huskily, "Poppy doesn't seem to want to give me the time of day. I could be open to moving on..."
"Good to know," Dana says with a wink. ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"Finn! Finn!" Kat yells out to him from the kitchen, interrupting the conversation he, Eddie and Poppy were having on the daybeds, "I need your big, strong arms to help me move this chair!"
Poppy rolls her eyes at Kat's transparency. Laughing at Finn, she says, "looks like duty calls."
"Seems that way," Finn says, nodding to Eddie before placing a hand on Poppy's shoulder, "catch you guys later." Finn turns to the kitchen, walking casually to Kat.
Poppy shakes her head before turning back to Eddie. "And then there were two," she says to him noticing his mischievous smile. "What is it?"
Eddie laughs, gesturing to Suresh who quickly looks away from the pair, "you know, he hasn't stopped looking over here since you got here."
Poppy frowns. "I just... would really love to have a Suresh-free hour," she says to Eddie with a sigh. "I can't seem to escape him here."
"I can see that," Eddie says seriously, gesturing to Suresh. "Let's go somewhere away from his watchful glare."
"Lead the way," Poppy says. She follows Eddie up to the bedroom where he pulls out a bottle of oil. Poppy looks at him with surprise.
"Lemongrass oil," Eddie explains. "The mozzies are getting bad out there, thought it wouldn't hurt to offer some."
"Oooh, yes please!" Poppy says, with a smile. Eddie motions for Poppy to face away from him, sitting on the edge of the bed. She complies as Eddie warms the oil up between his hands before rubbing Poppy's shoulders with a firm grip. After all of the tension Poppy's been carrying in her shoulders since seeing Suresh, the feeling comes as a welcome relief and Poppy immediately relaxes.
After a moment of relaxed silence, Poppy says to Eddie, "you're loving this, aren't you?"
Eddie chuckles. "Being here with you? Yeah, I'm definitely loving this," he says, giving Poppy's shoulder an affectionate squeeze.
"No, I meant... being here in the villa," Poppy says with a giggle. "You look like you're in your element here."
"I'm loving villa life," Eddie says as he finishes up with Poppy's shoulders. She turns around as Eddie says, "Beautiful place, beautiful girls, not much competition to speak of..."
Poppy lets out a small laugh. "Oh? So what's your read on the other boys then?" Poppy doesn't necessarily disagree with Eddie, but she was surprised to hear him say it.
"Let's start with Finn," Eddie says pointedly to Poppy, "he's a good-looking guy, but he knows it. Head's too big and he likes the chase too much. I reckon he's enjoying having you girls flocking to him constantly. Likes to play the game."
Poppy ponders this, taking note of Eddie's choice to use the word game so soon after her conversation with Finn. Eddie continues, "Alfie... he's a good mate, bants for days. But he's not much more than that." Poppy nods slowly.
"And Suresh... well, I think you know better than anyone he's a snake," Eddie finishes. Poppy bites her lip nervously before replying.
"Well, that's certainly... interesting," Poppy replies carefully. "you think Finn's a player then?"
"A hundred percent," Eddie replies with a laugh. "Guy won't commit to anything, 'keeping his options open', leading all three of you on."
Poppy ponders this for a moment before saying, "sounds like you've got everyone all figured out then."
"Except you," Eddie says, looking at Poppy intensely, "can't seem to pin you down yet."
"What do you think of the girls then?" Poppy asks, wanting to know more about where Eddie stands with Dana before pursuing anything with him.
"Let's just say, of everyone you've definitely caught my eye," Eddie says to Poppy, leaning slightly closer to her. Poppy smiles at Eddie.
"And Dana?" Poppy asks Eddie, sensing a more direct approach is required.
"She's a great girl, got great bants," Eddie says, laughing a little awkwardly, "but I'm not sensing her eggs are all in my basket, so I can't see why mine should be all in hers." Eddie shrugs casually.
"Interesting..." Poppy replies, "you've given me a lot to think about Eddie."
"Likewise, Poppy," Eddie replies, giving Poppy's shoulder a little squeeze, "but I should go find Dana." Poppy smiles and waves Eddie off, looking around for her water bottle.
I must have left it in the kitchen when I left Kat's glare, Poppy thinks, making her way there to retrieve it. She almost stops short at the kitchen entrance when she sees Suresh in the room but notices her water bottle on the island next to him.
"Nice to see you taking a break from winding me up," Suresh says to Poppy angrily as she walks past him to retrieve her bottle. Poppy looks taken aback.
"Excuse me?" Poppy asks Suresh incredulously, "I've barely spoken with you today."
"Exactly," Suresh says, a little more calmly. "You've been ignoring me all afternoon, hanging off the other guys to rile me up."
Poppy exaggerates a blink. "Rile you up?" she asks him surprised.
"Hoping I'll see you flirting with other boys and it'll turn me off of you," Suresh almost sneers.
"That's an awful lot of assumptions, Resh," Poppy says, blushing when she notices Suresh smile when she uses his nickname. "Besides, I told you this morning that I will be flirting in this villa and I don't consider you and me a couple. I want to move on," Poppy says with a tinge of sadness.
"I'm onto your little games, babe," Suresh says, moving closer to Poppy. Poppy rolls her eyes.
"The only one here playing games is you Suresh," Poppy says, unamused. "I didn't know you were going to be here, remember? I didn't want to be coupled up with you. I told you from go what this was and what would happen. You're the one turning everything into a sport!"
"That doesn't sound like me," Suresh replies, stepping closer to Poppy.
Poppy scoffs in disbelief. "Okay, Suresh," she replies sarcastically. Poppy looks away from Suresh quickly, pinching the bridge of her nose in case she starts to cry.
"Games or no games, my head won't be turned that easily Poppy," Suresh says. "I will win you back."
"I don't want you back," Poppy retorts, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. She turns back to Suresh, her eyes filled with sadness and anger.
"I'll change your mind, Poppy," Suresh says, looking at her with intensity.
Poppy is suddenly aware of how close he is, she can feel the warmth radiate off his body. She's enveloped in the scent of his cologne, trapped in the gaze of his bright green eyes. "I don't want to play games, Suresh..." Poppy says to him quietly.
"I've changed a lot, Poppy," Suresh replies gently, raising an arm slowly to touch her arm. When Poppy doesn't pull away he takes her hand in his. "I admit in the past I didn't treat you as well as you deserved... I'm not claiming to be an angel now..." Suresh smirks, aware that he has Poppy caught in his web as she looks at him with her bright, doe-like eyes, her lips slightly parted. "After all, angels are boring... but I'm done cheating."
Before Poppy can reply, the pair are interrupted by the sound of Finn yelling from out in the garden. Poppy gives her head a small shake, pulling her hand away from Suresh's quickly.
"Guys, I got a text!" Finn yells, his loud voice booming across the villa.
Grateful for the distraction, Poppy turns away from Suresh and heads toward Finn without a word.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! Poppy thinks to herself angrily as she jogs to Finn. You know he hasn't changed Poppy, don't let him lie to you! Poppy knew if they hadn't been interrupted she probably would have said something stupid like, maybe you have changed... maybe this could work again. Poppy shakes her head sadly, trying to shake the thought out of her skull.
When Poppy arrives to the group, followed closely behind by Suresh, Finn pulls out his phone and reads aloud,
Finn, get ready to get your date on! You'll be taking each of the girls on a date. But you must choose in order of preference, starting with the girl you like the most.
#RememberTheDate #Finnderella
"Mate, who you gonna pick first?" Alfie turns to Finn, asking nervously.
"Who's he planning to steal later, you mean?" Eddie adds bitterly, looking at the ground in frustration.
Poppy looks at Eddie with a bit of surprise. A lot less chill now than a bit ago, Eddie... she thinks to herself, disappointed.
"Well I'm excited for a date, whether I'm picked first or not!" Dana says, lightening the mood. Poppy smiles at her in agreement.
"So who's your number one girl then babe?" Kat asks Finn, running a finger up his arm seductively. Kat is standing so close to Finn she's practically hanging off of him.
"It's a tough call, but there's one girl I'm seriously vibing with a lot more than the other two right now..." Finn says a little sheepishly.
Is he nervous? Poppy asks herself, observing Finn. He fidgets with his hands momentarily. Kat clears her throat loudly and flicks her hair back expectantly.
"Well, it's got to be the Ca.." Finn starts but he's, interrupted by Kat shouting triumphantly.
"Yes!" Kat yells out, turning to sneer at Poppy.
Finn ignores Kat, and continues, "The Captivating Poppy..." Finn looks at Poppy somewhat sheepishly with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Suresh looks at the ground angrily while Dana laughs out loud, unable to stifle the giggles.
Loves to stir the pot. Poppy thinks to herself, trying to maintain a straight face for Kat's sake.
Kat turns to Dana, sniping angrily "oh grow UP Dana!"
Dana continues to laugh, unbothered by Kat's attitude. "Chill Kat, I'm only human and that was pretty funny."
Finn looks at Kat awkwardly. "Sorry hun," he says to her but she waves him off, a little more aggressively than she intended.
"Save your sorrys, I know you're only saving the best for last," Kat says to Finn with a wink, trying to mask the hurt. Poppy tries to make eye contact with Kat, but Kat avoids her gaze pointedly.
"So you're saying I'll be last then?" Dana says playfully to Kat, who shoots her an angry look. "Chill out Kat, I'm just winding you up," Dana adds with a slight eyeroll.
"Whatever happened to bro-code, mate?" Suresh asks Finn, his tone frustrated.
Don't you have to be 'bros' for bro-code to apply? Poppy thinks to herself before she replies to save Finn from having to answer Suresh. "I'm looking forward to it, Finn," she says warmly to him, trying to avoid further awkwardness. "I guess I'll go get ready." Poppy turns to go to the dressing room, ignoring Suresh's disappointed glare and Kat's angry one. As Poppy leaves, Suresh whispers something to Alfie before the two sneak off.
Poppy barely makes it to the dressing room herself when Kat and Dana rush in.
"I can't believe this is our first proper date in the villa and Poppy gets to go first," Kat laments as she flops into a chair at the vanity. Poppy ignores the jab and instead focuses on applying her makeup.
"Oh get over it Kat, there's plenty of Finn to go around," Dana says, shaking her head at Kat's ridiculousness. "You'll get your slice of the pie."
"If Poppy doesn't eat it all..." Kat snaps, giving Poppy a dirty look in the mirror.
Poppy ignores Kat, focusing on applying her eye makeup. Maybe this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't gotten me saddled with Suresh this morning. She thinks, annoyed with Kat's constant whining.
"Well, I happen to know Finn thinks I'm a bit of him," Kat says, trying to make eye contact with Poppy in the mirror as Poppy continues to do her makeup unfazed.
"Oh yeah, how's that?" Dana asks, looking between the two girls awkwardly.
"I just.. know a vibe when I feel one," Kat says angrily, "which is why Poppy needs to back off! Finn and me have been chatting... a lot. He doesn't even like Poppy."
"That's why he chose me first, right?" Poppy says under her breath when Kat turns away, winking at a surprised Dana in the mirror. "Finn's a human being, Kat, stop acting like I stole your barbie car on the playground," Poppy says a bit more loudly as she leans closer to the mirror in front of her for a better view to apply her lipstick.
"Well, I said I liked him first!" Kat whines, literally stomping her foot like a child.
Poppy closes her eyes in frustration, taking a deep breath before opening her eyes and turning to look at Kat. "If Finn likes you more than me, he'll choose you tomorrow."
"He will choose me tomorrow!" Kat snaps at Poppy angrily, but Poppy barely reacts.
"Then what are you getting so worked up about?" Poppy asks Kat calmly. Kat scoffs and crosses her arms, looking away from Poppy, who shrugs and turns her attention back to the mirror to apply the finishing touches to her makeup.
When Poppy finishes, she pulls her outfit out of her closet. She chose one of her favourites for the date, a long teal skirt and crop top. When Poppy finishes dressing she turns to Dana.
"How do I look?" Poppy asks, doing a little spin. Dana's eyes go wide.
"Careful walking past Suresh looking like that, his eyes might fall right out of his head!" Dana says, and Poppy shrugs as if to say 'oh well'.
"I bet Suresh ain't too happy Finn picked you first," Kat says bitterly to Poppy.
"Who cares?" Poppy says in reply, "I didn't come here to get back with Suresh, if I wanted that I would have done it in Glasgow."
"Besides, Finn was the one who chose," Dana says, cutting Kat off before she can reply. "Poppy can't help being irresistible!" Poppy laughs, watching Kat roll her eyes.
"Well," Poppy says, taking one last look in the mirror before turning to Dana. "wish me luck!"
"You'll need it babe," Kat sneers, ignoring Dana as she jabs her in the ribs with her elbow.
"Good luck!" Dana says cheerily, waving Poppy off as she heads to the garden to meet her driver to the date.
A limousine takes Poppy a short drive up the Spanish countryside. Poppy enjoys the scenery, grateful for a moment of quiet after such a hectic morning. The drive isn't long, and before Poppy knows it the driver turns into a vineyard, stopping just outside of a nicely decorated clearing containing a small table and two chairs, Finn waits at the edge of the clearing, smiling as Poppy's car stops in front of him. He opens Poppy's door for her holding a hand out to help her out of the limousine.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes!" Finn says, looking Poppy up and down before pulling her into a quick hug, which she returns. Poppy smiles, noticing Finn's tucked dress shirt and that his hair is neatly combed and tied back into a bun.
"You too, Finn," she says kindly, and Finn smiles, leading her to a chair at the table and pulling it out for her. "Quite the gentleman. I thought chivalry was dead," Poppy says appreciatively as Finn moves to sit in the chair across from her.
"Maybe for some of us, but us folks in Ireland are still putting up a fight," Finn says with a chuckle, opening the bottle of wine beside him and pouring each of the pair a glass.
Poppy takes hers with a smile. "Didn't peg you for a wine drinker," Poppy says teasingly over her glass and Finn chuckles.
"Guess there's a lot you don't know about me," Finn replies with a wink, referring to their conversation earlier. Poppy laughs.
"Touche," she says, raising her glass to Finn. They clink and take a sip of their wine, looking each other in the eyes.
Finn sighs happily, sitting back in his chair with a smile. "You look incredible tonight, Poppy. I'm blown away," he says after a brief silence, looking at Poppy in awe.
Poppy giggles. "You knew who you were meeting out here, didn't you?" she asks him, lightly teasing.
Smiling, Finn shakes his head. "I just wasn't expecting the Rose of Tralee to step out," he says earnestly.
"The Rose of Tralee?" Poppy asks curiously, Finn nods.
"It’s a festival down in County Kerry to try and find the most beautiful woman in the world," Finn explains. "I think I've found her, don't you?" he adds with a wink.
Poppy laughs. "I bet you say that to all the girls," she says with a wink of her own.
"I promise you that I don't," Finn replies sheepishly before quickly changing the topic. "I wasn't sure what kind of date you'd prefer," he says, gesturing around him, "I hope this is okay."
"This is lovely, Finn," Poppy says with a smile, looking around at the beautiful vineyard around her.
"Well, just so I know for next time," Finn says slyly, "what kind of dates do you prefer?"
"Next time?" Poppy asks, raising an eyebrow at Finn.
Finn laughs. "I think I would really like there to be a next time..." he says with a cheeky wink.
"I like outdoorsy dates, to be honest," Poppy says with a smile. "a good hike up a mountain followed by a snuggle by a fire, or a day of surfing together before grabbing a bite at a food truck and watching the sunset together... doing something adventurous, like hang gliding, scuba diving or ziplining, all of those sound a bit of me."
Finn looks a little surprised. "Is that right, Beour?" he says, intrigued. "You really are a mystery, I pegged you for a fancy dinner type."
"Haven't you learned your lesson by now?" Poppy asks Finn with a laugh. "You really should stop pegging me without talking to me first," Poppy adds, causing Finn to laugh out loud.
"I can't argue with that," Finn replies, a twinkle in his eye. The two laugh, clearly enjoying each other's company.
"So Finn, any thoughts on what tomorrow's going to look like for you?" Poppy asks him curiously after a moment of comfortable silence.
"That'd be telling," Finn says with a wink.
Poppy rolls her eyes with a smile. "Seems like you're enjoying having all this power," she says to Finn, taking a small sip of her wine.
"Who wouldn't? A villa full of lovely ladies and I get to take my pick," Finn replies happily, raising his glass to Poppy before taking a drink as well.
"Well, when you put it like that I guess it's hard to argue," Poppy replies with a small sigh. "Is that why you’re here on Love Island? To take your pick?"
"It's certainly a perk of the job," Finn answers Poppy honestly, studying her face.
"I can't imagine you not having your pick of the girls in Dublin, though?" Poppy asks him curiously.
"You think I'm a player?" Finn asks Poppy in return, a playful twinkle in his eyes.
"Aren't you?" Poppy asks with a slight frown. Or did I just let Eddie get into my head? Poppy asks herself, realising in the moment that's why she asked the question to begin with.
"I try not to be," Finn says sincerely before adding, "you're not so short of attention yourself you know."
"Oh?" Poppy asks curiously.
"You haven't noticed that every man in the villa has their eye on you?" Finn asks Poppy, raising an eyebrow. He smiles when Poppy blushes.
"I can't say I have..." Poppy starts, biting her lip. "I guess when you mention it though..."
"I wanted to avoid asking, but inquiring minds need to know..." Finn says suddenly, looking Poppy in the eyes. "What are you feeling about Suresh?"
Poppy looks down involuntarily, remembering the moment she had with Suresh in the kitchen before Finn got the text to come here. She sighs. "I want to be done with Suresh...." she starts, looking back up at Finn. "He's making things really difficult and I have to admit him being here has my head spinning a bit."
"Don't worry Beour," Finn says with a gentle smile. "I'll be here to catch you if you get dizzy."
Poppy smiles at Finn in reply, studying his face. He's not going to choose me, she realises. Why would I expect him to when I can't even tell him I'm done with Suresh? I thought I was done with Suresh...
"So what about you and Kat?" Poppy asks to distract herself from her own thoughts, "I hear from her you're two peas in a pod."
Finn chuckles. "Did you now?" he says, continuing when Poppy nods. "Kat's a lovely girl... but she's a tad... clingy"
Poppy laughs. "She's got a bit of a crush," she replies, watching her finger as she trails it lightly along the rim of her glass.
"Don’t get me wrong I’m flattered and she’s great craic but I tend to go for someone a bit more… laid back." Finn replies, leaning toward Poppy slightly. "or maybe someone a bit more mysterious, like you..."
Poppy smiles, looking up at Finn from her glass. "You're a bit of an enigma yourself, Finn."
"Is that right?" Finn asks, smiling at Poppy. "How can I fix that?"
"By telling me who you're going to choose later," Poppy replies simply, giving Finn a cheeky wink.
Finn laughs. "Well I do still have two more dates to go on," he says, looking at Poppy. "But how would you feel if I said I want to choose you?"
"Surprised," Poppy answers honestly. "Pleasantly so," she adds, noticing Finn's curious expression. "But to be honest, I'm not so sure you're going to choose me."
"What makes you think that?" Finn asks Poppy curiously, noting the adorable way she bites her lip when she's nervous.
"Just a gut feeling," Poppy says, looking at her hands. "I won't lie though, I would also be thrilled to bits."
Finn's phone alerts a text, letting him know that their date is over.
Finn looks a Poppy apologetically before he stands and walks around the table to offer Poppy a hand out of her chair. She looks up at him with a smile before taking it, and he wraps her in a hug.
"Any man would be lucky to have you, Beour," Finn says to Poppy as she steps out of the hug. "and I have to tell you, this is easily the best date I've ever been on."
Poppy smiles at Finn brightly. "Thanks, Finn. I had a lovely time too."
Finn looks at Poppy seriously for a moment, seemingly having an internal debate. "Can I kiss you?" Finn asks Poppy after a moment. Finn smiles when Poppy nods shyly in reply, wrapping an arm around her waist before pulling her to him, kissing a soft trail up her neck before reaching her lips. He kisses her before gently pulling back to look her in the eyes.
"I shouldn't say this..." Finn starts, hesitating slightly. "But... I think I'd be the luckiest guy here if I do choose you tomorrow."
Poppy smiles, looking down shyly. "Thanks Finn, I guess we will see how 'lucky' you are tomorrow," she says to him, turning to get back into the limousine.
Poppy is distracted by her thoughts as she returns to the villa, wandering aimlessly around until something catches her attention. He hasn't changed, she tells herself bitterly. I only want him because I want it to be true. But maybe if Finn doesn't choose me... maybe we can try things out again. Maybe he can prove he has changed... Finally, Poppy is distracted by a splash of cool water from the pool at her feet. She looks to her right just in time to see Alfie miss the timing on a flip into the pool after Eddie, landing flat on his back in the water with a hard slap!
Eddie glides out of the water, slicking his hair back as he does. He smiles at Poppy who is trying to stifle a giggle at Alfie's spectacular back-flop.
"Poppy! She returns!" Eddie says to Poppy happily as Alfie pops out of the water, gliding to the edge of the pool to meet Poppy. Alfie turns to Poppy's direction quickly.
"Poppy! Where'd you come from!" Alfie exclaims in surprise before gliding through the water to join Eddie with Poppy at the pool's edge.
"Hello to you too," Poppy says with a smile.
"You look.." Alfie starts, looking Poppy up and down.
"Stunning," Eddie pipes in charmingly.
"I was going to say gorgeous, but thanks Edward," Alfie says coolly to Eddie before turning to Poppy. "So how was your date with the handsome Biker fella?" he asks her in a much friendlier tone.
"Did he lay it on thick?" Eddie asks with a laugh.
"Did he steal your heart away?" Alfie adds.
Poppy looks up from Eddie and Alfie briefly and notices Suresh watching the three carefully from the opposite side of the pool. Poppy looks back down to Eddie and Alfie in the pool quickly.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Poppy says, trying to steady the nerves she suddenly feels when she and Suresh briefly make eye contact.
"I would, actually," Alfie says, looking at Poppy seriously. "How was it really? Is Finn all he's cracked up to be?"
"He's a lovely fellow," Poppy says simply, "I had a great time." Poppy blushes lightly and smiles as she remembers their kiss.
"Oh, well... that's... good," Alfie says, failing at hiding his disappointment.
Poppy gives Alfie a confused look. With a shrug she says, "his date game was on point, what can I say?" In her peripheral vision, Poppy notices Suresh squirm slightly.
"Sure, I bet Finn knew all the right things to say," Eddie says, winking at Poppy.
"He was very sweet," Poppy says to Eddie with a smile.
Eddie laughs. "Ooh let's see if I can guess what he said!" he says playfully, rubbing his hands together. "Irish lad like him definitely compared you to the Rose of Tralee."
Poppy blinks in surprise. "Er... yeah," she says awkwardly. "How did you know?"
"You're joking, did he actually?" Eddie replies, with a laugh, pulling himself out of the pool to join Poppy. Alfie looks down awkwardly before jumping out too.
"One of the other boarders at school was this Irish boy, Ross, he used that line on all the English girls," Eddie explains to Poppy. "Knew he was a player the second he came in! Can’t trust what guys like that say! He’s just playing games," Eddie adds with a smirk. Poppy and Alfie both shift a little uncomfortably.
"Maybe... but I had a nice time anyway," Poppy finally replies.
"Games or not, it doesn't make it any less true," Eddie says warmly, placing a hand on Poppy's shoulder. Poppy smiles at him, noticing Suresh shifting angrily again in his lounger.
Eddie seems to notice as well, looking pointedly at Suresh before turning back to Poppy. "Someone wasn't nearly as chill about it as he's made himself out to be," he says knowingly to Poppy, "seemed a little tense while you were gone."
"Went to the gym three times while you were on your date," Alfie joins in with a chuckle. "Guess it stings knowing your ex is on a date with another guy."
Poppy shrugs. "Maybe," she replies doubtfully before looking at Eddie and Alfie. "How about you two, how are you feeling now that your ladies are out with him?"
Alfie seems flustered, drying himself off quickly with his towel. "Oh yeah, I'm calm," he says a little too quickly. "I'll catch you later," he adds before leaving the pool. Poppy turns to Eddie with a confused look on her face.
"I'm chill," Eddie says calmly. "Finn can throw every trick in the book at Dana, she'll see right through him. Alfie on the other hand..." Eddie laughs a little awkwardly.
"I guess I get it," Poppy says, "good chance Finn picks Kat."
Eddie looks at Poppy incredulously. "Seriously? I'd put money on him choosing you," he says surprised.
Poppy shrugs. "He might... but Finn's not exactly forthcoming about his intentions," she says casually. So you like to remind me, Eddie, Poppy thinks to herself.
"You don't seem too worried about him taking you away from Suresh?" Eddie prods, studying Poppy carefully.
Poppy shrugs again. "Suresh is..." she starts before she's interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind her. Poppy turns to see Suresh looking at her, his expression unreadable.
"Go on," Suresh says to Poppy, slightly amused. Poppy blushes furiously.
"Hi Suresh, how's it going mate!" Eddie says awkwardly to break the tension. Suresh rolls his eyes.
"Yeah all good mate," Suresh replies to Eddie sarcastically before turning to Poppy. "We need to talk," he says assertively, not waiting for a reply as he turns to lead her to the swing seat. Poppy looks at Eddie apologetically before following Suresh.
When they arrive at the swing seat Suresh sits down, motioning for Poppy to join him. She does so, carefully, unable to read his mood and afraid of another fight.
"You never finished your sentence," Suresh says, looking at Poppy with a playful glimmer in his eye, "Suresh is... let me guess, the man of my dreams?"
"More like nightmares," Poppy says with a laugh, slightly uncomfortable.
"Feisty," Suresh replies with a smirk. "You know I've always loved that about you," he adds with a wink. Poppy blushes.
"Is this why you pulled me over here?" Poppy asks Suresh curiously, "to tell me I'm fiesty?"
"No," Suresh answers, turning to face Poppy better. "I just wanted to say that... I'm glad you had a nice time tonight. I missed that beautiful smile of yours."
Poppy looks at Suresh curiously. "Even if it's because of another boy?" she asks confused.
"I let him have his fun, makes no difference to me," Suresh says with a shrug.
"That's not what I heard," Poppy says, looking at Suresh curiously. "How was the gym today?"
"I wouldn't believe everything you hear, Poppy," Suresh says almost condescendingly. "Besides, still my bed you'll be sleeping in tonight."
Poppy's face falls. She had completely forgotten that she and Suresh would have to share a bed that evening. "Right..." she says, looking at her feet.
Suresh reaches a hand to Poppy's cheek, pulling her to face took look at him gently. "Even if Finn chooses you tomorrow morning, I'm not giving up on you Poppy," he says, his eyes smouldering.
Poppy looks away nervously. "You should," she says unconvincingly.
Suresh pulls her gaze back to his, studying her beautiful features carefully before quickly pulling his hand from her cheek, clearing his throat. "We're meant to be together Poppy, I just know it," he says, a little less confidently than his usual tone.
Poppy sighs, trying to avoid eye contact with Suresh. Maybe we would be my emotions weren't all just some big game to you... she thinks to herself sadly. "What were you speaking with Alfie about earlier?" she ask him, remembering him taking Alfie away from the group after Finn read the date text.
Suresh shrugs, saying casually, "nothing important."
Poppy looks at Suresh and narrows her eyes. "That's why you slinked off with him hoping nobody would notice?" she asks him.
"Poppy, why are you always so suspicious?" Suresh asks her accusingly. Poppy laughs.
"I know you love to forget this detail, Suresh, but you cheated on me!" Poppy reminds him. She takes a deep breath to calm herself, gripping the swing seat cushion beneath her tightly. She looks Suresh in the eyes before saying, "fine, keep your secrets. Won't be long before I can watch them myself anyway." There's a tone of finality in her phrase and Suresh feels a jolt of panic.
"Alfie told me he has feelings for you," Suresh says a little quickly, "he was asking about you just before I ran into you in the kitchen. So I pulled him aside for a chat."
Speaking of men playing games... what is this guy playing at? Poppy asks herself, confused by Alfie's flaky behaviour. "Oh?" Poppy asks curiously, inviting Suresh to continue.
Suresh sighs, placing his hand next to Poppy's on the seat, careful not to touch her. "I told him you're a great girl." Poppy rolls her eyes, so Suresh continues, "and I told him that any man would be lucky to have you..."
Poppy starts to get up, but Suresh grabs her hand quickly, giving Poppy a pleading look. She sits down next to him, pulling her hand from his grip.
"And I told him that... me and you were always great together... and that we probably would be again," Suresh says, looking away from Poppy's glare nervously.
Poppy looks at Suresh carefully, surprised by his sudden timidness. Poppy sits for a moment, trying to sort through the wave of emotions she feels in Suresh's presence. There's a moment of tense silence before Poppy stands, turning to Suresh.
"I'm going to go take a shower," Poppy says quickly, leaving without waiting for Suresh to reply. Poppy walks to the bathroom quickly, grabbing a towel and her toiletries bag on the way. Once Poppy arrives at the bathroom she closes the door behind her and runs the water in one of the shower stalls, undressing as she waits for the water to warm. When the shower is satisfactorily hot Poppy steps into the running water, allowing it to loosen the tension in her body. Without warning, Poppy begins to cry softly, letting the emotion of the day run its course.
I hate everything about this, Poppy thinks to herself sadly as she washes her hair in the shower. I should probably just go... I'm not made for this place.
After finishing her shower cry session, Poppy dries herself off before putting on her sleepwear, a purple silk teddy. Poppy steps into the dressing room to dry her hair, walking into Kat and Dana gossiping about their dates.
"...he was soooo sweet," Kat gushes to Dana, "he pulled my chair out and everything, like a proper gent. And the chat was just... so easy. I'm telling you, I ain't ever had this much chemistry with someone." Kat says, watching Poppy as she walks into the dressing room to the vanity. Kat makes eye contact with Poppy in the mirror pointedly before noticing the redness in Poppy's eyes from her recent crying and awkwardly looks away. "Anyway, he said I'm the sexiest girl in the villa..." Kat says slightly less enthusiastically before Poppy turns on her blowdryer, the sound next to her head drowning out the rest of Kat's words.
Once Poppy's hair is dry she puts her blowdryer away and leaves the dressing room without a word. She heads to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea before bed, perching on a stool at the island while she waits for her water to boil. Suresh slips onto the stool next to Poppy silently, studying her quietly before clearing his throat gently.
"Oh," Poppy says as Suresh pulls her out of her thoughts, "Hey. I didn't see you come in."
Suresh looks at Poppy. "What were you thinking about just then?" he asks her, watching her face carefully.
Poppy sighs. "Honestly? That I should probably just go home," she says dejectedly.
Suresh gives Poppy a confused look. "Because of me?" he asks, getting up when Poppy's kettle boils to pour her cup for her. He hands it to her, the handle facing her.
Poppy frowns. "Partly," she admits, taking the tea from Suresh gratefully.
Suresh ponders this for a moment. "I told you I've changed, and I'm going to prove it to you," he says to Poppy as returns to the stool next to her. "I'll sleep on the daybeds tonight to give you some space to get your head sorted."
Poppy looks at Suresh in surprise. "Yeah?" she asks him curiously.
"Yeah," Suresh replies, giving Poppy a sweet smile. "Give you a chance to miss me," he adds with a cocky smirk.
There he is. Poppy thinks to herself sadly.
"Seriously though Poppy, I'll give you all the space you need," Suresh says earnestly before getting up.
"Thanks, Resh," Poppy says appreciatively, giving Suresh a sad smile.
Suresh nods, placing a hand gently on Poppy's shoulder before going to prepare one of the daybeds for the evening.
Poppy is only alone for a moment before Kat and Dana burst into the kitchen.
"Poppy, what do you say to a 'no-cracking-on-pact' this evening? Kat asks as she and Dana sit on either side of Poppy.
Poppy looks to Dana and Kat curiously.
"Just as a way to keep the drama at bay for the rest of the evening," Dana explains.
Poppy shrugs. "Sure, that sounds fine," she says dully. Poppy finishes the last of her tea, washing up her mug before turning to the girls. "I'm knackered. I'll see you in the morning," she says, smiling at the two politely. Dana and Kat follow Poppy to the bedroom, Alfie and Eddie already in their beds.
Poppy goes to the bed with her labelled pillow on it, noticing Suresh's is gone. She sighs, crawling beneath the blankets and trying to ignore the couples around her.
Finn walks into the room, stopping at the foot of Poppy's bed. "You alright in that big bed all by yourself?" he asks her cheekily.
Poppy laughs. "I'mma starfish so hard!" Poppy says to Finn with a giggle.
Finn chuckles. "Bet you wish I was in that bed with you taking up some of that room," he replies with a wink.
Poppy blushes. Remembering the 'pact', she cools it down a notch. "Sounds like that might be your wish, Finn. I for one am enjoying all this extra space," she says with a wiggle to emphasize just how much space it is.
Finn laughs, walking to his own bed as the lights go out. Dana quietly tip-toes to Poppy's bed, giving her a gentle shake.
"Poppy, I couldn't sleep on this," Dana whispers as Poppy rolls to face her. Dana motions for Poppy to join her in the dressing room. When the pair arrive, Dana turns to Poppy quickly.
"What's going on Dana?" Poppy asks, leaning on the vanity. Dana sighs.
"Alfie told me that Suresh told him you're just trying to make Suresh jealous by paying attention to the other boys," Dana says in her usual quick manner of speaking. "I wanted to make sure you knew before you saw Suresh again, it seems like he's up to something."
Poppy looks at Dana confused. "Did Alfie say anything else?" she asks her. Why am I even surprised that Suresh lied to me, she thinks sadly.
Dana looks at Poppy with concern. "You should probably ask Alfie," she says finally. "Or Suresh."
Poppy sighs. "Yeah. Thanks Dana," she says, giving her a weak smile. "I'll talk to him in the morning." Dana and Poppy head back into the bedroom, crawling back into their respective beds.
Poppy and Dana are only back in their beds a moment when Kat can be heard giggling and moaning in the room, with the occasional groan or grunt from Alfie. Poppy rolls to face the opposite direction of their bed, pushing her pillow over her ear to muffle the sound.
So much for no cracking on. Poppy thinks to herself sleepily as she drifts off.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The islanders are woken up the next morning to the sound of a text. Finn rolls over, grabbing his phone from his nightstand groggily telling the others,
Finn, it's nearly time to make your mind up and choose which girl you would like to couple up with. Islanders should be ready in an hour for the recoupling.
#StealingHearts #MakingMoves
Poppy notices the empty space next to her and lifts her duvet with a sigh. I should probably go tell Suresh so he can be ready, Poppy thinks to herself before wandering to the daybeds. Suresh is already awake, smiling at Poppy sleepily as she approaches. He rolls onto his side facing her, leaving a Poppy-sized nook at the edge of the daybed for her to sit. Poppy places herself there without giving it much thought.
"Good morning beautiful," Suresh says, leaning around Poppy. "Did you miss me?" he asks her cheekily.
"Finn's just got a text," Poppy says, not looking at Suresh. "He's got to make his choice in about an hour." There's a brief moment of silence before Poppy asks, "how'd you sleep?"
"Could have done with a few less mozzies and maybe a few more cuddles," Suresh replies playfully, "but you know, I made do." Suresh pauses, as the pair take in the scenery around them. "It's beautiful here isn't it?" he says, "Reminds me of the time we went to Turkey."
Poppy lets out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding. She turns her gaze to Suresh, looking at him sadly. "Resh, please stop," she says to him quietly.
Suresh wrinkles his brow in concern. "Stop what?" he asks her.
"Stop whatever game it is your playing," Poppy says, not making eye contact. "Just stop whatever it is you're up to."
Suresh huffs through his nose. He pulls Poppy to face him gently, looking her in the eyes seriously. "I'm not up to anything," he says with sincerity.
"Then why are you telling Alfie that I'm just using the other boys here to make you jealous?" Poppy asks angrily, standing to face Suresh.
Suresh sits up. "Who told you that?" he retorts. "Can't be Alfie, the guy who told me yesterday he has feelings for you? Hm. Wonder why Alfie would be saying something like that?" Suresh says angrily, his voice dripping in sarcasm.
"Did you, or did you not say that Suresh?" Poppy asks him pleadingly. Begging him to tell her the truth, just once. From the corner of her eye Poppy notices Finn walking to the Beach Hut, but she pays him no mind.
"Why, should I be jealous?" Suresh asks Poppy with a smirk.
"You're not answering the question Suresh!" Poppy says, exasperated. "You don't get to be jealous!" Poppy takes a slow breath, before calmly adding, "Jealousy isn't a good look for you Suresh."
"I can't help how I feel," Suresh replies, looking at Poppy with vulnerability. He pauses for a moment. "Poppy, I'm not giving up on you, even if Finn does choose you today."
Poppy sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Stop playing these childish games Suresh," she says without emotion. "I'm going to get ready. I'll see you at the firepit."
Poppy walks back to the villa to the dressing room, pulling a bikini out of her closet and putting it on quickly before joining Kat and Dana at the vanity.
Kat breaks the awkward silence. "I am so excited for this!" she says as she applies her makeup. "Although I guess it's easy to be excited when I know who he's gonna pick."
"Got a crystal ball, do you?" Dana says, ribbing Kat. "What about Alfie?"
"I can't help it if Finn steals me, it's part of the game," Kat says with a shrug.
"Even though you broke the pact we made last night with him?" Poppy asks, making eye contact with Kat in the mirror.
Kat smirks. "It weren't anything, just a bit of fun," she replies, looking at Poppy. Poppy shrugs and returns to applying her makeup, unfazed.
"Finn's such a fittie," Kat continues to nobody in particular, "I can't wait to be wrapped up in those arms every night. His accent... his bod... is just..."
"He's actually a pretty nice guy, too," Poppy chimes in, trying to remind Kat once again that Finn is a person. "He's got great chat."
Kat rolls her eyes. "So long as you're just chatting with him, babe," she says coldly.
Poppy shakes her head in disbelief.
"He's not coupled with you right now, Kat," Dana reminds her. "And you won't even tell me if he kissed you on the date!"
"A lady never kisses and tells," Kat says, turning to Dana.
"Who says you're a lady?" Dana asks with a laugh, quickly adding, "jokes!" when Kat shoots her a glare.
"So he didn't kiss you?" Poppy asks Kat, turning to make direct eye contact with her. Interesting... Poppy thinks to herself.
"I never said that!" Kat snipes at Poppy who shrugs.
"You also never said he did," Poppy replies, interrupted by her phone alerting to a text:
Islanders, please make your way to the fire pit in your existing couples.
#ItsTime #TheBigSteal
Kat looks Poppy up and down coldly before turning on her heel and walking to the firepit. Poppy and Dana exchange a look, as the pair walk to meet Eddie and Suresh.
Poppy chews her lip nervously as she sits next to Suresh at the firepit, waiting for Finn to come out and make his speech. It'll be fine either way... it'll be fine either way... Poppy tells herself. Poppy sneaks a glance at Suresh who's looking calm and collected.
Suresh leans to Poppy, whispering in her ear, "I really meant what I said earlier." Poppy gives Suresh a weak smile in return, grateful for the interruption when Finn steps out.
"Well! Ain’t this grand? I want to start by thanking the ladies for gracing me with their presence yesterday." Finn announces, spreading his arms wide to gesture at the three of them. "I’m sure they’ll all agree that we had quite an eventful day... But a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell." Finn adds, subtly winking at Poppy.
Poppy notices Suresh giving her a look of disbelief in her peripheral vision, but maintains her focus straight ahead. On her other side, Kat turns to look at Poppy suspiciously but says nothing.
Finn continues, "Dana. You’re a laugh a minute. And to top off you’re as smokin’ hot as you are hilarious. Great craic all round. I don’t think I’ve heard a dirtier joke than that one you told me." He winks at Dana who laughs out loud.
"Sound hilarious," Eddie huffs sarcastically.
Dana turns to Eddie saying apologetically, "I guess you had to be there."
"Then we have Kat. What.. a...firecracker." Finn says, turning his attention to Kat. "Kat you’ve had your little claws in me since I walked through the door and I’m not complaining. Our chat was so on fire, I was practically sweatin’, like. We had some major chemistry, no disrespect to Alfie."
Alfie crosses his arms, saying curtly, "all part of the game, mate."
Finn turns his attention to Poppy, smiling even wider than he already was when they make eye contact.
"And then there's Poppy," Finn says directly to her like she's the only person in the area. "What can I say, stunning, sharp as a razor, and an absolute rose." Kat folds her arms, huffing back angrily in her seat. Finn chuckles. "It's no wonder you've got people obsessing over you," he says to her. "You deserve someone who can treat you the right way, someone who knows what they've got..."
Suresh tenses, clearly agitated. Finn continues, "You certainly give as good as you get. So maybe Suresh didn’t know how to handle you."
"You know nothing about us, you fucking idiot!" Suresh snaps angrily, shifting in his seat uncomfortably.
Finn just laughs, seemingly unbothered. With a shrug he says, "seems you're the idiot, letting Poppy go."
"Why don't you shut the fuck up and stop talking about things you know nothing about," Suresh snaps at Finn angrily.
Poppy looks at Suresh, appalled he would talk to Finn this way. He's clearly pushing your buttons Suresh, what's got you so worked up? Poppy thinks to herself. Suresh wasn't usually prone to outbursts like this, he liked to have people believe he was calm and collected at all times.
"I think I have a better connection with Poppy than you do, mate," Finn says with a laugh. "And after tonight I might get to know her better still."
Suresh snaps out of his seat angrily in reply. Poppy looks between the two men horrified as Alfie and Eddie stand between them to diffuse the situation.
"Easy now boys," Eddie says carefully, turning to Suresh as Alfie turns to Finn.
"Let's take it down a couple notches, yeah?" Alfie says, looking at Finn pointedly.
"He's pissing me off!" Suresh says angrily, looking at Finn around Eddie's shoulder.
"What the hell are you doing Suresh?" Poppy asks him in shock. "Sit down and stop acting like a child!"
Suresh looks back at Poppy, the anger melting into embarrassment when he sees the horrified anger on her face. He sits down next to her, crossing his arms grumpily while mumbling an apology to Poppy.
"Oh my days, you boys are more drama than me!" Kat says gleefully. Poppy rolls her eyes.
"Anyway, what was I saying?" Finn says, bringing the attention back to himself. Poppy finds herself impressed at how seemingly unfazed Finn is.
"A whole lot of bullshit about knowing Poppy better than I do," Suresh reminds Finn angrily.
"Ah, yes," Finn says with a chuckle to a very annoyed Suresh. "Moving on then." Finn looks around the group, suddenly avoiding eye contact with Poppy, "I want to couple up with this girl because she's spicy and has great craic. She’s a bit of a handful and it might not be an easy ride but I think she’s worth it." Finn pauses for dramatic effect.
Kat holds her breath anxiously, leaning forward in her seat. Dana seems unfazed, looking at her nails.
Poppy doesn't react at all. Spicy. Handful. He's choosing Kat, she thinks to herself.
"I choose Kat," Finn says finally. Kat jumps out of her seat and runs to Finn's arms happily grabbing Finn for a passionate kiss when she reaches him.
Next to Poppy, Suresh lets out a sigh of relief. Poppy feels a sensation of numbness from the top of her head slowly rolling down her body to the tip of her toes as she tunes out everyone around her.
That's it then. I'm stuck with Suresh, she thinks to herself dejectedly as the other Islandlers buzz about excitedly around her, glad to be past the first steal of the season.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Poppy's face lights up the screen as she looks at someone behind the camera briefly before turning her attention to the device in front of her.
"Hi! I'm Poppy Whittaker," Poppy introduces herself shyly. "I'm a 24-year-old student in Glasgow, and I think I'll be a great fit for the next season of Love Island! I've been single for about seven months now, and after my ex broke my heart into a million pieces I'm finally ready to move on to bigger and better things." Poppy giggles awkwardly, glancing at the person behind the camera again quickly before looking back.
"Tell us a bit about yourself?" A man's voice with a thick German accent says in the background.
"Well, I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but I am pretty smart," Poppy says with another awkward giggle. "I'm in med school, training to be a surgeon. I have been busy with school these days, but outside of that, I love to be outdoors," The tape cuts to a scene of Poppy hiking up a mountain, looking back at someone holding the camera with a huge smile on her face before cutting back to her audition. Poppy continues, "I love being on or in the ocean... I'm definitely adventurous." The tape cuts again to a scene of Poppy swimming out into a huge wave on a surfboard, and then again to Poppy sitting on the edge of a boat in scuba gear. She makes a silly face at whoever is holding the camera before popping her breathing apparatus into her mouth and expertly flipping back off the edge of the boat into the water behind her.
The scene cuts back to Poppy as she continues, "my friends describe me as caring, honest, thoughtful, sweet, adventurous and smart."
"And modest too, she's definitely incredibly modest," the German-accented voice jokes in the background. Poppy glares at them playfully with a laugh before they continue, "what are you hoping to find on Love Island?"
Poppy's interview is interrupted briefly by a small cat wandering into the screen, rubbing their face on Poppy's affectionately. Poppy smiles at the feline before gently placing them beside herself. Poppy scratches the cat behind the ears as she ponders for a moment, "love, obviously!" she answers finally with a laugh. "with someone kind and thoughtful... maybe a nice boy, you know, the type who gets on with this Gram and will go on adventures with me but who also doesn't mind a quiet night at home for a cozy snuggle, or maybe just spending time together while I study or something and he does his own thing... Someone who values honesty and loyalty above all else, that's really important to me, and someone who is supportive of my dreams. He also should probably get along with this guy," Poppy says, holding up the cat to the camera affectionately with a laugh.
Somewhere in Falmouth Oliver is winding down for the evening as the first actual episode airs on his television set. When they move on to the next interview, Kat's, Oliver heads to his restroom and puts some paste on his toothbrush. As Oliver is about to start brushing his teeth, his phone pings with a text. With one hand, Oliver unlocks his phone and heads to the group chat Angie just texted in. It was one that the season four islanders (without Dylan of course) created right after the show ended last season as a way to keep in touch when they all went their separate ways. They still used the chat regularly, which was nice. Oliver chuckles reading Angie's text, her aversion to saying hello seemed to encompass all forms of communication.
GROUPCHAT - THE ISLANDERS
Angie: Well, well, well, isn't that something...
Oliver: Hello, Angie. Lovely to hear from you as always! 😂
Siri: No time for hellos Oli! Did you see that!?
Bruno: 😂 u girls really r sumthing.
Angie: Her perfect date sounds an awful lot like urs Oli my dude.
Valentina: Not to mention even that she described you almost exactly as what she's looking for in a man...
Angie: AND she clearly likes cats!
Siri: No mention of succulents yet but it's still early!
Angie: U put ne thought into going back?
Oliver knows that Angie is talking about Poppy, 'the girl whose ex they brought on' she told him about in their last phone conversation. He hadn't planned to watch the already-aired stuff, but his curiosity got the better of him after watching the live feed for a while, and when the first edited episode aired, Oliver couldn't help but watch it. He definitely had seen Poppy describe her perfect date almost as though it were his own and he couldn't help but smile warmly when Poppy's feline friend made an appearance in her audition tape, charmed by the fact that she hadn't edited it out. While wishful thinking had Oliver wondering if the two really would be compatible, realistically Oliver knew it was way too soon for him to make any real judgment about it. He had to admit however that Poppy was really, really cute.
Oliver: Not that I don't appreciate you in my life Anj, but it didn't work out so hot for me last time.
Angie: which is y u need to go back! That woman is ur soulmate.
Angie: don't ask me y, I just know it!
Siri: I mean, her perfect date is perfectly your perfect date Oli...
Bruno: n think of all the cats u 2 could have!
Bruno: at least 2!
Will: Not to mention that girl is major 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Will: Finn's loss could easily be ur gain. Just sayin'
Oliver: You too Will?
Will: 🤷 Angie has a point.
Oliver: which is what exactly?
Angie: Uhh, that Poppy is obviously ur soulmate. Pay attention mate!
Siri: Clearly!
Oliver: Lots of people like surfing and outdoors and cats...
Angie: R U saying she doesn't tickle ur fancy?
Angie: Have 2 admit I'm surprised. She seems right up ur alley...
Angie: n she's really cute....
Oliver ponders this for a moment. Truth is, Poppy really does seem "right up his alley", though he can't quite place exactly why yet. Oliver always took his time to fall in love and always preferred to get to know someone really, really well before being romantically attracted to them, it was just his way. So when he felt an immediate pull to Poppy the first time he saw her on the screen, it came as a bit of a surprise to him. There was no denying that she was beautiful, probably the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. But he barely knew three things about her (even if he did really like those three things he did know). Other than Finn, nobody at the villa has even asked Poppy anything about herself, to Oliver's disappointment, and he'd really like to know if they had more in common after their initial date. He sticks his toothbrush in his mouth before texting back.
Oliver: I didn't say that! 😂
Siri: So she DOES float your boat! 😉
Valentina: 🎼Oli and Poppy sittin' in a tree...🎶
Thabi: Hey guys! What are we talking about?
James: Ya we just got a whole bunch of texts at once. Everything ok?
Angie: U guys watching the new season?
Thabi: Kind of...
Thabi: Not wild about all the gaslighting already tbh.
Angie: Ya it's not good. But tell me. If u could bring 1 person from that group to our season... who and y?
Thabi: Easy. Poppy.
Angie: And who would u couple her up with?
James: Oliver seems like the obvious choice.
Thabi: Defo Oli. She seems right up his alley. Helps she likes him too! 🤭Angie: Yessss!!!! See Oli!!!???!!!
Oliver blushes slightly as he reads his friends' messages. He finishes up his brushing, spitting his toothpaste in the sink before wiping his mouth and picking up his phone to write the group back.
Oliver: Anj, you know I really am okay with being single, right? 😂
Angie: sure. But I'm still going hard on #TeamOlliPop
Siri: TEAM OLLIPOP! 🤣 🥰🥰😍 Love love looooove it!
Bruno: Oof... man... u no, that's a pretty good ship name....
Bruno: Pretty sure the rules state now u gotta take a shot....
Siri: Better than our ship name.
Siri: by like... a lot... sorry babe.
Bruno: I'll have u no, Sirno is a charming ship name!
Siri: But it's not OlliPop!
Will: I mean, that's technically true man.
James: Sirno =/= OlliPop is literally true...
Siri: ...Anyway... and she likes you, Oli!
Angie: AND she's still available... eh? eh? 😏😏
Valentina: bet she'd appreciate a big strong tattoo artist from Falmouth sweeping in there to save the day... just saying! 😉😉
Oliver: Guys! It's been literally a day! Let's give it some time, yeah? Besides, it's not like anybody's calling me or anything.
Angie: K, but like, if they DID call u, what would u say?
Oliver: I dunno... maybe? Like I said, it's only been a day!
Angie: Interesting... very interesting....
Will: that wasn't a no dude.
Angie: Sure wasn't!
Angie: brb, gotta go make #TeamOlliPop trending on socials.
Valentina: 😂😂😂😂
Oliver: Oh... my god 😳😳😳😳😳😳
Bruno: tbf, I haven't seen Anj get so worked up about sumthn like, ever.
Bruno: Probs just gotta let this one happen mate
Angie: k but srsly, I gotta run guys. Duty calls. Laters!
Will: ditto, actually. Cheers guys!
Oliver: I got a con in the morning, so I'm probs gonna head out too...
Oliver: goodnight guys. 😂 Angie, try to refrain from embarrassing me TOO bad okay?😙 Night!
Angie: we've met right? no promises mate! 😉
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Kat makes herself comfortable on the loveseat in the Beach Hut, beaming happily at the camera.
"He picked me! He picked me!" Kat exclaims, almost in disbelief. "I thought..." Kat starts, stopping herself quickly. Kat clears her throat and adjusts herself quickly. "I knew he would, I mean, look at me!"
Kat, of course, had no idea if Finn was going to choose her or not. Kat had been giving him her all, desperately trying to get away from Alfie, who was about as exciting as a washcloth. Alfie only ever wanted to talk about Poppy, who as far as Kat could tell had barely spoken to the man. Kat had to admit, she was also insanely interested in Finn. He was so. bloody. hot. Finn hardly seemed to notice though, he was always talking about or glancing at Poppy, just like Alfie. For once, Kat just wanted the hot nice boy before the hot nice girl got to him first and she was stoked that it actually worked in her favour for once.
Kat looks at her phone as she reads the first text from the producers.
Kat, how are you feeling after the recoupling? Do you think your beef with Poppy will be settled now?
Kat laughs awkwardly. "I don't have a beef with Poppy," she says, before adding, "the girl just needs a bit of spice. A bit of drama never hurt nobody."
How are you feeling about leaving Alfie single?
Kat shrugs casually. "It's part of the game, Alfie gets it. Besides, he seems more interested in Poppy..."
Do you think you'll stop cracking on with Suresh now you're coupled with Finn?
"Absolutely," Kat says, trying to look innocently at the camera. "Suresh was a lot of fun, don't get me wrong... but Finn is everything I'm lookin' for in a man."
Truth was, Kat only cracked on with Suresh in an effort to piss Poppy off after Alfie and Finn had both ignored her for Poppy... again. Suresh was... fine, he knew what he was doing, no doubt, but he was always glancing at Poppy while they fooled around in the pool, or talking about Poppy when she was trying to blow him in the kitchen. It was annoying.
Kat pauses for a moment, remembering Poppy's graciousness, all three times now that Kat had pulled a guy from under her. "Anyway, as long as Poppy stays away from my man she won't have anything to worry about," Kat says to the camera. The interview concludes, with Kat gushing about how hot she finds Finn.
Kat leaves the Beach Hut happily, glad she finally got herself a hot, nice boy her Nan would be proud of.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Kat is called to the Beach Hut immediately after the steal ceremony, giving Poppy some reprieve from the unwarranted smug glances in her direction. Finn tries to make eye contact with Poppy, but she seems lost in her own thoughts, barely giving Finn a half-smile before looking at the ground.
It's only day 2... have to stay positive, Poppy tells herself. I just have to wait a few more days, and new people will come. It's fine... it's all fine. Have to stay positive. Poppy reminds herself with a small sigh. When Kat comes out of the Beach Hut, calling for Finn to go rub some suncream on her back, Poppy's phone pings with a message:
Poppy, please make your way to the Beach Hut immediately
Poppy looks at her phone, I could just not go, she thinks to herself. But the best way for me to make sure I don't get twisted in some way is to get my words out before the editors have time to do that. Poppy sighs, continuing her internal debate as she heads to the Beach Hut at the request of the production team, knowing full well the entire time she would do as she was told.
Poppy wasn't angry with Finn. She wouldn't begrudge him for making the choice he thought was best for himself, after all that was the point of the game. However, that didn't mean that she wanted to talk about it. The producers are just looking for drama,Poppy tells herself as she enters the Beach Hut. I don't imagine they'll get much of anything out of me Poppy laments as she takes note of the numbness swimming through her body.
Poppy makes herself comfortable in the loveseat, looking at the blinking red dot on the camera in front of her indicating she's being recorded. When the questions start coming, in the form of texts, Poppy takes a deep breath before looking at her phone.
Poppy, how are you feeling after Finn chose Kat?
Poppy frowns slightly, crinkling her nose. Called it, Poppy thinks to herself before looking up at the camera to answer the question. She clears her throat, reading the question aloud before she answers.
"I'm feeling great," Poppy says, pulling as much cheer through the sea of numbness as she can muster, "If Finn really thinks Kat is better suited to him, I'm happy for him."
You didn't seem too surprised, did you know he was going to pick her?
Poppy reads the next text with another frown. Am I coming off as some kind of drama magnet? she asks herself. They've recorded me 24/7, they know he never told me. How could I possibly have "known"?
"Like I told Finn yesterday, my gut was telling me he wasn't going to choose me. So I guess I wasn't surprised. I didn't know who Finn was going to pick, but I suppose of the three of us, Kat seems the most logical choice," Poppy answers, acting as positive as she can in an effort to overflow the numbness.
Do you think you'll give things a go with Suresh?
Poppy ponders the next question for a moment. "Maybe," she answers tentatively. "I don't know. It feels like every time I take a step forward with Suresh, we take three steps back later. It really hurts being around him when he keeps toying with me. Even if I did take him back I'd want to take things slow and I don't know if he'd go for it." Poppy sighs. "I know things will never be like how they were, but... I don't know... " Poppy says, trailing off.
Do you think you'd like to give things a go with Alfie or Eddie?
Poppy bites her lip nervously. "You know, I don't really think so," she answers after a moment. "It's still early, but neither of them has really asked me anything about myself..." Poppy clears her throat before continuing. "I just... I guess I'm hoping for someone who is so into me, and I'm so into them, that we just can't stop learning about each other. I also don't sense I have much in common with either of them, though it is still early."
Last time you were here, you said Oliver Lee from last season was your "dream guy"... care to elaborate?
Poppy blushes reading the text. "Uh.. well, you know," Poppy starts awkwardly before looking at the camera. "He just seems like he's really kind," Poppy says. "I won't lie... I felt this immediate pull to him when I saw him last season. Like he's somebody I'd really like to get to know better. We seem to have a lot in common... and at least have some common interests," Poppy says candidly. "Erm... but you know... you can't really know someone through a few hours on a television show. But he's kind of the reason I came here. Well. Maybe not him specifically. But I wanted to meet someone creative and thoughtful and kind... and I thought maybe with the track record of nice men you bring on this show... maybe I'd get to meet my 'Oliver' here... whoever he is." Poppy lets out a small chuckle before adding, "you know, if you asked me this before the Suresh question, you might've gotten a completely different answer for that one."
What do you mean by that?
Poppy bites her lip nervously, pondering her answer for a moment. "Just that... Suresh is... a lot of things... but 'kind, creative and thoughtful' are not words I'd use to describe him," Poppy says carefully. I wonder what his mum thinks of me saying that... Poppy thinks to herself sadly, the old familiar twinge of pain in her heart pushing through the numbness momentarily as she thinks about Suresh's family for the first time in a while.
What do you want to happen next?
Poppy laughs at the next question, looking at the camera. "I feel weird saying this to be honest, but new boys, please?"
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Okay, the way she crinkles her nose is kind of adorable, Oliver finds himself thinking as he's distracted from the convention around him, watching Poppy's beach hut interview play on his phone screen almost as though his subconscious is studying it. He found himself turning on the feed several times that day between clients. Of anyone there, Finn's definitely the one she seems to get on with best. I hope she isn't too sad, Oliver thinks to himself.
"I'm feeling great!" Poppy's voice rings out through the one earbud Oliver has in. "If Finn really thinks that Kat is better suited for him, I'm happy for him."
Oliver smiles, happy to see that Finn's choice hasn't brought Poppy down. He watches as she frowns again at the next text, crinkling her nose in her annoyance. Oliver feels himself blush as he watches her, grateful in that moment that Angie wasn't there to rib him about it.
Oliver watches as Poppy reads the next question, her face sadly quizzical. When Poppy admits she is considering getting back with Suresh, Oliver feels his heart sink. Being able to watch the live feed, Oliver was well privy to Suresh's goings on in the villa and well aware that Suresh hadn't changed. Oliver wasn't usually one for disliking a person he didn't know, but he was most definitely not a fan of how Suresh treated and lied to Poppy when she so obviously cared for him.
Oliver has to chuckle when Poppy mentions that Alfie and Eddie haven't bothered to get to know her, being frustrated with that himself. Though he had hoped for Poppy's sake she would bond with someone in the villa, he knew how lonely it could be there at times.
When Poppy says his name again Oliver leans closer to the screen, unaware he was doing it.
"Uh.. well, you know," Poppy says shyly on the screen as her cheeks flush pink. "He just seems like he's really kind... I won't lie... I felt this immediate pull to him when I saw him last season. Like he's somebody I'd really like to get to know better..."
Oliver blinks in surprise. That was twice in one interview Poppy seemed to pull his exact thoughts about her right out of his head, as though she were reading the words from a book.
When Poppy starts to ramble about how she had come onto the show in hopes of meeting someone just like him, Oliver can't help but smile. Poppy drifts off for a brief moment, trying to sort her thoughts. "...maybe I'd get to meet my 'Oliver' here... whoever he is," Poppy says straight into the camera, blushing furiously.
Oliver was probably imagining the way his heart jumped when he heard Poppy say the words 'my Oliver'. Probably.
Poppy looks nervous as she reads the next question, pondering for a moment as she bites her lip. "Just that... Suresh is... a lot of things... but 'kind, creative and thoughtful' are not words I'd use to describe him," Poppy says gently.
Oliver isn't fond of the fact that he's smiling over another man's misery but he can't help the relief he feels hearing Poppy say those words. Practically, he didn't think it was likely he and Poppy would ever actually meet. He genuinely hoped Poppy would find a good match in the villa for her sake, but he was more than a little relieved to hear her say that she wasn't looking for another Suresh. When Poppy's interview concludes Oliver turns his attention back to his flash work, adding some pink flush shading to the poppy piece he was working on.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Suresh leans against the wall of the villa, watching the Beach Hut as he waits outside for Poppy. Suresh was... confused, though he hated to admit it. He'd expected Poppy to have some kind of reaction at the recoupling. Everyone thought Finn was going to choose Poppy, aside from Kat. So when Poppy had no reaction to Finn choosing Kat, literally none at all, Suresh was, in a word, dumbfounded.
Suresh had to admit to himself that he was ready to forgive Poppy. Being around her but not having her was making him crazy. He hated the idea of Poppy being with one of these other idiots (especially Finn). And while Suresh had been having his fun with Kat when nobody was looking, he figured that was done now that Kat got the man she was holding out for. Maybe now that Poppy was feeling the sting of rejection, she'd be ready to see his side of things. He was done with the chase, although he loved it. He was ready to have Poppy again, aching for it, really.
Poppy opens the door to the Beach Hut, surprised to see Suresh waiting outside. She gives him a small smile as he approaches her.
"Hey babe, can we talk?" Suresh asks Poppy. When she agrees Suresh leads Poppy to the swing seat and sits down next to her.
"What's up?" Poppy asks Suresh curiously.
"Look, I know it's already been a lot... but I just want you to know, I'm glad we're still coupled up," Suresh says, looking at Poppy with a small smile that widens significantly when she returns it.
"You're not finding this awkward then?" Poppy asks Suresh, looking up at him curiously. Suresh smiles at Poppy charmingly.
"It's a bit weird not properly being together," Suresh admits, "especially having you so close again after so long."
Poppy sighs sadly. "I know what you mean," she says. Suresh looks at Poppy hopefully.
"Listen, I know you won't get over everything that went down overnight," Suresh starts. Poppy looks at him carefully.
It's so weird how many euphemisms he can find so he doesn't have to say that he cheated. she thinks, suppressing an amused smile.
"....but we have time to work on everything together." Suresh finishes, studying Poppy carefully.
"Only a few days but the sounds of things," Poppy says, gesturing to the villa around them. She notices Finn take a seat at the beanbags with Kat, giving him a small smile before she turns her attention back to Suresh.
"Poppy, you know I love the chase," Suresh says to Poppy, slowly leaning closer to her. Suresh gently rubs his hand up and down her arm. "But with everything that’s happened, I wanna make sure I’m not chasing a lost cause?" He asks her seriously.
Poppy shakes her head, "Suresh, I don't want to play games. If you want me, then I want to know it. I want to know that you've changed and that you won't hurt me again." Poppy lets out a shaky breath.
"I'll prove it to you," Suresh says earnestly, taking both of Poppy's hands in his. "Please babe, just give me a chance to do that."
"Even if I want to take things slow?" Poppy asks Suresh, looking at him carefully.
"Whatever you need babe," Suresh says earnestly, surprised when Poppy pulls him into a hug happily. She smiles up at him, the way she used to when they were together, and Suresh feels a twinge of guilt course through him.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Finn watches Poppy from the corner of his eye as Kat blathers on beside him in the beanbags, making sure to give her the occasional grunt or nod.
Poppy didn't react at all when he chose Kat, not that he necessarily expected her to per se. If she had been angry with him, he wouldn't have blamed her, Finn was well aware of how badly he had led her on.
Truth is, he wanted to choose Poppy. He had his sights set on her from the moment he saw her, even happier when he found out her chat was on point and that he enjoyed her company, even fully clothed. The production team, however, had other plans. Finn swipes through the chats on his phone mindlessly. Reading the last one over and over again bitterly.
Finn, the production team feels it's best if you don't choose Poppy this evening. We trust you will do what's right for the season, and for Poppy.
That's done and dusted then, Finn thinks to himself. Poppy looks in his direction, making eye contact with Finn for the first time since the steal. Finn gives her a weak smile, happy to see her return it.
"Finn, are you there?" Kat asks him, snapping Finn out of his train of thought. Finn looks at Kat, following her gaze to Poppy as she starts piecing together where his mind was.
To Finn's relief, Kat's attention is interrupted by a text. Kat yells out to the other islanders, seemingly forgetting about her current annoyance at Poppy. When everyone gathers around her, Kat reads:
Islanders, please gather by the pool as it’s time to find out each other’s naughty secrets! #NaughtyPast #RevealTime
"Oooh, I can't wait to find out everyone's naughty secrets!" Dana says, rubbing her hands together. The group heads to the pool, a nervous excitement hanging over them.
"Can't wait to find out who I'm coupled up with," Kat says to Finn, Finn shrugs.
"We all got a past, no judging!" Finn says casually, stealing a glance at Poppy.
"I wouldn't hold out for much from Poppy," Kat says, giving Poppy side-eye. "She probably has like, three things to choose from."
Poppy says with a laugh and a shrug. "Wonder which one they're gonna pick!" she says, not letting Kat's snide remarks bother her.
Suresh looks down nervously, aware that he hasn't been on his best behaviour since coming into the villa. She told me to crack on with other people though, surely she can't be mad about it? Suresh thinks to himself. He steals a quick glance at Kat, but she's preoccupied with Finn.
When the islanders arrive at the pool, Eddie is instructed to don a traditional judges wig as the host of the challenge. The islanders giggle at how ridiculous he looks as Eddie grabs the cards to start the game.
"Rules are pretty simple guys. I'll read out what's on the cards, we all have to guess who it is," Eddie says, shrugging, "guess it's meant to be an icebreaker."
"Come on mate, let's get this thing started!" Alfie says excitedly, rubbing his hands together.
Eddie pulls up the first card, trying to keep a straight face as he says, "ooof! Starting off strong mates! Which islander once had a fling with their best friend's sister?"
The islanders look amongst each other momentarily before Dana shrugs. "I mean, if there's a spark there's a spark... why not?"
"Because it's your best mate's sister!" Suresh exclaims.
Poppy had to admit, she definitely thought it might be Suresh, having met the woman a few times and knowing how beautiful she is. Poppy looks at Suresh curiously, who gives her a warm smile in return before putting his arm around her shoulder, leaving it there when Poppy doesn't pull away.
"Sure you've done a lot worse, geezer," Alfie says to Suresh coldly.
"Nah, mates' sisters are off-limits," Suresh says seriously, giving Poppy's shoulder an affectionate rub. "My money's on Alfie," he adds.
"Nah, not my style," Alfie replies almost smugly. "Guess Suresh ain't mates with your fam, Poppy?"
Poppy looks down awkwardly, knowing her brothers especially disliked Suresh after the breakup. I don't remember even telling Alfie I have brothers, she thinks, her brow wrinkled in confusion. Poppy looks around, noticing Finn looking at the ground sheepishly. She chuckles. "Oi Finn, you're a bit quiet there," she says with a cheeky smile, quickly changing the subject. Finn winks at Poppy playfully when he looks up at her.
"Babe! You didn't!" Kat says in horror, lightly hitting his chest.
"I absolutely did," Finn replies with a laugh, "she was an absolute worldie, that one!" Suresh shakes his head disapprovingly. Poppy looks at him with a brow raised. Are you in a position to be judging? she thinks, tired of his hypocrisy.
"Remind me to never intro you to my sister, mate," Alfie says with a chuckle.
"Spill the tea, babe," Kat urges Finn.
Finn lets out a laugh. "We did spill the tea, actually," Finn says with a laugh. "Knocked it right off the kitchen table when we got down to it." Finn replies to Poppy's curious look with another wink.
"Right on the kitchen table bro? That's hot to be fair!" Eddie exclaims.
"I didn't plan it. My mate was upstairs in the bath after footy so I had a chat with his older sister," Finn continues explaining. "Always been a bit of a cheeky spark and it just happened."
"While your mate was right upstairs?" Suresh asks Finn with a look of disgust. Poppy purses her lips disapprovingly. I wonder what this saint of a man must have for secrets then? she thinks to herself sarcastically.
"He was taking forever," Finn replies with a shrug.
"You weren't kidding, you do love an older woman, hey mate?" Alfie says, elbowing Finn in the ribs.
Kat's eyes narrow. "First I've heard of it," she says annoyed. She glances at Poppy, who raises her hands innocently.
"Not sure why you're looking at me like that, Kat. I'm pretty sure I'm younger than Finn," Poppy states, her tone light and joking despite being over Kat's passive-aggressive stares. Kat rolls her eyes, angrily.
"Moving on then ladies and gents," Eddie says quickly changing the subject. "Which Islander almost arrested by a park ranger when they got caught skinny dipping in a glacier lake?"
"Skinny dipping? That's got you written all over it, Kitty Kat," Dana says, pointing at Kat with a laugh.
"It weren't me. I prefer to do my skinny dipping in heated pools," Kat says. "I'm betting Alfie did something like that."
Poppy and Suresh both stand quietly observing the others before Suresh can't contain his smirk anymore. "I know who it is and it isn't Alfie," Suresh says, looking down before making playful eye contact with Poppy. Poppy can't help but smile back, thinking of the memory.
"Poppy?!" Kat exclaims surprised. "About as spicy as plain bread, Poppy?"
"Wish I coulda seen that!" Alfie says, giving Poppy a cheeky wink. Poppy laughs.
"It was a beautiful sight, believe me," Suresh says, giving Poppy a cheeky wink of his own.
"Reveal the deets then?" Alfie asks, looking directly at Poppy.
"Well... Suresh and I were vacationing in Canada," Poppy starts, turning to make eye contact with Suresh. "I wanted to go for a hike because we were staying in the Rocky Mountains. It was super hot that day, like 35 degrees, and Suresh wasn't super keen, so I told him we could go for a cheeky swim after..." Poppy starts to giggle at the memory. "I had forgotten the lake was a glacier lake so when I came back up after jumping in without checking the water, I screamed! The water was so cold!"
"Which caught the attention of a nearby park ranger," Suresh says with a chuckle. "To be fair, I'd have come running too if I had heard a woman scream like that in the woods."
Poppy laughs with an enthusiastic nod. "Luckily I had my pants on again by the time he'd arrived," Poppy says smiling at Suresh.
"Told us we looked like we were just some 'kids having fun' but to 'try to refrain from public nudity if we could'," Suresh says with a laugh. He looks at Poppy affectionately as she blushes at the memory. I had completely forgotten about that, she thinks to herself, realising that Suresh must have told the producers. I don't think I told anyone else about that one.
The islanders continue their game, revealing Kat's "secret" fetish for having sex on boats Tame for what I expected out of Kat... Poppy thinks as it's revealed to be her, Alfie's tattoo of a camel on his big toe I guess it's a funny pun? Maybe you had to be there... Poppy wonders, Eddie having to be rescued while he was nude on a hotel rooftop At least it sounds like he was having a good time with his mates and Dana's fivesome after a party Easily the spiciest secret so far, love the confidence on that girl... seems more genuine that Kat Poppy thinks to herself, giving Dana an impressed nod. Finally, Eddie reaches the last card.
"Last one!" Eddie says excitedly, reading the card before looking around. "And it's a doozy, which one of you dirty do-ers did this?" Eddie looks around suspiciously.
Suresh is the only one of us who hasn't had a secret revealed yet... Poppy realises, putting the pieces together slowly. He's said he's changed... don't jump to conclusions just yet, Poppy tells herself as she bites her lip nervously.
Eddie continues after a dramatic pause to build the suspense, "Which Islander... hid a long-term relationship from a person they were flirting with... for months?"
Poppy feels her breath catch as she's suddenly aware of how close she and Suresh have been standing for the game. He told me it was once... he told me it was a one-time thing... Before Poppy continues the thought she turns to look up at Suresh as he looks away from her guiltily, moving his arm off her shoulder slowly. Why am I even surprised? Poppy thinks sadly to herself, turning her attention back to the other islanders as they debate amongst each other.
Finally, Finn looks up from the group and notices Suresh looking away from Poppy guiltily. "I see that look Suresh," Finn says, interrupting Kat and Dana who were bickering about who it could be. "It was you, wasn't it fella?" Finn says almost angrily.
Kat's eyes widen as she looks at Suresh. "Oh my days! Not that surprised to be honest," Kat says, giving Poppy a smirk.
She has a point, Poppy thinks to herself dejectedly.
"Yeah, I thought it was him too," Eddie chimes in. "Got Suresh written all over it, doesn't it?"
"This when you were together?" Alfie asks, gesturing to Poppy and then Suresh.
"I suppose it would have to be," Poppy says before Suresh can reply with a shrug. "I was apparently his first 'proper girlfriend'." The other islanders look at Poppy, surprised by her calm demeanour.
"How are you so chill about it Poppy? If I was you I'd be raging," Kat says, looking at Poppy curiously.
"Yeah, you better explain yourself, bro," Eddie says to Suresh, crossing his arms angrily.
Poppy shoots Eddie a confused look. I don't remember you being a part of this, Eddie... Poppy thinks to herself.
"I don't need to explain myself to you, bro," Suresh snipes back at Eddie angrily.
"Yeah, I don't want to hear it," Poppy says dully. She steps away from Suresh to turn and look at him as she gives him a small shrug, her face otherwise blank.
"Well if you're gonna be sharing a villa with us and all your dirty laundry you need to spill," Kat says, giving Poppy another smirk.
"It doesn't have to be dirty laundry," Poppy says to Kat with another shrug. "I don't care about it." Don't know why the rest of you are making it your problem, Poppy thinks to herself, annoyed.
"Seriously Poppy, you don't want to know at all?" Dana asks Poppy curiously. "Girl, it says months!"
"And we all know what it accumulated to already," Poppy says to Dana. "Am I supposed to be surprised? Because Kat and Eddie both weren't." Poppy looks at Eddie and then to Kat pointedly.
Kat gives Poppy an unreadable look, while the others look at Poppy speechless.
"Is that the game then?" Poppy asks Eddie who nods in reply. "Good, I'm going for a swim," Poppy says, walking toward the pool.
Suresh catches her wrist before Poppy can get in."We should talk about this," he says, looking Poppy in the eyes. Once again finding himself completely flabbergasted by her response.
"After I go for a swim," Poppy replies casually, shrugging Suresh off. She dives into the pool and starts swimming laps, letting the water calm her mind. Stupid, stupid, stupid!she thinks to herself sadly, upset that she let herself believe for even a moment that things might be different.
Poppy swims for about 40 minutes when she decides to call it quits, getting most of the frustration out of her system. The exercise helps her feel a lot lighter and just overall better. Poppy swims to the edge of the pool, noticing Suresh's feet waiting for her there. Poppy pulls herself out of the water beside Suresh who offers her a hand up and a towel, she accepts both.
"Can we chat?" Suresh asks Poppy sincerely, looking at Poppy feigned with concern.
Poppy shrugs. "I guess," she says, following Suresh as he leads her to their now 'usual' spot on the swing seats. Poppy notices that the others are positioned nearby, wanting to watch the drama unfold. Poppy rolls her eyes.
"It'd be really cool if we could stop ending challenges on bombshells about us," Poppy says with a sigh before looking at Suresh pointedly. "Got anything else that's going to come out? Because honestly, it'd be better to know now."
"Poppy, it sounds a lot worse than it was..." Suresh starts, stopping when Poppy shrugs. "Do you really not care?"
"No Suresh, I don't," Poppy says, looking him in the eyes. "I'm long past the point where I cared."
"Poppy..." Suresh says, reaching toward her before stopping himself. "It was a one-time thing, you gotta believe me."
Poppy raises her eyebrows, surprised by Suresh's audacity. "How am I supposed to believe anything you say?" she asks him seriously. "Everything you've told me since we've been here is a lie."
"I reckon everyone's done what I did!" Suresh says, exasperated. "You're trying to tell me you've never flirted with anyone while we were together?"
How do you just not get it? Poppy thinks to herself, frustrated. For someone who thinks he's so smart, you can be a real idiot, Suresh.. "I didn't, but that's not what I'm even mad about, Suresh!" Poppy says instead.
"So you are mad!" Suresh says, almost triumphantly. Poppy rolls her eyes.
"No Suresh, I'm not," Poppy says, upset with herself for saying otherwise. "I just... don't care anymore. Nothing you can do will ever change what you did. It seems to keep getting worse when it should be over by now. So yeah. I don't care, Suresh. I don't care about you at all."
Suresh winces at Poppy's last words. "You don't mean that," he says, studying Poppy's face but finding nothing.
"Right now, I very much do Suresh," Poppy says, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Suresh looks away from Poppy petulantly, angry that she wouldn't let him explain himself yet again.
"Right, well, I guess I'll leave you to sulk then," Poppy says after a moment, standing from her place on the swing seat.
"I'm not sulking, I'm thinking!" Suresh replies, turning to look at Poppy quickly.
Poppy raises an eyebrow at Suresh. Of how to spin this in your favour? More lies? How you can get away with whatever comes out after now? she thinks to herself bitterly as she returns to her seat.
"I'm just thinking that.. even despite all this fighting... how good we are for each other," Suresh says, looking at Poppy.
Oh, I see, thinking of how to deflect. Got it. Poppy thinks to herself before saying incredulously, "are you for real?"
"You brought out a different side of me. A more caring, thoughtful side that I didn’t even know I had in me," Suresh starts. "Before you, I had no interest in girls for more than a few nights. And I brought out your impulsive, wild side more than anyone else had."
Poppy rolls her eyes. "I prefer the calmer and less dramatic life I've been living," she says honestly. "So if I'm so 'special', did you cheat why? Because that's just who you are?"
"Do you know how many girls I turned down while we were together?" Suresh asks exasperated.
"You want a medal? Am I supposed to thank you for only getting caught cheating on me once?" Poppy says, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms angrily.
"I want you to know how much effort I put into being a good boyfriend to you!" Suresh says exasperated. "It was only the one time!"
Poppy shrugs. "I don't believe you," she says simply. "But it doesn't matter. We're done here." Poppy turns to leave.
"This isn't all on me, Poppy!" Suresh snaps at her angrily. Poppy turns, looking at Suresh curiously.
"Oh? Are you about to enlighten me about these 'two sides' I keep hearing about?" Poppy asks Suresh, her tone almost playful.
Suresh clenches his jaw in frustration. "All that matters is that we try to move past it," Suresh says, annoyed when Poppy laughs in response.
"I am moving past it," Poppy says. "You haven't even apologized. I'm moving on."
"I'm done apologizing!" Suresh snaps.
"You've apologized exactly zero times, Suresh!" Poppy says, almost laughing at his absurdity.
"Whatever Poppy, I'm going to go work out," Suresh says, rolling his eyes at Poppy before storming to the gym in a huff.
Poppy shrugs, much to Suresh's annoyance and turns to wave at Dana and Eddie who were watching Poppy and Suresh closely. They both look away in embarrassment before Dana runs over to Poppy.
"Busted..." Dana says awkwardly. Poppy shrugs. "You want to talk about it?" Dana asks, sitting next to Poppy.
"Honestly, not at all," Poppy says with a sigh. "This whole thing has consumed so much of my life over the last year and a bit. I'd be thrilled if it just never came back up again, to be honest."
Kat notices Dana and Poppy chatting and runs to the swing seat to join them, interrupting Dana's reply.
"Oooh are we gossiping? Spill the tea girl, what just happened?" Kat says, cozying up next to Poppy who gives her a look of confusion.
"No gossip to be had here," Dana says to Kat with a chuckle. "Poppy's cool as a cucumber it seems."
"That's no fun," Kat says, making a playfully annoyed face at Poppy. "So tell us then, because inquiring minds have to know," Kat continues, acting as though she and Poppy are best friends. "How you gonna feel if Suresh starts grafting on us other girls?" Kat gives Dana a pointed look. Dana looks away, embarrassed.
"I guess that might be a real concern here," turning back Dana says, eyeing Poppy carefully.
Kat continues smugly, "I mean, can't blame him with girls like me around."
Dana coughs.
"Sorry," Kat says, not sounding sorry at all. "Girls, like us around."
Poppy shrugs. "Unsurprised. It's the villa, Suresh can do what he wants," she says, to a non-plussed Kat.
"You wouldn't care like, at all?" Kat asks Poppy in disbelief.
"You do you," Poppy says with another shrug. "If one of you wants to take him off my hands, he's all yours."
Kat laughs. "I guess no matter what, a player's gotta play," she says, giving Poppy a look. "So, who've you got your eye on then? Better not be Finn, because remember babe, he picked me." Kat says assertively.
Poppy shrugs. "I honestly don't know," she says a bit awkwardly. Poppy doesn't feel comfortable opening up to Kat, so she doesn't want to tell her she's holding out for new boys.
"Well Finn won't have time to notice you with me around anyway," Kat says almost half-heartedly. Poppy's chillness was really taking the fun out of Kat's mean-girl routine.
"Too right," Poppy says to Kat with a smile. Kat can't help but smile back, annoyed that she was finding it so hard to dislike the girl. She walks away in a half-hearted huff, as though she has to keep up an appearance. When Kat's out of hearing distance Poppy and Dana exchange a look and burst into laughter.
"A little birdy told me that Alfie's well into you," Dana says after a brief silence, turning to look out at the Villa.
Poppy looks at Dana curiously. "That right?" she says. Why? Poppy thinks to herself, remembering how dull their first, and currently only conversation was.
"I guess he's been too shy to really come talk to you about it," Dana explains, "plus with Suresh constantly watching you..." Dana adds, gesturing in the direction of the gym where Suresh was watching Poppy with Dana as he worked out.
Poppy huffs in frustration. Maybe Alfie is a lovely fellow and I got him all wrong because of Suresh, she thinks to herself, suddenly embarrassed about not putting more effort into getting to know him. "Sounds about right," Poppy mumbles in reply to Dana who gives her a knowing look.
After a moment of silence, Poppy turns to Dana asking curiously. "So, any updates on the Eddie situation?" she asks, wanting desperately to talk about anything other than her and Suresh.
"I can't get a read on him to be honest," Dana says, tapping her finger on her mouth in thought. "It's like... it's like all of his compliments are rehearsed or something, it's a bit strange talking to him."
Poppy looks at Dana curiously. "That does sound like a problem..." she says carefully.
"What do you think Poppy, is Eddie into me?" Dana asks, looking at Poppy.
Poppy thinks for a moment, trying to find the best way to put her thoughts into words. "I have hardly spoken to him to be honest, but when I did he told me he sensed your eggs may not be all in his basket... so he said he wasn't fond of keeping all of his in yours."
Dana's brows perk up. "Oh really?" she says with a laugh. "I suppose I can't be mad when he's right." Poppy looks at her curiously.
"That so?" Poppy asks Dana, "care to share?"
Dana laughs a little uncomfortably. "I think I'll keep those cards close to my chest right now if that's okay."
"Sure Dana, no problem," Poppy replies to a relieved Dana.
After a moment, Dana stands and turns to Poppy. "Right... well. I'm gonna go," she says awkwardly.
Poppy looks at Dana curiously. Did I do something wrong? Poppy sits back in the seat, letting the swing rock as she thinks about the last 24 hours. Won't be long until we get new people... Poppy thinks to herself, interrupted by Suresh standing at the edge of the swing seat clearing his throat.
"Poppy hey, can I have a minute," Suresh asks her quietly. Suresh looks Poppy in the eyes almost pleadingly.
"Uh... sure," Poppy says, sitting up. Suresh takes a seat next to Poppy as she turns to face him. A bit surprised by this almost vulnerability he was showing.
"Poppy, I'm sorry I flirted with her," Suresh says, looking at the ground. "It was all innocent fun though, I really mean that."
Poppy rolls her eyes. "Suresh, I already told you I don't care that you flirted with her," Poppy says quietly. "I care that you lied about it and that you keep letting me find out these revelations in front of everyone when you could just... respect me and tell me privately so I don't have to be blindsided."
Suresh looks up at Poppy guiltily. "Oh," he says, looking back down at the ground. "It was never really real until... that night. It was all innocent banter."
"What changed then?" Poppy asks before she's able to stop herself. "Or do I want to know?"
"What do you mean?" Suresh says, looking up at Poppy sadly.
"How did it go from several months of innocent banter to sleeping with her?" Poppy asks simply.
"Alright!" Suresh snaps, rubbing his hands through his hair. "Alright," he says after taking a deep breath, a lot calmer. "It was the night we had that big fight."
The one where you were mad at me for not being able to reschedule midterms because you decided without talking to me we were going on a trip? I remember the one, Poppy thinks to herself sadly, staying silent to avoid another argument.
"It felt like everything in that day just... fell apart. Things were so... fun and easy in the beginning," Suresh continues, the words almost spilling out of him, "and then... things got really real, and it seemed like we wanted different things, and it hurt." Suresh looks at Poppy, his eyes full of vulnerability.
"Why didn't you say any of this until now?" Poppy asks, studying Suresh's features as though she's looking at him for the first time.
"I tried babe! But we weren't communicating well," Suresh sighs, his voice dropping lower. "It felt like... you were pulling away. I kept trying to pull you back, but it seemed like everything I tried made you want to fly closer and closer to the sun, away from me..." Suresh sniffs, looking at the ground.
Poppy looks at Suresh curiously. "Is this the 'two sides' you keep talking about Resh?" she asks him gently. "Did you... cheat on me because I didn't have as much time for you anymore?"
Suresh sniffs again. "When you put it like that it makes me sound like a child," Suresh says with an emotionless laugh.
Poppy clears her throat, stopping herself from agreeing with him. Poppy did think it was childish of him, but not because he was having the feelings he was having. Poppy was just frustrated that she had no idea that Suresh was feeling that way at all. Instead Poppy looks straight ahead, absorbing the information she'd just been told.
When they first broke up, Poppy asked herself every day what she did wrong, what she could have done better to make things work. To find out now that Suresh was resenting her because of the time school (and the extra tutoring job she took to make an important purchase) was taking was...hard to hear. Poppy sighs. "What's done is done, I guess."
I wanted to take it all back," Suresh says sadly, still not looking at Poppy. "It could have been anyone, she wasn't special. I just... got drunk and was confused and she was there... it just happened. I wanted to tell you, I called you that morning so that I could but I chickened out when you got to my flat."
Poppy remembers that time like it was yesterday. Poppy had felt immediately guilty after Suresh had left her flat that night after their argument. She wanted to give him space so she didn't call him and called his mum, Ruhi, instead. Poppy had tried to sound chipper while she asked Ruhi for the recipe for Suresh's favourite dessert but ended up opening up to her about their argument. After a lovely chat and getting the recipe, Poppy spent hours into the evening baking it for him before going to bed, checking her phone for what felt like every three minutes for him to call or text. When Suresh called the next morning, Poppy was relieved to hear from him, and she brought the dessert to his flat, apologizing profusely for their argument.
Poppy puts her head down, suddenly fascinated with her own hands. She didn't want to remember the rest of the day, how they had sex and made up. How Suresh was so touched that she went through the effort, how relieved Poppy felt when it felt like the first time she'd done something right in their relationship for the first time in so long. Poppy remembers Suresh hopping in the shower, asking her to look for a file in his phone to send to his work email for him. She remembers how she opened his phone to his documents folder, seeing the thumbnail of the photograph. Poppy's hands start to shake as she remembers opening the photo, telling herself it must have been from before they got together. Then Poppy remembers the world falling down on her as she checks the metadata. 1:31 a.m. that morning. While Poppy was baking in her kitchen, working out her apology, checking her phone every 3 minutes for him to text.
Poppy remembers going through his phone, and how her heart shattered when she went through his message history with herself. The last message Suresh had sent to her was the photo - delivery failed - at 1:31 a.m.
Poppy was grateful she had never told anyone that detail, not even Leon. She had been dropping hints to Suresh to warn her if he had spilled to the producers as much as she could, but he either hadn't told anyone, wasn't getting it, or didn't care if she was humiliated again on television. At least she wouldn't be blindsided by that one if it did come up, but she'd rather be prepared regardless.
"Whatever you're thinking," Suresh says, finally breaking the tense silence, "you know we had something amazing together." He turns to look Poppy in the eyes, "We drove each other wild, admit it! Those weekends when we went out on Friday night and came home on Sunday morning! Flying in helicopters around Dubai, swimming in the Med, fine dining in Venice...." Suresh clears his throat nervously. "I know I hurt you Poppy, but we could have that life again. Do you really want to throw it all away over one little mistake?"
Poppy's mind is racing a mile a minute. Why do I want this so badly? Poppy thinks to herself sadly.
"I need some time to think," Poppy says, avoiding eye contact with Suresh. She bites her lip nervously.
"I made mistakes Poppy," Suresh says, earnestly, "but they weren't because I didn't love you. Maybe I didn't know then what I had, but... I do now."
Poppy sighs sadly. "Suresh, I get that you've always gotten attention from other girls. I've never let that bother me. What bothers me is what you do with that attention, and how you make not cheating on me sound like such a chore. I want to be with someone who's so in love with me, he doesn't care about attention from other girls," she explains. Her voice shaking slightly with sadness.
Suresh looks at Poppy carefully, placing a hand gently on hers. "I hear you Poppy," Suresh says. "I can be what you need me to be, I will prove it."
Poppy gives Suresh a weak smile, unsure if she even wants him to try.
"Look, while I'm being honest," Suresh says, "I was trying to give you space yesterday, so I spoke with Kat and Dana... to see if I could move on..."
Poppy shrugs. "Fair does, I told you to do that," she says, Suresh looks at her quizzically.
"Well it didn't work anyway," Suresh says, studying Poppy's face. "Sure Kat and Dana are stunners, we had a bit of cheeky fun..." Poppy raises a curious eyebrow at Suresh. "I fooled around with Kat, maybe had a cheeky flirt with Dana..." Suresh says, relieved when Poppy doesn't look angry.
"Uh... wow," Poppy says, blinking in surprise. "I'm surprised you found the time when you were so busy watching me everywhere, to be honest. Here I thought you'd be mad at me for kissing Finn."
Suresh clears his throat. "You kissed Finn?" he asks as calmly as he can.
"Yeah, on the date," Poppy says, blushing a little. "Please don't tell Kat, I think she's starting to tolerate me," she adds with an awkward giggle.
"You didn't look surprised when he didn't choose you?" Suresh asks.
Poppy looks at Suresh, confused. "I didn't realise a little snog meant any obligation to a person," she says.
Suresh nods. "All right then," he says, turning to look at the villa. "You know Poppy, I don't know if I'll ever figure you out," Suresh says to her. "It's probably one of my favourite things about you."
Poppy rolls her eyes somewhat playfully. "Whatever Resh," she says with a laugh.
Suresh looks at Poppy with genuine affection. This Poppy, the playful, sarcastic, sharp-as-a-tack, beautiful and confident spitfire was the Poppy he fell in love with. In that moment he realised he was fighting for her back because he wanted her, not because he wanted revenge, or to hurt her like she had him. Suresh clears his throat, gesturing to the others around the pool.
"Thanks for hearing me out Poppy," Suresh says, "I'm going to go."
Poppy gives Suresh a tentative smile and waves goodbye before heading to the kitchen, her mind racing. As Poppy walks in, Finn closes the refrigerator door before turning and noticing her.
"Poppy! Hi." Finn says, somewhat nervously.
"Hi, Finn," Poppy says warmly. Poppy looks around the room when Finn does, noticing that they are alone.
"Poppy, I... owe you an explanation," Finn says, looking Poppy in the eyes. "And an apology."
"You owe me no such thing, Finn," Poppy says with a genuine smile. "You never once told me you were going to choose me, and even if you had I can't be mad because you changed your mind. People can do that," Poppy continues with a shrug.
Finn blinks in surprise. After spending the morning with Kat, who basically wanted to jump down Poppy's throat every second for simply existing, Poppy's attitude was a breath of fresh air. "Thanks Poppy," Finn says, letting out a breath. "Mates?"
"Yes, please!" Poppy replies with a smile. Finn returns it, happy and relieved.
"Poppy, you're great craic," Finn says after a brief pause. "You doing alright after that game? Seems you've got a target on your back or something..."
"It's starting to feel that way," Poppy confides, she takes a seat on one of the stools as Finn mixes the two of them a fruity, colourful drink. "I thought it was in my head..."
Finn frowns before saying, "I assure you, I've noticed too." He hands Poppy a drink, taking a seat in the stool next to her.
"Finn, do you think Suresh is going to ruin my chances of moving on in the villa?" Poppy asks, looking straight ahead.
Finn hesitates. He knows of course that something is going on that's affecting her chances of moving on in the villa, but he was contractually obligated not to tell her. Finn clears his throat. "Honestly Poppy, yeah. I think it's a possibility," he says, not wanting to lie to her, but figuring he can spin use Suresh's own behaviour to explain it.
Poppy nods. "I guess it was pretty obvious," she says, not asking Finn for more information, to his relief. After another brief pause, Poppy mentions, "he told me he got on with Kat yesterday."
Finn raises his eyebrows in surprise. "That so?" Finn says with a chuckle.
"I told him... about our kiss," Poppy says, turning to look at Finn as she says it.
"That's okay, you had every right to," Finn says with a shrug. "Was he cross?" he asks, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"A bit, I think," Poppy says with a small giggle adding, "he was hardly in a position to judge when he just got telling me he fooled around with another woman here yesterday."
Finn chuckles, taking a mouthful of his drink. "I shouldn't say this, but you can do far better than him."
Poppy smiles, taking a sip of the drink Finn made her. "Thanks Finn."
"What are you thinking Poppy? Got your eye on anyone here?" Finn asks Poppy curiously.
Poppy looks around before turning to Finn. "To be honest, I don't think so," she says with a sigh.
"My boy Alf's got it bad for you," Finn says candidly. Poppy laughs awkwardly.
"You're the second person to tell me today. Maybe I haven't given Alfie enough of a chance," Poppy says, "but... I just have a gut feeling I can't place about him."
Finn looks at Poppy curiously. "That so?" he says, scratching his beard. "Mum always told me a woman's intuition is always right..." he continues. He gives Poppy a small smile. "For what it's worth, I think Alfie's a good lad."
"Yeah?" Poppy asks, Finn nods. "Interesting..." Poppy replies slowly. "What's your read on Eddie?" she asks.
"Not sure to be honest," Finn replies with a shrug. "Something seems off with him, but I guess... I can't place it either."
Poppy nods, understanding. "Well then, I hope there are new boys soon or it sounds like I'll be going home," she says, looking out of the kitchen into the garden.
"I can't see that happening Beour," Finn says, looking out at the garden along with her.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy and Finn finish their drinks and go their separate ways. Poppy wanders around the villa for the afternoon, hoping to get to know everyone and actively avoiding Suresh as much as possible. After Poppy has another thrilling conversation with Alfie in which he referred to her as 'Suresh ex' rather than her own name multiple times, Poppy decides she's definitely holding out for new islanders.
That evening Suresh is already in their bed when Poppy finishes getting ready for the night. Poppy tenses lightly when she sees him there. I can't exactly tell him not to Poppy thinks to herself as she approaches him.
"Hey babe, you don't mind me sleeping here tonight do you?" Suresh asks, smiling at Poppy.
Poppy shakes her head as she crawls into the other side of the bed, careful to keep a small gap between them. "It's just as much your bed as mine Suresh," Poppy says as she lies down. She rolls to face him as he does the same.
"Thanks Poppy," Suresh replies, relieved. He looks at her carefully as the lights go out, studying her face in the dark. "I won't lie, it's proper nice being in a bed with you again."
Poppy knew sharing a bed with Suresh would make her feel all kinds of feelings, however even she was surprised when she leaned in to kiss him. The kiss is full of emotion, all the hurt and the broken hope of the last two days accumulating to it.
Poppy surprises them both even further by deepening the kiss, her tongue seeking his gently before they find each other. Suresh groans quietly, rolling Poppy onto her back so he can take control.
Suresh's hands glide firmly up the sides of her thighs before grabbing at Poppy's hips greedily. He moves to kiss her neck gently, breathing into her ear on the way, "Poppy, you are so fucking beautiful." When Suresh's lips touch her neck Poppy lets out a small gasp before she comes to her senses.
"Resh, I'm sorry," Poppy says, gently pushing Suresh off of her. He stops immediately, rolling onto his side.
"I... missed that," Suresh says, looking at Poppy's lips hungrily. "I'm sorry if I got carried away..."
"I started it," Poppy replies quietly. She looks away guiltily. "Let's just go to bed."
"Whatever you need babe," Suresh says charmingly. He lifts his arm invitingly. Would you like to cuddle," he asks Poppy.
Poppy shakes her head, rolling over to face away from Suresh.
"Goodnight, Poppy," Suresh says before rolling away from her to give her space.
"I'm sorry Resh." Poppy says quietly. If Suresh hears her he ignores her, and it isn't long before he's asleep. The same can't be said for Poppy, whose mind races for hours about Suresh and how she could possibly be so dumb as to kiss him like that, and how dumb she was for enjoying it.
The following morning, Poppy wakes up to Suresh gently shaking her shoulder, a plate in his hand and a glass of juice on the nightstand.
"Good morning beautiful," Suresh says, giving Poppy a charming smile. "I made you breakfast, an omelet, just like you like."
Poppy's mouth begins to water involuntarily, Suresh always made the best omelets for her. Poppy smiles, taking the plate gratefully. "Thanks Resh," she says before taking a small bite.
"Happy to," Suresh says with a tender smile, sitting next to Poppy on their bed. Poppy looks around and notices they're alone in the bedroom.
"Oof, how late did I sleep in?" Poppy asks Suresh who laughs.
"Not that late, actually. They all left here to gossip about us away from you," Suresh replies with a chuckle.
Figures,Poppy thinks to herself as she puts her fork down, turning to Suresh.
"You don't like it?" Suresh asks curiously, "I can make something else if you prefer..."
"It's gorgeous Suresh," Poppy says, waving off his concerns about her breakfast. "It's just... I want to talk to you about... last night... and about us both being here this summer..." Poppy starts, biting her lip nervously. When Suresh notices he gently places a hand on her chin, reminding her to stop. Poppy smiles at him weakly before continuing, "can we just... agree to be civil and not interfere with each other? I hate fighting with you Resh, and I came here to have fun this summer." Poppy couldn't bring herself to apologize for kissing him again, realising that some part of her must have wanted it to happen.
"Of course babe, I wouldn't want to ruin your summer," Suresh says, giving Poppy a smouldering look. Suresh's phone pings with a text, interrupting anything he was going to say next. He looks at Poppy apologetically before the pair make their way to the garden to tell the others.
Islanders prepare yourselves. It’s almost time for Excess Baggage! When the carousel starts to turn what juicy gossip will we learn?#HeavyBaggage
Poppy shoots a quick glance at Suresh who looks back at her innocently. Can't wait to find out what bombshell they drop on me today... Poppy thinks sadly. It seems like every time she lets Suresh in, even just a little, something else comes up. It only seemed fitting that after their first snog in over a year the producers would call another challenge to pull the rug from under Poppy again.
Poppy quickly finishes her breakfast and brings her plate to the kitchen to wash before getting ready for the challenge. As Poppy is washing her plate, Eddie approaches from behind, clearing his throat to catch Poppy's attention. Poppy turns around quickly.
"Eddie!" Poppy exclaims, "you startled me," she adds a little calmer before putting her plate on the drying rack and drying her hands. "What's up?"
"Are you worried about the challenge?" Eddie asks Poppy coolly.
Poppy blinks, surprised by Eddie's sudden behaviour. "Um... no?" Poppy answers, as though she almost asking a question. "What's going on Eddie?"
"I saw you and Suresh last night," Eddie continues bitterly.
Poppy couldn't be more confused if she tried. "You mean, my partner?" she asks Eddie slowly. "I'm not sure what you're getting at."
"I can tell that there’s way more going on between you and Suresh than you’re letting on," Eddie explains, "leading everyone in the villa on one minute just to hop on the Suresh train the second you have a chance."
Poppy's face goes from confused to annoyed. "What I do with Suresh is nobody's business but my own, Eddie," Poppy replies angrily. "Why are you watching us in the dark anyway?"
"I hate to talk behind people’s backs, but Suresh will always be someone you can’t trust. You know better than anyone that he’s a cheat and a game player," Eddie replies carefully, his tone full of insinuation. Eddie pauses a moment, "and I have to admit... I got a bit... jealous."
"Oh," Poppy says, her anger melting into nervousness again. "I see..."
"Do you think there could be some feelings between us, Poppy?" Eddie asks, looking Poppy in the eyes.
"I don't know Eddie," Poppy answers honestly. "And as long as you're with Dana, I'm not interested in finding out," she adds, giving Eddie a pointed look.
"Right," Eddie says with a nod. "Well, I should let you go get ready for the challenge then," Eddie says, gesturing to Poppy's nightclothes. Poppy nods before heading out of the kitchen to the dressing room.
It sure would be nice if one of these boys would just say what they mean...Poppy thinks to herself as she enters the dressing room where Kat and Dana are already getting ready.
"Poppy! How'd it feel having Suresh back in your bed?" Kat asks Poppy in a friendly tone. "I certainly wouldn't be complainin'," she adds with a sassy wink at Poppy.
"Did anything happen between the sheets?" Dana asks, giving Poppy a playful nudge.
They're going to see it on the telly anyway, Poppy realises. "We had a little snog, nothing more..." she says, not making eye contact with anyone.
"How could you not when you’ve got that toned hot sweaty bod lying right next to you," Kat lilts supportively to Poppy. Poppy gives her a tentative smile. "So.. deets...." Kat says, sliding next to Poppy tentatively.
"I stopped it before anything noteworthy happened," Poppy says with a small shrug. "So it really was just a little snog..."
Kat looks disappointed. "I was hoping to hear all about Suresh's skills..." she pouts.
Poppy laughs. "I'm not really one to kiss-and-tell Kat," she says with a chuckle.
"Well, I bet Suresh know exactly what he's doing between the sheets..." Kat says, trailing off almost day dreamily.
"Kat!" Dana exclaims, looking at her wide-eyed before looking back at Poppy.
"What? No need to beat around the bush!" Kat replies with a friendly laugh.
"That's what she said!" Dana replies quickly.
"Dana! Honestly!" Poppy says, laughing.
"What! It was too hard to resist!" Dana replies jokingly.
"That's what she said!" Kat exclaims triumphantly with a laugh.
"Nice try, but next time leave it to the pros," Dana says, giving Kat a playful shove.
"That's what she said," Poppy mumbles quietly, causing all three girls to fall into a fit of giggles.
"Suresh sure knows how to tell a girl all the right things though," Kat says to Poppy in a pointed way, "a player like him doesn't change..." Kat gives Poppy a knowing look.
Poppy nods, not making eye contact with Kat.
"You think he's playing games with you, Poppy?" Dana asks.
I know he's playing games with me, Poppy thinks to herself sadly. I've always been his favourite little toy. Poppy sighs sadly, surprised when Kat puts a hand gently on her shoulder supportively. "Yeah, he might be," Poppy says quietly. "I guess we will see."
"Why would he do that?" Dana asks Poppy, confused. Poppy gives Dana a quizzical look.
"I'm not sure, you'd have to ask him..." Poppy replies, looking Dana in the eyes.
"Well, I hope Suresh isn't just trying to make a fool out of you..." Dana says, turning her gaze to avoid Poppy's.
Poppy shrugs. At this point I don't know if I would be surprised. she thinks sadly.
"Anyway, enough about Poppy and Suresh, you're not the only couple in this villa you know!" Kat says playfully to Poppy.
"Okay Kat, I'll take the bait," Dana says with a laugh, "how's it going with you and Finn?"
"Finn's a total fittie, we might have had some cheeky fun last night..." Kat says with a dramatic sigh. "That boy... mm!"
"He does look pretty delicious," Dana says with a chuckle.
"How about sticking to your own boy, Dana!" Kat exclaims angrily, surprising Dana.
"Don't know about that," Dana says coolly. "I still can't pin him down. He's so hot... but... I'm just not into him." Dana says with a tone of regret.
"Well, me and Finn are the real deal girls. When you know you know," Kat says, looking Poppy and Dana in the eyes.
"Kat... are you catching feels?" Dana asks in a surprised tone. "Already?"
Kat blushes furiously. "Well... it's early days," she says awkwardly.
"Aw you are aren't ya!" Dana says with a laugh. "You big softie!"
"Whatever Dana, Kat says, rolling her eyes.
The girls finish getting ready, making their way to the challenge stage. The islanders are separated into teams of girls vs. boys and lined up on opposite sides up a giant luggage carousel. Once everyone's arrived, Dana's phone pings with a text:
Islanders, your suitcases will drop with a photo of your face to indicate who's opening the luggage. Inside each suitcase is a prop and a clue relating to one Islander. You may confer with your teammates and then the owner of the luggage must kiss the Islander you think it’s about!
The first suitcase drops onto the conveyor belt with a big picture of Dana on the front. Dana opens the suitcase revealing a small toy trumpet and a picnic basket with a card tied to the handle. Dana reads the card, revealing the first clue.
"This Islander once performed a trumpet solo on a romantic picnic!" Dana reads aloud, adding charmingly, "Aww I love brass instruments!"
Kat and Poppy huddle around Dana, discussing who they think it is.
"Something this cheesy has to be Alfie," Kat says with a laugh.
"I agree, I can't see any of the others doing for something like this," Poppy says.
Dana taps her finger on her pursed lips for a moment as she ponders before she bounds to Suresh, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulls Suresh in for a kiss. Suresh places his hands gently on Dana's waist, letting out the smallest gasp when Dana bites his lip playfully before kissing him hard. Poppy looks at the ground, surprised by how uncomfortable she feels.
Dana pulls out of the kiss, noticing Poppy looking at her feet as she turns to her. "Oh. I um... see why you like Suresh so much now. Great kiss... he's a good kisser," Dana says awkwardly, moving to keep Kat between the two. Poppy shrugs as casually as she can, turning her attention back to the game as Dana pulls of the tab on her card to reveal Alfie's name.
Suresh tries to make eye contact with Poppy, feeling wracked with guilt when he went to look at her smugly, noticing her instead looking at the ground, avoiding his gaze.
The next suitcase comes down with a picture of Finn on the front, landing in front of him. He opens the suitcase to reveal a set of house keys with a card on the keychain. Finn reads aloud: "This islander once pretended to be an estate agent on a viewing."
The boys huddle, talking quietly amongst themselves as the girls wait for them to answer. Finally, Finn pulls out of the huddle, walking to Poppy. "Reckon it's gotta be you, I could see you doing something cheeky like that." Finn says with a laugh. He cups a hand on Poppy's cheek, giving her a gentle, lingering peck on the lips. Kat looks at Finn and Poppy, outraged.
"Oi! Poppy, keep to your own man, yeah?" Kat spits at Poppy angrily.
"It's a challenge Kat, I thought it was her," Finn replies before Poppy can, moving back to his suitcase. He pulls the tab covering the name, revealing Dana as the actual answer.
Kat rolls her eyes, huffing angrily. She goes to say something else, but is interrupted when a suitcase drops from the belt with a picture of herself on it. Kat opens the luggage, holding up a model airplane with a tag attached. Kat reads: "This Islander had a regular hookup in the mile high club."
"It's Suresh," Poppy says as the girls huddle without hesitation.
Kat and Dana give Poppy a curious look. "How would you know?" Kat asks, as Dana nudges Poppy playfully.
"He travels a lot, got on well with the flight attendants on the airline we used to travel all the time. Would not surprise me in the slightest if it was one of them. Besides, I don't see Finn or Alfie being big on travelling, and an airplane toilet seems a bit... wrong for Eddie," Poppy explains. Kat gives Poppy an inquisitive look before turning to make her decision.
Kat approaches Suresh and kisses him passionately, rubbing her hand down his chest seductively. Suresh kisses Kat back, grabbing onto her hips before she pulls away, a little breathless.
"Gotta be right, hasn't it?" Alfie asks, looking at Suresh.
Kat peels the sticker off her card, revealing Suresh's name. She turns to Poppy. "Wow Poppy, your ex is a baller!" Suresh looks smug, as Finn and Eddie both give him a high five.
Poppy shrugs. "These days I can honestly say I have no idea what Suresh is," she says simply.
Suresh smirks at Poppy. "I think you know exactly what I am," he says confidently, giving Poppy a smouldering look. Poppy rolls her eyes.
The next suitcase to come down the line has a picture of Poppy on the front. Poppy pulls the bag off the carousel, opening to find a feather boa and elegant party masks. She reads the card aloud: "This Islander once attended a party naked at an exes mansion." Poppy turns to confer with the girls. "The mansion bit sounds a bit of Eddie..." she starts.
"Nah, Eddie's not that out there," Dana says confidently.
"Yeah, it's probably Finn," Kat says before quickly adding, "oh wait no! Then you'd kiss Finn! It's gotta be Eddie."
Poppy rolls her eyes. Realistically it's probably Eddie... she thinks to herself before stopping in front of... Suresh, realising she didn't want to kiss anyone else. Suresh smiles at Poppy confidently as Poppy puts a hand behind his neck, pulling him down to kiss her. Suresh kisses Poppy back earnestly, his hands resting on her waist gently as the two fall into the familiarity of it.
When Poppy pulls back, her eyes sparking mischievously Suresh whispers to her, "You really think it was me?"
"No." Poppy answers playfully before walking away, revealing her answer to be Eddie. Poppy shrugs casually, unbothered.
A few more suitcases fall, revealing mostly silly secrets. Suresh pulls back after his kiss with Poppy, giving Dana and Kat both friendly pecks when they choose him for answers again.
The final suitcase drops with a picture of Alfie on the front. Alfie runs to the carousel, opening the suitcase excitedly to reveal a plastic engagement ring.
Poppy's ears start to ring as she feels her heart pounding in her chest. No, no, no.... she repeats to herself, anxious of what's to come.
"This islander broke up with an ex the day after buying him an engagement ring," Alfie reads aloud before turning to confer with the boys.
"What do you think, that's gotta be Poppy, right?" Eddie says a little too loudly in the huddle.
"No way, I know her best. Poppy's not the type," Suresh replies confidently.
Poppy tunes the rest of their conversation out, anxious about the reveal and trying to figure out how the producers could possibly have known. Poppy bought the ring the morning before Suresh and her had the big argument, planning to give it to him on Valentine's Day.
Finally, Alfie pulls out of the huddle walking to the girls. "Something that spontaneous has Dana written all over it," he says, pulling Dana into a snog. Before walking back to reveal the name on his card.
Poppy braces herself, hugging her arms into her chest tightly.
"Poppy?" Alfie says curiously as he pulls the tab revealing her name. Everyone turns to look at Poppy in surprise.
"It was... a while ago," Poppy says quietly, avoiding eye contact with the others.
Suresh's jaw drops as he realises what's happening, and Alfie shift uncomfortably on his feet.
"Hold up," Kat says, looking between Suresh's surprised face and Poppy's guilty one. "Was this with Suresh?"
Suresh looks gobsmacked, unable to take his eyes off Poppy who was starting to feel like she was two feet tall.
"Well Poppy? Say something!" Suresh says finally, breaking the tense silence. Poppy shifts uncomfortably.
"A ring.. wow," Eddie says surprised. "You guys must have been really serious."
Suresh composes himself and clears his throat. "Jesus, Poppy, were you ever going to tell me?"
"Of course, I was going to tell you. There was just never a good time. Everything went wrong before I got a chance to ask and then I just never wanted to even think about us again," Poppy says sadly, her eyes starting to fill with tears at the memory.
"So you can hide things from me but I can't hide things from you?" Suresh asks Poppy bitterly.
Poppy looks up at Suresh, her eyes full of sadness. "You broke my heart, Suresh! I wanted to surprise you, but..." Poppy stops herself, swallowing down the lump in her throat. "I don't owe you an explanation, you're the one who broke my heart!"
"Just another double standard with you," Suresh says angrily to Poppy who almost flinches in response.
"It wouldn't have changed anything, you still did what you did before I could give it to you," Poppy says sadly, quickly wiping the tears falling down her cheeks.
"You don't know that!" Suresh says, exasperated. "Maybe things would have been different if I knew how you felt. I felt the same way, you know..."
"I don't see a ring on your suitcase, babe!" Kat pipes up, reminding Poppy that they were surrounded by people.
"She's got a point to be fair," Dana says with a shrug, looking back and forth between Suresh and Poppy carefully.
"Exactly!" Kat says, looking at Poppy, "as melty as it is, at least the girl has guts. Who's got time for waiting' around?" Kat says, looking at Poppy supportively. Poppy blinks at her in confusion.
"It's not that I..." Suresh starts. He pauses before continuing, "Just because I didn’t have a ring doesn’t mean I wasn’t serious about us."
"Maybe not, but cheating was a pretty good indication you weren't," Poppy says angrily.
"Oh?" Suresh huffs angrily, "and I was supposed to know how serious you were when? While you were busy all the time? When you hardly had time for me in weeks?"
"I took extra tutoring students to pay for the ring," Poppy says, looking down again sadly. "I wanted to get something... to your taste... and couldn't afford much." The tears fall from Poppy's eyes, hitting the ground with a soft thud. "I was all in with you, Resh. I thought we were going to spend the rest of our lives together and I didn't care who asked who."
Suresh looks flustered as he tries to find the words he's looking for. "I just… I don’t know what to say to you. It could have all been so different. I would have been a great husband to you," he says, looking at Poppy sadly.
Dana, Kat and Alfie snicker, causing Suresh and Poppy both to snap their heads in their direction.
"What's so funny?" Suresh snaps at them angrily.
"Figured you'd be too busy in the sky than to get hitched," Alfie says with a shrug. Dana and Kat giggle.
"Alright, shove it," Suresh says with a roll of his eyes, turning back to face Poppy. "If you loved me enough to marry me... those feelings don't just go away...." Suresh says to her.
"Yeah, good luck with that," Alfie says, giving Poppy a playful wink.
Poppy hugs herself tighter, frustrated with everyone around her. Why do they keep taking my issues and making them theirs? she thinks to herself sadly. Why can't they just stay out of it.
"Alright well I guess it's all even now, yeah?" Eddie says, moving between Alfie and Suresh. "Poppy and Suresh both hid things from each other, so no more beef? Even stevens?"
Poppy looks up at Eddie in anger, but before she can say anything Kat says, "uh... The two things don’t compare, do they? Poppy's secret was nice. Suresh if you’ve forgotten cheated! It doesn’t matter if Poppy kept it secret. Proposing is still a sweet thing to think about doing. The other thing… not so much."
"Apparently none of you people have ever heard of surprises," Poppy adds bitterly, giving Kat a grateful smile.
"I’m done talking about this with everyone now," Suresh says angrily. "It’s got nothing to do with any of you! It’s like a scratched record in this place! You lot need to get a life." Suresh turns to leave, leaning in to whisper in Poppy's ear before he does, "my answer would have been yes, I just want you to know that."
Before Poppy can reply, Suresh storms into the villa, leaving Poppy standing in the garden hugging herself while the others stare at her like some kind of exhibit.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Suresh makes himself comfortable on the small couch in the Beach Hut, looking at the blinking red dot on the camera confidently as he takes in the recent events.
Suresh knew about the ring, of course. He was way too smart to let Poppy blindside him like that again. When Poppy left his flat that day, after they had spent the entire morning making up, Suresh had no idea what to think. It wasn't until after Suresh opened his phone to text her that he saw the note she left for him, sitting unsent in his message history with her, beneath the picture he had drunkenly taken to send to Poppy of him plowing the waitress.
She's cute. Hope she was worth it. Better think again before you call me.
Suresh spent the rest of the day not sure what to do. He tried to call Poppy to explain, but his calls kept going straight to voicemail. When he tried to text her, the messages kept bouncing back; Undelivered. Undelivered. Undelivered. For two straight days he tried to reach Poppy, calling from blocked numbers and borrowing his mate's phone, each call and message going unanswered. Completely ignored. As though he meant nothing to her.
It wasn't until Suresh had found his iPad a few days later that he realised Poppy hadn't logged out of her Apple account and he was able to scroll through her messages. There weren't many in the last few days, save for a few from some dude named Leon. The more Suresh read through their message history the angrier he got, finally deciding to confront the man himself. The messages weren't bad per se, in fact, Poppy had shut him down when he had asked her to meet him at a bar that evening, but it was aggravating to see that Poppy was using her phone. The bar was conveniently near Suresh's flat, so he decided to have a wander and see what he could get out of Leon himself.
When Suresh arrived at the bar, the man Suresh figured out was Leon was sitting alone, looking quite sad. Suresh approached him carefully, sitting next to him at the bar looking pretty sad himself. Initiating conversation was easy, Leon was a pretty outgoing guy it turned out. Bringing up Poppy wasn't even a challenge, as her face popped up on Leon's phone when she sent him a text. Leon was drunk that evening and very trusting of the stranger beside him. He told Suresh all about this new girl he met, and how they had decided to be friends because she was heartbroken over "some asshole who couldn't love her right".
Leon told Suresh angrily, "she bought the man an engagement ring for fuck sake, the day before she left him, just for him to hop on some other girl after an argument."
Suresh told the producers as innocently as he could, knowing they'd use the information to create drama on the show. Soon Poppy would have to realise how good she has it with Suresh, when she sees how willing he is to forgive her for her hypocrisy, she'll really know he cares for her.
Suresh, why did you tell Poppy you didn't know about the ring?
Suresh looks up from his phone casually. "Felt like Poppy needed a taste of her own medicine," he explains. "She keeps making me feel guilty about all the bombshells at the end of challenges, and well... I guess she's a bit of a hypocrit."
Do you think you could forgive Poppy for not being the one to tell you?
Suresh ponders the question for a moment, aware that Poppy will watch the interview in due time. "Of course," he says smoothly, "but right now it hurts that she would get so angry with me over something she's been doing herself, you know?"
Are you still going to fight for Poppy back?
"Absolutely. I just... need a moment to clear my head. I miss her so much, and it just..." Suresh stops a moment. "I don't know. I just want my girl back... I really do love Poppy, more than I've ever loved anyone..." Suresh meant that. There was something about Poppy that made her so... irresistible to him. She wasn't like most of the girls he dated, a lot quieter and a lot more reserved... but that just made it even more fun and special when her wild side would come out, just for him.
What do you hope to come out of this for you and Poppy?
Suresh thinks for another moment. "Honestly? Things would go back to like before. Poppy doesn't need to stay in school... I make more than enough for the two of us. We'd go back to making love every day, travelling whenever and wherever we wanted, just like before," he says looking at the camera with a sad chuckle. "It doesn't look like getting married anytime soon would be on the table but..." Suresh hesitates, looking at the ground sadly. "I don't know, maybe we could get there again."
Do you have your eye on any of the other islanders if Poppy doesn't work out?
Suresh sits and thinks of the best way to answer the question, finally deciding on, "I really think things are going to work out with me and Poppy. But I suppose if they don't then I'll have to consider someone else. I guess we will see who's in the villa then, but I'm not giving up."
Thank you Suresh, you may go now.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________In a small, cozy pub in London, Oliver sits at a table with Angie, Valentina, Juliet, Kobi, Lexi, Will, Bruno and Siri. They tried to catch up at least once a month with as many of the Season 4 islanders as they could and the group was well overdue."So, who's gonna say it then?" Angie says, looking around at everyone at the table. She was already four beers deep and definitely feeling a buzz.
"Hm... say what?" Oliver asks, feeling a bit tipsy himself and grateful his hotel was only a block away. "Is this gonna be about Poppy again?" Oliver feels himself blush as he says her name, but the buzz helps him be more relaxed about it.
"Of course it's about Poppy again!" Angie exclaims, throwing an arm around Oliver. "Did you watch the live feed of Suresh's Beach Hut interview? I'm raging for that girl."
Oliver had seen Suresh's interview, admitting that he knew all along about Poppy buying him an engagement ring. Oliver couldn't believe Suresh could just leave her there like that, standing in the garden heartbroken when he was the reason the secret dropped in the first place. His smug face when he basically said Poppy needed to learn a lesson... It was just... aggravating. And the way he so casually just admitted he wanted Poppy to drop out of school was very... concerning.
"Misogynistic asshole," Will says angrily. "I'm shocked the Ofcom complaints haven't shut the season down entirely yet."
"Oof yeah, did you see him tell the entire U.K. that he wants her to quit med school for him?" Valentina adds with a hiccup. "I'm no doctor but like... she must have worked hard to get there."
"Are you talking about that girl from the new season?" Juliet asks curiously. "Oliver, do you have a thing for her?" Juliet, Kobi and Lexi turn to look at Oliver closely.
"Keep up Juliet, they're soulmates obviously!" Siri says with a laugh. "But no seriously, Angie kind of got us all thinking they're well-suited for each other and well...."
Oliver sighs. "I just don't know how he could do that to her..." he says, rubbing his thumbs up and down the front of his half-empty beer glass.
"Oftentimes in relationships with a power dynamic difference, like with that of Poppy and Suresh..." Juliet starts.
"Okay, okay, enough!" Will says with a laugh. "Save the work for work, Juliet! It's enough to just admit the guy's a real jerk."
"You know Oli, now is as good a time as any to get Ollipop trending on socials," Angie says suggestively, pulling out her phone as she elbows Oliver playfully. She watches him carefully as she opens her Twitter account, expecting him to pull the phone from her. When he doesn't Angie types in the box, watching Oliver the entire time:
"Fuck Suresh. Anyone else shipping @OliverlovesCatsnTats and Poppy? #TeamOlliPop" she types, eyeing Oliver carefully. She hadn't made due on her earlier threats to post the hashtag, not wanting to put Oliver in an awkward position; there was definitely a lot more weight to her, the girl Oliver finished the previous season of Love Island with, tweeting the Oli-Poppy ship than some random person. Aside from posting it himself, this was probably the weightiest it would get.
Oliver reads the tweet aloud over Angie's shoulder with a laugh.
"Yeah, fuck Suresh!" Siri exclaims, lifting a glass to cheers Angie happily with Valentina, Bruno and WIll joining in as Juliet, Lexi and Kobi observe.
"I'm gonna do it Oli!" Angie slurs, bringing her face closer to her phone. The others at the table watch Oliver and Angie with curious attention.
Oliver shrugs and reaches over Angie's shoulder, hitting the Post Now button. Angie turns to Oliver and blinks at him in surprise.
"Oli... that.. you just..." Angie says with an awkward laugh. "Remember this in the morning when you get mad okay? I swear I was only playing. Should I take it down?"
Oliver shrugs, opening his own phone and liking the tweet from his own Twitter account.
Siri and Valentina exchange a look "that looks like permission to me, Val," Siri says with a giggle as the two pull out their own phones to retweet Angie's tweet before Bruno and WIll do the same.
Angie looks at Oliver surprised. "Oli, are you making moves?"
"Sitting in a bar in London with my mates hardly counts as making moves, Anj," Oliver says with a laugh.
"Yeah... but.." a flustered Angie starts, looking at Siri and Bruno for help. "You know... if the producers see this... which... they will..."
Oliver shrugs. "If they see it, they see it. I'll cross that bridge if I get to it."
Angie blinks again. "Okay... but... if they call you..." Angie starts again, clearly nervous. Oliver laughs.
"Angie... I pushed the button. You're fine," Oliver says, putting an arm around her. "If they call me, they do, and I'll decide what to do about it then. It hasn't happened yet. It's just a tweet"
"Okay," Angie says, relaxing a little. She was mostly joking with Oli about the Poppy stuff. Like, sure, she thought Poppy seemed well-suited to Oli and they'd get on well, but she never wanted to actually pressure her friend into something he wasn't comfortable with.
"Okay, so I have to ask," Lexi says, looking at Oliver closely. "did you do that cuz you like her.... or like... what?"
"She's lovely," Oliver says with a smile. "And I wouldn't hate getting to know her more. Let's say that."
"In Oli speak, he's basically in love," Siri says with a giggle. "Ollipop! OlliPop!"
Oliver blushes furiously. He knows that he doesn't really know Poppy at all but he could easily see himself falling in love with the girl he'd seen on the screen.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy stands in the garden with her arms wrapped around herself, letting out a shaky breath once Suresh is gone.
"It’s just a bit old-timey anyway isn’t it? The whole marriage thing," Finn says with a shrug, trying to lighten the mood. He gives Poppy a concerned look.
"Excuse me?!" Kat exclaims, turning to Finn angrily and causing him to shift his attention back to her.
"What? It is! Vows and dresses and all that. It never really works out anyways," Finn says casually, either not noticing or not caring how upset Kat is.
"I'm going to stop you right there," Kat says, pursing her lips angrily.
"But to be fair Poppy and Suresh could be married right now. You telling me that would have been a good thing?" Finn says, looking at Poppy with a small reassuring smile.
Poppy mumbles something to the others about needing a minute before turning and walking to the showers, grabbing her bag of toiletries on the way.
In all honesty, Poppy hadn't intended on telling Suresh about the ring at all. She treated it like a drunken memory, something she'd rather forget. When Poppy saw the perfect ring for him one day when she was out with friends, she decided she was going to get it for him. Poppy spent months saving for it, working as many tutoring jobs as she could handle while working on her schoolwork. None of that mattered anymore, not after Poppy found the photo and Suresh broke her heart so carelessly. Poppy was really confused as to how she suddenly became the bad guy, just for loving a man when she told him she did.
Poppy undresses and wraps herself in a towel before starting the water, wanting it to be warm and comforting when she got in. The steam starts to rise from Poppy's shower, indicating the water has reached her desired temperature and Poppy grabs her toiletries. As Poppy turns to get into her shower she is disturbed by a knock on the wall behind her, just before she can remove her towel. Poppy turns quickly to the doorway.
"Alfie, you can't sneak up on a girl like that, especially not in the shower of all places!" Poppy exclaims.
"Sorry Poppy," Alfie says apologetically. "I just came to check up on you."
"Oh!" Poppy says, genuinely surprised. "I'm... fine Alfie, thanks for checking..."
Alfie takes Poppy's reply as an invitation and walks into the bathroom, leaning on the sink casually.
Poppy turns off the water in her shower, preferring not to waste anymore unnecessarily before turning back to Alfie.
"So how do you feel about the rest of the group knowing about the proposal stuff?" Alfie asks casually.
Poppy looks at Alfie confused. "Fine, I guess," she replies, studying Alfie carefully. "People in long-term relationships sometimes propose to each other, I'm not understanding why everyone's acting like I did something awful."
"I don’t think you’ve got anything to be embarrassed about you know," Alfie replies.
Poppy narrows her eyes, more confused than before. "What do you mean?" Should I be embarrassed? she asks herself as she chews her bottom lip.
"Well don't take this the wrong way," Alfie says, clearing his throat nervously. "but I feel like if somebody puts their heart out there. And goes as far as to want to propose to somebody. But the marriage doesn’t happen. Well, that person might you know, might feel like they failed somehow."
What is he trying to imply?...Poppy thinks to herself, am I... did I do something wrong and I just don't see it? "Okay..." she says slowly.
"I feel like I should ask you something Poppy," Alfie says, looking at Poppy apologetically. When Poppy doesn't say anything, he continues, "I’m getting the impression that there’s more between you and Suresh than I know about. It seems like stuff runs a lot deeper between you than maybe even you realise. And I don’t want to get in the way of that. So, what do you think should I back off and give you some space?" he says the words quickly, like he'd been rehearsing them in his mind.
Poppy couldn't be more confused if she tried. She's hardly spoken to Alfie in the last few days. "Umm.. yeah Alfie, I think that would be for the best..." she says after a moment, unsure of what else to say.
Alfie nods curtly. "I'll leave you to it then," he says before leaving the room.
Poppy turns the shower back on, grateful that the water is still warm. She takes her towel off and steps into the shower quickly before any other weird things can happen.
Think about this logically Poppy, she thinks to herself as the warm water runs over her. Buying an engagement ring is not a horrible secret. You didn't do anything wrong. Poppy tells herself, doubting herself more and more as she considers the other Islander's reactions to the whole thing. Maybe everything would be easier if I just... take Suresh back and be done with it... Poppy thinks to herself sadly. I can work on forgiving him.
Poppy finishes her shower routine, grateful that this time she didn't cry. It's still early, so Poppy puts on her bikini before turning around to see Kat standing in the doorway.
What is it with you guys and sneaking up on people in bathrooms! Poppy thinks to herself. "Why are you sneaking around, Kat?" Poppy asks her in surprise.
"I wasn't sneaking, I'm just lightfooted," Kat says, like Alfie, taking Poppy's response as an invitation. At least this time Poppy was dressed.
"Look, Kat, if it's about the ring, I really don't want to talk about it..." Poppy starts, not wanting to think about it anymore.
"It's not actually! Not everything is about you, you know!" Kat replies before sighing heavily. "It's about Finn."
If Kat had said anyone else, Poppy would have walked away. "Okay..." she says tentatively, noticing her shoulders tensing in anticipation of another blowup from Kat.
"It's just... you're close right?" Kat says, giving Poppy a worried look.
"We're just friends, Kat," Poppy says reassuringly, she considers walking away when Kat speaks up.
"Well, it’s just in the challenges.... What he said was just actually like so upsetting," Kat says, throwing her hands in the air dramatically. "What am I supposed to do with that you know? It makes me think like do we actually have a future together?"
Poppy stifles a chuckle as she feels her shoulders relax, relieved that Kat was just looking for girl talk. "Kat, if it's about that marriage stuff I'm sure he's just..." she starts but Kat interrupts her.
"What? No! It's not that!" Kat says with another sigh. "This is kind of silly but feels like I’m not exactly his type."
Poppy thinks for a moment. "He chose you, Kat. Seems to me you are his type,"
Kat considers this a moment. "He’s clearly into more mature girls. And we all know I ain’t the most mature, am I? Would you be upset if you found out you weren’t your partner’s type?" Kat asks Poppy, her eyes wide with sadness.
"No, I suppose I wouldn't be," Poppy replies carefully "But that doesn't mean anything. I'm pretty sure I'm not exactly Suresh's type."
"Look how well that worked out for you!" Kat exclaims, Poppy inwardly winces at the blow. " I just want to be Finn’s absolute everything! And I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Oh my God. Does that mean he thinks I look old? Nah I look great! There’s no way I look like a Granny is there?" Kat asks Poppy in quick succession.
I... am surprised I believed this girl was confident... Poppy thinks to herself. "Kat, you look fine," she says to her reassuringly.
"Okay, good. But I’m younger than him and clearly not his type. What if his type on paper walks in?" Kat says, looking at Poppy with concern.
"Kat, it's only been a couple of days and he chose you. That's all you can go on, so go with that," Poppy replies, putting a hand gently on Kat's shoulder.
"Poppy... can you... do me a favour?" Kat asks her, "If Finn pulls you for a chat can you see where his heads at? Like see if he thinks I’m too immature or something?"
Poppy sighs. "Kat... if I know Finn, which I don't very well to be fair, he'd definitely prefer you talking to him about this over me acting as a go-between," she says almost gently. "You really should just tell him what you're feeling so you two can work on that together." Poppy hesitates before adding, "show him how mature you can be by talking to him before this becomes a thing."
"Maybe you're right." Kat says. "Well look thanks anyway. Sometimes I just need to get everything out at once otherwise I go off on one. You’re good at listening," Kat says after a moment, contemplating what Poppy's just said to her.
Poppy gives Kat a friendly smile. "Sure Kat, no problem," she says kindly before the two leave the bathroom and head their separate ways. Did Kat and I just have a moment? she asks herself as she's leaving the villa.
Poppy walks outside, wanting to enjoy some time in the sun for a while and gather her thoughts. It's been a weird few hours, and Poppy's head is swimming. When a whole crowd of people think I'm wrong... Poppy thinks to herself, trying to make sense of everything that happened in the challenge. Poppy's thoughts are interrupted when Suresh grabs Poppy's arm from behind her.
"Hey babe," Suresh says to Poppy, looking at her in an unusually gentle way. "Can we chat?"
Poppy swallows heavily before nodding, letting Suresh lead her to the swing seat. She sits on the seat gently, not saying a word. Suresh sits next to Poppy, their thighs touching. They both look straight ahead.
"I don't know what to say for once," Suresh says, finally breaking the silence and turning to face Poppy. When Poppy looks at him guiltily, he places a hand on her cheek.
"Where's your head at now with all this?" Poppy asks him quietly. She's not sure if her body is tense because she wants his answer to be with her or not.
"It's all over the place to be honest, I just keep replaying the timeline in my head," Suresh says.
Poppy looks away from him guiltily but Suresh uses the hand on her cheek to pull her gaze back to him.
"I saw the ring a while ago..." Poppy starts, "and I knew that I needed to save money for when I would be ready to ask you...." Poppy avoids eye contact with Suresh.
"You mean all that time you were tutoring was you saving money for... me?" Suresh asks Poppy in genuine surprise.
Poppy nods. "Well, yeah. You made sure I wanted for nothing and you know I have scholarships and bursaries paying for my living expenses," Poppy says, giving Suresh a weak smile. "What else would I be doing with that money?"
Suresh contemplates this. "When did you... buy it?" Suresh asks, his thumb rubbing on Poppy's cheek affectionately.
"The morning before our fight..." Poppy says, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I went with your mum and Samaira...".
Suresh blinks in surprise. He had no idea Poppy had put that much care and effort into it. Samaira, Suresh's little sister, wasn't great at keeping secrets but she never mentioned anything to him. Suresh was suddenly feeling guilty for the harsh way he treated Poppy today.
"You should have sent me the invoice," Suresh says, giving Poppy a sad smile. "At least then you would have talked to me." Suresh sighs. "That was the hardest part, Poppy. When we went from talking every day to flat nothing. It felt like my soul was being ripped from my body. I had no idea you were going to propose... why didn't you tell me this at the time?"
"I was embarrassed I’d opened myself up to be hurt. I didn’t want you to know how deep I was into you after... everything," Poppy says sadly.
Suresh wipes a tear from under her eye with his thumb, deep in thought. "If I’d admitted cheating straight away, would it have turned out differently?" he asks Poppy.
Poppy sighs sadly, having asked herself the same question countless times. "I have no idea if it’d have made a difference," Poppys says, avoiding eye contact with Suresh. "You still cheated on me and broke my trust when I was ready to commit to you."
"I know, that's on me," Suresh replies before clearing his throat.
"Resh... I still want to take things slow but..." Poppy says quietly, avoiding eye contact. "I don't want to do this anymore. Can we..." Poppy trails off. She takes a deep breath before looking Suresh in the eyes and continuing, "I want to take things slow Resh, but... if you still want me I'm ready to... try again."
Suresh smiles happily. "Yeah?" he says, looking Poppy in the eyes.
"Yeah," Poppy replies.
Suresh gives Poppy a gentle peck on the lips, still cradling her face in his hand. "I'll be whatever you need, I promise," he says as he pulls back, looking at Poppy as though he's seeing her for the first time.
"Please don't be cross, but I... really need to have a nap or something," Poppy says after a moment, looking at Suresh apologetically. "I'm exhausted."
"Of course love," Suresh says with a gentle smile. "I'll come find you later." Suresh gets up, leaving Poppy on the swing seat. She debates sleeping there for a while before ultimately deciding on the sunlounger that was already hit by the afternoon shade.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________A little while later Poppy is woken up by a gentle shaking on her shoulder. Poppy opens her eyes to see Finn standing over her, looking at her with an unreadable expression. Poppy sits up from her place on the day bed, inviting Finn to sit next to her.
"Sorry to disturb you from your nap," Finn says apologetically. "I didn't want to but it's been a few hours and I thought you might need to sleep tonight..."
Poppy smiles appreciatively. "Thanks Finn, I guess I just needed some rest."
"No doubt," Finn says with a small chuckle. He looks nervous as he sits with Poppy, wringing his hands. "Can I get some... girl advice while we're here?"
"Of course," Poppy says with a smile.
"It's just.. with Kat..." Finn says, looking at Poppy sheepishly. "She’s been kinda weird with me since the challenge..."
"Ah," Poppy replies, nodding knowingly. "I was just speaking with her about it..."
"That right?" Finn says curiously. "Care to share?"
"I should tell you the same thing I told her, to talk to each other," Poppy says with a laugh. "But since we're mates, I suppose I could."
"To be fair, I do plan to... she's just.. a bit impulsive. I want to have an idea of where her head's at before jumping in with the sharks. She's very different from what I'm used to," Finn replies with a chuckle.
"Maybe she’s picking up on that and stressing she might not be your usual type," Poppy replies with a nudge. Finn laughs.
"Well, she's not to be fair," Finn replies, looking away from Poppy for a moment.
"She's a bit worried about your head getting turned by someone more mature than she is," Poppy tells Finn. Poppy starts to kick her feet playfully in the air to get her blood flowing as they chat.
Finn nods, taking the information in before looking back at Poppy. "So..." he says, looking a little uncomfortable. Poppy gives Finn an inquisitive look. "I have to ask because he told me while you've been napping..."
Poppy blushes furiously, knowing what's coming.
"You and Suresh, huh?" Finn asks, examining Poppy.
Poppy pauses for a moment. "Maybe this sounds stupid, but I thought maybe if... maybe if we gave things a go again the drama might cool down for me a bit," she says, looking at the ground. "I'm ready to end a challenge and it not be all about me for a change..."
Finn chuckles, placing a hand on Poppy's shoulder supportively. "I guess it's worth a shot," he says sadly. "Things haven't been easy for you here," Finn adds, matter-of-factly.
Poppy nods. "It's definitely been... an experience..." she says sadly. "But who knows, maybe things are going to look up for little ol' Poppy here now," she adds with a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. Finn chuckles.
"I hope so. Nobody here deserves it more than you," Finn says, looking directly at Poppy.
Poppy giggles. "Thanks Finn," she says. There's a moment of silence before Poppy asks, "Finn, do you have any sisters?"
Finn laughs, "None, four older brothers," he says.
Poppy nods. "My parents had five boys too, and me," she says, Finn looks at her surprised.
"That right?" he says curiously.
Poppy laughs, turning to Finn. "Yeah... why do you say it like that?"
"Let me just say on the record, that Suresh has got some balls of steel to cheat on a woman with five brothers," Finn replies with a smile.
Poppy laughs out loud. "Maybe," she says with a shrug. "Or maybe he just wasn't thinking of them at the time..." she looks down sadly.
Finn pauses a moment before turning his body to face Poppy. "Poppy, this probably isn't my place but... you know you don't have to stay with Suresh, right?" he says, his voice full of concern.
Poppy sighs. "I know that," she says looking at her feet. "But... I think I miss him."
Finn looks at Poppy carefully, not missing the weight behind the words she chose to use. He waits for her to add more, but she doesn't.
"I should probably go find Kat before she sends a search party," Finn says after a moment. He turns to stand and face Poppy. "Good luck, Beour," he adds, giving her shoulder a friendly squeeze before walking away.
Poppy gets up from the sun lounger and heads into the kitchen, surprised by Suresh carrying two plates of food. He looks at Poppy with a smile.
"Hey there sleepy-head, have a good nap?" Suresh asks Poppy affectionately, offering her a plate. Poppy smiles, taking it gratefully. The two make their way to the kitchen bar, sitting on a stool.
"Thanks Resh, I guess I needed it," Poppy replies, smiling at him gently. She eats the food Suresh made for her as the two chat casually.
"How's your mum?" Poppy asks between bites. Poppy missed her a lot, they'd gotten pretty close while she and Suresh were together. Poppy had thought about calling Ruhi after she left Suresh many times before ultimately deciding against it, figuring it would probably be too inappropriate and too painful.
"She's really good," Suresh answers, smiling at Poppy affectionately, "misses you a lot though. She was pretty cross with me when you left."
"Does she know why?" Poppy asks curiously.
"She does now..." Suresh says sheepishly.
Poppy nods. "I guess it's a bit of a strange conversation to have with your mum," she says. "How's Samaira?"
"Good. She's doing really well in school," Suresh replies. "Misses her homework helper though," he says with a small chuckle.
Poppy smiles. "I miss them too," she says with a touch of sadness in her voice. Suddenly they're interrupted by Dana yelling from the garden.
"No blooming way!" Dana yells excitedly, pointing from the garden to the doors. Poppy turns her attention to see two women walking out into the garden, arm-in-arm.
"Here. we. go!" Suresh says excitedly, rubbing his hands together. Poppy gives him a confused look, following him as he walks out to the garden to meet the new girls.
The more athletic of the two women puts her hands on her hips confidently. "How we doing squad, my name's Arlo," she says, looking around the group. She gives Suresh a wink when her gaze reaches him. Poppy feels her shoulders tense instinctively.
"Hi everyone, I'm Meera!" the other woman introduces herself excitedly.
"Loving the big entrance, ladies," Suresh says flirtatiously to the new girls before glancing at Poppy, surprised to see her face totally blank.
"You two are absolutely gorgeous!" Dana exclaims excitedly, running to hug the new girls.
"You've certainly gotten the boys' attention," Kat mumbles, crossing her arms angrily. Poppy glances at Finn who gives Kat a confused look.
"And at least one of the girls," Dana adds with a wink.
"What can I say, I love being front and center," Arlo says, flourishing her hands as if to showcase herself.
I hope that's real confidence, I can't deal with another Kat... Poppy thinks to herself, feeling guilty about it.
"Looks like you know how to handle the spotlight to me!" Suresh replies to Arlo flirtatiously. Poppy looks at him again, surprised and a little hurt, but Suresh ignores her entirely. Poppy takes a moment to assess her emotions; she'd never really experienced jealousy before now, but it was hard not to when things were so weird and raw between her and Suresh.
"Why don't you boys go make yourselves useful and grab us some drinks," Kat says to the guys, shooing them off. The boys leave reluctantly, and Kat looks at the new girls expectantly. "So, who do you have your eyes on?" she asks, making eye contact with both girls assertively.
Poppy notices when Arlo glances at her quickly. Just when I thought we were working things out... Poppy thinks to herself sadly. I guess it wouldn't be the worst to be sent home...
"Straight to it aren't ya?" Arlo replies to Kat with a chuckle.
"Kat's about as subtle as a raging flash mob," Poppy jokes quietly.
"Well," Meera starts, glancing around shyly. "I told myself I was going to play my cards close to my chest, but it’s not really my style. Alfie’s all kinds of cute. I think I could have a lot of fun with him. He’s the only one not in a couple right now, right?"
Kat looks at Poppy pointedly who gives her a confused look in return. "That don’t mean he’s exactly unattached, if you get my drift," Kat says seriously, gesturing to Poppy.
"Uh..." Poppy starts, shifting uncomfortably. "I... Alfie and I are just friends," she finally says. "If you like him, you should go for him, Meera," she adds, giving Meera a warm smile.
"That don't mean he ain't into her though!" Kat says with a laugh.
Poppy shrugs. "Really Meera, if you like Alfie, don't worry about me," she says before giving Kat a pointed look. Kat pouts in reply. What the hell is going on here? Poppy asks herself.
"What about you then, Arlo?" Kat says, turning to Arlo.
"Suresh could not be any more my type on paper. Seems like he’s got an edge and would know how to handle a fiery gal like me," Arlo states matter-of-factly. "Sorry, Poppy, I know he’s your ex. But do you think me and Suresh might vibe?" she turns to Poppy and asks.
"I don't know, we've only just met..." Poppy replies in a friendly tone with a shrug. She thinks about telling Arlo that she and Suresh are trying again but decides not to. This is one way to find out for sure if he's changed I guess, Poppy thinks to herself, disappointed that she feels the need at all to "test" him.
"Well, I've never not turned a head when I put my mind to it," Arlo says with a laugh, giving Poppy a sassy look. Poppy smiles at Arlo warmly in return, not wanting to play her 'mean-girl' game.
Kat looks between the two women and lets out a laugh. "Poppy doesn't get ruffled too easily," she says. "Probably used to Suresh playing around on her."
Poppy ignores the dig and turns to Meera. "So what do you do Meera? Tell us a bit about yourself," Poppy asks her, giving her a friendly smile.
"Well, I'm a model mostly, do a little bit of acting too," Meera replies happily.
"Eddie too," Poppy replies with a smile. "What about you, Arlo?" she asks, turning to the athletic woman.
"I'm a professional boxer," Arlo replies with an air of smugness.
"Neat!" Poppy replies, keeping her tone friendly as she turns to look at the villa. The boys return with drinks in hand. Suresh hands one to Arlo and stands next to her, apparently forgetting about Poppy entirely.
Poppy rolls her eyes. He's going to be sorely, sorely, sorely mistaken if he thinks making me jealous is going to work in his favour with me, Poppy thinks to herself sadly. Does he truly believe that this is going to prove he won't cheat again? She waits for a few minutes, stewing on her own thoughts as the crowd starts chattering amongst each other before heading to the kitchen.
"Poppy, where are you going?" Kat asks as she notices Poppy leave.
"To get myself a drink," Poppy says, raising her eyebrows at Suresh pointedly before shrugging casually.
Poppy heads into the kitchen and pours herself a glass of water, not wanting to mix alcohol with her current feelings of hurt and rejection. At least he's done this so many times now I don't have any tears left to cry anymore, Poppy thinks to herself bitterly, sitting on a stool at the kitchen bar.
Suresh walks into the kitchen a moment later, giving Poppy a guilty look. "That was well rude of me," he says with a tentative smile, standing in the doorway.
"Quite," Poppy replies shortly. She can feel herself shutting down, not wanting to feel the hurt anymore.
"Poppy..." Suresh starts but Poppy cuts him off.
"It's fine," Poppy says far more casually than the situation lent itself to.
"It doesn't look fine," Suresh says, as he makes his way to sit next to her on a stool.
"Well, it is," Poppy says with a shrug.
"Okay then..." Suresh says tentatively. Studying Poppy carefully before turning to look at the others, his gaze lingering on Arlo's athletic legs.
The two sit in silence, each perched on a barstool looking straight ahead. The silence and tension are so thick in the room that they can be cut with a knife.
"Why do you always do this to me?" Poppy asks him after a while, her voice filled with sadness as she continues to look straight ahead.
Suresh turns to look at Poppy. "Do what to you Poppy? It was a drink for crying out loud, I'm sorry I only have two hands!" Suresh snaps back angrily.
Poppy noticeably flinches. "Okay," she says quietly, finishing her glass of water. Suresh looks at her angrily but Poppy doesn't notice. "I'm going to bed now," she says dully.
"You napped all day," Suresh retorts.
Poppy shrugs. "And now I'm tired again," Poppy replies, her voice void of emotion. She stands and starts heading out of the kitchen toward the bedroom, her limbs feeling like they weigh a tonne.
"Poppy... I'm sorry," Suresh says, looking at her sadly from the stool.
Poppy turns from the doorway to face Suresh. "I know," she replies, again without emotion. "Goodnight."
Suresh follows Poppy to the bedroom. "I thought we were trying again," Suresh says as they walk.
"So did I," Poppy replies with a shrug, not looking at Suresh.
"Then why won't you talk to me?" Suresh asks Poppy, exasperated.
"There's nothing to talk about Suresh. You knew exactly what you were doing," Poppy says as she enters the bedroom and heads to the dressing room.
"What are you talking about?" Suresh asks, feigning innocence.
"You either knew what you were doing, or you are far too mean and dumb for my taste," Poppy says, looking at Suresh for the first time since leaving the kitchen.
"Well I guess I'm stupid then because I have no idea what you're talking about," Suresh replies petulantly.
"In that case, it's best you move on Suresh," Poppy replies dully. "I'll sleep on the daybeds tonight, it's fine."
"Poppy you don't have to do that..." Suresh says desperately. "I'm sorry okay."
"For what?" Poppy asks him casually. I thought you had no idea what you did she thinks to herself angrily.
"I'm sorry that I... I'm sorry that I ignored you and tried to make you jealous," Suresh says, looking Poppy in the eyes. "Please Poppy, I want this more than anything..."
"No more games, Suresh," Poppy replies. "None at all. I'm not a plaything."
"I know that..." Suresh says.
"Then act like it," Poppy replies coolly.
Suresh suddenly pulls Poppy into a tight hug, catching her off-guard. "I'm sorry Poppy, I can be what you need me to be, I promise," he says as she raises her arms to hug him back.
"This is your last chance to prove it Suresh, I mean it," Poppy replies. "I don't want to compete for your attention anymore."
"I hear you Poppy, I'll do better. I promise." Suresh says, still holding Poppy tightly. The two are still hugging when the other islanders walk into the bedroom.
"Aww, ain't that cute?" Kat lilts as she walks in. Poppy and Suresh pull apart.
Poppy joins the girls in their dressing room to get ready for bed, sitting quietly at the vanity, removing her makeup while they chatter on around her.
"So Poppy, all this Suresh stuff seems wild," Meera says, pulling Poppy out of her thoughts. "How are you feeling about what came out in Excess Baggage?"
"Uh... fine," Poppy says, looking at Meera confused. Am I going crazy? I'm not sure why everyone's acting like I've done something wrong, people in long-term relationships propose to each other. Don't they? Poppy thinks to herself, biting her lip nervously.
"Oh sorry Poppy, I didn't mean to start any drama," Meera replies innocently. "I think it’s cool what you did. Even if it didn’t quite turn out how you wanted."
"Er... thanks," Poppy replies, not knowing what else to say. She finishes removing her makeup and heads to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth before putting on a short satin nightie for bed. "Well, that's me then, goodnight," Poppy adds as she finishes getting ready for bed and heads into the bedroom.
Suresh is already in their bed, smiling at Poppy warmly as she walks toward him.
"You look stunning," Suresh says to Poppy hungrily as she crawls into their bed.
"Thanks, Resh," Poppy says, giving him a small smile.
Poppy gives Suresh a lingering peck on the lips as if to tell him that's all he was getting. When Suresh lifts an arm to invite Poppy to spoon, she curls up against him.
"Night, Resh," she says quietly as she begins to drift off in his arms.
"Night then," Suresh says, cuddling Poppy to sleep, growing increasingly frustrated by her coldness and lack of affection.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy wakes up the following morning still in Suresh's arms. She snuggles into him affectionately, momentarily forgetting where they were.
"Mmm, good morning Beautiful," Suresh murmurs sleepily in Poppy's ear before kissing her neck. Poppy feels a shiver run up her spine when his lips touch her.
"G'morning Resh," Poppy says, rolling over to face him before looking around the room. "Where are those two?" she asks, referring to Arlo and Meera's empty bed.
"Don't look at me, I was with you all night," Suresh answers defensively, though he's not sure why. It was the truth.
Poppy stretches sleepily in front of him, making Suresh painfully aware of her body so close to his. He finds himself wondering if she's wearing anything underneath her nightie as his hands glide up her thighs to find out. His hands reach the hem when Poppy places hers on them to stop him.
"I want to take things slow, Resh..." Poppy reminds him gently.
Suresh groans. "Poppy, you're killing me," he says, rolling onto his back. Noticing Poppy's frown he adds, "I guess the wait will make it that much better when it does happen." Suresh smiles at Poppy charmingly.
Before Poppy can reply, she's interrupted by the sound of footsteps pattering on the floor and the sound of giggles. Poppy turns to look at the doorway to see Arlo and Meera burst in, already in their swimwear and carrying two ice coffees each. Meera skips to Alfie's bed happily as Arlo bee-lines to Poppy and Suresh's bed, sitting on the edge on his side before offering him one of the drinks.
Poppy raises her brows at the audacity, but says nothing, opting instead to quietly observe Arlo and Suresh.
"Morning boys!" Arlo says, leaning toward Suresh who has rolled on his side to face Arlo, propping himself up on an elbow.
"We thought we'd make you boys a nice treat to start your day right!" Meera says brightly as she offers her second iced coffee to Alfie who accepts it happily.
"Sorry if you prefer it hot," Arlo says, looking at Suresh suggestively.
It's like I'm not even here... Poppy thinks to herself, shocked by Arlo's (and Suresh's, more disappointingly) rudeness.
Suresh shifts momentarily in the bed before looking at Arlo flirtily. "Who doesn't?" he replies with a wink. "Speaking of hot, do you always look this good in the morning?"
Poppy rolls her eyes and gets out of bed, ignoring Arlo's reply as she heads to the dressing room.
"Fuck," Suresh says, giving Arlo an apologetic look. "I'll be right back."
Suresh follows Poppy to the dressing room, looking around the bedroom first to make sure he wouldn't be walking in on anyone changing.
"Poppy..." he says to her from the doorway, still holding his iced coffee.
"Yes?" Poppy says inquisitively, turning to him from her seat at the vanity where she was applying her sunscreen.
Suresh never knew how to respond when Poppy was like this, acting like nothing was wrong when there so obviously was something wrong. "I did it again, didn't I?" he replies sheepishly.
Poppy nods in reply with a terse smile on her face.
Suresh sighs, looking at the ground. "I'm sorry Poppy," he says. Again, Poppy nods in reply.
The moment is interrupted by Arlo, who taps on Suresh's shoulder from behind him in the doorway. He steps aside.
"Hey Suresh, you gonna show me around?" Arlo asks him, biting her lip seductively. Poppy rolls her eyes at Arlo's transparency before turning back to the vanity and applying her makeup.
Suresh glances at Poppy and clears his throat awkwardly. "You mind, babe?" he asks Poppy.
Poppy shrugs. "I don't know why you're asking permission, you're a grown man," she says simply.
Suresh studies Poppy carefully. "Fine, I'll see you later," he says to her coldly before turning to Arlo and offering her his arm as the two leave together.
Poppy lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding as Dana and Kat bounce into the room.
"I don't know about you, but I'm going all out today," Kat says as she sits next to Poppy at the vanity. "Did you see how they were dressed? Suresh certainly did"
Poppy shrugs.
"You know what girls, I really don’t want to go home," Dana says sadly. "Who would've thought our five-day lifelong friendship on Love Island would end at a recoupling?"
Kat turns to Dana. "Don't start talking like that babe," she says seriously.
"Like what?" Dana asks curiously.
"Like this is an ending," Kat replies with a frown.
"I mean... it kind of feels like it is," Dana says with a sigh. "Any one of us could go home." She looks at Poppy. "How are you feeling, Poppy?"
Poppy sighs. "Fine, I guess," she says. "If I go home I go home, it's not really feeling like anything new is going to happen for me here anyway..."
"You can't think like that!" Kat exclaims, turning to Poppy.
Poppy shrugs again. "Just trying to be realistic I guess. I'm sure you've seen how Suresh is acting," she replies to Kat.
"Babe, that just means you have to get your graft on! Did you forget where we are?" Kat says to Poppy supportively.
She's right, that is the name of the game. I don't want to compete for my boyfriend's attention though, Poppy thinks to herself sadly. She nods to Kat. "I guess you're right."
"That's the spirit!" Kat exclaims, giving Poppy a friendly smile.
Am I in the twilight zone? Poppy asks herself. Why is Kat suddenly being so nice to me?
Poppy is doing her hair when the door to the dressing room swings open, Arlo running through it giggling. Suresh runs in shortly after, chasing Arlo with his water bottle in hand.
"Sorry ladies, didn't mean to interrupt, Arlo just started a water fight with me," Suresh explains, glancing at Poppy guiltily before turning his attention to Arlo.
"Actually you started it hun," Arlo says. "Either way, you got me so wet," she purrs at Suresh. Poppy rolls her eyes.
"I'm not finished with you yet, darling," Suresh replies with a seductive bite of his lip. Arlo giggles and runs out of the room. Suresh gives Poppy one last guilty look before chasing her.
Kat gives Poppy a look. "Get. Your. Graft. On Girly!" she exclaims, and Poppy gives her an awkward smile in return.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Following the water fight Suresh leaves Arlo to graft with the other guys, making his way to sit at the pool. Suresh fucked up. Again. And it wouldn't be too long before Poppy found out.
Arlo was forward to put it lightly and making sure he got a good view of her ass while she invited herself to join himself and Poppy in bed that morning was just the start. Suresh looks at his hands guiltily. If Poppy would just... get over it, none of this would even be happening. Suresh thinks to himself angrily.
Arlo was barely there a few hours and he let her suck him off. I didn't fuck her at least, Suresh thinks to himself sadly. How could I be so stupid? Suresh runs his hand across the water of the pool, deep in thought. This is her fault, Suresh reasons with himself. If she'd just stop sending mixed messages and tell me where her head's at I wouldn't even need to look at other women. Suresh knows that's not entirely true of course, Poppy didn't push Arlo onto him or anything. But how was he supposed to believe Poppy even wanted to be together if she barely reacted to anything he did at all? And it's not like she was satisfying those urges, though she was certainly skilled at creating them (mostly by simply existing).
Someone clears their throat behind him, causing Suresh to look in their direction quickly. "Eddie mate, what's happening?" he asks the man, turning back to face the pool as Eddie sits next to Suresh.
"You uh... got some balls man," Eddie says, turning to Suresh. "Leaving your bed with Poppy to show Arlo around," Eddie says with air quotes. He laughs, giving Suresh a mischievous look.
"I don't know what you're on about mate, it was just a tour," Suresh says casually with a shrug. Was this asshole spying on me? Suresh thinks to himself angrily. Fuck, fuck, fuck! Suresh can feel the panic start to set in.
"That right?" Eddie asks with a laugh. "Think Poppy would mind giving me 'just a tour'?" he asks Suresh with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Fuck off man," Suresh spits angrily. As if Poppy would ever go for an asshole like you. He sighs heavily. "Want do you want, Eddie?"
"I'm not here to blackmail you man," Eddie says with a laugh, "though if it'll get me a bit closer to Poppy I wouldn't complain." Suresh gives Eddie a shove and Eddie laughs. "Jokes mate, jokes," he says. Eddie pauses a moment before clearing his throat and looking at Suresh more seriously. "She's gonna find out mate," Eddie says, giving Suresh a knowing look.
"I know," Suresh says. I'm a fucking idiot. Fuck."Fuck, what am I gonna do?"
"I suggest you cherish the time you have before she finds out, don't see you getting any third chances mate," Eddie replies, putting a hand on Suresh's shoulder. He stands. "Or cut her loose because she's going to leave anyway. Your call," he adds before leaving.
Suresh was at a loss. Even if he did get Poppy back at this point it wouldn't matter, she'd leave him again as soon as she watched the season. Fuck,I'd leave me again as soon as I watched the season, Suresh thinks to himself angrily. How could I be so stupid?
Suresh's train of thought is interrupted when he gets a text. With a sigh, he stands and yells out to the others. He waits for them to arrive, avoiding eye contact with Poppy when she does. Once everyone is around him Suresh reads:
Islanders! Tonight there will be a boys choice recoupling. Anyone not chosen will be left single and at risk of being dumped.
#MixandMatch #NewCouples
Suresh is surprised when he looks at Poppy to see her looking at him too, biting her lip as she tended to when she was nervous. She looked so... sad.Fuck! he thinks to himself before looking away guiltily.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________When Suresh finishes reading the text, Poppy looks at him anxiously. I wish I could read his mind, Poppy thinks, biting her lip nervously. It would be nice to know in advance. Poppy steps toward him, intent on figuring out if she was going home tonight or not when she's stopped by Arlo.
"Hey Poppy, we've not yet had a chance to have a word," Arlo says to Poppy, "let's have a chat."
"Um... okay Arlo," Poppy replies in a confused tone, before following Arlo to the swing seat. Poppy glances around before sitting down. She was really starting to hate that seat.
"So Poppy, tell me about you and Suresh," Arlo says, not beating around the bush.
Poppy shrugs as casually as she can. "Not much to tell, Arlo," she replies.
"He sure is... tasty," Arlo says pointedly to Poppy. "Can see why you might want a little nibble."
"What do you want, Arlo?" Poppy asks her tiredly. I'm getting real tired of everyone playing games around me, she thinks to herself, entirely unimpressed.
"Well, Suresh told me he was done with you when we spoke earlier," Arlo says to Poppy coldly. "he said he's ready to move on with a woman of class. A good trophy wife."
"Okay," Poppy replies to Arlo without emotion. "And?"
"Well, I just thought you'd like to know you should prepare to pack your bags tonight," Arlo says, looking Poppy up and down angrily.
"Great," Poppy replies with a shrug, aggravating Arlo even further. Poppy almost laughs when she watches Arlo's face get more and more annoyed the more casually she responded. "Anything else?" This girl is... a lot Poppy thinks to herself, in disbelief that someone that was even more extra than Kat.
"He doesn't love you, you know," Arlo spits angrily.
"Arlo, you've only just met him, why do you care?" Poppy asks Arlo. How is this happening? Poppy asks herself.
"It's like I said Poppy, it's rare I don't turn a head when I put my mind to it," Arlo replies back with a smirk.
"Okay," Poppy replies with a shrug. "It's boy's choice anyway, don't know why you're hopping all over me. If you've turned his head, he'll choose you."
Arlo sneers at Poppy, thinking for a moment. "Suresh is a man of taste, why would he go for the sparkling wine when he can have the champagne?"
"Maybe he likes sparkling wine," Poppy replies with a shrug, ignoring Arlo's insult. She sighs tiredly. "I'm not arguing with you over a man like some teenager, Arlo. If he chooses you tonight he's all yours, don't worry about me."
"When he chooses me tonight, you mean," Arlo snaps. "You should probably go ahead and back off now."
Poppy blanches. "Umm... no Arlo, I think I'll keep talking with and trying to work things out with my current partner," she says in a tone that tells Arlo she thinks the demand is absurd.
"Fine." Arlo snaps standing quickly and pointing a finger in Poppy's face. "But you better back the fuck off when he chooses me if you know what's good for you."
"What was it you do again Arlo, professional boxing?" Poppy asks Arlo casually. "Because that almost sounded like a threat." Poppy glances in direction of the camera mounted on the swing seat quickly, the implication clear.
Arlo scoffs angrily before storming away, leaving a very non-plussed Poppy in her wake.
"So... that was... something," Kat says slowly while approaching Poppy quickly, wiping off leaves from her person that looked suspiciously like the ones on the bush next to the seat.
"Kat, were you... spying on us?" Poppy asks, laughing out loud at the absurdity.
Kat looks at Poppy apologetically before sitting next to Poppy on the swing seat. "It ended up being a lot juicier goss than I expected," Kat says with an awkward laugh.
"Oof, you're telling me," Poppy replies with a giggle. Kat turns to Poppy, almost examining her before looking off into the distance.
Kat sits in silence for a moment, clearly thinking about something. Finally, she turns to Poppy. "You're pretty chill, you know?" she says.
Poppy laughs. I'm so glad it seems that way she thinks to herself. "Uh... thanks Kat. I think," she says with a smile.
"Well, you would be less boring if you had a bit less chill," Kat says with a friendly laugh, elbowing Poppy playfully.
"That so?" Poppy asks, her tone light and joking. "I swear I thought I was bringing a solid 80-90 percent of the drama here."
Kat laughs. "Oh, easy," she affirms with a nod. She sighs, "I don't want you to go home, Poppy."
Poppy looks at Kat surprised. This girl is giving me whiplash, she thinks to herself. "uh... thanks Kat. At least I'm pretty sure you'll get to stay," Poppy replies with a smile.
"You really want to work things out with Suresh?" Kat asks Poppy curiously.
Poppy drops her gaze to her lap. "I think I do," she replies, biting her lip nervously. There was no point in denying it.
"Then you should probably go fight for him, girl!" Kat says seriously. "But just so you know, I bet Alfie's an option if you play your cards right. A better one, if I'm being honest."
Poppy stands with a sigh. "Thanks Kat," she says. "I'm going to go see where Suresh's head is at."
"Good luck," Kat replies with a pensive frown.
It doesn't take Poppy long to find Suresh, he's still sitting on the edge of the pool alone.
"Hey," Poppy says as she approaches him tentatively. "Got a lot on your mind?" she sits next to him, hyperaware of her heart beating in her chest.
"Got lots to think about," Suresh says, not looking at Poppy. "It's a big day."
"I see," Poppy says sadly, looking out over the pool. There's a brief pause. "I am okay with going home, you know."
"Why would you be going home?" Suresh asks curiously. The way the men have been sniping at me over you in this villa, surely one of them will jump on the chance. "You know, if someone wants me to choose her, she might have to put some work in."
"To be honest Resh," Poppy says, letting out a shaky breath. "If it's this much of a debate for you, I don't want you to choose me. I don't do jealousy."
"You know, I'm not sure I believe you on that," Suresh says with a smirk.
"You should," Poppy says sadly. "I never want to be only an option to someone I love." Look where it's gotten me.. Poppy thinks to herself sadly.
Suresh looks at Poppy, suddenly flooded with guilt. "What if you aren't just an option?" he asks her sadly.
"Then I hope you'll come to your senses and stop treating me like one," Poppy says, giving Suresh a sad smile."Is this all just a game to you?"
Suresh laughs. "My player days are behind me, I want real love," he says, watching the light reflect off the water in the pool.
"Then why do you keep treating me like I'm a pawn?" Poppy asks him sadly. "What is it Resh? Do you just think I'm not good enough for you? That I'm not pretty enough? Is it because I want to take things slow? I just... don't understand why you keep hurting me like this." Poppy says to him quietly as the tears start to form in her eyes. She swallows down the lump in her throat.
Suresh shifts closer to Poppy, the guilt consuming him. He had no idea Poppy was hurting at all, the way she always tormented him by reacting playfully non-chalant about his... games really had him believing Poppy genuinely did not care about him.
"I don't know Poppy," Suresh answers honestly.
Poppy nods curtly. "Right then," she says, standing up. "It's boys choice tonight. I guess I'll see if you've sorted yourself out by then."
Poppy leaves the pool, setting her sights on Finn. When she spots him at the gym she walks over to him, eager to be away from Suresh.
Poppy clears her throat as she approaches, not wanting to startle Finn while he was working out.
"Poppy!" Finn says excitedly as he turns to her. "I was hoping you'd come by, could really use your help."
"That right?" Poppy says as she loads some weights on a barbell at the squat rack. "What's going on Finn?" Poppy starts her reps as Finn replies.
"It's about Kat," Finn says with a sigh, "I'm having some... doubts about our relationship."
Just when I was starting to like her... Poppy thinks to herself. "Why's that?"
Finn's gaze drifts to the direction of the pool where Arlo has joined Suresh, her loud laughter ringing through the villa. Poppy feels herself tense.
"Oh," Poppy replies knowingly, grateful to focus on her squats.
"When you said Kat was worried she might not be my type, it made things worse," Finn adds, looking at the ground awkwardly.
"Nuh-uh Finn, we're not doing this today," Poppy replies a bit annoyed, re-racking her bar before turning to face him again. "You asked me for help, and I told you what was up. There's no 'when you said' here, your feelings are your own and have nothing to do with me."
Finn looks down sheepishly before looking back at Poppy. "You're right Poppy, I'm sorry," Finn replies with a sigh, sitting on the bench.
"You're forgiven," Poppy says, giving Finn a friendly smile. "I'm sorry too, I'm a bit on edge and I shouldn't have snapped at you."
"Nah, I deserved it," Finn says with a chuckle. "I'm just trying to figure out my feelings for Arlo while trying to stay loyal to Kat."
Poppy sighs. "You got feelings for them both?" she asks.
"Well, yeah. I think so," Finn starts hesitantly. "Kat is just so funny, she's always making me laugh... but Arlo's got that body that's just... damn. Kat feels perfect in bed next to me, but Arlo has that adorable smile..."
Really? Poppy finds herself thinking, not happy about feeling so bitter about a girl she's only just met. I guess I've never seen Arlo's genuine smile but... After a moment's silence Poppy says, "sounds like you have a lot to figure out, Mr. Finn."
"Got any advice?" Finn asks, looking at Poppy seriously.
"I should tell you no after that whole bit earlier," Poppy says with a laugh, "but if you promise not to do it again, I might have some thoughts."
"I swear it," Finn says with a friendly chuckle.
"In that case... I think you should stick with Kat," Poppy says as she looks around the villa. "Everything you listed about Arlo was purely physical, but it sounds like you might have a genuine connection with Kat." Poppy pauses for a moment. "Besides, it's not like Kat isn't total flames," she adds with a laugh.
"She's a bit clingy though," Finn says with a sigh.
"Hmm, but you knew that when you chose her," Poppy says, reminding Finn. "Besides, I think... I think that Kat could find some chill if she felt secure. That seems to be my experience with her."
"That so?" Finn asks curiously.
Poppy chuckles, remembering Kat literally popping out of a bush earlier. "Okay, maybe not chill, Kat's a pretty extra girl, but I think it's... charming. Most of the time," Poppy says with a laugh. "But chill for Kat. I said it before and I'll say it again, you should probably talk to her."
Finn looks at Poppy curiously. "I didn't think you and Kat were getting along too well," he says in an inquisitive tone.
Poppy shrugs. "Like I said, my experience with Kat is that she seems to find some chill when she feels secure," she replies.
"Interesting..." Finn says with a sigh. "I got a good thing going with her, I probably shouldn't ruin it..."
"Not if you genuinely like her," Poppy says, her gaze shifting over to Suresh and Arlo's direction again. Finn looks at Poppy carefully before following her gaze.
"He's a right fool," Finn says knowingly, putting a supportive hand on Poppy's shoulder. "If he can't see how special you are it's his loss."
"Thanks Finn," Poppy replies sadly. "I think there's a good chance I'll be going home tonight though. Probably for the best."
"Do you want to go home?" Finn asks Poppy, looking at her curiously.
Poppy sighs. "I don't know," she replies honestly. "On the one hand, I think it'll be good to get away from Suresh and get my head back on straight again... I can't imagine my brothers are too happy with me right now..." she looks down sadly. "But on the other hand, if Suresh chooses someone else maybe he'll finally let me move on, and I could miss out on meeting someone really great here."
Finn nods in understanding. "Well, whatever happens, I wish you the best of luck Poppy. It'd be a real shame to see you go," he says gently.
"Thanks Finn," Poppy says, smiling at him warmly before standing up. "I'm going to go... somewhere else, I'm not having a good time watching those two," she says, gesturing to Arlo and Suresh at the pool. "Catch you later."
"You know Poppy, if I choose Arlo, Suresh can't..." Finn says jokingly.
"But then you'd be stuck with Arlo..." Poppy says, it slipping out before she could stop herself. She closes her mouth quickly, eyes wide with guilt.
Finn raises his eyebrows curiously but Poppy brushes him off. "That's hardly fair, I've known the girl a few hours... ignore me," she says quickly before waving and walking off.
Finn watches Poppy walk away curiously. He'd only known Poppy a few days, but she didn't seem the type to just randomly throw shade at people like that, no matter how subtle.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy decides to spend a few hours wandering the villa. She spends some time getting to know Meera a bit better with Alfie, who seems totally smitten with the new girl before learning that both Eddie and Dana had their eye on Arlo as well. I guess it's just me then... Poppy thinks to herself sadly. Did I just imagine how mean Arlo is?
Poppy continues her aimless wandering, heading up to the roof terrace to find Alfie sitting alone. He cracks a tense smile at Poppy when she opens the door.
"Sorry, I didn't realise someone was up here," Poppy apologizes, stepping back to close the door and give Alfie privacy.
"It's okay, you can join me if you like," Alfie says with a smile, patting the bench beside him. Poppy does, looking at him with concern.
"Everything okay?" she asks him as she examines Alfie's tense face.
"A lot to think about innit?" Alfie replies, letting out a tense chuckle before leaning back on the bench with a sigh. "I probably shouldn't talk about it with you."
Poppy looks taken aback. Why does it feel like I've done this horrible thing and nobody wants to be around me? Poppy asks herself. "Okay Alfie, no worries."
Alfie sighs, rubbing his face and hair with his hands. "Truth is, I'm torn between choosing you and Meera," he says sheepishly.
Poppy blinks in surprise. "Oh," she replies, looking at her feet. Always just an option, hey Poppy? she asks herself, noticing the pattern.
"My head's gone to be honest, I'm not a player. But I could seriously see myself with either one of you on the outside," Alfie says, picking at a thread on his shirt. "What do you think I should do?"
Poppy thinks for a moment, before turning to Alfie. "Alfie, I think you and Meera have a genuine connection and you should go for it," she says seriously. "We've had days to get to know each other and if you're this conflicted about a girl you've just met it probably means I'm not the one."
Alfie sighs sadly. "It's not that easy though, I'll be gutted if you go home," he says, looking at Poppy sadly.
Why? Poppy finds herself wondering. Anytime we've spoken, you've seemed more focused on Suresh. "You'll regret not giving Meera a proper chance, I think," Poppy says instead, biting her lip nervously.
"I'll regret letting you leave, too," Alfie says with a sigh.
"Alfie, I'm fine with leaving if it comes to it," Poppy says, looking out to the Spanish countryside. "You should choose Meera."
"You're an absolute stunner you know," Alfie says, looking at Poppy sadly. "A proper ten. Anyone would be lucky to have you.... but... with Meera there aren't any complications."
I'm telling this guy to choose Meera! Poppy thinks to herself, exasperated by Alfie's flip-flopping. Is this the part where he brings up Suresh all on his own, again? she thinks to herself, suppressing an eye roll.
"She's so easy-going and always up for a laugh, not that you aren't or anything... but with Meera there's no... baggage."
"I really love how everyone keeps blaming me for Suresh's behaviour," Poppy mumbles bitterly. "Sounds about right."
If Alfie hears Poppy he ignores her. "Look at me! I'm in a right state, my head's going in circles!" he says, flopping back into his seat again.
Poppy stands. "Well, good luck Alfie," she says, "I think you should choose Meera," she adds before stepping out of the terrace and closing the door behind her.
Poppy makes her way to the dressing room to get changed for the evening, finding the rest of the girls already there.
"Ahh! I haven't had a hair day this bad since I got some chewy stuck in it at school!" Kat exclaims as she brushes her hair in the mirror, clearly flustered.
"Why do you care how you look? You're clearly safe, aren't you?" Arlo spits at her angrily from her seat at the vanity.
"I am safe, yeah. Doesn't mean I don't want to look good for my man though," Kat replies in a huff. "Why don't you concentrate on your own look Arlo, it could do with a bit of work," she adds, looking Arlo up and down angrily before turning her attention back to her hair.
Poppy approaches Kat and gently takes her hair brush from her hand. "Come with me, we'll fix this," Poppy says, grabbing her mister bottle from her side of the vanity before leading Kat to the bathroom.
Poppy fills her bottle at the sink, motioning for Kat to sit at the edge of the tub. "Babe, do you know how long it's gonna take for me to dry this?" Kat asks Poppy, still clearly flustered.
"Kat, you've brushed your hair so much it's rebelling," Poppy says with a chuckle. "I promise I'm not sabotaging you," she motions for Kat to sit on the edge of the tub before lightly misting some water on Kat's hair and brushing it through.
"You're not even dressed yet..." Kat says, eyeing Poppy's bikini.
"I thought it'd be fun to take a plane home in a bikini," Poppy jokes. "Maybe it'll help me meet a nice boy." Poppy runs to her vanity quickly to grab her leave-in, hairdryer and round brush before running back to Kat.
Kat frowns. "I'll take you here over Arlo any day," she says glancing in the direction of the changing room angrily as Poppy brushes the leave-in through Kat's hair.
Poppy smiles at Kat before turning on the hair dryer and giving Kat a cute blowout. Kat looks in the mirror before looking back at Poppy happily. "You're a lifesaver Poppy! Are you some kind of hairdresser or something?" Kat asks, admiring her hair in the mirror.
"No," Poppy says with a laugh. "I just know a thing or two about stress-frizz."
"Well, thanks!" Kat says, giving Poppy a quick hug. "Come on, let's go get you dressed... you can always change back into a bikini later if, you know..."
Poppy smiles, letting Kat lead the way out of the bathroom. When the two step out, Arlo looks at Kat with surprise.
"I figured Poppy would bring it beyond repair, judging by the state she's usually in," Arlo sneers at Kat.
"You're one to talk," Kat replies, looking Arlo up and down pointedly.
Poppy sighs, ignoring Arlo she heads to her closet to pull out a dress for the evening. "We've got enough going on tonight without you two bickering," Dana says tiredly. "Stop picking fights with each other."
"I'm not picking fights!" Arlo replies defensively. "I just want to get a feel for how everyone's feeling tonight!"
Poppy rolls her eyes. Sure, Arlo, she thinks to herself sarcastically, grabbing her favourite cocktail dress to wear for the evening. If it's my last night here, might as well go all out... she thinks as she puts it on, already feeling more sexy and confident. She turns to the vanity to touch up her makeup, Knowing she doesn't have much time after helping Kat, Poppy opts for a light touchup, finishing just in time for the text to come to her phone. She reads it to the others:
Girls, it's time to make your way to the firepit for the recoupling.
#MixandMingle #WhoWillBeSingle?
"Well, I guess it's time," Dana says sadly, leading the girls to the firepit. Each of them taking a seat on the bench as they wait for the boys to arrive.
Poppy chews her lip nervously, knowing this recoupling ceremony probably means more to her than anyone else at the firepit. If Suresh doesn't choose me tonight, no more chances. I mean it, Poppy tells herself, grateful that his not choosing her likely means she will go home. It's going to be fine... it's going to be fine... Poppy thinks to herself as the pit in her stomach grows.
The boys step out, their faces more serious and sombre than they usually are. Kat grabs Poppy's hand nervously. Poppy gives it a reassuring squeeze before leaning in to whisper to Kat. "You're going to be fine." Kat smiles at Poppy gratefully.
Finn's phone is the first to go off, causing Kat to squeeze Poppy's hand tighter. Poppy gives Kat an encouraging squeeze back as she watches Finn step forward.
Finn takes a deep breath as he looks at the girls, his eyes falling on Poppy and Kat's hands for a moment. "Time to put my heart on my sleeve I guess, here goes," he says nervously. Poppy gives him an encouraging nod. "The first thing that I had to do when I came into the villa was break up a couple. Maybe not the best way to meet new people. But a bombshell’s gotta do what a bombshell’s gotta do." Finn clears his throat nervously as he glances at Alfie. "And the fact that me and Alf get on so well probably means that Kat and him were never meant to be. So maybe Kat and I are meant to be? I’ve known Kat for a while now, and we’re probably closer than anyone else." Finn looks at the ground. "But there's another girl here who's made me question all of this."
Fuck, Finn. You can do so much better... Poppy thinks to herself, assuming Finn is referring to Arlo. Kat lets go of Poppy's hand, giving her side-eye. Poppy sighs.
Finn continues, "both of these girls have a hold on me right now. But I have to go with the one I have the best connection with." Finn looks at the girls again, noticing Poppy's disappointed frown. "I choose Kat," he says finally.
Poppy sighs in relief as Kat jumps up and runs to Finn, wrapping her legs around him as he holds her up and kisses her passionately. Poppy cheers for them, ignoring the bitter reaction of Arlo beside her.
Eddie is next to choose, unsurprisingly sticking with Dana. The two sit down holding hands, smiling happily.
Suresh's phone goes off and Poppy intakes a breath, biting her lip nervously. "Looks like it's my turn," Suresh says seriously, stepping forward. "Well, here we are. It’s coming down to the wire now. Arlo, Meera and Poppy; three beautiful girls, two available boys, one huge moment."
Poppy rolls her eyes. Doubt he realises just how huge this moment is going to be, she thinks to herself angrily, mad that Suresh keeps putting her in this position.
Finn laughs. "How long you been planning that speech bro, bit cringe," he says, giving Poppy a subtle wink. Poppy chuckles.
"At least I think before I speak, bro," Suresh snaps back angrily.
Finn raises his eyebrows playfully, "Yeah, you've always been real good at rehearsing what girls want to hear, eh mate?"
"You want to tell a girl what she wants to hear, maybe you should tell Kat which girl you debating picking over her," Suresh snaps again.
Poppy's brows raise again. The audacity and hypocrisy of this man knows no bounds, she thinks to herself, stifling a giggle. Suresh notices, flashing her an annoyed look before he continues.
"I came to the villa with a past I wasn't proud of," Suresh says, looking at Poppy briefly. "But now I have an idea of who I want to be in the future... and who I want to spend that future with."
Poppy gives Suresh an "are you serious?" look before rolling her eyes. Sure Suresh, you defo know right now you want to spend your entire future with the woman you met 24 hours ago, she thinks sarcastically. Poppy had already resigned herself to her fate.
Suresh turns to Arlo, ignoring Poppy entirely, "I choose Arlo."
To Poppy's annoyance, the other islanders gasp in shock. Arlo runs up to Suresh and kisses him, running her hand down his chest seductively. Poppy rolls her eyes and looks away, surprised that she still feels hurt despite expecting this. She swallows the lump in her throat and focuses on her lap ignoring the surprised exclamations of everyone around her.
Alfie's phone pings and he makes his way to the centre of the firepit. He looks at Poppy and Meera nervously. "I really wish the final pick wasn’t down to me. There’s a lot more pressure than I thought there would be," he says, watching his foot as he kicks it on the ground nervously. When he looks back up, Poppy gives him an encouraging smile. "Anyway, I’m gonna try not to let it get to me. I really wish the final pick wasn’t down to me." Alfie turns to Meera. "What can I say about Meera? She appeared like a bright shining star. Full of light and warmth. And, she’s so chill and easy going, like a cool breeze on a sexy beach. I just know we could have so much fun together down the line."
Poppy tunes the rest out, not thrilled about the subtle digs in her direction, as though having an ex-boyfriend made her somehow less than. I wonder what Leon's doing? Will he come get me from the airport? she thinks to herself before she starts mentally packing her bag. Poppy's train of thought is interrupted when she hears her name.
"...and while things may not always come easy with her, I think I'd regret it if I don't try," Alfie continues, looking Poppy in the eyes. "That's why I'm choosing Poppy."
Poppy doesn't move. She doesn't react at all. After a moment she shakes her head before turning to Meera. "Wow, I must be losing it," she mutters, "I swear I just heard Alfie choose..." Poppy notices Meera's angry tears and turns to Alfie. "What?" she asks him, confused. She turns back to Meera. "I'm so sorry Meera," she says gently, offering Meera a hug before reluctantly joining Alfie.
"I’m sorry Meera. No one ever wants to be the reason someone goes home," Alfie says to her sadly. "You’re such a sweet girl, I know you are gonna make someone very happy. But sadly I don’t think that person can be me. Me and Poppy have been in this together from the start. It’s been a funny old rollercoaster but I wanna ride it with her and see where it takes us." Alfie says, glancing at Poppy who smiles in return, still surprised.
Meera nods, blinking away the tears as her phone rings with a text:
Meera, you have been left single but your time on the Island hasn't come to an end yet! Get your graft on because next recoupling will result in a dumping. #SurpriseTwist
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
There's a collective sigh of relief amongst the islanders when Meera receives the text, none more pronounced than Alfie's. There's an awkward silence around the firepit as the islanders think about the recoupling."Well that was... something," Dana says awkwardly, trying to break the tension. She looks between Poppy and Suresh anxiously, as though she's waiting for one of them to blow. Poppy looks at her knees in front of her as she tries to process everything that just happened."Come on Finn, we need to have a chat," Kat says, turning to Finn quickly. Finn grins sheepishly before following Kat to the swing seat for a private talk, presumably about the second woman Finn considered choosing.Soon the other islanders disperse; Alfie leaves to 'explain things' to and console a crying Meera who has Arlo tagging along to support her. Dana and Eddie make their way somewhere for a private chat as well, leaving Poppy and Suresh alone at the firepit."Poppy, you got a minute?" Suresh asks her casually, as though he hadn't just torn her heart out and humiliated her on national television. Again.Poppy lets out a slow, angry breath before looking up at Suresh. "No Suresh, I have no more time for you," Poppy replies as tears fill her eyes. "Never again."If Suresh is surprised by Poppy's response he doesn't show it. In fact, to Poppy's incredible annoyance, he smirks. "I thought you weren't jealous?" Suresh asks her smugly."Oh, no, I am." Poppy says with a terse nod, she wipes the tears from her cheeks quickly before making direct eye contact with Suresh. "No point in denying it, you've definitely made it so I can't not be jealous if I'm with you again. What I said was, I don't do jealousy."Suresh stands slowly, contemplating what Poppy's just told him before something in him finally snaps. "What the hell does that even mean? Stop being so cryptic and just say what you fucking mean, Poppy!" Suresh exclaims angrily.Poppy scoffs. "Okay Suresh," she stands from her seat at the firepit as well, walking toward Suresh with purpose. "You keep saying how you're going to prove that you've changed, and you ignore me for the first woman who walked in. You keep telling me how you'll be 'what I need you to be' just to hop on someone else at your first opportunity. You've done everything in your power this week to make me feel like I'm unworthy somehow, like just about everyone else is more deserving of your attention. I'm onto your games and I don't do jealousy Suresh, she's all yours. I told you I wasn't going to compete for your attention anymore, now I don't want it at all. Leave me alone."When Suresh finally realises what this means his eyes widen. "Poppy..." Suresh starts, his voice full of panic. He lifts a hand to touch her arm but she bats it away angrily."Don't touch me! Not ever again Suresh. We're done here," Poppy snaps at him before turning on her heel and leaving, making her way to the daybeds. Once she arrives she sits in the middle of the first bed she sees, hugging her legs tightly and resting her forehead on her knees.Stupid, stupid stupid! Poppy thinks to herself angrily. She let herself get lured into Suresh's web, just to be hurt again. He can't help himself! I'll always just be a little game to him! Poppy wipes the tears as they fall down her cheeks, determined to stop crying. Don't waste tears on him, Poppy thinks to herself bitterly.Poppy looks up when someone clears their throat tentatively, seeing an unsure Alfie standing there with a sympathetic smile on his face."Hey Poppy," Alfie says quietly. "Can I join you?"Poppy nods, shifting back on the daybed to give Alfie space to sit with her. Alfie does so quietly, making sure to give Poppy lots of space."I'm sorry Alfie," Poppy says as she wipes the tears off her cheeks once more. "I'm sure it's not much fun seeing your new partner crying like this..." she looks at him guiltily."I understand, love. It's been a weird few hours," Alfie says, gently touching Poppy's knee supportively.Poppy's head is swimming. None of this evening went how she expected at all, and after a stressful day with Arlo, Poppy was already on edge. "Why'd you choose me, Alfie?" Poppy asks after a brief silence. "I thought you had a good thing with Meera...""I did," Alfie says, making eye contact with Poppy, "but... she's not you."Poppy gives Alfie a confused look, inviting him to continue."We didn't know there wasn't going to be a dumping," Alfie continues, taking a deep breath. "And when I thought about who I'd rather spend the rest of my time here in the villa with... I always came back to you. I couldn't let you go home," Alfie gives Poppy a warm smile, looking at her shyly.It's time to move on. Alfie isn't what I'm used to, but that's okay... what I'm used to isn't good for me... Poppy thinks, while still confused about what Alfie just told her. "I'm sorry Alfie," Poppy apologizes again, smiling at him. "I think I was just... somehow caught by surprise," Poppy says (the truth, since Poppy expected to go home if Suresh didn't choose her). "I'm not going to worry about Suresh anymore," Poppy says, grateful that the tears have stopped coming. I'll just talk to him about how often Suresh comes up... it's fine, Poppy thinks to herself, deciding to give Alfie an honest chance. That was the entire point of coming here after all and Poppy had to admit she didn't trust her own judgement anymore.Alfie takes Poppy's hand gently. "We could sleep out here if you want, maybe avoid the Surlo theatrics for the night?" he asks her shyly, smiling when Poppy nods."That's a great idea, Alfie, let's go get ready for bed and grab some bedding," Poppy says with a smile, standing and taking Alfie's hand. The two walk to the bedroom, making small talk on the way. It's pleasant enough, and Poppy finds herself grateful for Alfie's company. She makes it a point to ask Alfie not to bring Suresh up anymore, explaining to him how tired she was of him always being over her shoulder and how she wanted her new relationship to have nothing to do with Suresh. Alfie agrees happily to Poppy's request, helping Poppy relax significantly.The rest of the girls are already getting ready for bed in the dressing room when Poppy arrives. She looks around the room, spotting Meera in a corner by herself. Poppy notices the redness under Meera's eyes and decides to go talk to her."Hey," Poppy says tentatively, giving Meera lots of space.Meera turns to Poppy, snapping at her angrily, "what do you want? Came to gloat, have you?"Poppy looks taken aback, not expecting such a strong reaction from Meera. "Um... no!" Poppy says innocently, "I came to see if you're okay...""I'm fine," Meera replies coldly.Poppy clears her throat, clearly flustered. "Meera, I told him to choose you," Poppy says, trying to make eye contact with her. "I don't know why he's chosen me, but I promise you... I told him to choose you. I'm sorry things didn't turn out how you wanted."Meera scoffs and rolls her eyes, clearly not believing Poppy.Poppy sighs Why would I lie about it? she asks herself, trying to think of what else to say before ultimately walking away, first to the vanity to clean her makeup off."...nice to be coupled up at last," Arlo says as Poppy sits down, continuing a conversation with Kat. "And with Suresh too, can't say I'm too unhappy about that," Arlo adds, giving Poppy side-eye.Poppy does her best to ignore Arlo but has to do a double take when she notices Arlo applying makeup for bed. Not my business, not my business... Poppy tells herself, stifling a giggle. The tiniest, teensiest part of Poppy wants to ask Arlo why she can't rely on being "champagne" without makeup just to sleep, but Poppy knows that stooping to Arlo's level won't make anything better. Once she finishes removing her makeup, Poppy heads to her closet to grab some nightwear, opting for some shorts and a crop top wanting to save her more... intimate nightwear for when she knew someone a bit better."So Poppy," Arlo says, making eye contact in the mirror. "We've not had a chance to talk about it, how you feeling about me and Suresh? I bet it's got to be difficult to see him with someone more his... calibre," she asks Poppy, clearly trying to instigate her.Poppy shrugs. "As I told you before Arlo, Suresh chose you and I'm done with him. He's all yours," Poppy says tiredly. Enjoy my leftovers, I guess, she thinks to herself, over all the mean-girl routines she's been putting up with over the last few days."I can't wait to see what he has to offer, maybe a partner of high quality is what he's been missing," Arlo sneers, looking at Poppy's casual pyjamas pointedly.Says the girl wearing makeup to bed, Poppy thinks to herself, stifling a small giggle. "Are you saying I'm not high quality, Arlo?" Poppy asks her casually, almost as though she is amused."I'm saying exactly that," Arlo replies, glaring at Poppy.When Poppy rolls her eyes, Arlo opens her mouth to speak again before she's interrupted by Dana. "Whoa, whoa hey guys, let's cool it, yeah?" Dana looks nervously between Poppy and Arlo.Poppy glances at Dana apologetically. Is it me? Poppy thinks, remembering the popular social media meme. But seriously, am I the problem? Poppy asks herself sadly. It certainly feels like I'm the common denominator..."Anyway, I won't be holding back tonight. I'mma be all over Suresh like cream on a warm bun," Arlo says, ignoring Dana and turning her attention back to the mirror."Won't stop Poppy from stealing him from right underneath you," Meera snipes quietly getting up from her corner and joining the girls at the vanity.Is she serious? Poppy asks herself in shock. "I told him to choose you, Meera," Poppy replies, exasperated. "I don't know what else you want from me. Maybe you should be taking this out on him, yeah? The one who led you on and made the choice that I had nothing to do with?""Easy for you to say. Why should we believe you?" Arlo sneers at Poppy, standing to put her hands on Meera's shoulders supportively."Why would I lie about it when I know you're going to watch this back in a few weeks anyway?" Poppy asks in disbelief. Do they really think I'm that stupid? What the hell does this have to do with Arlo anyway? Poppy asks herself, growing increasingly frustrated."You tell us, Poppy," Meera spits at her. "Can't just have one man, have to have your little fingers in all the pots, don't you?""What are you even on about?" Poppy asks, confused. "I... am not talking to you like this," Poppy says, walking out of the dressing room in frustration. What is happening here? Poppy asks herself as she grabs her bedding on the way out, hoping Alfie will figure out where she is. What in the world are they showing me like on the telly? she asks herself, trying to sort out why Meera and Arlo are so quick to jump on her.When Poppy gets outside she stops for a moment, taking a deep breath. Don't let it bother me... Poppy tells herself repeatedly as she waits for Alfie on the day beds, sitting there deep in thought.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The chatter that continued after Poppy left the dressing room got so bad the producers had to intervene, reminding Arlo and Meera that they were on television and their behaviour could be construed as "bullying". Kat and Dana watched Arlo and Meera quietly as Arlo and Meera insulted and belittled an absent Poppy, not wanting to fall in their crosshairs themselves.The production team was pissed. Arlo had convinced them that she was firmly on Poppy's side, the only reason she was chosen over an otherwise more suitable candidate. After the whole mess with Suresh's Beach Hut interview, the team was scrambling to respond to the angry social media comments calling out the team for targeting Poppy this season by sending more friendly people in for Poppy. When asked who she thought she'd be closest to in the villa, Arlo answered as sweetly as she could, "Oh, definitely Poppy. She's so sweet and exactly the kind of friend I'd love to have. I just know we'll be bffs"Arlo's earlier near-threat to Poppy on her first day in the villa was almost enough to get the season cancelled. This was a PR nightmare."We've cut the public live feed and processed partial refunds to subscribers," an assistant says to one of the producers. The producer grunts at the assistant in acknowledgement and she leaves in a hurry when she's waved off.The live feed had to be cut of course. Most of the cast are unpredictable and cost the station way too much money in fines. At least this way the production team could control what was getting out to the public while they sorted out the mess they created."Sir," another assistant says to one of the Producers. "I know it isn't my place but... can I make a suggestion?" they ask timidly. "I have an idea.""At this point, I'm all ears kid. Can't get any worse," the producer replies, still watching the private live feed anxiously. "What is it?""Well, um," the assistant replies nervously, pulling out their phone and opening Twitter. "Just so you know, hashtag OlliPop has been trending for a few days now...""OlliPop?" the producer asks, still watching the feed."Oliver Lee and Poppy," the assistant replies, showing the producer their Twitter feed when he turns to look at them."Fuck! I told you we should have called him!" the producer who mentioned calling Oliver after the first negative feedback from the live feed exclaims, overhearing the conversation next to him."Has Oliver said anything about it?" the first producer asks the assistant.The assistant shakes their head. "No, he's been pretty mum, but he's liked a few of the tweets. And Angie Chandrasekar was the one who started the hashtag..."The producer thinks a moment, considering his options. They still had a few more islanders lined up, one of which the team was confident was on Poppy's side and would help them turn the season around. The producer sighs. "Let me know if Oliver says anything," he says before turning his attention back to the screens and waving the assistant off.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy's line of thought is interrupted by a text instructing her to go to the Beach Hut. Of course, they can't just let me have one evening to myself, have to milk everything out of me, Poppy thinks with a sad sigh, finding herself more and more bitter as the blows keep coming. It was getting really difficult not to take things personally.Poppy leaves the bedding on the day bed for Alfie and heads to the Beach Hut, making herself comfortable on the Loveseat as she arrives. I"m feeling good. I'm excited to get to know Alfie. I'm feeling great. I'm glad to be away from Suresh. Poppy bites her lip nervously as she internally rehearses telling the public how 'great' she feels, knowing she feels nothing of the sort. She takes a deep breath when the first question arrives via text before looking at her phone.
Poppy, how are you feeling after the events this evening?
Bitter, angry, devastated, blind-sided, Poppy thinks to herself as she looks down at the phone. "I thought I was going home today," Poppy says, trying to avoid the question. "Surprised, I guess." There's a tone of sadness in Poppy's voice that hasn't been there in previous interviews. She bites her lip nervously, not looking at the camera.
How are you feeling about being coupled up with Alfie?
Poppy scrunches her nose involuntarily when she reads the question. She was making a conscious effort to give Alfie a chance but she still couldn't shake there was something off about the entire thing, and after Meera snapped at her in the dressing room she was only feeling worse."It's early days," Poppy says smiling at the camera, "maybe Alfie will be what I'm looking for and I just don't know it yet." There. A good, neutral answer that shouldn't generate too much drama, Poppy tells herself. She looks down at the phone again, unable to mask her anger at the next question.
How are you feeling about all of the drama with Arlo?
"Honestly?" Poppy asks the camera, the most confident she's sounded during this interview so far. "Terrible. I want to know what you're showing me like on the telly, to be frank, because Arlo is... a lot. I'm honestly a bit scared of her seeing as the woman literally punches people for a living, and I'm very grateful there are cameras everywhere because I won't hesitate to use them if I have to." How do you think I'm feeling about it? Poppy thinks sarcastically as her eyes start to fill with angry tears that she hurriedly brushes away. "It's really starting to feel like I'm being targeted, to be honest, and I have some questions for the production team, possibly with my lawyer present when I get home," Poppy says matter-of-factly. "Which, depending on how things go over the next couple of days, will probably be soon."The flashing red light on the camera turns off, which Poppy notices immediately. She raises an eyebrow curiously. I must have touched a nerve.. Poppy thinks to herself. She was only considering calling her lawyer if things escalated with Arlo, so this was not a reaction she was expecting.
How can we make things better?
Poppy considers this for a long time, not quite sure how to answer. "I think it's too late for that," Poppy says honestly. "You've done your part. You brought my ex on to what was supposed to be my fresh start, seemingly just to torment me. Nobody ever asked me what I want, there just seems to be this assumption that I want him back and now I can't seem to get away from him." Poppy takes a deep breath. "I was finally happy and moving on after he destroyed my self-esteem, and now all those feelings are coming back up because someone thought it'd be a good idea to bring us both here. I can't be the only one who sees how terrible Suresh is to me, can I?" doubt fills Poppy's voice as she asks the last question. She takes a deep breath before continuing. "On top of that, I have women ready to tear my hair out over him when I'm ready to have nothing more to do with him. It doesn't seem to matter what I say..." Poppy cuts herself off and clears her throat quickly. "But you know what, I'm actually not comfortable talking without cameras anymore. Turn them back on." Poppy crosses her arms and looks at the camera pointedly as she waits for the light to turn back on.
What would you like to see in new Islanders?
Poppy reads the question and looks at the camera, waiting. It feels like several minutes pass, but suddenly the flashing red light turns back on. Poppy rolls her eyes."Someone kind," Poppy says. "Genuinely kind. Girls who aren't possessive and boys who aren't manipulative. Someone to have a laugh with... at this point I don't even care if it's a romantic connection, I'll take forty Finns over another Arlo or Suresh any day," Poppy adds with an awkward chuckle.
What does your dream partner look like?
"You already asked me that," Poppy says with a laugh. "Are you just trying to get me to talk about Oliver again? That poor man, he probably thinks I'm some kind of weirdo or something." Poppy looks down for a moment before looking at the camera again. "I hope he knows it's just an innocent crush, I'm not pretending to know him or anything nor am I expecting anything out of it," she adds, wringing her hands. "To be honest, it only just occurred to me that he may have seen these interviews. How embarrassing." Poppy blushes furiously and puts her face in her hands before looking at the camera again as she chews her lip nervously.
If you could talk to him, what would you want to say to him?
Poppy's eyes widen in surprise. "Oh. Um..." she looks around the room quickly before swallowing heavily. "I'm sorry if I've embarrassed you, most likely. I guess I wasn't really thinking that he... or anyone really, would be watching that. It's easy to forget that everything in this room is recorded." Poppy lets out a nervous giggle. "Now I'm really worried I've made things awkward for him... that was my intent at all. I just think he's really... lovely. And cute. But I'm going to stop before I embarrass myself even more."
Thank you Poppy, you may go.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Oliver and Angie watch Poppy's interview together on Oliver's couch, both leaning forward as though to listen more closely. Angie is staying with Oliver in his flat in Falmouth for a few days to meet up with a woman she'd been talking to online for a few months and she wasn't going to pass up the chance to watch the first episode after the live feed was cut with Oliver.Poppy looks... crushed, to put it lightly, and since the live feed was cut a few days before it was harder to tell why."She's not looking well," Angie mumbles as Poppy answers the interviewer's questions about the recoupling. Poppy almost looks paler than usual, and tired... as though she's been carrying a heavy weight and it's taking its toll on her."I don't like to see her sad," Oliver replies with a pensive frown. To be fair, Oliver didn't like to see anyone sad but for some reason it hit different with Poppy."...it's early days," Poppy's voice rings out through the speaker as she smiles sadly at the camera. "Maybe Alfie will be what I'm looking for and I just don't know it yet," she adds, sounding almost doubtful.Angie looks over at Oliver with a slight chuckle. "Eh? Looks like she's still available," she says, nudging her friend.Oliver laughs, shaking his head."What's that Anj, you think Poppy and me would make a good couple? I had no idea, you've only mentioned it a thousand times now!" he says to her with a friendly eye roll.When Poppy reads the next question, Oliver and Angie both unconsciously lean forward, both being curious themselves. Arlo was nasty to Poppy from go; insulting her left-right-and-centre during her first Beach Hut interview, lying to the boys about how 'trashy' Poppy was, not to mention the way she aggressively approached Poppy about Suresh. It was starting to seem almost like they were watching a fictional teen drama, not a grown woman bullying another woman in real-life."Honestly? Terrible. I want to know what you're showing me like on the telly, to be frank, because Arlo is... a lot. I'm honestly a bit scared of her seeing as the woman literally punches people for a living, and I'm very grateful there are cameras everywhere because I won't hesitate to use them if I have to." Poppy answers before the interview abruptly cuts to Poppy answering, not even reading, the next question."That's curious," Angie says with a frown. "Did you see that?""Yeah," Oliver replies, still watching Poppy on the screen, his brow furrowed with concern. "What do you think is going on over there?"Before Angie can answer Poppy says Oliver's name on the screen, causing both of them to turn their attention back to her. "...that poor man, he probably thinks I'm some kind of weirdo or something. I hope he knows it's just an innocent crush, I'm not pretending to know him or expecting anything out of it." Poppy says on the screen. Oliver's ears flush red... this was the first time he was watching one of Poppy's interviews with Angie but he knew what was coming when Poppy finished speaking. "To be honest, it only just occurred to me that he may have seen these interviews. How embarrassing!""If only she knew #OlliPop is trending on Twitter, and it's because of you!" Angie says, teasing Oliver.Oliver looks down shyly, still blushing furiously. Even he was surprised the next morning that he had pushed the button that posted Angie's tweet. "Yeah, yeah," Oliver says, looking back up at the screen when Poppy reads the next question."If I could talk to him, what would I want to say to him?" Poppy reads, her eyes wide with nervousness. "I'm sorry if I've embarrassed you, most likely. I guess I wasn't really thinking that he... or anyone really, would be watching that. It's easy to forget that everything in this room is recorded."Both Angie and Oliver nod in agreement at Poppy's last statement, remembering the Beach Hut themselves. The Beach Hut was where Angie first confessed to having a crush on Siri before coming out, so she knew firsthand how easy it was to forget the U.K. was watching you in there."Now I'm really worried I've made things awkward for him... that was my intent at all. I just think he's really... lovely. And cute. But I'm going to stop before I embarrass myself even more." Poppy continues.Oliver puts his face in his hands shyly before turning to Angie, who is looking at him with a smug smile on her face."Lovely...Hm? Isn't that the word you used to describe her?" Angie asks him, trying to stifle a laugh. "You know, I was just kidding before... but I think you two really might be soulmates.""I wish I knew more about her," Oliver says to his friend. "Nobody there seems to want to ask her about herself. Sure, everything we've seen so far is... well, lovely, but..." Oliver shrugs. "You know me Anj, I like to get to know someone before really falling for them.""I don't care what we have to do, we need to make that happen," Angie says, nudging Oliver."Yeah, yeah," Oliver says again, rolling his eyes with a laugh.Oliver's phone rings on the coffee table in front of them, causing them both to jump at the sudden sound."Oli... Holy shit!" Angie says as she notices the caller ID before turning to Oliver, her eyes wide.Oliver looks at Angie in surprise before taking a deep breath and answering the call, Angie almost vibrating with excitement next to him.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"Hey Alfie," Poppy says warmly as she approaches him, relieved to see him waiting for her on the day beds "I'm sorry I didn't wait for you, I got called to the Beach Hut," she says apologetically."No worries hun," Alfie replies happily. Poppy lays down and makes room for Alfie to join her before the two lay on their backs, looking up at the sky. Alfie puts his elbows up behind his head and sighs happily. "I'm proper excited that we're coupled up now," Alfie says, still looking at the sky. "I'm really looking forward to getting to know you.""Thanks Alfie," Poppy replies with a smile. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you too."Alfie rolls onto his side and props himself up on his elbow to face Poppy."Hey, what do you say we go for a swim?" Alfie asks her playfully.Poppy turns to face Alfie looking confused. "Now? This late? In our pyjamas?" she asks with a small chuckle."Sure, why not?" Alfie asks, shrugging his shoulders. "It's a nice night, why let the clocks spoil the fun?"Poppy thinks for a moment, before deciding. "Okay Alfie, let's go," she replies with a smile.Alfie rolls out of the bed in a flash and waits for Poppy to stand before exclaiming, "last one to the pool is a rotten lettuce!" and running to the pool.Poppy lets out a laugh before running after him, knowing there's no way she'll catch up. When she meets him at the pool's edge he smiles brightly. Poppy can't help but return the smile. He's pretty cute when he's happy, she thinks to herself."Okay, I definitely cheated, I'm probably the rotten lettuce," Alfie says with a laugh, smiling when Poppy laughs in playful agreement. "But for serious, last one in the pool's a rotten lettuce," Alfie says once Poppy catches up before turning to hop into the pool.To Alfie's surprise, Poppy beats him. Apparently expecting him to pull a fast one, Poppy rushes under Alfie's arm unexpectedly and dives into the pool. "Cheaters never prosper, Alf," Poppy says playfully at Alfie when she pops out of the water.Alfie is still standing on the edge, mouth open in shock. He blinks the surprise away with a happy laugh. "Confirmed, I'm definitely the rotten lettuce! Watch this;" he yells, taking a running start. "Cannonball!" he yells before jumping into the pool and creating a huge splash. When he pops out of the water next to Poppy, he laughs. "This is proper nice actually, I might do this every night!" he says to Poppy, doggy paddling around her.Splashing around with Alfie in the pool, Poppy momentarily forgets about everything that's happened since she arrived at the villa. Alfie's pretty nice when we're alone, Poppy thinks to herself. I guess I really didn't let him have much of a chance. Maybe I'd keep bringing Suresh up too if he was always watching the girl I was interested in...Poppy's train of thought is interrupted by the sound of dishes clattering in the kitchen, causing her and Alfie both to jump in surprise. Poppy looks to the kitchen just in time to make awkward eye contact with Eddie before he literally runs away. First Kat's jumping out of bushes, now Eddie's spying on me from the kitchen... did the producers just bring a cast of cartoon supervillains to the villa this year? Poppy thinks, biting her lip before she turns back to Alfie with an awkward smile. "That was weird," she says, trying to keep her tone light and amused."Let's go back to the daybeds..." Alfie says slowly, watching the direction Eddie took off in."Sure," Poppy says, taking Alfie's arm when he offers it to her. When they get to the edge of the pool, Alfie lifts himself out and runs to grab towels, offering one to Poppy that she gratefully accepts before they go back to the daybed."Look Poppy, I know you've had a lot going on so I just want to check, are you good with sharing a bed with me tonight? I can totally sleep on a lounger if you prefer," Alfie says, looking at Poppy seriously.Poppy smiles warmly. "That's really sweet of you, Alfie. I do want to take things slow... but you don't have to sleep on a lounger. Maybe we could have a nice cuddle?"Alfie smiles widely. "That sounds great to me!" he says excitedly, laying in the bed and making space for Poppy. When she lays beside him he wraps her in his warm arms, snuggling into her happily.Poppy feels her eyes start to droop as soon as her head hits the pillow, feeling warm and safe in Alfie's arms. "Oh, I am a lot more tired than I thought I was," she says to Alfie with a sleepy yawn."Today has been a lot. I get it. It’s calm," Alfie replies with a sleepy smile of his own. "In fact, it’s more than calm. It’s great!"Poppy giggles and the two snuggle closer together. "Goodnight, Alfie," Poppy says to him, smiling for what feels like the first time in days."Goodnight, Poppy," Alfie says quietly behind her before drifting off.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The following morning Poppy and Alfie decide to head back to the villa before the others get out of bed. As they walk up the stairs to the bedroom the other islanders can be heard through the door. Alfie motions for Poppy to be quiet before leaning on the door to hear better."Are Poppy and Alfie still asleep out there?" Kat asks, her voice slightly muffled by the door."They'll be tired after a long night of..." Finn replies cheekily before he's interrupted."We don't know what they did," Suresh snaps angrily. Poppy glances at Alfie awkwardly, but Alfie doesn't react."Yeah Finn, maybe just cool it, yeah?" Meera adds."We know about the skinny dipping," Eddie replies, cheekily.Skinny dipping? Poppy thinks to herself, annoyed that Eddie is spreading rumours. She rolls her eyes and looks at Alfie before opening the door and stepping in the room with him.The other islanders whip their heads in the direction of the door as it opens, causing Poppy to be a bit surprised. Dana, Eddie, Finn and Kat all look gleefully curious, while Meera looks pissed. Suresh is stomping around the room angrily, opening and slamming drawers in a huff."Oooh, look at you two! Looking nice and refreshed after your late-night swim," Dana says cheekily. Poppy blushes."It was just a swim guys," Poppy says awkwardly. "Clothes on and everything."Suresh slams another drawer in his nightstand angrily before making eye contact with Poppy. Poppy can almost feel the anger radiating off of him."What's got your knickers in a twist?" Poppy asks him shortly. "You picked before Alfie did, if you regret your choice don't take that out on the rest of us." And stop stomping around like a bloody child! Poppy thinks to herself angrily.Arlo snaps to turn in Poppy's direction, "He doesn't regret his choice," she snipes, clearly pissed off. Arlo gets out of her bed to put her arm around Suresh, non-plussed when he shakes her off to look underneath their bed. Poppy raises an eyebrow but otherwise stays silent."Aaaaaaaaaawkwaaard," Kat says, baring her teeth in an awkward frown.From underneath the bed Suresh yells angrily, "I'm looking for my shoe!""He's looking for his shoe, Kat!" Arlo snaps at Kat, crossing her arms in a huff."Yes he certainly doesn't have an issue, cool as a cucumber, that one," Dana says sarcastically, rolling her eyes before giving Poppy a wink."Whatever helps you sleep at night, babe," Kat replies to Arlo, clearly amused."Excuse me?!" Arlo snaps, turning to Kat's direction."I said..." Kat yells as though Arlo can't hear her, "WHATEVER HELPS YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT."Poppy coughs into her hand to stifle a giggle, grateful that Arlo was too focused on Kat to notice.Suresh pulls himself from under the bed, exclaiming angrily, "so none of you are going to help me find my shoe then?"Eddie claps Suresh on the back. "Come on man, I'll help you find your shoe," he says, leading Suresh out of the bedroom. When they're out of hearing distance, Finn grimaces."Full disclosure, I hid it last night and now I can't remember where," Finn says with an uncomfortable laugh.Kat turns to Finn angrily. "Just what we need when Suresh is pissed off over Alfie and Poppy getting wet and wild last night," she says to him in an admonishing tone.Arlo turns to Poppy again. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you Poppy? Riling him up. You're playing games with Alfie to make Suresh jealous!" she spits at her, stepping toward Poppy angrily.Poppy pointedly looks to the camera mounted in the corner of the room, reminding Arlo for the second time in 24 hours that she's being recorded. Arlo stops in her tracks, scoffing and clearly annoyed. Finn, Kat and Dana watch the pair with looks of concern while Alfie focuses on Poppy, curious about her reply.Poppy looks Arlo in the eyes. "As I already told you, all, including Suresh, we went for a swim, clothes on and all. Please, Arlo, walk me through how that's me 'riling Suresh up' and 'playing games with Alfie' because frankly, I'm confused," Poppy replies calmly. "If you're going to keep going off on me just for simply existing, I don't know why you came to this show in the first place. You're clearly too insecure to be here."Arlo opens her mouth in shock, turning to look at the others. "Did you hear that?" she asks them incredulously.Before Arlo can continue she's interrupted by the sound of a text:
Islanders, this morning everyone will have breakfast in the garden.
#FlirtySideUp #FrenchKissOrFrenchToast
Arlo turns on her heel and stomps to the dressing room, followed by Meera and Dana. Poppy gives Alfie a quick smile before slowly making her way there as well, not looking forward to whatever drama was about to happen in there. Kat sidles up to Poppy on the way."You're bang on, babe," she whispers, glancing in the direction of the dressing room door.Poppy sighs. "It doesn't matter anyway," she says hesitantly, still not totally sure she can trust Kat. "It's getting to a point where I don't even want to be in a room with her.""I'd be more worried about whatever it is that Eddie and Suresh are talking about outside to be honest," Kat says with a frown.Poppy sighs. "I really don't care about whatever Suresh says," she replies, "I'm honestly glad to have him off my hands. Maybe now I can finally move on."Poppy walks into the dressing room with Kat, trying to avoid Arlo as much as possible. She wasn't exactly proud of herself, even if Kat agreed she was right about what she said to Arlo earlier. I don't want to be involved in this drama at all, Poppy thinks to herself, angry that she let Arlo get to her. She goes through the motions of getting ready for the day, putting a sundress on over her bikini before sitting at the vanity to do her hair and makeup."So Poppy, where's your head at with Alfie then," Arlo asks her casually, quickly making eye contact with Meera in the mirror.Poppy tenses. This is a trap... she tells herself as she weighs out the best way to respond to Arlo's question. "Alfie's a nice lad and I'm enjoying getting to know him," she answers finally, glancing quickly at Meera who seems preoccupied with her makeup."So you're not set on him then?" Arlo prods.Poppy can feel a pit forming in her stomach. I don't like this, something is wrong, she thinks, glancing at Meera again. "Umm, I think I'll keep my cards close to my chest, Arlo," Poppy says pointedly.Arlo scoffs. "You're no fun," she says angrily, looking at Meera who rolls her eyes in agreement."Moving on," Dana says hurriedly turning to Kat. "So Kat, tell us, how's the weather in Finn-land?"Kat rolls her eyes. "Terrible pun, Dana," she says without emotion, "that eye roll wasn't just for it though, Finn too," she says angrily.Poppy turns to Kat. "Everything okay?" she asks her with concern. Kat gives her a grateful smile."Trouble in paradise?" Arlo adds, leaning toward the vanity to apply her mascara."Actually babe, we were up all night fighting about you," Kat sneers at Arlo angrily.Arlo feigns surprise. "Me?" she asks in a shocked tone. Poppy can't help but roll her eyes at Arlo."Don't play dumb Arlo," Kat replies angrily. "You've been after him since you got here. You have Suresh, so how about you back off now, yeah?""It's not my fault if Finn is into me," Arlo replies smugly. "I'm just so irresistible.""That's me done then," Poppy says to nobody in particular, standing to move away from Arlo and the vanity before Arlo could catch onto Poppy's sarcastic eye rolls. She turns to Kat, who looks like she's about to spit fire at Arlo. "Are you ready Kat? We could get down there and grab the best goodies.""Oh, you're going out there like that?" Arlo sneers at Poppy with a disgusted look on her face. "Thought you might want to put an effort in.""She's already sniped all the men in here, what does she need to put an effort in for," Meera adds, glaring at Poppy.Poppy looks taken aback before shaking it off and turning back to Kat, choosing to ignore the pair."I'll meet you down there, I just need to finish my makeup," Kat says to Poppy, giving her an unreadable look.Poppy nods before heading out of the dressing room, stopping to examine herself in the hall mirror. I think I look fine, don't I? Poppy asks herself, raking her fingers through her hair nervously. Poppy rarely wore a lot of makeup, often just a tinted SPF moisturizer and some mascara. She didn't see much point in doing a full face when there was a perfectly good pool to swim in that would ruin it anyway. With a sigh, Poppy readjusts her hair to cover more of her face before heading to the garden.Alfie and Finn beat Poppy to it and are already sitting at one of the two round tables set up in the middle of the garden, each with a mimosa in hand and a mimosa next to them on the table. At the opposite end of Poppy, tables are set up with mimosas, breakfast pastries, fruits and charcuteries. Poppy waves at the boys tentatively as she approaches."Hey boys," Poppy says with a smile. "May I join you?""Poppy!" Alfie exclaims, standing to give Poppy a hug and a gentle peck on the cheek (after which Poppy is surprised to find herself blushing slightly). He hands Poppy the mimosa sitting next to him at the table before pulling out the chair he was just sitting in, moving over so Poppy can be seated between him and Finn. "You're looking spicier than a tamale this morning, phew!"Poppy smiles, feeling slightly more confident after the changing room incident. "Thanks Alfie!" she says, sounding happier than she feels. Poppy can't help but notice the juxtaposition of Alfie's consideration of her compared to Suresh the evening before. "Good morning Finn," she adds brightly."Good morning!" Finn replies happily. "Lots to celebrate this morning, hey Poppy?" he adds with a nudge.Poppy laughs awkwardly. "Er... if you mean being free of Suresh," she starts."One-eyed Willy," Alfie interrupts with a laugh, "the one who's always watching."Poppy chuckles. "It was beginning to feel that way," she says. "Anyway yes, it's lots to celebrate!" she continues, a small wave of relief coursing through her nerves as she says the words. The boys raise their glasses to cheers Poppy, she joins with a quiet giggle."What are we celebrating?" Arlo butts in as she and Suresh sit at the other table. Poppy, Alfie and Finn turn to face them. Arlo moves her chair as close as possible to Suresh's and leans back into him, giving Poppy side-eye."We're celebrating my freedom from Suresh!" Poppy answers happily, saving Alfie and Finn from having to answer. Suresh rolls his eyes, simultaneously annoyed and turned on by the mischievous twinkle in Poppy's eye as she said it."I'll cheers to Suresh being out of Poppy's grasp any day," Arlo adds in a sassy tone.Poppy laughs and raises her glass to Arlo. "Cheers, then!" she says, smiling at Arlo brightly.Arlo rolls her eyes and turns to Suresh, leaving Poppy hanging. Arlo says something quietly to Suresh and laughs loudly when he murmurs something in agreement. Poppy frowns before taking a sip of her drink.As Poppy is turning her attention back to her own table, Kat and Meera join them. Finn pulls out the chair on the other side of himself for Kat, and Alfie does the same for Meera.The breakfast starts out fine. To Poppy's relief, Meera is perfectly polite when Poppy tries to make conversation with her, despite being very flirtatious with Alfie. Kat and Finn are having a quiet chat next to them. Alfie looks quite pleased with himself but makes a conscious effort to keep the majority of his focus on Poppy, which she has to admit she appreciates. That is until he suddenly goes quiet, looking behind Poppy anxiously."What is it? I thought we were having fun?" Poppy asks him curiously.Alfie nods lightly gesturing behind Poppy, quietly saying, "It's Finn, look..."Poppy turns to Finn's direction behind her and makes eye contact with a furious Kat. It doesn't take Poppy long to find out why Kat's so angry when she looks at Finn. He's eating a strawberry in a manner that's far too sensual for a group breakfast, making eye contact with a giggling Arlo. Poppy glances briefly at Suresh who looks more annoyed than anything. Kat grabs the strawberry out of Finn's mouth and throws it on the ground angrily."Hi, I'm Kat, you're coupled up with me, remember?" she asks him, her cheeks flushing with anger."It was only jokes Kat," Finn blinks in surprise before turning to Kat and saying awkwardly."You're out of line, Finn!" Kat says angrily before pointing at Arlo. "And so is she!""Out of line? Where else would I be?" Arlo asks Kat, batting her lashes at her innocently.Before Kat can reply, Suresh says to her tiredly. "Come on Kat, claws away until after breakfast, yeah?""You're sounding a bit catty there yourself, Suresh," Finn says with a mischievous smile."Says the asshole in the dog house," Suresh replies with an eye roll."Come on guys, let's cool it yeah? Alfie says, looking between the two before motioning to Poppy briefly. Poppy looks at Alfie confused. Leave me out of it, she begs him silently. Just once, I don't want to be involved. "Stay the fuck out of it, Alfie," Suresh snaps at him angrily.Poppy gives Suresh an, 'are you serious' look, but before she can say anything Alfie turns to her and quietly says, "looks like someone's still a little sore about last night.""Or he's just an asshole," Poppy says with a shrug. "Either way that was inappropriate. You were just trying to calm everyone down.""Have something to say, Poppy?" Arlo snaps, turning to Poppy's direction.Poppy exaggerates rolling her eyes. Definitely Arlo, where shall I start? With you trying to doing exactly what you and Meera have been accusing me of all morning? With the fact that I have nothing to do with this but you're so obsessed with me that you just can't seem to help yourself but get my involved? Poppy asks herself bitterly. Wanting to avoid further conflict she says tiredly instead, "leave me out of this Arlo, I've nothing to do with it.""I have something to say!" Dana exclaims over Poppy, desperately trying to diffuse the tension."What?" Suresh snaps at Dana."Give me a sec, it'll come to me," Dana says awkwardly before quickly raising a glass, "a toast!" she looks around for inspiration."This should be good," Kat mumbles as she slumps back in her chair with her arms folded."To toast!" Dana finally says. "A toast to toast!""Hear, hear!" Poppy exclaims, clinking glasses with a grateful Dana. The rest of the islanders roll their eyes and turn to continue conversations from before the interruption.The mood is a lot more subdued for the rest of the meal; Poppy continues chatting politely with Meera and Alfie at her table for the remainder of breakfast, glancing at Finn and Kat occasionally. Finn has given up on asking Kat for forgiveness and eats his breakfast in uncomfortable silence instead.When everyone has finished their breakfast, Poppy stands with Alfie giving him a quick hug. "I think I'd like to go for a swim after all that," Poppy says with a laugh."Alright Poppy, I'm going to see how Finn's doing," Alfie says, glancing over Poppy's shoulder at their friend. Kat left as soon as everyone was finished in a huff, telling everyone to leave her alone. Finn was looking at the ground guiltily.Poppy nods before saying a polite goodbye to Meera too and heading toward the pool. Poppy feels a tug on her arm as she's stopped by someone grabbing her forearm tightly from behind her. When Poppy looks down to see Arlo's hand there she pulls it away forcefully and turns to face her quickly."I need to talk to you. Now," Arlo says curtly, her face unreadable."Umm... I don't think so Arlo," Poppy says slowly. Poppy looks around the pair uncomfortably, taking stock of who's around and where the cameras are."I'll cut to the chase then," Arlo starts. "Suresh has been making it clear that he is not your biggest fan.""Wonderful," Poppy says without emotion. "I want nothing to do with him so that works well for me.""Well I think it's because it's to hide how much he's hurting, seeing you coupled up with someone else," Arlo sneers."He made that choice Arlo, what do you want from me?" Poppy asks her, exasperated."Should I be worried?" Arlo asks, narrowing her eyes at Poppy suspiciously. That Suresh isn't pleased with his 'upgrade'? Poppy thinks to herself, annoyed. "About what? I've told you I'm not interested in him anymore. You've told me he told you he doesn't want to be with me anymore. I'm not sure I'm understanding your persistent issue." Poppy replies to Arlo tiredly."Do you think he's over you?" Arlo asks Poppy who rolls her eyes."I can't read his mind Arlo, I don't know why you're asking me," Poppy replies, shaking her head."I don't need to read his mind when I have ears," Arlo snaps. "He wouldn't shut up about you our entire date.""What's that got to do with me Arlo? I was chatting with Alfie and Meera," Poppy tells her pointedly. "Seems maybe you should be having this conversation with him.""Why can't he shut up about you?" Arlo nags at Poppy who shakes her head, eyes wide with disbelief."It's like speaking with a wall," Poppy replies, looking down briefly before looking back at Arlo. "For the very last time Arlo, I can't read Suresh's mind. If you want to know what Suresh is thinking, ask him," Poppy says slowly and clearly, obviously exhausted by Arlo's persistent ignorance. She shrugs adding, "or don't. I don't care, but leave me out of it." Poppy turns to walk away, stopping to look back at Arlo for a moment. "And don't touch me ever again Arlo, we aren't friends and you don't have my permission.""I wasn't done talking to you," Arlo exclaims after Poppy, scoffing angrily when Poppy ignores her.Poppy dives into the pool and starts swimming laps, letting the water wash her stress away as her limbs cut through it. Poppy was tired. The constant tension in her limbs from being on edge around Suresh, and now Arlo, was taking a lot out of her. At least Poppy was starting to find herself really enjoying Alfie's company.When Poppy finishes her swim she walks up to the bedroom to grab a book from her luggage, stopping when she overhears someone talking in the bedroom. Poppy contemplates leaving before she distinctly hears her name."...and she's so rude! I was talking to her earlier and that bitch straight up walked away from me mid-conversation," Arlo says to her companion. "What did he ever see in her? She's not even that cute.""I know, right?" another voice, Meera's, says in agreement. "You should have heard her at breakfast, she's so fake."Poppy looks to the floor. I don't get it... she thinks to herself sadly. I thought Meera and I were getting on at breakfast. Poppy has to admit to herself that all of this bullying is really starting to take a toll on her."I bet. She was probably like 'I'm so much smarter than you. Everyone pay attention to me.'" Arlo says, adding the last bit in a tone meant to mock Poppy. Do I really come off that way? Poppy asks herself sadly as she swallows heavily."She's probably not even in medical school," Meera says with a laugh. "Funny how she hasn't mentioned it once since she's been here.""Suresh says it's not even true," Arlo replies. "Said she's a golddigger."Poppy blanches. Money was something she was always a little insecure about when it came to her relationship with Suresh. Medical school cost a lot of money, and while she had plenty of bursaries getting her through the school year, she didn't have much spending money to speak of. Poppy would usually spend the summers working as a nurse since her Bachelor's degree was in nursing, but the summer she was with Suresh he insisted they travel so often she wasn't able to secure a job, not even with the pandemic shortages. And of course, she was saving her tutoring wages for... that other thing.Poppy decides she's heard enough and walks into the room casually, ignoring Meera and Arlo's surprised faces as she walks to her bed to grab her book from her luggage beneath it."Hey Poppy, how was your swim?" Meera asks in an overly chipper tone as the two approach Poppy next to her bed.Before Poppy can reply an object comes flying into the room, hitting Arlo in the back of the head with a thick thud. Arlo blinks repeatedly as though dazed as blood starts to rush down the back of her head."Oh my god! Oh my god! I am so sorry!" Eddie exclaims as he runs into the room, grabbing a Rubix cube off the floor before turning to Arlo. "It was an accident, I'm so sorry." He looks at Arlo in horrified angst, bouncing on the balls of his feet while trying to figure out how to help her."What the hell, Eddie? Why were you throwing a Rubix cube around?" Poppy asks angrily as she watches Arlo carefully. Arlo's head is bleeding profusely and the blood starts to run down the back of her neck."Oh my god, someone call a doctor!" Meera cries out in a panic.Poppy sighs, grabbing some gauze from the first aid kit in her bag before handing it to Arlo. "Use it to stop the bleeding. You should also sit down," she says carefully. "Do you want me to look at it?"Without a word Arlo turns her head back at Poppy to show her the wound. Poppy grabs a pair of nitrile gloves from her bag, grateful she packed them just in case of issues like this. "I'm going to move your hair now to get a better look at it, okay?" she asks, waiting for Arlo's permission before examining the cut closer. She grabs her first aid kit and pulls a spray out of it, shaking it quickly. "This is a wound cleanser," she explains, gently moving Arlo's hair away from the wound. "The last thing you want is an infection. Can I clean it? It might sting a little."Arlo nods carefully before Poppy sprays the disinfectant on Arlo's wound and cleans the area. Head wounds tend to bleed dramatically in Poppy's experience, so she isn't surprised to see the wound itself is pretty minor. Poppy grabs some clean gauze and presses it firmly to the cut before instructing Arlo to hold it there for a few minutes and walking around Arlo to examine her face."I'm just going to check a few things," Poppy says as she lifts her phone to Arlo's eyes. "I'm going to use my flashlight in your eyes, okay?" Arlo nods again, holding the gauze to the back of her head. Poppy checks Arlo's pupils for dilation by shining the flashlight from the back of her phone into them. "What's your name? What day is it today? What year is it?" Poppy asks as she watches Arlo's face for abnormal reactions."Arlo, Tuesday, 2022," Arlo accurately responds to Poppy's relief."Who's that?" Poppy asks, pointing to Meera."Meera, obviously," Arlo replies, sounding annoyed.Finally, the show's first aid crew arrives to take over. Poppy turns to them before saying, "Her reactions are good, no apparent brain injury and the wound is pretty minor." Arlo's head has already stopped bleeding thanks to the gauze.Poppy waits while the first-aid crew examines Arlo at their request. The person examining Arlo's wound chuckles softly. "Everything looks good. Lucky you have a med-student handy, that could have been a lot worse," he says and Poppy swears she sees the man wink at her.
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Poppy spends some time with Alfie at the pool in the afternoon, enjoying his company once again. After a while, Alfie tells Poppy he's going to go see what Finn's up to and Poppy decides to go look for Kat after realising that she hasn't checked on her since breakfast. Poppy finds her on the roof terrace surrounded by a pile of crumpled tissues with a very anxious-looking Dana."Poppy!" Dana says, her eyes wide with relief when she sees her.Kat looks up, her eyes puffy and her nose red from crying, she smiles weakly at Poppy before looking down into her lap with a sniffle. Poppy sits next to Kat, waving goodbye to a relieved and overwhelmed Dana who slips out quietly."How could he even think that was okay?" Kat asks Poppy, referring to Finn. "He wasn't even trying to hide it, just full-on flirted with her like I wasn't even there."I know how that feels, Poppy thinks to herself as she considers what to say to Kat. "I don't know, Kat," she answers honestly."I'm not crazy though, right?" He was totally out of line, wasn't he?" Kat asks Poppy, looking at her anxiously.Poppy considers her reply carefully. She understood how Kat felt, having experienced similar yesterday with Suresh (and Arlo, a coincidence that was hard to ignore). "I think if you think it was out of line, it was," Poppy replies. "Your boundaries are valid and that was a clear violation of them.""What do you think I should do, Poppy?" Kat asks her sadly. "I really, really, really like him."Poppy sits for a moment, not sure how to answer Kat. "I don't have an answer for you Kat. You probably should talk to him," she says to her gently. Poppy feels a bit awkward talking to Kat about Finn when she was friends with them both, though arguably much more with Finn."You're right," Kat says with a heavy sigh. "I just wish I didn't have to. It should be common knowledge not to act like that in front of your partner."Poppy nods in acknowledgement. "Sometimes what we think is common knowledge isn't so common," she replies finally. Remembering that Kat was the only one who agreed with her the night her engagement ring secret came out. There's a short silence, punctuated by Arlo laughing loudly at something echoing from elsewhere in the villa.Kat glares in the direction of Arlo's laugh, worry shadowing her face. "Too true," Kat says with a sigh. She turns to Poppy with another weak smile. "Thanks for letting me vent. You're good at listening," she says, looking at the door. "I should go find Finn."Poppy nods in agreement, waving Kat goodbye as she looks out at the villa from the terrace. I see Arlo is feeling better, Poppy thinks to herself as she notices her rolling around on the daybeds with Suresh. Poppy looks away quickly as she feels a stab of pain rip through her chest.Over on the swing seat, Poppy sees Meera and Alfie sitting and talking. Poppy looks away guiltily, feeling as though she was the third wheel somehow. Poppy sighs sadly, turning and flopping on the bench behind her in a huff. The last few days have been a lot and Poppy starts to feel the crushing weight of everything over the last few days being to pile up. Things have to start looking up soon, Poppy thinks to herself as she focuses on a plant next to her on the terrace.Poppy is pulled out of her own thoughts when she hears the distinct sound of moaning coming from the dressing room, just through the hallway that leads to the terrace. Poppy stands and looks out at the villa, noticing Suresh and Arlo have left their spot on the day beds as she hears another moan. Did they know I was up here? Poppy thinks to herself, disgusted by the idea that they would stoop this low to hurt her.When Poppy hears Suresh grunting in pleasure she rolls her eyes, standing from her seat at the bench before walking casually to the dressing room.Suresh stops what he's doing when Poppy walks into the room, looking at her anxiously. Truthfully, Suresh thought Poppy was with Alfie so he thought bringing Arlo here would be a safe bet for her to never find out about this."You know guys, this almost looks like sexual harassment," Poppy says dully. Arlo smirks at Poppy momentarily before she's more or less dropped from her place against the wall."Fuck, Poppy, I'm so sorry," Suresh says earnestly as he zippers his trousers. "I didn't know you'd be up there, I'm sorry."Poppy rolls her eyes and continues walking out of the room, stopping short in the hallway when she gets a text.
Poppy, congratulations! The public has voted for You and Alfie to have a romantic double date this evening. Be ready in an hour. #WillSparksFly?
#DoubleDate #DoubleTrouble
Poppy decides to have a shower first, seeing as the dressing room is otherwise occupied. After Poppy finishes a quick shower routine she runs to the dressing room, relieved when Kat, Dana, and Meera are there, meaning Suresh wouldn't be. Kat is doing Arlo's makeup and it's incredible, Poppy gives Kat an impressed look. "Nice work Kat," she says with a nod as she sits at the vanity to get ready for the night.Poppy stops short, realising what she's seeing and putting the pieces together. Did the public seriously just send me on a double date with Suresh and Arlo? Poppy thinks to herself in disbelief. She sighs sadly before leaving her place at the vanity to get dressed, suddenly significantly less excited than she was. Poppy puts on a dress without thinking about it before returning to her seat at the vanity to apply a little bit of makeup."Leave it to Poppy to once again not put effort in," Arlo says as Kat blends her eyeshadow. "So typical Poppy!" Arlo adds almost lightly, as though the whole thing were a joke. Meera laughs along before glaring at Poppy bitterly, clearly jealous of her date with Alfie.Poppy ignores Arlo and Meera, still stinging from the earlier encounter she saw with Arlo and Suresh. Poppy was trying her hardest to forget about Suresh, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt when she saw him with someone else. She applies some bronzer and some lipstick before touching up her mascara carefully.Poppy finishes before Arlo and heads into the bathroom one more time, startled when she sees Suresh standing at the mirror, combing his hair. When he turns to look at Poppy he smiles at her brightly."Love the dress, babe," Suresh says to Poppy with a flirtatious wink. "Looks like we're on the same page," he adds, gesturing to his shirt. It's only then that Poppy notices Suresh is wearing a shirt she got him for the holidays... and that she's wearing a dress he got her for her birthday.Poppy's eyes widen in surprise momentarily, but she quickly shakes it off. "Don't read too much into it Suresh, it's the first dress I grabbed," she says to him casually before turning around. "I'll come back when you're done," she adds over her shoulder."Poppy, wait," Suresh says seriously, reaching for Poppy's arm before deciding against it at the very last second. "You look incredible," he says sincerely when she turns around.Poppy feels a rush of emotion as tears start to form in her eyes. She pinches the bridge of her nose quickly to stop them before looking back up at Suresh. "I thought I told you to leave me alone," she says dully before walking away, leaving a hurt-looking Suresh in her wake.Poppy waits for Alfie at the bottom of the stairs to the rooftop, smoothing her dress nervously. Now that she realised which dress it was Poppy felt guilty wearing it, like she was playing games. It was an accident. Just ignore Suresh, ignore Arlo, and have a good time with Alfie, she tells herself.Alfie's face lights up when he sees Poppy, eyeing her up and down in a not-so-subtle fashion. "Poppy, you're looking flames!" Alfie exclaims as he hugs her warmly offering her his arm as they walk to their date.Poppy's heart sinks when she sees the date set up, with her seat directly diagonal from Suresh's, in direct sight of each other. Why would I expect anything less? Poppy asks herself with a sigh before taking her seat. She turns to Alfie. "I'm excited to be on a real date with you," she says warmly, smiling brightly in return to the huge smile he gives her when she says it.Poppy makes a conscious effort to ignore Arlo and Suresh on their date, focusing as much as possible on Alfie. Arlo and Suresh made it difficult, however; between Suresh constantly eyeing her and Arlo's near-constant loud laughter Poppy was about to lose it."Oh Suresh, you're so right, this is the best date ever!" Arlo exclaims loudly, clearly for Poppy's benefit. Alfie sighs."I guess it's hard for us to enjoy a date when your ex is around," Alfie says, glancing at Arlo and Suresh's table awkwardly.Poppy shrugs. "Let's just ignore them," she says, "I don't want to think about Suresh anymore.""Oh my god, Suresh you're so funny!" Arlo says loudly. Poppy definitely notices Suresh eyeing her as Arlo said it this time."Poppy, I want to ask you something," Alfie says, running his finger along the rim of his glass nervously. He looks up at Poppy, "You and me have a good thing right?"Poppy nods gently. "Sure Alfie, I'm having a nice time with you," she replies warmly."Good, good," Alfie says with a nod. He clears his throat, looking back down at his glass, "Love starts somewhere, and we’re in the right place for it. There’s nobody else in the villa that I want to be with. And, if you’re ready to commit to this, then I am too. So, do you want to last all summer? Are you ready to commit to what we have?"Poppy blinks in surprise, noticing Suresh watching her closely in her peripheral. It's been a day? Poppy asks herself in surprise. Poppy clears her throat as she bites her lip nervously. "I'm sorry Alfie, it's too soon. I'm enjoying getting to know you but I want to take things slow," Poppy replies quietly, making careful eye contact with Alfie.Alfie turns his head to look at Suresh before turning back to Poppy. "I hope you know I'll never hurt you like he did," he says to Poppy seriously as he holds her hands gently."I just need some time," Poppy says. "This has nothing to do with Suresh. This isn't not ever, it's just not now."Alfie nods tersely, clearly disappointed. "I can work with that," he says after a moment, and the two resume their meal, a little less comfortably than before.When the two finish their dinner Alfie pulls out Poppy's chair for her, before Suresh does the same for Arlo, swinging her into a passionate kiss as she leaves her chair. Poppy ignores Suresh and the stabbing pain he left burning in her chest as she leaves the date with Alfie."I had a really nice time Poppy," Alfie says to her so warmly that Poppy can't help but smile."Thanks Alfie, me too," she says politely before leaning in to give him a gentle kiss on the lips - their first kiss - and leading Alfie back down to the garden with the rest of the islanders, not even noticing a very frustrated Suresh.Finn makes eye contact and rushes over to Poppy quickly, speaking to her quietly. "Poppy, I need you to distract Kat for a few minutes." he says to her quickly, looking flustered.Poppy raises an eyebrow curiously. "Why?" she asks, looking around the garden. this had better not have to do with Arlo... Poppy thinks to herself.Finn looks around, making sure Kat's out of hearing distance. "I want to surprise Kat," he says quickly, turning when Poppy gestures behind Finn, indicating Kat was approaching. "Please?" he says, giving Poppy puppy-dog eyes before taking off quickly.Poppy sighs. This better not bite me in the back, Finn, she thinks to herself before turning to Kat. "Kat!" she says, running to her excitedly. Kat looks at Poppy confused. "Er... I was hoping to talk to someone about my date?" Poppy says, more like a question.Kat's eyes brighten. "Spill the tea! How was it?" she asks Poppy curiously.Poppy notices Finn running around behind Kat with an armful of candles and a lighter. She turns her attention quickly back to Kat. "It was really great," Poppy says with a sigh, milking it maybe in the interest of her current mission."Oh? Did you finally kiss him?" Kat asks Poppy curiously with a brow raised.She can't seriously always be watching me from bushes, can she? Poppy asks herself before shaking it off. "Um.. yeah," Poppy replies awkwardly. "How did you know that was our first kiss?""Alfie's my man's best friend, I got ears on the inside," Kat says with a laugh.From behind her, Finn yells, "Kat! Look over here!"Kat rolls her eyes, clearly still annoyed with Finn. "I'm busy Finn! Goss won't stay this fresh you know!" Kat yells back, not turning to him. "So tell me Poppy, how was it? Are you catching feels?" she says to Poppy."Kat! Please! Look over here!" Finn yells again.Kat rolls her eyes again before turning to face him. Finn has taken what appears to be every single candle in the villa, writing out SOZ in big letters on the lawn with them."I did this for you, Kat!" Finn says, gesturing to the candles around him.Kat looks at Poppy confused before turning to Finn. "S.O.S.? What's that supposed to mean?""I'm pretty sure people write that out on desert islands to be rescued or something," Eddie says from the other side of the garden with a laugh.Finn looks at Eddie angrily. "No, it says 'soz'," he says before turning back to Kat, "as in sorry. I'm sorry Kat.""What, a five-letter word too difficult for you to spell, pal?" Suresh asks Finn sarcastically.He really can't help but be an asshole and make everything about himself Poppy thinks, shooting Suresh a quick glare. She's surprised when he looks down, ashamed."There's only so many candles in the villa," Finn replies, unbothered by Suresh's insult. "Besides, soz is more 'Kat'.""Definitely more Kat," Poppy nods with a chuckle, noticing Kat crack a smile beside her.Kat looks at Poppy briefly before turning back to Finn. "Am I your number one girl?" she asks him."Of course!" Finn replies."And are you gonna stop using strawberries to flirt with other girls?" Kat asks, her arms crossed."Absolutely. Never again," Finn replies with a nod."And you'll put suncream on my back whenever I want?" Kat asks, clearly breaking her facade of trying to appear angry with him."With pleasure baby!" Finn replies before asking sheepishly, "am I forgiven?""Of course baby! Get ready to catch me!" Kat exclaims as she runs to Finn's arms, kissing him passionately.Poppy chuckles, happy for her friends. The rest of the evening goes by mostly without event, except for Poppy getting the occasional glares from Meera and Arlo, or catching Suresh giving her the occasional longing glance. Poppy spends the evening with Alfie, Finn and a very happy Kat until it starts getting late."I think it might be time for bed," Alfie says after a while with a yawn and exaggerated blink. "I'm getting pretty knackered."Poppy nods in agreement, snuggling onto Alfie's shoulder as they share a beanbag. "Me too," she says sleepily. Poppy is grateful that Kat's on cloud nine tonight as her constant talking about it seems to distract Arlo from focusing on Poppy, giving her some reprieve from the dressing room bullying.Alfie is already in their shared bed when Poppy finishes her nighttime routine, smiling at her happily as she crawls into bed next to him. He turns to her when the lights go out."I had a great time today," he says happily, putting an arm gently around Poppy's waist."Me too, Alfie!" Poppy says happily as she wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him in for a kiss.The kiss is sweet, and warm and sensual, unlike kisses with Suresh which always felt hurried and hungry. Alfie tightens his grip on Poppy's waist affectionately before the two pull apart, smiling at each other shyly."That was proper nice," Alfie says with a soft bite to his lip. "I wouldn't say no to doing that again sometime.""Good to know," Poppy says with a giggle. "I'll keep that in mind for next time," she adds with a wink.Alfie leans in to kiss Poppy on her cheek. "Goodnight, beautiful," he murmurs into the kiss sleepily.When Poppy rolls over to go to sleep she just makes out the outline of Suresh on his knees behind Arlo as she moans loudly. Suresh looks at Poppy pointedly, stopping what he's doing to blow her a kiss. Poppy's eyes widen in surprise, and Suresh responds with a flirty wink. When Poppy rolls to face the other direction Arlo gets out of bed, quickly putting her pants back on before storming up behind Poppy angrily."What the hell Poppy?!" Arlo yells angrily, causing several of the other islanders to gasp in surprise. "What, is Alfie not enough for you?" she asks angrily."What the hell is going on?" Alfie asks sleepily."Maybe you should ask Poppy," Arlo snaps, gesturing to Poppy angrily."Arlo, I'm just trying to sleep," Poppy says tiredly. "Maybe you should talk your partner and leave me out of your relationship." Poppy turns to look at Alfie, surprised to see him looking at her angrily.Arlo scoffs. "There's no use lying Poppy, I saw it with my own eyes. You were staring at Suresh like you're obsessed or something!" she yells angrily.Was I staring at Suresh? Poppy asks herself doubtfully."If Poppy says she wasn't eyeing Suresh, she wasn't eyeing Suresh," Finn says to the group, as though this were the most obvious answer to the question at hand."So Poppy, what's going on here?" Alfie asks, pulling away from Poppy and sitting up with his arms crossed.Poppy looks at Suresh who's laughing at her current misery. Poppy's eyes fill with angry tears as she spits at Arlo. "Suresh’s trying to rile me up by giving me ‘sex eyes'. So maybe you should try squawking at your man instead of me?""I saw the look you gave him, it was not 'pieing off'," Arlo says angrily. Poppy rolls her eyes."You saw that from 10 feet away in the dark, did you? What the hell were you looking at me for, weren't you otherwise occupied?" Poppy asks angrily."How would you know that if you 'weren't looking'," Arlo asks Poppy smugly."You made sure the entire villa could hear you!" Poppy says, exasperated once again. "Stop with this gaslighting, it's getting old, Arlo. Leave me alone, I want nothing to do with either of you," Poppy says grumpily, gesturing in the direction of Arlo and Suresh. Poppy lays back down in the bed, surprised when Alfie gets up."I'm going to go sleep on the day beds," Alfie says to Poppy, making it clear that it wasn't an invitation.Poppy sighs. "Stay, I'll go," she says, getting up from the bed with her pillow. Alfie doesn't object and gets back into bed, curling up while facing the opposite direction of Poppy. Poppy grabs a blanket from the drawer where they're kept as quietly as she can before she tiptoes outside, hugging herself with the blanket wrapped tightly around her shoulders.Poppy doesn't sleep much that evening, unable to stop ruminating on the last six days. They were a quarter of the way through the season already, and so far Poppy wasn't feeling a whole lotta love on this island. Poppy does her best to hide her face from the cameras as she quietly cries, trying to go to sleep.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The next morning Poppy gets up with the sunrise, sneaking into the dressing room while the other islanders are still asleep. She puts on her bikini and runs back downstairs and outside to the pool, happy to do some laps before the day starts.I just have to think positive today, Poppy tells herself as she does laps. Things will get better, just have to think positive.When Poppy finishes her laps she goes to the kitchen and boils a kettle for tea. Poppy turns around and pops a couple of pieces of toast in the toaster as she prepares her cup for tea and grabs the hazelnut spread for her toast. She hums a little song to herself, taking her toast from the toaster once it pops and getting it ready to eat."You always were so cute in the mornings," Suresh says from the doorway behind her, leaning against it with his arms crossed as he appraised her."I thought I told you to leave me alone," Poppy says to him angrily. "Last night wasn't funny.""Wasn't it?" Suresh asks Poppy with a mischievous smirk.Poppy rolls her eyes, knowing she spent most of the evening crying outside alone. "Really wasn't." Poppy says, getting up to leave with her tea and toast in one hand each. She tries to move past Suresh but he blocks her in the room, not letting her pass."I only coupled up with Arlo because I thought you wanted a chance to move on," Suresh says, shuffling nervously on the spot."You've made sure that hasn't happened anyway, do you just want me to be miserable?" Poppy asks him bitterly. "I don't care what your reasons were, I'm done with you.""Poppy, come on," Suresh pleads with her. "No matter how hard I try to move on, there’s a proper unique attraction between us. There’s something about you Poppy that drives me wild.""It's called wanting what you can't have," Poppy says tiredly. "You had me back and you chose to be with Arlo instead. You let her yell at me while I was laying in bed in the middle of the night when we both know I didn't do anything. You're just using me as your little pawn again Suresh, and I'm not playing your game anymore.""Look, I messed up. But I’m genuinely sorry for the way I’ve handled things. It might be the worst thing I’ve ever done," Suresh says, looking at Poppy with sad eyes before looking back at the ground."I don't forgive you Suresh," Poppy says simply. "Please leave me alone."Before Suresh can reply, Meera clears her throat behind him with her arms crossed. She looks at Poppy and Suresh smugly. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Meera says, raising her eyebrows suspiciously. "Two exes having a secret early morning rendevous in the kitchen? I wonder what Alfie and Arlo are going to think of that."Poppy lets out a breath. "Meera, nothing's happening here," she says to Meera tiredly. Please stay out of it."Hm, well I guess we'll see in three weeks if that's true or not," Meera says, looking at Poppy pointedly. "But until then, Alfie and Arlo definitely need to know what's happening. I can't let them look like mugs!""You're noticeably silent Suresh, nice job proving you've changed," Poppy says bitterly before turning to Meera. "Do whatever you want Meera, I'm a believer of karma."Meera smirks at Poppy angrily before going back to the bedroom."Leave me alone, Suresh," Poppy says tiredly. She uses Meera's distraction to sneak past Suresh and go to the pool with her breakfast, eating her toast while she sits on the edge of a sunlounger before laying down to enjoy some morning sun before the others woke up.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Finn and Kat sit on the daybed opposite Poppy, Finn looking at her with concern while Kat does with curiosity. Finn clears his throat. "Are you okay?" he asks her, his brow furrowed.Poppy sighs. "I'm... fine," she says to him with a shrug. "I know what happened last night... I didn't do anything wrong." I'm pretty sure, Poppy thinks to herself. It's been such a strange few days she's not even sure of her own mind anymore."So what did happen last night?" Kat asks Poppy, an excited glimmer in her eye."Honestly, nothing," Poppy says with a frown. "I kissed Alfie goodnight, and when I rolled over I happened to see Suresh with.. Arlo." Poppy sighs. "I was rolling over to go to sleep when Arlo stormed up on me again."Finn looks at Poppy with concern. "Arlo seemed a bit... intense with you last night. This been going on for a while now?" he asks her.Poppy nods. "Since she's arrived," she says, looking at the ground.Finn turns to Kat. "Did you know about this?"Kat nods. "Hard not to babe, Arlo hasn't tried to hide it."Finn looks non-plussed. "I had no idea..." he says, but before he can say anything further he's interrupted by Eddie getting a text. When everyone makes it over to Eddie, he reads it out:
Islanders, it's time for #TruthorDare! What naughty secrets will come out?
#WhosNaughty #WhosGotSecrets
The islanders make their way to the firepit to play the game, chattering amongst themselves excitedly. Meera hangs back with Poppy, whispering to her coldly. "Poppy, are you worried about what might come out today?" Meera asks her, looking at Poppy pointedly."No Meera, I already told you I'm a firm believer in karma. You and I both know nothing happened in that kitchen," Poppy says, looking straight ahead. "Lie if you want, I couldn't care less anymore."Meera scoffs. "Don't tell me what I saw," she says angrily.Poppy laughs. "Meera, I'm the one you were watching, I know exactly what you saw because I was the one living it," she says, shaking her head at Meera's ridiculousness."I'm not stupid Poppy, even if you want to treat me like I am," Meera snaps, looking at Poppy pointedly."Whatever Meera," Poppy says before quickening her pace and leaving Meera to run to catch up.Poppy sits between Finn and Alfie, who is pointedly turned away from her and giving Poppy the cold shoulder. Poppy sighs, putting her chin in her hands and her elbows on her knees. Looking at the ground sadly. Funny how Suresh always seems to be involved, she thinks bitterly.The rules of the game are pretty standard, the only exception being that the person who was doing the daring or asking the question for Truth had to choose who was choosing to do a Truth or a Dare by drawing a name from a hat. Dana is assigned to go first, and the game starts.Poppy doesn't pay much attention to the game. I was really starting to like Alfie, she thinks to herself sadly. She watches a flock of birds flying around the terrace to distract herself from her thoughts.Poppy doesn't even notice when Arlo says her name, revealing it written on the scrap of paper she pulled from the hat. Finn gives Poppy a sympathetic pat on the back before telling the others. "Maybe we skip Poppy today, yeah?" Poppy turns to Finn to give him a grateful smile."Spoilsport," Arlo mumbles before rolling her eyes and pulling another name from the hat. "This went better than expected," Arlo says with a chuckle. "Meera!" she says brightly, turning to her friend. "Truth or Dare?""Truth," Meera says, looking at Arlo with an innocent smile.Poppy looks between the two women nervously."What's the most scandalous thing you've walked into in the villa?" Arlo asks Meera, giving the other islanders a sweeping look.What are these two playing at? Poppy asks herself. Surely if Meera's already told Arlo she'd have come after me by now..."Most scandalous?" Meera asks. "Oh, I suppose that would be when I walked in on Suresh and Poppy intimately together this morning," Meera says, watching Poppy pointedly. Poppy flinches as she waits for the fall-out of Meera's lie."What?!" Arlo yells at Poppy, jumping out of her seat angrily. "You little-- what'd I tell you about staying away from my man?" Arlo screams as Meera holds her back from attacking Poppy."Poppy, what's going on?" Alfie turns to Poppy, looking at her for the first time that day and asking her angrily.Poppy shrinks into herself, wishing she were anywhere but there. She looks at Alfie sadly. "Alfie, it's...""Save it Poppy, I don't want to talk to you," Alfie snaps, storming back to the villa. Poppy looks down at the ground. How do I always end up the bad guy? Poppy asks herself. Sensing the game was at an end the others disperse, leaving Kat and Finn to stay with Poppy, gently rubbing her back as she sits there in thought."Nothing happened," Poppy says quietly after a while. "Suresh was on his usual routine and I was trying to leave the kitchen after I told him to leave me alone. That's what Meera walked in on. Alfie was already cross with me over... last night and now..." Poppy trails off sadly."Give Alf some time, Poppy," Finn says gently. "I'll go talk to him if you like."Poppy shakes her head. "No thanks Finn," she says with a heavy sigh. "I'm going to try again but if he doesn't want to talk to me... it is what it is." Poppy sits there in silence for a while,trying to sort through the last two days in her mind. With a sigh Poppy gets up and walks around the villa looking for Alfie, hoping maybe he'll give her some time if she can catch him alone. When she tries everywhere else she heads to the terrace, figuring she can wait for him there if she doesn't find him. Poppy opens the door to the terrace, doing a double take at what she sees.Poppy found Alfie. He was having sex with Meera on the terrace. "Alfie?" Poppy cries out, standing in the doorway in shockAlfie looks to the door in surprise "Poppy!" he says, gently pushing a disgruntled Meera off his lap "It's... not what it looks like!" Meera smirks at Poppy, eyeing her up and down sassily."Sure," Poppy says with an eye roll before hurriedly walking down into the bedroom where Kat and Finn are crawling into their bed for some alone time. Deja vu, Poppy thinks to herself angrily."Poppy, what happened?" Finn asks Poppy with concern when he sees her."I just walked in on... Alfie and Meera having sex," Poppy says, still blinking in surprise. She feels the familiar stab of pain coursing through her body at the betrayal."What?!" Kat exclaims, her mouth open in shock at the scandal, "You can't be serious? Alfie?"Finn grimaces. "Alfie... wouldn't play you like that..." he says, sounding unsure.Just then, Alfie bursts into the room, running to Poppy. "Poppy it wasn't what it looked like. I'm sorry!" he exclaims, grabbing her arm.Poppy pulls away from him forcefully, giving Alfie a disgusted look. "I don't care. We're done," she says to him coldly. Poppy can feel the numbness pushing through her veins, grateful in that moment that she wasn't crying at least."At least let me explain myself!" Alfie says desperately. "Please, Poppy!""Like you let me explain myself you mean? Sure," Poppy says before turning around and walking away."Poppy, please, just listen to me!" Alfie says desperately.Poppy ignores Alfie and heads to the swing seat; it felt like the most appropriate place to go in that moment.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Alfie chases after Poppy anxiously, desperate to explain his side of the story. "Poppy please, let me explain! It didn't mean anything!" he exclaims as he catches up to her just before she sits down on the swing seat, pleading for her attention.
"Because you deserve a courtesy you've never offered to me?" Poppy asks, turning to face Alfie with an eyebrow raised. "Leave me alone Alfie," she says tiredly. "In case it wasn't clear before, we're done. Go play with Meera, and stay away from me."
"Poppy, I just... felt so betrayed..." Alfie starts, stopping when Poppy raises a hand to shush him.
"What part of 'leave me alone' isn't clear to you Alfie? I don't care what your reasons are. Go. away," Poppy says to Alfie coldly.
"But Poppy.." Alfie starts before she cuts him off.
"It's like speaking to a wall! You're as bad as Arlo!" Poppy exclaims in frustration, throwing her hands in the air. "Look Alfie, here's what's going to happen, and I really don't care what your thoughts are on this. You're going to leave me alone. At the next recoupling, I will walk if you choose me. Don't look at me. Don't touch me. Don't talk to me. And in three weeks, when you go home and watch me tell Suresh off in the kitchen and Meera lie to you, you'd best not even think about reaching out to me," Poppy says angrily. "Funny how you're 'not going to hurt me like Suresh did' and you pulled the exact same bullshit he did, almost to a tee."
Alfie stands silently for a moment before rolling his eyes and storming away, angry that Poppy won't listen to him.
Poppy lets out a heavy breath before turning around and flopping onto the swing seat, swinging gently in quiet contemplation and sipping on her water. I was really starting to like him, Poppy thinks to herself sadly. I guess this is why I prefer to take my time with people. Better to find out now than later. I'm really glad I didn't agree to commit to him...
"Hey," Suresh says to Poppy tentatively as he interrupts her train of thought, approaching the swing seat cautiously. "That sounded like it escalated quickly, are you okay?" he asks her, pausing briefly to sit next to her before adding, "Stupid question, I know you can't be okay right now."
"No thanks to you," Poppy mutters angrily, looking at her hands that are folded in her lap. "What do you want?"
"I just came to check on you, I'm assuming this brought up a lot of the stuff that happened between us, too," Suresh replies, looking Poppy in the eyes.
"That's an awfully big assumption," Poppy says, rolling her eyes. "Could you please go away, I don't want Arlo to see you here with me and tear my eyes out or something."
"I'm sorry if what I did is still affecting you, Poppy," Suresh says sadly, ignoring Poppy's request.
"'I'm sorry if' is not an apology Suresh. Your actions here in the villa are not apologies, Suresh," Poppy says tiredly. "If you were sorry you would have cleared everything up with Meera, and with Alfie immediately instead of leaving me in the dust. No, I think you got exactly what you wanted out of this and you're not sorry at all."
Suresh blanches before looking at the ground guiltily. "I came here because I needed closure," he says quietly. "And I thought you might too..."
"I had plenty of closure seeing that photo in your messages, thanks," Poppy spits bitterly. "Don't act for a second like you came here to do me a favour, everything you've always done and ever will do solely for your own benefit."
"That's not true Poppy!" Suresh yells at her in frustration. "I came here to apologize, answer your questions and leave but..."
"I don't care, Suresh," Poppy says tiredly, cutting him off. "I couldn't care less if I tried." I don't need to hear whatever it is you think I want to hear, Poppy thinks to herself angrily as she starts to bite her lip.
"You deserve better, Poppy," Suresh says, "someone who won't run off to someone else at the first sign of trouble."
Poppy turns to look at Suresh in surprise. "Is that right? Isn't that what you did?" she asks him with her usual amused tone. The one that annoyed and turned Suresh on so much.
Suresh sighs, "we were together a lot longer than four days," he says, trying to maintain eye contact with a reluctant Poppy. "What we have is a better connection."
No, nope, no no no, Poppy thinks to herself firmly, reminding herself not to fall for Suresh's games. Not again, nope. "Stop, Suresh," Poppy says, standing from her seat. She goes to take a sip of her water before noticing her bottle is empty. "Stop and just... leave me alone."
"Nobody will ever love you like I do, Poppy," Suresh says to her as he stands and cautiously steps closer to her.
Poppy flinches at his words before turning to look at Suresh with a fire in her eyes. "That's the hope," she says before turning back to the villa and walking to the kitchen, needing to fill her empty water bottle suddenly a lot more urgently than before.
Suresh follows Poppy. "Just, give me a chance Poppy. I'll prove I've changed," he says as they walk. Poppy rolls her eyes, turning to face him before stepping into the kitchen.
"Suresh, what are you not getting? I don't care if you've changed, it doesn't change a thing for me," Poppy says tiredly before turning on her heel and walking into the kitchen.
"You can't m--ean... that," Suresh says, faltering as he and Poppy both stop short in the doorway of the kitchen. Two new islanders, a boy and a girl sit at the island, smiling at Poppy and Suresh.
Poppy's heart drops and her entire body tenses when she sees the woman, a very pretty girl, covered in beautiful, intricate and distinctive tattoos with fire-engine red hair cut into a perfect a-line bob. It's the girl from the photograph. The woman Suresh cheated on Poppy with.
"Gabi?" Suresh says in surprise. "What…? What… are you…? Why…?!" he stutters.
"Didn't think you'd ever see me again, hey Suresh?" the woman, Gabi, lilts at him. "For once the smooth talker has nothing to say," she adds, almost looking almost smug. Gabi turns awkwardly to Poppy.
Poppy takes a deep breath before giving Gabi as friendly of a smile as she could, feeling extremely overwhelmed by the surprise. I wasn't in a relationship with this girl, she owes me nothing, Poppy reminds herself, resolving to be nice to Gabi. "Hi... I'm... Poppy," she says tentatively, looking at both Gabi and the man sitting with her who is quietly observing the drama unfold.
"Gabi," the woman from the photograph says, standing to give Poppy a friendly hug. The hug is a little awkward, especially with Suresh staring at the girls open-mouthed in surprise with his brow furrowed in concern.
"Nicolas," the man says in a thick Brazilian-Portuguese accent, standing to shake Suresh's hand. "Pleased to meet you, Coração," Nicolas says, turning to Poppy to look her in the eyes as he raises her hand to his lips to give it a light peck.
Oh, he's... quite... charming, Poppy thinks to herself with a smile as she takes this in. "Nice to meet you," she says quietly to Nicolas, holding his eye contact. Poppy starts blushing as she looks into his eyes; this man certainly knew how to hold Poppy's attention. Poppy gives her head a slight shake. "We should probably let the others know you're here," she says. "Can't be hogging the new islanders all to ourselves."
"Mmm, I wouldn't complain," Nicolas says, giving Poppy a flirty wink. Suresh scowls angrily beside Poppy.
Poppy rolls her eyes at Suresh before turning to Nicolas. "Maybe there'll be some time for that later," Poppy says to Nicolas with a wink and a giggle. "Come on, most of the others are outside." On Poppy's opposite side, Suresh's jaw clenches in frustration.
Poppy turns, motioning for Suresh to lead the way. He rolls his eyes before complying, eager to get Poppy away from Gabi and this new Nicolas guy as soon as possible. When Nicolas starts to talk to Suresh, Gabi uses the distraction to pull Poppy back tentatively. Poppy looks at Gabi curiously, watching as worry starts to crease Gabi's features.
"You don't have a problem with me being here, do you?" Gabi asks Poppy, studying her face closely.
Poppy smiles reassuringly. "Of course not, you have just as much right to be here as I do," Poppy says kindly. She hesitates before adding. "If you want Suresh, he's all yours. Just so we're clear, I'm not interested in sailing that boat ever again."
"I didn't come here just for Suresh," Gabi says with a laugh. "But thank you."
Poppy nods. "Also, just to be clear... I don't hold anything against you. You umm.. didn't owe me anything," Poppy tells Gabi, noticing her relaxing immediately.
"Thanks, Poppy," Gabi says, looking at Poppy with a shy smile. "You are really chill you know." She says with a laugh, referring to a conversation she once saw Poppy have on the telly with Kat. Gabi clears her throat. "Just so you know... I.. didn't know about you," Gabi says, looking at the ground sadly. "I wouldn't ever have wanted to be the 'other woman'. I really cared about Suresh," she says, suddenly avoiding eye contact with Poppy.
Poppy nods. "Honestly Gabi, even if you did know about me I wouldn't hold it against you," she tells her. Poppy looks down briefly before adding, "I hope you find whatever it is you came here for."
"Thanks," Gabi says with a shy smile before she and Poppy turn to make their way out to the garden with Nicolas and Suresh.
Nicolas smiles brightly at Poppy, clearly waiting for her and Gabi to arrive before announcing himself. Once Poppy and Gabi are standing next to him, Nicolas turns to the lawn shouting excitedly, "hey hey! What's up everybody!"
"New boys?" Dana asks as she lifts her head from the daybed she's laying on, her interest piqued. She stands up, waiting for Eddie to join her.
Eddie scowls at his partner before seeing Poppy walk in with another girl. "Boy. And a new girl," he says, eyeing Gabi hungrily and not noticing when Dana does as well.
Poppy stands back as Gabi and Nicolas step into the crowd to introduce themselves. The other islanders who rush over from the different places they were in the yard excitedly to meet the pair and Poppy notices as Gabi and Dana eye each other flirtily. Oof, that was awfully assumptive of me, Poppy thinks to herself. Maybe she didn't come here for Suresh at all.
Nicolas gives all of the islanders a friendly hug or handshake before turning to look for Poppy, beaming at her from across the lawn. He jogs over to her happily, taking her hand to kiss it again. "Coração," he says with his lips still pressed to Poppy's hand. He puts it down gently, still holding it as he talks. "They're all fine, but I was hoping to spend my time with you," he explains with a quick bite to his lip.
"Oh, is that right?" Poppy asks him quietly, blushing furiously.
Before Poppy can say anything else she is interrupted by a loud squeal from Kat across the garden. "What!!? You're the woman Suresh cheat on Poppy with!?" she exclaims excitedly.
Poppy sighs heavily. Here goes... she thinks as she mentally prepares herself for what's to come.
Nicolas glances at the others who are watching him and Poppy together closely before turning back to her. "Will you do me the honour of giving me a tour," Nicolas says to Poppy quietly, giving her a wink.
He's... good, Poppy thinks to herself with a giggle, very charmed by Nicolas. "Sure Nicolas, I'd love to," Poppy replies with a gentle smile, happy for the excuse to ignore the others. "Coração?" she asks him curiously.
"It's Portuguese," Nicolas says with a charming smile. "It means like... Sweetie or Sweetheart." Poppy blushes slightly and Nicolas entwines his fingers with Poppy's holding her hand in his, looking at her to see if this was okay with her. Poppy smiles at Nicolas, squeezing his hand gently before leading him out of the garden and into the villa for a tour, ignoring the drama Kat was trying to start.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"Must've forgotten she's coupled up with me," Alfie mumbles bitterly from his beanbag, crossing his arms in a pout.
Finn does a double take before turning to look at his friend from where he sat in his beanbag, Kat sitting on a pillow in front of him between his legs. "You must've forgotten when she walked in on you fucking Meera, mate," Finn says pointedly to Alfie, "I'd say the 'you being coupled up' ship has long sailed."
"Doesn't mean she has to rub it in my face," Alfie says bitterly, grimacing toward the villa.
"Too right," Eddie mumbles grumpily in agreement from a third bean bag, watching Dana and Gabi on the daybeds bitterly.
Alfie nods. "See, Eddie agrees with me! Besides, she cheated first," he adds almost petulantly.
Finn rolls his eyes. "Doubtful," he mutters under his breath before sternly adding, "look mate, you're both my friends so I have to be frank with you. If you're gonna make me choose sides, it'll be hers." Before Alfie can reply Meera and Arlo join the group after having a private chat. Meera makes herself comfy on Alfie's beanbag, snuggling up to him without regard for Poppy. Finn raises a judgemental eyebrow at Alfie.
Alfie rolls his eyes in return before putting an arm around Meera and focusing his attention on Kat. "Anyway, Kat, you must be in drama heaven right now? The girl Suresh cheated on Poppy with coming into the villa."
Kat laughs. "Poppy's chillness kind of takes the fun out of it," she says lightly.
"Chill? Poppy?" Meera butts in, looking at Kat like she's got multiple heads. Kat and Finn exchange a look, causing Meera to quickly clarify, "I've just always found her extremely extra, she's got a lot of baggage."
"Right," Finn says quietly, pursing his lips uncomfortably before giving Alfie a pointed look.
Alfie looks away from Finn's judgemental gaze to agree with Meera. "Bang on, more luggage than an airport," he says, looking toward the villa where Poppy just entered with Nicolas.
"Suresh ain't too happy about the new guy though, look at him," Kat says, nodding her head in the direction of the sunloungers where Suresh is sitting and staring at the doors of the villa with an extremely sour look on his face.
"Well, the new guy certainly seemed to catch Poppy's attention... no surprise," Meera mumbles with an eye roll.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Finn asks Meera, starting to get annoyed with her and Arlo constantly bringing Poppy up to put her down.
"Obviously she means that Poppy's got her little claws in all of you," Arlo butts in coldly. "She can't be satisfied with one man, she needs to string you all along."
Finn looks at Meera, then Arlo, with confused annoyance. "That's not been my experience with her," he says carefully before shrugging. "Then again, I haven't lied to snipe her man from underneath her so who knows, maybe your experience with her is different than mine."
Kat turns to her partner in shock. "Finn!" she exclaims, trying not to laugh.
Meera crosses her arms grumpily while Alfie looks away awkwardly, trying to avoid getting involved. Poppy had to be the one who lied... if she didn't, that would mean he cheated on her for no reason and Alfie was not a player.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Arlo asks Finn angrily. Finn raises his eyebrows at her, amused by her reaction.
"So what do we think of the new guy anyway?" Alfie asks everyone, desperately wanting to change the subject.
"He's cute, ain't gonna lie," Kat says before smiling charmingly at Finn. "He's no Finn though."
"Yeah, he's real tasty," Arlo says with a laugh. "With my partner so focused elsewhere, I wouldn't mind having a nibble."
"Hm, you seem to have a type Arlo," Finn says with a laugh. "Whatever Poppy's into, am I right?"
Arlo rolls her eyes angrily at Finn.
"Something seems off with him," Alfie says as he cuts off Arlo's reply, looking at the direction of the villa with his eyes narrowed.
"On that, we agree," Finn says with a sigh.
"Right?" Alfie says. "He didn't even come talk to me about Poppy."
Finn rolls his eyes before he turns his attention back to the villa, a seed of worry growing in the back of his mind as he's unable to shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Suresh watches the villa carefully from the sunloungers, unsure of what to do. Gabi was... unpredictable to put it lightly and he was worried about what she would do (and what she would say) to Poppy.
The truth is, the waitress, Gabi, wasn't a one-time thing like Suresh told Poppy. In fact, he'd been seeing her for months, pretty much from when Poppy started med school. Poppy couldn't find out... if he ever had a chance of her forgiving him it would disappear immediately when she did.
Not only that, Gabi was... manipulative, and very angry with Suresh. Angry enough with him to maliciously hurt Poppy, the only person who has what Gabi wants - being the only person he's ever truly loved. Poppy has enough to deal with lately, she doesn't need to add 'getting stabbed in the back by Gabi' to the increasingly growing list. At least for now Gabi's attention seems to be distracted by Dana, Suresh thinks to himself as he notices the two women chattering happily on the daybeds.
There was also something about Nicolas that Suresh didn't quite trust. The way Nicolas' gaze lingered on Poppy... and the other women felt... off... like he wasn't being genuine.
And to be honest, Suresh recognized the way Poppy was reacting to Nicolas, the way her eyes would widen in surprise as she nervously bit her lip around Nicolas was the exact same way she would look at Suresh when he was luring her into his web. It was one thing for Poppy to move on, but it was another thing entirely for her to move on to another player. Surely being with Suresh would be better than that.
Suresh wasn't too worried about Poppy with Alfie, which was why he was so confident in choosing Arlo knowing Alfie would jump on the chance to be with Poppy. Even if Poppy did hook up with Alfie, which Suresh was pretty sure she hadn't, Suresh doubted Alfie would be able to keep up with Poppy. She came off as very innocent, but she was really anything but and Alfie didn't strike Suresh as the one who would keep Poppy satisfied. Nicolas on the other hand...
Suresh sighs bitterly. Nothing was going to plan. Arlo, while fun in the bedroom, was definitely way too much for him; he much preferred Poppy's chill, laissez-faire attitude over Arlo's over-the-top reactions to everything. Even he was starting to notice the way Poppy would flinch in reaction to, or sometimes even in anticipation of, Arlo arcing up at her. It was a huge turn-off to see Arlo hurting the woman he cares about.
Suresh notices Gabi quickly get up from her spot at the daybeds, leaving Dana as she hurries into the villa. Fuck, Poppy's still in there, Suresh realises and follows Gabi, hopeful to mitigate some of the damage she was surely about to cause.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"And this is the bedroom," Poppy says, gesturing around the room around them as she concludes the villa tour.
Nicolas flashes Poppy a cheeky smile. "Where the magic happens," he says with a wink. Nicolas sits on his bed, patting the space next to him and smiling brightly when Poppy joins him.
Poppy giggles. "For some people I guess," she replies with a shrug. She smiles at Nicolas warmly. "So... tell me about yourself, what do you do?"
He turns to Poppy with a charming smile. "I'm a surgeon," he says, chuckling when Poppy's eyes brighten with interest.
"Really? What specialty? What hospital?" Poppy asks excitedly.
"A tree surgeon," Nicolas clarifies sheepishly with a light chuckle. "I guess it's a bit harder to use that line on you than most."
Poppy laughs. "I don't know about that, you definitely had me there," she says with a giggle. "Tree surgeon? Is that a tree specialist of some kind?"
"Yeah," Nicolas says with a nod, "I do all kinds of work with trees, planting, trimming, removal... I even work with sick trees, so I guess I'm kind of like a tree doctor."
"That sounds like a lot of very important work," Poppy says with a smile. "Do you enjoy it?"
"Sometimes," Nicolas answers honestly. "Sometimes it's just a job. But it keeps me active and helps me stay in shape."
Poppy giggles. "You certainly are in great shape," she replies with a flirty wink.
"Perhaps you'd like to examine a little closer?" Nicolas asks, nudging Poppy cheekily.
"Maybe," Poppy replies with a flirtatious smile. "If you play your cards right."
"Alright," Nicolas replies confidently with a happy sigh. "I also like to travel a lot. I've been a lot of places. None with sights as pretty as the ones I'm seeing here though," he adds, looking at Poppy pointedly.
Poppy blushes. "You really are charming, aren't you," she asks him with a laugh.
"Mmm," Nicolas murmurs in agreement, focusing on Poppy's lips. "I'll charm the pants right off of you if you'll let me."
Poppy raises an eyebrow playfully. "Is that so?" she asks him, adding cheekily, "think you can keep up with me?"
"I can handle anything... or anyone," Nicolas replies, "and I could definitely see myself going on plenty of adventures with you by my side."
"So how come a guy like you hasn't been snatched up yet," Poppy asks him with a smile. She looks him up and down appraisingly with a wink.
"I just haven't met the right person yet," Nicolas says with a shrug. "Everyone I've been with is too serious. I can't deal with the drama."
Poppy chuckles. "Maybe you'll have better luck here in the villa. Has anyone caught your eye?"
"A certain pretty little flower who seems quite adventurous and fun," Nicolas replies without hesitation, giving Poppy a smouldering look.
Poppy blushes. "I do love a bit of adventure," she says with a laugh.
"I thought you might," Nicolas says with a smile. "I've also loved nature ever since I was a little kid."
"Me too!" Poppy says happily. "I'll take being out in the woods or in the ocean over a city any time."
"I knew there was something I liked about you," Nicolas says with a quick bite to his bottom lip as he gazes at Poppy's lips again before moving his gaze back to her eyes. "How's villa life been for you so far?"
Poppy laughs nervously, scrunching her nose in thought. "Dramatic," she replies with a laugh. "Non-stop, really."
"That right?" Nicolas asks Poppy. "Well, the real drama starts now that I'm here."
Poppy raises her eyebrow curiously. "Oh? I thought you didn't care for the drama?"
Nicolas places his hand on top of Poppy's, gazing at her intensely. "Let's just say, I don't mind pulling out all the stops to make sure I get to pick the most beautiful flower." Nicolas breathes out a chuckle when Poppy looks away bashfully, gently turning her face back toward him with his hand on her cheek, leaving it there to gently linger. "How's your couple going?" he asks her seriously.
"Not," Poppy says, biting her lip nervously. "I'm definitely open to new people."
Nicolas gently grazes the back of his fingers along Poppy's cheekbone. "Is that so?" Nicolas asks, gazing at Poppy curiously. "Does this mean you're open to getting to know me?"
Poppy smiles. "Very open," she says with a laugh. "It feels like you could be a bit of me."
"I couldn't agree more," Nicolas says with a smile. Nicolas moves his hand behind Poppy's head, leaning in to kiss her when they're interrupted by someone clearing their throat from the doorway.
"My my, that looks... cozy," Gabi says from the doorway with a flirtatious laugh. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping to steal Poppy a moment."
Poppy huffs out a slightly disappointed sigh. Nicolas chuckles before removing his hand from Poppy, giving her cheek an affectionate rub on the way. "I'll come find you later," he says to Poppy with a wink before waving at Poppy and Gabi both and leaving the room.
Poppy turns to Gabi with a smile. "What's up?"
Gabi takes a deep breath before stepping into the bedroom and sitting on the bed across from Poppy. "I need to tell you something," Gabi says nervously. "I can't wait any longer."
Poppy bites her lip as her brow furrows in concern. "What is it Gabi?"
Gabi sighs, looking at the ground guiltily. "I wasn't anticipating you being so nice," Gabi admits awkwardly. "And now I feel really bad because what I'm about to tell you is probably going to hurt you."
Poppy swallows heavily. Here we go... she thinks to herself nervously. What else are we going to learn today? "Should we grab Suresh?" she asks. "Might as well rip the entire band-aid off at once."
Suresh clears his throat from the doorway behind Poppy, interrupting Gabi's reply. "No need, I'm already here," he says, ignoring Gabi's glare. Suresh takes a seat on the bed next to Poppy, making sure to give her plenty of space.
Poppy blinks as she prepares herself for whatever blow it is she's about to be hit with before she turns to Suresh. She sighs heavily. "You want to start us off?" she asks him without emotion.
Suresh looks at the ground guiltily as he tries to find the right words. "Poppy... I'm sorry," he says sadly as a massive wave of guilt washes over him. "I... fucked up. And I keep fucking up," Suresh says, taking a shaky breath before looking up, first at Gabi, who looks pissed, and then at Poppy, whose eyes are wide, filling with tears already as she anticipates the worst.
"I'd really rather hear it from you, than from Gabi," Poppy says quietly. "No offense meant Gabi," she says to her quickly.
Gabi nods in acknowledgement, still staring daggers at Suresh.
"Gabi wasn't a one-time thing," Suresh says, looking back down at the ground. "I started seeing her in September..."
Poppy blinks. September was a few months before she left Suresh, my second month in med-school and just under half of our entire relationship, she realises as a tear falls down each of her cheeks. "Okay," she says, keeping her voice steady and turning to Gabi. "Is that true?"
Suresh flinches. It really hurt that Poppy felt she had to confirm this with Gabi, though he knew that was his own fault.
"That's right," Gabi says, looking down guiltily. "I only just found out on the show that you were still with him then..."
"I didn't mention it because it was only a brief fling..." Suresh says hastily before he's interrupted by Gabi.
"A brief fling?" Gabi snaps in disbelief. "It was five months! You kept a toothbrush at my place."
Poppy swallows. "You broke up with her the same time we did?" she asks Suresh, doing the math in her head.
"He ghosted me. One day he was at my flat, the next he wasn't answering my texts or calls and I never heard from him again," Gabi clarifies angrily.
Suresh nods. "She didn't mean anything to me, and when you left me because of... it was hard for me... not to blame her, at least in part," Suresh says, not looking at either woman.
"Jesus," Poppy mutters under her breath in frustration. Does this man even have a heart? How the hell could he even think that me leaving him was her fault? she asks herself as she notices Gabi's face fall with Suresh's careless words.
"That time meant something to me, even if you weren't falling as deep!" Gabi says angrily as her eyes fill with tears. "which I don't believe for a second, by the way!"
The familiar stab of pain courses through Poppy's chest, not only for herself. "It meant something to me, too," Poppy says pointedly. "You're way out of line, Suresh."
"I'm sorry," Suresh says thickly, still looking at the ground. "To both of you."
"Okay," Poppy says again. She takes a deep breath, wiping the tear stains from her cheeks. "Is there anything else? Because to be honest this sucks and there's a really cute boy out there I was really enjoying getting to know." Suresh's jaw clenches angrily when Poppy says this and she gives him a pointed look.
Gabi lets out a sad chuckle. "I'm sorry for interrupting you, Poppy."
"It's okay. Maybe I'll get a cheeky snog later," Poppy says with a friendly laugh, already feeling lighter now that she knows the truth. "Or maybe he's out there snogging Arlo and then he's just another boy I couldn't care less about. Either way, it's all good," she adds with a casual shrug.
Suresh rolls his eyes before shaking his head tiredly. "That's it?"
Poppy shrugs again. "For us," she says simply. "Sounds like you two might have some things to talk through though," she hesitates before adding, gesturing to Gabi and him. "Good luck," she says to both of them awkwardly before turning to leave the room. Suresh reaches up to stop her but notices Gabi's face as she looks at him with disgust and puts his hand down quickly.
Poppy walks down the stairs toward the living room doing surprisingly okay, all things considered. Poppy had to admit she wasn't exactly surprised to find out Gabi's news. She told Suresh she didn't believe him when he insisted it was a one-time thing, so why was he acting as though she should be? Poppy's still lost in thought when she spots Finn sitting and looking pensive on the couch.
"Hey Finn, everything okay?" Poppy stops in her tracks and asks him with concern. She walks toward him and sits next to him on the couch.
"Yeah, it's just... maybe not?" Finn says, sounding less sure than Poppy's ever heard him before. "I have this bad feeling in my gut but I can't place it."
Poppy furrows her brow in concern. "Is that right? When did it start?" Poppy asks him.
"When the newbies arrived," Finn says honestly. "But I dunno, maybe it's just the drama getting to me." he sighs.
"Maybe..." Poppy responds tentatively. "It's been a lot..."
"So how are you doing, Beour? You took off with Mr. Suave over there before I could come check on you," Finn asks Poppy, gesturing out to the garden where Nicolas is chatting with Alfie. "Alfie's a right git, I'll tell you."
Poppy chuckles. "I thought you two were mates? I don't want to get you in the middle of it," she says. "Don't worry about me, I was only with Alfie for a hot minute. I'll be fine." Poppy pauses for a moment. "I do wonder what they're talking about though," she says nervously.
"Honestly, given Alfie's behaviour over the last couple hours, that's fair," Finn says, watching Alfie and Nicolas chatting. He turns to look at Poppy. "I'm sorry I encouraged you to get with Alfie, Poppy. I really didn't think Alfie could be a player..."
"Don't you dare apologize Finn," Poppy says with a chuckle. "You weren't the one who put Alfie's dick in Meera, I refuse to hear it."
Finn laughs. "No I suppose I didn't," Finn says, "but your gut told you something was off about him and I encouraged you anyway."
Poppy shrugs. "Still not on you," she says, still watching Alfie and Nicolas nervously as Alfie turns in their direction. When Alfie makes eye contact with Poppy he looks angry. Poppy shoots him an amused look before waving at him with a friendly smile.
"Asshole," Poppy mutters under her breath, still smiling.
Finn bursts into laughter, watching the exchange. "You're a cheeky thing, aren't you," he says, still chuckling. "It's no wonder you drive Suresh so mad."
Poppy shrugs. "He should have expected it from me, I've known Suresh for a while now," she says. "If people are going to be nasty it's way more fun to just let them, I've always felt that way."
Finn smiles. "Well, now they know we're here anyway, what do you say we go join their chat?" he asks Poppy, who nods in agreement before the two walk over to where Alfie and Nicolas are standing on the lawn.
"Well, hello Coração," Nicolas says to Poppy as she and Finn approach, kissing her hand as he had before. Alfie rolls his eyes when Poppy blushes.
"Hi. Her partner. Right here," Alfie says curtly. Poppy and Finn both raise their eyebrows at him in surprise, but Nicolas just looks amused.
"Ignore him, I plan to," Poppy says, turning to Nicolas.
"Alfie was just telling me how uncool it was for me to flirt with you," Nicolas says, looking between Poppy and Alfie playfully.
I thought Finn was a pot-stirrer, Poppy thinks to herself with a laugh. "Oh? Is that right?" Poppy asks with amusement.
"That is interesting," Finn adds, giving Alfie a disappointed look. Alfie looks away from Finn, ashamed, as Nicolas glances between the two with both glee and confusion on his face.
"What else did Alfie say? Did he mention me walking in on him fucking Meera on the terrace less than an hour before you got here?" Poppy asks, still sounding amused.
"No way! Must've forgotten that part," Nicolas says, looking Poppy in the eyes and mirroring her amused smile.
"I wouldn't worry about someone like Alfie thinking you're uncool," Poppy replies playfully.
Alfie scowls in annoyance. "You cheated first," he says rolling his eyes. Finn shakes his head in disapproval.
"Sure didn't!" Poppy says cheekily, still looking at Nicolas.
"Right, we'll see about that," Alfie spits angrily.
Poppy nods, still smiling as she turns to face Alfie. "Mhm, and you best remember what I told you about not calling me," she adds lightly.
"Fuck, no wonder Suresh always gets so fucking annoyed with you," Alfie exclaims angrily. "Do you have any feelings?"
"Oof, second time I've heard that in a minute," she says just loud enough for Finn beside her to hear, glancing at him playfully as he raises his hands in apology. Poppy laughs out loud. "For you, you mean? No Alfie," she says, shaking her head. Just then Meera approaches the three men and Poppy, snaking her arm around Alfie's waist.
Poppy raises an eyebrow. "What was that you were saying to Nicolas? Seems to me you're confused about who your partner might be, mate," Poppy says, laughing when Alfie pulls away from an offended-looking Meera.
"Oh fuck off Poppy," Alfie spits, rolling his eyes angrily. "You started this."
"Regardless of what you believe Alfie, I'm not a possession. I better not hear about you telling people to back off me again," Poppy says, her tone changing to seriousness at the drop of a hat. Finn nods supportively.
"Tell that to your ex!" Alfie shouts in exasperation, gesturing to the villa.
"You know Alfie, whatever it is that 'my ex', who has a name that you know for the record, and I talk about is none of your business," Poppy replies coldly.
"It is my business when you're my partner!" Alfie spits angrily. Meera crosses her arms, annoyed that Alfie is ignoring her.
"We're not a couple Alfie, I know I already made that clear," Poppy says pointedly looking at Meera before stifling a laugh at her sour face. "He's all yours," Poppy says, trying but failing miserably to hide an amused smile. "Seriously babe, not at all interested." Poppy turns back to Alfie. "Have I made it clear enough for you, or do you need me to grab 'my ex' and tell you in front of him too for it to stick?"
Alfie looks like he's about to say something before rolling his eyes and turning on his heel to leave.
"Fucking bitch," Meera mutters under her breath. Finn's eyebrows raise in surprise, Nicolas' in amusement.
Poppy laughs. "What was that, Meera?" she asks, amused.
"Nothing, hun!" Meera says, not turning back to look at Poppy as she catches up to Alfie.
When Meera's gone, Nicolas turns to Poppy and Finn with an excited glimmer in his eyes. "I'm loving this front-row seat," he says happily.
Finn narrows his eyes suspiciously at Nicolas. "Riiiiiiight," he says, before glancing at Poppy who looks... lost somehow. "Hey Poppy, are you okay?" Finn asks her with concern.
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine," Poppy says, giving her head a small shake. "Let Meera say whatever she's gonna say, I'm not fussed about her opinion," she says lightly. It feels like I'm back in school but worse somehow, Poppy thinks to herself. Don't let it get to me...
"Good attitude," Nicolas says with an approving nod.
"Well, I'm gonna go find Kat..." Finn says, looking between Poppy and Nicolas amused. "You kids have fun now," he says, giving Poppy a silly wink before leaving.
Poppy laughs as she waves Finn off before turning to Nicolas. "So... that sucked. I'm sorry you got pulled into that," she says, biting her lip nervously.
"What? No problem," Nicolas says happily. "Don't worry, the drama doesn't bother me," he says to Poppy playfully.
"Well, that's good, it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon," Poppy says, glancing in the direction of Meera and Alfie who are pointedly making out on the daybeds in view of Poppy. Poppy laughs out loud. "Is it horrible that I'm amused by this?" she asks.
Nicolas shakes his head before licking his lip seductively at Poppy. "Not at all, it's kind of a huge turn-on," he says, eyeing her up and down hungrily.
Poppy blushes and looks at the ground before looking back at Nicolas. "Really?" she asks a bit confused. Poppy was well aware that Suresh hated how she would react to drama with amusement, and seemingly Alfie did too, so she was a bit surprised to hear that.
"Definitely," Nicolas says, looking at Poppy's lips and giving his own another lick. "Maybe we should have that kiss now..." he says, stepping toward Poppy.
Suddenly Nicolas' phone pings, interrupting the moment. Poppy can't help but laugh. That's twice now Nicolas was so close to kissing her just to be interrupted by someone and it was a little annoying. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something...Poppy thinks with amusement.
Nicolas looks at Poppy apologetically before looking down at his phone. "Guys! I got a text!" he says gleefully, holding up his phone. The others come running over before Nicolas reads it out:
Islanders, there will be a surprise recoupling in one hour. Anyone left single will have 30 minutes to pack their bag and leave.
#MixThingsUp #NewAttachments #SparksFlying
Poppy raises her eyebrows in surprise, for once feeling somewhat excited about the recoupling. Nicolas turns to look at Poppy, winking at her playfully Poppy blushes before winking back. Please, please please let this work out, Poppy thinks to herself, so tired of being blindsided by the recoupling ceremony.
"I should go get ready," Poppy says to Nicolas, giving him a small wave before turning to head to the villa. "And so we're clear, if you're thinking about choosing me, I'm well open to it."
"Good to know," Nicolas says with a flirty wink before Poppy turns toward the villa.
"Poppy wait, I'll come with you," Kat says, rushing up to her while Poppy waits. When they're out of hearing distance of the others who are mostly murmuring amongst themselves Kat leans into Poppy before saying quietly, "so.... you and the new guy huh?"
Poppy bites her lip before glancing back Nicolas' direction briefly, blushing when he winks at her. "I don't want to get my hopes up yet..." Poppy says tentatively. "Wouldn't put it past Meera or Arlo to choose him just to get another one over on me," she adds with a sad sigh.
"Arlo has been eyeing him all day," Kat says carefully. "Said she might choose him since her current partner is still so focused on you."
Poppy sighs. "Let's hope it's either boys' choice or I get to choose before her then," she says, quietly.
"Yeah, there's no way Nicolas won't pick you if it's boy's choice. He's been eyeing you like a snack since he got here," Kat says with a laugh. "I bet he thinks you're pretty tasty!"
Poppy laughs. "It's mutual," she says with a giggle. "He's really, really cute."
"Oooh, are we going to hear the infamous sex noise tonight?" Kat asks, laughing hysterically at the horrified look on Poppy's face.
"Kat!" Poppy exclaims. "I don't kiss and tell!"
"But your sex noise might," Kat says with a playful jostle to Poppy's side. Poppy blushes furiously.
"Honestly, it's not really my style," Poppy says, still blushing. "But I won't lie, he's really... really cute and it's been a minute... Maybe we'll do some bits, we'll see."
Kat laughs. "Oh sweet, innocent Poppy," she says with a giggle. "We will see."
Poppy bee-lines it to the shower when they reach the dressing room, completing her shower routine, including shaving her legs of course, before heading back into the dressing room to get ready.
Poppy decides she's going all out tonight, ignoring the sneers from Meera and Arlo as she flits about, drying and styling her hair before applying her makeup, expertly applying a siren eye look before putting on her dress and heels. Poppy chooses her red backless dress, a very short piece with a low-cut front and a pair of black strappy heels. Poppy turns to Kat, who looks at her open-mouthed.
"Thoughts?" Poppy asks, doing a little spin to show Kat the entire outfit.
"Uh.. holy fuck Poppy, you look FIRE," Kat says with a laugh. "Sweet innocent Poppy who?"
"Whoa, no kidding," Dana says, looking Poppy up and down approvingly. "Check you out!"
"God daaaaamn!" Gabi says excitedly.
Meera and Arlo are both noticeably silent, glaring daggers at Poppy from their places at the vanity where they're getting ready.
"Thanks ladies," Poppy says to Gabi, Dana and Kat warmly. "I'll see you out there."
Poppy struts confidently past Meera and Arlo out of the dressing room making her way to the firepit for the ceremony. Finn and Alfie are already there when she arrives, clearly the quickest two to get ready. Finn lets out a low whistle when Poppy approaches.
"Poppy! Always beautiful but looking absolutely gorgeous tonight," Finn says, laughing when Poppy blushes.
"Thanks Finn," Poppy says, smiling at him warmly.
"Looking good, Poppy," Alfie says with a quiet nod.
"Thanks," Poppy says awkwardly. Poppy sighs before sitting down at her place at the firepit.
Eddie is next to come out of the dressing room, doing a double take when he sees Poppy.
"Wow Poppy, you look great," he says with a smile.
Poppy smiles back politely. "Thanks Eddie," she says.
Nicolas and Suresh are the last of the boys to make it to the fire pit, coming down with the girls. It's kind of fascinating to watch from Poppy's angle. Arlo is almost hanging off of Nicolas as they walk onto the lawn, laughing loudly. Suresh is chatting with Gabi, glancing awkwardly in Poppy's direction. Suresh does a double-take when he sees Poppy before sitting at the firepit, glancing at her occasionally from his side view as he tried to focus on Arlo who sat next to him barely giving him a glance. Arlo is too busy trying to convince Nicolas to sit on her other side. Nicolas sits there reluctantly, winking at Poppy when he sees her and smiling widely when Poppy blushes. The islanders look at each other as they wait for the first phone to ping. Nicolas' phone lights up and he reads:
Nicolas, as one of the new islanders, you will get first choice at tonight's recoupling. #FirstChoice #BestPick
Nicolas stands up quickly. "Easy choice!" he exclaims, a huge smile plastered across his face. "I'm choosing this girl because she's absolute flames. I'm the luckiest guy here because I get to choose her tonight. Arlo leans forward expectantly to Poppy's confusion. Did I miss any time when they spent time together? Poppy thinks, shaking it off before turning her attention back to Nicolas.
Nicolas turns to Poppy with a smile. "I'm choosing Poppy," he says, opening his arms to her for a hug. Poppy goes to him excitedly, gasping in happy surprise when he pulls her in for a kiss, his hand wrapped in the back of Poppy's hair tugging gently. The kiss is passionate, Nicolas kisses Poppy like they'd been kissing for years, his tongue lightly prodding for access before massaging hers gently with it when she grants it. When Nicolas pulls back his eyes are sparkling. "No interruptions this time," he says to her with a playful wink. Poppy smiles brightly as Kat, Finn, Gabi and Dana cheer for the pair. Poppy is buzzing and when Nicolas snakes an arm around her waist, resting his hand on the side of Poppy's thigh as they take their seats together she leans into him with a smile.
Gabi gets the next text as she stands in front of the crowd nervously.
"I'm choosing this person because they've made me laugh non-stop since I arrived. They're funny and beautiful and I can't wait to get to know them better. I'm choosing Dana."
Dana squeals happily, causing Eddie to glare daggers at her as she runs up to kiss Gabi excitedly.
The rest of the recoupling more or less goes as expected. Kat goes next and chooses Finn, who kisses her sweetly before the pair sit down. Arlo goes next and chooses Suresh, leaving a very excited Meera to choose Alfie, barely glancing at Eddie in apology.
"Guess nice guys really do come last!" Eddie yells out angrily as he anticipates the text instructing him to pack and leave the villa. The other islanders stand around him. "Good luck with her Gabi, you'll need it," he spits angrily to Gabi.
"Whoa," Poppy says surprised. "What the hell Eddie?"
"Yeah, not okay," Dana says, crossing her arms angrily.
"Save all this charm for the flight attendants on the way home, yeah?" Nicolas adds playfully, his arm around Poppy's shoulder.
"I don't care what you lot say, I'm not taking this sitting down," Eddie spits back at Nicolas angrily. "I'm the only proper gent in this villa, I bet you lot wanted me out because I know all your dirty secrets."
"Oi, Eddie, cool it," Suresh says with an eye roll. Poppy nods in agreement, remembering which 'secrets' of hers Eddie spilled all over the villa.
"Poppy," Eddie says with a cool smirk at Suresh before turning to her, "come, help me pack."
Poppy looks back and forth between Eddie and Suresh with confusion. I don't think I care to know whatever Eddie's got up his sleeve, Poppy thinks. She's about to refuse when Nicolas leans down and whispers in her ear, "Go on, I bet there's some grade-A goss there." His eyes are sparkling mischievously.
"You're obsessed with the goss, aren't you?" Poppy turns back to Nicolas, asking him curiously. Nicolas only nods in playful agreement.
"Fine, Eddie, let's go," Poppy says, leading the way to the bedroom to help Eddie pack his things.
When they arrive, Eddie pulls his suitcase out angrily, folding his clothing into quick, neat piles before putting it into his bag. "Fucking losers," Eddie mumbles under his breath.
Poppy's eyebrows raise in surprise. "What was that, Eddie?" she asks him, "surely I didn't hear you mumbling under your breath childishly like that?"
Eddie rolls his eyes. "Why are you sticking up for those assholes? Every single one of them hates you," he says angrily. Poppy flinches.
"Not... all of them," Poppy says carefully. "And the ones who do don't matter."
"Hm," Eddie replies curtly, as though he doesn't agree with Poppy at all. Poppy thinks for a moment. May as well rip off the band-aid here too then, she thinks sadly.
"Fine Eddie, tell me whatever it is you're going to tell me," Poppy says tiredly.
"Suresh was never loyal to you in here," Eddie says quickly, still packing his things angrily. "Not even for a day."
"I already knew about him and Kat though," Poppy says with a shrug. "I told him to crack on with other people so that I could. Can hardly be mad about that."
"Yeah? And how about after you so pathetically told him you wanted to 'take things slow' and 'try again', did you tell him to crack on then?" Eddie replies coldly.
Poppy looks at Eddie confused. "How did you know about that?" she asks him slowly. "Did Suresh tell you?"
"Of course not," Eddie spits with a cold laugh, "Suresh doesn't tell anyone shit. I told you, I know everyone's dirty secrets."
"Like you saw me 'skinny dipping' with Alfie that night?" Poppy asks Eddie in an amused tone.
"This is different," Eddie says, "believe it or not I was trying to protect you."
"Protect me?!" Poppy asks angrily. "Who asked for protection?"
"Not you, but you clearly need it," Eddie says, giving Poppy a knowing look. Poppy looks back at him confused.
"Stop speaking in codes and just tell me what you're going to tell me, Eddie," Poppy says, pinching the bridge of her nose tiredly. "I'm getting so tired of everyone speaking in circles around me."
"Suresh fucked Arlo the morning she got here," Eddie says coldly. "While you were still coupled up."
Poppy blanches. "How? When?" she asks, trying to remember that morning. The coffee morning, she remembers as it comes back to her. When he asked me if I minded him taking Arlo on a tour... Poppy shakes her head. "You know what, it doesn't matter. That's why I'm not with him anymore, let him be someone else's problem."
"Don't take him back Poppy," Eddie says, turning to her with a serious look on his face. "You really can do so much better."
"Like you?" Poppy asks with her eyebrow playfully raised. Eddie laughs. "Oh no, you deserve a different calibre of better. I knew I was never going to be what you need."
Poppy sighs. "Maybe Nicolas will?" she says, almost as though it's a question.
Eddie looks at Poppy seriously. "Doubtful," he says with a shrug, closing his now-packed suitcase. He gives Poppy a knowing look, as though he's waiting for her to ask the right question.
"Eddie, I don't... I don't need to know," Poppy says, looking toward the doorway pensively.
Eddie nods. "Fine by me," he says coolly. "But do say I didn't try to warn you."
Poppy rolls her eyes as Eddie lifts his suitcase off the bed and rolls it out of the room, Poppy walking alongside him.
"Thanks for helping me pack," Eddie says to Poppy as they rejoin the group. "At least someone here is a decent person," he adds, looking at the rest of the islanders pointedly.
Poppy notices Suresh looking away from her guiltily when she joins the crowd. With a sigh, Poppy shakes it off and stands next to Nicolas, smiling up at him when he wraps his arm across her chest. When Nicolas gives Poppy a small, affectionate peck on the side of her head, Suresh and Alfie both roll their eyes angrily.
"Win this for me, yeah?" Eddie says, turning back to Poppy with a smile.
Poppy laughs brightly. "Sure thing, Eddie," she says playfully. She steps forward to give him a friendly hug goodbye, surprised when the two of them are crowded by the rest of the others piling in as well for a group hug.
"We'll miss you, Geezer," Alfie says into the hug.
"Won't be the same here without you," Finn adds with a friendly laugh.
Eddie hesitates before sadly adding, "Yeah, I'll miss you guys too."
The islanders pull out of the group hug and stand aside to let Eddie pass, waving him off before separating into their new couples. Both Alfie and Suresh try to get Poppy's attention but she ignores them, leading Nicolas to join her on the terrace instead.
When they arrive, Nicolas pulls Poppy back to him and wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her into another passionate kiss. He groans when Poppy moans softly before moving to her neck. "You look so fucking hot tonight," he murmurs, gently biting her earlobe as he leads her backwards to the bench. "I can't help myself."
Poppy giggles, laying back on the bench when it hits the back of her legs as Nicolas joins her. He kisses her again as his hands roughly run up the sides of her thighs, stopping before he pulls her dress up. He pulls back, eyes full of lust as he licks his lips hungrily.
"We should probably get ready for bed," he says, studying Poppy beneath him. "Before we do though... can I ask where your head's at? How do you feel about doing bits with me tonight?"
"I wouldn't say no to little bits," Poppy says with a cheeky laugh. "But it'll probably be a bit before I'm ready for bigger bits..." she says carefully.
"I can work with little bits," Nicolas says happily, kissing Poppy's neck playfully. "More than happy to, in fact."
Poppy giggles, wrapping her arms around Nicolas' neck as he moves up Poppy's neck to kiss her again, groaning when Poppy deepens the kiss with her tongue.
"I promise it'll be worth the wait," Poppy says when they pull apart with a flirty lick of her lip.
"I don't doubt it," Nicolas murmurs in happy agreement into Poppy's ear as he nuzzles into her neck, kissing and gently nibbling her soft skin.
Poppy giggles before pushing him away playfully. "Okay Casa Nova, let's go get ready for bed," she says giggling at Nicolas' playful pout. "We'll continue this later..."
Nicolas pouts. "You didn't even spill the goss," he says playfully. Poppy raises an eyebrow at him.
"If you've watched the season you should already know," Poppy says, laughing at Nicolas' ridiculousness.
"Okay, fine," Nicolas agrees reluctantly, planting several more soft kisses along Poppy's neck and collarbone before pulling away. He watches her hungrily as she walks to the dressing room, looking forward to whatever their first night together had in store.
Poppy walks into the dressing room where the other girls are getting ready for bed. Arlo glares at Poppy angrily as she walks in. "Can't have one guy, have to have your little fingers in all the pots, don't you?"
Poppy rolls her eyes, still smiling happily due to the butterflies she has because of Nicolas. "Don't be jealous Arlo, that particular shade of green looks hideous on you," she says as she takes her seat at the vanity and starts removing her makeup.
"What's there to be jealous of? Some of us don't have to stoop to wearing half a dress to get a man's attention," Arlo sneers angrily.
"Too right," Meera nods angrily in agreement.
"What are you implying, Ladies? I may be wearing 'half a dress' but at least I don't have to fuck a man who's coupled up with someone just to convince him to be with me instead. Isn't that more your style?" Poppy asks them tiredly. "Leave me alone."
Arlo blanches and turns to Meera, looking offended. Before she can say anything however, Kat pipes up, "she's got you there."
Poppy shoots Kat a grateful smile before heading to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. Poppy puts on one of her sexier nightwear outfits, more or less just a lacy bra and bootie shorts with a silk house coat before leaving the dressing room for bed.
Poppy gets to the bedroom shortly before Nicolas and crawls into their bed to wait for him. She doesn't have to wait long before Nicolas comes bounding into the bedroom, jumping onto the bed beside Poppy with a beaming grin. He crawls into bed next to Poppy happily before looking around, noticing Suresh crawling into the bed next to Poppy's side, and Alfie and Meera into the one next to his. NIcolas laughs happily. "Oh fun, seems like we're in a bit of an ex sandwich here," he says cheekily.
Poppy looks around with a sigh. "Is it awkward for you? We could sleep on the day beds..." she starts but Nicolas shakes his head, still grinning happily.
"Are you kidding? Just means I get to rub it in their faces!" Nicolas says wrapping his arm around Poppy before kissing the top of her head affectionately. "They both blew it, and I get to be coupled up with the hottest girl here."
Poppy giggles, nuzzling into Nicolas happily. "Thanks babe," she says warmly. "You're pretty hot yourself."
Nicolas lays down with his head on his pillow facing Poppy, lifting his arm to invite her into a cuddle. Poppy happily accepts, laying down with her back pressed to Nicolas with a smile before the lights go out.
Poppy snuggles up against Nicolas playfully, emitting a content giggle when he presses his lips to her neck to give her a gentle kiss. Nicolas smiles into Poppy's neck, kissing her again. And again. And again, spurred on by her giggles and little gasps when he kisses that sweet spot, the one that sends a jolt of electricity down Poppy's spine.
Without thinking about it, Poppy presses back into Nicolas, feeling his growing hardness pressing against her ass. Poppy lets out a soft, shaky breath when Nicolas kisses her neck again as she feels a rush of heat pooling between her legs.
Poppy hasn't been with anyone intimately at all since Suresh, and she can't deny she is very attracted to Nicolas. So when he places his hands on Poppy's hips to push her against his hardness she's more than happy to comply.
Nicolas softly chuckles in Poppy's ear as her breath hitches in another soft gasp, holding her against himself firmly. One of Nicolas' hands glides up Poppy's stomach, pushing her top aside roughly to gain better access to her breast. As Nicolas plants another soft kiss on Poppy's neck he pinches her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, groaning softly when she grinds back against him. His other hand slowly, tentatively, and very, very gently traces down the front of Poppy's hip to her thigh and back repeatedly before his thumb gently grazes her mound where a small wet spot is starting to form on the front of Poppy's panties.
Nicolas groans, grinding himself hard against Poppy before placing two fingers against the spot on her panties and applying gentle pressure.
Poppy's whole body tingles at the touch. Between the pressure on her nipple from his pinch, the gentle teasing of her clit through the fabric of her underwear and the amount of time it's been since she'd been with another person she can't help the moan that escapes before her hand flies to her mouth to cover it, biting the heel of her hand in an effort to stay quiet. From elsewhere in the room, Kat giggles quietly but Poppy is too distracted to notice.
Nicolas takes this as an invitation, sucking her neck gently he pushes Poppy's panties aside and starts to rub his thumb on her clit firmly. Poppy presses back into him as her breathing becomes more rapid, feeling his hardness straining against his boxers as she grinds on him.
"Already so wet for me Coração, let me please you," Nicolas mutters in Poppy's ear before biting her earlobe gently. Nicolas smirks when Poppy whimpers softly as he lets up on the pressure on her clit, instead running his fingers ever so gently up and down her slit, lightly grazing her bud before gently running his fingers down to tease her entrance and back again, repeating the motion. Poppy's breathing becomes light gasps as her arousal builds.
Poppy can already feel the pressure, twitching slightly every time Nicolas' fingers softly graze her clit again. She moves the hand she's not biting on behind herself, hastily pushing the hem of Nicolas' boxers down before wrapping her hand around his hard cock; pumping up and down slowly.
Nicolas moans at her touch and moves the hand pinching Poppy's nipple to her face, putting two fingers in Poppy's mouth, groaning and thrusting two fingers from his other hand into her wetness unexpectedly when she sucks on them. Poppy gasps, angling her pelvis to give Nicolas better access.
"Mmm, you're a naughty girl under that exterior, aren't you? So tight and wet for me," Nicolas mutters in her ear. He thrusts his fingers in and out of her slowly as Poppy starts to pump her hand up and down his shaft again. When Poppy nods Nicolas chuckles, bringing his hand back up from inside her to rub her clit once more. He applies steady and consistent pressure, groaning when Poppy starts to whimper as her breathing becomes more rapid.
Poppy gasps and the steady movement of her hand on his cock falters slightly.
"Darling," Nicolas mumbles to Poppy curiously. "Are you getting close already?"
Poppy nods with a whimper as Nicolas breathes a smile. "Such a naughty girl," he breathes into her ear, sending goosebumps along Poppy's skin. "Are you going to cum for me... sucking on my fingers, you naughty girl?"
Poppy whimpers as she feels a rush of heat fly across her body at Nicolas' dirty talk. Nicolas maintains the pace rubbing on Poppy's clit as he nibbles on her earlobe. "Cum for me Poppy, show me what a naughty girl you are."
Poppy's breathing hitches as she feels the pressure coming to a peak.
"Mmm, such a good girl," Nicolas mutters into Poppy's ear she whimpers, sucking on his fingers and grinding her ass into him as she runs her hand up and down his cock. "Cum for me Poppy."
Poppy explodes with pleasure as she reaches her peak, cumming all over Nicolas' hand while she breathes through her orgasm, trying to stay as quiet as possible. When Poppy's hands fly up instinctively to cover her mouth, Nicolas pulls his fingers from her mouth to cover it with the palm of his hand. "You're so hot when you're cumming Poppy," Nicolas whispers in Poppy's ear, talking her through the pleasure. When Poppy is done riding the waves of ecstasy Nicolas removes his hand from her panties, licking her juices from his fingers.
Poppy rolls over to return the favour, but Nicolas pulls her hand from him gently, kissing her wrist as he readjusts himself before giving Poppy a flirty wink. "I'll be right back," he says, sprinting off to the washroom to finish himself off, not wanting to leave the bed a mess. Nicolas had... other plans for that, at a later date.
When Nicolas returns Poppy sighs happily, her whole body still tingling from her orgasm as Nicolas crawls back into bed behind her. He chuckles, kissing Poppy gently behind her ear before lying behind her as they were before.
"Goodnight Nicolas," Poppy mumbles sleepily, snuggling up to him.
"Goodnight, Poppy," Nicolas murmurs in Poppy's ear before the two fall asleep with Poppy in NIcolas' arms.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The next morning Poppy wakes up to Nicolas softly kissing her on the cheek as the other islanders start stirring about and starting their day.
"How'd everyone sleep last night?" Meera asks happily from her new bed with Alfie.
"Or not sleep?" Alfie adds with an exaggerated wink. Nicolas chuckles in Poppy's ear playfully.
"Definitely heard some... interesting noises coming from the general direction of Poppy and Nicolas' bed last night," Kat says, giggling at Poppy.
The other islanders look over to Poppy curiously, surprised to see her keep a straight face. "Who me? I have no idea what you're talking about," she says innocently. "I don't kiss and tell."
Nicolas leans up on his elbow to get a better look at Poppy. "You're good," he says, clearly impressed by Poppy's game face.
Poppy rolls her eyes playfully before sitting up with Nicolas, noticing Suresh huffing angrily from his bed next to her. She ignores him and looks at her partner who looks back at her with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Fine, keep your secrets!" Kat exclaims, throwing her hands in the air. She turns to Suresh, "heard some coming from yours last night too," Kat says to him with a laugh.
Poppy and Nicolas both notice Gabi flinch when Kat makes the statement, leaning toward Arlo and Suresh's bed listening with interest.
Nicolas leans into Poppy's ear, whispering happily, "look at him, Suresh doesn't know whether to look at you, Gabi or Arlo."
Poppy rolls her eyes and Arlo answers for Suresh. "We had a bangin' time last night, thanks," she says pointedly with a wink. Suresh avoids eye contact with Poppy, who wasn't looking at him anyway. Poppy was watching Gabi and Dana's bed with concern as Gabi's face falls when Arlo answers the question and Dana looks offended.
"Sounds like they did more than bits last night! How does that sit with you?" Nicolas asks Poppy, laughing when she rolls her eyes.
"Little drama fiend, aren't you?" Poppy asks him with a laugh.
"No way, just trying to show you that the drama isn't putting me off," Nicolas says with a cheeky grin. "No bad intentions up my sleeves," he adds playfully, holding his hands up. "See, no sleeves!"
Poppy rolls her eyes at him playfully before she gets a text. Poppy picks up her phone next to the bedside table and reads the text aloud:
Islanders, make your way to the poolside for a naughty game of Never Have I Ever
#NaughtySecrets
"Mmm, I can't wait to find out more of your naughty secrets, Poppy," Nicolas murmurs in her ear playfully as the others start to head to the dressing room.
Poppy turns to face Nicolas, wrapping her arms behind his neck. "I bet you can't," she says into his mouth with a giggle before kissing him.
"I could get used to this," Nicolas says with a chuckle, squeezing Poppy's waist affectionately. "But we should go get ready, don't want to miss the drama."
"You and the drama," Poppy says laughing. "If I didn't know better I'd say you like it more than me."
"You're a close second," Nicolas says with a cheeky laugh, shielding himself when Poppy playfully hits him with a pillow.
Poppy runs to the dressing room to get dressed, most of the other girls are already ready and gone to Poppy's relief, leaving just her and Gabi in the dressing room.
Poppy sits at the vanity quietly, a sudden unshakeable wave of nerves washing over and she prepares for the day. Things are going well with Nicolas... stop being so negative, Poppy tells herself sadly, trying to shake the bad feeling. She gets dressed and finishes touching up her makeup before sitting there pensively for a moment.
"You okay there Poppy? You seem a little stressed," Gabi says to Poppy, noticing her biting her lip.
"Yeah, I'm okay, thanks. I'm just a little nervous about 'Never Have I Ever'," Poppy says to the redhead who lets out a laugh.
"Ooh, got some naughty secrets tucked away we don't know about?" Gabi says, playfully ribbing Poppy before adding, "I wouldn't worry about that, we've all been naughty once or twice in our lives."
She really is a pretty nice girl, Poppy thinks, at least he didn't cheat on me with someone horrible. "No, it's not that," Poppy says seriously, "I just can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen."
"Ah lighten up Poppy, it's gonna be fine, you'll see," Gabi says with a laugh before throwing an arm around Poppy's shoulder and bringing her down to the firepit for the game.
Gabi and Poppy are the last two to arrive at the poolside, having to stop to make their drinks first. Poppy goes to stand next to Nicolas who gives the side of her head a kiss before gleefully watching the game unfold.
Meera gets a text instructing her to start the game, and she thinks for a moment. "Okay then, Never Have I Ever... had sex in a public place."
Poppy awkwardly makes eye contact with Suresh as they both drink, so do Nicolas, Gabi and Alfie.
Kat laughs, looking between Poppy and Suresh. "So, both of you, huh?"
Suresh smirks while Poppy blushes furiously. "Let's just say... they were very memorable dates," he says, making eye contact with Poppy.
"Huh, you never fail to surprise me Poppy," Kat says sounding impressed. Poppy laughs, glancing back at Nicolas who looks away from eyeing her with curious... hunger quickly.
The game passes a few more rounds as the islanders laugh and get to know each other. Poppy surprises both Kat and Nicolas by drinking a few more rounds that neither of them had expected. Everyone seems to be having fun, even Arlo and Meera seem to have forgotten about bullying Poppy.
By the time the islanders reach Kat's turn everyone is in great spirits. Kat looks around the group with a mischievous glimmer in her eye.
"Never Have I Ever... regretted my couple in the villa," she says, looking around at everyone. The group goes silent as everyone waits for someone to make the first move. To Poppy's horror, it's Suresh who drinks first.
"WHAT?!" Arlo yells angrily. "You'd best mean with that little swamp creature," she spits, pointing at Poppy angrily. Poppy's brow furrows in concern but she stays silent, hoping that staying out of it will keep her out of the spotlight.
Before Suresh can say anything, Alfie takes a sip as well. Meera huffs, crossing her arms. "I know you mean Poppy," she says pointedly. Poppy looks at the ground, hoping this will pass.
Poppy notices Nicolas watching her pointedly from the corner of her eye and she smiles up at him. "No regrets here," she says with a smile.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Nicolas responds with a... sad smile. Poppy looks at him with concern but before she can say anything she's interrupted by Kat's screech when Finn sheepishly takes a drink.
"Why would you regret being with me!? You’d better tell me right now! Who is she?!" Kat yells angrily. Everyone turns to them in surprise as Finn looks at the ground.
"Chill Kat, I was just thirsty," Finn says before looking back at Kat.
Kat studies Finn for a moment before saying "Fine, but these sips are high stakes babe, hold off next time."
Poppy notices Finn avoiding eye contact with her and the overwhelming nervousness seems to grow.
Nicolas leans in to whisper in Poppy's ear. "I love this game, I can't wait to see what the next revelation brings," he says, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I've got one, Never Have I Ever gotten close to anyone who was in a couple," Alfie says, trying to break the awkward silence. Nicolas happily takes a drink, looking at Poppy pointedly. Arlo, Meera, Suresh all drink as well.
"I guess I didn't know about Poppy, so I'll take a tiny sip," Gabi says, taking a tentative sip of her drink.
Nicolas turns to Finn, looking at him pointedly. "You gonna take a sip there, mate? he asks Finn. Poppy turns to Nicolas, giving him a confused and angry look. Finn takes a sip sheepishly.
"We're talking about this later," Kat says angrily crossing her arms in a huff.
Poppy sees it happen. She sees Nicolas give Meera a nod, who then pipes up. "Ooh, I have another one," she says, looking around at everyone with an unreadable look. "Never Have I Ever... kissed Poppy."
Fuck. Poppy thinks to herself, giving Nicolas a confused look. He drinks, smirking at Poppy playfully. Suresh and Alfie also take drinks before Finn does. Alfie and Kat both turn to Finn's direction angrily.
"WHAT?!" Kat screeches angrily at Finn before turning to Poppy. "You kissed my man?! I thought we were friends!"
"It was before you were coupled up Kat... it was only the one time," Poppy says, looking at the ground. "I'm sorry."
"You knew I liked him!" Kat yells angrily. "They're right about you, have to have your little fingers in all the fucking pots!"
"Kat!" Suresh says angrily. "What the hell, you need to cool it!"
"She was coupled up with you at the time, Suresh!" Kat yells angrily.
"She also told me the day it happened! And Kat, I couldn't be cross at her because I was otherwise occupied," Suresh says, looking at her pointedly.
"Still, Poppy should have been more honest with Kat," Arlo says, shaking her head in shame. "What a terrible friend."
"Yeah, there's no point in keeping things from each other," Meera says, glaring at Poppy.
"No surprises here, Poppy isn't the best at saying things to people's faces after all. Especially not yours, Meera," Nicolas sneers, giving Poppy a little smirk. Poppy's jaw drops in surprise.
"Excuse me? What the hell are you talking about?" Poppy says in disbelief, glaring at Nicolas who avoids making eye contact with her.
"So you've been shit-talking me behind my back, Poppy?" Meera asks angrily. Poppy turns to face her. Even if I was, pot meet kettle! Poppy thinks to herself.
"Meera, I promise you I haven't," Poppy says honestly before turning back to Nicolas, "why the hell would you do this?!"
"Do what? Tell the truth to our friends," Nicolas says angrily back to Poppy.
"Why should I believe you anyway Poppy," Meera sneers at Poppy who turns back to look at her again. Poppy can feel the familiar stab of pain in her chest.
"Honestly, Meera, I've not been talking about you at all. I've been preoccupied with... other things," Poppy says, sniffling.
"If Poppy says she didn't talk about you, I believe her," Finn snaps at Meera.
"I think you are too trusting," Meera sneers back at Finn before giving Poppy a dirty look. "Why don't I go next, that way you can hear something from me instead of from Poppy's mouth for a change."
What is even happening here? Poppy thinks, looking around at everyone. To Poppy's surprise even Dana and Gabi look disappointed in her.
"Never Have I Ever pretended to be into someone I wasn't actually interested in," Meera sneers, watching Poppy. Poppy makes eye contact with her, not moving when Meera looks at Poppy's glass specifically.
"I've never pretended to be interested in someone I'm not, Meera," Poppy snaps when Meera doesn't let up.
"Are you sure about that Poppy?" Meera sneers at her angrily.
"That felt pretty pointed Meera, how about we stop playing games like children and you just say what you mean?" Poppy says tiredly.
"I just feel like everyone here needs to know you're not who you pretend to be," Meera says, looking Poppy in the eyes with a nasty glare.
"You can't be serious?" Poppy asks in shock.
"She said horrible things to me about you all," Alfie nods at Meera in agreement, "at the time I thought it was justified but now I'm not so sure."
"What are you talking about Alfie? What horrible things have I said?" Poppy asks him in disbelief.
"Well, she called Gabi a trollop when we were speaking last night," Nicolas says, giving Poppy a sly smile. Poppy opens her mouth in surprise.
"Between snogging I must've?" Poppy says, looking at Nicolas sadly. "What's gotten into you, that never happened!"
"I thought you said you have no problem with me being here!" Gabi yells angrily. "I"m always walking on eggshells around you just to find out you've been talking about me behind my back?"
"Eggshells?" Poppy asks. "Gabi, I swear I have no problem with you..."
"She told me that Arlo only arcs up at her because she's jealous of how hot she is," Alfie says, crossing his arms at looking at Poppy pointedly.
"I said no such thing!" Poppy says in frustration.
"Why should we believe you?" Arlo spits angrily. "All you have done is lie to and manipulate people since you got here."
"She manipulated me," Nicolas says sadly. "Then she lied about it this morning when Kat asked."
"Excuse me?!" Poppy asks in total disbelief. "You did not just imply that I used you last night?"
"Poppy, that's terrible! How could you!" Dana says to her angrily.
"I feel completely betrayed," Nicolas says sadly. "I really liked you, Poppy."
"I... what?" Poppy asks
"She probably only wanted to do bits because she knew we were between Suresh and Alfie. She only wanted to hurt them," Nicolas continues.
"Whoa, Poppy, that's... awful," Dana says, shaking her head sadly.
"Is there anyone here you haven't hurt tonight?" Meera spits at Poppy bitterly. When Poppy doesn't answer Meera starts to list people off, counting them on her fingers as she goes. "Let's see, there's talking shit about me, there's using Nicolas, which you did to hurt Suresh AND Alfie, there's shit talking Arlo, there's shit talking Gabi, there's kissing Finn behind Kat's back and not telling her... you're on a roll!"
Poppy looks down at the ground sadly, her eyes filling with frustrated tears. How did I end up here? I came here to move on from Suresh, to finally meet someone I could share my life with and somehow I'm being bullied by a bunch of adults! Poppy thinks to herself sadly. Am I just so horrid that I don't even see it? Poppy looks at Nicolas sadly before turning on her heel and walking to the Beach Hut, flipping Meera off when she tries to snipe at her.
Poppy flops down on the Beach Hut loveseat in tears, trying to get a grasp on everything. Poppy notices when the camera light turns off again, but finds herself grateful this time. The producers don't message Poppy, to her relief, and just let her cry in the Hut.
"I want to go home," Poppy says to herself sadly. "This isn't fun for me... I just want to go home."
Poppy sighs, wiping the tears from her face. I really liked Nicolas, she thinks to herself sadly. Maybe... if everyone's saying I keep doing all these horrible things... maybe I did really hurt him? The thought makes Poppy cry even harder. I don't even know what's real anymore, Poppy thinks sadly.
Poppy stays in the Beach Hut for several hours, crying off-and-on for most of the day. She's laying on the loveseat quietly when she hears a knock at the door. Finn sticks his head in tentatively.
"Hey Beour," he says carefully. "I came to check on you." He looks at Poppy sadly.
"You should probably go Finn, I'm no good to be around," Poppy replies, not looking at him. "Kat's already raging enough as is."
Finn nods. "Her reaction was a lot, especially considering what she was up to," he says sharply. "Lots to think about."
Poppy sighs, stopping what she's about to say as Finn's phone goes off. Finn reads the text to Poppy,
Finn and Poppy, Snog, Marry, Pie will be taking place in fifteen minutes on the challenge stage.'
#RevengePies
Poppy laughs at the hashtag, smiling at Finn. "I have a pie with someone's name on it for sure," she says with a giggle.
Finn gives Poppy a hand off the loveseat, pulling her into a bear hug. "I got your back, even if it feels like nobody else does."
"Thanks FInn," Poppy says quietly.
"Let's go throw some pies in some smug faces," Finn says with a laugh, inviting Poppy to lead the way. Poppy smiles at Finn before the two walk to the challenge stage, where the islanders are instructed to stand in a line and choose who they'd like to snog, marry and pie. Poppy sees the line full of pies and suddenly has a pit in her stomach.
"A lot of those are coming my way," Poppy says sadly as she looks at the ground. She's drowned out by the arrival of the other islanders and doesn't repeat herself when Finn asks.
Poppy stands in the line nervously, grateful at least that Nicolas' turn was first so it would be out of the way. She looks at the ground, preferring to avoid eye contact until she has to look at him.
"Well," Nicolas says as he walks along the line of islanders with a smirk on his face. "I'm choosing to snog this islander because she is flames, easily the hottest person here. We may not be getting along, but I still want to snog her... at least before her face is covered in all the pies she's surely about to get!"
Poppy doesn't look up as she swallows down Nicolas' words heavily. Nicolas approaches her gently lifting Poppy's chin to look at her. Poppy is surprised to see concern in his eyes before he leans in and kisses her.
Poppy keeps the kiss very tame, not giving Nicolas anything. He kisses her gently on the forehead before walking away.
"I'm choosing to marry this person because she is really sweet, and I really think she's good wife material," Nicolas says, kneeling in front of Meera with the plastic engagement ring he was meant to give away.
Meera accepts flirtily, and Poppy continues to look at the ground. Why is he doing this to me? Poppy thinks to herself sadly, anticipating what's about to come.
"We are supposed to be partners, Poppy, in more ways than one," Nicolas says as he paces toward Poppy, pie in hand. When he reaches her he again lifts her face gently with two fingers under her chin, examining her with concern before gently pressing the pie to her face and walking away.
"Whatever game it is you're playing Nicolas, I don't want to play anymore," Poppy says sadly as she wipes the whipped cream from her face, not looking at him.
Meera goes next, making a big show of snogging Nicolas before spouting some sappy speech to marry Alfie. Poppy raises her head when Meera picks up her pie, closing her eyes in anticipation.
"I'm pieing this person because they aren't genuine. They've been out to get me since I got here and I am tired of looking at their smug face," Meera says before squashing her pie hard into Poppy's face.
Poppy wipes the pie from her face, telling herself repeatedly not to react to Meera. Kat is next to go, choosing to snog Nicolas, also making it a big show before marrying Finn. Poppy sighs when Kat stops in front of her, closing her eyes.
"I'm choosing to pie this person because she's a man-stealing, back-stabbing.... wench and I thought she was my friend," Kat sneers before pressing her pie into Poppy's face angrily.
Poppy reminds herself again not to let it get to her as she wipes the pie from her face, learning she was next.
Poppy walks up to Suresh without much thought, stopping in front of him. "I'm choosing to snog Suresh because of everyone here, he makes the most sense," Poppy says before wrapping her arms around Suresh's neck.
"I'm glad you chose me, love," Suresh says sweetly before cupping her face in his hands and kissing Poppy passionately, with all the love and affection he has for her behind it. When she pulls away from him, Suresh looks at Poppy guiltily.
"Um hi, get off my partner," Arlo spits angrily.
Poppy steps away from Suresh and grabs the ring she's meant to give away, stopping in front of Finn. "I'm marrying Finn because he's my best friend here," Poppy says, hoping that leaving it that simple will keep Kat at bay. Finn smiles at Poppy as he accepts her ring before Poppy goes to the table to pick up her pie.
So many choices,Poppy thinks sadly as she walks up and down the line with it, finally deciding.
"I'm choosing to pie this person because I really liked him and he's used that to really hurt me," Poppy says, stopping in front of Nicolas and pressing her pie into his face before immediately walking back to her spot in line, not caring about Nicolas' reaction. Nicolas mutters something about not deserving it, but Poppy's already back in her spot in line before he can finish the sentence.
Arlo and Gabi take identical turns after Poppy, both snogging Nicolas passionately before asking Suresh to marry them. And both pressing a pie into Poppy's face for "stealing their men" and not being "real". Poppy doesn't even know which "man of Gabi's" she stole, considering Gabi's supposed to be with Dana.
Alfie goes next, snogging Dana and marrying Meera with a sappy speech about how perfect for him she is before stopping in front of Poppy with his pie.
"I'm pieing this person because she pied me and broke my heart," Alfie says coldly. Poppy closes her eyes as she waits for him to press the pie into her face, eyes filling with tears when she realises that every. single. person who's taken a turn has shoved one in her face, saying horrible things about her.
Dana goes next, giving Poppy some reprieve by pieing Gabi, who she pied for using her to get back with Suresh. Poppy is so hurt by all the events of the day she can't even process what any of that means anymore.
Suresh goes next, standing in front of Poppy for his first choice. "I'm snogging this girl because... there's no one in this villa I'd rather snog more. She's smart, beautiful... and I'd be remiss to not take this chance to kiss her again... I know I won't have many more chances." Suresh kisses Poppy earnestly, again full of love and affection before looking at her guiltily as he pulls away. He goes to pick up the ring he's meant to give to someone before standing in front of Poppy again. Arlo and Gabi both scoff angrily but Suresh ignores them. "I'm also marrying this girl because there's nobody else in the world I'd rather marry. My mum loves you, my sister loves you and I... wish I did better to deserve you," Suresh says, offering Poppy his ring. Poppy nods sadly, not missing the stabbing pain running through her body at the horrible irony as she accepts the ring. Suresh smiles at Poppy sadly before turning to get his pie. "I'm pieing this person because he's a smug asshole and I can't wait to wipe the smirk off his face," Suresh says before pressing his pie into Finn's face with a laugh.
"Sorry mate, smirk's still there," Finn replies, laughing as well as he licks the whipped cream off his lips before wiping his face and standing at the front to take the final turn. "Last, but certainly not least, the big Finn-ish," Finn says, laughing at his own pun. He stops in front of Kat happily. "There's no one else I'd rather kiss," he says, pulling her in. When he pulls out of the kiss he says cheekily, "why would I want to kiss anybody else?
Kat looks at him angrily. "I don't know, maybe because you could have married me instead!?" she says, a touch of sadness in her voice. "Just carry on with the game then, I don't care," she spits, crossing her arms angrily.
Finn sighs before picking up the last pie from the table. "I know I'm supposed to marry someone first, but this can't wait," he says, marching over to Nicolas angrily. Poppy watches almost in slow motion as Finn slams the pie into Nicolas' face.
"What the fuck, mate?!" Nicolas yells out angrily.
"Why anyone would side with you over Poppy is completely beyond me," Finn sneers angrily. "You've clearly been playing her."
"No I haven't!" Nicolas spits, feigning disbelief. "She's played me! I really like her!"
Finn rolls his eyes. "Poppy is far too sweet to be playing the games you're accusing her of, and it's killing me to see her hurting so badly while you all keep kicking her while she's down," he says, turning to Poppy who gives him a weak smile. Finn picks up his ring and walks to Poppy, ignoring Kat whose mouth is open in shocked anger.
"What the HELL Finn," Kat spits angrily.
"Hear me out, Kat," Finn says tired, not looking at her.
"I'm not sure I want to," Kat says, crossing her arms in a pout. "You're embarrassing me!"
"Come on Kat, hear the man out," Nicolas says, turning to her and basking in the drama.
"Shut up Nicolas, this is all your fault," Finn says tiredly. "I don't know what you've got against Poppy, but turning everyone against her was cruel. You're a nasty, horrible person." He turns to Poppy, offering her the ring in his hand. "I'm marrying Poppy because she's my best friend in this place, and I know she's being made out to be someone she's not."
"Enlighten us then Finn, tell us who Poppy really is," Kat says sarcastically, glaring daggers at Poppy.
"She's one of the best people I've ever met. She's silly and sweet, and even though she keeps getting thrown into the deep end in this place... over... and over... and over again, she still smiles every day and brightens it up in here like nobody else," Finn smiles at Poppy, who can't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks at Finn's kindness. "It takes a special person to go through the way Poppy's been treated and come out with her head held high and yet she manages it every time without ever stooping to anyone else's level. If Nicolas is going to draw lines in the sand, I'll be on Poppy's side... every single time."
"Good speech mate," Nicolas says with a laugh. "Almost convinced me to join Poppy's side."
"Shut UP Nicolas," Kat screeches, turning to Poppy angrily. "You've been awfully quiet Poppy, you man-stealing bitch!" Arlo and Meera move to stand next to Kat supportively as the three stare Poppy down angrily.
"It's true though, isn't it?" Gabi says, sneering at Poppy. "Doesn't snog or marry her own man on her turn, just has to steal everyone else's."
"Just terrible," Nicolas says, shaking his head at Poppy. "You've really hurt me, and now this comes out?"
Poppy doesn't say anything before turning on her heel and walking toward the villa, finally reaching her breaking point.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Lulu checks her ticket for her gate number as she wanders through the bustling airport. "B23, B23..." she mutters to herself, scanning the signs hanging from the ceiling for her gate.
The sign ahead of her reads GATES B1 - B50 LEFT.
Lulu turns to her left and wanders through the airport casually. She always comes ridiculously early for flights when she travels so Lulu's got lots of time to wander through the airport stores and people-watch along the way.
Lulu turns into a magazine shop, perusing the tabloid headlines. LOVE ISLAND: FANS THREATENING TO BOYCOTT SEASON; LOVE ISLAND DRAMA: SURESH CHEATS AGAIN, WILL POPPY CATCH A BREAK?
Lulu sighs. She would normally be extremely excited about this opportunity, but the series this year was a bit of a joke. At least, Lulu reasoned with herself, I can go and shake things up a bit.
A man comes up beside Lulu at the magazine stand, reading the headlines with a frown. Lulu briefly looks at him from the corner of her eye before doing a double take to take a closer look at the man.
"Excuse me," Lulu says politely, "I don't mean to be intrusive but... are you Oliver Lee?" she asks him. "I'm Lulu Gonzales, I'm... on my way to the show," she explains quietly so others wouldn't overhear around them.
Oliver turns to Lulu with a kind smile. "Hi, yes," he says with an awkward chuckle, shaking Lulu's hand. "Nice to meet you, Lulu."
Lulu smiles warmly. "Likewise, Oliver," she says, turning back to the racks, another headline sticks out, cut off in part by a magazine in front of it. LOVE ISLAND: #OLLIPOP IS TRENDING, IS POPPY'S BEST... Lulu coughs to cover a giggle before saying to Oliver as she looks at him from the side of her eye playfully, "I'm defo Team Ollipop, where do you lie on the issue?"
Oliver looks down, trying to hide a chuckle. He considers his answer briefly before turning to Lulu. "You said you're heading there now?" he asks instead of answering. "Let's walk and talk," he says with a smile, showing Lulu his plane ticket. "I think we're catching the same flight.
Lulu glances at Oliver's ticket, Gate B23 sticking out like a sore thumb. Lulu's eyes widen in excitement before she looks up at Oliver. "Lead the way," she says, following him out of the shop as the two head toward their gate. When they leave the shop Lulu turns to Oliver. "So...?" she asks him, the 'o' elongated with a curious inflection.
"I won't lie... I'm pretty excited to meet her," Oliver admits to Lulu, his fellow Season 5 contestant. "They asked me last night..."
Lulu squeals excitedly before clearing her throat and composing herself. "I knew it!" she says happily. "As soon as I recognised you, I knew it!"
Oliver smiles at Lulu."Is that right?" he asks her, looking at her curiously.
"Don't ask how I know it, but you two are just... it's going to work well, I think," Lulu says with a laugh.
Oliver runs his hand through his hair. "Second person who's told me that, to be honest," he says with a chuckle.
"So are you going just for Poppy?" Lulu asks Oliver curiously.
Oliver frowns. "I don't think any of the other girls currently there is my type," he says carefully. "It feels a bit weird to say that I'm going just for her though..."
"I wouldn't blame you," Lulu says with a laugh. "Some real slim pickings this year."
Oliver raises a curious brow at Lulu. "Yeah? Who've you got your eye on?"
Lulu laughs. "Honestly right now, I think I have my eye on some chaos, and we'll see where that lands me," she says.
"Chaos?" Oliver asks curiously.
"Sure," Lulu says with a shrug. "Suresh may be an asshole, but he conveniently comes with an automatic 'piss Arlo off' button that may just be too tempting for me not to push."
Oliver laughs out loud. "Be careful with that," he says seriously.
"Ah, don't worry about me, I'm just there for some fun," Lulu says. "Besides, I've just made it my new mission to distract Suresh and Arlo from you as much as possible." Lulu frowns for a moment. "This probably goes without saying but... don't listen to a word he has to say about Poppy," she adds.
Oliver nods in agreement. "I've been watching the season," he says simply.
"He's going to have it out for you," Lulu says as she realises it herself. "He probably doesn't know about her crush on you yet but when he does..."
Oliver shrugs. "Hopefully he'll come to realise she's her own person... whether she chooses to be with me or not is irrelevant," he says thoughtfully.
"Hopefully," Lulu agrees, sounding doubtful.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy leaves the garden in a hurry, not interested in listening to the others anymore. She's hyperventilating, and she can feel the hot tears rolling down her cheeks.
How could I let them do this to me? Poppy thinks to herself angrily as she enters the bedroom, throwing her suitcase on the bed and opening it wide. I want to be a doctor one day and I let myself get humiliated over, and over, and over on national television! I feel so stupid! Poppy runs around the room grabbing her things and throwing them haphazardly into her suitcase.
I'd rather die alone than feel like this another day, Poppy thinks to herself sadly before she sits on the edge of her bed, unable to stop herself any longer from crying. Remembering that the cameras are likely laser focused on her, she wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to stop the worst of it. I need to get out of here, Poppy laments.
When her phone pings with a text, Poppy ignores it, getting up off the bed to continue her packing. Going forward, I give as much respect as I get, Poppy thinks to herself before she's distracted by the sound of another text, and then another on her phone. Poppy pulls her phone out of her pocket angrily.
Poppy, please make your way to the Beach Hut for an untelevised conversation.
Poppy, someone would like to talk to you in the Beach Hut immediately.
The first two texts read. Poppy notices that the third text came from a number different than the official texts, curiosity getting the better of her, she opens it.
Poppy, it's Leon... pls go to the beach hut, I need to talk to you.
Poppy looks up from her phone in surprise. Leon was the last person she expected to hear from, and probably one of only a few she would actually listen to right now. With a sigh, Poppy closes her half-packed luggage and shoves it under her bed before running straight to the beach hut, grateful (and somewhat suspicious) that she didn't run into anyone on the way.
When Poppy arrives her phone rings with a video call from the same number Leon texted from. She answers it carefully, relief washing over her when Leon's friendly face lights up the screen. Poppy can't help but laugh, happy to see her friend.
"Poppyyyyy!" Leon says, excited to see his friend as well, "how angry are you with me, Schatz?" he asks seriously. Poppy looks at him confused.
"Why would I be angry with you, Leon?" she asks him as she starts to bite her lip, nervous about what's to come.
Leon sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose before looking back to his phone at Poppy.
"Poppy, I'm the one who told Suresh about the engagement ring," Leon says.
Poppy stops short, blinking in surprise. "You mean you told the producers about the engagement ring?" Poppy asks Leon tentatively as she feels the familiar stab of betrayal leaking into her chest... again.
"I told Suresh," Leon says again, confirming to Poppy. "I have no idea how the producers found out."
Poppy's heart starts to race as the stab of betrayal twists itself inside of her. She looks down for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. Suresh wasn't lying then? Poppy thinks sadly, are they friends? Did Leon just hang out with me to spy for Suresh?! The last thought lingers in her mind, stewing unhappily.
"Why?" Poppy asks Leon, unable to stop the tears that were pooling in her eyes from rolling down her cheeks. "Why did you do that to me?"
"I... didn't realise it was him!" Leon explains quickly, hating to see Poppy like this. "I was at the bar one night watching the football game and he was there too..." Leon starts without Poppy asking. "We started talking, and I got a text from you..." Leon shakes his head, angry, "I should have known then that it was weird, he asked me so many questions about you! Were you my girlfriend? How long did I know you? Where did we meet? Those kinds of things," Leon stops before taking a breath. "I was a little drunk and I got carried away with talking about you. I told him all about how we just met, and that I thought you were really cute but some asshole had just broken your heart and we decided to be friends. I told him you even bought him an engagement ring, just for him to cheat on you. I didn't realise then, or until the day the first episode aired even, that he was Suresh."
"Wait... does this mean that when he was making me feel like rubbish for 'hiding it' from him he..." Poppy starts, unable to finish the sentence. She swallows hard.
"...he already knew, yeah," Leon says angrily. "I'm so sorry Poppy."
Poppy ponders what Leon just told her, knowing that Leon is extremely extroverted and would absolutely chat with a stranger in a bar like that, it's definitely plausible he's telling the truth. Poppy sighs with immense relief, smiling tentatively at Leon, "you're fine, Leon," she tells him. "I believe you didn't do it on purpose."
"I'm still sorry. I feel like all of this is all my fault," Leon says sadly. "I don't know what happened today as it hasn't aired yet, but based on everything else I've seen..." Leon looks down briefly before looking back at Poppy. "They asked me to call you in a panic, so I can't imagine it's good."
"Did they cut the live feed?" Poppy asks curiously.
Leon nods. "After Arlo and Meera came in..." Leon explains. "I guess it was becoming obvious then that nothing was going right this season." Leon pauses for a moment, puffing a breath out anxiously. "They asked me to convince you to stay," Leon says after a brief silence. "I'm not going to do that, but I will tell you, I do think you'll be interested in what they told me. I think it's a cheap shot to get you to stay, but I think you'll be interested."
Poppy looks at Leon, intrigued. "What do you mean?" she asks him quietly.
Leon hesitates for a moment. "I'm not allowed to say anything in case it falls through," he explains. "But I will say that I do think you'll regret leaving now, once you find out."
"Why? It's obvious everyone here hates me. I'm assuming the public must because everyone who's come in has been so horrible to me. Are they showing me to be a horrible person, Leon?" she asks him sadly.
"You're the public's favourite," Leon says with a sad chuckle. "By a lot actually. I can't say too much about Arlo and Meera's motives from what they've said in the Beach Hut, but I can promise you, the public doesn't have a bad thing to say about you."
"You wouldn't lie to me about that, would you?" Poppy asks her friend sadly. "Last thing I need is to be thrown into a social media challenge just to be repeatedly told how terrible I am."
"I promise I wouldn't," Leon says seriously. He looks at his friend with sad concern while she thinks what he's said over. "To be honest, I'd love to see a social media challenge, probably knock Arlo and Meera down a few pegs," he adds with a chuckle. "So what are you thinking?"
"I'll give them 24 hours," Poppy says after a pause, "and if things don't improve significantly by then, I'm out of here."
"That's more than they deserve," Leon says sadly. "You sure about it?"
Poppy nods. "Thanks for calling Leon," she says to her friend, "and thanks for... being honest with me about Suresh."
"I wish I knew before you left," Leon says, "I wouldn't have pushed you to apply if I knew... any of this."
"Leon, don't," Poppy says firmly to her friend, "this is what he does, he manipulates everyone around him into thinking the things he does are their fault. Don't fall into his trap. Trust me, you don't want to be here with me, it sucks."
Leon chuckles sadly with a nod and smiles at Poppy. "Sorry Poppy, the producers are telling me to let you go now," Leon says after a moment, "and they said they'll get a car ready for you tomorrow, just in case."
"Thanks Leon," Poppy says to her friend. "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow, give Mr. Magz some love from me."
"See you soon, Poppy," Leon says, waving at her before ending the call.
Poppy's phone pings with a text immediately. It's so weird being constantly watched like this... Poppy thinks to herself before opening the new message.
Poppy, the hideaway will be open for your use tonight. You can head there whenever you're ready.
Poppy takes a few deep breaths, feeling much lighter after talking to Leon. At least I don't have to worry about where I'm sleeping tonight, Poppy thinks, grateful to be provided with the private space of the hideaway.
Poppy leaves the Beach Hut, ignoring the stares from the others who have returned from wherever they were before as she heads back into the bedroom to get dressed for the evening. Poppy hurries to the hideaway, unable to get out of the usual villa scene fast enough. Once she's there and the door is locked behind her Poppy turns the lights off and crawls into the large, luxurious bed, covering herself with the blankets as she tries not to think about the last week and a half and how absolutely rubbish they were.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The islanders stand around dumbstruck, not knowing what to say to each other. Suresh turns to Finn angrily. "Nice one," he spits before running to the villa to find Poppy.
"Suresh, where are you going?" Gabi calls after him, her relaxed tone sounding forced. "Leave her alone, she probably just needs some space."
Suresh ignores Gabi, intent on finding Poppy. He heads to the bedroom first, afraid to find her packing there. Instead, he finds her suitcase thrown haphazardly underneath her bed but nothing more. Suresh pulls the suitcase out and opens it, a pit forms in his stomach when he sees that it's almost full.
"Fuck!" Suresh yells at nobody in particular. "Fuck fuck fuck!" None of this had been going to plan at all. He thought for sure that'd he'd have Poppy back by now, not anticipating Gabi's arrival at all or Eddie catching him with Arlo. Instead, Poppy not only wanted nothing to do with him ever again, but somehow she'd become a social pariah and it was taking an obvious toll on her.
Suresh's train, or jumble, or whatever it was, of thought was disrupted by the sound of a throat clearing in the doorway. Suresh turns to see Gabi standing there, leaning on the doorframe suggestively.
"Hey," she says, stepping toward him. "Fancy meeting you here... alone."
"Not now Gabi," Suresh says. Even he's surprised when his tone is angry.
Gabi crosses her arms and pouts. "Is this because of Poppy?" she asks, sneering Poppy's name.
"Oh fuck off Gabi," Suresh replies, not interested in starting this conversation with Gabi again.
"No Suresh!" Gabi practically yells. "You've hardly spoken to me at all since I got here! What happened to 'I love you Gabi, you're the only one for me'? Why am I suddenly being ignored?"
"I don't have time for this," Suresh says dully. "I'm going to find Poppy."
"Don't walk away from me!" Gabi practically screams at Suresh. "Don't! This isn't fair Suresh, I know you cared about me once!"
Suresh ignores Gabi, rushing through the entire villa looking for Poppy before he figures she must be in the Beach Hut.
"Guys, I got a text!" Arlo yells through the villa. Suresh rolls his eyes before heading down to the garden to find out what it says.
Arlo, Suresh, Gabi, Dana, Kat, Meera, Alfie, & Nicolas,
One thing that we will not be tolerating is bullying and harassment. You will all consider this your first and only warning, any repeat behaviour will result in your immediate expulsion from the villa.
When Poppy leaves the Beach Hut momentarily, you will not speak to her or try to approach her in any way. Failure to comply will result in your immediate expulsion from the villa.
The Production Team
"Ooooh, sounds like we're in trouble!" Arlo says with a laugh, looking around at the others around her. They all look at each other nervously ignoring Arlo. Even Nicolas looks guilty, if not somewhat confused.
"Oh, I notice Finn's name is absent on the list of dirty-doers." Dana says after reading the message over Arlo's shoulder again.
Finn shrugs. "It's not that difficult to be a decent person, guys," he says simply, more worried about Poppy than anything else.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Poppy sleeps in the next morning, taking advantage of having a room to herself and not too fussed about seeing the others. She also takes advantage of the private bathroom in the hideaway, having a much longer than necessary shower, just because she could.
When she's finished, Poppy gets dressed in one of her favourite bikinis, the one that makes her feel the most confident and sexy. If this might be my last day, I may as well, Poppy thinks to herself. Once she's dressed, Poppy does her hair and makeup, nothing too elaborate, figuring she could take advantage of the pool one last time. Poppy leaves the hideaway and makes her way to the kitchen to have some breakfast.
The production team set out a lovely breakfast for the Islanders that morning in an effort to settle everything down. Poppy grabs herself a plate before taking a blueberry waffle from a stack and smothering it in custard and more blueberries. She sits in the kitchen alone, grateful she got to sleep in a little bit so she could have this time to eat in peace.
Nicolas walks into the kitchen to fill his water bottle, already filling it at the sink when he notices Poppy sitting at the bar. "Uh... hey," Nicolas says to her tentatively. "Poppy... can we talk?" he asks her, studying her carefully.
Poppy doesn't even turn to look at him, focusing on her breakfast. "No." she says simply before taking a bite of her pancake.
"Please?" Nicolas asks, looking at her with concern.
Poppy chews her food and swallows it. "No." Poppy replies, still not looking at Nicolas.
"Okay, well... if you change your mind just... wave at me or something, I'll come over," Nicolas says before turning to leave the room, looking back at her momentarily on his way out.
"Hm, one thing Nicolas," Poppy says before he leaves the room, still not looking at him. "I'm not interested in this couple any further, we're done," she says, taking another bite of her pancake. Nicolas goes to reply but thinks better of it, tossing his bottle into the air as he leaves the kitchen.
Poppy has enough time to finish her breakfast and a cup of tea by herself before she's interrupted again, this time by Finn, who walks into the kitchen carefully.
"Hi Finn," Poppy says when she notices him, inviting him to sit next to her as she looks out at the villa.
"How are you doing?" Finn asks, sitting on the stool beside Poppy, concern written all over his face.
"I'm fine," Poppy says with a sigh. "I think it's time for me to go home."
Finn frowns, glaring in Nicolas' direction where he's now laying on the sunloungers with Arlo before turning back to Poppy sadly. "It really feels like you never really had a chance in here," he agrees sadly. "I'm sorry Nicolas turned out to be such a twat."
"What'd I tell you about apologizing for things you've had nothing to do with?" Poppy says playfully as Arlo's flirty laugh rings out through the villa. Poppy rolls her eyes before looking at Finn with concern. "How are things with you and Kat after last night? Should she be seeing you in here with me?"
"I'm my own man, Beour," Finn says with another chuckle. "Nobody's gonna keep me from my best friend in this villa. But yeah, things are... going. Bit chilly right now if I'm being honest."
Poppy laughs. "The feeling's mutual, Finn, I'm glad I've met you," she says warmly before adding. "How are you feeling about that?"
Finn shrugs. "You know, it's our first major rift so I don't really know what to expect. One second she's yelling at me and telling me how I feel, the next she's hanging off me like a sloth on a tree." he shrugs.
Poppy raises an eyebrow. "You want to be spelling out 'soz' in candles for the rest of eternity?" she asks him playfully. "I usually like Kat just fine but..." Poppy stops, looking at the ground quickly. "You know what, it's not really my place. Never mind," she adds after a moment, looking at Finn with a smile.
"Your opinion matters to me, Poppy," Finn says, looking at Poppy seriously.
Poppy sighs. "She really likes you, Finn," she says with a shrug, "but I think she may like the idea she has of you more than the actual person you are."
Finn ponders this for a moment, nodding in silent agreement. Before he can say anything, however, Dana yells out from the garden, "Text! Texxxt! I got a text!"
Poppy wanders over to the garden with Finn, staying a few feet away from the others but close enough to hear Dana read it out while Finn stands to join a surly-looking Kat.
Islanders, get ready for the Mean Tweets Challenge. Be on the challenge stage in twenty-five minutes.
#TruthBombsDropped #BombshellsDropped #FacingThePublic
"Ugh, oh noooo," Kat laments, "I don't want to know what the public thinks about me!"
Remembering what Leon told her in the Beach Hut, Poppy stifles a giggle. "Well, I for one can't wait for this challenge," Poppy says. Poppy isn't sure why, but she has a really good feeling about this challenge. She smiles brightly, not looking at anyone in particular before walking to the stage alone.
"Don't know why," Meera mutters sarcastically.
Finn shoots Meera a look. "I bet you do," he says coldly before turning to go to the dressing room, Kat nearly hanging off his arm.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Oliver steps out of the shower, putting on his swimming trunks quickly before running a comb and some pomade through his hair. The nerves were starting to settle in as he thought about what was to happen.
There's a knock at the doorway and his new friend sticks her head in tentatively. She recognized him at Heathrow and the two flew in together, meant to be the new surprise bombshells. She smiles at Oliver from the doorframe.
"You just about ready? Production wants to send the text in a few minutes," Lulu says with an excited jitter. "Are you excited? I'm excited! I'm probably more excited for you, though," she adds with a small squeal.
Oliver smiles at Lulu with a laugh. "I'm excited but I'm also... nervous," he tells her honestly.
"I bet you won't be when you finally get to go on your date," Lulu says with a giggle, leading him down the back way to the challenge stage. The two stand behind a large board that production set up, waiting patiently. One of the crew members lets the pair know that the islanders have gotten the text and it looked like Poppy was going to make her way over to the staging area right away, so to be on their toes and keep out of her sight.
Oliver feels his heart hammering in his chest as he watches out from around the board, seeing Poppy in person for the first time as she approaches the challenge stage, examining it with quiet amusement on her face. She's even prettier in person, Oliver thinks to himself, blushing at the thought. He tried to convince the producers to let him meet her alone in person for the first time but they wanted to make a big production of it, much to Oliver's chagrin.
Lulu turns to him, whispering excitedly, "Look! She's coming!" She points toward Poppy happily.
Oliver chuckles, unable to take his eyes off Poppy who was currently oblivious to his presence. If he thought the pull he felt toward Poppy while watching her on the telly was a lot, it was nothing compared to what he felt now.
Poppy approaches the board, standing exactly opposite of Oliver as she examines it curiously. When a quiet laugh rings out from Poppy, Lulu winks conspiratorily and mouths the words 'stay here' at him as she walks out from behind their board before he can stop her.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Poppy figures she may as well go to the stage now, seeing as she's already ready for the day anyway. For once Poppy finds herself excited for a challenge as she heads to the stage, feeling almost... butterflies in her stomach. The stage has a clear "contestants" vs. "announcer" set up, with a line of several podiums (the contestants) on one side and the announcer on the other. When she gets there Poppy is relieved to see her stand with Nicolas at the end of the row, giving her plenty of space to stand far away from him and the others. At the other side of the stage, there's a board with the Tweets attached that stands about two and a half metres tall with an announcer's podium next to it, Poppy goes to examine the tweets board more closely, it's all a pretty big production for a standard challenge. Poppy can't help but laugh.
"Oooh Hoo, I bet you can't wait for this challenge!" a voice Poppy doesn't recognize says from behind the challenge board, causing Poppy to jump in surprise. A beautiful woman with hair done in her hair done in perfect victory rolls, wearing a gorgeous vintage style high-waisted bikini steps out from behind the board smiling at Poppy warmly.
"I... suppose I can't..." Poppy says, eyeing the new woman suspiciously. The new woman doesn't take offence to Poppy's behaviour, nor does she seem surprised by it which relaxes Poppy somewhat. "I can't lie, I've got a really good feeling about this challenge," Poppy says with an awkward chuckle, reaching out to touch the Tweet board curiously. She shakes her head, turning to the new woman and smiling politely. "I'm Poppy," she says, holding out her hand for a handshake.
"I'm Lulu, I'm the new islander," the woman, Lulu says to Poppy, shaking her hand. "It's really great to finally meet you Poppy!" she says so warmly Poppy can't help but smile.
"It's nice to meet you too, Lulu," Poppy says, before turning back to the board. "Are you hosting the challenge?"
"I was meant to come out and surprise everyone, but I convinced them to let me have a chat with you," Lulu says warmly.
Poppy tenses up instinctively. Her experience with private chats and new girls hasn't exactly been positive. She relaxes when Lulu smiles, her smile so genuine Poppy can't help but trust her.
Lulu continues, "I just wanted to meet you! You seem like the kind of person who I could really see myself being good friends with." Lulu smiles at Poppy gleefully.
Poppy returns Lulu's smile. "Thanks Lulu," she says, turning back to examine the board, feeling drawn to it somehow. "Do you have your eye on anyone in particular?" Poppy asks Lulu after a moment.
Lulu chuckles. "Honestly, not a fantastic lot to choose from," she says with a laugh. "Let's just say, my first choice is more of a strategic move."
Poppy looks over at Lulu from the corner of her eye. "Oh?" she asks.
Lulu taps her nose. "You'll see," she says with a wink. "I should get back to my spot before the others get here," Lulu says to Poppy. "It was great meeting you."
Poppy smiles kindly. "It was great meeting you too, Lulu," she says. She means it, Lulu feels like a breath of fresh air right now. It's just that after the last couple of days, Poppy still isn't sure of Lulu's motives.I hate being so suspicious, Poppy thinks to herself sadly. Lulu seems lovely.
The other islanders start to trickle in slowly, standing at their podiums nervously avoiding eye contact with Poppy who makes her way over to her own, standing a few feet apart from Nicolas. When everyone arrives, Lulu steps out again from behind the giant board, introducing herself to the others very flirtatiously. It's evident that Suresh, Nicolas, and Finn are at least somewhat interested in her based on the looks they give Lulu when she comes around the giant board.
Poppy almost has to laugh at how angry both Gabi and Arlo look as they stare at Suresh, who is practically drooling over Lulu from his place at the podium. Poppy steals a glance at Nicolas, who stares at Lulu hungrily before winking at Poppy playfully, chuckling when she shrugs at him.
"It's so nice to meet you," Lulu says, looking at Suresh in particular. She bites her lip flirtatiously, ignoring the scoffs from both Gabi and Arlo as she turns to wink at Poppy.
Poppy looks to the ground quickly to avoid eye contact with the angry women, afraid they'd see her laughing. Lulu was purposely riling them up and Poppy had to admit that after the last few days it was a bit... entertaining to see their faces when they were getting a taste of their own medicine.
Lulu grabs a card off the board and turns back to face the others. "First tweet!" Lulu calls out happily, reading it before looking at everyone, "the public aren't holding back," she adds with a playful twinkle in her eye.
(Blank) needs to grow the f*ck up or get the f*ck out of the villa. You're not hot enough to be such a bitch, sweetie!
@witchyoz666
Poppy doesn't object when Nicolas picks up their board and writes a name without consulting her, not bothered to care anymore. She almost looks bored when the couples (and Nicolas) reveal their boards, guessing Poppy's name on all but Suresh and Arlo's, who guessed Kat (in Suresh's writing, Poppy notices) and Finn and Kat's, who guessed Arlo in very sloppy handwriting. Even Nicolas had written Poppy's name. Poppy turns to Lulu with an amused look on her face, waiting to see the answer. Lulu winks at her before tearing the tab covering the blank off of the tweet, revealing the name:
MEERA
Meera purses her lips and looks away quickly, clearly hurt. Poppy does her best to keep a straight face, turning back to the board and looking far more serious than the situation called for.
Alfie puts an arm around his partner. "Aw come on Meera, it's just the public, they don't see everything," he says reassuringly.
"Ooof zero points all around," Lulu says with a twinkle of mischief in her eye. "Next tweet's a doozy! Let's see your guesses for:
Love that (Blank) acts like she's got some kind of claim on (Blank) while cracking on with (Blank) behind his back! Snake!
@li-watcherxoxo
Poppy watches in quiet amusement as the others write names on their boards, frantic whispers of her own name can be heard all around. Poppy rolls her eyes, glancing at Lulu who's watching the others looking just as amused as Poppy.
Most couples have chosen Poppy, claim on Alfie, cracking on with Suresh, including Nicolas who looks at Poppy coldly. Poppy raises her eyebrows playfully, waiting for Lulu to reveal the answers:
ARLO claim on SURESH while cracking on with NICOLAS
Poppy actually lets out a giggle, glancing to see an embarrassed and angry-looking Arlo at her podium, before looking at Nicolas who looks at the ground, also looking embarrassed. These tweets must be fresh if the live feed is down, Nicolas only just got here... Poppy thinks to herself curiously.
"Very interesting," Poppy says in quiet amusement. Looking at the ground to hide her laughter.
Lulu chuckles from the stage. "Zeeeero points all around! You guys aren't very good at this game! Come on!" Lulu razzes the players lightly. "Alright, next one... come on guys, you got this!" she says, revealing the card:
(Blank)'s insecurity cost him the hottest girl in the villa, guess now he's gotta be a jerk about it too, typical. @lilypad-99
Poppy is extremely amused by the answers that come out of this one, since it was obvious the person in question uses he/him pronouns and wouldn't be her. Some of the women chose their own partners: Kat chose Finn, eyeing Poppy pointedly as though this was her fault, Arlo chose Suresh, while others tried to support their friends, Dana and Gabi chose Finn, while Alfie and Meera chose Suresh. Nicolas chose Alfie, just to stir things up.
Lulu raises her eyebrows at the answers revealed before laughing. "First point on the board for Poppy and Nicolas.... before she rips off the tab covering the blank revealing:
ALFIE
Poppy looks over at Nicolas with surprise who just shrugs. "I've always said you're the hottest girl here," he says, turning back to Lulu and the challenge. Poppy rolls her eyes.
A few more rounds go by, with most of the groups so focused on bullying Poppy that no more points are scored. Poppy doesn't care, the challenge is a delight compared to the others so far. It feels so liberating to have the islanders bully her, just to find out they're the actual target of the tweets... it feels so great to know the public really is on her side.
Poppy notices Lulu is almost vibrating with excitement as she gets to the final space on the board. Poppy looks at her curiously, but Lulu is pointedly avoiding eye contact. That's a shift... Poppy thinks to herself, biting her lip nervously. Poppy feels a sudden rush of nerves take over as she takes in Lulu's behaviour.
"Alright, last one," Lulu says enthusiastically, bouncing on the balls of her feet as she reads it aloud:
F*ck (Blank). Anyone else shipping (Blank) and (Blank)? #Team(Blank)
@grumpyParamedic
Lulu's eyes are bright with excitement. "This is a good one," she says eagerly, winking at Poppy.
Poppy looks back at Lulu with a confused face.Dana and Alfie? Finn and Alfie? Poppy thinks to herself, trying to guess as the other islanders murmur amongst each other. Nicolas shrugs before writing three names on his and Poppy's answer board.
As before, Lulu goes down the line and gets the couples to reveal their answers.
Meera and Alfie flip their board first: Fuck (Kat); (Finn) and (Alfie); Team (#Alfieinn)
"Good answer, good answer," Lulu says nonchalantly. Poppy narrows her eyes suspiciously but stays silent, almost laughing out loud when Lulu winks at her. She knows the answer to this one, Poppy realises. And it's not that.
Dana and Gabi go next, revealing: Fuck (Kat); (Finn) and (Alfie); Team #Alfinn
"Interesting!" Lulu exclaims excitedly. "Two for Finn and Alfie! Suresh and Arlo?"
Suresh and Arlo flip their board and Suresh looks away from Poppy apologetically: Fuck (Poppy); (Nicolas) and (Kat), Team (#Nicat).
"Nicolas and Kat, interesting," Lulu says with a finger on her chin. "I could see it. Kat and Finn, you're up," Lulu adds, almost rushing through the contestants. Poppy bites her lip as she takes this in. She had to gather something big was coming and based on earlier experience with bombshells dropped on her at the end of challenges and Poppy was feeling anxious.
Kat and Finn reveal on their board: Fuck (Meera); (Dana) and (Alfie); Team (#Alna).
"That's a new one!" Lulu says with a laugh. "Poppy and Nicolas, you're up," she says, somehow visibly even more excited.
"We guessed....Fuck (Alfie); (Poppy) and (Nicolas) for Team(#Nippy)," Nicolas says, shrugging as he turns his board. Poppy rolls her eyes again, totally over Nicolas' flip-flopping. I thought Suresh was bad..
"Interesting guess!" Lulu says with a laugh. "Poppy, will you come over here and do the honours?" she asks her so enthusiastically that Poppy couldn't possibly say no.
What is happening here? Poppy asks herself, examining Lulu's bright excitement. While Poppy had to admit her judgement of people wasn't the best lately, she still wasn't getting an off-feeling about Lulu. That, mixed with the end-of-challenge bombshell anxiety Poppy was experiencing was getting very confusing for her. Poppy joins Lulu on the other side of the challenge stage and stands on the opposite side of the card from Lulu to keep in it view of the others.
Poppy pulls the first tab, revealing:
SURESH
Interesting, nobody guessed that, Poppy thinks to herself as she pulls the second tab revealing her own name:
POPPY
Meera rolls her eyes and Arlo huffs angrily. "Of course it's Poppy, why wouldn't it be?" Arlo spits, Meera nodding next to her.
Poppy's stomach drops. It's going to be Finn, isn't it? she thinks to herself, biting her lip anxiously as she braces herself for the fallout from Kat. The public seems to largely be on Poppy's side based on the earlier tweets, so she doubted they'd ship her with the three other men who'd already hurt her in the villa. Poppy takes a deep breath before ripping off the third tab, revealing:
OLIVER
Poppy looks around at the other Islanders confused, noting their equally perplexed faces and begins to panic. What now? she thinks helplessly, can't leave what I say in the Beach Hut there, just have to get me one more time before I go?
"That's... weird," Kat says as her eyes narrow suspiciously.
Poppy sighs with a nervous bite of her lip, resigning herself to whatever's about to come when she pulls the last tab:
#OlliPop
At the hashtag, Poppy can't help but giggle. This whole situation is so ridiculous. I'm a grown woman being targeted by bullies. Why in the world would I expect what happened in the Beach Hut to stay there. How silly of me, Poppy thinks to herself sarcastically, relieved that she'll be free from all of this very soon. "That's pretty cute, I defo I prefer it to Nippy'," she says, letting the strangeness of the answer roll off her shoulders.
Behind her, a man chuckles softly and Poppy freezes momentarily. "I like it too," he says, rubbing the back of his neck shyly before stepping around the giant board beside Poppy.
Poppy turns quickly, her eyes wide with surprise as she blushes. She blinks, looking at the ground for a moment to sort out her thoughts. This must be what Leon was talking about... Poppy realises, still not totally believing who she's seeing in front of her.
Finally, Poppy makes eye contact with a man looking back at her bashfully. Poppy's breath catches before she managed to squeak out a very quiet, "hi."
He stands in front of her and smiles sweetly, speaking only to her. "Hi," he says, smiling widely. "It's really nice to finally meet you, Poppy," he says, looking her directly in the eyes.
Poppy feels her heart flutter when he says her name. "It's really nice to meet you too, Oliver," Poppy replies with a bright smile not breaking eye contact with him. Oliver opens his arms for a hug and Poppy happily accepts, allowing Oliver's large arms to envelope her smaller frame as she wraps her arms around his torso. Poppy notices immediately how warm and safe she feels in Oliver's embrace. When Poppy steps out of the hug she beams at Oliver elatedly, breathing out a quiet giggle when he returns the smile.
Poppy notices that all of the tension, all of the nervousness in her body seems to melt in Oliver's presence... she already feels more like herself than she has in days.
"You two are so adorable I want to squish you!" Lulu squeals next to Poppy excitedly, reminding Poppy and Oliver of where they are.
From the other side of the stage, Suresh watches the interaction with curious attention, his eyes narrowed. He hadn't even recognized the bloke until Poppy had said his name, her face lit up so bright it made Suresh's heart ache.
"Oof, mate, and you thought the way she looked at Nicolas stung," Finn says to Suresh with a chuckle as he comes up behind his shoulder. "And I reckon it looks mutual, based on the way he's looking at her," he adds quietly, giving Suresh a friendly smack on the shoulder. Suresh rolls his eyes.
The islanders rush over to the opposite side of the stage to join Oliver, Lulu and Poppy, eager to meet the newcomers. Oliver introduces himself politely, occasionally glancing at Poppy and smiling when he notices her glancing back.
"Come on Oliver, we can take you on a tour," Arlo says, pulling Oliver away from his current train of thought as she grabs onto one of his large arms and gestures to Meera. Oliver pulls his arm away from Arlo gently.
"Oh erm... that won't be necessary," Oliver says kindly, "I've been here before..." he reminds them. Oliver looks at Poppy, wanting to ask her before Meera and Arlo thought of it. "Poppy, would you like to keep me company while I unpack?"
Poppy smiles brightly, ignoring Arlo and Meera sneering at her angrily. "Sure! I'm an excellent unpacker," she says. Oliver chuckles, holding his arm out for Poppy to hold as they walk to the bedroom together.
"Hey, Poppy, did you forget you're coupled up with me?" Nicolas asks, a cheeky smile on his face. Poppy looks at Oliver apologetically before taking a deep breath and turning to Nicolas. "I told you this morning Nicolas, our couple is done. Find someone else to play games with," she says to him tiredly before continuing her walk with Oliver.
"I'm sorry about that," Poppy says awkwardly. "To be honest, things are a bit strange here today. At least for me." Poppy looks down for a moment, biting her lip.
Oliver smiles, "I like that you're direct with people," he says before concern clouds his features. "Strange... because of me?"
Poppy giggles. "I'd be lying if I said no," she says, her cheeks still pink. "But that's not what I meant... yesterday was... a lot." Poppy sighs and clears her throat before turning to Oliver. "But it's fine, people like him aren't worth my energy," she says with a shrug.
"Well, I don't know what happened, but I'm here for you," Oliver says before adding with a smile. "And maybe it's a little selfish of me to ask but... does that mean you're open to getting to know me?"
Poppy laughs before looking down shyly. "I have to assume you've seen the Beach Hut interviews," she says, blushing furiously. "So I'm not even going to pretend to play it cool. Yes, Oliver, I'm very open to getting to know you." Poppy puts her face in her hands before looking at Oliver through her fingers.
Oliver chuckles. "You know, I think I may have seen one or two of them," he says playfully while looking Poppy in the eyes. "Lucky for me you haven't seen most of the social media content yet, otherwise I wouldn't be able to pretend to play it cool either," he adds looking away bashfully before looking Poppy in the eyes again with a flirtatious smile.
Poppy relaxes and laughs, looking at Oliver curiously. "OlliPop?" She asks him with an eyebrow playfully raised. Oliver smiles at Poppy widely, feeling more relaxed when she does.
"It's been trending since Day 4 or 5," Oliver says with a small chuckle. "Angie er... started that one," Oliver looks at Poppy, his turn to blush. "I was kind of there, though. I may have been more involved than I'm letting on."
Poppy gives Oliver a curious look before smiling and saying, "it will be fun to find out more when you're ready to tell me this story." She gives Oliver a cheeky wink.
Oliver smiles gratefully as they arrive in the bedroom. Oliver lifts his suitcase onto his bed and opens it before looking at Poppy.
"I brought a bit more than last year, I'm coming in a bit earlier this time," he says, referring to the large size of his luggage. Poppy helps Oliver sort his things into his closet and beside drawers, the two chat easily.
"So...since you're open to getting to know me I was wondering," Oliver says clearing his throat and smiling at Poppy. "Would it be okay with you if I ask you on a date later today?" he asks her, looking her directly in the eyes.
Poppy blushes before nodding, returning Oliver's eye contact. "Yes Oliver, that would be more than okay with me," she says quietly, smiling so brightly Oliver can't help but notice how pretty she is.
He blushes slightly at the thought, returning Poppy's smile. "I can't wait," he tells her excitedly.
Poppy nods in agreement and holds up a small cat toy from the bottom of Oliver's bag, grinning at him playfully "Dandelion's?" she asks.
Oliver's face lights up. "You remembered!" he says with a nod.
Poppy giggles. "Of course! How could I forget about Dandelion?" she asks him seriously.
"That reminds me," Oliver says, turning to Poppy, "I was asked to tell you that Mr. Magoo is doing well. Your friend Leon messaged me on my socials, I guess they told him I was coming so he asked me to pass that along."
Poppy smiles. "Thanks, Oliver, I was just thinking of Mr. Magz," she says kindly. "I just talked to Leon yesterday, but he had to go before I had time to ask about Mr. Magoo. I miss him a lot."
"I bet," Oliver says, nodding understandingly. He pauses for a moment before looking over at Poppy sweetly. "Thanks for coming to help me," he says, smiling as he examines Poppy's face. "I'm really enjoying spending time with you."
"Me too, Oliver," Poppy says joyfully. "You're... just as sweet as I thought you'd be," she adds, blush running across her cheeks.
"The feeling is mutual," Oliver replies, an excited glimmer in his eyes. He closes his now-empty suitcase and stores it under his bed before turning back to Poppy. "Pool?" He asks, breathing a light laugh when she nods.
The two head down to the pool together, their faces both lit up as they talk to each other. Poppy and Oliver are walking past the other islanders gathered at the sunloungers when Arlo passive-aggressively says something about Poppy "hogging the new guy again." Poppy looks down guiltily.
Poppy hangs back, giving Oliver space to get to know everyone else. She heads to the pool, hanging her legs in the water as she looks out over the edge, trying to ignore Arlo's flirty laugh ringing out through the villa as she tries to get Oliver's attention. ...they sent in Oliver, Poppy thinks to herself in disbelief. Poppy's entire body felt like it was full of butterflies, when they spoke he looked at her like there was nobody else around, when she snuck glances at him, she noticed him doing the same.
Suresh sees Poppy sitting down on the edge of the pool and leaves the group to sit down next to her, dangling his feet beside her. Suresh turns to Poppy, studying her. "So, you're sweet on Oliver huh?" he says matter-of-factly.
Please don't ruin this for me, Poppy begs him internally and takes a deep breath. "That's got nothing to do with you, Suresh," she says, weighing her words carefully.
"Relax Poppy, the entire villa watched you go all goo-goo-eyed over him. I was only teasing," Suresh says in a playful tone, jostling her lightly. Suresh studies Poppy closely, growing more and more jealous as he notices the little things. The way she blushes, the way she avoids Suresh's eye contact when she talks about Oliver... it's evident she's already melty for this guy.
Poppy blushes and rolls her eyes. "I don't care, Suresh. I don't want to talk about it with you," Poppy says simply.
Suresh starts to reply but is interrupted when Oliver approaches Poppy's other side.
"Room for one more?" Oliver asks in a friendly tone, giving Poppy a wink. Poppy smiles at him warmly.
"Actually could we..." Suresh starts, but Poppy interrupts him.
"Of course Oliver, we're happy to make room for you," she says patting the space next to her as an invitation, one he happily accepts.
Suresh huffs and rolls his eyes in annoyance before looking across the pool and noticing Lulu, who's headed over there after the group dispersed when Oliver left. Suresh sneaks one more quick glance at Poppy before mumbling an excuse to leave and walking around the pool to Lulu.
Poppy turns to Oliver, smiling gratefully.
"I figured there's lots of time to get to know the others later... if I want. Would you mind if I join you?" Oliver asks Poppy.
"Of course not," Poppy replies with a cheeky smile. Oliver takes his phone out of his pocket and leaves it on the ledge before he hops into the pool, standing in front of Poppy who's still sitting on the edge.
"The water is lovely," Oliver says, inviting Poppy to join him. She slides down into the water gracefully, bouncing in the water only inches from Oliver. A tiny splash from her hits him lightly in the chest. Oliver looks down at the splash before looking at Poppy mischievously.
Poppy looks at him in mock horror. "Oh it was an accident!" Poppy says overly dramatically before playfully splashing him again, this time on purpose. Oliver laughs.
"Not to toot my own horn but I'm pretty good at making splashes," Oliver says before splashing Poppy back playfully. The other islanders pretend not to watch as Poppy and Oliver start chasing and splashing each other around the pool, their faces a mix of bitterness, anger, or hurt; except for Finn who looks pleased and Lulu who looks... proud.
Oliver's phone pings with a text from the edge of the pool where he left it. Further away from it than Poppy was, he wades to her first, offering her a piggyback through the water. Poppy happily accepts and hops into his back, wrapping her arms gently around his neck and her thighs tightly around his waist. Oliver places his hands on the back of Poppy's thighs near her knees to prevent her from slipping as glides to his phone.
The other Islanders gather at the edge of the pool, having heard Oliver's phone ping when they were watching the pair in the pool. Holding Poppy's thigh gently, as to invite her to stay on his back if she would like, Oliver opens the text:
Oliver and Lulu, as new Islanders each of you gets to choose someone for a date.
Oliver reads the text to the others before turning to face Lulu, still holding onto Poppy gently. "Ladies first," he says to Lulu with a friendly smile.
Lulu smiles. "Well, I'd love to choose this fella," she says, gesturing to Oliver playfully. "but I can't compete with that chemistry," Lulu says with a wink at Poppy. Oliver chuckles, looking down shyly before sneaking a glance at Poppy on his back who shrugs with a smile.
Lulu glances around the group, an amused smile creeping across her lips when she notices the sour looks on both Arlo's and Gabi's faces. "Suresh, would you like to go on a date with me?" Lulu asks him sweetly.
"I'd love to Lulu," Suresh says, his voice dripping in charm. Arlo crosses her arms, huffing angrily but Suresh doesn't notice; he's too focused on Poppy. When Poppy and Oliver make fleeting eye contact for what seems like the millionth time today, Suresh looks away petulantly.
Lulu bounds over to Suresh, giving him a quick hug. "Your turn!" Lulu turns to Oliver and says, ignoring Suresh's surly attitude.
Arlo and Meera both scoff angrily, sneering at Poppy on Oliver's back. Poppy looks down, preparing to jump off his back but Oliver squeezes Poppy's thigh affectionately before looking back at her. "Poppy, will you come on a date with me?" Oliver asks her quietly.
Poppy smiles and nods "I'd love to, Oliver," she says, feeling a lightness in her chest that she hasn't felt in days.
Oliver smiles, feeling a little relieved even though he'd already asked her if it was okay. He had something really special lined up for Poppy and on the chance she said no he didn't want to do it with anyone else. "There's something for you in your closet," Oliver says to Poppy who is still on his back. "It'll give away the date but... you'll see."
Poppy looks at Oliver curiously but he's playfully looking away. "Okay," Poppy says with a laugh. "I suppose I should go get ready then."
Meera rolls her eyes angrily as the islanders disperse. "Of course Poppy gets chosen," she says bitterly to Arlo as they walk away. As usual, Poppy ignores them, too excited and nervous to even care what they have to say.
Oliver piggybacks Poppy to the edge of the pool before turning around and carefully placing her on it, and helping her up when he gets out of the pool. Oliver and Poppy walk with Lulu to the dressing rooms."See you shortly," he says with a soft smile before heading to the restroom to get ready.
Lulu runs to the shower as Poppy heads to the vanity, staring at her own reflection in shock. She doesn't open her closet, vaguely afraid that this was all some horrible prank that was about to crash down on her. She had planned to leave today, she was ready to go home and go back to her regular stresses of school and grades. She knew they had planned something for her, based on Leon's request to wait it out the day, but she hadn't expected... well... this... and it almost felt too good to be true.
Poppy wasn't sure she could trust her own judgement anymore. After the last week and a half, and knowing what she put herself through over the last couple of years with Suresh, Poppy knew now she was far too trusting.
With my luck, I got him all wrong, Poppy thinks sadly. She really liked Oliver and she was sad at the possibility of the 'disillusionment' ending. My God, I wonder what they've made Suresh look like this season, she thinks to herself before shaking off the thought. Oliver's been perfectly lovely so far and there's no reason to doubt he's being genuine, and it's not fair to Oliver for Poppy to take out her insecurities on him when he's done nothing wrong.
Poppy doesn't even notice when Lulu comes in, freshly showered and in a gorgeous maroon vintage-style bodycon dress. Lulu sits at the vanity next to Poppy, giving her a concerned look in the mirror.
"Hey hun, are you okay?" Lulu asks. Poppy looks at Lulu and smiles.
"Sure, yeah," Poppy says unconvincingly before adding, "Lulu, you look great!"
"Thanks babe, so do you!" Lulu says, causing Poppy to laugh, she hadn't even started getting ready yet. Lulu hesitates before timidly asking, "I thought you'd be thrilled to go out with Oliver?"
Poppy smiles at Lulu, realising she's probably seen her numerous Beach Hut confessions as well. "I am," Poppy says, afraid of opening up to another person to hurt her. Poppy had to admit her gut told her Lulu was okay but she was still concerned.
Lulu frowns, looking down sadly before making eye contact with Poppy in the mirror again. "I know we've just met, and it's not really my place..." she starts shyly, not knowing how to broach the topic with an understandably jumpy Poppy, "nor am I really supposed to say anything." Lulu adds, sounding almost angry about it, "but for what it's worth... I think things are about to change here for you."
Poppy looks at Lulu confused. "That was... cryptic," Poppy says with a small giggle, looking at Lulu tentatively. Lulu is holding up an earring from two different sets to each of her ears, trying to decide which pair to wear for her date.
Lulu smiles at Poppy warmly. "Sorry Poppy, I know what you need right now is probably transparency," Lulu says gently. Poppy shrugs, she knows Lulu is bound by her contract not to reveal much.
"I think Suresh will like the gold ones most," Poppy says, referring to one of the sets of earrings Lulu keeps holding up to herself in the mirror.
"Yeah?" Lulu asks, holding them up to her ear once more before putting them away, and sticking the silver pair in. She gives Poppy a playful wink when Poppy looks at her confused. Lulu laughs, "ah, fuck Suresh," she says to an increasingly more confused Poppy.
"Didn't you... choose him for your date?" Poppy asks Lulu slowly, not understanding what's going on.
"And it's amazing how I've managed to infuriate two birds with one stone," Lulu says with a laugh. "A third, shortly I suspect," Lulu smiles conspiratorily at Poppy who looks at her in utter confusion before giggling. Lulu clears her throat before looking at Poppy more seriously.
"Poppy, I know you've had a rough go in here, and I know you're probably wary of everyone around you right now," Lulu says sincerely, "but I just want you to know that I'm on your side."
"Thanks Lulu," Poppy says, looking away awkwardly.
"And for what it's worth, Oliver's well into you," Lulu says with a smile. "I ran into him at the airport so I asked him... he didn't stop talking about you the whole flight." Lulu giggles when Poppy blushes.
"I don't have to tell you it's mutual," Poppy says with a dreamy sigh. "He's... really lovely. At least so far."
At that moment Arlo, Kat, Dana, Gabi and Meera burst into the changing room to get ready for their afternoon. Arlo rolls her eyes upon seeing Poppy and Poppy gives her an amused smile and a wink in return, almost giggling when Arlo scoffs angrily.
"Hey," Kat says to Poppy tentatively as she enters the room. "Excited for your date?"
Poppy takes a deep breath, wishing she could be nonchalant about it. "Thrilled," Poppy says honestly. Kat sits next to Poppy, perching on the edge of her chair carefully.
"He seems well into you," Kat says cautiously. After a pause she adds. "It looks mutual?"
Poppy only nods, not comfortable opening up to Kat anymore.
"What was the surprise?" Kat asks curiously. When Poppy looks confused Kat clarifies. "In your closet?"
Poppy shrugs. "I haven't looked yet," she says simply, glancing at her closet like she was afraid of it.
Kat laughs. "Why not?" she asks Poppy. "Whatever it is it's going to be lovely."
Poppy shrugs again biting her lip nervously. She gets up and walks to her closet, taking a deep breath before opening the door.
Hanging on the rack there's a brand new short-sleeve wetsuit with a note attached.
Poppy,
We're going surfing! I can't take credit for this, it's a gift from production but I hope it's o.k. I didn't want you to get cold! It's rated for Spain temps. See you soon.
xo Oliver
Poppy laughs in relief, turning to Kat to show her the wetsuit. "We're going surfing!" Poppy says, still smiling as the relief washes over her body in waves. Poppy heads to the restroom and changes into a more practical bikini for surfing before stepping into the wetsuit Oliver and the production team left for her, it's a perfect fit.
When Poppy steps out of the restroom with her bikini on and a wetsuit zipped up to her waist (the rest hanging down so Poppy doesn't get too warm before they hit the water) Arlo and Meera turn to Poppy with sneers on their faces.
"Oh, isn't that... cute," Meera says bitterly, smacking her teeth pointedly at Poppy. "I'm sure Oliver will love that."
Lulu laughs out loud from her seat at the vanity. "Babe, he literally just told her he left that for her," Lulu says, rolling her eyes at Meera. Meera glares at Lulu, but when she opens her mouth to say more she's interrupted.
"So what's up with you and Oliver anyway, Poppy?" Dana asks, desperately wanting to diffuse the tension.
"What do you mean?" Poppy asks Dana as she applies a layer of sun cream.
"Uh, when you two looked at each other it was like worlds colliding, pretty sure they felt it in space," Dana says. "Do you know him from the outside too?" she asks Poppy curiously.
Poppy blushes furiously. "No," she answers simply, not wanting to offer any more information.
"Then what was that about?" Kat joins in to prod, "I'm oblivious to almost everything that isn't me, and even I saw it. And Suresh definitely saw it, he looked pissed."
Poppy shrugs as casually as she can as she works on tying her hair into cute pigtail buns. Truthfully, Poppy could feel her heart sink when she realises what Kat's note about Suresh probably means for her.
"Come on Poppy, give us something!" Kat pleads.
When Poppy remains silent Meera pipes up, "well she did confess to having a massive crush on him in the Beach Hut. A few times."
"Wait, so you're telling me, all I had to do was sit in the Beach Hut and a man would come onto the show looking at me like that?" Dana says to Poppy with a laugh. "Sign me up! That Camilo fellow sure is mighty fine." Gabi glares in Dana's direction, but Dana pointedly ignores her.
"Like what?" Poppy asks curiously as he pins her hair down.
"I dunno, like you're the only person in the universe or something. It was very sweet," Dana says with a shrug.
"Suresh was livid when he came out," Kat says giggling. "He's been trying to get your attention all morning, did you even notice?"
Arlo scowls at Poppy angrily but Poppy ignores her. She finishes her hair and checks it in the mirror, shrugging at Kat before turning to Lulu, "Have fun today," she says to Lulu warmly. Lulu smiles widely.
"Not as much as you, boo, but I'll try," Lulu says with a bright smile. "See you soon!"
Poppy laughs, packing a sundress, sun cream and her water bottle into a bag before leaving the dressing room, not bothering to say goodbye to any of the other girls.
The ride to the date with Oliver was much longer than the one she went on with Finn. It'd been a weird couple of days for Poppy, and she wasn't sure how to process the most recent change of events. Oliver seems to be just as sweet and lovely as she thought he was, and, at least in Poppy's mind, it really feels like it's easy and natural to be close to him. Poppy sighs. It's only a matter of time before Suresh ruins this too, she thinks sadly as Kat's words about Suresh's reaction to Oliver swirl around in her mind.
When she finally arrives the driver pulls up to the edge of a private beach, stopping the car so Poppy would be closer to it than the road on the other side. Oliver approaches the automobile, opening Poppy's door for her with a bright smile on his face and two surfboards leaning on his arm. He's already wearing his wetsuit too, to Poppy's relief.
"You made it!" Oliver says excitedly, smiling when Poppy giggles shyly. He gives her a hug before looking at her apologetically. "I wanted to bring you flowers, but I was afraid they'd blow away while we were out there," he says to her.
Poppy smiles. "Surfboards are far more practical for a surfing date and arguably more fun anyway," she says, looking at Oliver with a glimmer in her eyes. "I'm really excited, I can't lie."
"Me too," Oliver says happily before the two start walking down the beach together. Poppy offers to take her board but he just smiles and carries it for her. "Is the wetsuit okay? I didn't want you to get cold while we're out there..."
"It's perfect!" Poppy replies. "Thanks for thinking of it."
"It's my pleasure," Oliver says with a smile. "So have you surfed often then? I saw er... on your audition tape that you could... I hope I'm not being too assumptive?"
"When we were kids, my brothers and I used to surf all the time," Poppy says, returning Oliver's smile. "We've always lived on the coast because of my dad's job. Not much surfing to be done in Glasgow though, but I try to go when I get away to warmer spots, or when the weather's nicer at home."
"I didn't think you were from Glasgow," Oliver says thoughtfully. Poppy laughs.
"No! I only moved there for school after two of my brothers did for work, I did some pre-med courses there before I got accepted," Poppy says smiling shyly. "I kind of grew up everywhere. Lots of people tell me my accent is hard to place."
"Where was your favourite place you lived?" Oliver asks Poppy, looking at her with interest.
"Mexico maybe? Or New Zealand? It's hard to choose. Maybe Canada? Or Thailand?" Poppy says shrugging. "What about you? Have you moved around at all?"
"I was born and raised in Falmouth," Oliver says. He chuckles lightly.
"You know, most people don't believe me when I say this but I often wonder how nice that would be," Poppy replies, looking Oliver in the eyes. "To just have a place you call home. I've never been to Falmouth though, what's it like?"
"It's really lovely, I'd love to show you sometime," Oliver replies to Poppy, stopping their walk. There's a picnic blanket laying on the beach with a bottle of bubbly and a large basket for food set up for them a ways from the shore.
"Would you prefer to surf now and eat later or..." Oliver asks, gesturing to the picnic.
Poppy looks at the water, bouncing on the balls of her feet anxiously. "Would you be upset if I voted surf now, eat later?" she asks, wincing lightly.
"Not at all, I was hoping you'd say that," Oliver says with a laugh. Poppy notices someone from the production team crew quietly put the picnic away... seems that production is really pulling the stops for their date.
Poppy and Oliver surf on the private beach for hours, only stopping to drink some water or apply more sun cream. They chat easily with each other between waves and lead a few crabs back into the ocean together while taking their water breaks, smiling at each other when the critters are safely back in the ocean. It's comfortable, easy and fun, and both of them have wide smiles on their faces as they enjoy each other's company.
The sun is starting to lower to the west when Poppy's stomach rumbles while she walks back to the beach with Oliver. "Ooof, I think I might be hungry now," she says with a light laugh. "Should we have a bite before it gets dark?"
"You read my mind," Oliver says, a relaxed smile on his face. He's pretty sure he's never had this much fun on a date before. The conversation seems to flow so easily with them, and they obviously do have common interests. He leads her to the picnic that production has set back up, waiting for her to take a seat before he does the same. Oliver opens the basket beside them, pulling out a tray of fresh fruits, some beautifully made sandwiches and a bottle of sparkling wine with two wine glasses. He pops the cork, filling a glass for Poppy and handing it to her before filling one for himself.
"Oliver, I have to ask," Poppy says curiously, "why in the world did you come here after watching this season?" she studies his face carefully as she bites her lip in nervous anticipation of his answer. "I know that they can make things look different than they are on the telly but... this is a really dramatic crowd..."
Oliver looks at the ground with a small chuckle. "To be honest, there's somebody here I'm really interested in getting to know..." he says before looking up at Poppy pointedly.
Poppy is probably imagining it when she feels her heart skip a beat at his words. Probably.
"Is that right?" Poppy asks him playfully. "You wouldn't be referring to me, would you?". She beams when Oliver nods.
"It's kind of an embarrassing story," Oliver says shyly, smiling at Poppy's giggle.
"More embarrassing than my multiple beach hut interviews talking about my crush on a guy who showed up?" Poppy asks as she cringes with a laugh. "I find that hard to believe."
Oliver looks down as he breathes a gentle laugh. "I think they're charming," he says with a genuine smile at Poppy. "Angie... my friend... my partner from last season... had a gut feeling about you, I guess you could say. She called me after the first live feed insisting I had to watch for you..." Oliver rubs the back of his neck as he continues. "She came up with OlliPop in a group chat we were in with some of the people from last season one day, and when we were all out at the bar one night she was teasing me and put the Ollipop tweet in her Twitter text box as a joke and... I posted it for her." Oliver's ears grow red as he admits this, looking at Poppy shyly. He breathes out a smile when he sees her beaming at him happily. "When things started getting really bad for you here with Arlo one of the producers called me. I already knew that I was going to say yes if they called... so it was an easy answer. I just... wanted to come and meet you."
"That's really sweet Oli," Poppy says. "I'm really glad you came." Poppy stops for a moment and looks at Oliver apologetically. "I'm sorry, I don't think I asked if I could call you Oli, is that okay?"
"More than okay... and I'm glad I came too," Oliver says, his eyes crinkling with his smile.
Poppy bites her lip in happy nervousness, still in complete disbelief that this is happening to her. Yesterday, Oliver was just some guy she was never going to meet that she had a big crush on and today, after one of the worst days she's had in a long time, she was on a date with him... and really enjoying herself.. and it seemed to be mutual.
The two finish their picnic and turn to watch the sunset over the ocean. When Oliver puts his arm around Poppy she leans into his shoulder.
"It's really pretty out tonight," Poppy says a little wistfully as she looks at the purples and oranges painted across the sky.
"Almost as pretty as you," Oliver replies sincerely.
Poppy giggles. "Thanks Oli," she says, blushing furiously.
"It's my pleasure... especially when you smile," Oliver says smiling at Poppy and looking her in the eyes. "It's really lovely, being out here on the beach with you."
"I couldn't agree more," Poppy replies with an enthusiastic nod.
Oliver looks down for a moment before looking at Poppy. "I really, really like you," he says warmly.
"I really, really like you too Oli," Poppy replies, biting her lip quickly before smiling widely.
"Poppy, would it be okay with you if I chose you at the recoupling?" Oliver asks Poppy shyly. "I assume there's going to be one coming soon and..." he trails off nervously.
Poppy smiles brightly. "More than okay," she says to him, so excited she could burst. "I would really, really like that."
______________________________________________________
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Oliver and Poppy share a car back to the villa, talking excitedly about a variety of topics, their homes and families, Oliver's job, Poppy's schooling, Dandelion and Mr. Magoo. Poppy feels lighter than air, more and more thrilled as time goes on that Oliver seems to be exactly who she thought he'd be. When they arrive back at the villa, Poppy gives Oliver a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for an incredible date," she says, her eyes sparkling.
Oliver smiles at Poppy. The urge to pull her in and kiss her is almost overwhelming. "It was my pleasure," he says sincerely. "I had a really great time with you, Poppy."
"Me too!" Poppy agrees excitedly. Poppy and Oliver turn to enter the villa and head to the garden where the others are and Oliver offers Poppy his arm again, which she happily accepts as they walk in.
When they arrive, Lulu is the first to greet them, waving enthusiastically from the bean chairs where she is sitting with Suresh. She's already changed from her date outfit to a more casual dress, making it clear to Poppy that they've been back for a while. "We didn't think you guys were ever coming back," Lulu says with a laugh. "You know it's a good date when you leave before lunch and come back after dark," she winks at Poppy and Oliver playfully.
Poppy and Oliver both blush, looking at the ground before sneaking a glance at each other. Lulu squeals happily as Suresh rolls his eyes beside her. "It was an incredible date," Poppy says, looking at Oliver with a bright smile. "I had an amazing time."
"Me too," Oliver says, looking at Poppy in the eyes. The two seem almost reluctant to separate, but finally each of them sits in a bean chair, Poppy on the other side of Suresh and Oliver next to Lulu.
"How was your date?" Poppy asks curiously, ignoring the annoyed look on Suresh's face.
"Oh, we had a lovely time," Lulu says dismissively with a wave. "Came back hours ago, though," she says with a cheeky laugh.
Before anyone can say anything else, Nicolas approaches, looking at Poppy pointedly. "Hello. I was hoping to borrow my partner for a moment," he says with an unreadable smirk.
Poppy rolls her eyes and Lulu and Oliver watch the interaction with confusion, not totally aware of the events of the day before. Poppy turns to her bean chair companions apologetically. "I'll be back," she says before walking with Nicolas as he leads her to the swing seat.
Suresh watches them pensively. The annoyed look he gave Poppy and Oliver was nothing compared to the anger across his face as he watches Poppy sitting with Nicolas on the swing seat.
"Alright Suresh, what gives?" Lulu asks him seriously. She was never one to beat around the bush and Suresh required a certain amount of directness in her brief experience with him.
Suresh huffs angrily as he tries to sort out his thoughts. "Nicolas is no good," he mumbles finally, still glaring at Nicolas and getting himself ready to get up at a moment's notice if Poppy seemed the least bit distressed.
Lulu looks to Oliver who frowns. "She didn't say much to me, just that she told him she wasn't interested in pursuing their couple any further... and he wasn't who she thought she was," he says with a shrug, looking at Suresh curiously and occasionally watching Poppy from the corner of his eye, assessing the situation around him.
"The rumours you've heard flying about Poppy today," Suresh says, talking to Lulu. "That was him," he nods in Nicolas' direction curtly.
Oliver looks at Lulu curiously before turning to Suresh. "Did something happen?" he asks him seriously before turning to watch Poppy and Nicolas.
"Been happening for days now," Suresh says shortly. He sighs. "I'm pretty sure he and Arlo are fucking, Poppy has no idea."
Lulu's eyes widen in surprise. "Why didn't you say anything earlier, when Meera and Arlo were insulting Poppy like children?" she asks him, sounding disappointed. "You know it's bad when the new girl has to tell people to smarten up and tell the truth because none of you can be bothered."
"I haven't exactly been the most trustworthy when it comes to Poppy, have I?" Suresh says tiredly. "I'd only make things worse for her. Besides, I have no idea what happened that night... she's not likely to talk to me about it. What he's told me is... not what I want to hear."
Lulu purses her lips. "But you, of all people here, should know that Poppy's not the type. Using people for sex? Come on Suresh!" she says, rolling her eyes.
Oliver turns to Lulu with a look of confusion but she shakes her head.
Suresh sighs. "One thing I know about Poppy is that she never does what you expect," he says as he watches her and Nicolas carefully.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Poppy sits on the swing seat, making sure to sit a few inches apart from Nicolas before turning to him unamused. "What do you want, Nicolas?" she asks him, her voice sounding tired.
Nicolas sits next to Poppy, leaning back casually. "Oh come on Poppy, this is fun," he says with a laugh. "Look at Suresh, he's just waiting for an excuse to come rescue you."
Poppy gives Nicolas a confused look. "What game are you playing, Nicolas?" she asks him. "Whatever it is, leave me out of it."
Nicolas turns to Poppy seriously. "I'm sorry if I've hurt you," he says. "I didn't expect it to blow up quite so much. Did you really mean what you said about not wanting to work on our couple?"
Poppy looks at Nicolas in disbelief. "Yes Nicolas, I really meant that," she says pointedly and with finality. "Why are you even asking anyway, you've made it pretty clear you're not interested in treating me like a partner."
"That's not true, I was proper stoked to be coupled up with you," Nicolas says, looking at Poppy sincerely. "You really are the hottest girl here we could have had a lot of cheeky fun together. Still could, I don't need strings attached," he adds with a wink.
Poppy leans away from Nicolas. "No," she says simply. "Not happening."
Nicolas chuckles. "Friends, then?" he says, looking at Poppy carefully.
"Let's call it casual acquaintances and see if things improve from there," Poppy replies. She sighs tiredly.
"I had a lot of fun the other night," Nicolas says to Poppy cheekily.
Poppy frowns. "So did I, until you threw it in my face like you did," she says, examining Nicolas carefully.
"I'm sorry about that, I wasn't thinking they would take it that way when I said it," Nicolas says, looking at Poppy with sincerity.
"Well, you didn't do much to clear it up either," Poppy says, sighing as she leans forward to rest her chin in her hands.
Nicolas frowns. "I guess not," he says. There's a long silence, the air is thick with tension.
"We have to assume there's a recoupling soon," Nicolas mutters, gesturing to Oliver and Lulu who are still watching them from the bean chairs. Finn and Kat arrive and sit in Poppy's former spot next to Suresh, joining the three already watching Poppy and Nicolas. "Where's your head at?"
"Far away from you," Poppy says tiredly.
"Well, maybe you'll change your mind," Nicolas says. "He might not get to pick first, you know," he adds cheekily, following Poppy's gaze to Oliver. "Someone else might just swoop in to sweep you off your feet."
Poppy looks at Nicolas in shock. "Surely you don't mean you?" she says in total disbelief. "You had a chance to be coupled up with me Nicolas. I was really excited about getting to know you."
NIcolas shrugs. "This is part of me," he says.
"Well it turns out you aren't my type then," Poppy retorts, crossing her arms.
"And Oliver is?" Nicolas replies with an eyebrow raised. "You've only just met him, surely I don't have to point out the irony in that?"
Poppy laughs. "I'm not taking relationship advice from you," she says with an eye roll.
"Did you fuck him? You guys were gone for a... very... long time today," Nicolas asks her curiously. His tone is playful, rather than angry.
Poppy rolls her eyes again. "If I had it'd be none of your business," she says seriously.
"Wouldn't it? We're in a couple you know... it would be pretty horrid to be pied like that on the telly," Nicolas teases, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Well you can rest assured, the worst pie you're going to get from me is me celebrating being out of this couple," Poppy says with a tired laugh. "Though I'm not entirely convinced you don't deserve worse."
"Mistakes were made," Nicolas says with a shrug. "Let by-gones be by-gones."
Poppy blinks slowly, processing Nicolas' strange behaviour. "Are we done here? I'd like to go now," she says awkwardly.
"To spend time with Oliver?" Nicolas asks playfully. "Haven't you spent enough time with him today?"
Poppy rolls her eyes. "Goodbye Nicolas," she says and walks back to the bean chairs. Nicolas shrugs and wanders off to find Arlo.
"Poppy, come, sit with me," Lulu says, scooching toward Suresh so Poppy could sit next to Oliver in the bean chair she was in.
Poppy joins Lulu and sighs. "You guys are all looking at me very strangely," Poppy says, noting the curious and concerned faces around her.
"Spill the tea babe!" Kat says excitedly. "What were you guys talking about?"
Poppy shrugs. "nonsense, mostly. Nicolas has a... strange sense of humour," she says carefully.
"That's one way of putting it," Finn mumbles under his breath. Suresh nods in agreement.
"Won't lie, it's weird seeing you two agree on something," Kat says, looking between Finn and Suresh carefully.
"Did he at least apologize?" Finn asks Poppy seriously.
Poppy shrugs but before she can answer her phone rings out with a text. Poppy pulls it out of her pocket as Kat and Lulu yell to the other excitedly to let them know. When everyone gathers around her Poppy reads aloud:
Islanders, the public have been voting and tonight there will be a surprise dumping, but first... make your way to the challenge stage for the 'Truth Booth'. Be at the stage in one hour.
#TruthsOut #TwoDown #ByeBye
Poppy bites her lip to hide a smirk, still looking at her phone for a moment. After the social media challenge and talking to Leon, Poppy wasn't worried about her chances with the public. It felt pretty pointed that she was the one getting the text announcing a public-voted dumping after the production team asked her to stay just the night before. Poppy didn't know what the Truth Booth was, but she felt confident it would be fine. She clears her throat before looking back up at the islanders with a neutral face.
"This should be interesting," Poppy says with a playful smile before standing up and turning to offer Lulu a hand up. Oliver gives Poppy a wink before the islanders make their way to the dressing room to get ready for the challenge.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Poppy has a quick shower, opting to not wash her hair, before flitting about in the dressing room and ignoring the glares and sneers coming from Arlo, Meera and occasionally Gabi. She grabs a dress from her closet, a green above-the-knee-length dress that she loves, and puts it on, spinning in front of the mirror beside her to get a full look. Poppy lets her hair down, pleased with the beachy waves that were left as a result.Poppy hums joyfully, sitting next to Lulu at the vanity before pulling out her makeup bag."Babe, that smile looks fantastic on you," Lulu says. "Spill the tea, how was your date?"Poppy smiles brightly. "Great!" she says cheerily. "I had a really, really nice time."Lulu laughs as she notices the other girls stopping what they were doing to listen to Poppy carefully. "Do you think he'll pick you at the next recoupling?" Lulu asks Poppy a little too loudly, already knowing full well from talking to Oliver that was the plan.Poppy is completely oblivious to the other girls who lean closer to listen to her answer, turning to face Lulu with a huge smile. "I don't want to jinx it but he did just ask me if I'd mind if he did, so... " she starts before nodding her head excitedly.Lulu squeals in excitement for Poppy. "I'm so happy for you!" she says. When Lulu notices Arlo rolling her eyes in reply she laughs.Poppy sighs dreamily. “He’s so lovely, Lulu… he’s exactly like I thought he’d be. He’s so kind and sweet and easy to talk to and we had so much fun today. I haven’t felt like this in a long time,” Poppy gushes.”Sounds like you’re already melty for the guy,” Arlo says with her eyebrows raised.Poppy turns to her mirror to put on some moisturizer and a light application of makeup. "How was your date? Are sparks flying with Suresh?" she asks Lulu, ignoring Arlo completely. Arlo rolls her eyes at Poppy."You know, he's really got something I can't quite put my finger on," Lulu replies, "He's very smooth, that one." Lulu laughs, adding, "I can't wait to choose him at the recoupling and see what I can figure out."Arlo slams down her makeup pallet angrily before storming out of the room, followed hastily by Meera. Gabi glares at Lulu angrily from her seat but says nothing. Poppy rolls her eyes at Arlo's outburst and puts on her shoes before turning to Lulu. "I'm about ready I think, I'm going to head down there now," she says. "See you soon!" Poppy smiles warmly at Lulu before leaving the room to go to the challenge stage.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"Heyyyy, if it isn't number five!" Nicolas greets Oliver as he walks into the dressing room after his shower.Oliver frowns but before he can say anything Finn yells from the other side of the room, "Oi! Lay off her mate, seriously." He turns to Oliver and adds, "ignore him, mate. Guy's an eejit."Oliver nods "Yeah man, not cool," he says with a frown before sitting down next to Finn to get ready."How was your date? Poppy was beaming afterwards," Finn asks as the two get ready."The best date I've ever been on," Oliver says with a wide smile. Suresh rolls his eyes but Oliver ignores him entirely.Finn examines Oliver closely. "Seems like you're pretty sweet on her?" he asks, watching him carefully.Oliver looks down briefly, unable to hide his smile. "Yeah, she's a bit of me," he says with a nod."Hm, Poppy sure doesn't waste any time," Nicolas snickers.Oliver raises his eyebrows, surprised by Nicolas' audacity. "I don't know what you're trying to start here man but I'm shutting it down right now, nothing happened. No need to start spreading rumours," he says pointedly.Finn turns to Oliver with a nod. "Too right," he agrees. "I think you've started enough drama for Poppy, Nicolas," he adds coolly. Nobody notices Suresh sneak out of the room."Poppy starts her own drama," Nicolas replies with a shrug.Finn rolls his eyes. "I'm going to head down there, I can't stand the bullshit any longer," he says to Oliver, gesturing to Nicolas."I'll be right down," Oliver says with a nod, looking at Nicolas. Alfie follows Finn, leaving Oliver and Nicolas alone. Oliver turns to him with a pensive frown. "You should know, I'm choosing her at the recoupling," he says to Nicolas simply.Nicolas laughs. "You and just about everyone else here. Good luck, mate," he says coolly."I'm not worried," Oliver replies with a shrug.Nicolas looks Oliver up and down. "I guess you wouldn't be when you've had the public rallying behind you for days," he says, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "Sounds like Oliipop would be a shoo-in for the grand prize with such strong public support.""I didn't come back here for the money," Oliver says, "but you seem like you're going to believe whatever you want to anyway."Well, enjoy my sloppy seconds," Nicolas says with a nasty smirk.Oliver's jaw tenses for the briefest moment before he takes a deep breath. He turns to Nicolas. "She's a person, not a side dish," he says calmly.Nicolas rolls his eyes. "Whatever mate, just enjoy your time with her while it lasts, won't be long til the next new guy comes in and she jumps on him.""Man, it's not cool to talk about anyone like that, how about you let me worry about how things go between me and her, " Oliver says, shaking his head in disbelief."Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you," Nicolas says with a shrug. Oliver rolls his eyes and the two head down to the challenge stage, Oliver shaking his head in disbelief.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Lulu waves goodbye and Poppy makes her way to the challenge stage for the Truth Booth. When she gets to the living room Suresh walks up to next to Poppy. "Can we talk?" he asks her, a pleading look in his eyes."Is it important?" Poppy asks him, avoiding eye contact. Poppy feels a pit forming in her stomach just being around Suresh these days. Please, don't ruin this for me...Poppy thinks to herself as she avoids looking at him.Suresh looks at her curiously, Poppy was usually one to maintain eye contact over avoiding it. "It would... mean a lot to me if you did," he says to Poppy finally.Poppy thinks for a moment. Being alone in a room with Suresh has never worked out in her favour in the past, and Poppy is pretty confident Suresh will jump on the chance to spread any seed of doubt in Oliver he can get his hands on. I should just tell him 'no', that he doesn't get anymore 'talks' with me,Poppy thinks to herself before sighing and sitting on the couch. She pats the spot next to herself and Suresh joins her, sitting next to her with his hands in his lap."Poppy... did you fuck him?" Suresh asks, looking at his hands. He can't seem to look at her, averting his gaze quickly every time he tries.Poppy turns to Suresh with confusion. She thinks for a moment, remembering her conversation with Nicolas shortly before. He's not seriously spreading rumours about me now? Surely? Poppy thinks to herself. "Oliver? No, we went surfing," Poppy says, a smile forming on her face with the memory. She looks down quickly in an effort to hide it from Suresh.Suresh rolls his eyes. "I meant Nicolas, but good to know," he says grumpily. He looks at her curiously. She's definitely a lot happier than she has been in the last few days, it was plain to see. Suresh had to admit that he loved seeing the light back in her... even if it was for someone else. He didn't mind someone doing the legwork so he could reap the benefits, after all.It's Poppy's turn to roll her eyes. "No, Suresh, I didn't have sex with Nicolas," she says tiredly. "We did bits... little bits really, but that's all. And no, I wasn't using him to hurt you... I... thought I really liked him," she says, biting her lip nervously. "I really don't like that he's implied that... to be honest, I don't even think he actually even feels that way."Suresh studies Poppy carefully. He'd heard her soft whimpers coming from her bed that evening and he'd been stewing on it ever since. "Didn't sound like it was a tenth as good as me," he finally states with an impish grin.Poppy smacks him playfully on the chest. "I'm not playing that game," she says with a laugh. "All I'll say is that after everything yesterday, I have regrets."Suresh frowns. "I get that," he says. Suresh sighs, "I have to admit, I'm a bit worried about the dumping," he says. "How are you feeling about it?"Poppy shrugs. "I was planning on going home today anyway," she says honestly. "Even told them to call a car for me. So I guess if I go home, I can't really complain since I asked for it." I would be disappointed to not get a chance to get to know Oliver better, though, she thinks, opting not to mention that to Suresh."Were you?" Suresh asks, looking at Poppy seriously.Poppy nods. "I tried to leave last night but they convinced me to stay one more day. It'd be pretty cruel of them to do that just to dump me the next day," Poppy says with a light chuckle. "Although I suppose after everything else in the last week, I shouldn't put it past them.""I don't think you're going anywhere, for what it's worth," Suresh says thoughtfully. He pauses for a moment before looking a Poppy. "This is kinda nice, just talking like this and not bickering...""I hate fighting with you," Poppy agrees, looking at the ground. She swallows heavily before looking back up at him. "We should get going to the challenge stage... what do you think it is?" she gets up and starts walking toward the stage, waiting for Suresh to join her.Suresh walks up next to Poppy and purses his lips. "To be honest, I can't see this one going well for me," he says to her, looking at her nervously.Poppy shakes her head. "I guess a challenge called 'Truth Booth' might be a little worrisome for some of the people in here," she says with an amused laugh."Alright Little Miss Perfect," Suresh retorts with an eye roll. "I guess we'll see how you fare in the challenge."Poppy thinks about it for a moment. "You know, actually... probably okay. Now that Kat knows about me and Finn kissing on the first day, I don't think there's anything else I've got to worry about. It'll be entertaining to see if Alfie finds out the truth about us in the kitchen or not." She thinks about it for a moment. "Or if I could find out somehow if you were lying to me about Leon. Or maybe about not already knowing about the ring I bought for you," she adds, giving Suresh a knowing look.For the briefest moment panic flits across Suresh's face before he composes himself."Gosh, could you imagine how horrible it would be to find out, after you gave me such a hard time about it, that you knew about the ring all along?" Poppy continues, looking at Suresh almost as though she's challenging him.She's so playful and nonchalant about it Suresh has no idea what to think. He studies her features carefully but she gives nothing away. Does she know? She clearly knows something... he thinks to himself. Did Oliver tell her?Before Suresh can decide how to respond to Poppy they've reached the challenge stage where Finn and Alfie are already waiting.Finn notices the playful smirk on Poppy's face and jogs over to the pair before Alfie joins him. Finn rubs his hands together, looking at Poppy before turning to Suresh with a laugh. "I have no idea what's happening, but it looks like it's gonna be good," Finn says. He watches Poppy, waiting to hear about whatever's happening that has her looking so amused while Suresh looks... a mix of confused, angry and impressed.Poppy laughs at her friend. "Nothing's happening Finn, we're just chatting about the challenge," she says, still smiling and not looking away from Suresh. "And how... interesting it's going to be."Suresh rolls his eyes. "You are in.fur.iating sometimes, you know that?" he says to Poppy, a ghost of a smile on his lips.Poppy shrugs. "Good. Maybe I'll infuriate you enough that you'll finally leave me alone," she says with a laugh."Ouch, need any ointment for that burn, mate?" Alfie asks, elbowing Suresh who rolls his eyes. Suresh laughs when he notices Poppy roll hers too.Poppy turns to look at the challenge stage. The setup from earlier in the day is gone, replaced by a trailer in the middle of the stage. A banner with the words TRUTH BOOTH in bright letters hangs across the top."I bet Poppy's terrified of this challenge," Meera says loudly to Arlo next to her as they arrive. Poppy turns to look at them with an amused smirk on her face. "A challenge called 'Truth Booth', I bet all her lies are about to come out," she says, looking at Poppy from the corner of her eye."I bet Oliver won't want to have much to do with her after this," Arlo adds, looking Poppy up and down pointedly."Oliver is privy to a lot more information than you ladies are right now," Oliver says to Meera and Arlo, looking at Poppy with a smile as he approaches the group, "And Oliver would also appreciate you not putting words in his mouth, especially not to be nasty to other people," he adds looking at them, his tone friendly but serious.Arlo's eyes widen in embarrassment and she mumbles something about how she was only joking before she and Meera slink to the other side of the stage, looking at Suresh and Alfie pointedly. Alfie runs over to Meera immediately. Suresh rolls his eyes at Arlo before glancing at Poppy. He looks like he's about to say something before deciding against it and jogging over to Arlo.Finn chuckles before leaning into Poppy and quietly saying in her ear, "feels like things are changing here for you," He winks at Poppy, laughing when she blushes.Lulu and Kat go to join Oliver, Poppy and Finn on their side of the field while Nicolas stands with Arlo, Suresh, Alfie and Meera, speaking to Meera and Alfie quietly while the three occasionally glance at Poppy. Dana and Gabi hover awkwardly in the middle of the two groups while Gabi stares longingly at Suresh and Dana pretends not to notice.Once everyone has arrived and settled Poppy gets the text instructing the islanders on how this 'challenge' works. She reads it aloud to the others:
Islanders, today you are being offered a special challenge called the 'Truth Booth'. The rules are simple, you will take turns. You can go into the Truth Booth as many times as you are called and ask any question about any Islander or their activity here on the island and you'll be shown the corresponding film to answer your questions. Only one person will enter the booth at a time.
Be aware that the person leaving the Truth Booth must let the islanders know who they revealed a truth about as it will be their turn to go next. You may enter the Booth and not reveal a truth about another islander and you will be told who to send in next; you do not have to reveal if you've revealed a truth or not.
At the end of the challenge, the people who've revealed the fewest secrets will get a special prize. Will you resist the temptation of truth?
Meera clears her throat and composes herself before Alfie can notice. "Well, good thing we trust each other, right Alf?" she says to him, masking the panic she appears to be experiencing by sneering at Poppy.Alfie examines Poppy carefully as he considers what this challenge could reveal, nodding non-commitally in reply to Meera.Poppy doesn't say anything more, turning back to face the trailer with a sigh.Suresh's phone pings, signalling the first turn. He steps up to the trailer and examines Poppy carefully before taking a deep breath and walking in to begin the challenge.Oliver steps next to Poppy, watching the trailer with quiet curiosity on his face. "Do you think you're next," he asks herPoppy nods. "Me, you, or Nicolas," she says. "At least that's what I gathered from the conversation I just had with him." Poppy turns to Oliver. "You should probably expect the possibility of having a turn after Nicolas too, actually. Couple of very curious men about our date.""To be fair, I know if I go in there, I'm asking about your date," Lulu says casually. "I should go grab some popcorn, it'll be like watching a film.""Grab me some, too," Finn says with a chuckle. "I think there's going to be plenty to watch tonight."______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Suresh steps into the trailer, ducking his head carefully so he wouldn't hit the doorframe. It's a small trailer, completely gutted for CCTV. The wall closest to the villa has multiple screens mounted across it. Most of the screens are showing a live feed of an area of the villa, the islanders are collected on one screen in front of the stage in two distinct groups with Gabi and Dana in the middle. Suresh watches as Poppy stands there, easily chatting with Oliver, Finn, Lulu and Kat next to her without a care in the world. With the exception of Kat, the entire group is completely relaxed, clearly not worried or not bothered by the "truths" that might come out about them. It was kind of comical seeing them so chill in comparison to the other group of islanders, who all look extremely nervous. Even that asshole Nicolas looks anxious, as though Poppy would care about his indiscretions with Arlo.A person sits at a control station next to an empty chair that has a currently blank screen in front of it. When the controller person invites Suresh to sit, he does so on the edge of the chair, as though he's afraid of it collapsing."Whom are we revealing a truth about today," the person at the controls asks Suresh seriously. Suresh watches the CCTV closely, examining Poppy and the easy way she talks to Oliver, the way her face lights up when he talks to her. He had planned to reveal whether or not she was telling the truth about not fucking Nicolas, Nicolas had definitely told the boys otherwise, but watching her with Oliver, Suresh was worried he had more pressing matters to deal with. They were gone the entire day and it was suspicious how she denied having sex with him completely unprompted."Poppy. I want to know what the deal is with Oliver," Suresh spits out.Poppy appears on the screen in front of him on the Beach Hut. He recognizes the swimsuit she is wearing as the one she wore on the first day. Suresh's heart sinks as he watches Poppy call Oliver her dream man, giggling like a schoolgirl. The screen cuts to Poppy sitting on the Beach Hut loveseat another day in a different bikini. "He just seems like he's really kind... I won't lie... I felt this immediate pull to him when I saw him last season. Like he's somebody I'd really like to get to know better. We seem to have a lot in common... and at least have some common interests," Poppy says on the screen, her cheeks flushed pink. Suresh squirms uncomfortably. "Erm... but you know... you can't really know someone through a few hours on a television show. But he's kind of the reason I came here. Well. Maybe not him specifically. But I wanted to meet someone creative and thoughtful and kind... and I thought maybe with the track record of nice men you bring on this show... maybe I'd get to meet my 'Oliver' here... whoever he is."Suresh is probably imagining the way his heart shatters when he hears Poppy say the words 'my Oliver'. Probably.The screen flashes to yet another Beach Hut interview, Poppy in a different outfit, looking a bit more distressed, talking about Oliver on the screen. "Are you just trying to get me to talk about Oliver again?" she says, blushing and smiling at the camera as she admits how embarrassing it is that he's seen her talk about him. It's so endearing Suresh can understand why Oliver came... it doesn't mean he has to like it. "Now I'm really worried I've made things awkward for him... that was my intent at all. I just think he's really... lovely. And cute. But I'm going to stop before I embarrass myself even more," Poppy's voice rings out with an air of dreaminess.Suresh swallows heavily, turning to the controller. "I've seen enough," he says gruffly."Please send Oliver in next," the controller says.Suresh sighs heavily and steps out of the trailer. He avoids looking at Oliver, grunting at him, "you're up." Oliver exchanges a quick glance with Poppy, who looks annoyingly amused, before stepping into the trailer.How the hell is she so melty for a guy she doesn't even know? Suresh thinks to himself, frustrated he didn't see it himself. He knew she was attracted to Oliver, that much was obvious by the way she looked at him... but to see her... gushing about him was a whole different story. It took Poppy nearly six months to tell him she loved him, while he told her every day from their first date on. Sure, she didn't say she loved Oliver, but there was something in the way she talked about him... like, rather than saying he was hot, she called him 'lovely'; instead of gushing about his abs, she went on about his 'kindness' and their 'common interests'.Oliver steps out of the trailer, smiling at Poppy. It looks so easy for them, Suresh thinks bitterly. Oliver sends Poppy into the trailer and Suresh chews his thumb nervously.When Poppy steps out, her trademark amused smile on her face, the one that annoyed and turned Suresh on simultaneously, and asks for Arlo, Suresh feels the final nail in the coffin of his relationship with Poppy.Arlo steps out of the trailer snapping angrily at Suresh that it was his turn again. Suresh raises his brows curiously. I know you're fucking Nicolas, what the fuck are you on about? Suresh thinks as he steps into the booth for a second time."What'll it be this time," the controller person says, gesturing for Suresh to take a seat. Suresh glances at the CCTV again, watching Poppy as she laughs at something Oliver's just said while Lulu and Finn watch them like proud parents or something.It's like torture but he can't help himself. "I want to see their date," Suresh says to the controller as he sits in the chair and prepares for the worst.They speed up clips for Suresh of when Poppy and Oliver were both out on boards. Poppy smiles so brightly that she lights up the screen. Suresh tenses up as the two sit at their picnic and chat about... just normal things.She didn't kiss him? Suresh thinks to himself in surprise as their date starts to wind down. Not only did she not fuck him, but she also didn't even kiss him?Suresh is pulled from his train of thought when the two wrap up their date. "I really, really like you too, Oli" Poppy says with so much affection and sincerity it hits Suresh like a train. He watches Oliver ask her if she would be okay with him choosing her shouldn't he know that's not how these things work? and Poppy reply excitedly, "more than okay! I would really, really like that."In that moment, Suresh realises he's already lost her, his only chance at getting her back will be if he can pick her at the next recoupling before Oliver can. Suresh thanks the controller person and steps out of the trailer, unable to look at Poppy. ”You're up, Poppy," he says gruffly, walking back to Arlo.Poppy is in there a few minutes before she steps out, still looking as relaxed and amused as ever. She turns to Alfie with a grin. "You're up," she says with a chuckle. Suresh watches her as she returns to her place with Oliver et. al. She watches as Poppy smiles at Oliver, looking up at him through her eyelashes. He watches the sweet giggles she gives him when he says things to her, the beautiful smiles and blush running across her cheeks when he's clearly complimented her. It hurts.When Alfie steps out, he looks PISSED and Suresh is pulled out of his thoughts. "You're up, Meera," he says, angrily sneering her name. Suresh notices as Poppy pointedly looks at the ground. Alfie must have just found out about the kitchen that day, Suresh realises. Alfie comes back to his spot with their group, glaring at Suresh before looking at the ground. When Poppy giggles at something Oliver's said again, Suresh notices Alfie flinch. At least that's two of us.Meera is out fairly quickly, mumbling Poppy's name and looking guilty. She returns to their side of the field, standing next to Suresh instead of Alfie with her arms crossed angrily. "So, Poppy, told you to choose her, huh?" Meera spits angrily at Alfie."Yeah, you also walked in on her fucking Suresh, huh?" Alfie snaps back angrily."Guys, let's cool it until after the challenge, yeah?" Suresh says tiredly.Poppy comes out of the trailer and sends Lulu in with a playful wink, their group laughing at some inside joke. Did she watch our date? Suresh wonders. He's not sure if he wants that or not, trying to make Poppy jealous hasn't exactly been working in his favour.Lulu steps out after a time with the brightest smile on her face, sending Poppy in again. Poppy and Oliver both blush for some reason, causing Lulu to squeal, again, about how cute they are. Suresh rolls his eyes.When Poppy steps out of the trailer again, she sends Gabi in. Gabi blushes furiously, and Suresh looks down guiltily. After they'd gotten the text telling everyone to leave Poppy alone last night, he'd taken Gabi to the roof terrace and fucked her; both Gabi and Suresh were assuming Poppy probably just watched that.Gabi's in the trailer for a while, stepping out with tears rolling down her cheeks. She sends Suresh in.Suresh steps into the trailer for a third time, sitting in the chair. "I want to know what he thinks about her. I want to know what his motives are," Suresh says quietly."Whom?" the control person asks, already lining up a clip."Oliver. I want to know why he's here," Suresh says, frustration dripping in his voice. "What are his intentions with Poppy?" Mr. Perfect has to have some dirty laundry... Suresh thinks to himself angrily.The controller rolls a clip with no picture, just the sound of a telephone ringing."Hello, Oliver speaking," Oliver's voice calls through the speakers."Hi, yes, Oliver Lee? This is the production team from Love Island, how are you?""I'm well thanks, yourself?" Oliver asks politely."Good, thanks. Listen, I'll cut to the chase. We... need to know, how are you feeling about a certain little hashtag that's been circulating the internet these days?""Hashtag?" Oliver says curiously. A woman's voice can be heard in the background, squealing quietly in excitement."Ollipop, are you familiar?" the producer asks.Oliver chuckles. "Err... yeah. I may have heard of it," he says, sounding amused."Look, I'll just come out and say it. The public's shipping you and Poppy Whittaker, she adores you, we... need you. Are you interested?"Oliver laughs. "Am I interested in what, exactly? It's been a weird season, this one..." Oliver says carefully."Are you interested in Poppy? At least meeting Poppy?" the producer says, sounding almost desperate."I'm... very interested in getting to know her," Oliver says in a way that there's no doubt he's telling the truth. "But how do I know you won't just use me to hurt her somehow?""Come on Oliver, she's cute, she's into you, you two like the same things... what's there to think about?" the producer says."Oh there's nothing to think about," Oliver says with a chuckle. "If she leaves the series single, there isn't much stopping me from meeting her on the outside if she's into it. The power of social media and all that...""How can we convince you to do it on the show?" the producer asks Oliver directly.Oliver thinks a moment. "You let her be coupled with who she wants to be coupled with going forward. No more blindsiding her in challenges," he says. "...and I want to take her out somewhere for the date. Hiking or surfing or something to get her away from the villa for a little while. I want to be able to tell her anything she asks, no contracts holding me back.""Done, anything else?""I reserve my right to walk at any point," Oliver says."We don't hold hostages, Oliver," the producer chuckles."I want it in my contract," Oliver says seriously."Okay, okay. Are we good?""Her too, I want to know she can leave at any point without worrying about you coming after her legally. And don‘t you dare use me to hurt her," Oliver says tiredly. "I need to know that you won't.""The entire station is riding on this meeting," the producer says defeatedly. "We can't afford to fuck this up." The producer stops a moment. "You do like her, right? Because I'm also reserving my right to boot you at a moment's notice if you're there to sabotage her."I'd love to see that in my contract, truly," Oliver says, chuckling. "Seems you missed that detail before. But yeah... I do fancy her, a lot actually.""Can you come tomorrow?" the producer asks."Tomorrow? Er..." Oliver hesitates.The woman's voice in the background can be heard frantically whispering "YESSSSSSSS, YESSSSSS! I'll watch your cat just gooooooooo!""Yeah, I guess tomorrow works," Oliver says laughing."We'll send your tickets..."The call ends there as the two discuss details. They called him yesterday? Suresh thinks to himself. Suresh turns to leave but the screen lights up, Angie from last season is being interviewed, the clip is raw and unedited, clearly filmed recently."So Angie... you're the one who started the Ollipop hashtag, tell us more," someone says behind the camera.Angie laughs. "Yup, it was me all right. From my own phone and everything!" she says enthusiastically. Too enthusiastically."So you must be in support?""I'm in support of my friend," Angie says with a laugh. "I knew right away Poppy was a bit of him... I just hope I'm right, he fancies her big time.""So the crush is mutual?"Angie laughs. "Big, big time," she says. "Super duper mutual, I'm positive.""How are you so sure?""Oh Oli's gonna kill me for this," Angie says hesitantly as she looks around the room. She laughs. "I didn't post the Tweet that started the hashtag... he did."The interview ends with Suresh feeling like he's learned nothing useful.After Suresh sends Oliver in, there's a revolving door of the islanders, mostly Poppy, walking in and out of the trailer. Seems everyone is eager to dish the dirt on Poppy. Suresh feels at a loss... the more he watches Poppy with Oliver the more evident it is that she really likes him. I don't think she's ever looked at me like that... Suresh thinks to himself as he watches them talk... when she's not in the trailer that is.Finally, Poppy steps out of the trailer for what seems like the 20th time and looks at Suresh. "You're up, Suresh... last turn."Suresh walks into the trailer and sits down, looking pensive. "I want to know if Poppy ever cared about me..." he says and braces himself to watch the screens.Suresh expected to see Poppy admit she was just playing with him. He expected to see Poppy admit she just wanted to hurt him. Instead, he was shown clips, mostly of scenes he was already in. He watches the first kissing challenge when the last secret is read; Poppy immediately puts it together and her face falls as she realises that he'd been the one hiding her from someone for months of their time together. He watches as Poppy kisses him that first night they shared a bed, grasping onto him like she can't get enough of him and deepening their kiss like she needed it; and he watches as she reluctantly, so, so, reluctantly pulls away from him when she stopped it. Suresh's heart sinks but the blows keep coming.He watches Poppy standing in the garden after the Excess Baggage challenge looking absolutely shattered because she believed she'd hurt him. He watches as he talks to Poppy about how much his family misses her, just for him to destroy her heart moments later when Arlo walks in. He watches as Poppy stands in the garden with the islanders and he swoops right past her, handing his second drink to Arlo without even glancing at an obviously devastated Poppy. He watches Poppy kiss him sweetly in bed that evening after he'd just pied her for Arlo to make her feel jealous, snuggling into him as she fell asleep in his arms, obviously wanting his love but afraid of being hurt. He watches Poppy look at him with hurt and confusion, silently begging him for his attention, as Arlo sits on their bed that morning and he turns his attention to her instead. He watches as Poppy sits at the vanity, wiping her tears before he comes in with his iced coffee, and again after he leaves with Arlo. Suresh looks at the ground guiltily as tears start to prickle the corners of his eyes.He watches Poppy swallow her sadness at the recoupling where he chose Arlo, staring at the ground in quiet acceptance. He watches as Poppy leaves him after their conversation that evening to cry on the daybeds alone after he'd purposely tried to rile her up. The tears start to fall down his own cheeks as he realises more and more just how badly he'd fucked up.The clips just keep coming, and Poppy's light keeps getting dimmer and dimmer. Poppy standing there devastated on the roof terrace when she hears him with Arlo in the bedroom, debating whether or not she can stomach even being there; Poppy looking fucking incredible wearing the birthday dress and absolutely devastated when she realises which dress she's wearing.Finally, he watches Poppy during the Snog, Marry, Pie challenge, approaching him so tentatively. She looks crushed... her light completely gone, as she tells everyone that nobody else made there as much sense to kiss as he did and she pulls him in to kiss him with everything she has."Fuck," Suresh says. It's all he can say, really.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________When Suresh leaves the Truth Booth the last time he looks destroyed. He pointedly avoids eye contact with Poppy who looks at him with concerned confusion on her face as he storms past her back to Arlo."What the fuck did you do Poppy?" Finn mumbles quietly beside her as they watch Suresh carefully."I... have no idea..." Poppy says, her voice full of surprise."Oh come OFF it, Poppy," Arlo screeches. "You know exactly what you fucking did, you have to!""Arlo, leave her the fuck alone," Suresh snaps angrily. "She didn't do anything."Gabi rushes to Suresh's side, eager to support him but he shrugs her off. Gabi looks down, disappointed.Poppy looks at Suresh curiously but he's still avoiding eye contact with her. Poppy excuses herself from Oliver, Finn, Lulu and Kat before heading to Suresh, approaching him carefully and ignoring the glares from Arlo and Gabi as she approaches him."You wanna talk about it?" she asks him, not entirely sure what 'it' is.Suresh nods curtly, looking over to Finn and Oliver before saying, "not here."Poppy sighs and leads Suresh to the swing seat to chat. When she sits down, he sits next to her looking out at the other islanders who watch them. "Sure would be nice to chat just once without being stared at," Poppy says lightly, trying to break the tension.Suresh nods. "I can't really complain I guess, I knew what I was getting into," he says simply.Poppy only nods in reply. They sit in silence for a while before Poppy says, "lay it on me, Suresh, what'd I do?"Suresh shakes his head. "Nothing," he says sadly."Oh... kay..." Poppy says quietly. She doesn't prod. The silence is heavy and uncomfortable."You really did love me," Suresh says finally after a while.Poppy blinks in confusion before nodding. "Of course I did, I wouldn't have said so otherwise."Suresh nods. "I'm a fucking idiot.""Resh..." Poppy replies quietly, her heart aching."Poppy... I know I fucked up. I fucked up probably a hundred more times since I got here. But... I need you. I'm so sorry Poppy, for everything," Suresh says, looking at Poppy so vulnerably that she reaches out to hug him, resting his head on her shoulder.When Suresh starts crying, Poppy's eyes widen in surprise. "Jesus Suresh, what the hell did you see in there?" she mumbles.Suresh pulls out of the hug with a thick chuckle. "I saw you get real melty for Tattooed Cinnamon Roll over there," Suresh says.Poppy blushes. "The Beach Hut Interviews?" she asks putting her face in her hands when Suresh nods. "I'm never going to live them down," she says with a laugh before looking at Suresh and regaining her composure. "It's fine, it's all fine.""Has he seen them?" Suresh asks curiously, laughing when Poppy blushes."Um.. yes. Yeah. He's seen them," Poppy says, avoiding eye contact with Suresh. "Wait... is that what's got you in this tizzy, because...""I was just trying to change the subject," Suresh says with an awkward laugh. "I can't see you not getting bored with Sir Sweetie Pie over there, I'm not too worried about him."Poppy frowns. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she asks him angrily."The man's far too... sweet, to satisfy your appetite," Suresh says pointedly."I wouldn't know," Poppy says carefully."I'm aware of that," Suresh says simply."Maybe my appetites have changed," Poppy says with a shrug. Poppy pauses for a moment before sighing heavily. "I really, really like him, Suresh," she says quietly."I'm aware of that, too," Suresh replies with a nod.Poppy frowns again. Please don't ruin this for me, she begs Suresh silently."I'm also aware that you didn't even kiss him on the date," Suresh says slyly."I would have told you that if you asked," Poppy says simply. "As you likely saw, I have nothing to hide.""Why not? You're melty for him, he's melty for you," Suresh asks."Didn't feel like the right time, I guess," Poppy says with a shrug. She looks out over at the other islanders, blushing when she notices Oliver glancing at her while talking to Lulu. Poppy notices that Finn and Kat must have taken off to have a conversation of their own."Or he's not as melty for you as you think he is," Suresh says looking at Poppy with an eyebrow raised."He's not obligated to like me because I confessed a crush on him," Poppy says coolly. "I don't recall ever assuming he's into me... I'm just enjoying getting to know him." She blushes again."I just don't want to see you get led on again," Suresh says. "Look where that got you with Nicolas.""Stay out of it Suresh," Poppy says, looking at the ground. "Please. I really like him," she adds. Poppy sighs and turns to Suresh. "Is that what you're all angry about? Because if that's the case then maybe..."Suresh stops her. "It's not that. Really. It's actually kind of nice to see you happy again," he says sincerely."Oh...kay..." Poppy says slowly, looking at Suresh with confusion."I love you, Poppy," Suresh says quietly. "I'll never be able to love anyone like I do you."Poppy huffs out a small laugh. "You sure have a funny way of showing it," she says and bites her lip nervously."I know. And I'm sorry. But I do love you," Suresh says. "And it feels like I've already lost you.""I mean, to be fair, you lost me when you cheated on me for multiple months," Poppy says with a bitter chuckle."Do you think we'd still be together if I hadn't?" Suresh asks her seriously.Poppy doesn't even think about it. "Well, yeah I suppose probably. I was planning on asking you to marry me..." she says.Suresh looks at the ground as the tears prickle the corners of his eyes again."You know, I was never sure you were in as deep as me," Suresh says thickly.Poppy almost winces. "I was in as deep as I could get," she says sadly, gripping the cushion beneath her. "I guess it just wasn't enough for you." I wasn't enough for you, she thinks sadly, looking down at the ground."That's not true," Suresh says quickly."Isn't it?" Poppy asks, turning at Suresh pointedly. She sighs heavily.Before Suresh can reply, Meera's screech can be heard from across the lawn."This is all Poppy's fault!!" she yells. Poppy's eyes widen as she and Suresh look at each other in surprise before quickly running over to the others."How Meera? How is it Poppy's fault that you lied to me?!" Alfie yells back angrily. "I really liked her!"”Yeah, that hardly seems fair,” Oliver says with a frown. Lulu nods in agreement. Poppy notices Finn and Kat having a serious conversation on the other side of the lawn. Finn looks... tired, and Kat is crying, gesturing wildly."Stay out of this! Just because she's got you under her little spell doesn't mean she's not a snake!" Meera snaps at Oliver."Her... spell? She's not a witch, Meera..." Oliver says carefully. "And you shouldn't be horrible to her for no reason."Poppy blinks in surprise and shoots Oliver a grateful look before turning to Meera. "I'd really appreciate you leaving me out of your relationship with Alfie, Meera," she says tiredly."No, because how are you somehow the reason every single one of us is upset?" Arlo screeches. "Suresh saying he was only using me to make you jealous, Gabi's upset because Suresh said given the choice between you and her, he'd choose you every time..."Poppy shrugs. "Those both sound like problems with Suresh. I didn't ask him to choose between me and Gabi, and I certainly didn't want him to make me jealous," she says, looking at Suresh pointedly. Oliver, and Lulu nod in agreement."You lied to me, Finn! You told me I was your number one girl and all this time you actually wanted to choose Poppy?!" Kat screeches from across the lawn. Poppy tenses briefly in surprise.Finn replies to Kat too quietly for the islanders to hear, keeping his voice calm and steady."It is awfully convenient how all of us who are upset are so because of Poppy," Arlo sneers.Poppy considers her words carefully, but before she can say anything Arlo gets a text. Arlo huffs angrily and calls Kat and Finn over before reading it aloud:
Islanders, the person who had the most secrets revealed about themselves was: Poppy, with 14.
Poppy looks around at the others, most of whom look down guiltily. Fourteen?! Was I even in there that many times? Poppy asks herself in surprise."Great," Meera sneers. "So not only did Poppy ruin my couple, she knows everyone's secrets." Alfie gets the next text:
The islanders who revealed the fewest secrets were: Oliver, with 1 and…
Suresh gets the last text, smirking as he reads it aloud:
Poppy, with 1.
Poppy gets the next text. She reads it, looking at Oliver.
Congratulations Poppy and Oliver, thanks to your discretion, you've each won a phone call from home tomorrow. You'll be messaged later with the details.
#phonecallshome
Poppy looks down immediately to hide her smile, excited to talk to her brothers, or Leon... or anyone from home again. Lulu bursts out into giggles as she realises what Poppy's done when the others start whispering about whose secret she may have found out. "Which one of us did you reveal the secret of then, babe?" Lulu asks, smirking at Poppy playfully.When Poppy realises her happy accident (truthfully, she only revealed one secret because she didn't care about most of the islanders, and trusted the ones she did care about) she clears her throat, relaxing her face before looking up at Lulu. "Wouldn't you like you to know?" she says with a wink."Wait. You're not going to tell us whose secret you've revealed?" Meera spits angrily. "After you've ruined almost all of our relationships?" Meera literally screams out in frustration. Alfie rolls his eyes, muttering something under his breath bitterly.Poppy ignores them, noticing most of the other islanders eyeing her inquisitively. "Nope," Poppy says with an amused smile."It has to be Suresh, right?" Kat asks Poppy. “Oliver’s not been here long enough…”"Does it?" Poppy says casually with a shrug. Suresh smirks at Poppy. Poppy notices Nicolas looking delighted by the drama."It's Oliver isn't it? You sent him in a couple times," Arlo adds."Maybe," Poppy says playfully. She shrugs, “Maybe not.”"You are so.... aggravating," Arlo stomps her foot angrily.Poppy shrugs. "If you couldn't handle the challenge, maybe you shouldn't have participated,” she says with a quiet shrug.”Yeah! You don’t see Poppy screaming and stomping about over the fourteen secrets of hers we revealed,” Nicolas adds, chuckling when Poppy rolls her eyes at him.”That’s because Poppy didn’t have any secrets,” Meera says, crossing her arms in an angry pout.”So, you’re mad at her because she wasn’t shady?“ Lulu asks Meera, “after you’ve accused her and ridiculed her for being shady? Very... interesting.” Lulu frowns at Meera, her point made.Meera rolls her eyes and purses her lips angrily.”Wait…” Dana asks, looking around the group awkwardly. “Did we reveal fourteen secrets about Poppy and none of them were shady? Seriously?”The islanders look at each other uncomfortably.”Well, she did kiss my man,” Kat spits angrily. “While she was coupled up with Suresh.””She already told me Kat… day of in fact,” Suresh says tiredly. ”After I’d just gotten done telling her about our little kitchen session.”Dana balks in surprise. “Excuse me, your what?””Are you really in a position to be saying anything to Poppy right now?” Finn says to Kat. Poppy turns to her friend in surprise, she’d never heard him so… angry before.Kat’s eyes widen and she immediately turns to Finn. “Baby…” she starts, but Finn shuts her down. Poppy looks at Finn with a confused and concerned expression as the islanders all stand in tense silence.Poppy is just about to suggest they leave Finn and Kat alone when Nicolas' phone goes off with a text. He reads it aloud:
Islanders, the votes are in. Please make your way to the Firepit for the dumping and a surprise Boy's Choice recoupling.
#TwoDown #PackYourBags
...and recoupling! Poppy thinks to herself, sneaking a glance at Oliver. He motions for Poppy to hang back with him when he notices, pulling her aside quietly. Poppy bites her lip nervously and Oliver takes her hands in his, gently massaging his thumbs in the spaces between her fingers. Poppy looks at their hands before looking up at Oliver."I just wanted to make sure, are you still okay with me choosing you tonight?" Oliver asks, chuckling when Poppy lets out a sigh of relief."Yes please!" she says, looking up at him hopefully. "If you want to, of course.""I very much do," Oliver says seriously, smiling at Poppy. He squeezes Poppy's hands before letting them go and turning to walk to the firepit with her. Oliver is instructed to sit on the “safe bench” with Lulu while the remaining Islanders wait to find out whether or not they are the ones who are leaving.Oliver isn’t worried at all about Poppy’s standing with the public and he's proven right when Poppy receives the first text. She reads it aloud with a curious tone to her voice:
Poppy, as the most popular Islander you are safe from tonight's dumping. Please move to the safe bench.
"That can't be right, give me that," Meera spits, grabbing Poppy's phone from her to read the text before Poppy can stop her.Poppy lets Meera read the text and puts her hand out for her phone back; Meera huffs angrily and hands the phone back to her. Poppy doesn't say anything and walks over to the safe bench with Oliver and Lulu."Fancy meeting you here," Lulu says playfully. She scooches over so that Poppy can sit between her and Oliver. Poppy giggles before sitting between them with a wide smile.Finn gets the next text, to Poppy's immense relief and he takes a seat next to Lulu. Poppy and Lulu cheer excitedly for him and Finn smiles at Poppy when she gives him a thumbs up. Then Dana gets a text, then Kat, then Gabi, then Suresh, leaving Nicolas and Alfie as the bottom two boys and Arlo and Meera as the bottom two girls.The tension is palpable. Arlo chews her thumb nervously and Meera gives Alfie an unreadable look, looking down sadly when Alfie avoids her gaze.Meera's phone pings first. She reads aloud, her voice shaking:
Meera, as the girl with the least votes you will be dumped from the island today, you have 30 minutes to pack your things.
Alfie's phone pings immediately after. He reads from his phone:
Alfie, as the boy with the least votes you will be dumped from the island today, you have 30 minutes to pack your things.
Alfie shrugs. "I guess that's karma for what we did to Poppy," he says to Meera coldly."Well maybe if you had listened to her and chose me in the first place, none of that would have had to happen," Meera snaps back."Hey guys, leave me out of it," Poppy says tiredly. "What's done is done."Meera sighs and looks at the ground. "I guess you're right, Poppy," she says with a small sniffle. "I don't even know why I care. He never wanted me anyway, even when you told him to pick me," she adds, glaring at Alfie."That's not true Meera... I just... wasn't sure," Alfie says hurriedly."I don't have time for little boys who don't know what they want," she spits angrily at Alfie before turning off and running to the villa in tears.Alfie sighs. "I guess I should go pack too then," he says, sounding defeated.The other islanders follow along awkwardly to help Alfie and Meera pack and see them off. When she gets to the bedroom, Poppy hangs back while the girls help Meera pack and the boys help Alfie, not really sure where, if anywhere, was the best place for her to be.Finn notices Poppy at the doorway and goes to stand next to her."Not helping your boy Alf?" Poppy says with a smile, gesturing at Alfie and the boys. Oliver smiles at Poppy warmly as he folds a shirt for Alfie."Nah," Finn says. "He's not my boy."Poppy raises an eyebrow, examining Finn. "All right," she replies simply. "Want to talk about it?"Finn nods, gesturing at the door for Poppy to lead the way. Poppy takes Finn to the living room, the others were all helping Meera and Alfie so they have the room to themselves."Kat's been having sex with Suresh... and Alfie. And she did bits with Nicolas yesterday," Finn says when they sit down. His voice void of emotion.Poppy turns to look at Finn quickly, her eyes widened in shock. "Seriously? Finn I had no idea, I'm so sorry," she says sympathetically."Yeah well, I'm honestly not too surprised with her. The way she was constantly jumping at me for everything really made me suspect. But Alfie? That was a blow," Finn says with a sad chuckle.Poppy nods. "I imagine it was, you thought you were good mates," she agrees."It feels like there's a definite shift in the air tonight," Finn says, looking out toward the stairway where the others would be making their way soon. "Maybe it's time I mix things up at the recoupling," he says, turning to look at Poppy. "What's your read on Lulu?"Poppy smiles. "I really like her," she replies genuinely. "But full disclosure I feel a bit biased, she's been making it clear she's my friend as much as possible since she got here... and she's the only girl in the villa I feel like I can talk to."Finn laughs. "She's also supportive of you, I've definitely noticed," he says. "It's boy's choice tonight. If I can I think I might pick her.""I think that's great, Finn! At the bare minimum, I could see you two having a laugh together," Poppy says kindly. "We didn't come here to be cheated on and sad the whole summer, after all.""It's good to know you're in support, your opinion matters to me," Finn says, looking at Poppy with a smile."I'd support you no matter what, that's what friends are for," Poppy says with a smile."Well then, speaking of supporting our friends... let's chat you and Oli," Finn says, laughing when Poppy blushes brightly."I fancy him a lot," Poppy says. She's looking in her lap, but she is smiling brightly. "I've pretty much fancied him since he appeared on the show last season. He's a lot of me," she adds with an embarrassed laugh. "So far at least, he's everything I thought he would be. It's obviously still early but...""Seems like it's mutual," Finn says with a laugh. "The two of you blushing like schoolchildren when I ask you about it, it's really sweet." Finn pauses for a moment. "I have a good feeling about him.""Me too," Poppy says with a nod.Finn chuckles, standing and holding a hand out to help Poppy up when the others can be heard coming down the stairs. Finn meets them at the bottom of the stairs and walks with them to the front doors.Poppy hangs back, not wanting to start any more drama before they left, instead opting to say goodbye from a bit of a distance. Lulu and Oliver say quick goodbyes before joining Poppy a bit away from the crowd.The Islanders pile outside to see them off and the second their car takes off Poppy gets another text that she reads aloud:
Islanders! It's time for the recoupling. Ladies, please make your way to the opposite bench. Boys, you'll be pinged one by one to make your choice
#Surprise! #BroughtToYouByPublicDemand
Poppy stands with Lulu on one side of the fire pit while the boys line up at the other. Oliver sneaks one last glance at Poppy, beaming at her brightly when he sees her glancing at him. When Oliver’s phone goes off his heart skips a beat.
Oliver, please stand and tell everyone who you'd like to couple up with.
When Oliver stands Poppy's heart jumps in nervous anticipation. She looks to her lap, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves before looking up at Oliver. When Poppy makes eye contact with Oliver her nerves turn to excitement. He smiles at her before clearing his throat."I never expected to be doing this again," Oliver says, he looks at Poppy bashfully. "When I left here last year I left with good friends and good memories, but something was missing... something that I think... I might find here. I'm choosing this girl because she's everything I thought she was, she's smart and kind, and honest and beautiful. She's easy to talk to and interesting and fun... and I really, really like her." Oliver holds out a hand to Poppy. "Poppy, will you couple up with me?"Poppy nods quickly and flies out of her seat, taking Oliver's hand and beaming so bright she outshines the firepit. He pulls her into him, lifting her gently by the waist and spinning her around before placing her back down and taking her hand. Finn, Lulu and Dana cheer loudly, drowning out the grumpy looks from Arlo and Suresh who watch bitterly. Nicolas and Gabi both look... bored and Kat is clearly distracted, watching Finn intently.Oliver takes Poppy's hand, entwining her fingers in his and the two sit next to each other on the bench. Occasionally they sneak glances at each other, smiling shyly when they catch each other, breathing quiet giggles. Poppy feels her heart fluttering in her chest as she smiles at her new partner. My new partner! Oliver! Poppy think to herself excitedly.Finn's phone is the next to ping and he stands at the fire pit nervously. When Poppy turns her attention from Oliver to her friend she nods at him supportively.Finn wrings his hands nervously, looking around the group. He clears his throat before beginning. "You know, I've been coupled up with the same person since I got here," he says with a small chuckle. "She's feisty and fiery and until today I would have said loyal as well." Finn turns to Kat, looking at her with his eyebrow raised. "She's cheated on me with just about every bloke here while making me feel like rubbish for kissing someone when I wasn't even coupled up with her..."Kat looks at her lap before looking up at Finn, her eyes glassed over. "Finn, Baby, I'm so sorry," she says to him sadly. "Please don't do this.""So that's why I think today... I'm going to venture somewhere new, a good friend reminded me why we're here," Finn continues, turning away from Kat. "I'm choosing this girl because she's fun, sweet, very hot and she's got great craic. This might come out of the blue but I hope she's open to getting to know me," Finn turns to Lulu. "Tonight, I'm choosing to couple up with Lulu."Kat is inconsolable. When Finn says Lulu's name Kat sobs loudly, putting her face in her hands. Dana and Gabi rush to her, rubbing her shoulders supportively and glaring at Finn.Poppy blinks a few times before smiling widely at Finn and Lulu. She quietly celebrates them, not wanting to upset Kat further. Oliver leans in to whisper quietly in Poppy's ear, "I think they'll be a good match."Poppy nods in agreement, glancing at Kat who doesn't seem to have heard them. Lulu sits next to Poppy on the bench, holding hands with Finn and smiling brightly. Poppy smiles at them again before turning her attention back to the recoupling.Suresh's phone pings next and he stands up at the firepit with an unreadable expression. He clears his throat. "Well... tonight hasn't really gone as expected," Suresh says seriously. "I came here with a game plan, but it seems I'm not the only one," he nods at Oliver pointedly.Poppy closes her eyes, trying to ignore Suresh's implication. Oliver is not here to play games with me, not everyone is like Suresh, she reminds herself.Suresh looks at Poppy. "The girl I wanted to choose tonight is already taken," Suresh says."WHAT?!" Gabi yells out angrily, getting out of her seat."Yeah, what?!" Arlo spits, crossing her arms angrily. She glares at Gabi quickly before switching her focus to Suresh.Suresh ignores the outburst. "So maybe I'll mix things up a bit. I'm choosing this girl because she's a firecracker, and I think we could get in a lot of trouble together. I'm choosing Kat."Poppy looks around the firepit and notices Gabi's face fall in bitter disappointment. Arlo's arms are still crossed angrily but she stays silent.Kat gets up and walks past Gabi to Suresh. Her eyes and nose are red from crying. "Thanks, babe," she says as she and Suresh take their seats on the opposite side of the bench from Oliver, Poppy, Finn and Lulu. Neither one of them looks in their direction.Nicolas goes next and chooses Arlo, leaving Gabi to choose Dana.When the recoupling ceremony is over, Oliver puts his arm around Poppy and quietly whispers in Poppy’s ear, “come with me.”Poppy looks at Oliver curiously, following without hesitation as he leads her to the villa. Oliver takes Poppy's hand and takes her up to the bedroom, opening the window at the end of the room.”I used to come up here last year when things were getting intense,” Oliver explains. “It doesn’t look like anyone’s discovered it yet.” He climbs out of the window onto the roof of what Poppy figures in the living room, holding a hand to help her out. "Don't worry, it's safe. The roof is flat," he explains.When Poppy gets out onto the roof she takes a look around. It was a great spot, really. The plants around the perimeter hide them from the view of the terrace while they're high enough from the ground to stay out of view there. They have lots of space, and when they sit with their backs against the wall they're completely out of view to anyone looking out the window.”I wish I knew about this spot days ago!” Poppy says with a sweet laugh. “Granted, I’d probably never leave,” she adds, looking up at Oliver. “Thanks for choosing me tonight, Oli,” she says to him warmly. ”I’m so excited to get to know you better.””Me too,” Oliver says happily, turning to face Poppy.Poppy looks at Oliver, her eyes bright with excitement and anticipation as he gently pushes her hair away from her face and behind her ear, his hand lingering on the back of her neck. Oliver looks from Poppy’s lips back to her eyes, studying her. Oliver has a reason for bringing Poppy here, out of view of the cameras (he checked on the CCTV in the challenge) and the others. He wanted this moment to be special... only theirs.”Poppy… can I kiss you?” Oliver asks Poppy so quietly it could almost be a whisper.Poppy doesn’t trust herself to be able to answer, nodding instead. Oliver smiles at Poppy brightly before leaning in.When their lips meet for the first time Poppy feels a fire fly through her body, unlike anything she's ever experienced. The kiss is soft, sweet and deliberate, as though Oliver is savouring her. Poppy takes in the feeling of his lips against hers, wrapping her arms behind his neck and pulling herself closer to him. Oliver wraps the arm not holding Poppy’s head around her waist, resting his hand on the small of her back as he deepens the kiss, softly prodding his tongue for access and massaging hers with his gently when she grants it.When they finally pull apart they’re both breathless, studying each other’s faces carefully as they break into wide smiles. Oliver presses his forehead against Poppy’s gently. “That was worth the wait,” Oliver says with a quiet chuckle.”I agree,” Poppy replies blissfully. Oliver kisses Poppy‘s forehead gently before he puts his arm around her with a content sigh. Poppy lets out a small yawn. "Excuse me," she says sleepily. "I must be getting pretty tired."”It’s pretty late, we should get back in the bedroom before the others find us,” Oliver says quietly. Poppy nods sleepily.”All that surfing today took a lot out of me,“ Poppy says with another small yawn.”Before we go, I just want to check… are you okay with sharing a bed with me tonight?” Oliver asks Poppy, planting another soft kiss on her forehead.Poppy nods. ”I’d really, really like that,” she says with a smile. “Maybe I’ll even get some cuddles,“ she adds with the sweetest little sleepy giggle.”I bet I can make that happen,” Oliver says with a wide smile. He lifts himself through the window before turning around to help Poppy through.Poppy heads to the dressing room where the other girls are already getting ready for bed. She sits at her spot at the vanity, wiping off her makeup before heading to the restroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. She chooses some nightwear, nothing too scandalous but still very cute for their first night together. Poppy is so tired she doesn't even notice how tense everyone is. Poppy says a quiet goodnight to Lulu (who scrunches her face up excitedly at Poppy in reply) and walks to her new bed to wait for Oliver.Oliver smiles shyly when he sees her waiting in their bed for him, crawling in next to Poppy and wrapping his arm around her waist. Poppy lets out a content sigh and settles in, curling up in the nook he’s left for her. Oliver gives Poppy an affectionate squeeze.”Goodnight, Beautiful,“ he mumbles in her ear sleepily, nuzzling a kiss into her neck before the two fall asleep… comfortable and safe, wrapped up in one another. Both of them feel as though at that moment, they are exactly where they are supposed to be.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Suresh is reading quietly in his armchair, working on a deposition for work when a soft knock taps on the door of his flat. He knew it had to be her, she was the only one who had a key to the building. He smiles to himself as he gets up to answer the door.
Poppy looks up at him from the doorframe, giving him a cheeky smile. "Well, hello there," she says flirtatiously. "I had a bit of extra time after tutoring tonight so I thought maybe I'd come see you. I hope that's okay."
Suresh smiles, stepping aside to let Poppy in. "I've missed you, Beautiful," he says before closing the door and offering to take her bag and coat.
When Poppy removes her jacket Suresh's cock immediately springs to attention. It appears Poppy came over with a purpose, as she is only wearing the set of lingerie he just bought her the previous weekend and a pair of stockings underneath her long trench coat.
Suresh eyes his girlfriend hungrily. "mmm... fuck," he groans under his breath as he examines her, she walks straight to his bedroom.
When she gets to the doorframe she waits at the door. Poppy looks over her shoulder back at him playfully. "Are you coming?" she asks him with a small pout.
Suresh nods and follows her into the bedroom, when she closes the door behind them he turns to her, pushing her up against the wall and lifting her, her thighs wrapped around his waist. He kisses her hard, groaning when she grinds against his hardness.
"What are we doing tonight, Baby," Suresh pulls away from kissing her and asks, nuzzling into her neck.
"Whatever you want, My Love," Poppy replies with a sweet giggle. "I'm all yours."
Suresh knew exactly what he wanted to do with her tonight and wasn't about to waste any time. He grabs a fistful of her hair and kisses her roughly before carrying her over and shoving her down on the bed and moving his head between her delicious thighs. "Don't come until I tell you to," Suresh growls as he pulls of her pants, leaving her stockings and corset on. Poppy nods in agreement, her chest heaving with excitement.
Suresh doesn't start slow today, he slides two fingers in Poppy (who he's pleased to see is already wet for him), sawing them in and out of her as he dives right into her folds, licking and sucking Poppy's clit ferociously. Poppy cries out in surprise as her hips buck up into his face, the pressure from Suresh's tongue sending shockwaves of pleasure through her body.
Poppy moans. That delicious moan, the one that drives Suresh fucking wild. Suresh groans against Poppy's bud, groaning a second time when Poppy clenches on his fingers.
"Mmm, Baby you're going to make me come," Poppy whimpers as her thighs begin to tighten around Suresh's head.
"Not until I tell you to, Love," Suresh reminds Poppy with a smirk before returning to his work, licking on Poppy's clit as he continues to pump his fingers in and out of her. Eliciting the sweetest mewls and whimpers from her.
Poppy tries to steady her breathing as Suresh continues licking and teasing her, driving Poppy closer and closer to the edge. Suresh stops and looks up at Poppy for a moment, continuing the steady pumping of his fingers in and out of her. She looks incredible like this, her cheeks all flushed with arousal, her pupils blown, her lips swollen and lightly parted. The most beautiful woman he's ever seen. He lets Poppy steady her breathing for a moment before pressing his tongue to Poppy's clit and curling his fingers inside of her to her g-spot simultaneously.
Poppy cries out as she feels the pressure building, pushing her closer and closer to the edge.
"Mmm Resh...." Poppy starts, stopping momentarily to moan when Suresh curls his fingers inside of her again. "can I please come, I'm getting so close," Poppy whimpers, not nearly desperately enough.
Suresh shakes his head with his tongue pressed against Poppy's bud. "Not yet," he says with a mischievous glimmer in his eye.
Poppy groans and takes a deep breath as she works to steady her breathing.
"You're doing so good for me Baby, just a little longer..." Suresh says, planting a kiss on Poppy's thigh before diving back in.
"Oh... fuck... Suresh," Poppy says breathily as Suresh licks her clit with firm and consistent pressure, smiling into her when her hips buck into his face involuntarily. She was almost at the point where he wanted her.
When Suresh curls his fingers again Poppy cries out, a beautifully desperate moan that Suresh adores. Poppy grasps onto the bedding below her, fevererently trying to steady her breathing.
"Pleeeeease Baby, can I come?" Poppy begs. Depending on the night, this is usually the point where Suresh would give in. Tonight, however, was not that night.
"Not yet, Beautiful," Suresh says before pressing his tongue against her again. Suresh smirks. "Only good girls get to come... are you a good girl?"
Poppy nods. "Yes Baby, I'm such a good girl," she says, breathing heavily and whimpering softly whenever he presses his tongue against her, moving it in circles around her clit frantically. Poppy's hips start bucking more frequently into his face as the pressure starts to build more and more.
Suresh chuckles and slows his movement drastically, both with his fingers and his tongue. Poppy groans and uses the opportunity to steady her breathing again. "You know Poppy, I don't think you're a good girl at all," Suresh says as he lazily laps at Poppy's clit, watching her as she whimpers softly with his movement.
Poppy feels the pressure building higher and higher with Suresh's teasing. It wasn't often he made her wait this long. Poppy takes a deep breath as her hips continue to thrust into Suresh's face, desperate for release.
"I am a good girl Suresh, pleeeeease," Poppy begs him as it gets more and more difficult for her to hold off. "Please Baby, please let me come," Poppy begs him.
It's so delicious, so desperate, Suresh can't help himself... he has to have more. Suresh starts lapping at Poppy's clit with steady and consistent pressure. Lick, lick, lick. Poppy starts to push her hips away from Suresh, trying desperately to hold off on coming for him.
"Why would I do that?" Suresh asks Poppy between licks at her clit, maintaining a consistent pace on her. Lick, lick, lick. "when you look....(lick, lick,lick) so fucking... delicious (lick, lick, lick) like this?" Suresh asks Poppy with a devilish grin. Lick, lick, lick.
Poppy cries out, pushing her hips back into the mattress and desperately trying to steady her breathing which has devolved into mostly whimpers. "Please, Baby, please... I'll be such a good girl." she begs him breathily.
"Poppy, my love," Suresh says to her playfully. (Lick, lick, lick) "Are you sure you're a good girl? (lick,lick,lick) You're begging me like my naughty(lick) little(lick) slut(lick)," he asks, chuckling when Poppy tries desperately to hold off, pushing her hips back into the bed. Suresh removes his fingers from inside her and grabs Poppy's ass with both hands, holding her pelvis in place. Poppy whimpers desperately.
"Pleeeeeeeease Baby," Poppy cries out, the right on the edge. "Please Baby let me come! I'll be whatever you want, please Baby!" she begs him, gripping the sheets beneath her.
Not. (lick) Yet. (lick) Suresh says playfully. "Prove to me how good a girl you are Poppy," he says, (lick, lick, lick), holding Poppy against his face (lick, lick, lick).
Poppy gasps and writhes in his hands (Lick, lick, lick) as he holds her to his face. "Baby, what... oh fuck...(lick, lick, lick) what happens if... (lick, lick, lick) fuck,fuckfuckfuckfuuuuckkkk.... what happens if I come before you let me?" Poppy asks Suresh desperately.
"Then I get to punish you, my little slut," Suresh answers simply as his cock twitches at the thought. (Lick, lick, lick) "Maybe I'll make you wear that vibrator I got you to my company Christmas party and see if you can hold off there."
The sounds coming out of Poppy are the most beautiful sounds Suresh has ever heard. The gasps and moans and curses spur him on (lick, lick, lick) as he brings her closer and closer the orgasm she's trying so desperately to hold off on... for him. (Lick, lick...)
"Oh fuck, Baby, please please please..." Poppy babbles as she gets right on the edge.
Suresh stops, his cock twitching hard in response desperate mewl Poppy makes.
"Babyyyyyyyyyy," Poppy whines, her hips desperately seeking his face, looking for release. "Please, please, please let me come!" Poppy begs.
"Not yet," Suresh says. He presses his tongue to Poppy's clit again, leaving it there.... not moving.
Poppy writhes her hips tentatively, grinding her pelvis against his tongue when he doesn't stop her. Suresh leaves it there for a moment, enjoying the visual.
"Such a naughty slut," Suresh says in an admonishing tone before pressing his tongue against Poppy again. Poppy stops her movement momentarily. whimpering softly.
"Please Baby, I'll be such a good girl," Poppy begs Suresh breathily. The movement in her hips starts again without her thinking about it as her body desperately seeks release on Suresh's tongue.
"But you look so fucking delicious like this," Suresh mumbles. "begging me to let you come, riding on my tongue..."
Poppy cries out, so, so close to teetering over. "Baby, PLEASE!" she begs Suresh, whimpering when he slides his fingers back inside her.
Suresh chuckles, sliding his fingers slowly in... and out..of Poppy's soaked centre.
"Not yet," he says before thrusting his fingers hard into Poppy, pushing on her g-spot while he licks Poppy's clit with abandon.
"Fuck, fuck fuuuuuuuck," Poppy screams out, her knuckles white from grasping the sheets. "Please Baby please, I'm coming!" she begs Suresh, unable to stop it. "Oh my god, Suresh... Suresh, I'm coming!" Poppy cries out as wave after wave after wave of pleasure courses through her. Suresh keeps his tongue on her, licking and sucking her through her orgasm until her walls stop fluttering on his fingers.
"Baby... oh my god," Poppy mutters quietly. She squeals out loudly when Suresh presses his tongue one last time, her clit sensitive.
"Naughty naughty," Suresh says playfully, kissing Poppy's thighs, chuckling when she twitches at his touch.
Poppy giggles. "No regrets, that was incredible," she says blissfully.
Suresh chuckles before wrapping an arm under Poppy's waist and flipping her over effortlessly. He bites Poppy's ass gently before reaching over the bed and grabbing a few toys from his bedside drawer, he places a few items on the nightstand before turning back to Poppy.
Poppy shivers in anticipation, laying on her stomach as she waits for Suresh.
"Naughty little slut, just for me," Suresh mumbles as he runs one of his hands up and down Poppy's ass. He pulls his hard cock out of his boxers, giving it a couple of tugs before smacking Poppy's ass hard, watching the delicious jiggle of it.
Suresh drops a dollop of lube down Poppy before she feels the cold hard titanium of her plug rubbing against her. This was easily Suresh's favourite toy, with the cute pink jewel on the end. Poppy shivers again, groaning when he presses the plug against her asshole.
Suresh chuckles, pushing it into her slowly as he watches it disappear. Poppy moans and Suresh pulls the plug out of her slowly, and pushes it back in again, watching it carefully. "Oh, fuck Suresh groans, looking at the little pink jewel. He tugs on his cock one more time before pushing into her soaked center.
"Mmmm.... Baby I feel so full," Poppy moans as Suresh enters her, feeling her warm wetness envelop him completely. He buries himself inside of her, as deep as he can, before wrapping his arm underneath Poppy and pulling her up to him, back against his chest with his cock still buried in her. He thrusts into her, hard, causing her to cry out in pleasure.
"So naughty for me Beautiful," Suresh mutters in her ear as he fucks her. From the bedside table he grabs Poppy's vibrator, turning it on low and rubbing it in slow circles around her clit as he thrusts into her.
Poppy whines as the vibrator gets closer and closer to her clit, moving her pelvis in tandem with his thrusts. "Mmmmm, Suresh," Poppy moans his name in the most delicious way. "Suresh Baby... you're going to make me come again," Poppy sighs. Suresh places the vibrator on Poppy's clit and increases the speed, fucking her hard. "Is that right? Are you going to come all over my cock with that toy in your ass like a good little slut?" he growls in Poppy's ear.
Poppy whimpers softly as she feels the pressure building again. "Yes Baby, right there, right there...." Poppy whines, pushing her hips back to meet Suresh's hard thrusts. "Suresh, oh my god I'm coming," Poppy cries out for the second time that evening, pushing her hips back into his as he pounds into her.
"Such a good little slut for me," Suresh groans as he watches Poppy come, writhing and gasping, pushing back into him as her back arches in pleasure.
When Poppy's movements stop he pushes her forward, bending her over on her knees still buried inside of her. Poppy arches her back as Suresh grabs a fistful of her hair, watching his cock hammering in and out of her underneath that cute little jewel.
Suresh feels himself getting closer to coming as he notices Poppy slide her hand between her legs, rubbing her clit again. "Fuuuuuck," he groans, pounding into Poppy harder as her fingers fly over her clit. Her moans become whimpers as she makes quick work of herself.
"Baby, tell me when you're close..." she whimpers as he fucks her. "I want to come with you."
"Fuck Poppy..." Suresh groans under his breath. "Fuck Baby, I'm close,"
Poppy's fingers fly over her clit frantically and her moans start turning into screams as Suresh pounds into her, coming deep inside of her.
"Fuck fuck fuck," Suresh growls. "Fucking take my come, my naughty little slut," he mutters in her ear as he cums in her. "fuckkk."
Poppy stops her hand, chest heaving as she finishes coming with Suresh. Suresh stays buried in Poppy, laying on her back, kissing her neck, her ear, her cheek... Poppy turns to look at him and he kisses her passionately.
"I fucking love you, Poppy," Suresh says as he slides out of her before gently removing the plug for her.
"I love you too, Baby," Poppy giggles sleepily. "Will you come shower with me?"
Suresh chuckles, helping Poppy up and leading her to the shower. He runs the water and helps her undress before walking in with her, holding her close and murmuring how much he adores her quietly in her ear.
Suresh wakes up, his cock rock hard, he rubs his hands along the body in front of him. Not Poppy, his mind tells him. Suresh rolls over, seeing the soft outline of Poppy's face sleeping across from him, wrapped in Oliver's arms. She looks so peaceful, so content.Fuck, Suresh thinks to himself angrily. I have to get her back.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The next morning Poppy wakes up before everyone else, listening to the sounds of the other islanders sleeping around her. Poppy almost forgets where she is for a moment, it's been a few days since she's woken up in the communal bedroom. She's reminded when Oliver squeezes her lightly.
Poppy rolls to face him, surprised to see Oliver already awake. "Oh! Good morning," she whispers to him quietly, smiling brightly.
Oliver returns Poppy's smile and kisses her forehead. "Good morning, Pretty Lady," he whispers back quietly before pulling the duvet over their heads, bringing the two of them to their own little world. He pulls Poppy in for a kiss, smiling when she giggles quietly against his lips and wraps her arms around his neck before kissing him back. Oliver cradles Poppy's face in his hands, kissing her gently until she melts into him. Poppy can feel her heart rate quicken as she tastes him, the feel of him against her leaves her wanting more. Oliver stops for a moment to look at her, her lips swollen and pink from their kisses and her eyes bright with desire and affection. Neither of them says anything as they study each other, both catching their breath. When Poppy does the tiniest bite of her lip he kisses her again, harder this time, like he can't get enough of her no matter how hard he tries. When Oliver's tongue lightly prods for access, she grants it moaning softly into the kiss.
Oliver rolls Poppy onto her back and hovers over her as his kisses grow more urgent, more hungry. He wraps one hand up in her hair and the other traces its way down Poppy's side to her lower back, holding her closer to him before he moves his way along her jawline to her neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses in his wake. Every time Oliver's lips press to Poppy's skin she feels jolts of electricity course through her and when he kisses the spot on her neck her breathing hitches momentarily. Oliver takes note of everything, when Poppy's breathing changes, the smallest movements she makes when he kisses certain spots, the way she tastes, the smell of her floral shampoo... he wants her.
Oliver groans before reluctantly pulling out of the kiss, leaving them both breathless. For a moment neither one of them says anything as they catch their breath, breathing in tandem with one another while they look into each other's eyes, a million words pass between them without any being spoken.
"Fancy keeping me company while I make us some breakfast?" Oliver asks. "I was going to make you breakfast in bed, but if you're awake and would like..."
Poppy nods and the two jump out of bed, tip-toeing out of the room together quietly.
"Can I help?" Poppy asks when the two arrive in the kitchen. Oliver looks at her and smiles.
"You can help by having a seat," Oliver says shaking his head and pulling out a stool for Poppy. She giggles and sits down leaning with her elbows on the counter toward Oliver as he preps breakfast.
"What are we having?" Poppy asks with a curious smile.
Oliver smiles at Poppy. "Would you like an omelet?" he asks, tossing an egg in the air. He chuckles when Poppy nods.
"That sounds lush, yes please!" Poppy says.
"Any allergies or diet restrictions?" Oliver asks.
"None, I'm not fussy," Poppy says with a smile. Oliver nods and grabs a few vegetables, holding them up for Poppy to nod in approval before placing them on the counter to prepare.
"Did you sleep okay last night?" Oliver asks as he digs through the fridge, smiling when Poppy nods.
"Best sleep I've had since I've arrived," Poppy says sincerely. "I was pretty wiped out... and I had a great cuddle partner," she adds cheekily.
Oliver laughs. "What a coincidence! I also had a great cuddle partner and a great sleep," he says with a shy smile.
"I'm glad," Poppy says sweetly. "And thank you for making breakfast... omelets are my favourite," she says with a shy smile of her own. "When I was a kid we used to make omelets every Sunday morning, my oldest brothers would come home every weekend and the seven of us, me, my dad and the five boys, would all be clamouring around in the kitchen putting together omelets. It was always the best day of my week," Poppy tells Oliver, who listens as he chops vegetables, nodding with interest.
"That's really sweet, Poppy," Oliver says smiling at her endearingly. "Seven of you must have made for a busy kitchen."
"Pure chaos," Poppy says with a giggle. "For some reason, we never wanted to put any kind of system in place, we just played it by ear every week. But it was always lots of fun. We don't really get to do it now, my dad and the older twins are in Australia for work and one of the younger twins travels constantly for his job. The other of the younger twins and my other brother live in Glasgow near me... but it's not the same when it's only us three."
"Five brothers and you? That's a big family. Are you close?" Oliver asks.
Poppy nods. "I'm very close with my brothers, I see the two in Glasgow, that's Oren and Lennox, almost every other day," she says. "And we're all close with our dad, he's the best. He raised all six of us alone from when I was about four on," Poppy says.
Oliver finishes up cooking, flipping an omelet onto a plate for each of them, and placing one in front of Poppy. "I hope it's okay," Oliver says before handing Poppy a fork. "Your dad sounds like a pretty great guy, what does he do for work?"
"He's a Marine Biologist, and so are my two brothers that live down there with him. They're doing some work in the Great Barrier Reef," Poppy explains. "That's why we grew up near coasts all the time. Dad raised us with a very healthy respect for the ocean. What about your family? I remember you saying last season you're very close with them?"
Oliver nods happily. "My parents only live a few blocks away and I see them every weekend. I have an older sister, Christina. She lives in Kuala Lampur near my Gram. I wish I could see them more often than I do," he explains. Poppy nods in understanding.
"I definitely get what that's like," she agrees before taking a bite of her omelet. "Oli, this is incredible!" she says as she takes in the flavours.
"I'm glad you like it," Oliver says happily, taking a bite himself.
Poppy and Oliver continue their conversation, Poppy asks Oliver all about his family and visiting them in Malaysia, and Oliver asks Poppy more about her brothers and dad.
"This is really nice," Poppy says with a smile. "I really like how easy it is to talk with you, Oli," she adds as blush flies across her cheeks.
"I couldn't agree more," Oliver replies warmly. "Everything feels... really easy with you."
Poppy nods in agreement. "You're really great, Oli," she says, her cheeks pink with blush.
"So are you, Poppy," Oliver replies sincerely, planting a lingering kiss on Poppy's forehead.
After finishing breakfast the two wash up together. Poppy insists on washing since Oliver cooked, and Oliver dries. When they're done, Poppy and Oliver go back to the bedroom to get dressed, having decided to swim a few laps before the sun gets too much. The others are still sleeping, and Poppy and Oliver manage to sneak out again unnoticed. They go to the pool and swim laps for a while, just happy to be in each other's company.
As much as she wants to avoid it, Poppy can't help but notice the differences between how she feels with Oliver and how she does with Suresh, and how much better she feels now in general than over the last... well, year and a bit to be honest. The conversation between her and Oliver flows naturally and the silences between them are sweet and comfortable, never awkward. Poppy also notices that when Oliver looks at her, it's like she the only person in the world and it makes her feel butterflies. Poppy knows already she's proper falling for Oliver, even though it's far too soon to be making that kind of judgement.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Oliver and Poppy hear the others congregating in the kitchen after a while as they finish up. "Should we go see what the others are up to?" Oliver asks Poppy reluctantly, chuckling at her equally unexcited nod. They walk to the kitchen together, talking comfortably to each other on the way.
"Boring, they just went for a swim," Kat says looking back and forth between Poppy and Oliver from her place leaning on the doorframe.
"Next time!" Lulu says with a cheeky laugh, ignoring Suresh who's rolling his eyes next to Kat. Both Poppy and Oliver blush and laugh. "Where were you two last night, you missed all the drama!" Lulu adds with a chuckle.
Poppy rolls her eyes and grabs an orange from the fruit basket. "No worries there Lulu, plenty of time yet to get caught up in it," she says, sitting next to Lulu on a stool and peeling her orange. "Have to be honest, it's kinda nice to have had a drama-free evening for once. I think it might be my first since coming here." she laughs. "I had a great time."
"Yeah, must have been nice for you," Arlo sneers from the other end of the bar, "especially since you started it and then fucked off to let the rest of us deal with it." Arlo crosses her arms and turns to face Poppy to wait for her response.
Poppy continues to peel her orange, turning briefly to smile at Oliver as he sits on the stool next to her and puts his arm around her. "How'd I manage that, I wasn't even there?" she asks with an amused look on her face, turning back to hyper-fixating on her orange.
"Hm, let's see," Arlo snipes at Poppy angrily, counting on her fingers. "You kissed Finn, you stole Alfie from Meera- pied him for Nicolas, did bits with Nicolas to make Suresh jealous then pied Nicolas the second Oliver got here," she spits, giving Poppy a challenging glare.
"I did all of that last night?" Poppy asks incredulously, "Incredible." Oliver and Lulu both snort out in laughter and Suresh covers his mouth to hide a smirk. "That is not how any of that went down Arlo, it's amazing how you make a narrative in your own mind like that," Poppy says pointedly... still peeling her orange.
"Are you saying you didn't kiss Finn?" Arlo sneers, "Because I saw it myself on the telly."
"Yeah, and I really liked you, Poppy," Nicolas chimes in playfully with a pout.
"Oh no, I kissed Finn, I've never denied it," Poppy says with a nod tossing her orange peel in the bin and ignoring the glare from Kat. "But in case you've forgotten, Arlo, I left Alfie when I caught him having sex with Meera on the terrace. And in case you've forgotten, Nicolas, I left you after you spent an entire day lying to everyone about me and putting me down, Oliver had nothing to do with it," Poppy says angrily. "Stop trying to imply things when you clearly know nothing about me." Poppy pops a piece of her orange in her mouth, shaking her head in frustration.
"You snogged Suresh during the Snog Marry Pie challenge!" Arlo screeches, leaning toward Poppy over the bar.
"When you were coupled up with me!" Nicolas adds, basking in his new partner's drama.
"And you both threw a literal pie in my face. Each." Poppy says with an eye roll. "It was a challenge," she adds tiredly. She sighs and turns to Lulu. "See? Always plenty of time for me to get caught up in it," she says with a grin.
Lulu looks at Arlo and Nicolas in surprise. "I have to admit, I'm bewildered that you're actually as immature as you appear on the telly," she says, looking at Arlo and shaking her head. "I really thought they were spinning you," she adds, standing up. "I'm going to wait for Finn on the day beds if you and Oli want to join me," she says quietly in Poppy's ear before leaving the room, still shaking her head in disbelief.
Poppy kisses Oliver on the cheek and quietly asks him if he'd like to join her and Lulu, smiling widely when he nods. Poppy smiles politely at the other islanders, stopping herself from rolling her eyes at Suresh's surly face before standing and calling out after Lulu, "wait up, we'll join you!"
---
"It's actually been like that for you this entire time," Lulu says in disbelief as she flops on the day bed next to Poppy who sits next to Oliver. Oliver puts his arm around Poppy without even thinking about it, smiling down at her happily and kissing her forehead when she leans into him.
"Pretty much," Poppy says with a shrug. "I don't even know what Arlo has against me, I've never tried to get between her and Suresh," she adds, biting her lip nervously. "I'm really sorry you guys, I seem to attract the drama," she adds quietly.
Oliver and Lulu exchange a look. "Poppy, you didn't do anything wrong," Oliver says, his brow knitted in concern. "You know that, right?"
"Arlo's just jealous of you, always has been," Lulu agrees. "Doesn't help that Suresh has done everything in his power to facilitate that," she mumbles in addition. "Nicolas doesn't seem any better either."
Just then Finn arrives, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Alright, Trouble," Finn says with a chuckle, looking directly at Poppy and distracting her from asking Lulu for clarification. "Spill the tea, whose secret did you watch?"
Poppy laughs. "Oh I'd forgotten about that," she says. "It's not nearly as juicy as you think, I just wanted to know who'd been eating all the crisps. Turns out it's Dana and Gabi," she spills. She narrows her eyes. "...and you."
"You're joking," Finn says, unable to stop himself from laughing. "Somehow you doing something so innocent when they're all in there in a tizzy at you for existing is so very you."
Poppy rolls her eyes. "It's getting a bit old," she says nervously biting her lip.
Before anyone can say anything, Arlo yells that she's gotten a text from the kitchen. Oliver helps Poppy up off the daybed, telling her, "from what I saw today, and what I've seen on the telly, I hope you know you've done nothing wrong," Oliver says, frowning in the direction of the kitchen.
Poppy smiles back at Oliver. "Thanks, that makes me feel better," she says.
"Anytime," Oliver says with a grin. "Especially if I'll get to see you smile."
Poppy blushes as the two enter the kitchen, causing Suresh to roll his eyes.
"Now that Poppy has so graciously decided to bless us with her presence," Arlo sneers sarcastically, causing Poppy, Oliver and Lulu to roll their eyes in annoyance. "I'll read the text now." Arlo reads it aloud:
Islanders, it's time for another challenge. Two teams will compete to guess the most correct answers to some saucy or sweet questions in the next kissing challenge!
#GettingLippy #MintyFresh
Poppy leans to Oliver. "Is it okay if I kiss you in the challenge... because I would like to..." she asks him with a cheeky smile.
Oliver smiles widely. "More than okay. Is it okay if I kiss you?" he asks.
"More than okay, I'd really, really like that," Poppy says with a happy nod as they walk to the challenge stage together.
They're split into two teams, girls versus boys and Dana and each team takes a turn reading out a card and guessing who they think the secret is about.
Nicolas is instructed to go first and the teams line up on each side of the stage. He pulls the first card, reading it aloud, "This islander once spent a night with a set of twins." He looks at the girls, wiggling his eyebrows. "Saucy!"Poppy watches as the boys huddle and discuss before Nicolas steps forward. “This one’s got Dana written all over it but…” he says before stopping in front of Poppy. Poppy rolls her eyes and gives Nicolas a light peck.
Nicolas winks at Poppy before heading back to the boys to find out the answer. “Whoa, it was Kat!”
”Spill the tea, babe!” Dana says as she turns to Kat excitedly.
”A lady doesn’t kiss and tell. Lucky no one can accuse me of being a lady," Kat says with a laugh. "Was dating both twins at the same time. Obvs. Then they had to go and ruin it by finding out about each and getting all prickly about it. But I wanted one last hurrah. So, I suggested one final wild night – all three of us."
Somehow, very Kat, Poppy thinks to herself. SInce Kat was the correct answer she takes the next turn, taking her place and reading her card aloud.
"This islander took his girlfriend of only a few weeks to Greece for her birthday," Kat reads before looking around at the others. "One of you is a major baller."
Kat runs to the girls to discuss. Poppy rolls her eyes. "It's Suresh," she tells Kat confidently.
"How would you know?" Gabi snaps, causing Poppy to blink in confusion.
"I was there..." Poppy replies deadpan. She looks at Gabi with a confused expression. She's not seriously mad that we have a history together? As exes she surely should expect that? Poppy thinks to herself, frustrated.
"Did he not do similar for you?" Kat asks Gabi with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"But you were his girlfriend, right Gabi?" Arlo says, looking at Poppy.
They're riling her up on purpose, Poppy realises, she rolls her eyes. "Why are we doing this today? I'm just telling you I know the answer is Suresh because I'm the girlfriend he brought to Greece, his relationship with Gabi has nothing to do with it," she asks the girls tiredly. "I'm sure he did plenty of lovely things for Gabi, too."
"Too right," Lulu agrees with a nod. "You girls need to grow up and get over your insecurities."
Kat rolls her eyes, scowling at Lulu angrily before stalking up to Finn and kissing him. He pulls back quickly, giving her an unreadable look before she walks back, revealing Suresh's name to be the answer. "Hm, guess you were right, Poppy," Kat says to her, looking her up and down before smirking at Lulu.
Poppy rolls her eyes and ignores Kat, turning her attention to Suresh who is taking the next turn.
Suresh swaggers up to the pile of cards, casually grabbing the top card and reading it out, brow raised in curiosity. "This islander’s “Body Count” is 1," he reads, looking at the girls with a surprised expression.
The islanders all look at each other before the boys and Dana meet to confer on their side.
”Well it’s got to be Poppy hasn’t it? She’s the most innocent of us all,” Arlo whispers, looking over at the boys and Dana to make sure they aren't listening.
"Shh, Arlo, I'm trying to listen," Kat says, shushing the woman.
The pit in Poppy's stomach starts to form again. It’s shocking to her how the others haven’t figured out yet that when a secret comes out implying someone was really special to someone else, it’s always about her and Suresh. Always.
”Nope. No way,” Suresh says, shaking his head with conviction. "I know her best, it's not her." Poppy notices Suresh looking at her when he says it. Surely this can't be that big a surprise? she wonders as she bites her lip.How is he going to react to finding out a genuine secret, I wonder...
"Then who else?" Nicolas asks, looking at the girls. "The only other one I'd guess is already gone," he adds, referring to Meera.
Suresh stands there in shock, looking at the girls carefully. With the exception of Lulu, he'd been intimate with all of them, and nobody was standing out to him. When Poppy notices him scanning them she stops biting her lip, consciously trying to keep her face neutral.
"It's defo Poppy, mate," Finn says, eyeing the girls carefully. Poppy keeps a straight face, not giving anything away.
”I guarantee you it’s not,” Suresh says, looking at Poppy pointedly.
"Okay, then... Lulu?" Nicolas asks, sounding very unsure.
Poppy sneaks a glance at Oliver who winks at her playfully, unbothered by the discussion happening beside him. Poppy blushes before winking back at him, causing him to chuckle.
Suresh makes a decision, stopping in front of Lulu to give her a sweet peck. He glances at Poppy to see how she reacts before running back to his place and ripping a tab off of his board. He turns to Poppy, open-mouthed in surprise as he shows the others the board with her name written on it.
"I knew it!" Nicolas exclaims excitedly.
Suresh composes himself and studies Poppy carefully. One? No. That.. really? Suresh thinks to himself in surprise. Poppy didn't seem to be... inexperienced in his recollection of his time with her. Poppy gives him a pointed look, silently asking him not to push this any further.
”Wait, does that mean that Suresh is the only person you‘ve…” Kat starts.
Poppy rolls her eyes. “Yes Kat, that‘s what that means,” she says, annoyed that the games have started again. She steps forward. ”I guess it’s my turn,” Poppy says and grabs the next card, reading it aloud before the others can discuss her sex life, as though they have a right to do that, any further. "This islander has a standing order with a local florist to send his mum flowers every week," she reads, smiling as she does. Poppy doesn’t even look at the girls, walking straight to Oliver with a wide smile on her face.
”You think it’s me?” Oliver asks Poppy with a playful grin.
”I know it is,” Poppy says with a giggle, wrapping her arms around Oliver’s neck and pulling him down for a kiss. He grins against Poppy’s mouth kissing her back earnestly, resting his hands on the small of her back as the two lose themselves in it. When Poppy pulls away they're both breathless, Lulu cheers excitedly and Finn whistles loudly. Suresh rolls his eyes, causing Gabi and Arlo both to roll their eyes. Their first kiss for others to see, and the chemistry between the two was evident.
Oliver kisses Poppy’s forehead before she walks back to her spot in line and reveals Oliver's name on her card. Poppy smiles and gives the girls a point on the board.
Suresh rolls his eyes. Of course Mr. Perfect orders flowers for his mum every week, he thinks to himself bitterly.
Oliver takes the next turn, reading the next card aloud, "this islander once yelled at a waiter to avoid being caught "getting busy" underneath the table."
Like Poppy, Oliver doesn't look at the boys, instead walking straight to her. He smirks at Poppy playfully when he stops in front of her.
Poppy suppresses a laugh. "You really think it's me?" she asks with an eyebrow raised.
"Not even remotely," Oliver admits with a smile, wrapping his arm around Poppy and leaning down to kiss her. He pulls her closer to him by her waist before gently caressing her face with his other hand. Lulu cheers again, along with Dana, Finn and (surprisingly) Kat this time. Oliver is smiling and blushing when he pulls away and runs back to his place to reveal Arlo's name on his card. "Shucks," he says, grinning at Poppy.
Poppy laughs. "I never yell at waiters. You'll get it next time, Babe," she says with a giggle.
"I don't mind being wrong once in a while, especially not today," Oliver replies with a shrug, looking Poppy in the eyes. He doesn't know how anyone could not fall for the way they sparkle when she's being playful. Oliver blushes at the thought.
Suresh clenches his jaw as he watches Poppy and Oliver flirt in front of him. The chemistry between the two feels like acid running through his veins.
Arlo takes the next turn, taking the opportunity to try to kiss Oliver for a card that was Dana's. Gabi also tries to kiss Oliver on her next turn, looking at Suresh to see his reaction, but Oliver turns all of their kisses into friendly pecks.
Finn takes the next turn, kissing Lulu heatedly. Kat crosses her arms, looking away pointedly. Next is Dana's turn, and she kisses Poppy (to her surprise, it's a very friendly peck) and turns out to be right.
Poppy reads the last card happily. "Kiss the islander of your choice," she reads, showing it to the others before walking over to Oliver.
Poppy smiles brightly, standing in front of Oliver. "I know this one is you, too," she says cheekily. Oliver chuckles and puts his arms around her, pressing his lips to hers again, consciously aware of the way his entire body reacted to her. Every bit of him wanted to be closer to her. When she pulls away he presses another soft kiss on Poppy's forehead before she calls the game. The girls had scored two points and the boys and Dana one, not really a surprise since everyone was just kissing whoever they wanted to, more or less.
Oliver gets a text telling him it’s time for him to go to the Beach Hut to talk to his family. He gives Poppy quick kiss on her cheek before taking off, excited to talk to his loved ones at home.
Suresh watches as he leaves, waiting for him to be out of sight. When Oliver gets inside the Beach Hut, he pulls Poppy aside and takes her to the swing seat, noting that Kat was otherwise distracted by following Finn and Lulu so they would be truly alone, save for the cameras.
"Um... were you ever going to tell me that?" Suresh asks, still surprised. He looks at Poppy with a confused expression.
"Wasn't planning on it," Poppy says with a shrug. "If you had asked at the time I would have but you never did."
"Why not?" Suresh asks. He studies Poppy carefully. She had blind-sided him, >actually blind-sided him to his complete surprise. He felt like he should be angry that she didn't talk to him about it, but he was more... curious than anything. Once again, he thought he meant nothing to her just to find out that wasn't the case, that she cared deeply for him and he was just too blind to see it.
Poppy shrugs. "I'm not sure to be honest. I mean, now I wouldn't have because why do you need to know after the fact? I'm literally the opposite of a high-risk case and it's not really any of your business anymore," she says. "But then... I'm not sure. I thought about it, but you didn't seem too bothered by my inexperience so..." she bites her lip nervously.
Suresh laughs and shakes his head. "No, I definitely wasn't bothered in the slightest," he says, looking at Poppy amused. "I honestly had no idea... I probably would have done things... differently if I had known that," he adds with a small frown.
Poppy shrugs. "Well, now you know. It doesn't change anything now," she says casually. "I really don't want to make this a big deal, Suresh. Especially not on television," she adds a little more anxiously, looking in the direction of the camera mounted in the corner.
Suresh sighs. "Alright, Poppy," he agrees. One thing Suresh is confident of when it comes to Poppy is that pushing something like this will backfire on him tremendously. If she didn't tell him while they were together, there is no way she's going to go into detail about it on television.
Poppy lets out a relieved breath, she was unsure how this conversation was going to go but out of all their chats here, this was one of the better ones. "Thank you," she says quietly.
Suresh nods. "Are you excited for your call home?" he asks curiously, changing the subject. "Who's it going to be, do you know?
"No idea, but I'll be excited to talk to anyone," Poppy says so joyfully that Suresh can't help the chuckle that escapes.
"I won't lie, I'm nervous about it," Suresh says, as he turns to Poppy with a guilty expression on his face.
Poppy raises an eyebrow at him. "Is that right? Got any last-minute sins to confess before I get out there?" Poppy asks him with an amused grin.
"Honestly, too many to count," Suresh says sadly. "I'm sure you already know about me hooking up with Arlo..."
Poppy senses the seriousness of Suresh's tone and looks at him curiously. "I do," Poppy agrees with a nod. "And Kat, apparently? Since she's been with Finn?"
Suresh looks down guiltily, adding, "and Gabi... and Dana... er... separately, neither one of them knows about the other..." he hadn't intended to tell her everything but Suresh had to admit it felt good to get it off his chest.
"Jesus, Suresh... you just can't help yourself, can you?" Poppy says, her voice full of concern.
"Poppy, I swear to you, Gabi is the only person I cheated on you with," Suresh says with a sigh. "I know that's hard to believe now, but I promise it's the truth."
"I mean, I do count Arlo too, you know..." Poppy says, she turns to look at the ground. "I had just opened myself back up to you and told you I was ready to try again. That really, really hurt. I thought..." Poppy sighs. "It doesn't matter what I thought, what's done is done," she adds as she looks out toward the garden.
Suresh flinches slightly. He looks at Poppy, examining her. "Why didn't you say any of this before?" he asks her curiously.
"And open myself to you hurting me a third time? No thanks," Poppy says with a sad chuckle. She doesn't look at Suresh.
"Why are you telling me now?" Suresh asks, still watching Poppy carefully.
Poppy shrugs. "I don't know. It just feels like I should," she replies quietly, watching two birds flittering around in the garden.
Suresh turns his gaze to watch the birds with Poppy. They play together for a while before one flies away, leaving the other looking at the ground alone. Fitting, Suresh thinks to himself.
"Suresh, is something going on with you?" Poppy asks suddenly breaking the heavy silence that surrounds them.
Suresh blanches. I've fucked up with the best girl I've ever going to meet in my life and I have no one to blame but myself so I'm acting out, Suresh thinks to himself. Instead, he says, "nope. Everything's good, thanks for asking, Babe."
Poppy turns to look at him for the first time in a while, Suresh is sure he can feel her eyes searching into his soul. "Okay, Suresh. I won't pry," she replies quietly and folds her hands in her lap.
Just then Oliver steps out of the Beach Hut, smiling widely at Poppy who stands and runs over to meet him. "I got to talk to my gram, mum and dad, it was great!" Oliver says, his eyes sparkling. "I hope yours goes as well!"
Poppy can't help but return Oliver's smile. "I'm so excited!" she says happily, walking into the Beach Hut.
Suresh turns to Oliver casually when Poppy closes the door. "I'm not giving up," he says simply, looking Oliver up and down.
Oliver just shrugs and smiles. "Poppy's going to make whatever choice she's going to," he says in reply before turning to go to the pool to nap in a lilo, completely unworried and unbothered by Suresh.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy's face brightens even more when she walks into the Beach Hut, seeing two of her brothers and Leon's faces lighting up the screen in front of the loveseat. Poppy takes a seat, excitedly saying hello to her brothers and best friend as she sits down.
"Soooo?" Leon says curiously, his eyes bright. "I guess it didn't fall through," he adds with a laugh.
Poppy blushes furiously. "Err... no," she says with a giggle. "Oliver and I coupled up last night," she adds, not looking at her brothers who look at her with teasing smiles.
"Well tell him we say thanks, we got access to the live feed again yesterday," Lennox, one of Poppy's brothers, says.
Poppy looks at him on the screen curiously. "He negotiated to get us access again before he left," Leon explains.
Poppy nods. "I'll pass it along then," she says with a smile. "So how are you guys? How's home? How's Mr. Magoo?" she asks excitedly.
Leon holds up the small feline for a very excited Poppy, while her brothers tell her how things are at home. Didn't seem she was missing much there, which seems so crazy considering the sheer amount of drama she's been dealing with in the villa over that time. Time really does move differently in this place... she thinks to herself.
"Poppy, we don't need to tell you to stay away from Suresh, do we?" Oren, Poppy's other brother, asks his little sister seriously. "And to not believe anything he says? You know he just stopped Oliver outside to tell him he's 'not giving up' on you... after everything. We just watched it in the feed."
Poppy rolls her eyes. "Zero surprise here," she says tiredly. "Anyway, can we not talk about Suresh, I can't seem to escape him anywhere."
"We could talk about you and Oliver," Lennox says, laughing when Poppy blushes. "Do you have a bit of a crush?"
Poppy nods, not looking at the boys on the screen in front of her. "I may fancy him a lot. He's very sweet..." she says before looking up at them hopefully, relieved to see them all smiling.
"He fancies the pants off you," Leon says with a laugh. "As your best friend, I approve. And the public definitely approves, they just did a poll and something like 98% of the public thinks you two are the real deal... already."
Poppy chuckles. "Thanks, guys, that means a lot," she says warmly.
"We're out of time... they're telling us we have to go now, we just wanted to say we love you," Lennox says, already waving.
Leon picks Mr. Magoo up again, waving at Poppy as she waves goodbye.
"Thanks for calling guys, love you!" she says happily before leaving the Beach Hut with a smile on her face. Poppy spots Oliver at the pool and walks over to see him, eager to hear how his conversation went.
"How'd it go? Who'd you get to talk to?" Oliver asks excitedly before she can, getting out of his lilo to help her into hers.
Poppy giggles, making herself comfy before turning on her side to face Oliver who's back in his lilo doing the same. "It was great! I got to talk to Leon and my two brothers in Glasgow... and Mr. Magoo," she says with a smile. "They said to say thanks for getting them access to the feed again." Poppy breathes a shy smile. "They like you."
Oliver chuckles. "My mum and Gram like you too, a lot," he says, remembering his Gram's playful teasing when Oliver would blush every time she mentioned Poppy's name. "Gram's home visiting my parents for a little while," he explains. Poppy smiles.
"It's so nice you got to see her!" she says happily, running her hand across the surface of the pool beneath her. "Will she still be visiting when you get home?" Poppy asks.
"She's staying for the summer, so I'll see her for a bit after, yeah," Oliver says nodding.
Poppy smiles before clearing her throat her expression concerned. "Um... about the challenge... I'm sorry that this stuff with me and Suresh keeps coming up..." she starts but Oliver stops her.
"Poppy, it's okay. You're entitled to have a past just like the rest of us, I'm just sorry it keeps getting thrown in your face constantly," he says, reaching for Poppy's hand. Poppy smiles in relief, squeezing Oliver's hand before he looks at her with a twinkle in his eye. "M'lady, I believe it's been a minute since I've reprised my title as Splash Making King," he says playfully as he slides off his lilo in the pool gracefully, still holding Poppy's hand. His eyes sparkle mischievously as he goes to yank Poppy into the pool with him, careful to catch her on her way down.
He pulls her close to him, wrapping his arms around her waist before planting a kiss on her collarbone.
She giggles, moving her hair out of Oliver‘s way as he kisses up her collarbone to her neck. “Pardon me, Sir, but I believe it is I who is the Splash Making… King,” Poppy replies without conviction as he continues kissing her.
”I seem to remember that differently,” he mumbles with his lips against her cheek chuckling softly.
”Hm?” Poppy asks him, clearly distracted.
Oliver pulls back with a playful twinkle of his eye. She starts laughing as soon as she realizes what he’s about to do when he holds her close to him with one arm while scooping a load of water behind her with the other, completely soaking her back.
”That’s not fair, I feel like distracting me with kisses is cheating!” Poppy says, laughing.
”That’s true,” Oliver agrees, “I guess I’ll just have to give you one free distracting me with kisses pass.” He blushes, smiling when she smiles at him.
”That was smooth,” Poppy replies with a giggle. “And I’m definitely taking you up on that. But I’m not telling you when,” she adds, smiling mischievously.
"I suppose that's only fair," Oliver agrees before the two start chasing each other around in the pool. When Lulu and Finn walk by they invite them to join them and the four start playing Marco Polo. As the game goes on it devolves somehow into a girls-vs.-boys splashing match, which then devolves further into everyone splashing Finn before it becomes a total free-for-all with a lot of laughing, playful screeches and yelling out.
The other islanders watch the four of them playing in the pool carefully: Kat watches with disdain, aggravated that Finn is having so much fun without her... and also that Poppy seems to be in full support of Lulu; Arlo watches with annoyance that once again her efforts to piss Poppy off haven't gone to plan and Oliver was not biting no matter how hard she tried; Nicolas watched them with curiosity, basking in glee about the drama his new partner brought, her only goal was to make Poppy miserable and she wasn't even trying to hide it; Suresh watches Poppy specifically, catching the small details: the way her smile widens when she looks at Oliver, the light happiness in her laugh. It was somehow both incredible and incredibly heartbreaking to see her like this; Gabi watches back and forth between the group and Suresh, silently begging him to pay attention to her while wondering how Poppy could possibly have all of the hottest men in the villa pining after her; and Dana watches Gabi who is watching Suresh before turning her attention to the group and smiling widely. She's made some mistakes here, but seeing the four of them genuinely made her happy. At least they were finding love here, even if everyone else was purposely making themselves miserable.
After a while, Poppy gets a text instructing her to go back to the Beach Hut for an interview. Poppy gives Oliver a quick peck on the cheek before waving to Finn and Lulu while she walks back to the building. Gee, I wonder what's in store for me today? Poppy asks herself sarcastically with a laugh.
When Poppy arrives she takes a seat on the love seat as usual, looking at the blinking red dot on the camera as she waits for the texts to come. She starts blushing as she reads the first question aloud:
Poppy! How are you feeling being coupled up with Oliver?
Poppy chuckles. "I have to admit, talking about Oliver in here hits a lot different now," she says with a nervous giggle. "But I'm so thrilled to get to know him. He's exactly like I thought he was!" Poppy says dreamily.
How are you feeling about how things are going with Suresh?
Poppy crinkles her nose in a frown. "I don't know, fine I guess?" Poppy answers. "To be honest I'm... ready to move on. My time with Suresh was special and I loved him so much it still hurts today but..." Poppy pauses and looks at the ground for a moment before looking at the camera. "But I came here for a fresh start, and I think things are going really well with me and Oli," she adds, looking directly at the camera.
How do you think Suresh will take to you moving on?
Poppy frowns again. "You'll have to ask him, I'm not going to answer for him," she says pointedly.
Are you falling for Oliver?
Poppy blushes furiously as she reads the question aloud. "Oh. Wow, um..." she stutters, trying to sort her thoughts. I should have expected this, she thinks to herself before answering, "it's early days, but... I could definitely see myself falling for him, Oliver is really, really lovely." and yes, I'd say I'm definitely falling... she answers to herself, nervously biting her lip.
The next text tells Poppy she can go to her relief and instructs her to send Oliver in. Poppy sighs, rolling her eyes with a laugh as she walks out of the Beach Hut to find Oli.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Oliver was expecting to be called in to the Beach Hut after Poppy, so he was already waiting nearby. Poppy comes out after a few minutes, blushing and smiling when she makes eye contact with him.
"You're up, Oli," she says as she gets to him.
Oliver chuckles, pressing his lips to Poppy's temple before going into the Beach Hut himself, sitting on the loveseat Poppy had just occupied. He waits for the text, reading it before answering:
Oliver! Welcome back to Love Island! How are you feeling being coupled up with Poppy?
Oliver laughs. "The tables have turned, I guess it's my turn to get melty in here about her," he says, blushing slightly. "She's honestly incredible, I love spending time with her and I'm loving getting to know her..." Oliver smiles widely.
Things have been pretty chilly with Suresh since you've arrived, how does that make you feel?
Oliver frowns. Things had been chilly with Suresh, but he expected that. "You know, Suresh is going to do whatever he's going to do, I'll just keep being friendly and leave it at that."
Are you falling for Poppy?
Oliver blushes, looking at his phone before looking back at the camera with a bright smile. "It's early days... but yeah, I think I might be," he answers confidently. There was no point in hiding it, in Oliver's opinion.
Thank you Oliver, you may go now.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________When Oliver leaves the Beach Hut he's still smiling as he scans the lawn for Poppy, finding her back at the pool with Finn and Lulu. He's about to hop in with them when Gabi gets a text she reads aloud:
Islanders, make your way to the challenge stage for Poll Dancing! You'll be spilt into teams and pitted against your partners to find out what the public thinks of your couples. The winning team will enjoy a cocktail party on the rooftop this evening!
#MixItUp #PollDancePoleDance
"I don't know what this competition is but I have it in the bag!" Kat exclaims excitedly. "Maybe I'll get to steal my partner back, wouldn't that be something?" she says as the islanders walk to the challenge stage together.
Poppy glances at Lulu who frowns before shrugging. I guess it's not just me, Poppy thinks sadly as they arrive at the stage.
The area is set up with two poles a few metres apart. At the centre in front of the poles there stands a tall board with a temperature gauge painted on it, at the side of the gauge are percentage ranges from 0 - 100. A purple and an orange arrow sit next to the board alongside a pile of questions.
Poppy is put on the purple team with Lulu, Dana, Suresh and Nicolas while their respective partners made up the orange team. The rules are simple, a question would be read out, at which point an islander and their partner would be selected to perform a dance on their team's pole before putting their team's arrow next to the percentage they believe is the answer. Islanders must choose different answers so the person who finishes their dance and places their guess on the poll first gets the first choice. The team with the closest answer wins the point, and in the event the player guesses exactly right, 2 points.
Lulu is instructed to read the first question and she walks up to the podium, winking at Finn on the way to Kat's chagrin. She grabs a card from the pile before reading it with a chuckle. "Oof, alright then," she says before looking up at the others. "First question, is for Poppy and Oliver,"
Poppy takes her place next to her team's pole, looking at Oliver next to his team's pole with a cheeky smile.
"Alright cuties," Lulu says turning to Poppy and Oliver. She narrows her eyes dramatically. "Tell me... what percentage of the public..." she pauses for dramatic effect. "thinks Arlo is jealous of Poppy." Lulu looks at Poppy with an amused smirk as Poppy blanches momentarily, snapped out of her thoughts when she notices Oliver swing on his pole next to her. The girls start to cheer, especially Gabi and Arlo, and Poppy laughs and joins them briefly.
Poppy had done some pole dancing classes for exercise with her mates in the past, nothing too extravagant but enough to be able to work her way around the pole to the surprise of most of the other islanders. She runs to the thermometer alongside Oliver who playfully tries to sabotage her by wrapping his arms around her and lifting her away from the board before running around her and throwing his arrow next to the 90% space.
Poppy laughs and picks up her team's arrow calmly before placing it closer to the 15% space on the board. "All that and I wasn't even going for your answer," she giggles at Oliver, standing next to the poll while Lulu reveals the answer.
"Ninety percent," Lulu says with surprise, showing the others the card. "Two points for team orange!"
"The public clearly don't know their arses from their elbows," Arlo mutters, crossing her arms angrily.
Poppy blinks in surprise and turns to Oliver. "Alright, alright," she says as she concedes defeat. "I see how we're playing now," she adds with a wink before narrowing her eyes.
Oliver chuckles and stands with his team, laughing at Poppy's playful glare from the other side of the stage.
Oliver is instructed to read the next question so he replaces Lulu, blushing when she says something quietly to him on her way back to Poppy and the rest of their team. Poppy looks at Lulu curiously but she just winks and turns back to the game. Poppy shakes her head with a smile before turning back to Oliver.
"This one's for Lulu and Finn," Oliver says, grimacing slightly. He waits for Lulu and Finn to take their stands at the poles before reading the question. "What percentage of the public thinks... Kat was just using Finn to get to the final?"
Like Poppy, Lulu blanches at first while Finn expertly swings around his pole, upside down, and rushes to put his answer on the board, landing at 60%. Kat crosses her arms angrily and is about to say something when Lulu finishes her dance and places her answer at 40%.
Oliver reveals the answer... 69%. "Another point for Team Orange, looks like we're leading 3 -0," he says uncomfortably before walking back to his place in line.
Poppy gets a text instructing her to read the next question. She walks up to replace Oliver in the middle before picking up the card, grimacing as she reads it. "This one's for Kat and Suresh," she says, waiting for them to take their places on the poles. When they do, Poppy clears her throat before reading aloud: "what percentage of the public thinks Poppy and Suresh should get back together?"
Suresh and Kat swing on their poles before running to place their answers. Suresh places the purple marker at a very safe 50%, glaring at Kat when she places the orange marker at 15%.
Poppy bites her lip nervously as she prepares herself for the answer before she reveals it. 4%... Only 4% of the public thinks she and Suresh should get back together. Poppy braces herself for how much that's going to hurt Suresh before turning the board slowly. "Orange Team gets another point."
Suresh plays it cool and doesn't react at all. Poppy sighs in relief before she heads back to her spot in line, shooting him an apologetic look as though it's somehow her fault.
Suresh is instructed to read the next question, asking Dana and Gabi when they take their places what percentage of the public thinks Gabi is just using Dana to get Suresh back. Gabi makes a big show of choosing a "low number", 12%, while Dana guesses 75%. "Purple's first point on the board," Suresh says as he turns the card with an awkward grimace: 87%.
"I think it's an even lower blow that it was higher than I thought," Dana mutters on her way back to her place in line. Poppy shoots her a sympathetic look.
Suresh and Kat go next and Finn is instructed to read the question: with Suresh scoring another point for purple with the closest guess for the percentage of the public who thinks Finn and Kat should get back together. He guesses 25% and she guesses 100%, the answer was 15%.
Nicolas and Arlo go next, and Nicolas breaks the tension somewhat by guessing an absurdly high percentage for the who thinks he's just after the money. He turns out to be right with 82% being the answer, he guessed 85%.
With Nicolas scoring another point for Team Purple the score is now 4 -3 for Team Orange. Poppy and Oliver are instructed to stand at the poles for the last turn.
"Poppy and Oliver," Finn reads dramatically from the podium as they take their places. "For the game, tell me... what percentage of the public thinks OlliPop is the real deal?"
Poppy swings around her pole and runs to the board before Oliver can try to sabotage her again, planting her team's arrow at 98%.
"Don't you think that's a little high?" Arlo asks from her place in line. "Oliver, you should guess closer to the 5% mark," she calls as Oliver makes his choice, leaving his marker just under Poppy's at 97%.
Finn smirks, "smart Oli, looks like Orange has this in the bag," he says before balking when he reveals the answer on his card.
98%
"Uh... that's two points for Purple..." Finn says in disbelief, "you guys win."
Poppy jumps in excitement, wanting so badly to turn and shove it in Arlo's smug face. She knew the answer because Leon had told her that morning. She gets a text, and reads it out to the other islanders:
Congratulations Team Purple, you won the cocktail party on the roof terrace! Get ready for the evening and let loose!
#HaveFun #DrinkResponsibly
Poppy frowns as the Islanders disperse and leave just her and Oliver on the stage. "I think I messed up," she admits to him in response to the quizzical look he gave her, "I don't think I want to go to a cocktail party with Suresh, him and alcohol and the fact that our current partners are explicitly not invited can't lead to good things..." Poppy explains, biting her lip. "I'm positive at least three rumours will be flying about me by the end of it," she says sadly. "At least, that's kind of how it feels like things are going in here."
Oliver nods as he listens, looking at Poppy while she spoke. "For what it's worth Poppy, I trust you. I've been watching the season too, I know how the rumours have been in here," he says. "So if you're worried about that, don't be."
Poppy nods. "Thanks Oli, that does help me feel better," she admits. "I just can't seem to escape it here... and I know Suresh... he's very good at spinning truths in his favour. He's not very happy about how well things are going with us..." Poppy sighs. "It's a lot. I'm sorry Oli."
"You're not the one doing anything wrong," Oliver says, wrapping an arm around Poppy and kissing her forehead. "At least you'll have Lulu and Dana there tonight..." he says.
"Yeah, it might be loads of fun, especially with them," Poppy says with a shrug. They walk to the dressing room together, chatting about the challenge on the way.
"Okay, but 98%, did you know somehow?" Oliver asks Poppy curiously.
Poppy blushes. "Yeah, Leon mentioned it in our chat this morning," she admits sheepishly. "To be fair, neither of us knew at the time it would be used in the challenge," she adds with a laugh.
Oliver nods. "I suppose that is fair," he agrees, smiling when Poppy giggles. He gives her a quick peck and leaves to get dressed for the evening as she does the same.
When Poppy walks into the dressing room both Arlo and Gabi roll their eyes. I wish they'd get that they're welcome to Suresh, she thinks sadly as she chooses an outfit for the evening, a white skirt and matching crop top, putting it on before sitting at the vanity to get ready. Triple checking her memory of where she got the outfit to make sure it couldn't be interpreted as anything it wasn't. She bought it a few weeks ago just for the show, so she knew it was safe.
"Are you excited for the cocktail party, Poppy," Arlo asks her casually as she applies her mascara at a seat on the other side of the vanity.
Poppy freezes for a moment, eyeing Arlo suspiciously. I'm pretty sure that's the first time you've said anything at all to me that wasn't snarky... what are you playing at? Poppy thinks as she studies Arlo. Arlo is still doing her makeup, if she notices Poppy eyeing her she doesn't show it. "To be honest, I'm not too fussed..." Poppy replies carefully.
"The way you stole that challenge today begs to differ," Arlo says with a laugh. "If I didn't know better, I'd say it really looked like you wanted to get some alone time with Suresh and some cocktails."
There it is,Poppy realises as she rolls her eyes. "Nope, but I am looking forward to letting loose with Lulu and Dana," she replies sweetly, completely ignoring Arlo's implication. "Might as well have some fun while I'm there."
"Well, I for one am really looking forward to finally getting some... Poppy-free alone time with Oliver," Arlo replies, smiling coldly at Poppy in the mirror. "You've had your claws in him since he got here, it'll be nice to see what he's like let off his leash for a bit."
His leash? Poppy thinks to herself as she bites her lip. Is that... am I doing that and I don't even notice? Poppy knows she's been spending a lot of time with Oliver since he arrived, but she honestly wasn't even thinking about it... it just kind of happened that way. "Well, have fun," Poppy says with as casual a shrug as she can muster. She shoots a glance at Lulu who frowns at Arlo.
"Oooh, me too," Gabi says before closing her mouth quickly and looking at Dana. "Err... I just want to chat with him, I want to get into tattooing and maybe he's got some.... pointers for me."
Poppy focuses on her breathing as she applies her moisturizer. They're just trying to rile me up. I trust Oli, she tells herself, calming significantly as soon as she has the thought. She does trust Oli. "He probably does, he's been doing it for a little while now," she says kindly to Gabi.
Gabi stares at Poppy for a moment, and Poppy can almost see a billion thoughts running though Gabi's mind at once before she decides not to reply, suddenly very focused on applying her cherry red lipstick.
Poppy makes eye contact with Lulu in the mirror and gives her a slight frown. It was hard not to get anxious about the drama that was sure to happen, the teams felt very purposely sorted, between her and Suresh being on a team and Kat and Finn being on another team all without their respective partners in the villa, things were going to get... intense.
Poppy decides not to do too much with her makeup that evening, desperately not wanting to draw attention to herself in any way. It's going to be fine, she tells herself repeatedly. It's going to be fine.
When Lulu finishes applying her lipstick she turns to Poppy and then looks at Dana. "Are we ready ladies?" she asks them, there's a little bit of strain behind her chipper attitude and Poppy is sure she's worrying about whatever Kat, who's been very quiet, has up her sleeve.
Poppy nods as Dana breathes a, "thank fuck, let's go" with a smile. The girls leave the dressing room in a queue, Dana behind Poppy who was behind Lulu and make their way to the roof terrace. None of the girls bother to say goodbye to the others and the silence is notable, particularly between Gabi and Dana.
When they get to the terrace Poppy and Lulu both let out a breath.
"That was a bit intense..." Dana says, looking back and forth between Lulu and Poppy. "Did you run over Gabi's dog or something Poppy, because she's really got it out for you."
Poppy shrugs. "I had no idea she existed until, well... the photo... and then she showed up at Casa," she replies. "Maybe she really does want to ask Oli tattoo stuff," she adds doubtfully and puts a supportive hand on Dana's shoulder. Poppy's brow is knitted in concern. It's going to be fine, she reminds herself.
"You look a lot less worried about it than I am," Dana says to Poppy with a nervous chuckle. "Not worried about her stealing Oliver?"
"I trust him," Poppy says with a shrug. "And realistically it's only been a day... I shouldn't get too worked up about it, Oli's a person... you can't claim people." She looks down for a moment before looking back up at Dana. "To be honest, I'm more worried about Suresh."
"What do you mean?" Dana asks as she walks over to the bar and mixes each of the three girls a drink.
Poppy sighs. "He's had a habit of twisting things around since we've been here," she says looking at the ground.
Lulu puts a hand on Poppy's shoulder. "Babe, don't worry about that... Oli knows not to trust anything to do with Suresh," she tells Poppy supportively.
"And Suresh knows that," Poppy says, smiling weakly. "But I guess we're all in the same boat aren't we? Gabi and Arlo openly pursuing Oli, and who knows what Kat's going to get up to with Finn..."
Lulu throws back her drink and turns to Poppy with a smile. "All the more reason to let loose and have fun tonight," she says with a laugh. "It sucks, but we can't change it, so we might as well have a good time."
"Hear hear!" Dana says, laughing in agreement and raising her glass. The three girls clink their glasses together before Poppy takes a sip of the cocktail Dana made her. It's strong, but it's very fresh and fruity.
"Dana, this is lush! Thanks!" Poppy says warmly to her.
Dana goes to reply but is interrupted by the sound of the terrace door opening as Suresh and Nicolas step through. Lulu turns automatically to Poppy, stepping closer to her when she notices Poppy tense slightly at the boys' arrival.
Poppy smiles at Lulu gratefully before turning to the boys with her half empty glass raised. "We started without you," she tells them and takes another sip of her drink.
The boys get themselves each a drink before joining the girls. Nobody seems to know what to say as they all sip their drinks quietly.
"Alright, so this is awks," Dana says with a laugh. "Let's just ask each other questions or something, get the chats flowing," she adds, turning to Lulu. "I'll start. Lulu, tell us a funny story about you."
Lulu chuckles. "I have the perfect story..." she begins as she regales a tale she spins as an epic about a joke she played on her sister as a child that has the others laughing.
Lulu goes next, asking Nicolas about his favourite food. Nicolas good into detail about the preparation of a particular Brazilian dish he's fond off, peppering in stories in his memory of Brazil here and there. Poppy finds herself thinking he's not half bad when Arlo's not around when he turns to her.
"Poppy, how do you feel knowing Oliver's down there and both Arlo and Gabi definitely want to jump on him?" he asks her with a mischievous glint in his eye. Dana and Lulu frown and Suresh raises his eyebrow curiously. As if on cue Arlo's flirtatious laugh rings through the villa.
Poppy laughs. "Just when I was starting to think you're not half bad Nicolas, you're here just trying to stir the pot again," she says, rolling her eyes. "But honestly, fine. Whatever happens happens." She glances at Dana apologetically. "Just hopefully nobody gets hurt in the process," she adds.
"No chance Oli's gonna do anything anyway," Dana says with a shrug. "Can't say the same for my own partner..." she mumbles under her breath.
"I wouldn't count on that," Suresh says, quietly sipping his drink.
Poppy frowns at him. "That doesn't seem fair, have you even said two words to each other since he got here?" she asks Suresh. She shakes her head. "You know what? It doesn't matter, whatever happens happens."
"Hear, hear!" Lulu says, reaching her glass forward to cheers Poppy.
"Arlo's gonna be pissed when she finds out how chill you are," Nicolas says with a gleeful laugh. "She's been trying to set you off all day."
Poppy rolls her eyes. "I don't want to talk about Arlo," she says, finishing her first drink. Dana's eyes light up and she takes Poppy's glass before taking Lulu's and running to make the girls something else. It's honestly starting to feel like I can't escape her either, Poppy thinks to herself bitterly.
"That's funny, seems all she ever wants to talk about is you," Nicolas retorts with his eyebrows playfully raised.
"I don't care," Poppy replies just as Arlo's flirty laugh rings through the villa again. Poppy rolls her eyes and accepts her new drink from Dana smiling at her gratefully.
"Let's play a drinking game," Dana pipes up quickly. "Never Have I Ever?"
Poppy laughs. She can't be serious? she thinks to herself. "I'd rather not play Never Have I Ever with Nicolas again," she admits.
Nicolas shrugs. "Come on Poppy, don't be a spoilsport... I promise I wont start another coup against you," he says with a playful twinkle in his eye.
Poppy rolls her eyes and looks at Lulu. "Do you want to play?" she asks her.
Lulu shrugs. "It has to be better than this," she admits with a laugh.
Poppy sighs. "Fine, we'll play, but I'm not above quitting at any point," she says.
This game goes a lot better than the last one, and Poppy finds herself having fun. Dana keeps refilling the girls' drinks; Poppy's certain she's making them stronger each time but it isn't long before she finds herself not really caring.
After Poppy's fourth... or was it fifth? drink the group disperses, Lulu rushes off to find Finn and Dana runs off to find Gabi. Nicolas follows them both, hoping to see some drama, leaving Poppy alone with Suresh.
"I need to go to the kitchen... I should drink some water," Poppy says with a slur in her voice to Suresh.
Suresh nods in agreement. "Definitely. Come, I'll make sure you don't fall on the way," he says with a chuckle, motioning for Poppy to lead the way with a grin.
Poppy smiles and sips the drink in her hand. "Thanks Suresh," she says warmly.
When they get to the kitchen, Poppy leans on the counter. "Do you think I could leap from this counter to the table over there?" she asks Suresh seriously, drunkenly surveying the space between the two places.
"Alright Lush, maybe I should take the rest of that drink," Suresh says, gently taking Poppy's drink from her hand with a chuckle. "And no, absolutely not, don't even try."
Poppy nods with a small hiccup. "Yep. Dana makes very strong drinks," she agrees with a small giggle. "I haven't been this drunk since the day I applied for the show," she admits with another giggle.
Suresh looks at Poppy curiously, applying for a show like this while she was drunk sounded unlike her. He take a sip of the drink, it is strong, Suresh can see how Poppy got to the state she's in. He gets up and gets Poppy a glass of water. "Drink this," he says, looking at her with concern.
Poppy takes the water from Suresh gratefully and starts to sip it. "Thanks. This is going to hurt tomorrow..." Poppy says with a shrug. She looks out of the kitchen and sees Oliver with Lulu and Finn in the garden, unaware of Suresh and Poppy in the kitchen. She smiles before taking another sip of water to hide it from Suresh.
"You're melty for him," Suresh states, following Poppy's gaze to Oliver, Finn and Lulu outside. "Really, really melty..."
Poppy grimaces awkwardly. "I'm sorry Suresh. I'm trying my best not to... show it around you," she says apologetically. She doesn't make eye contact with him.
Suresh studies her carefully, the blush on her cheeks... the lingering smile on her face... he takes her empty water glass and fills it again before he can think about it any further.
"Poppy... I'm sorry," he says as he hands her the glass. "Everything that happened between us... it's the worst thing I've ever done..." Suresh looks down guiltily. "I think I just tried to convince myself that you did some horrible thing for me to be hurting so bad because I didn't want to admit how horrible what I'd done to you was. I told myself you never loved me and when I believed it, it hurt so fucking bad..." Suresh pauses for a moment. "I don't know why I did what I did, but I wish I could take it all back and not hurt you. I'll probably never forgive myself for doing that..."
Poppy swallows heavily. "Suresh..." she starts but he cuts her off.
"Let me finish. I don't deserve you Poppy, but I want to... I know you have chemistry with Oliver but does two days with him really outweigh our connection?" Suresh asks her, looking at her pointedly.
Poppy looks down guiltily. "Suresh, none of this feels very fair," she says with a pout. "I'm drunk, I've just met someone I've told you I'm interested in getting to know. I just..." Poppy sighs heavily. "Can we talk about this later?"
"Really? After two days?" Suresh says, looking at Poppy incredulously. "I made one mistake, Poppy," he says before taking a deep breath.
"I'm intoxicated and I'm not doing this with you right now Suresh," Poppy says, pushing herself off the counter to leave the kitchen. "You don't play fair, I want to go now."
"I love you, Poppy," Suresh says sadly. "I just... I know I can prove it, please just give me a chance."
Poppy thinks carefully for her moment, trying to sort through the cloud of thoughts and alcohol swimming through her brain. "Suresh, I really like Oliver and I... am going to keep getting to know him. I really think there could be something special there," she says quietly, not looking at Suresh. "I can't keep letting you hurt me. Oliver is so nice to me... and... I deserve that," she says as a tear rolls down her cheek.
Suresh can't argue that logic, really. He's been trying to catch Oliver in shady dealings since he's arrived to no luck. Oliver was polite enough to try to avoid talking about Poppy when Suresh was around, but Suresh wasn't blind to the way they looked at each other or the way they were together when they thought no one was looking. Suresh sighs. "I guess that's fair," he says after a moment, sounding defeated. "But I could treat you the way you deserve, too, Poppy..."
"Why couldn't you do this weeks ago? Or months ago even?" Poppy asks him, her voice thick with sadness. "Why did you have to wait until I met someone I really like in order to decide you really care for me?"
"That's not what I..." Suresh starts but Poppy stops him.
"It's exactly what you did, Suresh. Maybe when I'm sober I'm too nice to say it, but now? You were horrible to me, and all I wanted was for you to love me," Poppy says, the alcohol coursing through her veins feeding her anger, sadness and bitterness.
"Oh, bullshit, Poppy," Suresh spits angrily. "All you ever did was toy with me. Every fucking time I tried to get a reaction out of you, all you did was laugh."
"It's called a defense mechanism, Suresh!" Poppy exclaims loudly. Oliver, Lulu and Finn hear her, snapping their heads in her direction to watch the interaction carefully. "You were actively trying to hurt me! What the hell else was I supposed to do?" Poppy looks at Suresh, her eyes full of sadness as Oliver, Finn and Lulu arrive to make sure Poppy is okay. "Shocking, I know, but it turns out I have abandonment issues after my mum left me, I don't take too well to being tossed aside whenever it's convenient for you."
Suresh blanches. Poppy never talked about her mum while they were together, he kind of just assumed she had passed away and didn't want to pry so he didn't ask either. "What do you mean?" he asks her, studying her carefully.
"Nothing, Suresh. I didn't mean anything. I told you I didn't want to do this now!" Poppy flops into a stool and buries her face in her arms on the counter to cry.
"Alright, Suresh, I think it's time to leave Poppy alone," Poppy hears Lulu's voice say gently as a hand starts to rub her back. Poppy looks up to see Oliver there, looking at her with concern. She smiles at him weakly, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
Suresh looks at Poppy for a moment before looking at Finn, Oliver and then Lulu. "We can talk about this more later, I'm sorry Poppy." He looks around and spots Kat sitting with her arms crossed in a bean chair. "I should go check-in with Kat," he adds sadly.
Poppy nods. Suresh looks at her for a moment before looking down and walking over to Kat, unable to look back at Poppy again out of guilt.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Suresh spends the next few days actively avoiding Poppy. He fucked up, again, and for some reason he couldn't seem to figure out how to fix things with her.
Suresh knows he can't undo the way he treated Poppy. He assumed that like him she was conniving and manipulative, that everything she did was a calculated move in some kind of game. When she left him without even letting him explain, Suresh never even considered that might be because he had hurt her because she loved him, and not because he had somehow 'one-upped' her in their fight or whatever stupid thing he was considering at the time. It only took her falling in love with someone else for me to see it... Suresh thinks to himself bitterly, angry with himself for letting her go.
He also notices just how little he actually knows about her as he watches her with Oliver. Now he knows that the reason she never reacted how he had expected her to in the past was because he always just assumed she would react like the girls he tended to go out with; overly dramatic, jealous and possessive. He assumed Poppy didn't care about him when she wouldn't fight for him, but as he watches her with Oliver, as playfully nonchalant as ever when Arlo makes her moves on Poppy's new partner, he realises he was mistaken. There's no doubting Poppy cares for Oliver, and if she isn't getting all jumpy and possessive over him Suresh realises maybe she just... doesn't react that way at all.
Suresh also takes some time to reflect as he asks himself repeatedly why he did the things he did to her. He wonders if maybe he subconsciously preferred Gabi over Poppy but when he tries to get to know Gabi a bit better he finds he can't see himself with her in any kind of long-term relationship. Ironically, Gabi reminds him a lot of what he assumed Poppy was in the past, it just turns out what he wants is what Poppy actually is.
Poppy and Oliver both are polite enough not to parade their budding relationship around in his face, at least. In fact, he never sees them together unless he is specifically looking for them... which he has to admit is a lot nicer of them than he deserves after the way he paraded Arlo around in Poppy's face.
And as badly as he wants to hate the guy, there is nothing to dislike about Oliver. Suresh really tried to find skeletons in the guy's closet to find nothing instead. Twice he caught Arlo making a move on Oliver without Poppy around and both times not only did Oliver completely and clearly shut Arlo down, he told Poppy before Suresh could even think about mentioning it to her. Oliver was also kind to everyone, even Suresh, who very gratefully accepted some of Oliver's hair pomade when his hair wasn't cooperating one morning. At first Suresh assumed Oliver was putting on some kind of act after watching Poppy on the telly for a while, he almost seemed to be too perfect for Poppy, but as the days go on it is more and more obvious that Oliver is either an incredible actor or he is legitimately well-suited for her.
Suresh is thinking about Poppy while he is lounging on the sunbeds when he gets the text alerting everyone to go to the challenge stage for the next couples quiz. Suresh cringes inwardly, he really doesn't want to watch Poppy and Oliver do a couples quiz together. He has to constantly remind himself when he sees Poppy with Oliver that he signed up for this himself, and even though he fully expected to leave the season with Poppy he had to know her moving on with someone else was a possibility. Suresh sighs inwardly as he gets up to head to the challenge stage, he is already in his swimming trunks so he doesn't have to go get dressed with the others. Kat catches up to him and blathers on about her interests in an effort to do well on the quiz as he walks to the stage, filled with dread and regret.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Much to Poppy's surprise, the next few days seem to pass without significant incident. After Suresh left that evening, Poppy sobered up significantly and apologized to Oliver, Finn and Lulu several times between drinking several glasses of water. She stayed up with them for a while and went to bed feeling significantly better than she did a few hours before, having enjoyed the company of her friends. Suresh seemed to be mostly avoiding Poppy over the next few days, which suited her just fine. It also appeared that when Suresh didn't have his sights set on her, Gabi had no other issue with Poppy and warmed up to her significantly. Even Arlo seemed bored with picking on Poppy when Suresh wasn't constantly watching her and instead seemed to shift her focus on being really nice to Oliver whenever he and Poppy weren't spending time alone together, which wasn't very often.
The time they spent together only seemed to make Poppy like Oliver even more. With the extra space Suresh provided by not being around they got to have a few really great, deep chats. Poppy even told Oliver about her mum, a conversation she was never able to have with Suresh. Oliver listened with such warm compassion and understanding she found it easy to open up to him.
When they weren't chatting, Poppy and Oliver spent their time together having fun and sharing their interests. Poppy found that it didn't really matter what they were doing, she just really enjoyed being in Oliver's company. Poppy's favourite time she got to spend with Oliver, though, was the time they spent on the rooftop over the living room together. They tried to find at least a few minutes every day to go out there and decompress together, mindful that if they were out of view of the cameras for too long they would likely lose their little space.
They are on the rooftop when Oliver gets a text that causes him to chuckle. "Seems we're busted," he says with a guilty smile before showing Poppy the text:
Oliver and Poppy, heads up, there's a couples quiz about to be announced. Make your way to the lawn, the text will be sent in two minutes.
Poppy giggles. "They're not too mad about it at least," she says as she climbs through the window and waits for Oliver on the other side.
Oliver climbs through the window before turning around to close it behind him. He takes Poppy's hand when he turns around as the two make their way to the lawn, chattering happily on the way. Sure enough, once they arrive at the lawn Suresh gets a text, calling out to the other islanders from the sunbeds. Poppy and Oliver make their way over to listen to Suresh read the text, which he does aloud once everyone's gathered around him:
Islanders, get ready for Mr. and Mrs.! Make your way to the dunking tanks at the challenge stage to find out which couple knows each other best in today's challenge. The winning couple will win a special prize for this evening! #MrandMrs #MaytheBestCoupleWin
"So your cat's name is Daisy right? I'm gonna nail this quiz!" Poppy jokes as she and Oliver walk, a playfully teasing smile on her face.
Oliver chuckles, "and Mr. Magoo is your pet otter, correct?"
Poppy high-fives Oliver with a giggle. "Nailed it, Babe!" she says playfully. "But in all seriousness, I want you to know I won't be upset if we don't nail it," she adds with a nervous bite to her lip.
Oliver nods in agreement. "I'm glad you agree. Let's just have fun and use the opportunity to get to know each other better," he says, rubbing Poppy's arm affectionately.
Poppy smiles at Oliver warmly. Normally, she'd probably be worried about Suresh making a big deal out of how much he knows about her but lately he seems to be so focused on Gabi, despite Kat being his partner, that Poppy isn't if sure it will be an issue anymore. When they get to the dressing room Poppy makes her way to change out of her nightwear into a bikini.
"So Poppy, are you nervous about the couples quiz?" Arlo asks as Poppy enters the dressing room. Arlo sits at the vanity and applies her makeup, not looking at Poppy as she speaks.
Poppy stiffens reflexively before taking a breath. "Nope," she replies, smiling at Arlo brightly. "We might do okay, and if we don't I'm sure we'll have fun," she adds with a shrug. "Are you?" It is a dunking tank quiz right? Poppy asks herself as she watches Arlo apply her makeup. Poppy opts to mind her own business and turns to the vanity herself, digging through her bag for a scrunchie to tie her hair back with.
Arlo shrugs. "I already know me and Nicolas aren't compatible. I just wonder how some of us will take it if we're not as compatible with our partners as we think we are," she says pointedly to Poppy who frowns at her in the mirror.
"That feels kind of pointed Arlo, do you have something to say to me?" Poppy says with an amused smirk. I guess we're still playing her games after all, Poppy thinks as she waits for Arlo to reply. The reprieve was nice while it lasted.
"No, nothing," Arlo says, looking in the mirror to apply her waterproof mascara. "Just wondering how you'll take it if it turns out you and Oliver aren't as compatible as you seem to think."
Poppy shrugs. "How about you let me worry about that," she says, winking at Arlo playfully who rolls her eyes with a scowl. Poppy puts her hair up in a messy bun before adjusting her bikini and turning to Lulu.
"How are you feeling about it, Babes?" Poppy asks her friend, perching on the edge of the table next to Lulu.
"Either way Finn and me will have fun," Lulu says with a wink. "I wonder what the prize is?"
"I bet it's a night in the Hideaway," Kat says from where she's standing and putting on her bikini.
"Oooh, what I wouldn't give to sleep in a room without you lot," Dana jokes with a laugh. "Gabi quick, what's your parents names, we're winning this thing!"
Gabi laughs. "Sorry, Babes, but I doubt we're winning, I have the memory of a goldfish," she says, frowning slightly.
Dana waves her off. "It's all just for a laugh," she says with a strain in her voice. Poppy gives her a supportive smile which Dana gratefully returns. "So Poppy, think you and Oli will finally make some moves when you guys crush this quiz today?" she turns to Poppy and asks, laughing when Poppy blushes furiously.
"We don't even know what the prize is Dana," she replies with a giggle. "And I think Finn and Lulu have just as good, if not a better shot at winning than we do."
Lulu chuckles. "Nuh uh, Finn's great and all but we're hardly star-crossed lovers destined to meet like you and Oli," Lulu says, nudging a still blushing Poppy playfully. "Besides, as a proud member of Team OlliPop, I may have to sacrifice my win for the greater good," she adds with a wink.
"Er... the 'greater good'?" Poppy asks curiously.
"Yeah, you know, you and Oli sealing your fates or whatever," Lulu says nudging Poppy playfully.
Poppy shakes her head. "Ridiculous," she says before giggling.
"Is it?" Lulu asks pointedly. She glances at Kat before quietly saying so only Poppy can hear, "but really Babe, Finn and I don't mind hooking up in the main bedroom so..."
Poppy laughs. "I know. We all know," she replies quietly, also glancing at Kat. It's been obvious over the last few days that Kat has been trying to adjust to the circumstances of Finn being happy with Lulu, and she's been hooking up with Suresh so she can hardly complain. Still, neither Lulu nor Poppy wants to purposely hurt her. Poppy and Lulu finish up getting ready and step outside of the dressing room to continue their chat, deciding not to make things more uncomfortable for Kat.
"Okay but seriously, Babe, if it is the hideaway..." Lulu turns and starts to ask Poppy curiously once they're out of the bedroom.
Poppy blushes again. "We'll take it as it comes," she says with a shrug, looking at the ground bashfully.
"Okay, but if it does come... or if the opportunity for both of you to come..." Lulu starts.
Poppy laughs. "Finn's bad puns are rubbing off on you, Girly," she says with a giggle. "But to be honest, we... haven't talked about it yet so... I don't know. That's a decision for both of us, you know?"
Lulu nods. "Of course, but I'm asking you if you're ready!" she says with a laugh.
"I mean..." Poppy starts, looking around them to make sure nobody is listening. "Let's just say if we have a chat, and if he's into it and the stars aligned or whatever, yeah... I could be ready," she says with a smile.
"Stars aligned?" Lulu repeats, her eyebrow raised quizzically.
"You're the one calling us star-crossed lovers, I'm fully expecting stars aligned now," Poppy retorts with a giggle.
"Well, Babe, let me tell you, whenever you're with Oli they're definitely in a straight line between the two of you, your chemistry is..." Lulu says before she starts fanning herself.
Poppy smiles. "It definitely feels like something special," she says. She's about to say something else when she's interrupted by Finn and Oliver stepping out of the bedroom door.
The four of them make their way to the challenge stage, laughing and joking amongst each other casually on the way. Compared to some of the previous challenges, the atmosphere before this quiz is pretty casual. Even Kat doesn't seem as though she'll be too upset if she and Suresh don't do well.
"I have to admit, it's kind of nice having a partner who won't murder me if we end up in those tanks," Finn says when they arrive as he glances at the at the giant tubs filled with water. On top of each there is a seat on top of a trap door rigged to a button on a podium facing them.
When the others arrive they start the rounds with Gabi and Dana going first. They manage to score 2 points, both of them Dana, and end up in the pool 6 times between the two of them. Dana looks disappointed but unsurprised as she finishes her turn.
Kat and Suresh go next and manage to score 5 points, better than either of them were expecting. After them are Arlo and Nicolas who don't score any points. Lulu and Finn take the second-last turn and only get one wrong each.
Poppy and Oliver go last and ace the challenge, getting every question right, even to the exact letter in most cases. Poppy giggles when Oliver lists her brothers names in the exact order she does, and when asked what Poppy's cat name is, their answers cause Lulu to squeal from the crowd.
"Did you both draw little...earless cats?" Lulu asks, pointing to their boards. At the bottom of the answer to the question of Poppy's cat's name, they both drew a little otter.
"No way, did you seriously?" Poppy asks when Lulu points out their boards. She giggles when she looks at Oliver's board and shows him her own. "Yours is much cuter," she says smiling brightly. "That's why you're the artist and I'm very much not."
Oliver's face lights up. "Yours is adorable, I love that it's all nose. It's very... otter-esque," he says, causing Poppy to fall into a fit of giggles.
"That's exactly what I was going for, thank you," Poppy replies with a proud nod.
Suresh rolls his eyes from the audience. This is what he was expecting but that didn't make it any less... annoying? nauseating? heartbreaking? He didn't even know Poppy has a cat, let alone his name, she obviously acquired him since their breakup.
When asked how many people Oliver's slept with Poppy huffs with a frown. They haven't discussed that, so she goes in with a completely blind guess, writing down a number before looking at Oliver apologetically. "I'm sorry Oli, I have no idea, this might break our streak," she says flipping her board to reveal her guess of 4.
Oliver laughs. "Looks like we're staying dry," he says, revealing his identical answer.
At the end of Poppy and Oliver's turn, Lulu looks at Poppy mischievously before running to the podium and pushing the dunk button, sending Poppy and Oliver into the tanks. "The rest of us did it at least once, it's only fair," she says playfully as they come back up.
"What was that, Babe, I can't hear you! My ears are full of water!" Poppy calls out, pretending she can't hear Lulu. She waits until Lulu gets closer to her tank before sending a splash of water over the side and on top of her friend who shrieks with laughter.
"I'll avenge you!" Finn exclaims, running and sticking a hand in the tank Oliver is still in to splash Poppy.
Oliver looks at Finn in mock incredulousness before turning to splash him before Finn can splash Poppy. Poppy and Lulu to break out into a fit of giggles at Poppy's tank as Finn turns to Oliver with a look of pure betrayal.
"Whoa, I thought we were bros!" Finn exclaims with a laugh at Oliver.
" I gotta protect my girl," Oliver replies, smiling widely with a shrug. He turns to smile bashfully at Poppy.
Poppy beams at Oliver in return, purposely avoiding looking at Suresh. This is probably the most openly affectionate Oliver and Poppy have been with each other in front of Suresh since they coupled up, and while she doesn't want to hurt Suresh, she also doesn't want to withhold affection from Oliver... Suresh did know what he was getting into, after all. He signed up for Love Island knowing she would be here while Poppy signed up for a fresh start. To meet a nice, kind boy like Oliver, Poppy remembers with a smile. It's not Poppy's fault that things didn't go according to Suresh's plan, especially not after he was so mean to her.
Poppy pulls herself out of the dunk tank and Finn hands her a towel before tossing one to Oliver as well. "Poppy, you got a text!" Dana exclaims from the benches where Poppy left her phone. She runs over to Dana and reads the text aloud, omitting the hashtags for Suresh's sake:
Congratulations #OlliPop, as the winners of today's challenge you win a beach dinner date followed by a night in the Hideaway.
#OlliPop #MuchNeededAloneTime #RomanceIsInTheAir
"Huh, seems the stars are aligning," Lulu says as the other islanders disperse, causing Poppy to blush brightly as they both break out into a fit of giggles.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Suresh sits on the couch in the Beach Hut wringing his hands anxiously. He wasn't surprised when he got called to the Beach Hut after Poppy won a night in the Hideaway with Oliver, of course the producers would want as much drama from the situation as they could milk. He looks down to ready the first question with a smirk;
Suresh, how are you feeling after the results of today's challenge?
Predictable, he thinks to himself as he contemplates his answer. "Poppy's unpredictable, we don't know what's going to happen in the Hideaway," Suresh snaps in reply. I fucked up and I kept fucking up and now I can't fix it, he thinks to himself angrily. He sits quietly for a moment before adding, "How are you supposed to feel when the love of your life has moved on to Mr. Perfect? It sucks. I came here to get Poppy back and instead I'm watching her fall in love with someone else. It's fucking brutal." Suresh doesn't say anything more choosing to stare at his phone instead.
Do you think you'll move on from Poppy now that it appears she's moved on from you?
Suresh blinks after reading the question while sitting in quiet contemplation. He'd been trying to move on from Poppy for the last year and a bit with no luck, even without seeing her even once and being angry with her in most of that time. He couldn't imagine how that would go any different going forward. "I'm not giving up on Poppy quite yet," he says quietly. Suresh tenses his jaw, his confidence is rarely shaken but he's never felt less confident about anything in his life.
Will you try to choose Poppy at the next recoupling?
"I'm not sure," Suresh answers with a frown. Truthfully, he'd love to choose Poppy and pretend the last two years never happened but that's not how the real world works. "I guess we will see when the time comes," he answers mysteriously.
What do you think of Oliver?
Suresh considers his answer carefully. He doesn't really know what to think of Oliver, other than that he wants to hate him because he's stolen Poppy's heart. "Oliver's a good lad," he answers, a good neutral answer. Suresh doesn't really want to get into the fine details of his feelings about Oliver, Poppy... and himself that he was currently experiencing with the public.
Do you think you could remain friends with Poppy if she stays with Oliver on the outside?
For some reason it's this question that hits Suresh like a train. Friends with Poppy... with Oliver, a tough pill to swallow. Suresh thinks hard about the answer even surprised himself by it. "Yeah, I think so. I'd really like to have Poppy in my life at any capacity," he says, blinking in surprise at his own words. He realises as soon as he says it that it's the truth.
Suresh leaves the Beach Hut with a sigh, his limbs feeling like they're filled with lead and heads to the sun loungers where Kat is currently napping, grateful he doesn't see Poppy and Oliver on the way.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"I'm glad we have this space to chat," Poppy says with a giggle as Oliver climbs through the window to join her on the living room rooftop. When he steps out he kisses her quickly before taking her hand as they take their usual place, seated underneath the window.
Oliver breathes a smile at Poppy as he puts his arm around her affectionately. "Me too," he says with a small chuckle. "So I guess we're sleeping in the hideaway tonight... did you want to chat about... that?" he asks, blushing slightly as he looks at Poppy bashfully.
Poppy smiles at Oliver, "I suppose we should, there's a bit of a different... dynamic in the Hideaway," she says with a nod.
"Just so you know, we don't have to do anything at all if you're not comfortable," Oliver says kissing Poppy's head.
"Okay, but... let's say I am comfortable with things progressing between us on that level..." Poppy replies, blushing brightly. "Then where does this conversation go? Are you... comfortable with that?" She studies him curiously,
Oliver blushes too. "Let's say that I am..." he replies, looking at Poppy bashfully.
Poppy giggles. "We are so awkward," she says, causing both her and Oliver to laugh. Poppy's quip has the intended effect as she and Oliver both seem to relax significantly. She kisses his cheek tenderly. "I'm okay now that we've determined that we're both... comfortable, with things progressing... however they do. Go with the flow and no expectations," she says with a soft smile.
"I like that," Oliver replies smiling back at Poppy. He looks at her closely, as if he's looking for something.
"What's up?" Poppy asks, her brow knit with concern.
Oliver breathes a shy laugh. "Nothing, it's just..." Oliver starts, rubbing Poppy's back as he talks. "How are you so... great?"
Poppy giggles. "I'm just following your lead," she says, poking Oliver in the chest playfully.
Oliver smiles before glancing at the window regretfully. "We should probably head back out there before they come looking for us," he says with a frown.
Poppy nods in agreement. "Okay then," she says slightly disappointed before brightening significantly. "We'll have lots of time to spend without the others later," she says before laughing. "Er... you know, not that I don't love spending time with some of them..."
Oliver chuckles as he helps Poppy through the window. "I understand exactly what you mean, I can't wait," he says. Poppy smiles back at him through the window as she waits for him on the other side. ---
If Suresh was avoiding Poppy and Oliver before it's nothing compared to now. Poppy notices she sees the back of Suresh a lot over the rest of the day, usually him leaving an area whenever she arrives. Whatever makes it easier for him I guess, she thinks herself the fourth or fifth time he leaves a space as she enters.
Other than that, most of the rest of the day goes by pretty uneventfully. Poppy spends the afternoon with Lulu while Oliver takes a nap and when it's time to get ready for her date walks up to the dressing room with Lulu excitedly.
"Okay girl, inquiring minds have to know... do you think it's going to happen tonight?" Lulu asks while they make their way up there.
Poppy blushes. "I have no idea, we're going to go with the flow and see where that takes us," she tells her friend, laughing at Lulu's disappointed pout at the lack of gossip. "I don't kiss and tell anyway!" Poppy says in response to Lulu's playfully sad face.
When Poppy gets to the dressing room she runs to the showers to shave and exfoliate, for... reasons, and complete her shower routine before stepping out to get ready, consciously aware of the nervous energy buzzing throughout her. If nothing else, she's excited to go on the date with Oliver; things with him are progressing so well and a nice date will be a great way to top everything off.
Poppy wraps herself in a towel as she steps out of the showers and flits about the dressing room to get ready, deciding on a silk, forest green dress for the evening. She does her hair and light makeup at the vanity before doing a once-over in the full-body mirror and getting a thumbs-up from Lulu. "Alright, wish me luck," Poppy says to Lulu excitedly.
"Luck!" Lulu replies enthusiastically with a laugh, "not that you need it. Have fun tonight, Babes, be safe!" Lulu chuckles when Poppy blushes brightly.
"Yeah, yeah," Poppy says with a giggle. "Have a good night, Lulu," she adds before heading out the door to meet Oliver for their date.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The production team set up a lovely romantic dinner for them on the beach and the weather was perfect. Oliver was sent over there first and told to wait for Poppy; he would have preferred to travel together but he could hardly complain regardless.
When Poppy arrives he opens her door for her and holds his arm out for her, his face brightening the moment he sees her. "You look stunning tonight," he says with his lips pressed against her head as he kisses her in greeting.
Poppy smiles up at Oliver brightly. "Thanks Oli, so do you," she says before standing on her toes to kiss his cheek. Oliver pulls out Poppy's chair for her and takes a seat across from her.
"Thank you," he says warmly, gesturing to the bottle of bubbly in front of him asking Poppy if she'd like some. When she nods he smiles brightly, popping the cork and pouring them each a glass before raising his glass to Poppy. "To another perfect date with the loveliest, smartest and prettiest woman I've ever met," Oliver says, breathing a smile when Poppy giggles and blushes.
"To another perfect date!" she agrees enthusiastically, "with the kindest, most warm-hearted and prettiest man I've ever met," she adds with a playful giggle.
Oliver smiles happily and they toast before sipping their champagne. "We nailed that challenge," he says when he sets his glass down. "That was a lot of fun!"
Poppy laughs. "Even when Lulu dumped us in the tanks anyway?" she asks, giggling at the memory.
Oliver nods. "You might have taken my title as Splash Making King with that splash you gave Lulu for it," he says with a laugh.
"Not after that splash you gave Finn in my honour, I concede the title," Poppy retorts.
Oliver's eyes crinkle with his smile. When he had accidentally called her 'his girl' that morning he was nervous but it was for nothing; he'd give anything to see Poppy's face so full of happiness, surprise, warmth and affection again. "Maybe you can be my Splash Making Queen?" he asks, chuckling as he notices the blush on her cheeks.
"Deal!" Poppy agrees happily. "We'll rule our Splash Making throne with an iron-fist. Nobody will expect that from us," she says with a giggle.
Oliver chuckles. "What does that entail exactly?" he asks with a brow raised curiously.
"Mostly just splashing people, I assume," Poppy replies with a shrug as her eyes glimmer with playfulness. "I haven't worked out the details yet, I just wanted to sound intimidating as my first act as Queen." Oliver laughs affectionately in response as the wait staff arrive with their meals for the evening. They both politely thank the server before turning their attention back to each other.
"What kinds of meals and things do you like to make at home?" Poppy asks curiously as they nibble.
Oliver swallows his food before answering. "Everything!" he says with a smile. "My favourite though are Malay curry puffs my gram taught me to make. You can stuff them with anything, I usually prefer potatoes and chickpeas," he answers.
"They sound lush!" Poppy says smiling. "The best I got is pasta, though I do roast my own vegetables and all, no canned stuff," Poppy says. "Er... no canned stuff when I have time to make my non-canned pasta sauce, to be honest I haven't had a lot of that lately. These last two weeks are the best I've eaten in over a year," Poppy admits with a sigh.
Oliver looks at Poppy curiously. "School must keep you really busy," he says quizzically.
Poppy nods. "Yeah, and tutoring. I ended up keeping on most of my tutoring students after... everything," Poppy explains. "I tutor at home mostly so at least Mr. Magz isn't alone all the time, but I rarely have time to cook a nice meal these days." Truthfully, Poppy almost never had time to cook at all and mostly survived off of protein bars and smoothies... and the occasional meal she gratefully scarfed down at her brother's places when she visited them.
"Well, I'd love to make my curry puffs for you one day. Or whatever you want. You need nice meals," Oliver says, breathing a smile when Poppy brightens up at him.
"I'd really like that," she says warmly in reply. Poppy can't help but imagine Oliver in her small flat, pulling baking sheets out of the oven with a smile while she studies in the corner. She smiles at the thought.
Oliver blushes and smiles in return. "I've had a really great week with you so far, Poppy," he says, looking her in the eyes. "But I have to ask because I'm sure there's a recoupling coming soon..."
Poppy giggles. "I've been having such a good time with you I almost forgot about that," she says earnestly.
Oliver chuckles. "Me too," he says. "If it's boys choice, can I choose you again?" he asks, breathing a smile when Poppy melts a little in her chair.
"Oli, I think going forward you can safely assume that I very much want you to choose me," Poppy answers with a giggle. "I promise you'll be the first to know if I ever feel otherwise, but I don't see that happening any time in the near future... you might be stuck with me," she adds playfully.
"I'm still going to check in once in a while anyway," Oliver replies with a smile, "but the feeling is mutual so we're perfectly clear, can't think of a better person to be stuck with."
"Oh good, because I don't want to choose anyone else," Poppy says, blushing as she admits it.
"Me neither," Oliver says, putting his hand on top of Poppy's across the table and giving it a squeeze.
The two finish their dinner relaxed and happy in each other's company. When they finish Oliver gets a text letting them know that the hideaway is open. "I had a really great time with you, today, Poppy," Oliver says warmly as they approach the door to the private suite they would be sharing that evening.
Poppy giggles. "Me too! The Beach Hut and I have lots to chat about next time I'm in there... gotta keep up with the Oliver-swooning reputation I've got and all," she says playfully.
"Mmm, I'm disappointed I'll be missing that one," he replies with a chuckle. "That was always my favourite part of the episodes."
"I bet," Poppy replies cheekily. "I don't mind giving you a little preview, it seems impolite to tell you I'm going to talk about you and not tell you what I'm going to say," she adds with a cheeky smile.
Oliver chuckles. "I'd love that," he admits as he opens the door to the Hideaway, stepping aside so Poppy can enter first before he closes the door behind him. He turns to face Poppy who smiles and wraps her arms behind his neck as he puts his hands on her waist.
"Hmm, well I'll probably tell them all about how I melted into a giant puddle when you protected me from Finn and called me 'your girl'... and again when you said all those sweet things about how I'm lovely, smart and pretty you think I am," Poppy admits, pausing when she's distracted by Oliver kissing her neck. "...and again when you said you didn't want to choose anyone else. And I'll probably tell them how excited I am about it because I still have the biggest crush on you and it blows my mind that it could even be remotely mutual," Poppy finishes, blushing brightly.
Oliver pulls back to examine Poppy, smiling widely. "It's super mutual," he admits happily, breathing a soft chuckle when her smile widens. "Are you going to mention The Hideaway?" he asks curiously.
"Oh no, not that. My gut tells me whatever happens in here tonight stays between us," Poppy says with a giggle as Oliver wraps his arms around Poppy's waist and pulls her close.
"I thought you were going to say 'what happens in this room stays in this room'," Oliver admits before he presses a kiss to Poppy's neck.
"No, I'm hopeful for the opposite if I'm being honest," Poppy says, pulling Oliver up for a kiss. "We've only got the Hideaway for one night, I don't want to close the door on any time in the future if we're alone and the circumstances are right."
Oliver smiles as he presses his lips to hers. "Me too," he mutters in happy agreement before kissing her. The kiss is soft and gentle at first, as the pair savour the moment. It doesn't take long for things to heat up; before long Oliver moves his hand to behind Poppy's neck, deepening the kiss. Poppy lets out a soft moan as she melts into his grasp.
Oliver pulls her closer to him, desperately, unable to get enough of her. Pulling Poppy tightly against his chest, he swings her around effortlessly, her back now to the bed that was once behind him. He leads her to the bed, gently lifting her onto it before laying beside her, not stopping the kiss.
Oliver kisses the corner of Poppy's mouth gently before moving down her jawline and neck, leaving a soft trail of kisses. Poppy can feel the heat pool between her legs as she tries to calm herself. When Oliver kisses the especially sensitive spot on her neck, Poppy gasps. Oliver chuckles softly against her, sending excited jolts down Poppy's spine. He kisses her softly behind her ear before whispering into it, "I want to kiss you everywhere... can I?" He pulls back gently to study her face, she looks utterly captivated by him and she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.
When she nods enthusiastically he breathes a smile before pressing his lips to hers with purpose. He reaches behind her back to the zipper of her dress and gently pulls to release it, not breaking their kiss as he helps her shimmy the dress down her hips and step out of it. He studies her, making a mental note in the moment that he's never seen a woman as beautiful as Poppy is now; her pupils enlarged and her cheeks flushed with arousal, her lips swollen from their kisses, lightly parted as she breathes heavily. Poppy's dress didn't allow for her to wear a bra, so she lays in nothing but her lacy underwear, her nipples hardening from the cool air of the air conditioner in the room.
Oliver pushes Poppy's hair out of her face and away from her neck before kissing her again. He takes his time, wanting to memorize every single movement, every gasp, every moan Poppy makes under his touch. He gently runs his hand along her body before stopping to gently flick her nipple with his thumb as he trails hot kisses down her neck. He memorizes everything. Every soft gasp, every intake of breath, every small squirm as he kisses every space of her between her neck and her chest before he softly kisses her breast. He plants a hot kiss on her hard nipple before flicking it gently with his tongue, smiling when she writhes in pleasure beneath him.
Poppy's breathing shallows as the heat of arousal flies through her entire body. Every kiss Oliver plants on her skin sets her alight and it isn't long before she feels an ache to be closer to him.
Oliver moves to Poppy's other nipple, leaving a trail of kisses on the way before he flicks this one with his tongue as well, breathing a bright smile when she gasps in pleasure. He kisses down to breast to her ribcage, continuing his exploration of Poppy as though he has to know every detail of her.
Oliver kisses along the top of Poppy's undergarment before making eye contact with her and getting up to her knees. Oliver doesn't look away from her as he hooks his thumbs into her underwear and slowly pulls them off her. Poppy holds his eye contact as he does, completely mesmerized by him and at his mercy.
When the remaining fabric covering her is gone Oliver gently grabs Poppy's ankle, planting a kiss inside of it before doing the same to the other on his opposite shoulder. "You are perfect," Oliver mutters against her calf as he examines her in front of him. She is perfect, the way her face mirrors the adoration, affection and lust he feels himself encourages him as he continues his trail of kisses down her calf to her knee before turning to kiss his way down the other one.
When he reaches Poppy's other thigh Oliver leans down on his elbows as he keeps Poppy's legs over his shoulders, smiling into a kiss on her thigh when she gasps in anticipation of what's coming. Oliver takes in every single sound, every movement Poppy makes as he works his way up her thighs, alternating kisses back and forth between them.
Poppy's entire body feels like it's engulfed in flames as the heat continues to pool between her legs in anticipation. When Oliver finally kisses his way to her center he stops momentarily before rubbing his thumb up her slit and groaning at her wetness. He stops looks at her for a moment, the beautiful woman lying in front of him. Oliver was always one to take his time before even really wanting to get intimate with someone, but there was something about his connection with Poppy that just made him want to be with her in every way possible. He leans down and kisses a slow, tender kiss right above her slit.
When Poppy gasps Oliver presses his tongue to her bud, gently tracing around it. Poppy's pelvis twitches lightly in pleasure as she moans softly, her hands ball into fists around the sheet beneath her. Oliver hums in approval, moving his tongue in circles around the most sensitive part of Poppy's clit before gently running the tip of his tongue over her sensitive bud, groaning when Poppy moans in pleasure. He repeats the process a few more times, bringing Poppy closer and closer to the edge.
Poppy can feel the pressure increasing with each gentle flick of Oliver's tongue over her clit and it isn't long before Poppy says to him, her voice airy with ecstasy, "Oli...I'm getting close." Her grip on the sheet tightens and her breathing begins to shallow.
Oliver groans as he continues pushing his tongue onto Poppy's bud. He gently slides a finger inside of her, groaning again when she moans his name at him... probably the most beautiful sound he's ever heard. He slowly slides his finger in and out of her and dances his tongue gently along her bud.
"Oh, Oli... I'm coming," she moans. Poppy's thighs begin to tighten involuntarily around his head and her back arches as she lets go, crying out his name in pleasure. Oliver maintains the pace and pressure until Poppy's thighs loosen their grip and her body relaxes. He kisses her thigh gently, chuckling when she lets out a little gasp, before wiping his mouth on his hand and laying next to her.
He brushes her hair back again, leaving his warm palm on Poppy's cheek. "Poppy... I want you." He pulls back gently to study her face, looking her in the eyes. He breathes a small smile when she lights up at him.
"I want you too, Oli," Poppy says so quietly it could almost be a whisper, looking Oliver in the eyes as they crinkle with happiness at her words. The two collide into each other, unable to be close enough to one another.
Poppy wraps her arms around Oliver's neck and pulls him in for a kiss, tasting herself on him she moans softly and pulls herself closer to him. Oliver pulls Poppy closer still, unable to get enough of her, savouring the feeling of her skin on his, her breasts against his chest, her pelvis occasionally grinding into his. His hands to wander her soft skin, gently rolling a nipple between his fingers, slowly moving a hand down Poppy's stomach to her mound. Slowly, gently sliding a large finger back into her, smiling into their kiss when she moans softly. Oliver pumps his finger into her, slowly, carefully, savouring Poppy's soft gasps of pleasure before he adds a second. He pumps them into her with purpose before gently adding pressure from his thumb onto Poppy's already sensitive bud.
Poppy moans, grinding into Oliver's hand with a whimper and he picks up the pace, spurred on by her whimpers and gasps. When Poppy gets really close he slowly pulls his fingers out of her before removing his swimming trunks, watching Poppy carefully as her eyes widen when his hard member springs out. Oliver chuckles, kissing Poppy's neck. "We don't have to do this tonight," he murmurs into her ear sincerely. "I'm perfectly happy with doing things at your pace."
Poppy shakes her head. "I want you Oli," she says, kissing him again. "Please?" she asks him, looking him in the eyes.
Oliver smiles at Poppy, giving her another quick peck before grabbing a condom from the bedside table, and putting it on himself as he watches Poppy breathing heavily while she watches him. When he's done he wraps an arm around Poppy's waist, kissing her deeply as he hovers over her carefully. Oliver lines himself up between her legs, angling his tip at her center.
He looks down at her, studying her as he checks in one last time. "Are you ready?" he asks her gently, chuckling when she nods enthusiastically. "Look at me, Baby," Oliver says, putting a hand on her cheek. Poppy looks up at Oliver, her pupils blown with lust and affection, her lips lightly parted, her cheeks flushed. Poppy raises her hand to her cheek to put it on top of Oliver's as he rubs her cheek with his thumb, sweetly studying her face. With that he slowly enters her, groaning at her tightness and watching as her face contorts with pleasure at the feeling of fullness. He goes slowly, allowing Poppy to adjust to his size and memorizing the feeling of her. Once he's all the way inside her he pulls out before thrusting back in slowly, helping Poppy adjust to the size of him. Poppy moans before pulling Oliver back down to her to kiss him passionately.
Oliver starts a steady rhythm of thrusting into her, planting kisses on every bit of her skin he could reach. Poppy wraps her legs around him, unable to be close enough. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs in Poppy's ear, "so perfect."
Poppy whines with pleasure at Oliver's words as her thighs tighten around him. She takes in the feeling up him inside of her. He fills her perfectly, hitting every spot of her at once every time. Poppy feels the pleasure building as she takes in the closeness of him. "Oli!" she gasps, "I'm so close again."
Oliver smiles, kissing Poppy's neck as he maintains his steady pace. "You're so pretty, Poppy," he murmurs as he thrusts into her. "so beautiful. so perfect," he says quietly into her ear sending jolts through her body.
Poppy gasps as her walls start to tighten around Oliver's length inside her and her thighs tighten around him even more. Oliver kisses Poppy hard, maintaining his pace as he kisses her through her gasps and soft moans.
When she finishes he slows his pace significantly and holds her hand tightly intertwining her fingers with his next to her head on the bed. He brings her wrist to his lips for a tender kiss as he uses his other hand to clear her hair from her face so he could see every beautiful detail. He slides slowly in and out of her, examining her closely, memorizing every last perfect inch of her. The look Poppy gives him is so tender and so full of affection that he leans in to kiss her again, feeling a current of adoration and love course through his body.
Oliver knows he loves her. He knew from the moment he saw her she was someone special and being here with her now, naked and vulnerable, seeking her pleasure, their pleasure... he is making love to her. Oliver feels a fire through his body that yearns to be closer to her as he squeezes her hand tightly and kisses her tenderly.
Poppy moans into their kiss, gasping softly when Oliver pulls away, still slowly sliding in and out of her. "Oli... I..." Poppy whimpers softly. "I think I'm getting close again..." she says, looking him in the eyes.
Oliver smiles before leaning down to her neck. "I'm getting close, too," he murmurs in Poppy's ear as he kisses her neck again. "Tell me when you're there." He takes everything in, her scent, the feel of her, the way she looks at him, her gasps and whimpers, he wants to add it all to his memory.
Poppy gasps again as Oliver maintains his pace, sliding in and out of her slowly, but hard and deep. When he feels her walls start to flutter he pulls away from kissing her to look at her, moving her hair gently from her face one more time so he can see everything as she comes with him. They make eye contact and Poppy gasps again. "Oli... I'm coming," she says quietly as she feels the intense wave of affection and pleasure wash over her. Her walls tighten around Oliver again, bringing him there with her. He looks her in the eyes before leaning in to kiss her again, groaning as she moans into their kiss. He keeps going until her breathing slows. When they both come down from their pleasure he pulls back to examine her face. She's glowing, her cheeks flushed and her smile bright.
"You're so beautiful," Oliver murmurs against her forehead as he kisses it before slowly pulling out of her, mindful to keep the condom where it should be and then carefully disposing of it.
Poppy sighs happily when he returns to her, snuggling up to him affectionately. "That was... really, really great," Poppy says with a giggle. "I..." Poppy stops herself, blushing furiously before saying, "I had a really nice time... I hope you did too."
Oliver chuckles, kissing Poppy's hand while looking her in the eyes. "I had a really, really nice time," he says, smiling at Poppy blissfully.
The two lay in the bed of the private room wrapped up in each other, planting soft kisses on one another as Poppy's soft giggles and Oliver's playful chuckles fill the room. Three little words sit on the tips of their tongues, while each of them try to grasp how this could happen so quickly.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy and Oliver fall asleep in each wrapped up in each others arms and in the morning they take advantage of being in the Hideaway one more time before washing in the shower together.
"I wish we could stay in here forever," Poppy says as they prepare to leave. She snuggles up to Oliver, happy and content in their little bubble.
Oliver chuckles. "Me too, but I doubt they'd allow that," he says, pressing a kiss to her temple. Right on cue, Oliver gets a text telling him that he and Poppy have to go to the communal bedroom as an announcement is coming shortly. They walk into the room holding hands and both blush when Dana, Gabi, Kat, Finn and Lulu all start cheering as they enter.
"Heeeey, there's our loved-up couple! How was the Hideaway?" Lulu asks excitedly. "Anything noteworthy happen?"
"Yeah, did you guys do the Bed Boogie?" Dana asks, waggling her eyebrows at Poppy playfully.
Poppy laughs. "None of your business!" she says as she and Oliver sit on their bed and join the others. She glances at Suresh briefly and feels relief when she sees his face is perfectly neutral. This was a much better alternative to the stomping about he was doing when she didn't hook up with Alfie.
"Oliver?" Nicolas turns to him and asks.
"You heard the Lady," Oliver replies, shaking his head. "None of your business." Poppy smiles at him gratefully.
"You guys are no fun, we bickered about it all night last night!" Kat says with a laugh.
"How was the Hideaway at least? Was it good? What was the best part?" Lulu asks excitedly.
"The bed is super lush, has enough pillows on it to bury myself in..." Poppy replies casually, ultra-conscious of the presence of her ex-boyfriend in the room.
"Sure, the bed was the best part," Finn interjects with a laugh.
Poppy blushes furiously but maintains her composure. "Sure was, the bed was lush, like I said," Poppy says, looking Finn in the eyes with an amused smirk. One perk Poppy has found with having five brothers is her uncanny ability to not be shaken people who stir the pot.
Finn chuckles. "Fine! Fine! Leave us in wonder then you horrid scoundrels!" he exclaims dramatically, flopping down on his bed next to Lulu with the back of his hand to his forehead.
Lulu giggles next to him. "Oh come off it, you'll survive Sir Dramatic," she says, hitting him with a pillow playfully.
Kat gets a text, alerting the islanders that breakfast has been provided for them in the kitchen today. They enjoy their food before dispersing to get on with their day.
Poppy spends the morning with Lulu before Finn and Oliver join them in the afternoon. The four of them end up playing a game that started as football but somehow turned into the most ridiculous game they decided to call 'You Can't Do That, It's Against The Rules I Just Made Up' that ends with the four of them laughing on the lawn while Finn tries to roll the football using only his head as he squirms toward it on his belly.
It's not until after dinner that Poppy gets the next text of the day. She calls out to the other islanders from where she is seated with Oliver at the beanbags and waits for them to surround her before reading the text aloud:
Islanders, get ready to whip out your sexiest moves. You are about to get each other’s hearts racing in a boys vs girls challenge.
#ShakeItBaby #HeartRatesDon’tLie
"Oh, fuck yeah!" Kat says, her eyes bright with excitement. "I've been looking forward to the heartrate off since we got here!" To just about everyone's surprise Kat stands up and grabs Poppy's arm. "We need to chat, come with me," she says as she starts to drag Poppy into the villa ahead of everyone else. Poppy looks back at Oliver with a confused look on her face before waving at him and following Kat into the dressing room.
Kat drags Poppy to the bathroom and shuts the door behind them before turning to Poppy with a serious look on her face. "Poppy, I need your help," she says, "I want... to impress Suresh."
Poppy blinks in surprise. "Really?" she asks, smiling when Kat nods sheepishly. "I'd be thrilled to help you Kat," she says, laughing when Kat's shoulders fall in relief. "Let's see what you've got."
Poppy follows Kat to her closet while Kat tosses different pieces of lingerie at her for her opinion. Poppy picks up a rich purple bustier and inspects it. "Put this one on," she says, tossing it back to Kat.
"Oooh, I love this one. It hugs my body in all the right places," Kat says smiling.
Poppy nods. "That's the one, then," she says smiling. "Anything that makes you feel sexy and confident is going to work wonders."
Kat turns back and studies Poppy carefully. "You're not trying to sabotage me," Kat says suddenly, her voice filled with curiosity. "You're really trying to help me... even though Suresh is your ex?"
Poppy laughs. "You asked for my help, Kat. I thought it was kind of obvious but... I've moved on. If you want to crack on with Suresh, please be my guest," she says, handing Kat a pair of shoes from her closet. "Wear these, you'll look so banging you'll get my heartrate up."
Kat laughs as she takes the shoes from Poppy. "To be fair, it's obvious to just about everyone but Suresh that you have," she says, watching Poppy from the side of her eye as she straps on the heels Poppy tossed at her.
Poppy frowns. "I don't know how else to get it through to him," she admits before clearing her throat. "But that's no matter, we're going to make you so sexy he'll forget I exist, come on," she says, pushing Kat to the bathroom again.
Poppy helps Kat with her hair and gives her another blowout, leaving Kat proclaiming that if Poppy's really not a hairstylist she should be before Kat leaves to apply her own makeup expertly. "Smoky eye?" Kat asks Poppy nervously who nods enthusiastically.
"Yeah Babe, that'll look fire with that outfit," Poppy says before digging through her own closet. She had packed an outfit just for this challenge, a cute mermaid stylized bikini with clam shells for a bra and a green sequined bottom that resembles a mermaid's fin. She puts it on hastily before making her way to the vanity to do her makeup.
"So, Poppy, what can you tell us about Oliver now that you've spent a night in the hideaway with him," Arlo asks as she applies a heavy layer of eyeliner. "You know, in case any of us get a chance, we should know what we're working with. Or rather how much we're working with," she adds, looking at Poppy pointedly.
"That's none of your business, Arlo," Poppy says with a chuckle. "I'm sure if he wanted to share that information with you, he would," she adds as she brushes her hair out of her face to apply her makeup.
"But come on Poppy, we're all curious," Kat pipes in, leaning over the vanity to get closer to Poppy and the goss. "The guy's huge, he must be packing, right?"
"I feel like Oli's got a secret dark side or something," Dana says with a giggle. "Like maybe he's really into choking or something." She laughs at Poppy's reddening cheeks and shocked expression.
"Have you guys done the deed yet?" Kat asks curiously. "We bickered about whether or not you guys would in the Hideaway all night, you can tell us now it's just the girls," she adds with a laugh.
"Er... that's also none of your business," Poppy says, blushing brightly.
"Okay but how could you not? If I had that man in my bed every night I'd be all over him," Arlo says as she applies her mascara. "Maybe he's just not that into you."
Poppy shrugs. "Or maybe it's just none of your business," she tells Arlo tiredly. "I'm confident at the very least he's far more into me than you."
Arlo balks in surprise before replying, "that's just because you haven't let any of the rest of us have a chance to get to know him."
"Oliver's welcome to spend time with whoever he pleases, I don't own him," Poppy replies, holding eye contact with Arlo in the mirror pointedly. "If he's not spending time with you maybe it's because he doesn't want to. You should probably ask him instead of getting all up in my grill about it. Again." Poppy turns to back to the mirror to continue applying her makeup.
"So I can watch him be wound around your little finger? No thanks," Arlo spits bitterly.
Poppy raises her eyebrows and turns her entire body to face Arlo. "I'm just curious Arlo, what exactly is it that I can do to make you not be so nasty to me all the time?" she asks her, her tone playfully challenging. "Flirting with my own partner doesn't work, flirting with the single people doesn't work, having a well-established crush on someone who wants to be with me too doesn't work..."
Arlo scoffs angrily. "You just... it's just..." she sputters before throwing her hands in the air angrily. "Just pick one man and stick with him," she finally spits.
"I have... I pick Oli," Poppy says with a shrug. "I thought I made that pretty clear," she adds, looking at Lulu who nods in agreement.
"Yes, you've made that very clear with the leash you keep him on," Arlo sneers back. "But some of the rest of us want to get to know him too."
"Nobody is stopping you," Poppy says, applying her eye makeup expertly. "As I've already said, Oli's free to get to know whomever he pleases."
Arlo gives Poppy a once-over before saying, "well, let's see who raises his heartrate most in the challenge then."
Poppy laughs. "Sure thing, Arlo," she says, shaking her head before she applies her lipstick, a bright pink to match her outfit. Poppy isn't particularly worried she finds, she still trusts Oli and after their conversation on their date she's not worried about him choosing someone else without at least talking to her first. Poppy has to admit, the security is a really nice feeling.
When Poppy's finished she stands and does a quick once over in the mirror. My heart's already racing, there's no way the girls are going to win, Poppy thinks to herself as she adjusts her boobs in her clamshells.
Lulu notices the look on Poppy's face and stands beside her, saying to her quietly, "Doll, you look so nervous, public dancing not your thing?"
Poppy shakes her head. "Not really, but it's not that," she says, biting her lip nervously. "It's just... things are so... fresh with Oli and I don't really know... what he's into, you know?" she says with a nervous giggle.
"He's in the same boat, you know," Lulu points out, giving Poppy a small shrug. "How are you going to react with whatever he does?"
"To be honest, he could sit and talk to me about stocks and I'd be enthralled," Poppy admits with a laugh. "and it certainly helps that Oli is very hot."
"I bet he feels the same about you," Lulu says with a nod. "We've all seen the way he looks at you, he adores you."
"I still have no idea what I'm going to do out there," Poppy admits with her eyes wide. "Also, I have to admit, this would probably be easier if Suresh weren't around..."
"I can only imagine what that must be like," Lulu says with a nod. "Cracking on with my new beau while my old one is watching bitterly from the sidelines..."
"I hate everything about it to be honest," Poppy admits with a laugh. "Despite everything I hate hurting Suresh, but I'm falling for Oli, Lu. Proper, proper falling," Poppy adds with a nervous bite of her lip. "He's not only everything I thought I'd be, he's everything I could ever want in a partner..." Poppy sighs dreamily before noticing Arlo watching them in the corner and readjusting herself.
Lulu examines her friend with a wide smile as she notes Arlo watching them in the corner as well. She pulls Poppy out of the dressing room and into the hallway leading to the roof terrace. "Oh my land, Poppy... are you in love?" she asks her quietly. Poppy blushes furiously.
"I... maybe?" Poppy says with a laugh. "This feels insane but time moves so strangely here... I feel like I've really gotten to know Oli over the last few days and... I am defo head over heels for him." She pauses for a moment. "It's just..." Poppy slides down the wall onto the floor with a sigh. "How could I not fall in love with him? He's so sweet.. and he's so kind. We have a billion things in common, we have so much fun together. It just feels like we... fit together, I don't know how else to describe it. I'm such a melt," Poppy says as she falls sideways, ending up curled up on the floor.
Lulu sits down beside her. "Oh my God, Poppy. You're in love in love," she says before squealing excitedly. "Have you told him yet?" she asks Poppy.
Poppy's eyes widen in embarrassment as she sits up. "What? No, of course not! It's only been a week... I haven't even actually admitted it yet," Poppy says sheepishly as she chews her lip nervously.
"You just kind of did," Lulu says with a laugh.
Poppy covers her face with the crook of her arm. "It's too soon Lu, I don't do this!" she says, shaking her head. "It took me almost six months to say it to Suresh, you know. How can I possibly know after a week?"
"When it's the right person, sometimes you just do," Lulu says, putting a supportive arm around Poppy.
"I guess," Poppy says with a nod. She sighs. "The next couple weeks are going to be a lot, especially if Suresh finds out," she says, biting her lip in nervous anticipation.
"Have you and Oli talked about what things look like outside of here yet?" Lulu asks her friend.
Poppy shakes her head. "He did offer to make me curry puffs one day in a way that heavily implied he meant at home but that's about the furthest we've gotten," she says, fidgeting with her hands. "The logistics are going to be a lot to work out, Falmouth is about 9 hours from me driving," she says thoughtfully. "But that's a problem, maybe, for future Poppy. This Poppy is still freaking out about the Heartrate Challenge."
Lulu chuckles. "Girl, you're way sexier than you're giving yourself credit for, just go out there and do whatever feels right. Seems to be going in your favour so far," she says, giving Poppy a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Poppy smiles. "It really has," she says, shrugging her shoulders happily. "I'm all butterflies, I hope you're not hoping to win this challenge because my heartrate's going to tank the girls," Poppy says with a laugh.
Lulu shakes her head. "Nah, I'm Team #OlliPop over these girls," she says, elbowing Poppy playfully. She leans to Poppy quietly as she looks around conspiratorially. "Between us two... and the cameras, how was last night?" she asks Poppy quietly, giggling when Poppy blushes.
"Between us two? You promise?" Poppy asks, locking her pinky with Lulu's when Lulu sticks hers up.
"Pinky," she says, "Now dish girl! What.. Did... How... Talk to me!" Lulu adds excitedly, unsure of where to start.
Poppy laughs and looks around, noting a lack of people, and plants large enough to hide in, nearby. "Well, I won't go into detail but... we may have gotten very well acquainted last night," she admits with a swoonful sigh and a giggle.
Lulu's eyes widen with surprise before she squeals happily. She covers her mouth quickly, not wanting to alert the girls in the dressing room to their conversation. "Poppy! This is huge!" she says with a laugh.
Poppy smiles. "It felt right in the moment," she says with a shrug before she stands and offers Lulu a hand up. "We should get going though, the challenge is probably about to start," she says. Poppy bites her lip nervously in an effort to distract herself from the butterflies gathering in her stomach.
Poppy is relieved when she gets to the firepit and learns the boys are up first. She sits between Lulu and Kat, hyperaware of the added awkwardness being the only thing between Finn's current and ex partners during a sexy challenge would bring. And that was on top of not getting to talk to Oli beforehand about the challenge and the fact that Suresh was there. Poppy's not even sure what she's going to do if they're seated next to each other on her turn.
Finn steps out first and shimmies his way to Lulu with a playful glimmer in his eye, Lulu giggles and shimmies back at him from her seat as he approaches her. He dances on Lulu for a while before he lifts her from her seat at the firepit and replaces her so Lulu is straddling him as they kiss each other deeply. Poppy leans toward Kat to give Lulu and Finn space while they get into their snog. She looks back at Kat, worried to see her upset but to Poppy's relief Kat is smiling. When they make eye contact, Poppy gives Kat a curious look and nods in realization when Kat's eyes flicker briefly in the direction of where Suresh is standing.
When Finn's turn is done he stands and gently places Lulu back on her seat before turning to Poppy. "Sorry Beour, I'll get you next time," he says, giving Poppy a cheeky wink.
Poppy laughs. "You're a menace, Finn!" she says as he runs off the stage. She looks at Kat again briefly whose gaze is set to Suresh before turning to Lulu. "How are you doing, Babes?"
"The girls are not winning this challenge," Lulu admits, fanning herself.
Poppy giggles. "At least it's not just me," she says playfully.
Nicolas steps out next, but Poppy barely even registers his performance as she considers what's about to come; Oliver's turn, which she knew was going to send her heart in a frenzy regardless... and Suresh's turn. She was seated next to a notoriously jealous and possessive Kat who just admitted to her that she has feelings for him. He's been avoiding me all week, I've no reason to believe he'll stop now, Poppy tries to reassure herself.
Nicolas finishes his turn with Arlo before running off the stage. Poppy claps politely, having missed the entire thing distracted by her own worries she has no idea how it actually went.
Oliver steps out next, his gaze locked on Poppy. She giggles and blushes brightly as she waits for him eagerly, almost sitting on the edge of her seat, her worries about Suresh's upcoming turn completely forgotten in the moment. He walks out to her directly, taking her hand and kissing it gently when he reaches her.
"M'Lady," he says to Poppy with a cheeky grin before he pulls her up by her hand and wraps his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. He chuckles when Poppy gasps in surprise as he starts to press kisses from her shoulder up her neck, gently nipping at her skin occasionally.
Poppy gets lost in Oliver's kisses and finds herself remembering last night in the Hideaway when they had a lot more privacy. Poppy stifles a small moan of pleasure as she tries to steady her breathing. Think of anything else, she tells herself as her mind wanders back to the hideaway. Anything else!.
Poppy is about to give up entirely and just go with the flow when Oliver's turn is over. Poppy didn't even notice he'd dipped her at some point and giggles when Oliver gently places her back on her feet. Poppy blinks, her cheeks still flush as he kisses her temple and leads her back to her seat. "I see how we're playing... I guess I'll have to up the ante," Poppy says with another giggle as he steps backward to leave.
"Can't wait to see what you've got," Oliver says with a grin and a playful wink before blowing her a kiss and running off the stage.
"Yeah, we're defo not winning," Kat says after looking Poppy up-and-down, smiling when Lulu snickers.
Suresh's turn goes better than Poppy expected, to her immense relief. While he doesn't ignore Poppy entirely, he does dance with Kat... and Gabi to Kat's disappointment, and Dana before giving Poppy a subtle wink and jogging off the stage, finishing off the boys' turn.
The girls are instructed to swap places with the boys and wait for instructions on the roof terrace. Poppy cheers as Dana takes the first turn for the girls, and again for Lulu on her turn. Gabi goes next and focuses solely on Suresh, causing Dana and Kat to roll their eyes in annoyance. Kat nails this competition on her turn, stepping out confidently and dancing on Suresh before bending over backward off of his lap and ending her turn in the splits on the floor. Poppy and Lulu cheer for Kat enthusiastically from the roof terrace as she makes her way back up to them. "Babes, you smashed it!" Poppy says with a smile.
Poppy gets a text indicating her turn and turns to Lulu nervously. "Wish me luck," she says, smiling gratefully when Lulu gives her shoulder a supportive squeeze. Poppy takes a deep breath to settle her nerves before stepping out to the firepit as confidently as she can muster, finding Oliver sitting at the opposite end of Suresh. Relieved, Poppy makes her way directly to him with a mischievous grin.
"Hello there, Handsome," she says as she stands in front of Oliver. She makes eye contact with him, her eyes twinkling playfully. "May I?" she asks, pushing him gently to lean against the backrest with one hand on his shoulder.
Oliver chuckles and opens his arms in invitation. "Please, be my guest," he says with a smile.
Poppy giggles and puts a knee on the bench next to Oliver before putting her other knee on the opposite side to straddle him. She blocks out the sounds of the other islanders around her and focuses entirely on Oliver in front of her, raking one hand through his hair as she leans forward to kiss him passionately.
Oliver places his hands on Poppy's hips as she begins to grind her pelvis into his and grips her tightly, almost forgetting where they are for a moment. Poppy deepens the kiss as she presses her body against his, pulling him closer before moaning softly. She pulls out of the kiss to kiss her way up his neck to the dandelion tattoo behind his ear. "Maybe we could sleep on the daybeds tonight, have a little bit of... privacy?" she murmurs with her lips against his neck, quiet enough for only Oliver to hear.
Oliver chuckles and turns to face Poppy, kissing the side of her head. "That sounds incredible," he says huskily before adding with a wide smile.
Poppy giggles mischievously before pressing a lingering peck on Oliver's mouth. The kiss lasts a moment, and when she's done Poppy winks at Oliver once more before turning to walk off the stage, shaking her bum cheekily for him on the way.
"Hey Poppy, what about the rest of us," Nicolas calls out with a laugh.
Poppy raises her middle finger in response to Nicolas without looking back at him, prompting all four boys to laugh. She heads back to the terrace to stand with Lulu and smiles at her, relieved her turn is over.
"Babes, he loved it... we could tell from here," Lulu says with a laugh.
Before Poppy can reply the heavy bass tones from Arlo's routine start and the pair turn their attention to watch Arlo's performance. She dances on all of the boys before turning to Oliver and walking toward him with purpose. Poppy rolls her eyes as she watches Arlo twerk for a very surprised looking Oliver before Arlo says something in his ear and bounces off the stage before Oli can even reply to her.
"Mmm, I'd say the boys enjoyed that, especially Oli," Arlo sneers as she rejoins the girls.
"What's not to like when an attractive woman is shaking her cute butt in your face, he probably did," Poppy replies with a shrug, laughing when Arlo rolls her eyes.
The door to the roof terrace opens suddenly and Suresh sticks his head around it. "Sorry to interrupt ladies, but we were told we can disperse while they calculate the results," he tells them before making eye contact with Poppy. "Can we chat?" he asks.
Poppy glances at Kat who awkwardly avoids her gaze before looking down with a sigh. "Can it wait?" she asks him, already knowing his answer. When he confirms it cannot she stands reluctantly before glancing at Kat apologetically and following Suresh to Poppy's least favourite spot in the villa.
Suresh looks down at the ground awkwardly as he tries to find the right words. Last time this conversation didn't go so well and Suresh is determined not to have a repeat of it. "I'm really sorry about the other night," he starts as he looks at his hands awkwardly.
Poppy nods. "Thank you," she says, frowning slightly. She looks at Suresh with a sad smile. "Suresh, I would really like if we could be friends, you know," she adds, looking at Suresh with wide, honest eyes. "You really mean a lot to me."
Suresh looks at Poppy with examining eyes as they sit on the swing seat, taking in the differences in her since the last few times they were there. "I take it your couple is going well then?" Suresh asks her casually.
"Very," Poppy says simply. "How's yours going?" she asks, turning to Suresh.
"Kat's a lot of fun, but I don't see us going much further than the villa," he admits.
"She fancies you, you know," Poppy says quietly. "She asked me for help picking her outfit for the challenge..."
"She did look especially hot tonight," Suresh says with a chuckle. "But she's not really my type, you know that. I came here for a purpose," he says, looking at Poppy pointedly.
"So what, you're just going to keep stringing another girl along in hopes that the last two years will magically undo themselves?" Poppy asks him angrily. "That's not fair, to them or to me!" she adds, looking him in the eyes.
"Are you really in a position to be judging after your behaviour?" Suresh spits, causing Poppy to blanch in surprise.
"Pardon me, my what!?" she asks him angrily and Suresh knows immediately he's crossed a line. Poppy folds her arms angrily and looks at him expectantly.
Suresh rolls his eyes petulantly. "Did you fuck him?"
"That's none of your business, Suresh," Poppy says quietly. Poppy can feel the rage at him building as she forces herself to remain calm and level. He's just trying to get a reaction, she tells herself as she tries to steady her breathing.
Suresh studies Poppy carefully. "...you did, didn't you?" he says after a moment. Poppy doesn't have to answer, the flush in her cheeks says it all.
"You shouldn't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to," Poppy says instead of answering. "Especially when they're none of your business," she adds pointedly.
Suresh nods curtly. "That's it then... you've moved on," he says. It's not a question, more a statement of fact.
Poppy nods tentatively. "Yes, Suresh, I have," she replies quietly. She tries to make eye contact with him but he avoids her eyes so she fidgets with a stray thread on the swing seat cushion instead.
Suresh's jaw tenses as he looks at the ground. "This isn't how I expected this summer to go," he admits quietly.
Poppy bites her tongue. No, I suppose what you expected was to have sex with whoever you wanted and for me to take you back in the end when you got bored, she thinks to herself sadly. "To be fair, me neither," she says instead with a small laugh.
"So you're just going to throw everything we had away? For a guy you've known for a week?" Suresh asks, looking up at Poppy sadly.
Poppy crinkles her nose in frustration. "You threw everything we had away, Suresh, repeatedly," she says, her voice slightly strained. She takes a deep breath before looking Suresh in the eye. "You keep blaming me, but you also keep forgetting you had a whole second girlfriend for almost half of our entire relationship," she adds in her usual amused tone. Poppy looks at Suresh curiously. "It's like you've actually forgotten. Or maybe you just don't understand how horrible it feels because you've never experienced it. Either way, I'm never, ever, ever putting myself in that position again."
"I made a mistake Poppy, a big one. But that doesn't mean we have to throw it all away," Suresh exclaims, eagerly trying to get through to her. "Don't you remember how things used to be? When we'd leave on Friday night and not come home until Monday morning? Weekend trips to anywhere we wanted, adventures all over the world... we could have that again, Poppy. I promise, if I had you I won't make the same mistakes again," Suresh says, looking at Poppy with desperation. "You're the only one that I want..."
"You've certainly proven it since you've been here too. I definitely wouldn't have to worry about you cheating on me with Gabi again, should I take you back," Poppy says, clearly being sarcastic as she looks as Suresh playfully.
"She's fucking hot! Are you trying to say I'm not supposed to even look at her?" Suresh asks Poppy incredulously.
"Of course Gabi is gorgeous but that's not the point! I'm not even Oli's girlfriend and he hasn't even glanced at anyone else since he's been here, Suresh! That's what I want in a partner, someone who's so in love with me he doesn't even notice anyone else!" Poppy says, sounding exasperated. She looks at Suresh, silently pleading with him to let her be happy.
"It's been a week, he's not in love with you!" Suresh exclaims with a sarcastic chuckle. "Not like I am, at least," he adds, looking at Poppy seriously.
Poppy blushes furiously when Suresh repeats her words back to her... she can almost feel his gaze boring into her soul. She sighs tiredly as she looks at the ground in front of her. "Maybe not, and he still only has eyes for me, Suresh. That's kind of my point. He doesn't feel a need to play games with me, he just wants to... be with me," she says, not looking Suresh in the eyes. "And I want to be with him, too," she adds before she finally make eye contact with Suresh again. "I really, really do."
"So what, you think Oliver's not playing a game? He's on Love Island, Poppy... for a second time," Suresh says condescendingly. "I hear you guys are very popular with the public, and I hear Oliver's very privy to that information. Don't come running to me when it turns out he's just using you to win the money."
Poppy looks as though she's been slapped in the face. She studies her ex for a moment with an unreadable look. "Suresh, I need some space," she says after a moment, keeping her voice level. She looks like she's about to say something else but walks off instead.
Unbelievable! Poppy thinks to herself, over Suresh's usual hypocrisy. She notices Oliver in the kitchen and heads over to him when he gestures her over. "Oh, hello there," she says flirtatiously. "I was wondering if you've perhaps seen my partner? About your height, very sweet and very handsome," Poppy adds cheekily as Oliver presses his forehead to hers and wraps an arm around her waist.
"Hmm, doesn't ring a bell... think I could be a placeholder instead?" Oliver replies with a brazen smirk.
"I suppose that depends, the guy I'm looking for has got a real good cuddle game, tough to beat," Poppy says with a giggle, snaking her arm behind Oliver's neck before planting a kiss on his lips.
Oliver smiles into the kiss before Poppy pulls away, biting her lip nervously. She keeps one hand behind his neck and he keeps his on the small of her back as they speak. "So, I should probably tell you about what just happened..." she says with a frown. "Suresh and I just had a chat..."
Before Poppy can tell Oliver about the conversation she just had with Suresh she's interrupted by Dana yelling that she got a text. As usual, Dana waits for the others to surround her before reading aloud:
Islanders, please gather round the firepit for the heart rate results. Time to see who set your pulses racing.
#TheHeartWantsWhatTheHeartWants
The islanders gather at the firepit, some exchanging nervous glances as they await the results. Gabi gets the texts, and reads them aloud one-by-one:
Nicolas, your heartrate was raised most by... Poppy!
Nicolas looks at Poppy with a smirk before frowning at Arlo who gives him a death glare.
"Poppy?! Seriously?!" Arlo asks incredulously. "Not your own partner, your ex?"
Nicolas shrugs. "She's hot, what can I say?" he says casually.
Poppy laughs. "Was it the bit where I flipped you off? Because I won't lie, I enjoyed that too," she says looking at Nicolas with an amused grin.
Nicolas laughs and shakes his head. He opens his mouth to reply but he's cut off by Arlo.
"Of course you're amused by this, can't keep to your own man," Arlo mumbles. Poppy turns to look at Arlo incredulously but any reply is cut off by Gabi getting the next text that she reads aloud:
Arlo, your heartrate was raised most by... Oliver!
Nicolas turns to Arlo, his eyebrows raised pointedly. Poppy stifles a giggle at the scene and takes a drink of water to avoid laughing at Arlo's karma.
"Not your own partner, huh?" Nicolas says pointedly with an amused chuckle, causing Arlo to cross her arms in a huff. "He didn't even look at you."
Gabi continues on, curious for an answer from her partner:
Dana, your heartrate was raised most by... Poppy!
Gabi gives her partner a disappointed look. "I see," she says, glancing at Poppy sadly.
"She and Oli put on quite a show, what can I say?" Dana replies casually. "Let's wait and see what yours are before getting too upset with me, yeah?"
As if on cue, Gabi gets the next text:
Gabi, your heartrate was raised most by... Suresh!
Gabi blushes furiously under Dana's pointed glare. "I can't help if his dancing got me hot under the collar!" she says, but Dana just rolls her eyes in reply. Gabi looks like she wants to say more to defend herself but changes her mind and waits for the next text.
Lulu, your heartrate was raised most by...Finn!
"No surprise there," Poppy says with a giggle.
"I'm glad you liked it," Finn says with a smile. "There's more where that came from."
Gabi reads out the next result as Finn and Lulu continue their banter:
Finn, your heartrate was raised most by... Lulu!
Lulu beams at him and Finn puts an arm around Lulu affectionately.
Kat, your heartrate was raised most by... Suresh!
Poppy smiles at Kat who blushes at the result. Kat does tick quite a few of Suresh's boxes, I wonder if he even realises it, Poppy thinks to herself.
Suresh, your heartrate was raised most by... Poppy!
Gabi looks disappointed as she reads the result. "She didn't even dance on you," she says to Suresh sadly.
"And she's not even your partner!" Kat says, also disappointed. Poppy tenses as she prepares for Kat to turn on her but to her surprise she doesn't.
"What can I say, the heart wants what it wants I guess," Suresh says with a shrug, not looking at Poppy.
Gabi looks heartbroken by Suresh's words but carries on:
Poppy, your heartrate was raised most by... Oliver!
Poppy turns to smile at Oliver warmly.
"Definitely no surprise there," Lulu says with a laugh.
"I guess the heart wants what it wants, eh Poppy?" Nicolas says with an amused smirk.
Poppy rolls her eyes. "You don't miss a beat, do you?" she asks Nicolas tiredly.
Nicolas laughs. "Rarely ever, Coração," he says with a wink. Poppy rolls her eyes.
Oliver, your heartrate was raised most by... Poppy!
Arlo scowls in disappointment. "I thought for sure I had that in the bag," she mumbles to nobody in particular. Poppy ignores her and turns her attention to Gabi as she reads the final two texts:
The boys raised the girl's heartrates on average to 94 bpm. The girls raised the boys heartrate on average to 98 bpm! #TheGirlsTakeIt #GirlsDayComingSoon
Poppy, as the islander who raised the most heartrates in the challenge, you will be safe from the next dumping. #SafeFromElimination
The islanders look around at each other nervously. "Wasn't really thinking about dumpings again anytime soon," Finn admits sadly.
The islanders disperse to discuss the heartrate challenge. Gabi grabs Suresh by the arm and drags him off to the swing seat before Kat can get a chance to even look at her own partner. Poppy gives Oliver a quick peck on the cheek before turning to Kat. "Can we chat?" Poppy asks her. "I'm sorry about the results of the challenge, I.."
Kat cuts Poppy off. "You didn't even look at Suresh, how can I get mad about it?" she says distractedly. Poppy follows her gaze to Gabi and Suresh on the swing seat where they are clearly having a heated discussion.
Suddenly Gabi looks over to where Kat and Poppy are standing and marches toward them with purpose. "Gabi, stop!" Suresh says angrily from behind her as they reach Poppy and Kat. "You've played your little game, and you've had your fun... but I'm not playing anymore," he says to Gabi, almost condescendingly. He takes a deep breath before calming down. "Whatever it is you're about to do, I strongly suggest you reconsider. You're only going to hurt people... multiple people and it's not worth it," he says a lot more calmly.
"Oh, shove it, Suresh!" Gabi yells, the other islanders started to surround the four of them, curious about what's going on. "I'm so sick of your 'concerned protector' bullshit act! You're just trying to protect yourself from the backlash of your selfish actions!"
On that, we agree,Poppy thinks to herself sarcastically as she watches the drama unfold in front of her. Oliver approaches, putting an arm around Poppy and giving her temple a quick peck.
"Gabi, you have no fucking clue what you're talking about!" Suresh says angrily. "Just leave it!"
"I know exactly what I'm talking about, Suresh, and it's time your precious Poppy does too," Gabi spits at him angrily.
"Gabi, you seriously don't want to do this," Suresh says angrily, in a tone that demands compliance.
Gabi laughs in his face before turning to Poppy, a malicious glare in her eye. "The truth is, Poppy, I was never the 'other woman' or whatever you want to call it," she says, looking Poppy in the eyes.
"Wait, you were with Suresh before I was?" Poppy says, her eyes wide with surprise. "Jesus, Gabi I had no idea... I'm so sorry..." she starts but Suresh cuts her off.
"I started seeing Gabi after you, that's not what she's... Gabi don't do this," Suresh pleads with her.
"Suresh only really had eyes for me the whole time we were together," Gabi continues, ignoring Suresh entirely. "And I am tired of being made out to be some dirty little secret when I know that I was the one Suresh actually loved!" She takes a deep breath before turning to Poppy and sneering, "If anything, Poppy was the ‘other woman’!"
Poppy looks at Suresh curiously, but he's too focused on Gabi to notice. "Gabi, please just drop it," he says angrily.
"What's wrong Suresh?" Gabi says coldly. "Didn't think Poppy would ever find out? Wanted to keep stringing two women along? Have your cake and eat it too?"
I thought that's already been established... Poppy thinks to herself, looking at Oliver with a bewildered expression on her face. Oliver gives her a small supportive smile before squeezing her shoulder lightly.
"Will you just let me explain before you-" Suresh starts but Gabi cuts him off.
"No, Suresh! No more 'explaining', no more stories!" Gabi screeches.
Suresh raises his hands and backs off. "Fine, go ahead, but don't say I didn't warn you..." he replied venomously, clearly over Gabi's theatrics.
"I will! Because I don't know why everyone thinks you and Poppy were so serious!" Gabi yells as the tears start to fill her eyes. "I happen to know for a fact that I was the one Suresh wanted to be serious with. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with me"
"Go on then, tell us why you're so sure," Suresh says as he rolls his eyes angrily.
"I found a ring!" Gabi says heatedly, "and two plane tickets! Suresh was going to take me on a romantic getaway to propose!"
Most of the other islanders gasp around them, reminding Poppy that she is in fact, not watching a televised drama.
"You just had to go and do it, didn't you Gabi? You can't just accept that I don't want you so you had to go and hurt everyone else around you," Suresh says tiredly.
"So what, Suresh is she lying or..." Arlo asks snarkily.
"I'm not lying," Gabi replies coldly, looking Suresh in the eyes.
"You were planning to marry Gabi while stringing Poppy along?" Finn asks from the crowd angrily. "Just when I thought you couldn't stoop any lower."
"Yeah, you're a real piece of work, Suresh," Nicolas agrees with a very serious look on his face. "Just shameful what you've done to these ladies."
"Oh fuck off, Nicolas," Suresh says with an eyeroll. Poppy shoots a glare in Nicolas' direction as well.
"Got anything to say, Suresh?" Gabi challenges him.
Through all of this Poppy and Oliver remain silent, somehow in the middle of it but separated from it all. Poppy finds herself... mostly unsurprised if she's being honest. Suresh had a whole second girlfriend for almost half of their relationship, what's an engagement ring when you already know you were worthless to someone?
"I never wanted this to happen, but I won’t defend myself or make excuses," Suresh says, looking at the ground. "I didn't want to hurt either one of you."
"Well trust me, that pretty colour-changing stone on my finger wouldn't have hurt one bit," Gabi says with a chuckle. "Neither would laying out on a beach in Belize."
It is at this moment that Poppy tenses for the first time through all of this. Oliver squeezes her shoulder again reassuringly.
"What's the matter, Poppy, can't handle the truth?" Gabi asks her smugly when she notices the change in Poppy's demeanor.
"Can you?" Poppy asks her quietly in reply. Belize. That was the trip their fight was about, the one she couldn't reschedule her midterms to take. Suddenly the rest of the missing pieces seem to fit together. Suresh got so mad about me not being able to make the trip because he was going to propose... Poppy realises with a frown. Ironic, since she was also planning to propose to him during that time and instead they wound up here.
Gabi narrows her eyes at Poppy. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she spits angrily.
"Gabi, leave her alone," Suresh says to her coldly. "She's done nothing to you, I'm the one you should be cross with."
Poppy glances at Suresh with surprise before turning her attention back to Gabi.
"Answer the question, Poppy. What. Do. You. Mean?" Gabi ignores Suresh and asks Poppy angrily.
Poppy and Suresh make eye contact for the briefest moment before he looks down in shame. "That ring wasn't for you, Gabi," Suresh explains so Poppy doesn't have to. He doesn't finish the rest of the sentence, and he doesn't look at Poppy or Oliver who are standing there in total shock.
"No, no it can't be," Gabi says, looking between Poppy and Suresh horrified. "Is this true? That the ring was for Poppy all along?"
Nicolas can hardly contain his glee at the drama but the rest of the islanders all don't seem to know what to do.
"Yeah," Suresh admits awkwardly. "The trip to Belize was the one Poppy and me had a fight about when she found the photo and left..."
"So, let me get this straight... you were going to propose to Poppy and she couldn't do the trip so you fucked Gabi?" Arlo says incredulously. "That's brutal."
"Well Poppy for one, is unconcerned," Poppy says, reminding the others she is still present. "What's done is done, the outcome is still the same."
"Yeah but after the excess baggage challenge..." Kat starts.
"The outcome still hasn't changed," Poppy cuts Kat off to say. "If I feel like talking to Suresh about that later I'll do so privately."
"I can't believe this! All this time I thought that..." Gabi starts, looking down as she starts to cry. "I thought that I was the one you wanted to be with."
"I didn't know that you thought that, I'm sorry Gabi," Suresh replies quietly.
Gabi sniffles. "Everything was always all about Poppy, wasn't it? The pretty words you said to me, you did to hurt Poppy. Being with me at all... was to hurt Poppy," she says through tears. "When she accused you of using her like a plaything earlier in the series I thought she was out to lunch, but she's bang on about you."
"Maybe the rest of us should leave you two to talk," Poppy says slowly, but Gabi shakes her head.
"No need, I'm leaving," Gabi says before she turns and runs into the villa.
"I'm going to go sit at the firepit and not in the middle of all this, if anyone would like to join me," Finn says, looking at Lulu, Poppy and Oliver pointedly.
"I'm going to go... have a chat with Suresh..." Kat says to Poppy awkwardly before grabbing his arm and walking off with him.
Poppy follows Finn, Lulu and Oliver to the firepit. "So I guess that just happened..." she says as they sit down.
"How are you feeling about it? That's a pretty big... revelation," Oliver asks Poppy, kissing her head tenderly.
"I really meant what I said, knowing this now doesn't change the outcome..." Poppy says, "How are you feeling about it? It can't be fun for you, I'm so sorry Oli," Poppy says sadly. "It really feels like I can't escape the drama here."
Oliver rubs Poppy's arm affectionately. "It's okay, Baby, you're allowed to have a past," he says with a chuckle. "Honestly, I'm just impressed with how you keep handling all of these curveballs."
Poppy laughs. "It doesn't feel like I'm handling them sometimes, she admits.
"At least for once Suresh looks guilty," Lulu says with a frown. "I don't think I've ever seen him look so defeated."
Poppy nods. "There's definitely something different about him over the last few days," she agrees. "Pretty much since he left the truth booth challenge. He never did tell me what he watched in there." Poppy bites her lip with a frown. "And the chat we had a few minutes ago probably isn't helping..."
"From where I'm sitting there was one event in particular that stands out as the moment things changed for Suresh in here," Finn says, looking at Oliver pointedly with a laugh.
Poppy shrugs as casually as she can. "I won't deny that Suresh has made it clear that he has some major issues with Oli in my life," she says, her nose crinkling in frustration as she remembers her earlier conversation with Suresh. "But I'm not going to feel bad about him lying in the bed that he made. I'm just trying to move on," she says, sounding like she feels a lot worse than she wants to.
"Did you know?" Lulu asks Poppy curiously. "It seemed like you did when you asked if Gabi could handle the truth...."
Poppy shakes her head negatively. "Belize is the trip Suresh and I had that row about that night," she says. "He got so much more riled up about that trip than the others I had to bail on, I suppose now I know why."
"To be honest, I can't picture you two married," Finn says with a chuckle. "I've actually been struggling the entire time we've been here to find anything you and Suresh might have in common."
Poppy bites her lip nervously. "To be honest in hindsight... me too," she admits quietly. Her eyes widen when she seems to realise she said that out loud. "Don't tell him I said that, I'm just cross with him right now," she adds quickly.
Truthfully, Poppy had been wondering the same thing herself over the last few days. Having so much in common with Oli has made things really easy and fun, and it was such a stark contrast to how she felt with Suresh. That's not to say she didn't enjoy her time with him, she did very much, but she never did feel her like her authentic self with Suresh. She enjoyed the travelling and fine dining for the experiences, but Poppy's sense of adventure was more the 'explore a new country' variety than Suresh's more... adult one.
"I had a conversation with Finn about Kat once, do you remember?" Poppy says after a short silence. "About how I thought maybe Kat was more interested in the idea she has of you than the person you actually are."
Finn nods, "I put that together myself," he says with a chuckle. "I'm not sure who the person Suresh thinks you are is, but she's not the person I've met."
"That goes both ways, though," Poppy admits with a frown. "I think I must have done the same about him. If you told me when we were together that this would be happening right now I would have laughed you out the door," Poppy chuckles. "Hindsight is a funny thing."
Before anyone can say anything else the sound of the front doors of the villa opening can be heard.
"Whoa, is someone leaving?" Finn asks.
"Only one way to find out," Lulu says as she stands. Poppy, Oliver, and Finn follow as the four of them walk to the doors to see what's going on. When they arrive they see Dana, Suresh, Kat, Arlo and Nicolas already there, surrounding Gabi who stands at the door with her bags packed.
"So yeah, I'm leaving," Gabi says awkwardly as they arrive. She shoots Poppy an uncomfortable glance.
"Because of me?" Suresh asks in a voice Poppy doesn't even recognize. I guess the last few days have really taken a toll on him, she thinks to herself sadly. She never wanted to hurt Suresh, even after everything he put her through.
"Because of us. The us that never was, I guess," Gabi replies with a sad chuckle. "I came here for answers and just made things more confusing for myself. I need to go home and sort out my love life," she adds before turning to Poppy. "And Poppy, I'm really, really sorry about everything. I let myself be blinded and blamed you for something that wasn't your fault."
"Thanks Gabi, that means a lot," Poppy says sincerely.
"Maybe we can catch up when you get home, it'd be nice to get to know you outside of all of... this," Gabi says, gesturing to everything around her. "If you're ever in the area of The Uppity Tortoise sometime come say hi," she says.
"Oooh, I hear the waitress there is really hot," Poppy says with a laugh. "I might have to check it out sometime."
Gabi smiles at Poppy before turning and saying her goodbyes to everyone. When she reaches Dana they hug awkwardly. "I'm sorry for leaving you single..." Gabi says "And for all of this."
"We almost had something, didn't we?" Dana replies with a kind smile. "It's all right Gabi, no hard feelings."
Gabi's car arrives, cutting her goodbyes short. She gives everyone a sad little wave before hopping into the backseat. When her driver takes off there's an awkward tension in the air.
"Now what?" Nicolas asks, immediately before his phone pings with a text. He laughs before pulling out his phone and reading the text out loud:
Islanders, due to an unexpected turn of events there will be a surprise recoupling tonight! Please make your way to the firepit. #MixandMatch #NewCouples
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Poppy and Oliver hold hands as they walk to the firepit together. The atmosphere feels heavy, with Suresh's ring confession and Gabi's dramatic exit, the islanders all seem at a loss. Poppy squeezes Oliver's hand tightly before they take their seats on opposite sides of the firepit, feeling unusually nervous considering how confident she feels that Oliver won't blindside her.Lulu stands next to Poppy, asking her with a giggle, "any idea who you're going to pick, Babes?"Poppy giggles in return. "Oh you know, I might have one," she replies playfully. "Got my eye on that Oli fellow," she says, glancing at Oliver from the side of her eye. He must have overheard her because he smiles widely, causing Poppy to blush before she winks at him cheekily."Well I can't wait for the recoupling!" Arlo says excitedly. "I know exactly who I'm choosing if I get to go first," she says, looking Poppy up and down pointedly before her gaze goes to Oliver.Poppy stiffens and looks at Oliver nervously. For some reason it never even crossed her mind that Arlo would be that manipulative and choose a man who didn't even want her until now. Poppy's thoughts alternate between She won't do it. She can't be that horrid, and Please let me go before Arlo, please, please, pleeeeeeease, let me go before Arlo. Poppy begs the universe, clasping her hands together in her lap tightly as she hopes she'll be able to choose Oliver. She takes a quiet breath through her nose, conscious of her heartbeat in her throat, pounding in her ears, occupying all her limbs and extremities and filling them with nervous energy. She glances at Oliver, smiling at him widely when she sees him smile at her. Whatever happens, happens... Poppy tells herself, wishing it would help settle the nervous energy flying through her.To her right, Poppy hears the distinct tone of a phone getting a message as her heart sinks, rooting her to the ground. Arlo glances up from reading her text, giving Poppy a smirk so evil it could inspire the devil. "Looks like I'm up first," she says before turning to the boys and walking straight to Oliver. "It really wasn't looking like I was ever going to be in this position, but the recoupling gods are smiling down on me today," Arlo says, looking out at the boys.Every single muscle inside of Poppy is wound so tightly she could explode. Please don't do this, Arlo... he doesn't even like you, she thinks as she bites her lip, anxiously awaiting the blow. She makes eye contact with Oliver who gives her a confused look before his eyes widen as he realises what's about to happen a split second before it does."I'm coupling up with this boy because he's absolute flames and I think if he gave me a real chance he'd see we make a great couple. I can't wait to sink my claws into this boy and have a little taste for myself. Tonight I'm coupling up with..." Arlo pauses for dramatic effect before turning to look directly at Poppy as she makes her choice. "Oliver."Poppy inhales a slow, deep breath through her nose, noticing Oliver is still rooted firmly in place across the firepit from her as he processes what's happening, his jaw set in annoyance. He walks over to Poppy without even looking at Arlo.Poppy smiles at him as he comes to her. "I'll see you at the next recoupling?" she asks him casually, studying his face as he studies hers. He looks sad, Poppy thinks to herself, disappointed in this turn of events. Now what am I going to do? I don't want to be coupled with anyone else here, Poppy shrugs as easily as she can, deciding in the moment she will have to make the choice between Nicolas and Suresh on the fly.Oliver sees the cracks, the slim hairline fractures that reveal Poppy's true feelings beneath the casualness. "You bet," he says quietly, kissing Poppy's forehead. "We'll talk later okay?" he says, giving Poppy a small smile when she nods.Arlo glares at Poppy before turning to her newly stolen partner. "Save some of that sugar for your partner, yeah?" Arlo says, her voice strained and overly sweet.Poppy and Oliver both roll their eyes before he squeezes Poppy's shoulder and walks over to Arlo reluctantly. Arlo huffs angrily when Oliver doesn't put his arm around her but still makes it a point to look at Poppy sassily.Poppy avoids Arlo's gaze and looks at the ground. Who the heck am I supposed to choose now? Poppy asks herself as she considers the remaining options. Finn, Nicolas and Suresh. I can't choose Finn, I'd never do something like that to Lulu, but Suresh and Nicolas are both obvious 'no's' too, Poppy chews her lip nervously as someone takes each of her hands. Poppy looks to see Lulu holding one of her hands and Kat holding the other supportively. Poppy gives both girls a warm smile before turning back to the firepit.Lulu's phone goes off and Lulu gives Poppy a glance before giving her hand a squeeze and standing up at the firepit. "I... am choosing this boy because..." Lulu starts, sounding a bit hesitant.Poppy looks at her curiously before looking at Finn who nods at Lulu supportively. She's going to choose someone else so I can couple up with Finn... Poppy realises just in time. "Lulu, don't you dare, I'm serious," she says from her seat, causing Lulu and Finn both to chuckle.Lulu looks back at Poppy sadly with a sigh. "In that case, I choose this boy because we're having a blast so far and I can't wait to see what else is in store. I'm choosing Finn," Lulu says, glancing at Poppy apologetically.Kat's phone goes off next, causing her to look at Poppy with bright excitement. Poppy returns Kat's giddiness, happy at least that she won't end up with Suresh again. I can't imagine it would feel very nice for Oli if I shared a bed with my ex, Poppy thinks as she nods politely to Kat's speech about choosing Suresh, not listening to the words. Poppy cheers along with Lulu and Finn, thinking to herself how strange this situation would be anywhere but Love Island, cheering for her ex and his new girl with her ex and his new girl... Poppy shakes off the strangeness and sneaks a glance at Oliver who seems to be watching her carefully. Poppy smiles at Oliver, blushing when he smiles in return.Poppy doesn't notice how Suresh looks at her longingly after Kat chooses him, nor does she notice Arlo staring daggers at her when she and Oliver sneak glances at one another. She doesn't even notice when Nicolas' phone goes off and he stands at the front of the firepit either, seemingly on the fence about his decision."I'm choosing this girl because... he starts, before looking at Poppy pointedly. Nicolas follows Poppy's gaze to Oliver before his face twists in a mean smirk as he returns his gaze to his former partner. "Because Poppy's already broken my heart and I have no reason to believe she won't do so again," he says, calling out Poppy for looking at Oliver. Poppy rolls her eyes as Arlo scowls at her, clearly angry that Poppy is looking at her partner."I choose Dana," Nicolas says, giving Poppy a cold look. Poppy turns to Dana and gives her a genuinely warm hug before Dana runs to Nicolas, hugging him tightly in relief. Poppy joins the others in clapping, happy that Dana at least won't be going home.Poppy lets Dana and Nicolas have their moment before she alerts the others. "I got a text," Poppy says, holding up her phone before looking down to read it.
Poppy, you are single after tonight's recoupling but thanks to your heartrate challenge win your time in the villa isn't over yet! Get your graft on, because anyone left single at the next recoupling will be dumped from the villa.
#GraftToStayIn #GetYourManBack
Poppy giggles after reading the last hashtag before looking at Oliver pointedly.Oliver suppresses an amused smirk as he returns Poppy's gaze. "You heard the text," he says, giving Poppy a playfully pointed look."Oooh, let me think of my best pickup line, hang on," Poppy replies, putting a finger to her chin before her face brightens. "Hey Oli, I've got big forks and big knives, all I need now is a big spoon," she says to him with a playfully exaggerated wink.Oliver smiles brightly. "Ooh, good one," he says, returning Poppy's cheekiness. "If you were a triangle, you'd be acute one," he replies, chuckling when Poppy giggles. Arlo scoffs at their banter, turning to the other islanders in shock."What did you expect, Babes?" Kat asks her, blinking in disbelief at Arlo's reaction as though Poppy and Oliver's flirting is the most natural and obvious thing in the world."Too right," Lulu agrees, giving Kat a tentative smile. Kat returns it just as awkwardly, but Poppy still notices and smiles at the effort.Arlo rolls her eyes and wraps herself around Oliver's large arm, pulling him in the direction of the day beds. "Come on Oli, let's go... get to know each other," she says, looking at Poppy when she says it.Poppy maintains eye contact with Oliver as she sorts out her thoughts, a million a minute running through her mind. We didn't talk about this, now what? Is he going to crack on with Arlo? Can I even stomach that?"No, I need to talk to Poppy first," Oliver says, not looking away from Poppy as he shakes Arlo off his arm. "We can talk later," he says to Arlo flatly.Arlo opens her mouth to reply but Lulu cuts her off. "Let them chat, Arlo, it's the least you could do," she says so coldly Poppy would have flinched had she not been holding eye contact with Oliver when Lulu said it, surprised to hear such venom from her usually sweet friend."Yeah, you should probably let them have this one," Dana says as diplomatically as possible, desperately trying to break the tension which is so tight someone is bound to snap.Arlo relents, crossing her arms and fuming at Poppy who still hasn't looked away from Oliver.Oliver steps away from Arlo as soon as she releases his arm and walks up to Poppy. He puts his arm gently around her shoulder and leads her to the Lover's Nook for extra privacy the space provides from the others. They both are aware that they have to have this initial conversation in front of the cameras or there's no way they'll be able to keep their rooftop space, they've already been pushing it by making it a point to spend a few minutes up there daily.When they're at the Nook Poppy flops onto the daybed with a sigh. She sits up and looks at Oliver with wide, sad eyes. "Honestly, that could have gone better," she says with a quiet giggle. "How are you feeling?""Overwhelmed? Frustrated? Angry? I'm not sure," Oliver admits, wanting desperately to hold Poppy in his arms but holding off out of worry about Arlo retaliating at her. "How badly do you need this money, because we could walk," he says, looking at Poppy seriously.Poppy frowns. "It's a massive difference in the amount of free time I'll have over the next few... years to be honest," she says candidly. "But I can make it work regardless, I don't want you to be uncomfortable," she adds, looking at Oliver earnestly. "I mean, making it work is kind of Plan A, anyway, this was just meant to be side effect of a fun Plan B, not even a plan of its own, really. I was actually about to walk the night before you got here anyway so it's not like I'm set on this place.""And what do... things look like for us, outside of this place?" he asks Poppy, looking her in the eyes as he does.Poppy returns Oliver's eye contact, studying him carefully as she feels the heat fly to her cheeks under his gaze. "I'd really like to continue what we're doing at the very least," Poppy admits after a moment. "But it's going to be really hard. I can't leave Glasgow anytime soon and you have your shop in Falmouth so if you aren't into it I understand..." she adds sadly. Poppy looks down and picks at a stray thread on her outfit, not wanting to pressure Oliver into deciding to be with her.Oliver rolls his eyes in annoyance when his phone goes off with a text before he can reply. He's about to ignore it when it goes off a second time, followed by Poppy's chiming as well."Deja vu," Poppy says with a dry laugh. "I'd put money on us being called to the Beach Hut," she says before pulling out her phone, remembering the evening she was about to leave when they texted her repeatedly as she packed her bag. She looks down with a smirk before showing it to Oliver:
Poppy and Oliver, please make your way to the Beach Hut for an untelevised conversation immediately
Oliver rolls his eyes again in annoyance, he's particularly angry with the production team right now and not exactly keen on talking with them when he's so fired up. Even so, when Poppy takes his hand Oliver walks with her to the Beach Hut; there's nowhere else he'd rather be than wherever she is.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________”Oli, look,” Poppy says when they walk in, pointing at the camera where the glowing red dot normally is. Poppy frowns, waiting for Oliver to sit down before she sits next to him on the loveseat.In the privacy of the Beach Hut, Oliver puts his arm around Poppy and gives her a quick peck on her forehead before his phone pings with a text. He holds out his phone so Poppy can read it too:
The cameras in the Beach Hut will be turned off for 15 minutes for you to have your conversation and make your decision.
Oliver turns to Poppy quickly. "I very much do want to continue things outside of here... I didn't want to leave you hanging any longer," he says bashfully.Poppy smiles gratefully and let's out a small breath in relief. "Yeah? Because I have to tell you, it's going to be really difficult for me to get to Falmouth often," she says, her eyes wide with sadness as she considers the reality of what she's saying."We can work out those logistics when we have more than 15 minutes," Oliver replies with a smile. "I don't mind coming up to Glasgow."Poppy smiles brightly. "Okay, then we should talk about that other thing...""Right," Oliver says with a nod."Fifty thousand pounds would make all those trips between Falmouth and Glasgow a lot easier..." Poppy says with another frown. "At least for me, I'm not assuming your financial situation but mine is very... medical student," she says with a laugh. "But we also might not win," she adds. "So we'd be staying for...what?"Oliver nods in agreement. "That's true, but I think if we do make it to the final we probably will," he says.Poppy feels the briefest, tiniest, flicker of suspicion before shaking it off. Suresh was just trying to get to me, Oli's not using me to get to the final, she tells herself firmly. I'm the one bringing the money up, She sighs as she tries to find the words to her next question. "This is probably a lot of me projecting my own feelings about Arlo onto you but... you're the one coupled up with her over the next few days...""Well I was thinking about that..." Oliver says as he looks at Poppy sheepishly. "I was wondering what you would think if I... told her that we're exclusive? Would you be into that... being exclusive with me?" he asks her, holding her eye contact and blushing.Poppy smiles so brightly that the entire Beach Hut lights up. "I would love to be exclusive with you, Oli," she replies warmly.Oliver's face lights up in response to Poppy's reply before she leans in and presses her lips to his, smiling into the kiss when he kisses her back. Poppy pulls back sheepishly after a moment. "I probably shouldn't make a habit of doing that over the next few days," she says, she bites her lip nervously as she looks at Oliver."I wish you would," he replies with a playful smile before frowning slightly, "but in all seriousness, you're right.""I just wish I knew why she's so mean to me all time," Poppy says, her nose crinkling in frustration as she looks at the ground. "I literally cannot do right by her, I actually even asked her the other day what I can do to not have her snap at me all the time and she had no answer for me." Poppy thinks for a moment. "Actually, that's not true, her answer was 'pick one boy and stick to him', but when I pointed out that I have," she gestures to Oliver before continuing, "she jumped on me about 'wrapping you around my finger' and not letting you get to know the other girls." Poppy sighs heavily. "Oli, have you felt like I've done that somehow, because..."Oliver shakes his head. "Poppy, I came here because I wanted to get to know you," he admits, blushing brightly. "Arlo was already in the villa, I was well aware before I got here that I have no interest in her."Poppy nods. "Okay. Thank you for...reassuring me," she says tentatively. "I don't remember doubting myself so much before I got here," she says, her nose crinkling in frustration."It's okay Poppy, I don't mind reassuring you of anything... all you have to do is ask," Oliver says warmly. "There was a lot of really toxic stuff happening around you for a while, it makes sense that you're having all kinds of feelings because of it," he adds, his tone reassuring. He smiles at Poppy and looks at her with so much warmth and affection she can't help but kiss him again.Poppy pulls back, looking sheepishly apologetic. "I did it again," she says wincing at Oliver playfully. "It's going to be a rough few days," she adds with a sigh.Oliver chuckles and kisses the top of Poppy's head. "I agree," he says, rubbing Poppy's shoulder sweetly.Poppy giggles. "Okay, but seriously... it's only a few days, we'll be okay," she says with a playful laugh. "I'll just have to keep to myself, that's all. Easier said than done but..." Poppy trails off for a moment before looking back at Oliver with a smile.Oliver smiles back at Poppy and places his hand on top of hers, giving it a squeeze. "Hopefully when she knows how serious I am about you she'll back down," he says, sounding doubtful.Poppy shrugs. "Either way it's only a few days, right? I should probably tell Suresh about us too. He's going to find out one way or another and it's probably better he hears it from me," she says, grimacing toward the door.Oliver nods. "You're probably right," he replies, rubbing Poppy's arm. "Who knows what Arlo's going to say after all this?" he adds before glancing at his phone. "Oh, it's about that time," he says, showing Poppy their fifteen minutes are nearly up."So what's the plan?" Poppy asks, looking Oliver in the eyes. Oliver sees the vulnerability in them as she studies him."We stay?" Oliver replies. It sounds more like a question than an answer. "I tell Arlo we're exclusive, and at the next recoupling we choose each other," he says the second part more confidently and presses a kiss to Poppy's hand, raising it from underneath his on the loveseat.Poppy nods in agreement. "Works for me," she says. "I'm going to go tell Suresh too, you know if he doesn't hear it from me he will from Arlo." It sure would be nice to be able to experience this like everyone else and not have to dance around my ex all the time, she thinks to herself sadly.Oliver presses a final kiss to Poppy's forehead before the two stand and leave the Beach Hut just as the little red light on the camera turns back on.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Any bit of lightness Poppy and Oliver feel after their chat in the Beach Hut is immediately thwarted by Arlo who stomps toward them angrily the moment the door to the small outbuilding opens."Poppy, we need to talk," Arlo says, her voice strained with anger.Poppy holds up her empty water bottle, unshaken by Arlo's attitude. "I have not had nearly enough water today, what I need is to go to the kitchen and refill my bottle," Poppy says tiredly."Yeah Arlo, give her a break. We'll go have our chat now," Oliver says, frowning at Arlo before waving a small goodbye to Poppy, who waves back before turning and walking toward the kitchen without another consideration for the woman.Arlo follows Poppy angrily, stopping at the counter when Poppy walks to the sink. Oliver follows closely, and Suresh and Kat, who were watching the interaction from their place at the beanbags quietly join Oliver as he passes them. Kat hangs back near the doorway, but Suresh grabs an apple from the fruit basket to make himself known before joining her and leaning on the frame."This doesn't involve you Suresh, you need to leave," Arlo snaps at him, rolling her eyes when he chuckles."It's a communal kitchen, I'm just enjoying an apple," Suresh says with a shrug. "Besides, I have a sneaking suspicion I might come up, gotta make sure I'm here to keep the record straight and all that," he says, cleaning the apple in his hand on his shirt before inspecting it.Arlo rolls her eyes. "Fine," she snaps before turning to Poppy. "Tell me, why is it you can't seem to keep your hands off of my partners?" she asks her, sneering in anger.Poppy blanches. She can't have seen the Beach Hut, can she? she thinks to herself before clearing her throat. No point in lying about it, then, Poppy tells herself as she braces herself for Arlo's response to her apology."Arlo, what are you getting mad at her for? I'm the one you're coupled up with," Oliver says, giving Arlo a pointed look."If you're coupled up with me why is she holding your hand wherever she goes?" Arlo asks Oliver, gesturing angrily to Poppy who coughs to hide her surprise.I guess she didn't see the Beach Hut, Poppy realises with relief. "Oh, I honestly didn't realise that I had, I'm sorry Arlo. I understand I violated a boundary and I won't do it again," Poppy says sincerely. "Are we done here?""No we're not done here!" Arlo exclaims angrily. "Tell me Poppy, why can't you seem to stay away from my partners?"Oliver answers before a non-plussed Poppy has to. "I pulled her aside for a chat Arlo, not the other way around," he says tiredly. Poppy and Oliver exchange a look before Oliver adds, "I have something important I need to talk to you about, Arlo. Can we go do that?"Arlo turns and looks back and forth between Oliver and Poppy, clearly displeased about their non-verbal communication."Okay, I'm going now" Poppy tells Arlo, her eyes narrowed in annoyance. Why does it feel like she controls every move I make in this place? Poppy asks herself, so, so tired of all of Arlo's nonsense."You haven't even apologized for making moves on my partner!" Arlo whines at Poppy."I actually did apologize, but whatever," Poppy says, sounding exhausted with all of Arlo's whining. "I was holding his hand, it's not like I pulled him out of your bed to give him a blowjob," she adds, looking Arlo up and down with a pointed glare.Arlo's gaze finally breaks Poppy's as she looks down at the ground in embarrassment."She's got a point," Suresh says casually from the doorway before taking a bite of his apple. Kat stifles a snicker at the snipe next to him."What the fuck are you on your high horse about, you were there if I recall," Arlo spits at Suresh angrily.Suresh shakes his head with a light chuckle. He chews and swallows the bite in his mouth before he gives Arlo a condescending look. "I'm not the one going mad over holding hands. I hold my little sister's hand, Arlo, it's not that deep," he says with an eyebrow raised judgmentally. Poppy gives Suresh an amused and confused look.Arlo relents, looking somewhat defeated. "Fine. But stay away from my partner, Poppy," she says, turning to Poppy with a pointed glare.Poppy rolls her eyes. "I understand that I violated a boundary holding Oliver's hand and I won't do it again while you're coupled up, I've already said that," she says, adding, "but if Oliver wants to spend time with me, I'm going to spend time with him and I'm certainly not going to argue with you over him like he's an object, especially not when he's standing right here," Poppy says before looking at Oliver with a sheepish smile.Oliver smiles at Poppy in return before turning to Arlo and gesturing to the daybeds outside. "Come on, let's go," he says to her, leading her Arlo out of the kitchen before she can find further excuses to harass Poppy.Once Oliver and Arlo are gone Poppy turns to Suresh awkwardly. "We... should have a chat too, actually," she says, making it a point to make eye contact with Kat so Kat knows she's not trying to be sneaky.Kat rolls her eyes. "Fine. I'll be getting ready for bed if you need me," she says to Suresh as she walks toward the bedroom, leaving Poppy and Suresh alone in the kitchen.Poppy waits until Kat is gone before turning to Suresh with an awkward grimace. "I'm just going to do this quick. Oli and I are exclusive," Poppy says, looking up at Suresh as though she's afraid of how he's going to react.Whatever Suresh was expecting Poppy to say it wasn't that. He blinks in surprise, looking at the woman standing in front of him carefully. Poppy stands her ground and doesn't look away from Suresh, even when he narrows his eyes in frustration.A moment passes before Suresh turns on his heel and walks away, leaving Poppy in the kitchen without a word. Poppy shrugs and makes her way up to the dressing room to get ready for the evening; if Suresh doesn't want to talk about her moving on that's on him. At least she told him and now he won't be blindsided in a challenge, or by Arlo, or something like that.It takes Arlo all of forty-five seconds to start instigating fights with Poppy once she walks into the dressing room."Mmm, I cannot wait for tonight," Arlo says as she applies her usual bedtime makeup. "I can't wait to find out what Oliver's all about." To Arlo's annoyance, Poppy continues removing her makeup with an amused smirk on her face. "What's so funny?" Arlo sneers at Poppy."Absolutely nothing about this is funny," Poppy replies seriously before rolling her eyes. "But if you're trying to set me off it's not going to happen, Arlo. I already told you I wasn't going to fight with you over a man like he's an object," she continues casually as she removes her makeup."Well either way I'm going to be all over that six-pack tonight," Arlo sneers, turning to face Poppy. "And there's nothing you can do about it. I don't care if you're exclusive or not.""Wait, what?" Lulu perks up, turning to Poppy with wide eyes. "Exclusive?! Really?"Poppy nods at Lulu before she rolls her eyes and puts down her makeup-removing cloth, turning to face Arlo. "You're right," Poppy says with an amused smirk. "And he's either going to consent to it and he's not who I thought he was, in which case you're welcome to him," she says, looking Arlo in the eyes, "or he won't and I have nothing to worry about. Either way, I'm sleeping easy tonight." Poppy's not at all worried about the first option being true if she's being completely honest, but she doesn't tell Arlo that.Arlo rolls her eyes. "Well, I won't be quiet for your sake," she says bitterly, rolling her eyes again when Poppy laughs."Okay, Arlo, whatever you say," Poppy says with a chuckle before leaving a frustrated Arlo with the rest of the girls in the dressing room.Truthfully, Poppy is dreading all of it tonight, Arlo and Oli sharing a bed, being alone when Oliver is going to be just right there... none of it sounds appealing to her in the slightest. Poppy sighs, looking at her big, empty bed momentarily before grabbing her pillow and duvet and turning to leave the bedroom before the others get there to go to their own beds.Poppy makes her way to the day beds, tossing her pillow and blanket onto one before flopping onto it with a sigh. I think I hate that girl Poppy thinks as she makes herself comfortable, fluffing her pillow before laying her head on it with a huff.Poppy takes a moment to think about the last couple of weeks in the villa and what a roller coaster her time here has been. She sighs. At least I'm not crying myself to sleep this time, she thinks to herself with a small smile as she looks up at the stars, grateful when sleep finally finds her.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The following two days went exactly as Poppy expected them to. Arlo was relentless and refused to let Poppy and Oliver spend even a moment alone together. Oliver had thwarted Arlo's nighttime plans by sleeping on the roof terrace to avoid drama (and Arlo), but during the day Arlo took every opportunity she could to rub her coupling in Poppy's face.Poppy took it in stride, grateful that Finn and Lulu were heavily on her side. It helped that Finn loved to stir the pot, because he was constantly dragging Poppy to hang out with Oliver in a group, much to Arlo's annoyance. Even more to Arlo's annoyance was the fact that Poppy and Oliver were getting far more open in their flirting, seeming to care less and less about Arlo's or Suresh's feelings about it as the days went on.Suresh didn't take Poppy's "news" well, either. He spent almost an hour in the Beach Hut, ranting and raving; plotting how he could possibly get her back now. Suresh also took the opportunity of the increased amount of time Poppy was away from Oliver to graft on her, but Poppy was too focused on Oliver to even notice whatever Suresh was up to.Poppy also did really well at keeping her distance from Oli if she did say so herself. She didn't even snog him in the challenge, choosing to opt out instead. To Arlo's annoyance, so did Oliver, and the two sat on the opt-out bench a respectful distance apart, chattering happily and cheering on the others.Poppy spent the nights on the daybeds, she found she preferred to be out there if she was going to be sleeping alone anyway. She found the sound of the pool filter running nearby almost calming, and it was nice to not be near Arlo for a while.Poppy is on the daybed when she wakes up before sunrise in the morning and sits up with a stretch before she looks around."Good morning, Beautiful," Oliver says to Poppy from one of the sun loungers next to the daybed, startling her.Poppy jumps before turning to Oliver with a bright smile. "Oli! What brings you here?" she asks him warmly, scooching over and patting the space next to herself for Oliver to join her on the day bed.Oliver chuckles as he sits next to Poppy. "There's this girl I fancy out here, maybe you've seen her?" he says cheekily. "I thought I'd come out here and see you before the others get up," he adds a little more seriously. "It doesn't feel like we've been able to do this a lot over the last few days.""Mmm," Poppy mumbles in acknowledgement. "Arlo's been pretty relentless hasn't she, like a hawk... just waiting for me to slip up so she can swoop in," she agrees, glancing at the villa before turning back to Oliver.Neither Poppy nor Oliver notices when they move closer to each other, as though an invisible force is pulling them toward one another like magnets."She didn't take us being exclusive very well," Oliver says quietly, swallowing heavily when he realises how close Poppy is. He looks at her, biting his lip gently when he looks from her lips back to her eyes."Then she's probably going to kill me for this," Poppy says slowly, not breaking eye contact with Oliver, their lips only millimetres apart now. "But I don't care."Their bodies crash into each other, a tangle of limbs, both kissing every surface of the other that they could. Where the other night was slow and sensual this was hurried and frantic, Oliver and Poppy desperately seeking each other out before they get caught. Oliver rolls Poppy onto her back and drapes Poppy's duvet over himself to shield Poppy from the cameras before taking off her top and kissing her exposed breasts.Poppy moans, arching her back into him as his hands slide down her sides, bringing her bottoms with them.Oliver takes a moment to look at Poppy, laying there nude breathing heavily as she waits for him. She looks so beautiful, so perfect. Oliver pulls down his shorts and pulls a condom from his pocket, putting it on quickly before lifting Poppy onto himself as he sits on the edge of the daybed, maneuvering the blanket around her to ensure she stays covered. He slides into her effortlessly, revelling in the sweet whimper that escapes as he enters her.Oliver pushes up into her as Poppy rocks her hips on him, kissing her shoulders, wrapping his arms around her to pull her closer still as he makes love to her... wanting her so badly and desperately wanting to make sure they remain unseen.Poppy gasps, kissing Oliver as she feels her release quickly approaching. Her kisses are feverish and hectic, and it isn't long before Poppy's walls begin to clench on Oliver, bringing him there with her. He groans into her kiss as she whimpers into his, pushing up into her until the frantic movement of her hips stops and her breathing starts to regulate. He kisses her one more time before she carefully slides off of him and puts her clothes back on, him doing the same after disposing of the condom.Oliver returns to Poppy, and she moves to share her blanket with him as they sit together side by side. Both of them want to feel bad about their indiscretion and find it impossible. It feels dramatic, but they both know that this will have to be the last time for a while."Ah, and I was holding off so well," Poppy says, looking over at Oliver sheepishly. "I'm so sorry Oli," she adds, when she bites her lip, Oliver puts a hand on her cheek reassuringly."I was a very active and willing participant," Oliver reminds Poppy, raising his eyebrows playfully at her and breathing a small smile when she giggles at him."Oli, is it bad that I don't feel bad?" Poppy asks after a while as she chews her lip out of her nervous habit. "I'm trying to but..."Oliver places his hand on hers and squeezes gently. "I'm not sure, but I don't either," he admits. "I never wanted to be with her in the first place..." Oliver grimaces before looking at the ground. "I... don't want to tell her at all to be honest. It doesn't really feel like any of her business."Poppy sighs. "I know what you mean... but she is going to find out anyway, you know what the producers are like," she says, glancing at the camera mounted above them. "And I've actually seen Kat come out of a bush once, so we can't know for sure we weren't seen..." she adds with a giggle. "But in all seriousness Oli, neither one of us is the type to hide or lie about something like this. I don't want to do something that will make us both feel rotten if we do, it doesn't seem right."Oliver nods in agreement. "I guess you're right," he says quietly as he presses his lips to her hand. He looks at Poppy shyly as he holds her hand for a moment, rubbing his thumb between her knuckles. "Poppy, I love you," he says, looking Poppy directly in the eyes as he does. He blushes furiously.Poppy lights up. "I love you too, Oli," she says so warmly Oliver feels like he's wrapped in her affection. Oliver smiles widely as moves in for a hug, wrapping her entire frame in his arms and kissing her forehead sweetly. How can what we did be wrong when this feels so right? Poppy asks herself, breathing in Oliver's scent as he holds her tightly.After a moment Poppy pulls out of the hug shyly. "We better not let Arlo see us like this, she's bound to wake up any time now," she says, glancing at the doors of the villa. "Should we go tell her now?"Oliver shakes his head. "I'll just tell her myself... I am the one who's supposed to be her... partner" he adds with a tentative frown."I'm so sorry Oli," Poppy says, her eyes wide with guilt. "I shouldn't have-"Oliver puts an arm around Poppy's shoulder and kisses her head gently before cutting her off. "As I said earlier, that was definitely a mutual and consensual thing," he mutters against her head with a chuckle. "I was a very active participant," he adds, glancing at Poppy sheepishly.Poppy giggles. "Yeah you were," she says playfully, gently leaning in to elbow him.Oliver chuckles before he stands and looks at Poppy. "I'm going to go tell her now... might as well rip off the band-aid," he says, rubbing the back of his neck."I'll come with you," Poppy says with a nod, "as you said, I was a very active participant..."Oliver shakes his head. "I'm only telling her because I'm coupled up with her," he says, rubbing Poppy's shoulder when she stands beside him. "You don't have to tell her anything."Poppy giggles. "Throwing you to the wolves hardly seems fair, though," she says, looking at Oliver with her brow knit in concern.Poppy and Oliver discuss for a moment before Poppy finally relents and agrees not to accompany Oliver when he tells Arlo. Oliver kisses Poppy's head one more time before turning to walk back into the villa, passing Finn and Lulu, who are still in their nightwear on the way.Poppy bites her lip nervously as she grips the day bed beneath her. She can't help but worry about Oliver, even if it seems less likely Arlo would react to him than she would to Poppy. Poppy is so lost in thought she doesn't even notice when Finn and Lulu take a seat on either side of her."What's going on Poppy?" Lulu asks her friend, looking at her with curious worry.Poppy looks... distressed. She glances at Lulu and then Finn awkwardly. "You're about to find out anyway. Oliver's on his way to..." she starts before taking a deep breath through her nose. "To tell Arlo that we hooked up this morning..." she finishes with a slight cringe.Finn's eyes widen in proud surprise and Lulu giggles. "Wah-heeeeey! Didn't see that coming from you two," he admits with a chuckle. "If Arlo gets mad about it it's on her though. Not sure what she expected pulling Oli from underneath you like that.""Well, maybe not from underneath her since they still..." Lulu adds, giggling when Poppy elbows her playfully.Before any of them can continue, Arlo's screech can be heard ringing through the villa. Poppy, Lulu and Finn's heads all snap to the direction of the villa door as Arlo storms out with Oliver following closely behind her."For the love of... leave her alone, Arlo," Oliver says, his tone exasperated. "She's not your partner, I am." Behind Oliver, Dana, Suresh, Nicolas and Kat run behind, curious about what's going on.Arlo ignores him, her vision laser-focused on Poppy sitting between Finn and Lulu on the day bed. "You fucking bitch!" Arlo screams when she makes eye contact with Poppy who takes a deep breath before standing to face her. Finn and Lulu stand with her, exchanging a worried look with Oliver as they do."Your problem isn't with Poppy," Oliver says to Arlo, his tone getting progressively more frustrated."Oh yes it fucking is," Arlo spits, not looking away from Poppy. "She just can't seem to stay away from my partners. Every fucking time," Arlo stops short just in front of Poppy when she arrives at the day beds, standing in front of her as intimidatingly as possible."Maybe it's because you keep stealing her partners while she's coupled up with them," Lulu pipes in with a shrug."Stay out of this," Arlo turns to hiss at Lulu angrily."She's right though, Arlo," Oliver says tiredly. "If you had asked me I'd have told you I don't want to be in a couple with you... I don't think I ever gave you any indication that I did."Arlo blinks for a moment before saying, "don't hate on me for playing the game, that's the point of this place.""Maybe for you, but I came here for love... it is Love Island, after all," Oliver replies with a frown."So did I!" Arlo screeches angrily. She takes a deep breath to calm down. "So did I. But you never gave anyone a chance, Oliver. I just wanted a chance to get to know you without fucking Poppy being around 24-fucking-7!""I'm not going to apologize for wanting to be with her!" Oliver replies, looking at Arlo pointedly. "I never indicated I wanted anything different. I am sorry that we crossed the line while I was supposed to paired up with you, but..." Oliver looks down for a moment while he gathers his thoughts. "I'm not looking for anyone else. Poppy is everything I want in a partner.""Gah, okay, swoon," Kat says dreamily from the crowd of islanders. "But also, he's got you there Arlo. He's been laser-focused on Poppy since he got here, he hasn't even glanced in my direction," she says before turning back to Arlo with a hand on her hip.Poppy looks at Kat and smiles at her gratefully when she makes fleeting eye contact."Stay out of this, Kat!" Arlo spits angrily.Oliver sighs and makes eye contact with Poppy before saying, "maybe the three of us should talk about this somewhere else.""No, no we're doing this here and now," Arlo says with a frown. "I'm not going somewhere else so you two can flip the script or something. Everyone here needs to know what a snake Poppy is," she sneers angrily.Poppy rolls her eyes. "No," she says firmly, causing Arlo to blanch in surprise. "We do this the three of us privately, or not at all. I'm sick of catering everything I do in this villa to you," Poppy says without emotion."You haven't even apologized for fucking my partner!" Arlo shrieks. Poppy doesn't even notice when Suresh blanches in surprise at Arlo's words, giving her a needlessly accusatory look.Poppy stifles an amused chuckle. That's because I'm not sorry for it,she thinks to herself, biting her tongue to avoid more drama. "I'm sorry I crossed the line," Poppy says pointedly, looking Arlo directly in the eyes as she speaks. "But I know Oliver told you yesterday that we're exclusive. He may be coupled up with you now but..." Poppy glances at Oliver with a shy smile and trails off."But I want to be with Poppy," Oliver finishes for Poppy, smiling back at her shyly. Suresh rolls his eyes bitterly, and when he makes eye contact with Poppy he glares at her, angrier than she's ever seen him before.What's got him all in a twist, I told him about Oli and me, Poppy thinks to herself, surprised by the visceral anger she can feel rolling off of her ex. She turns back to Arlo and adds quietly, "and I want to be with him, too."Arlo looks back and forth between Poppy and Oliver before pursing her lips angrily. "I don't care," she spits at Poppy venomously. "For the next few days at least, Oliver is my partner... stay the hell away from him."Poppy blinks in surprise. It really is like speaking with a wall with her, she thinks to herself, glancing at Oliver who looks just as nonplussed."Arlo, I want to spend time with Poppy, I'm going to do that," Oliver says to her carefully before glancing at Poppy bashfully."But you're coupled up with me," Arlo turns to Oliver and whines.Poppy rolls her eyes. "We're talking in circles at this point, Arlo," she says, shaking her head in tired frustration. "We can hash this out the three of us or not at all, you know where Oliver and I both stand," she says, giving Arlo a pointed look.Arlo balks in frustration. "You... you can't keep cracking on behind my back, it's against the rules. You'll get sent home," she says to Poppy, an air of desperation mixed with the anger of her tone."I can't speak for Oli, but I'm fine with leaving at this point," Poppy says with a shrug at Arlo. "I've... found what I came here for," she adds, glancing at Oliver shyly. Oliver beams back at Poppy, nodding in agreement. Poppy avoids looking at Suresh, reminding herself once again that if Suresh is having any feelings about her feelings for Oliver that he knew what he was getting into when he signed up for the show."Stay away from my partner, if you know what's good for you," Arlo hisses through her teeth at Poppy, her finger pointed directly in Poppy's face.Poppy blinks. "Surely you didn't just threaten me?" Poppy asks Arlo, her usual amused tone absent. Poppy chews her lip nervously, maintaining eye contact with Arlo who is doing her best to intimidate Poppy."Just stay. away. from. him," Arlo repeats, accentuating every word angrily before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving the other islanders standing around confused in her wake."Poppy, can we chat," Suresh mumbles to her, quietly. Poppy glances at Kat who gives her a sad smile in return."No, Suresh... I don't think that's a good idea," Poppy says, smiling at Kat. Please don't give her another excuse to hate me Suresh... I quite like Kat when she's not putting me down, Poppy thinks to herself, smiling at Kat again.Suresh frowns at Poppy in disappointment. "Please, Poppy," he says, his tone pleading.Poppy looks at Kat again who gives her a sad nod before rolling her eyes and relenting. "Fine," she says without emotion. "Swing seat?" she asks, already walking in that direction.When Poppy arrives at the swing seat with Suresh she takes a seat and looks out of the others, stifling a giggle at the glare she can tell Arlo is giving her even from this distance."So that's a thing... that you did," Suresh says, looking Poppy up and down as though he doesn't recognize her.Poppy rolls her eyes. "Hardly any of your business, Suresh," she mumbles, gripping on the swing seat to try to avoid getting angry with him."Isn't it all of our business? We all have to be in this villa together after all," Suresh says to Poppy, his eyes twinkling with a mischief Poppy can't place."Not if Oli and I have already determined that we want to be together," Poppy says, pointing out what feels like should be the obvious to her ex."I want you back Poppy, I'll do anything for that to happen," Suresh says, his eyes pleading."You. Cheated. On. Me." Poppy reminds him, her eyes sparkling as she punctuates every word. "I don't want to be with a cheater.""Bit rich, coming from you after today," Suresh snaps coldly, causing Poppy to blink in surprise."What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Poppy asks Suresh in reply, matching his cold tone. She crosses her arms and maintains eye contact with her ex, inviting him to continue with her raised eyebrow."Correct me if I'm wrong, Poppy, but Oliver isn't your partner right now," Suresh spits, sneering at his ex-girlfriend. "So what, cheating only makes you the worst person in your eyes if it's not with you?"Poppy blinks slowly, tilting her head in confusion as she considers Suresh's words. "I don't... I don't have to explain to you how me and Oli hooking up is completely different from you and Gabi, do I?" she asks Suresh, her tone quizzical and an amused smile plastered on her face. "Or is it not different, and I am just sincerely mistaken about the level our relationship once was?" she prods playfully. "I could have sworn it was more than just an arbitrary television show coupling that one of us didn't even want to be in anyway between you and I, but if you're about to tell me I'm wrong then by all means..."Suresh rolls his eyes angrily. "If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you," he says condescendingly.Poppy laughs. "I know some fun euphemisms too," she says, her eyes twinkling. "Once a cheater, always a cheater. Cheaters don't change their spots. Exes are called so for a reason," she recites, listing them off on her fingers. "Is that all you pulled me over here for, because if so, we're done," Poppy says, standing up and looking toward where the others are standing and watching them together. She turns back to Suresh with a sigh. "You had to know this was a possibility when you signed up for the show knowing I'd be here Suresh," she says, trying to make eye contact with him as he avoids her gaze. She pauses for a moment as she looks her ex up and down. "I want to be with Oli. It'd be great if you could give me some space to do that, but if you don't then just know I'll make sure you do in about a week and a half's time anyway." Poppy shrugs casually.Suresh tenses his jaw and doesn't say anything when Poppy walks away. Nothing this summer is going to plan.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy spends the rest of the morning avoiding Arlo, who she's convinced would probably murder her if not for all the cameras around. Did she regret having sex with Oliver that morning? Of course not, but she still somehow felt as though she should. Oli and I just told each other we love each other for the first time, and we can't even spend the day together, Poppy thinks to herself, disappointed once again that she doesn't get to have a normal experience on Love Island like the others. At least this time it wasn't Suresh's fault. Mostly.If not for Finn and Lulu, Poppy and Oliver probably would have left already. To Oliver's relief, Finn was happy to chill and keep him from being alone with Arlo, and to Poppy's, Lulu was happy to do the same with her.Suresh actively avoids Poppy and Oliver as much as possible. Again. While it was easier now that they weren't spending time together on account of Arlo, it still hurt to watch Poppy and Oliver's flirtatious glances at each other when they thought nobody was watching.Poppy and Lulu decide to go splash around in the pool for a while. After all of the drama of the morning, cooling off and having fun in the pool seems the perfect solution to moving on with the day. That's where Poppy is when Nicolas gets a text, interrupting his (at least to Poppy) surprising snog session with Dana on the day beds. He calls out to the islanders, waiting for them to approach before he reads the text aloud:
Islanders, it's time for a Scavenger Hunt! The public has been voting on their favourites of you and the votes are in! Each person will be called in order based on their popularity with the public and that person will choose their partner for the day. The last person available will be hosting the challenge.
#PrizesUpForGrabs #ScavengerHunt
Poppy's phone chimes and she pulls it out of her pocket, reading the text aloud while trying to suppress her grin for Arlo's sake:
Poppy, with the most votes you were voted the most popular islander. Please choose your partner for the Scavenger Hunt
#ChooseWisely #RomanceIsInTheAir #DidWeMentionThereArePrizes
Poppy giggles as she looks up from her phone, grinning at Oliver. "Oli, would you like to be my partner for the Scavenger Hunt today?" she asks him as she looks him in the eyes. Poppy completely ignores Arlo, who scowls at her from next to Oliver.Oliver nods, causing Poppy's smile to widen. "I'd love to," he says, stepping toward Poppy and putting his arm around her. Oliver's phone is next to chime and he reads his text aloud:
Oliver, with the second most votes you can choose to stay with Poppy or switch to someone who hasn't been chosen yet.
Oliver looks at Poppy with a wide smile. "Why would I choose someone else, Poppy's exactly who I want to be with," he says in a way that implies he means far more than just for the challenge. Poppy smiles back at him happily.Arlo rolls her eyes but before she can say anything Lulu's phone chimes. Lulu asks Finn to join her and he says yes, also choosing to stick with Lulu when his phone chimes next and he's asked to stick with Lulu or switch to someone who hasn't been chosen yet.Dana's phone chimes fifth and she chooses Nicolas. After Dana, Kat chooses Suresh and Nicolas chooses to stick with Dana. Suresh sticks with Kat, leaving a very unimpressed Arlo as their host."How is this even fair, why does my partner get to spend the day with the bitch he cheated on me with?" Arlo spits when they're done.Poppy raises her eyebrows in surprise but before she can say anything in her own defense Oliver scowls at Arlo, "we're not a couple, Arlo. I can't cheat on you if I've made it clear I don't want to be with you at all."Arlo rolls her eyes. "We're still coupled up, Oliver," she says tiredly."That doesn't mean you can hold him hostage though, Arlo, my God," Dana says suddenly, surprising everyone else. Dana is usually so... diplomatic so it's surprising to hear her take a pointed stance at all.Poppy nods in quiet agreement, glad someone else said it. Sometimes it feels like 'consent' has a completely different definition in this place, she thinks to herself, remembering how she felt when she was trapped with Suresh.Arlo rolls her eyes angrily, muttering about how if it was Dana's partner she'd have a different tune, but the others ignore her.---Poppy and Oliver share a car with Finn and Lulu to the challenge location, and the four chat away happily, forgetting about the drama in the villa for a while. This is really nice, Poppy thinks to herself as she snuggles into Oliver while the four of them talk. She imagines what things might be like on the outside, when the four of them can hang out without Arlo threatening Poppy at every turn.Their car is last to arrive, meaning Arlo is watching it arrive as they do, her arms folded angrily. "He's still my partner, Poppy," she reminds Poppy coldly as Oliver helps her out of the car.Poppy rolls her eyes. "Whatever, Arlo," she responds, over Arlo's constant fighting with her.Arlo explains the rules of the scavenger hunt, explaining that this was the first part of a two-part challenge. For the Scavenger Hunt, teams would be texted clues about different parts of town and have to figure out what that part of town is and get there to get the next clue. The final clue will lead to an item that will help with the second part of the challenge.The teams are separated all over town, while Arlo is sent with production to wait out the challenge in a local bar. Once everyone is where they're supposed to be, the teams get their first texts and the scavenger hunt begins.Poppy and Oliver have a blast with the challenge, working together like a well-oiled machine. Once in a while, they come across another pair, usually bickering as they look at their scavenger hunt clues and maps, but for the most part, Oliver and Poppy get to enjoy the city without the others being around.They fly through their clues, finishing the scavenger hunt in an impressive two hours, revealing a cookbook of Spanish, Italian and French recipes."Interesting... I wonder how this is connected to the next challenge..." Poppy says as she flips through the book. "I bet we're cooking something," she says, smiling at Oliver."That'd be nice," Oliver says, returning Poppy's smile. "I'd love to cook with you. Er... if they let us stay paired for that part of the challenge."Since Oliver and Poppy are finished so early they're allowed a bit of freedom to explore the town centre. Oliver stops when they walk past a small pop-up florist on the corner and buys Poppy a beautiful bouquet of flowers when he notices they have gorgeous blue poppies throughout them before they stop into a small cafe for tea."I'm so glad I get to enjoy some time with you in the real world," Oliver says warmly as they sit down.Poppy giggles. "Me too, Oli! Today's been... actually really great, all things considered," she says, her voice bright with happiness. "Nearly forgot about Arlo this morning..."Oliver breathes a small chuckle. "Me too," he admits sheepishly. He glances around conspiratorially before leaning over his table toward Poppy. "I noticed the cameras didn't follow us in here..." he says with a cheeky grin.Poppy looks around, noticing the lack of cameras around them as well before leaning in to kiss him. They'd been careful during the challenge, neither one of them trusted production enough to believe Arlo wasn't watching their every move during the scavenger hunt. But out of sight of the cameras, Poppy and Oliver couldn't wait to hold each other again."Look at us, sneaking around like we're being naughty," Poppy says with a giggle, her lips pressed to Oliver's.Oliver kisses Poppy back earnestly before pulling back, his eyes twinkling as he shrugs. "If she doesn't want to be reasonable there's not much we can do about it... She can't force me into a relationship I don't want to be in."It's almost another two full hours before the second place group, Lulu and Finn, finish, and another hour still until Suresh and Kat do, rounding out the scavenger hunt when Nicolas and Dana forfeit. It seems that each group found a different cooking or baking recipe book, all Spanish, French and Italian recipes.Poppy and Oliver share a car with Lulu and Finn again for the drive back, and Lulu and Oliver laugh as Finn and Poppy regale them with tales of growing up with many brothers.When they arrive back to the villa they are instructed to gather at the firepit and wait for the test regarding the second part of the challenge. Poppy runs to put her flowers in a vase before joining the others, returning Oliver's delighted smile at her when she arrives.When everyone is seated, Poppy's phone chimes with a series of texts which she reads aloud:
Islanders! We've been keeping the public busy in these last few hours! While you were on your scavenger hunts, the public have been voting on which pairs of you they'd most like to see in the kitchen together.
The second part of the challenge is as follows: You will be told which pairings have been assigned to each course of a meal and which country your meal must be inspired by. If you've managed to find your cookbooks in the scavenger hunt you may use the recipes in there if you wish.
Each pair will have two hours to prepare your ingredients and present your course of the meal to the others for eating. Once each person finishes a course they will be instructed to fill out a rating card, scoring the meal out of 10 for presentation, taste & relevancy to the challenge.
The pair with the highest score will win a night in the hideaway. If the pair are currently a couple, they can use it this evening. If not, the pair can hold onto the night in the hideaway until they're coupled up if they wish.
Poppy laughs when she looks up from her phone, her eyes sparkling. "Gee. I wonder if that was pointed," she says with a giggle as she makes eye contact with Oliver.Finn laughs. "No way, are the public seriously wingman-ing for Oli now?" he says, giving Oliver a playful smack on the shoulder."We don't know who they voted for yet," Arlo snaps at Finn, causing him to raise his eyebrows in surprise.As though on cue, Dana's phone pings with a series of texts, which she reads aloud with a smirk:
The first pair - voted to make an appetizer from Spain are Kat and Suresh.
The second pair - voted to make an entrée from Italy are Poppy and Oliver.
The final pair - voted to make a dessert from France are Finn and Lulu.
Finn turns to Arlo but before he can say anything to her Poppy shoots him a pleading look. Come on Finn, don't make this any more awful than it already is... she silently begs him, already bracing herself for Arlo's reaction to her and Oliver being chosen by the public to participate in the second part of the challenge.To Poppy's relief, Arlo's reaction is pretty tame... for Arlo. "I don't care what the public thinks, keep your hands off my partner, Poppy," Arlo spits at her. "I'll be watching," she adds, gesturing to the window looking into the kitchen from the lawn before turning on her heel and walking out of the room."Well. At least we're in for a treat for dinner tonight," Suresh says, turning to look at Poppy. "Poppy's pasta sauce is fantastic," he adds, giving her a weak smile which Poppy returns awkwardly.Each pair is assigned to one part of the kitchen while the others are ushered out of the room. Once it's just Poppy and Oliver in one corner, Finn and Lulu in another and Suresh and Kat in a third they're instructed to begin."We've never actually cooked together before, how would you like to do this?" Poppy asks Oliver, her eyes bright with excitement as she turns to him. Poppy does her best to ignore Suresh who looks at her angrily from his corner of the kitchen with Kat where they're preparing their appetizer.Oliver chuckles softly. "Let's decide what we want to make, and we can split tasks up as required?" he suggests, smiling when Poppy nods.They decide to make a vegetarian pasta sauce with homemade ravioli, finding a delicious-looking recipe in the cookbook they found in the scavenger hunt before they decide who does what. Poppy starts heating some oil, a pot of water and preheats the oven while Oliver makes quick work of chopping some vegetables and herbs. It isn't long before the delicious fragrance of toasted garlic and herbs fills the kitchen."It smells so lush!" Poppy says excitedly as Oliver slides his chopped vegetables into Poppy's pan for the next step of cooking. "We make a great team, Oli," she says, smiling at him warmly. Poppy stirs the pan, now filled with vegetables and herbs and sauce before setting a timer to let it simmer.Oliver returns Poppy's smile. "Yeah we do," he agrees, holding himself back from reaching out to put an arm around Poppy.Poppy glances over to the garden where Arlo is watching them closely, her arms crossed and face fixed in an angry scowl. Poppy gives her a little wave, chuckling when Arlo crosses her legs, rolling her eyes so hard Poppy can tell from where she's standing.Oliver chuckles as he notices too. "Hopefully the next recoupling is soon..." he says to Poppy.Poppy nods in enthusiastic agreement. "If we win today, we'll get to celebrate, too," she says, giggling when Oliver blushes. "If you want to, that is.""I very, very, very much want to," Oliver says, his eyes darkening slightly with lust.Poppy is slightly taken aback by his seriousness. "Me too," she agrees, almost breathlessly. Poppy clears her throat and looks back over at Arlo who is still staring daggers at her. "Hopefully sooner than later," she adds awkwardly with a chuckle. "It'd be nice to just... touch you again without Arlo..."Oliver nods sadly in agreement but before he can say anything the timer finishes. Poppy smiles at him and lifts the lid of their dish causing the delicious, spiced fragrance to waft through the kitchen. She gives it a stir before she and Oliver scoop a little for themselves to taste test."Poppy, this is incredible! Good job!" Oliver says as the flavours hit his tongue with he takes a bite."You too," Poppy says, nodding in agreement. "We did great, this is tasty!"Poppy and Oliver are the last pair left in the kitchen, Finn and Lulu's desserts are chilling in the fridge and Suresh's (and Kat's, though she didn't help at all) tapas are cooling on the cooling rack when they finish the homemade pasta and let the others know that everything is ready.Poppy has to laugh when she looks outside and sees the garden is set up with tables of seats of two, with a lone table with one chair in the middle for herself. She laughs gratefully when Lulu notices before she can take a seat and swings Poppy's chair around to her and Finn's table."Can't say I'm fussed, how can I complain when I get to have dinner with the two most beautiful women here," Finn says cheekily when Lulu looks at him. Lulu rolls her eyes and Poppy laughs as she takes a seat with her friends, glancing at Oliver and smiling when she notices him glance back at her from his table with Arlo.Suresh's tapas are very good, Poppy always thought Suresh was an excellent cook and he is certainly showing his skill today. Lulu and Finn make fantastic crème brulee as well, firing each serving at each table before placing them in front of each islander. But Poppy and Oliver's pasta is perfect. The homemade ravioli is the perfect texture and ratio of noodle to filling, and the sauce compliments the pasta perfectly. All three teams do well, but to the surprise of likely no one, Poppy and Oliver come out on top and win the night in the hideaway, beaming at each other brightly from their tables with the announcement.After dinner the islanders break off into different groups. Poppy stays with Finn and Lulu for a while before wandering to the bedroom to grab a sweater for the evening, stopping in her tracks in the doorway when she hears the distinct sound of someone crying.Poppy peers into the room and sees Arlo seated on her and Oliver's bed, hugging her knees as she sniffs softly."Er... are you okay? Is there... someone you'd like me to grab?" Poppy asks, shifting awkwardly in place from the doorway.Arlo sniffs again and shakes her head. "All my friends here are gone," she says as she wipes her cheeks with the heel of her hand.Poppy nods slowly. "I guess Meera leaving probably took a toll on you," she says gently. "I'll leave you to it," she adds after a moment before turning to leave."Actually, Poppy," Arlo says before she can go, "do you mind grabbing Oliver for me?"Poppy stiffens for the briefest moment before turning to face Arlo. "Sure, Arlo," she says tiredly. Poppy thinks about saying something else but thinks better of it, swallowing her words before walking out to the garden to find Oliver for Arlo.Poppy doesn't see Oliver again for the rest of the night after she lets him know about Arlo's tearful request. She spends her time with Lulu and Finn and when everyone goes to bed she makes her way to her current spot at the day beds to sleep, still preferring not to share a room with Arlo.Poppy falls asleep with a smile on her face, today was one of the best days she's had in the villa yet. Oli loves me too! she thinks, giggling quietly to herself before rolling over and going to sleep.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________At first, Lulu thought she was imagining the sounds coming from Arlo and Oliver's bed, but as they got progressively louder there was no denying it... someone was having sex underneath those sheets.Lulu looks around the room anxiously. It could be anyone... she tells herself as she glances around. She notices Poppy's empty bed, and she notices sleeping forms in the others with no sign of Arlo... or Oliver.Oliver... what are you doing? Lulu thinks to herself, heavily disappointed as she rolls onto her side and covers her head with a pillow to muffle the sounds of Arlo's moans. What am I going to tell Poppy tomorrow? she asks herself anxiously as she tries to go back to sleep.---Lulu nudges Finn early the following morning and gestures to Arlo's bed, where she is sleeping alone. Lulu stands up quietly and tip-toes out of the room, gesturing for Finn to follow her. Once they're safely in the living room and out of earshot of the others, Lulu turns to her partner with wide eyes. "Did you hear it too?" she asks Finn, "Arlo and..."Finn puts up a hand to stop Lulu. "We don't know what happened... but I know Oli wouldn't do Poppy like that," he says, glancing in the direction of the day beds where Poppy is.Lulu frowns. "I'd have thought so too... but who else could it have been?" Lulu asks, looking at the ground. "I'm so disappointed... I was really rooting for OlliPop," she adds, also looking out at the day beds to Poppy with Finn.Finn shakes his head. "No, something's not right here. We need to go talk to Oli," he says, giving Lulu a serious look. "Before anyone else gets to Poppy. At least find out from him what's going on," Finn adds, his brow furrowed.Lulu nods in agreement. "I'm going to look for Poppy," she says, looking around the room.Finn nods. "We better hurry, before someone else gets to her first," he says, pulling himself out of their bed with a groan. "I'll go find Oli, you go look for Poppy and make sure she doesn't hear anything until we get this sorted out," he says quietly.Lulu nods and stands next to him. "You watch, this is something stupid like Suresh and Arlo trying to split them up," she says, rolling her eyes. "Let's go find our friends," she adds before Finn and Lulu go their separate ways in search of Oliver and Poppy.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy wakes up that morning with a bad feeling. She glances around herself as she stretches noticing Suresh's form approaching her from the villa, examining her carefully with his hands clasped together in front of himself."Morning, Gorgeous," Suresh says, smiling at her gently. He stands next to the day bed, being sure to give her some space.Poppy frowns at him in reply. "What's up...?" she asks Suresh, her voice full of suspicion."I just came out to check on you, see how you're doing after..." Suresh starts, trailing off before really explaining.Poppy sighs. "After what, Suresh?" she asks him, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Stop beating around the bush."Suresh raises his eyebrows. "Fine, I was trying to be more sensitive about it but whatever," he says, raising his hands defensively before he sits down on the edge of Poppy's day bed. "Someone was hooking up in Arlo and Oliver's bed last night," he says to Poppy, giving her a look to indicate that she should know exactly who that 'someone' is. "The entire villa heard it, they weren't being quiet."Poppy rolls her eyes. "Why should I believe that?" she asks Suresh, annoyed by his games. I can't believe he'd stoop to lying! she thinks to herself angrily. He has to know I'm going to watch this back in a week anyway!As though reading her mind, Suresh says, "why would I lie about it when I know you're just going to watch it back anyway? Besides, ask anyone... like I said, they weren't being quiet." He makes pointed eye contact with Poppy as she narrows her eyes suspiciously."I'm not sure why you'd lie," Poppy says carefully, "nor am I even sure you are lying, but something isn't right here. I don't believe Oli would do that...""Then ask someone else. Like I said Poppy, the entire villa heard it. It won't take you long to find someone who will tell you I'm not lying to you," Suresh says, giving Poppy a very pointed look.Poppy rolls her eyes before flinging her duvet off of herself and pulling herself off the day bed. "Okay, Suresh," she says tiredly."Better be careful, Poppy. You might hurt my feelings and then I won't let you come back when he breaks your heart," Suresh says with a cheeky smile, with just a hint of sadness behind it.Poppy bites her lip nervously as she examines Suresh with wide eyes. "I have nothing to say to you right now, I need to talk to Oli," Poppy says after a moment, studying her ex carefully. "For your sake, you better not be lying to me, Suresh," she says examining Suresh one more time as she nervously bites her lip. For my sake... I really hope you are... she thinks to herself, giving her head a small shake. There's no chance. Something is going on here,Poppy thinks to herself confidently.Poppy heads toward the villa, determined to find Oli and settle this before it turns into something big. Before she can reach him however, she's stopped by a very relieved looking Lulu."Poppy!" Lulu exclaims, grabbing Poppy's arm and pulling her to the couch in the living room. "Come, sit! We need to catch up," Lulu says, suspiciously brightly.Poppy narrows her eyes at Lulu and sits with her on the couch, not taking her eyes off her friend. "What's going on, Lu?" she asks, eyeing Lulu carefully.Lulu purses her lips tightly. "We need to keep you away from some people for a while," she says cryptically.Poppy looks at Lulu curiously. "Okay Lulu, spill," she says. Poppy looks anxiously at her friend, studying her carefully. "Would one of those people happen to be Suresh, Lulu?" Poppy asks, looking at her friend carefully.Lulu nods. "Yes, he's most definitely someone we are avoiding this morning," she says, her face unreadable."Let's say it's too late... why am I avoiding him?" Poppy asks Lulu, still studying her carefully.Lulu blushes. "We're... still trying to put the pieces together," Lulu admits, looking at her friend guiltily. "What did Suresh say?""Some nonsense about someone having sex in Oli and Arlo's bed last night," Poppy says dismissively, not noticing when Lulu looks down nervous."That right, what else did he say?" Lulu asks nervously, causing Poppy's eyes to narrow suspiciously again"He said the whole villa heard it and he heavily implied it was Oli and...," Poppy adds, stopping when she notices Lulu looking down sheepishly. Poppy studies Lulu for a moment, her eyes narrowing further as she does. "You're mistaken, Lu, he wouldn't..." she says, sounding a little less sure than before. "He wouldn't... no, especially not with Arlo of all people," Poppy says again, so quietly it could almost be a whisper, as she studies her friend who only shrugs sadly in lieu of a real reply.Poppy huffs and pinches the bridge of her nose to stop the tears that are prickling in the corner of her eyes from falling. "I need to get out of here," Poppy mumbles before walking out of the room, intent on finding out what the heck is going on.______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"You... didn't, did you, man?" Finn asks Oliver as he approaches him, having finally found him on the roof terrace. Oliver is looking out over the garden when Finn approaches him and doesn't hear him come up.Oliver narrows his eyes in confusion. "I didn't... what?" he asks Finn, turning to face him."Someone was fucking in your bed last night," Finn says with a flat tone, studying Oliver carefully. "I wanted to chat with you, Poppy's bound to find out any minute..."Oliver's eyes widen in surprise. "Wait, you don't think it was me?" he asks Finn, chuckling when Finn shrugs. "No mate, I slept here... on the bench on the roof terrace. I didn't want to give Arlo an excuse to come at Poppy for thinking maybe I joined her on the daybeds or something," he says, his brow furrowed slightly. "I better go find Poppy," he adds, standing up quickly."Best do that before Suresh does," Finn agrees, clapping Oliver's back supportively. "You know how he likes to get in her head."Oliver nods, looking out at the daybeds to see if he can see Poppy and frowning when he doesn't.Oliver and Finn spend the entire day searching the villa for Poppy, joined by Lulu and eventually Dana, Nicolas and Kat, but it's almost as though she'd vanished out of thin air. Oliver checks their rooftop spot several times among other places around the villa, the Beach Hut door is wide open so that doesn't explain Poppy's absence either."You don't think Poppy just... left... do you?" Lulu asks after she and Finn finish what feels like their 30th round of the villa in search of her. She stands with Oliver and Finn in the kitchen looking out toward the lawn still searching for any sign of Poppy.Oliver frowns. "I hope not, I didn't even get a chance to talk to her..." he says, his brow furrowed."It doesn't seem likely Poppy would just... leave without saying anything," Finn reassures his friend.Oliver nods in agreement. "She's usually pretty good at communicating, it wouldn't make much sense," he agrees thoughtfully. "I'm at a loss though, we've looked everywhere.""But did you look in here for the 100th time?" Poppy asks from behind the trio, causing the three of them to turn to face her simultaneously.Oliver's face brightens immediately on seeing his favourite girl in... the villa at least. "Poppy! I'm relieved to see you," Oliver exclaims, pulling her into a hug and smiling even wider when she returns it warmly. "We've been looking for you all day. Are you okay?"Poppy nods into the hug. "Never better," she says with a sweet smile. Oliver shoots her the briefest confused look but fixes his face to happy when Poppy returns a look that tells him to be patient."Glad to hear it," Oliver replies genuinely. He's still hugging Poppy when he notices Arlo stomping angrily toward them in his peripheral vision. "We've got company coming," he mumbles to Poppy, gesturing behind her in Arlo's direction as she approaches them from the doorway inside the villa.To Oliver's surprise Poppy just snuggles in closer to him. "Great," she says cheerfully. "Any chance Suresh is nearby?" she asks, looking up at Oliver with a mischievous twinkle in her eye."What are you up to, Miss?" Oliver replies, his eyes narrowing playfully.Poppy shrugs. "Oh nothing at all," she says, her eyes still twinkling. "Suresh and Arlo, however, were up to plenty last night," she adds, raising her eyebrow playfully at Oliver before turning to Arlo, who's just arrived behind her. Poppy gives Oliver an affectionate squeeze before pulling out of his grasp. "Isn't that right, Arlo?" Poppy asks the angry woman cheekily."What the hell did I say about touching my partner, Poppy?" Arlo spits at Poppy angrily, annoyed by her cheery and playful disposition.Poppy chuckles. "I don't remember, you should probably remind me," she says to Arlo with an amused smile.Oliver raises his eyebrows in surprise at Poppy's cheekiness. Arlo balks, apparently surprised as well. "I told you to stay away from him!" she reminds an amused Poppy. The other islanders gather around Poppy, Oliver, a very confused Finn, Lulu and Arlo, as Arlo's raised voice catches their attention."Was that before or after you had Suresh crawl into your bed last night so the entire villa would think it was Oli?" Poppy asks Arlo, her amused expression unwavering.Arlo opens her mouth in surprise but shakes it off quickly... not quickly enough for Poppy not to notice, however."Did you think we wouldn't find out?" Poppy asks Arlo with a small chuckle. "You do know where we are, right?" Poppy glances at the various cameras mounted around them. "So what was the plan, exactly? Count on us not finding out until we went home? Then what?" she turns to Suresh with a curious tilt of her head. "What did you think was going to happen when we got back home and I saw it was you in her bed, Suresh?" she asks him, her eyes alight with anger. "After you were the one to make sure I found out about someone being there. I'm genuinely curious how you expected this to play out."Suresh gives Poppy an unreadable look as he studies her carefully, unable to give her an answer."Are you trying to figure out how I could know? Or how much I know? Because it's everything, Suresh. I know everything," Poppy smiles at him before taking a seat at the kitchen bar and continuing. "I know that you and Arlo ran off when Oli and I were paired up in the cooking challenge and I know that you planned for me to think it was Oli in Arlo's bed. I'm not sure why neither one of you seemed to consider that I would talk to him before jumping to that conclusion but hey, I'm just telling you what I saw," Poppy says, looking Suresh directly in the eyes as she speaks, her eyes burning with the anger and frustration she's been feeling toward him, amplified by the recent discovery of this game Suresh and Arlo were playing.Suresh stares back at Poppy, completely lost for words. Poppy continues to smile at him, looking very amused as she tells Suresh what else she knows."I also know that you told me this morning, about yourself in Arlo's bed last night fully intending I would believe it was Oliver so I would go running back to you. What was it you said... 'nothing heals a broken heart like an old flame'," Poppy continues, giving Suresh a very pointed look. Suresh hangs his head in shame, clearly aware of what Poppy is referring to even if nobody else around is.Poppy shrugs playfully before standing quickly and stepping toward her ex with purpose. "You know what Suresh, I think it's time you and I have a chat. The chat. The one I should have had with you the day we got here," she says, her tone is chipper but Suresh can tell he's in for it. "I think it's time I walk you through what the last two years have looked like for me, come. Production was kind enough to provide videos," she says, gesturing for Suresh to follow her as she steps toward the Beach Hut.Suresh hesitates as the other islanders stand around them in shock. Oliver looks impressed by Poppy's confidence, giving her a supportive nod when she glances in his direction. Poppy smiles at him in relief before turning back to Suresh, leaning in to speak quietly so only he can hear. "After the last two and a half weeks you've put me through, the least you can do is have the decency to join me," she says to him, her eyebrow raised challengingly before she walks to toward the Beach Hut, clearly confident Suresh would follow and not surprised when he does.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Poppy closes the door after Suresh enters the Beach Hut behind her and gestures to the seat in the small room. "Please sit, this isn't going to be fun," she says quietly.
Suresh rolls his eyes petulantly but takes a seat as he's told before looking at Poppy expectantly.
"I had a lovely chat this afternoon," Poppy starts, pacing back and forth across the tiny room in front of Suresh. She stops before looking him in the eyes with a tiny smirk on her lips. "Your mum says hello."
Suresh blinks in surprise. "Mum?" he asks Poppy, groaning when she nods in confirmation.
"Seems she insisted on speaking with me this morning, wouldn't let production go until she did," Poppy explains as she continues her pacing. "I guess she's been feeling guilty about having so much animosity toward me over the last year and a bit and she wanted to make it right." Poppy raises her eyebrow at Suresh pointedly, an amused smirk still on her face as she speaks.
Suresh looks down guiltily. He didn't lie to his mum about why Poppy left, but he did heavily imply it wasn't his fault. And when Samaira started to really vocalize how much she missed Poppy, Suresh's mum started making quips about how selfish Poppy was... quips Suresh would readily agree with.
"She told me everything, Suresh," Poppy says, studying her ex carefully. "How you made it your goal just to hurt me when you came here and changed your mind when you went into the Truth Booth and saw that I wasn't playing games with you... I was bluffing about your Beach Hut interviews and seeing you crawl into that bed, I haven't seen any of that myself. I figured you didn't want me to tell the others your mum sold you out. She told me that you approached Arlo yesterday and you suggested to her that you make me think Oli was with her. Do you realise how messed up that is? That you fucked her just to make me think Oliver cheated on me? And then I found out the truth from your mum?" Poppy asks, stopping her pacing again as she waits for a reply from her ex.
When one doesn't come, Poppy continues, "I don't know why you're so mean to me. Do you have any idea what I've gone through over the last year, Suresh? Your mum seems to think not." She picks a remote control up off of the small table in the room and moves to stand next to him. "Luckily for us, Leon and my brothers kindly provided a tonne of video and photos to production, so I can walk you through it," she says, pressing a button on the remote to turn on the television mounted to the wall above the camera.
Poppy's face lights up the screen, but she almost looks unrecognizable. She looks like she hasn't been eating well, her skin is more pale than usual and the bags under her eyes tell Suresh it'd been at least days since she'd slept. She smiles at the camera, but even her smile looks different, forced, and it doesn't reach her eyes. There is none of Poppy's usual light around her.
"And this is my new friend, Poppy!" a voice with a thick German accent says from behind the camera. "Say hi, Poppy!"
Poppy waves at the camera, giving it a sad smile before her eyes fill with tears on screen and she covers her face. "I'm sorry, Leon, I keep ruining your video!" she exclaims through tears with a sad laugh before the video cuts off. In the Beach Hut, Poppy presses pause before the next clip starts.
Poppy clears her throat before she turns to Suresh. "That was about a week after we broke up," she explains to him. "Leon was taking videos to send home but I kept ruining them by crying. I was having a really hard time not crying for a while, in fact, this video is more or less exactly what I was like non-stop for at least three months. I would have mostly avoided everyone, but Leon was a very persistent friend," she says, before she hits the play button again.
A series of photographs of Poppy come up, the heartbreak evident on her beautiful features in each one. Suresh looks down in shame, how could he ever believe she didn't care about him?
Poppy presses pause on the remote control in her hand when she notices Suresh isn't watching. "For over a year I've questioned what it is about me that isn't good enough for you," she continues, not letting Suresh have the reprieve he is seeking by not watching the screen. "When I finally stopped crying all day I still didn't sleep at night for months and months. Did you know Lennox and Oren took turns living in my flat with me for a while to make sure I was taking care of myself?" Poppy asks him, referring to her two brothers who live in Glasgow. "I put everything I had left into school and tutoring so I wouldn't have to think about you. I hadn't really realised how bad things got until Leon sent these videos today, but I was a mess, Suresh."
Suresh can feel the tears prickling in the corner of his eyes as the guilt courses through him. "I get it, Poppy," he says thickly, unable to look at her.
Poppy shakes her head angrily. "I've barely scratched the surface. I'm walking you through it all," she says, keeping her voice as level as possible. Suresh rolls his eyes but Poppy keeps her gaze on him, unfazed by his reaction. "I mean it, Suresh. Your game ends today," she says angrily. "And when we leave the villa, I'm going to need a long, long time before I consider being friends with you. You've done some seriously messed up stuff to me."
"Oh, like you're perfect," Suresh snaps, shaking his head angrily at Poppy.
"Never once have I said I am," Poppy replies coolly. "In fact, after my time with you, I have a really difficult time even liking myself much of the time, let alone thinking I'm perfect," she adds, looking at her feet as she wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand.
Suresh looks at Poppy in surprise, examining her carefully. "How can you not like yourself, Poppy?" he asks her so quietly she hardly hears him.
Poppy blinks, still looking at the ground. "The way you're always pitting other women against me, this can hardly come as a surprise to you," she says, her voice thick with the tears she's still trying to hold back.
"Those other women only go after you because they're jealous of you," Suresh says as though it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"So you encourage it and pit them against me? That's horrible, Suresh! So not only do I not like myself, they don't like themselves either because of your games!" Poppy exclaims, looking up to make eye contact with him.
Suresh rolls his eyes. "Poppy, I assure you, Arlo didn't like herself well before she met me," he says almost sarcastically.
Poppy blinks rapidly in surprise as fat tears roll down her cheeks. "Oh... my God, Suresh," she says in disbelief. "How... do you just not get it?" Poppy wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand again.
Suresh takes a deep breath and freezes for a moment. "I do get it," he says. "I mean. When I really stop and think about it, I do," he clarifies, clasping his hands together in his lap. "I'm sorry, Poppy."
Poppy bites her lip, unsure of what to say to Suresh. So you've just been doing it for sport? I... why? "Why is hurting me so much... fun for you?" Poppy asks him after a moment, so quietly that the mics don't even pick her up.
"What? And you think me having to hear about how you're fucking Oliver all over the villa doesn't hurt? It fucking kills me, Poppy!" Suresh exclaims, the tears finally spilling over with the rush of emotions he's feeling. Anger, bitterness, regret, heartbreak, sadness, everything floods him and he finally looks at her again, his eyes full of pain. "Knowing you're here in the same fucking building as me doing the things you did that were just for me with someone else. It hurts."
Poppy swallows heavily but doesn't move otherwise, holding his eye contact. "I didn't intend for it to be announced all over the villa, but you knew I was going to be here, Suresh. You knew I would possibly meet someone here, didn't you?" she says, her voice getting higher pitched with the last two words. You have nobody to blame but yourself for that pain, Suresh, she thinks to herself, wishing she could say the words out loud to him.
Suresh's jaw tightens. "I... expected us to leave together," he admits.
Poppy doesn't break Suresh's eye contact as her eyes narrow into angry slits. "Then you should have treated me better," she says with tears falling down her cheeks. "That doesn't even make any sense! If you expected us to leave together, why did you have sex with every other girl here the first chance you had! Why did you couple up with Arlo after I agreed to try to work things out with you again? Don't answer that, I don't care. If you can't handle being around Oliver and me together I suggest you consider leaving. I'm done catering everything I do in this villa around you and Arlo." Poppy doesn't look angry, just tired and defeated.
"So that's it then? I make a few mistakes and after everything, we're just... done?!" Suresh asks Poppy in disbelief.
"Yes, Suresh," Poppy says with a sad nod. She sniffs and wipes another tear from her cheek. "We've been done for well over a year, I don't want to play your games anymore," she adds a lot more quietly. "Oli's so nice to me. Do you have any idea how nice it feels to look at someone and just knowthey're not going to hurt you?" Poppy looks down at her hands as she continues, speaking so quietly Suresh can hardly hear her. "You should know what that feels like... I loved you so, so much." Poppy stops fidgeting for a moment to look up at Suresh with sad eyes. "I don't know if we were ever the right fit, though."
Suresh looks at Poppy as his heart breaks in a million pieces, trying to get her eye contact. "That can't be true, Poppy. The chemistry between us was unreal, don't you remember how amazing all those trips were?" he asks her. "I'll take you anywhere you want to go. I'll do whatever you want..." Suresh continues, his voice pleading. "You can move into my flat so we can spend time together when you're not in school, or we can get an entirely new flat for both of us! I'll go hiking with you every weekend if you want and I'll learn to surf, we can go to Australia to see your dad..."
Poppy's jaw tenses in frustration. "I would have loved to hear this even just a few weeks ago," she says, "but it shouldn't take me meeting someone else for you to want to do these things for me, Suresh! I know you never wanted me to stay in school, why are you suddenly offering to move me in so we can spend time together around it? You never had any interest in learning to surf before, nor did you ever seem to care about meeting my dad. Why did it take me meeting Oli for you to suddenly want to do those things with me?" Poppy asks him, looking him in the eyes.
Suresh blanches. "I.. that's..." he starts but stops when he can't seem to find the words.
Poppy nods. "I see," she says, looking at the ground.
"How does mum feel... about your new... fling?" Suresh asks, unable to acknowledge Poppy and Oliver's relationship further than that.
"You don't want to know," Poppy says, a hint of a sad smile on her face.
Suresh shakes his head. "Unbelievable. My own fuckin' mum is Team OlliPop," he mutters to himself. "You know, she went shopping with me for your ring too," he says after a moment, looking at his hands. "She was thrilled when I asked her to help me."
Poppy sighs. "Suresh, I don't want to do this again," she says, looking at him sadly. "Mistakes were made and what's done is done. Please let me move on," she adds, her tone pleading.
Suresh pinches the bridge of his nose. "But it fucking hurts, Poppy. How am I supposed to give up the one of the best women I'm ever going to know?"
Poppy's eyes fill with tears again. "By knowing I'll be happy with someone else, maybe?" she asks her ex with wide eyes.
Suresh shakes his head aggressively. "I can be what you need, Poppy," he says pleadingly. He looks Poppy in the eyes. "I... will do everything to be what you deserve."
Poppy sighs again and turns to the television, pushing buttons on the remote to navigate to a specific video file. She finds it and opens it without another word.
On the screen, Poppy sits anxiously looking at the camera. The first thing Suresh notices is that she looks even more unhealthy and tired than in the last video. "Hi! I'm Poppy Whittaker," Poppy introduces herself shyly. "I'm a 24-year-old student in Glasgow, and I think I'll be a great fit for the next season of Love Island! I've been single for about seven months now, and...." Poppy cuts off, her eyes filling with tears. "Ugh, sorry Leon. Again!" she says, laughing at the person behind the camera. "You know, I think this might be a sign I'm not ready for this," she says, wiping the tears from under her eyes.
"Come on Poppy, how are we going to find you a nice boy like Bruno or Oliver if you're crying over what's-his-face," Leon says gently from behind the camera. Poppy chuckles and there's a pause. "What is it you saw in Suresh, anyway?" Leon asks after a moment.
On screen Poppy looks at her hands. "We have lots of fun together, we have great chemistry. We got to see the world together... and he's handsome. We just... clicked together, you know?" she says "It's just... it's not any easier yet. I love him so much and I would have done almost anything for him just for him to toss me aside because of one stupid row... it makes me feel... I don't even know how to explain it. How do you reconcile being madly in love with someone who wants you to hurt? I gave him everything, my time, my love, my soul... and he..." Poppy shakes her head on the screen and pinches the bridge of her nose. "And it meant nothing to him when he was my everything." Poppy lets out a small sob before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
Leon scoffs and says gently, "loads of handsome men out there, Poppy. I bet you'd have more fun and more chemistry with some of them, too." Poppy nods as the tears fall down her cheeks. "Would you take him back?" Leon asks.
Poppy looks up at the camera with a sad smile. "Yeah," she says with a small nod. "Yeah, I think I would."
From behind the camera, Leon hesitates. "Why?" he asks.
Poppy fidgets with her hands, not looking at Leon when she answers. "The good times were really good... and there were more good times than bad..."
"Were there? Because for the last seven months, you've cried every day over that jerk," Leon asks sarcastically.
Poppy balks on the screen. "Surely not every day?"
"Every one," Leon confirms. "you're a mess!"
Poppy laughs. "That I am," she agrees with a sad smile.
"Tell me... what have the last seven months looked like for you?" Leon asks Poppy on the screen.
On screen, Poppy hesitates. "Well..." she says, "not... good," she admits.
"Let me tell you what they've looked like from here as your friend," Leon says, "you've lost weight since we've met and I somehow doubt it's intentional, I can tell you barely sleep. You hardly laugh or smile, you don't talk to anyone outside of work or school except me and your brothers and I'm pretty sure that's only because we won't take no for an answer," he explains, stopping when Poppy's eyes flood with tears again. He waits for Poppy to calm down.
"You deserve better," Leon says after a moment, causing Poppy to let out a laugh through her tears.
"Do I? Suresh is..." she starts in reply but Leon cuts her off.
"You deserve better," Leon repeats more sternly. "Should we try again?"
Poppy wipes her face on her arm and nods. "Okay, then..." she replies with a smile at her friend behind the camera. "Let's do this."
Poppy stops the video and turns to Suresh. "It took like four tries for me to finally get a video that was good for the audition," she admits quietly. "We ended up having to keep the clip Mr. Magoo decided to join me in. Things were a bit better by then, I was only crying if I was actively talking or thinking of you at that point but..."
Suresh looks up at Poppy from the loveseat. "I wish you had called. Even just to yell at me," he says quietly.
"There were many times I wanted to," Poppy admits. "It really hurt at first... I was hyper-fixated on the fact that you tried to send me the photo. I couldn't think of any other reason you'd do that except to hurt me." Suresh looks down guiltily as Poppy continues. "Leon was really interested in me when we first met but I was nowhere near a place where I wanted to be dating so I friend-zoned him. In hindsight that was for the best, we're much better mates than whatever that might have been. I was lucky to have him around though, he was a really good friend over the last year. He really helped me with seeing my worth again, I was feeling so down because of... everything. In spite of it though, I really missed you. I didn't answer your calls or texts because I knew if I did I'd..." Poppy trails off. Whatever she would have done at the time isn't really important anymore.
"If I had any idea you were feeling that way I would have..." Suresh starts. He swallows a lump in his throat before looking up at Poppy pleadingly. "What can I do, Poppy? I'll do anything, I swear it. I'll get your name tattooed across my chest, we'll leave the villa tonight and fly to Australia in the morning, I'll..." Suresh starts, stopping abruptly when Poppy cuts him off.
"It's too little, too late, Suresh! I don't know how else to make this clear to you... I want to be with Oliver! I haven't felt the way I do about him..." Poppy starts, stopping herself. She bites her lip nervously, seeming to consider her words before continuing. "In a very long time," she adds finally, her tone of voice a lot more calm.
Suresh hangs his head in disappointment. "I don't want to give up," he says quietly. "I can fix this... I can treat you right and make you forget I ever treated you otherwise."
Poppy shakes her head. "It's too late. I really, really hope you put that energy in going forward though. You deserve good things... they just can't be with me," she says. There's a tone of finality with her statement.
Suresh nods curtly. "I should have seen this coming. The second you laid eyes on him when he came around that stage I knew," he says thickly. "The worst part is... even I can tell you're well suited. I've been trying since he got here to catch him in anything at all, and all I keep finding is how much better for you he is than me. It's kind of embarrassing." Suresh chuckles.
Poppy smiles. "I can see how that would be... challenging," she agrees diplomatically, breathing a small laugh along with Suresh when he chuckles in response.
"You didn't believe it was him for a moment, did you?" Suresh asks, referring to his little game he tried to play with Arlo that morning.
Poppy laughs again. "No, I suppose I didn't," she says with a small shrug. "Sounds like you know why."
There's a longer moment of silence as Poppy and Suresh take in their conversation over he last few minutes. Finally, Suresh rubs his face in his hands before his green eyes catch Poppy's. "As hard as it is for me to see you with Oliver, I see it's for the best," he admits as he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "There isn't any coming back from what I've done to you. You deserve someone who treats you like Oliver does, he'll never be tempted to do to you what I did."
Poppy swallows heavily as she nods. "I really care for him," she tells Suresh quietly.
"I know. And he cares for you too. Even my mum approves, it might be time for me to concede this one," Suresh says before a sad chuckle escapes his throat.
Poppy stares at Suresh for a moment in quiet surprise before saying, "that means a lot. I know that mustn't be easy for you, so thank you."
Suresh smiles sadly. "I should have been more focused on what you wanted all along. You were always trying to tell me and I never listened to you. I'm really sorry Poppy, for everything. I'm sorry that I cheated on you, and I lied to you. I'm sorry that I chased you here to ruin your summer, I'm sorry I've kept hurting you since we got here," he says sincerely.
Poppy blinks. "Thank you Suresh. I'm not ready to forgive you right away but I think I could be with time, when I see your actions align with your words..." she says and Suresh nods.
"I deserve that," Suresh agrees, "still a ways to go."
"Does this mean you'll give me some space to get to know Oli going forward?" Poppy asks. She smiles widely when Suresh nods.
"I owe Oliver an apology, too," he says. "What happened this morning was... really inappropriate. I'm going to talk to him when we're done here."
"I appreciate that, thank you," Poppy says warmly.
"I would... really like to be friends with you. One day, I mean. I know it's probably going to take some time before... that's possible but... I'll regret it forever if I don't at least ask," Suresh says to Poppy after a moment's silence.
Poppy smiles at Suresh. "It's going to take some time, but I think I'd really like that," she says warmly.
Suresh nods. "I think I need some time alone right now, if that's okay," he says tentatively.
Poppy nods. "Of course. Thanks for... coming to talk to me. I know this didn't go how you wanted..." she says before leaving Suresh alone in the Beach Hut with his thoughts.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________The conversation in the Beach Hut could not have had a more different impact for Poppy and Suresh. Poppy leaves the Beach Hut feeling significantly better and lighter about everything, while Suresh is feeling heavy with the weight of his and Arlo's actions over the summer and the impact he's had on the woman he loves.
After Poppy leaves, Suresh sits on the loveseat with a blank stare, a million thoughts running through his mind. He had no idea he was hurting her so badly; from his perspective she simply vanished and went on as though he never existed to her in the first place. Leon was right about him, Suresh really was some asshole who couldn't love Poppy right.
Suresh's train of thought is interrupted when he gets a text telling him since he's in the Beach Hut anyway they're going to interview him now. Suresh rolls his eyes and anticipates the worst as he waits for the inevitable questions about Poppy to come.
Suresh, how are you feeling after that tough conversation with Poppy?
Suresh looks at his hands as he talks. "Honestly? Like I'm a terrible person who isn't any good for anybody," he says, massaging his palm with his thumb. "Poppy is a wonderful girl and I... never did deserve her to begin with. I guess my mum being on her side really drove home how I've been behaving..."
Were you surprised to hear your mum spoke with Poppy?
Suresh chuckles. "I mean... I guess. But not really... mum loves Poppy, has since the moment they met. I'm sure she'd trade us if she could," he says with a fond smile. "I was actually so embarrassed the first time Poppy met my mum... I brought her to their house and mum was in the middle of doing the cleaning with Samaira. They were dancing around the kitchen when we walked in and I was mortified... first time ever intro-ing a girlfriend to my parents and what not. But Poppy didn't even notice how embarrassed I was, mum invited her to join her and Samaira dancing in the kitchen... and that's what she did. I'll never be able to hear the song they danced to that day without thinking of that moment. It was ridiculous." Suresh smiles again at the charming memory. "Mum, Samaira, and my step-dad all fell in love with Poppy that day."
Are you going to give Poppy space to get to know Oliver now?
Suresh nods and looks up at the camera for the first time since the interview started. "Yeah, I am. Last thing I need is my mum calling to scold me again," he says with an amused smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Before you ask, I am going to apologize to Oliver too... what me and Arlo did this morning wasn't on. I don't even know what I was thinking to be honest."
What did you think was going to happen when Poppy found out the truth?
Suresh looks back down at his hands as he thinks about his answer. "I didn't think that far ahead. I think I always knew it wouldn't work because there's no way she'd stay with me when we got home. I feel like I have a lot of thinking to do," he admits quietly. "Can I... go now? I need to go talk to some people," he says with a shrug.
One thing about Suresh is that when he makes his mind up about something, it's done. He loves Poppy, and probably always will, but something in him snapped in the villa. He couldn't imagine himself nearly this manipulative on the outside... I mean, sure, Suresh knew how to swindle people to get his way, and yeah, he was cheating on Poppy for several months with Gabi but... it really wasn't as serious as Gabi let on... he spent a total of maybe six? evenings with her.
He honestly wasn't even sure if he remembered actually ever telling Gabi he loved her... nor did he recall the supposed toothbrush in her flat. He actually ghosted Gabi for almost two of those "five months" they were supposedly seeing each other. After seeing Gabi a few times when Poppy started school, he started to feel really guilty and decided that maybe he was an idiot for his little game behind Poppy's back. He cut Gabi off for a while, and even got a new phone number (he gave some excuse to Poppy at the time that it turned out his phone number was misprinted on some advert and he was getting too many unnecessary calls) He had no idea how Gabi could have seen the ring, he'd only had her at his flat once and it was the night of the row with Poppy. And further to that, Poppy's name was on the airline ticket.
Gabi came in and played her little game. She manipulated the situation to get her way and when that didn't work did the maximum amount of damage she could before she left. The only part that really confused Suresh was how genuinely... surprised Gabi looked when he admitted the ring was for Poppy. Obviously Gabi hadn't gotten a good look at the ring, he had it custom made for Poppy. After he shopped for what felt like forever he found a place that would combine the parts of different rings he knew Poppy would love to make it just for her. But, Suresh supposed, none of that mattered anymore, Gabi accomplished her goal.
Just before Gabi stormed over to Poppy that afternoon she pulled him aside. "You've played your games Suresh, now it's your turn to play mine," she said to him coolly. "It's time the truth comes out. I found... it. To be honest, I thought it was for... her but...." Gabi drifts off for a moment as she bites her lip. "When I saw the excess baggage challenge I knew there was no way you were hiding the same secret from her... you were so cross with her!"
He tried to explain to Gabi that it wasn't like that but she wouldn't hear him, going on about how he didn't have to protect Poppy anymore now that she has Oliver, she could handle the truth.
Suresh knew the moment he saw Gabi at the breakfast table the morning she'd arrived that she was going to be the final nail in the coffin of his relationship with Poppy. Suresh wasn't sure why he never told Poppy the truth, it would have made almost everything that's happened here a lot easier on them both.
"What is wrong with me?" Suresh mumbles to himself, shaking his head before he walks over to find Oliver doing bench presses with Finn spotting him at the gym. He waits until Oliver finishes his set to make himself known.
"Hey, can we chat?" Suresh asks Oliver when he sits up from the bench to acknowledge him.
Oliver looks around briefly, noticing Poppy consoling a crying Kat over at the pool. "I guess," he says with a tentative frown. "I'll see you later," he says to Finn who nods with a smile in acknowledgement as Suresh and Oliver head to the firepit together to chat away from the others.
"I owe you an apology about last night and this morning," Suresh says when they get out of hearing distance of the everyone else. "I've already cleared things up with Poppy so she knows the truth, too. I'm sorry, man."
Oliver nods. "I appreciate it, mate. No need to hold a grudge," he says and holds out a hand for Suresh to shake.
Suresh takes his hand and shakes it politely. "You're a better man than me," he says with a chuckle.
Oliver shrugs. "I prefer to live without a tonne of animosity," he says simply. "Just.. don't do it again, you're hurting her," he replies, looking over to Poppy and Kat's direction again.
"I... know," Suresh says guiltily. "Speaking of, I should... go talk to Kat, too," he says, acknowledging that Kat is likely upset on his account.
Oliver looks at Suresh curiously. "I know it's not my place, but... are you all right?" he asks. "Don't answer that if you don't want to but..."
"No man, I'm really not," Suresh admits. "She'll probably tell you anyway, she's not one for keeping secrets. My mum called her," he says quietly as he and Oliver watch Kat and Poppy from afar.
Oliver raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Whoa," he says, causing Suresh to chuckle.
"My mum's always had a soft-spot for Poppy. And I think she's probably disappointed because I've been behaving a lot like my dad... my actual dad, not my stepdad... he's actually more like you," Suresh chuckles again, "that's probably why mum is Team OlliPop."
"Oof, I'm sorry, mate, that's... gotta be rough," Oliver says, clasping a hand on Suresh's shoulder supportively.
Suresh shrugs hard. "I have no one to blame but myself," he says before finally turning to Oliver again. "I know this is rich coming from me but... be good to her. She deserves the world."
Oliver nods. "I know," he says simply in reply.
"And for what it's worth... she didn't believe us anyway. She... trusts you," Suresh says quietly, swallowing his guilt and jealousy. She trusted him, too, once.
Oliver nods again. "Thanks, mate," he says, unsure of what else to say.
"Anyway, I'm going to go talk to Kat... and then Arlo," Suresh says after a moment with a heavy sigh.
Oliver huffs in acknowledgement. "I'd like to have a word with Poppy, I'll tag along," he says as the two approach Kat and Poppy together.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy is rubbing Kat's back as she cries on her shoulder when Suresh and Oliver approach them. After she left the Beach Hut she bee-lined it for Kat, realising after the fact that Kat would likely be devastated by the news Poppy dropped earlier.
"I should have known!" Kat laments on Poppy's shoulder. "If he cheated on you, of course he'd cheat on me too! I was even staying loyal to him you know!"
"Hey Kat, can we have a word?" Suresh asks quietly as they approach. Kat pulls out of her hug with Poppy and gives her a confused look when she notices Suresh is approaching with Oliver.
"I was hoping to chat with you, Poppy," Oliver explains.
Poppy gives Kat a supportive nod. "Oli and I will stay here if you need me later," she says, giving Kat a warm smile. Kat nods and follows Suresh back over to the firepit.
Poppy pats the space next to her at the pool's edge. "Would you like to join me?" she asks as Oliver sits next to her.
"Would love to," Oliver says warmly.
"I'm sorry about today," Poppy says quietly. "I was on my way to look for you this morning after I ran into Lulu when production stopped me. Someone... wanted to speak with my urgently and I didn't have time to come find you first," she explains.
Oliver nods. "Suresh told me you spoke with his mum," he says.
Poppy sighs. "Yeah, she's worried for him," she says quietly. "I am too, if I'm being honest," she admits as she screws her face up in an awkward frown. "What they did last night was really messed up and Suresh is smart enough to know it wouldn't have worked regardless..."
Oliver nods again. "I can definitely see why you're worried. I just asked him myself if he's okay," he says stopping himself just before placing his hand on top of Poppy's. After a second, he does it anyway and gives her hand a tight squeeze under his.
"Have you spoken with Arlo since..." Poppy asks, breathing a small laugh when Oliver shakes his head 'no' vigorously.
"She's been M.I.A. To be fair, I also haven't looked for her," Oliver admits with a sheepish smile. "I'm a rubbish partner."
Poppy giggles. "Beg to differ, Sir. You're a fantastic partner," she says with a bright smile.
Oliver blushes brightly in response. "Likewise, Love," he says and gives Poppy's hand another squeeze.
Poppy sighs heavily. "Is it time for the next recoupling?" she asks playfully. "To be fair, I think Kat could use a change of scenery too..." she gestures to where Kat and Suresh are speaking at the swing seat with a frown.
"I sure hope so," Oliver replies quietly. "My back is starting to hurt sleeping on the roof terrace..."
Poppy looks over at Oliver with a confused smile. "You're sleeping on the roof terrace?" she asks curiously.
Oliver chuckles. "Yeah, I didn't want to be in the bedroom and I didn't want to give Arlo any reason to assume anything so..." he says. "Did you not know?"
Poppy shakes her head with a laugh. "No, I've been on the daybeds so I had no idea you weren't even sleeping in the bedroom," she admits. "You don't have to do that Oli, especially not if it's hurting your back..."
Oliver squeezes Poppy's hand underneath his again. "I don't mind. Besides, I don't... want to give Arlo any reason to get the wrong impression," he says with a frown.
Poppy opens her mouth to reply but before she can Kat calls out across the villa. "Guys! I got a text!"
Oliver stands before giving Poppy a hand up and walking with her over to Kat and Suresh. Kat waits for all of the islanders to arrive before reading the text aloud:
Islanders, make your way to the challenge stage for today's challenge. You'll compete to get new islanders, two new boys AND a new girl in the villa!
Kat's eyes light up with the last text and Suresh frowns, knowing what new boys in the villa most likely means for him.
Oliver pulls Poppy aside after Kat finishes reading the text just out of earshot of the others, chuckling softly. "Interesting being on this side of that challenge," he says.
"I won't lie, if new boys means Arlo will back off so I can have you back... I'm going to be fighting pretty hard to get those boys in this villa," Poppy says with a nervous bite of her lip. "Just so you know what my motivation is out there. Maybe the new girl will be really nice, too."
Oliver smiles. "In that case, me too," he admits, rubbing Poppy's back as they make their way to the challenge stage.
"I will also one hundred percent pretend all that effort is for Kat so Arlo doesn't know my real motivation," Poppy adds quietly. "I just... don't want you to be confused when we're out there and that's how this game goes."
"After what we've seen the last few days, makes sense," Oliver says with a nod.
Finn and Lulu notice Oliver and Poppy hanging back and stop to join them. "What's going on guys?" Finn asks quietly.
Poppy and Oliver exchange a look before says, "I was just explaining to Oliver that I'm going to fight to get the new boys in the villa..."
"We were just discussing the same... new boys means more boys for Arlo to focus her attention on..." Lulu mumbles and Finn nods in agreement.
"Sounds like we're all on the same page then," Poppy says.
"To be honest, the only ones who would fight it are Suresh and maybe Nicolas, but with a new girl on the table too, they may be into it," Finn says with a shrug. "I think Oli's feeling pretty secure in the villa... and unless Lu's about to tell me otherwise now, so am I."
Lulu laughs. "Well, now that you mention it...." she says, giggling when Finn pouts playfully.
Lulu is still giggling when Kat approaches their group, far more tentative than Poppy's ever seen her. "Hey... guys..." she says quietly.
"Hey Kat, what's up?" Poppy asks her warmly.
"I wanted to ask you guys to help me get those boys in the villa..." Kat replies, not looking at Finn. "I thought maybe if the four of you were trying to get them in... and me... we might have a good shot... We all know I ain't the smartest or most attentive... I don't think I can do it myself..."
Lulu exchanges a look with Finn before saying to Kat, "we were just deciding to do that ourselves. We're more than happy to fight to get those boys in here for you, Kat."
Kat's smile brightens. "I wasn't sure... you're in such secure couples that maybe you wouldn't want new boys in. Thanks guys," she says happily. "I'm gonna go ask Dana too," she adds before running off.
Poppy, Lulu and Oliver all turn to Finn after Kat runs off, happy to see him smiling. "I hope one of the new lads works out for her. Kat's a sweet girl," he says warmly.
Poppy, Oliver, Finn and Lulu make their way to the challenge stage to see two large boxes set up with a podium between them. The boys line up on one side of the stage and the girls on the other.
The boys are instructed to ask the girls questions and vice versa; Dana reads their instructions out loud:
If the girls answer correctly a piece of the box around each boy will be removed OR the girls can instead choose to ADD a piece to the girl's box.
If the boys answer correctly a piece of the box around the girl will be removed OR the boys can instead choose to ADD a piece to the boys' boxes.
Once the boys or the girl is out of the box they are in the villa to stay!
If the islanders run out of questions before the boxes are open then the islander inside will NOT be brought into the villa.
Poppy and Lulu move to stand next to Kat on the girls side so they can discuss their answers more easily amongst each other and Finn is instructed to read the first question for the girls out.
This islanders ex once said that their favourite thing about them was that they never finished fewer than three times every time they were "intimately together"
"Wow... that is... something," Poppy says with a giggle when she spots Oliver, blushing furiously from his place in line trying to keep a straight face. "Aaaaand I have eyeballs," Poppy says with a smile, "guys, it's gotta be Oli."
Kat and Lulu nod in agreement. "Lucky you," Kat says with a playful giggle, causing Poppy to blush.
"Lucky me, you must mean. He's still my partner," Arlo mumbles coldly.
Kat laughs out loud. "I have a sneaking suspicion you ain't learning anything about it regardless," she snaps harshly at Arlo.
Arlo rolls her eyes in reply and Finn reveals Oliver to be the correct answer for the girls first point. Oliver steps up to the boys' boxes to remove the first panel of each, revealing the well defined abs of one boy and the lean-fit calves of the other.
When Oliver removes the panel revealing the boys' abs Poppy's face goes beet red as she examines the boy inside.
"Okay, I know he's fit... but he's not anymore fit than Oliver..." Lulu mutters curiously to Poppy who shakes her head and laughs.
"This is so embarrassing because it's just his abs showing," Poppy says in reply to Lulu, her face somehow going even more red, "but I think I recognize that boy in that box."
From inside the box, the boy whose abs are showing stifles laughter and Poppy's eyes widen in recognition. "I KNEW IT!" she exclaims. Poppy is so excited she is positively vibrating.
Kat turns to Poppy curiously but Poppy is instructed to read out the next question for the boys so she makes her way to grab a card. "Alright boys..." Poppy says, bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement, "which islander once did a strip-tease for charity."
Oliver chuckles and turns to the boys who discuss the answer between themselves. Finally Oliver turns to the girls to answer, "we think it's Poppy, we reckon she might do something like that for the right charity." He winks subtly at Poppy.
"What the Hell, mate, I thought we decided on Kat!" Nicolas says from his place in line, causing both Finn and Oliver to laugh.
Poppy shakes her head as she reveals the answer, her eyes widening in surprise. "You can stand down Nicolas, you'd have been wrong anyway," she says with a laugh and revealing Lulu to be the correct answer.
Oliver shrugs and removes another panel from each of the boys' boxes, revealing different areas of the boys. Kat leans over to Poppy and whispers loudly, "whoever that boy is, he is fit, Poppy, spill the tea!"
Poppy shakes her head, still looking positively giddy with excitement. "Nah, he's a noodle. Still want him in the villa, though," Poppy says, giggling when the person in the box laughs at her.
Suresh's eyes widen with recognition at the boy's laughter and he hangs his head, causing Oliver and Finn to look at him curiously.
"Alright, so whoever he is, he's from Glasgow... looks like Poppy and Suresh both know him," Dana says with a laugh as she notices Suresh's reaction as well.
"I'm really beginning to wonder if we ended up on 'Poppy Island' somehow this year," Arlo sneers.
Poppy laughs in reply to Arlo's coolness. "Me too, to be honest," she says brightly. Arlo rolls her eyes.
Dana answers the next question incorrectly for the girls, and the boys opt to remove a panel from the new girl's box rather than add panels back to the boys. Dana's eyes brighten, "I've never been so happy to be wrong before!" she exclaims with a cheeky laugh.
Oliver tenses his jaw slightly when the girls panel is removed and leans to say something to Finn whose eyes widen. Poppy looks over at the pair curiously, but only has more questions when Finn and Oliver return her curious look with frown and a slight head shake.
"Lu... there's something going on with the girl in the box," Poppy mutters, leaning to Lulu to speak quietly. Lulu follows Poppy's gaze to Finn and Oliver who are quietly talking amongst each other with terse frowns on their faces.
Poppy is even more curious when Finn goes next and gets an obvious answer incorrect, and then chooses to replace the girl's panel rather than remove another of the boys'. Finn gives Poppy a very pointed look when he does, as though he's trying to communicate something to her, but Poppy can't figure out much more than "keep the girl in the box".
A few more rounds go by, Nicolas and Suresh manage to remove a few of the girl's panels again while Oliver keeps his focus on helping the girls get the boys out and Finn shifts his to keeping the girl in her box.
When all but one panel is removed from the boys' boxes Oliver is instructed to read the next question to Poppy. He frowns when he reads the card before reading it, his gut telling him he knows exactly who this card is about:
This islander once admitted to ditching an important award ceremony for his then girlfriend for another woman because he was promised sex.
"Oof, that's... harsh," Finn mumbles from his spot in line.
Poppy's gaze goes immediately to Suresh as her eyes narrow. "Unbelievable how much I've been learning this month," she says casually as she makes direct eye contact with Suresh. "This is you, isn't it? The grant ceremony...there wasn't an 'important case deadline' the next morning, was there?" she asks him, clearly referring to a specific incident she and Suresh are aware of.
Suresh looks down guiltily and Poppy rolls her eyes in annoyance before taking a deep breath. "Our answer is Suresh," she says sadly as she thinks of the day in question. It was the December before they broke up and Poppy was being awarded a grant at school for her work on her undergraduate thesis the year before. Thankfully, Poppy's two brothers were able to make it. Her dad and other brothers weren't able to come due to travel restrictions at the time. It was a big ceremony, people were wearing ball gowns and tuxedos and she would have loved to attend with Suresh but last minute he told her something had come up at work he absolutely could not miss. Poppy was disappointed, but she understood Suresh had to take care of work first so she bit her tongue.
"I'm sorry, Poppy," Suresh mumbles. Suresh knows it's not an excuse but he hadn't realised at the time how big of a deal the ceremony was. He was cross with her, as that was just after the first time she'd declined a trip because of school, so he when Gabi called he made the time for her during something that was important to Poppy.
Poppy takes a deep breath and shakes it off. "We can't change it now. Bygones and all that," she says, waving Suresh off casually as Oliver reveals Suresh to be the answer. Poppy swallows her sorrow at the revelation. It doesn't matter anymore, she reminds herself sadly.
Oliver and Finn each take a box to remove the final panels at the same time to reveal the boys. Out of the box with the boy with the lean-fit calves pops a youthful looking boy with bright, hazel-coloured eyes and cheeks scattered with freckles. He waves before jumping out of his box with an exaggerated flourish and bow. "I'm Johnny," he introduces himself, pulling Arlo into an unexpected hug.
Arlo giggles before returning the hug warmly. "I see you're a man of taste," she says, looking at Poppy pointedly.
Poppy ignores Arlo, too focused on how excited she is to see the other boy. He hops out of his box casually and wraps an arm around Poppy's shoulder, not even looking at the others. "I would have gone to the grant ceremony with you," he says before giving Suresh a cheeky wink. Suresh rolls his eyes.
Poppy shoves the boy. "Alright instigator, let's maybe get you settled before you put me back on the eggshells I've been walking on, alright?" she says, shaking her head tiredly with an amused smile on her face.
The new boy laughs and holds out a hand jovially for Suresh to shake. He's very attractive; he has paler skin lightly sun-kissed with dark hair and green eyes. A little shorter than Suresh and Oliver but still tall in his own right, he has a friendly, lopsided smile and warm eyes. "Nice to see you again, mate, finally put a name to that face," he says in a thick German accent. He then holds out his hand to shake Oliver's as well. "Nice to meet you, mate, thanks for passing on my message to Poppy. I'm Leon."
"He's my best mate," Poppy explains to the others as Leon shakes everyone else's hands. "He's meant to be watching my cat..." she says, turning to Leon curiously.
"Yeah, yeah, we can work out intros later, we gotta get the girl out of her box!" Nicolas interrupts, causing the girl to giggle.
Poppy notices as Oliver tenses instinctively and bites her lip nervously, slowly putting the pieces together. Whoever she is, Oli doesn't want that girl in the villa. Leon replaces Poppy in her spot in the girls line, turning to Kat as Poppy goes to read the next question.
"Okay Nicolas, which of us dumped a person because they were too boring in bed and they didn't want to be bothered to do the work to teach them otherwise?" she asks him. Nicolas and Suresh immediately bow their heads together to confer and Poppy moves her gaze to Oliver. She gives him a reassuring smile when he makes eye contact with her and notices the smile he returns doesn't reach his eyes, which look to be full of... worry.
Nicolas leaves his huddle with Suresh and turns to Poppy. "We reckon the answer has to be Kat," he says. Poppy reveals Kat to be the correct answer and another panel is removed from the girl's box, leaving one panel left and one question for the girls.
"Last question is for Finn to Arlo," Poppy mutters before returning to her place in line. She sneaks another glance at Oliver but he doesn't even notice her this time. He looks straight ahead, right through Poppy as though he's lost in thought. Poppy frowns, worried for Oliver, while she can acknowledge she hasn't known Oliver long it didn't seem like him to be so... off.
Finn frowns while reading the last question before turning to Arlo. "It's an easy one Arlo, which of us is the only person in Love Island history to appear as a contestant in two different seasons?" he asks.
Oliver looks up hopefully. If Arlo, gets the question correct, the girl will stay in the box and not be brought into the villa.
Arlo chuckles before turning to look at the girls. She gives Poppy a pointed look as she answers. "You know, I really want to know who this girl is," she sneers.
Poppy balks but otherwise stays silent. I haven't a clue who she is either, Arlo, maybe I'd believe you actually wanted to be with Oli if you didn't pull immature shit like this, she thinks to herself. She shoots Oliver an apologetic look. Of course, blame me when you're the one bringing the girl Oli doesn't want here in.
"Suresh," Arlo answers, giving Poppy a smug smile.
Poppy shrugs. "You are aware I've got no clue who she is, right?" she asks in reply to Arlo's smirk before turning her gaze to Oliver.
Oliver's brow is furrowed and jaw is tensed. When Suresh steps forward to release the girl from her box Poppy can tell from her place in the girls line that Oliver is uncomfortable.
The girl who steps out of the box is gorgeous with perfectly manicured nails, perfectly styled hair and perfectly applied makeup. She turns directly to Oliver and smiles at him with familiarity. "Oli, Love, I've missed you so much!" she lilts and runs to him directly. She wraps him into an affectionate hug that he returns very slowly and hesitantly.
"Hi, Kayla," Oliver mumbles without emotion. He makes eye contact with Poppy as he steps away from the girl, Kayla, carefully. "This is Kayla, my... ex-girlfriend," he explains.
"Whaaaaaaat!" Kat exclaims, unable to stop herself from basking in the impending drama.
Poppy ignores Kat and looks to Kayla with a friendly smile. "It's nice to meet you," she says cordially.
Poppy swears she sees Kayla roll her eyes, but her tone in return to Poppy is very warm and friendly, if a little tentative. "It's... nice to meet you too, Poppy," she says.
Leon leans in from behind Poppy to speak to her quietly. "take me on a tour, we need to catch up," he says, giving Poppy a pointed look.
Poppy tries to make eye contact with Oliver but he's lost in thought again, not purposely avoiding her gaze but also not noticing it. She turns to Leon and nods. "I'm just going to take Leon on a tour, we won't be long," she announces to nobody in particular. Poppy and Leon make their way toward the villa, talking in hushed voices amongst themselves as they do.
"Hm, they seem to get on well," Kayla says brightly, gesturing to Leon and Poppy as she moves to stand next to Oliver.
Oliver tenses his jaw and Finn rolls his eyes. "They're best mates, obviously they get on well," Finn replies to Kayla, giving her an incredulous look. Finn and Oliver exchange a glance.
"Maybe she's right, I don't know. It's just incredible how much... chemistry one woman can have with so many different men," Arlo joins in with a shrug. "It's what I've always said... new boy comes in and Poppy forgets all about Oliver."
Suresh rolls his eyes angrily. "He's her best mate, Arlo, they get on like mates do," he says, giving Oliver a pointed look.
"That's not how Leon implies it," Kayla says with a shrug.
"That right? You guys have a good deep chat while you were locked in separate boxes, then?" Lulu asks sarcastically as she joins Finn.
Kayla crosses her arms and looks Lulu up and down angrily. "I suppose I should have expected the Poppy-Brigade after me when I got here. It's only natural she would feel threatened by me," she says.
Suresh gives Kayla an incredulous look before looking at Oliver again. "Poppy isn't even here to feel threatened. How about you don't put words in her mouth, girl who's met her for five seconds less than three minutes ago, yeah?" he says as he watches Oliver carefully.
"Too right. Leave it, Kayla," Oliver agrees in quiet frustration.
Arlo shrugs. "I'm with Kayla, it's obvious what's going on here," she says before turning to Johnny. "Come on Johnny, I'll take you on a tour." Arlo grabs a very excited and overwhelmed looking Johnny's arm before dragging him off in the direction Leon and Poppy went.
"Come on Oli, we should catch up too," Kayla lilts at Oliver before grabbing onto his arm and dragging him to the Lover's Nook.
Finn, Lulu, Suresh and Kat all stand and watch Kayla drag Oliver away carefully. "I don't like this..." Lulu mutters quietly as she watches Kayla rub Oliver's arm affectionately while she drags him away.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"How's everyone at home?" Poppy asks Leon excitedly as they round the corner.
"Really, Poppy, I have all of the information you could ever want about here and you want to know how they are at home?" Leons asks with a laugh. "I actually wanted to talk to you about Kayla..." he says, looking over his shoulder as he speaks in a hushed voice.
Poppy bites her lip as she studies Leon carefully. "I don't... think I want to know," she says quietly. "Lay it on me."
Leon laughs, knowing his friend enough to know that means she wants the blunt but gentle version of events. "She's here for him and him alone," Leon says as he studies his best friend.
Poppy's shoulders slump. "Well, there isn't much I can do about that, I guess," she says quietly.
"Do you know anything at all about their relationship?" Leon asks curiously.
Poppy shakes her head. "Just that they broke up about two years ago, and they were together for nearly three," she says, recalling one of the many conversations she and Oliver had on the roof. "And that it wasn't... a positive experience."
Leon nods. "She told me their breakup wasn't the best but she was super vague about what happened," he explains.
"Did you tell her you are my bestie?" Poppy asks curiously.
Leon shakes his head. "I actually didn't, I wasn't sure how you wanted to play things out and I feel like I learned my lesson after the Suresh and the ring fiasco," he says with a chuckle.
Poppy nods in acknowledgement. "Okay," she says quietly. "So anything she told you wasn't because of that, then."
Leon studies Poppy again. "For what it's worth, Poppy... I think Oli's a good lad. Your brothers like him, too," he says. "Whatever her intentions are probably don't matter."
Poppy nods distractedly. "No, I know that. I trust Oli, if he wants to be with her again I know he'll give me the decency to tell me first," she says. "It's just... I can't help but wonder what I've done to the production team, you know? First Suresh, then the girl Suresh cheated on me with, and now the girl the new boy I'm interested in used to see... am I going crazy, Leon or does that all seem really pointed to you?"
Leon purses his lips angrily. "You're not crazy, Schatz, it does feel very... specific."
Poppy sighs in frustration. "Well, nothing I can do about it from here, I guess," she says tiredly. Poppy and Leon make quick work of the tour before they head to the bedroom to get Leon unpacked and settled.
"So... who are you here for?" Poppy asks curiously. "It can't be Arlo, right?" Poppy bites her lip nervously as she awaits Leon's answer.
"Be real, Poppy, I'm not going after Arlo," he says with a laugh. "You know it's gotta be Kat."
Poppy nods excitedly. "She's very available and I hear she thinks you're fit!"
"Is that right? I thought she told you she fancies Suresh...?" Leon asks.
Poppy's eyes widen in surprise. "When did you stop watching the live feed? Lots has happened in the last 24 hours..." she asks, giggling when Leon shakes his head in disappointment.
"Yesterday afternoon," he says with a pensive frown on his face. "How bad is it this time?"
Poppy shrugs. "Mostly dealt with from my end," she says. "Suresh and Arlo hooked up last night and tried to convince the villa it was Oli..."
Leon's eyes widen in angry surprise. "They what?!"
"Between us, Suresh's mum called and told me what was going on after he came out to 'check on me'. Suresh and I hashed it out just before you got here..." Poppy explains.
Leon shakes his head. "You can't be serious?" he asks incredulously. "How? I don't even understand how... what?"
Poppy shrugs casually. "I mean, I'm not privy to all the details, but I guess while Oli and I were cooking dinner for everyone last night they made this big plan. Arlo had me go get Oliver for her before bed because she was crying and I guess I was meant to assume he... stayed with her? I'm not sure... Suresh came out this morning to put the seed in my head and his mum had enough." Poppy explains. She sighs heavily. "He's apologized, and he's promised me he's going to stay out of mine and Oli's business from now on. I know he's said it before but... I believe him this time. Something was different. Anyway, point is... Kat knows and I suspect she's ready to move on..."
Leon purses his lips. "Right, different like after the 'Truth Booth', you mean? We all thought things were going to be 'different' then too... somehow he got worse!" Leon exclaims in frustration. "Your brothers are not happy. Suresh is lucky they chose me and not Oren to come."
Poppy's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "They were going to bring my brother?" she asks incredulously before shaking it off. "Well, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt this time... I know that maybe isn't what you would do but..." Poppy starts, trailing off with a groan. "Can I be honest? I'm just... ready to move on. With all of it."
"That's a good attitude," Leon agrees.
Poppy sighs. "I wasn't exactly counting on Oli's past coming back to haunt us, though," she confides in Leon. "I'd prefer if the moving on part was with Oli, but..." Poppy shakes her head sadly. "Whatever happens now, happens I guess. Either way, Kat's available, and I'm closing the Suresh chapter of my life novel."
Leon nods as he puts the last of his clothing away in his closet. "Well, we should head outside and see what we can do about the Oliver chapter," he says as he turns to Poppy with his signature lopsided smirk on his face. "And if you wanted to invite Kat along..."
Poppy laughs and starts heading toward the doorway. "Come on, let's go see what she's up to," she says and the two head back to the garden to meet the rest of the islanders.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Oliver opts to remain standing when he and Kayla arrive at the Lover's Nook, waiting until they're out of earshot of the others before asking her tiredly, "why are you here, Kayla?"
Kayla smiles at Oliver and bats her lashes at him. "I've missed you, Oli... and when the producers called me to come here and try to fight for you back... I couldn't pass up the chance," she says sweetly.
Oliver's jaw tenses again. He broke up with Kayla a little over two years ago, after his mum had pulled him aside and begged him to examine their relationship. Kayla was... not very good to him, to put it lightly. She was often putting Oliver down, and trying to make him feel somehow unworthy of her attention. She was also very controlling of Oliver's actions while they were together; it got so bad that he didn't get to go surfing at all while they were dating, and he wasn't "allowed" to talk to his best mate since high school, either, which caused them to drift apart. Kayla was very good at acting sweet and innocent, they were friends for years before they got together and he had never realised how manipulative and mean she could be. When they broke up she rang him angrily for weeks, calling him horrible names and accusing him of cheating on her or leaving her for someone else. Oliver didn't even try to start dating again until he was on the show last year.
"I've met someone," Oliver says carefully in reply.
Kayla purses her lips momentarily before her eyes well with tears. "I still have to give it a shot..." she says hopefully. "You hardly know Poppy, and besides... I suspect we're about to find out the real star-crossed lovers are are Poppy and her best mate. You know, the man who's basically been taking care of her and her sad little broken heart for the last year."
Oliver closes his eyes for a moment as he intakes a slow, quiet breath. "I trust her. If she wants to be with Leon, she will tell me," he says. "Until then, I want to be with Poppy and I'm going to do that unless she tells me otherwise."
Kayla throws her hands to her face and sobs dramatically. "I came all the way to Spain for you, Oli!" she exclaims once she's calmed down a bit. "And you're throwing our three years away for a girl who's probably only using you to get famous!"
"Kayla, you need to stop, you don't even know her," Oliver replies firmly. "You and I broke up for a reason. I'm not interested in going down that road again. You are my past, and Poppy is my present... and maybe my future."
Kayla sniffles and wipes her cheeks with the heel of her hand. "And you do? After a couple weeks? I've been working on things Oli... I know I was jealous and controlling before... but I promise, I'll be okay with you hanging out with Sonya again. And I know you're good friends with that girl from last season... Angie or whatever, that's okay too," Kayla says pleadingly. "I'll even try surfing again!"
Oliver frowns. "No," he says simply. "I can't be any clearer than that."
Kayla sobs into her hands again. "It's not fair!" she laments dramatically. "I love you, Oliver! I know I've made mistakes... but you're the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
Oliver clears his throat and shifts uncomfortably. "I love her," he says gently. "I'm sorry Kayla, our ship has sailed. I wish you all the happiness in the world but it won't be with me."
"You don't love her, you barely even know her!" Kayla exclaims. "You just watch, she and Leon are totally hooking up. Guys and girls are never "just" friends."
Oliver furrows his brow in confusion. "I'm just friends with plenty of girls, of course they can be," he says. He looks at Kayla from the side of his eye pointedly. "And I'd appreciate if you don't tell me how I feel."
Kayla frowns. "Well, then hopefully as the newbie I'll get first choice at the recoupling," she says thickly.
Oliver looks at Kayla incredulously. "Why?" he asks her. "To what end? I've made it clear that I've moved on. I'll just walk, whether Poppy comes with me or not."
Kayla scoffs angrily at her ex-boyfriend. "You didn't seriously come back to the show just for her, did you? You really can be dumb... I thought you were smarter than that," she spits coldly.
Oliver frowns. And so it begins, he thinks sadly to himself. Oliver shakes his head at Kayla and turns to walk away without a word, deciding that was the best way to respond if she was going to start being nasty again.
"Don't come crying to me when she leaves you for Leon. Guys and girls can't just be good friends like that!" Kayla calls out after Oliver.
Oliver waves Kayla off as he looks out to the garden, smiling in relief when he makes eye contact with Poppy as she exits the villa with Leon. He walks up to them as Finn, Lulu and Kat approach the pair from the bean chairs.
"Hey Oli, is everything okay?" Poppy asks him gently as he approaches, careful to give Oliver space.
Oliver shrugs. "Everything is going to be fine," he says with an easy smile. "Can we chat?"
Poppy nods. "I was about to ask the same, lead the way," she says and follows Oliver up to the bedroom to their secret spot.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Once Poppy and Oliver get to the rooftop, Poppy lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "So, I see you're an unfortunate new member of the bring-your-ex-to-Love-Island club," Poppy says, studying Oliver carefully as she speaks. The two take their place underneath the window to remain unseen.
Oliver nods. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about," he says, putting his arm around Poppy without thinking about it and smiling in relief when she leans into him. "She umm... she just told me she's here... for me," he says awkwardly, unsure of how else to start.
Poppy nods. "Well, you are a catch, I can hardly blame her," she says quietly.
Oliver chuckles. "Sweet of you," he says warmly. He pauses for a moment and turns his body to face Poppy. "But I... told her I want to be with you."
Poppy's entire body relaxes at Oliver's words. "I'm so glad," Poppy admits happily.
Oliver relaxes as well with Poppy's reaction and smiles at her sweetly. "Yeah?" he says, looking at Poppy hopefully.
"Well, yeah," Poppy says and snuggles into Oliver affectionately. "I love you, I'm thrilled to bits you still want to be with me!"
Oliver breathes a wide smile. "I love you, too, Poppy," he says and presses a kiss to Poppy's forehead. "She said she's going to choose me at the recoupling, though. I have to mention it."
Poppy sighs. "We were so looking forward to it!" she says with a disappointed chuckle.
"I told her I'm going to walk if she does. I really don't... want to go down that road with her again..." Oliver admits quietly.
Poppy nods. "I'll come with you... if you want me to that is..."
Oliver's smile brightens. "Yeah?" he says, looking at her hopefully.
Poppy giggles warmly. "Of course! I am really committed to making this work... with us. As long as you want it to," she says.
Oliver smiles and rubs Poppy's arm affectionately. "Me too, Baby," he says. "I was going to wait to do this but with all the curveballs we keep getting thrown..." he starts, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. "Poppy, will you... be my girlfriend?"
Poppy nods enthusiastically. "Yes! Oli, I'd love to be your girlfriend!" she says, wrapping him into a tight hug.
Oliver smiles and squeezes Poppy back. "I'm so glad," he says, sounding relieved.
Poppy giggles. "There was no chance I was going to say no," she reassures him, nuzzling her face into his shoulder.
Oliver lifts Poppy's chin with two fingers and looks her in the eyes, his gaze full of love and affection. He presses his lips to hers, gently at first, but the kiss quickly gets heated. Poppy crawls her way into Oliver's lap to straddle him, and Oliver puts his hands on her waist.
Poppy kisses the corner of Oliver's mouth before slowly kissing her way down his neck, freezing instantly when the sound of Kayla's voice can be heard through the bedroom window.
"I don't know, it's around here somewhere," Kayla's voice rings out through the window. "The cameras never show them going to their spot," she says.
Poppy and Oliver exchange a glance and Poppy slowly and quietly makes her way back to her place next to Oliver under the window, just in case.
"Why do you care?" Leon's voice asks, sounding annoyed. "Let them have some privacy, my God."
"He's still my partner!" Arlo huffs. Poppy and Oliver exchange a glance, both stifling giggles at their 'naughtiness'.
"And you fucked my partner just last night, I'd say Oli can do whatever he wants," Kat sneers at Arlo coolly. "Besides, he doesn't want to be with you."
"Maybe you should stay out of this, Kat," Arlo says, "and you definitely should," she adds to someone Poppy and Oliver can't see.
"Well, unless they're hiding under one of the beds or something, they're not here," Leon says casually. "Come on Kat, maybe you can show me... literally anywhere that isn't where they are."
Kat laughs out loud while Arlo scoffs in annoyance. Poppy shakes her head with an entertained smile on her face, Leon's going to have lots of fun with Arlo this week, she thinks in amusement, knowing how much of an instigator Leon can be.
There's a moment of silence before Arlo says, "so, you're here for Oliver?"
"Yeah, do you have a problem with that?" Kayla asks Arlo snarkily.
Arlo laughs, probably the first genuine laugh Poppy's heard from her since she's gotten to the villa. "No, hun, no problem," she says casually. "Oliver won't even touch me, I have needs that aren't being met with him. He's not even my type."
"So you did couple up with him just to piss Poppy off," Kayla asks, sounding somewhat impressed.
Oliver and Poppy exchange a look. I feel like I already knew this, Poppy tells herself. It still stings to hear it out loud, though.
"Well, I was hoping to get me some of that "minimum of three times" sugar from him, too, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen," Arlo replies with another laugh.
Kayla chuckles. "Not as long as Poppy's in the picture. He's too stuck on her," she says. Poppy and Oliver both tense from their places underneath the window. "We need to get her out of the villa and somehow convince him to stay. We need to convince him she's cheating on him," Kayla says a little more quietly.
Poppy's eyes widen in surprise. Didn't we just finish playing that game? she asks herself, turning to Oliver to see her own thoughts reflected in this expression.
As though Arlo's read her mind, she says, "we just tried that, it's not going to work."
"No, you tried to convince her that he cheated. He's never going to cheat. But Poppy, whose very attractive best friend is here? Whose very attractive ex she was hung up on for over a year is here? I'd be shocked if she's not cheating to be honest. I know how to convince Oli I'm telling the truth," Kayla says, her tone condescending.
"You think Poppy cheating is a more believable option? After the Beach Hut interviews, and coming fresh off of being cheated on herself?" Arlo asks snarkily in reply.
"The only person here who knows Poppy is maybe Suresh," Kayla points out. "She could very well be the type who runs into her best friend's bed when she's bored, we don't know."
There's a brief pause. "She came here with one previous partner, who we all know is Suresh, I'd say we have a pretty good idea," Arlo says after a moment.
"She also bedded Oli after less than a week, so pardon me if I don't believe her. I'm not sure what you want me to tell you," Kayla says casually.
"No way Leon's going to back you up if you try," Arlo says.
"I don't need him to, I just need them to be alone together for a little while," Kayla says.
There's a thud in the room and the girls go silent for a moment before Arlo says, "count me out. I actually really fancy Johnny and I think I need to focus my energy on that before he falls in love with Poppy too." Her voice sounds further away, as though she's leaving the room and Poppy and Oliver can't hear Kayla's reply.
Poppy and Oliver sit in silence as they process what they've just heard before Poppy turns to Oliver with wide eyes. "So... that just happened. I'm not sure but I think she just slut-shamed me.. that's a first," she says quietly with an amused smirk as she studies Oliver carefully. "How are you feeling?"
Oliver shakes his head in disbelief. "I don't even know, I never would have expected that kind of behaviour from her," he admits. "Poppy, I'm so sorry."
Poppy shakes her head. "Don't apologize for her, I won't hear it. I know exactly what you mean," she says, glancing out toward the villa pointedly.
Oliver chuckles quietly and throws his arm back around Poppy's shoulder. "I imagine you do," he says.
Poppy stifles a giggle. "The tiniest part of me wants to mess with her and let her think we don't know," she admits. "I know stooping to their level doesn't make things better, but I have to admit, I'm exhausted by all this bullying. I haven't even spoken with her yet, except the five seconds after the challenge."
Oliver rubs Poppy's arm in a comforting gesture. "I can only imagine," he says gently.
Poppy looks at Oliver carefully. "Oli, just so we're ten thousand percent clear, there's nothing going on with me and Leon," she says him to him. "I want to clear that up right away."
Oliver studies Poppy before nodding and smiling appreciatively. "I trust you, Poppy," he says and gives Poppy a squeeze. "But I appreciate you mentioning it, anyway. I guess a part of me did wonder if maybe you have feelings for him."
Poppy nods and smiles at Oliver sweetly, adjusting her body to lean in front of him. "Of course, Oli. I'm happy to reassure you sometimes too, you know," she says before planting a gentle peck on the tip of his nose. "So rest assured, my feelings for Leon are strictly platonic."
Oliver smiles widely. "Okay," he agrees, putting his hand on Poppy's waist again and gently guiding her back to straddle his lap. When she's there he nuzzles into her neck, asking while his lips are pressed against her soft skin, "can I tell the others... that you're my girlfriend?"
Poppy giggles. "Of course, silly. You're not a dirty secret," she says happily.
Oliver chuckles. "I know, I just... don't want to make things more intense for you in here," he admits, pulling back to look at Poppy carefully.
Poppy giggles again. "Baby, you're the best thing that's happened here a million-fold. I want everyone to know," she says playfully. "Besides, anyone who might have negative feelings about it might want to examine why they came here in the first place," she adds with a frown. "I came for a fresh start and to meet a nice guy, like that Oliver fellow from last season and that's exactly what I did."
Oliver grins at Poppy. "Can't argue that," he says, pulling her in to kiss her again. Before he can however, his phone pings with a message.
Oliver groans and pulls his phone out of his pocket, shaking his head in amusement when he reads the message. "I rather enjoy that they pretend they're doing us this big favour, like we'll forget they just brought my ex-girlfriend here," he says before showing Poppy the message.
Oliver and Poppy, the islanders will be getting a text in two minutes in the garden. Please make your way outside; you are currently out of sight of the other islanders.
Poppy rolls her eyes. "I've got half a mind to stay up here," she says with a laugh. "Show them the same respect they've shown me and what not," she adds as she stands up, knowing full well that once again she will do as she's told.
Oliver chuckles as he stands as well and helps Poppy through the window before climbing through himself. "Honestly, not a half bad idea," he says, glancing back at the window from the bedroom when he pulls himself through.
Poppy giggles. "Next time they bring one of our exes here, we'll stay up there in protest," she says playfully before she looks at the camera mounted in the corner of the room pointedly. "Or you know, we'll walk, whatever works," she adds.
Before Oliver can reply, Kayla yells out from the garden that she's gotten a text. Poppy and Oliver exchange a look before Oliver holds Poppy's hand and walks with her out to the garden, no longer caring what Arlo, Suresh, or anyone else for that matter, thinks about it.
"Mighty brazen of you, Poppy," Arlo says as Poppy and Oliver approach the the other islanders so Kayla can read the text out loud to everyone.
Oliver gives Poppy's hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's like I'm invisible," he says to Poppy with an amused grin.
"Oh, no Baby, I'm clearly holding your hand against your will," Poppy replies playfully.
Arlo rolls her eyes and turns to Johnny. "It's fine, I've got options," she says coolly, biting her lip at the new boy and chuckling when he blushes.
Kayla huffs in annoyance, clearly hoping Arlo would be a lot angrier about Poppy and Oliver's affection. "You're not even coupled up," she pouts and crosses her arms. "Whatever, I'm going to read the text now," she mumbles when Oliver shrugs at her.
Islanders, there will be a recoupling tonight. New islanders, better bring your A-Games, because if you're aren't chosen, you'll be joining anyone else left single as they leave the villa.
#ShortLivedStay? #FightToStayIn
Poppy smiles widely and turns to Oliver happily. "I can't wait!" she says brightly and squeezes Oliver's hand affectionately.
"Me neither," Oliver replies, looking only at Poppy. Neither Poppy, nor Oliver, notice the horrible sneer Kayla gives them, nor do they notice Suresh pull Kayla aside after the islanders disperse to have a private chat out of earshot of the others.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"How do we keep getting this so wrong?!" one of the producers exclaims in frustration as the team meets once again. "Bringing Oliver helped but... what happened to the people loving drama?"
Another producer shrugs. "Maybe... reality television isn't like it was when we were younger," he says, frustrated that his teammates continue to refuse to listen to him. He told them not to call Gabi, and he told them not to call Kayla. Thankfully they listened when he also told them not to call Poppy's brother, worried that they wouldn't be able to handle a lawsuit if he decided to protect his sister.
"Well then, what do you suggest we do?" the first producer bites at the second.
"Let Poppy go first at the next recoupling, like we promised Oliver, hope Suresh doesn't choose Kayla and if he does, we get them both out in a couple-dumping," he says. "The public wants OlliPop. You know, my niece just asked me the other day why we hate Poppy so much. My fourteen-year-old niece called us out for bullying her!"
"Your fourteen-year-old niece shouldn't be watching the show," the first producer says with a tired eye roll.
"That's beside the point!" the second interrupts the first. "You are killing this station. We are doing things my way for the remainder of the season," the producer turns to his assistant who is sitting quietly in a corner. "I want social media polls to find out what the public wants. They are choosing the remaining challenges, they are choosing the remaining recoupling orders, all of it." He turns back to the other producer angrily, "and you had better not be making any more phone calls."
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________"So... can I choose you at the recoupling tonight, Handsome?" Poppy asks Oliver flirtatiously after the islanders break off into their separate groups.
Oliver laughs and squeezes Poppy's hand. "Yes, Love, I think... we can probably just assume that now," he says and smiles at Poppy affectionately.
"To be fair, most of the rest of us have been assuming it since you got here, mate," Finn chimes in, giving Oliver a friendly pat on the back as he, Lulu, Leon and Kat join Poppy and Oliver.
Poppy makes eye contact with Oliver and they both blush, smiling at each other sweetly before Poppy says quietly, "Oli asked me to be his girlfriend a little bit ago."
Poppy and Oliver couldn't have prepared themselves for the reactions of their friends. Lulu and Kat squeal loudly in excitement while Finn and Leon both let out a loud cheer, grabbing the attention of the others nearby.
"Poppy!" Leon exclaims excitedly. "I remember when we made your audition tape so we could help you meet a nice guy like Oliver, now look at you!"
Poppy blushes furiously with a wide smile. "Yeah! Look at me now!" she agrees playfully. "I'm really, really happy," she adds, making eye contact with Oliver as she speaks.
Oliver smiles at Poppy in return. "Me too," he agrees warmly.
"You two are too sweet, I'm going to get a cavity," Kat says, though she's smiling at them. "Also, I really enjoy that you two made it official while Oli's still technically coupled up with Arlo," she laughs. "Sometimes I wonder if you have a death wish, Poppy."
Poppy shrugs. "To be honest, I wasn't exactly thinking about her," she says, looking at Oliver as she speaks.
Finn glances over Poppy's shoulder as his face fixes from a broad smile to a frown. "Two things of note. You two might want to keep your eye on that... and... how do you want them to find out?" he asks, raising his eyes pointedly behind Poppy. Poppy and Oliver follow his gaze to Kayla and Suresh speaking with their heads close together on the swing seat.
Poppy frowns. "He promised me he was going to stay out of our business... maybe he's... getting to know her?" she says doubtfully.
"Mm, he wouldn't be doing that in our sight," Kat says, crossing her arms and sidling up to Poppy, "Suresh prefers to do that a bit more... intimately, if you know what I mean."
Poppy laughs. "To that end, he wouldn't be scheming in plain sight either... I don't think," she says before she looks up at Oliver, "I'll admit it feels... weird but... let them do whatever they're going to, I guess," she adds with a shrug.
Oliver nods in agreement. "As for them finding out..."
Poppy sighs and bites her lip out of her nervous habit. "We should probably tell them privately and separately before they find out some other way," she says unexcitedly.
Oliver nods again distractedly. "You're probably right," he says, sounding just as enthusiastic about it as Poppy does.
"Well don't get too excited about it guys," Lulu says jokingly.
Poppy smiles at her friend. "To be honest, I'm not so worried about telling Suresh, he knew what he was getting into here," she admits with a shrug. "I just... wish I could have a normal experience here without catering everything I do around him. That's all."
"So don't," Finn says with a casual shrug. "Not like he's given either one of you any respect. As far as I'm concerned, he definitely hasn't earned your consideration."
Leon nods in agreement. "I'm with Finn, you two are way too nice for your own goods," he says.
Poppy laughs. "You know Production won't let us get away with something this big and not drop it as a big bomb. I'm more looking out for mine and Oli's interests, I don't want to deal with the aftermath," she explains. "The Excess Baggage challenge sucked, I'm not doing that again."
"And he's apologized to us both, the least we can do is give him the benefit of the doubt," Oliver adds, watching Kayla and Suresh from the corner of his eye. "We don't know what they're talking about over there."
"That's what I don't like about it," Lulu says with a frown.
"In any event, it's... hopefully... none of our business," Poppy says.
"Well put," Oliver agrees. "Should we go over there and get it over with?"
Poppy laughs. "You mean just, 'hey guys, convenient you're together right now, by the way, we're a couple now... like a real couple, okay, byeeee!'..." Poppy asks, pausing briefly for dramatic effect, "I have to admit, I love it."
Oliver chuckles. "Fiiiine, we'll wait until they're done," he says, giving Poppy a playful smile.
"You two are no fun. I think it'd be hilarious if you did it like that, calls them out for sneaking off too," Kat says.
Leon laughs, "I'm definitely with Kat on this one," he says and puts his arm around her. Poppy cheers inwardly when Kat beams in response.
"That's what we get for shipping our resident cinnamon rolls," Lulu says with a shrug, smiling at Poppy warmly. "They have to be nice about everything."
"I'll do it, I don't care," Kat says with a laugh. "Suresh could do with a taste of his own medicine... and we all saw how Kayla reacted to Poppy, didn't we?"
Poppy shakes her head vigorously. "No, I really need to tell him myself," she says. "I can't have spent the entire summer being cross with him for hurting me just to turn around and do the same thing to him he's been doing to me. I... know what it feels like. I'm not cruel."
"Well, now's your chance, he's heading this way," Kat mumbles, gesturing to Suresh who has left the swing seat and is approaching the six of them with a quick pace.
"Poppy, we need to talk... now," Suresh says quietly when he approaches, his tone urgent.
Poppy looks taken aback. "Yes... we do," she agrees, exchanging a confused look with Oliver before turning to Suresh. "Er... lead the way."
"I'm going to find Kayla, I'll find you after," Oliver says quietly to Poppy before she goes. Poppy nods and follows Suresh to the swing seat.
"What's up?" Poppy asks Suresh curiously as she takes a seat next to him.
"Poppy, she's after you," Suresh replies without context. He rubs his face with his hands, clearly feeling stressed. "I don't know what her plan is but... she's after you."
Poppy sighs in frustration. "I know," she says quietly. "To be honest, I think at this point it's unlikely they'd have brought her on if she wasn't," she adds with a sad chuckle.
Suresh groans. "This is all my fault," he says, flopping back into the swing seat. "And now I can't fix anything and I don't know what to do. I pulled her aside because I saw her leaving the bedroom with Arlo and I was hoping I could maybe... I don't know, talk her out of whatever they were scheming but..." the words spill out of Suresh quickly before he trails off.
Poppy frowns. "We can't control other people, Suresh," she says gently. "I appreciate you trying to warn me, though, truly," she says. Poppy sighs heavily. "And now I feel extra bad because I need to tell you something too and I think it's going to hurt you," she adds, turning to face Suresh.
Suresh nods in anticipation of what Poppy's about to tell him, already figuring it out himself through context from the cheers and squeals earlier.
"Oli... asked me to be his girlfriend today. I said yes," she says quietly as she looks at Suresh with concerned eyes. "I didn't want you to be blindsided in front of everyone..."
Suresh nods. "I appreciate it," he says gruffly. "To be fair, we all knew it was coming."
"I still thought I should be the one to tell you," Poppy says, watching Suresh carefully. She follows his gaze out to the garden where Kayla and Oliver are talking.
"Is he telling her now, too?" Suresh asks when Poppy looks up at them.
Poppy nods. "I think so, that was the plan, anyway," she says.
Suresh nods and sets his jaw, "then you better go somewhere out of sight," he says quietly as he watches the pair. "Arlo is a lot, but Kayla... she might not hold back like Arlo does."
Poppy's eyes narrow in confusion. "Am I missing something? Is physically hurting people an acceptable response to the boy you like liking someone else?" she asks Suresh with a playful smirk. "I honestly don't think I've been threatened with physical violence ever before, let alone as much as I have here," she says.
Suresh laughs. "You don't have your 'big dog privilege' here," he says, mirroring Poppy's playful smirk.
Poppy turns to Suresh with a confused look on her face. "I don't... have a dog," she says slowly.
Suresh laughs again. "I meant your brothers, not in a mean way, just... you have five big, intimidating, protective brothers, I guarantee Arlo or Kayla wouldn't go near you if they'd met any one of them," he explains.
Poppy's eyes widen. "Wait, are you telling me that this is normal and I just don't experience it on the outside because of my brothers?" she asks, laughing when Suresh gives her a look of disbelief.
"Menace," Suresh mumbles with an amused smile.
Poppy shrugs. "I have five brothers, I've had to adapt," she says simply.
Before Suresh can reply, Kayla replies to Oliver in a raised voice, causing Suresh and Poppy both to snap their heads in Kayla and Oliver's direction. "You... fucking... asshole!" she screeches at him.
Poppy's eyes widen in surprise and she stands to go over to them before Suresh grabs her arm and pulls her back down. "She can't speak to him like that, that's horrible," Poppy mumbles quietly.
"Poppy... I really don't think you should go over there," Suresh says. "Oliver can handle himself, and I doubt he'd want you in her line of fire."
Poppy frowns and sits on the edge of the swing seat, gripping the side of it anxiously. "Okay, Suresh, you're scaring me," she admits. "Physical violence is a big leap..." Poppy bites her lip as she continues to watch Oliver and Kayla anxiously.
Suresh nods. "One I wouldn't take lightly, especially considering my profession," he says.
Poppy goes pale as she watches Oliver. "She's not going to hurt him, is she?" Poppy asks Suresh in a small voice.
"I... don't know," Suresh admits, shifting his body so he can stand at a moment's notice.
Poppy gives Suresh a very concerned and confused look, taking in his body language carefully. "Suresh... what did Kayla say to you that has you so worried?" Poppy asks. "Because surely Production would pull her if I were in real danger, right?" she asks Suresh, studying him carefully.
As if on cue, Poppy's phone pings with a text. She and Suresh exchange a glance before Poppy reads it:
Urgent: Poppy, go to the Beach Hut immediately.
Poppy frowns and Suresh stands, offering Poppy a hand up. "I'll walk you there," he says, glancing at Oliver and Kayla again.
Poppy nods. "Okay," she says quietly and gives Oliver one last anxious glance. This can't seriously be happening right now? Poppy asks herself as Suresh escorts her to the Beach Hut, hovering over her protectively.
Once Poppy is inside the small building with the door closed she turns to the camera curiously. The red light is off.
"What is going on?" Poppy mutters to herself as her phone pings with a text.
Poppy, please stay here until we tell you otherwise.
Poppy's eyes widen in surprise. "Oh my God, she actually threatened me?" Poppy asks. When no further message comes, Poppy texts the production line back.
Poppy: Is Oli safe?
Again, as if on cue, a whole commotion of noise happens outside at once. Kayla, Poppy assumes, screams out something Poppy can't make out before a few more voices, definitely Oliver's, Suresh's and Leon's, exclaim different words of surprise and outrage.
The muffled voices of the other islanders progressively get louder until Poppy can make out what they're saying.
"Kayla, stop! Leave her alone, what are you doing?!" Oliver's voice says before there's a loud bang on the door, startling Poppy.
"Let me in, Poppy, I just want to talk to you," Kayla's voice says on the other side of the door in an exaggerated-sweet tone.
"Um... no. I don't think I'm going to do that," Poppy replies from the safety of the Beach Hut. Kayla lets out a screech and bangs on the door angrily. Is this really happening?! Poppy asks herself again in disbelief.
"Come on Kayla, we're leaving now," an authoritative voice Poppy doesn't recognize on the other side of the door, says.
There's another big commotion, Kayla cries out something Poppy can't make out and there's more banging on the door. Oliver pleads with Kayla on the other side of the door to stop and leave Poppy alone while Suresh tries to remind Kayla how bad this all looks from a legal standpoint.
Poppy lays on her back on the floor of the Beach Hut and squeezes her eyes shut, completely overwhelmed. We can't control other people. We can only control our reactions, she repeats to herself. At least as long as Kayla's banging on the door, Oliver's probably safe.
After what was really no more than a minute and a half, but felt like hours to Poppy, the noise finally stops and she can hear what sounds like someone dragging Kayla away as she screeches horrible things about Poppy that she can only make out pieces of. Poppy waits another moment, breathing a sigh of relief when her phone pings with another message telling her she can leave again.
Poppy opens the door to the Beach Hut to an entire crowd of relieved-looking faces, even Arlo looks... not angry with Poppy for once. "Uh... hi... everyone," Poppy says tentatively before she turns to Oliver. "Oli... can we..." Poppy asks quietly and he nods.
"Come on guys, let's give them some privacy," Suresh mumbles to the others and turns to lead them away.
"Hey Suresh, thanks... for you know, making sure I got here okay," Poppy says before he leaves with a tentative smile.
Suresh nods, "don't mention it," he says before walking away, joining Dana in the kitchen.
When they're alone, Poppy throws her arms around Oliver. "Are you okay?" she asks frantically. "I was worried about you, what happened?"
Oliver squeezes Poppy tightly. "Poppy, I am... so, so, so sorry," he says, holding her close.
"Oli, don't apologize! I'm okay..." Poppy reassures him gently. "Are you?"
Oliver takes a deep breath before pulling back to smile at Poppy. "I will be," he says. He brushes Poppy's hair out of her eyes to take a good look at her.
Poppy looks at Oliver, examining him subtly for marks and flooding with relief when she sees nothing. "Baby, what... happened? I was just... talking with Suresh and when I went to go check on you when she yelled at you earlier he got all dodgy and held me back," she says. "It sounded like maybe she said something to him that made him worried... he told me that you wouldn't want me in her 'line of fire'?"
"I don't know what she said to Suresh, but if it's anything close to what she said to me..." Oliver starts, trailing off for a moment with a worried look on his face. "In any event, I'm... glad he was there, and I'm glad he got you to the Beach Hut. That could have gone a lot worse," he says with a frown. "I... don't even recognize her. I'm so sorry, Baby."
Poppy bites her lip nervously, suddenly wishing they were on the roof so they could talk more freely. "Oli, you know you had nothing to do with what just happened, right?" she asks him gently. "We can't control other people..."
Oliver pauses for a moment before nodding. "Of course, I know you're right it's just... you wouldn't have been..."
Poppy cuts him off. "Nuh-uh. The events that happened today were Kayla's, and Kayla's alone, Baby. She made some decisions today that were maybe not the best, but they had nothing to do with you. How could they, you were with me?"
Oliver breathes a smile at Poppy and nods. "You're right," he agrees, kissing Poppy's forehead again. "Thank you, for... being you."
Poppy giggles. "It's the person I'm best at being," she says, smiling up at Oliver.
Before Poppy can say anything more to him, Suresh calls out from the kitchen that he got a text. Poppy takes Oliver's hand, smiling at him affectionately as they walk to the kitchen.
When they arrive, Suresh reads out the message sombrely:
Islanders, the usual coupling rules of the island do not apply for this evening as we sort through the events of the last few hours. The FINAL recoupling will take place first thing tomorrow morning. If any of you need support, please go to the Beach Hut where we will set you up with someone to talk to.
The islanders all exchange looks with each other, their faces varying between worried and confused.
Suresh gets another text which he reads aloud as well:
In addition, Kayla has been permanently removed from the villa and we ask that there be no further televised discussion about the events of the evening while we work with our legal team and the local authorities.
"Whoa," Arlo mutters quietly, breaking the stunned silence of everyone around.
"The final recoupling? Already?" Kat says with wide eyes.
"What... now?" Dana asks.
"Is anybody hungry? Maybe we should do something nice together... like make a big meal or something," Lulu suggests.
Poppy smiles. "I love that, actually. Count me in," she says.
"Me too," Oliver agrees with a nod.
"So long as nobody minds if I just... don't cook, sounds like fun," Kat says.
Arlo laughs. "Kat, I don't think anybody minds, we've seen you try," she says with a playful tone.
Poppy looks at Arlo curiously. I think that's the first time I've ever heard her be... not snarky or guarded, she thinks.
"It's alright, Schatz, I think there will be plenty of food," Leon chuckles next to Kat. "Count me in."
Finn and Suresh both nod as well.
"Okay, so probably no alcohol after everything earlier, but how about I make us some mocktails?" Dana asks brightly.
"Are we doing it potluck style?" Nicolas asks. "I am going to make Pao de Queijo," he says.
Poppy's eyes brighten immediately and Suresh laughs as he notices. "Heck yes!" she exclaims excitedly. "I adore Pao de Queijo! Brazilian cheese bread, right?"
"She'd live off the stuff, seriously," Suresh says with a chuckle.
"Honestly, one of my favourites too," Arlo says happily. "My brother has a gluten allergy, so we had Pao de Queijo a lot in growing up."
"I guess that's not negotiable now," Nicolas says with a laugh.
Dana gets started with making mocktails, joined by Kat who chats happily with her. The others make their way into the kitchen, deciding on different meals and talking easily to each other. The mood is probably the lightest it has been since the season started.
Poppy and Oliver decide to work together to make curry puffs, Arlo and Johnny join together to make a dessert, Nicolas makes the Pao de Queijo, Finn makes a stew, and Suresh and Lulu work together to make a complicated dish that smells incredible.
Poppy hums happily as she flits and dances around the people in the kitchen while she and Oliver prepare their dish.
"Poppy, you look like you're in your element in here," Arlo says when she notices how effortlessly Poppy navigates the people around her.
"Yeah, are you a professional chef or something?" Kat asks Poppy from the drinks station with Dana.
"No, I just have a big family," Poppy says with a laugh as she hands Oliver the spices he was looking for.
"Wait, you still haven't told Kat what you do?" Leon asks from his corner with a laugh. "Her guesses in the Beach Hut have become a bit of a meme!"
Kat blushes but looks relieved when Poppy only laughs. "Are there more guesses than 'hair stylist?" she asks curiously.
"Many more," Kat admits sheepishly. "I've gone from grief counsellor to kindergarten teacher, maybe a firefighter... I don't know."
"A firefighter?" Poppy asks. "That's a first, I'm a bit small to be a firefighter I think."
"You strike me as someone who would make a living saving cats out of trees," Kat replies with a shrug.
The islanders giggle around Kat, including Poppy.
"I'm not sure if Dana knows either, to be fair. And I totally would make a living saving cats out of trees," Poppy replies with an easy shrug.
"Oh my God, I actually don't," Dana admits sheepishly.
"I kind of don't want to tell you guys now," Poppy admits. "I feel like I'd be stealing the fun out of guessing for Kat."
"Yeah guys, don't spoil it for me!" Kat agrees playfully.
The islanders make their meals, chatting easily with each other. Even Arlo stays warm to Poppy all evening, to everyone's surprise. Poppy can't help but wonder how much of that has to do with the fact that she hasn't spoken with the (other) new boy at all solely out of fear of Arlo retaliating.
When the meals are done, the islanders set everything out on the island buffet style and each person grabs a plate with little bits of everything.
"Whoa, Lulu and Suresh, this is really good," Oliver exclaims as he takes a bite of their dish. "What is it?"
Lulu laughs. "I have no idea," she admits. "We were going make a traditional Sri Lankan dish but someone decided to go off script," she says, looking at Suresh pointedly.
Suresh shrugs. "As long as it's good, who cares?" he asks with a laugh. "The curry puffs are really nice, too."
The islanders all sit together at the large dinner table, some going for seconds, and thirds of the dishes. Everything is a hit, and Dana's mocktails are perfect for washing the meals down.
"I have to admit, I think this somehow turned into one of my favourite days here," Poppy says quietly to Oliver while they help with washing up after dinner. With everyone helping it doesn't take long.
Oliver nods in agreement. "I agree, the day has definitely turned around," he says with a smile.
Once everyone has dispersed into their separate groups for the evening, Poppy and Oliver make their way back to their spot, not missing the pointed 'televised conversations' bit of the text Suresh read.
When they're outside in their space, Poppy wraps Oliver into another warm hug. "Oli, are you okay?" she asks him, looking up at him with eyes full of worry.
Oliver smiles down at Poppy. "Of course, Love," he says, pressing a soft kiss on the top of Poppy's head. "I was more worried about you if I'm being honest."
Poppy smiles. "Baby, I barely even know what happened," she says with a small giggle. "I'm okay, I was more worried about you." Poppy and Oliver take their places underneath the window, and Oliver lays on his back, looking up at Poppy with his head in her lap. "We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to, but if you do please know I'm here for you," she says to him quietly.
"She... wasn't like this when we were together," Oliver says quietly. He frowns. "But... I don't know, maybe she was and I just... I don't know. I broke things off with her because she... wasn't very nice to me."
Poppy nods as she listens, running her hand through Oliver's hair affectionately as she lets him get it out.
"We were mates in school, I've known Kayla a long time," Oliver continues, finding it just as easy to open up to Poppy as she does to him. "I knew her for years before we started dating, but when we did it was like a switch flipped. She was a really sweet friend, but... as a girlfriend... she was really controlling. I didn't even notice, not really. I just... wanted to make her happy. It was after a holiday we spent with my family when my mum pulled me aside and talked to me about it... she was concerned because I hadn't been surfing and when she brought it up at dinner... Kayla kept answering for me. It was pretty rough to hear from mum, actually, but I'm glad she talked to me. I wasn't happy, I still barely talk to the girl who was my best mate for years before I started dating Kayla. I tried to talk to Kayla about it first, but it only made things worse, it was like once I realised what she was doing she didn't bother pretending anymore so I broke things off. She harassed me for months afterward, but nothing this bad... mostly just phone calls and trying to make me feel bad."
"You don't deserve to be treated like that," Poppy says gently, continuing to rub Oliver's head.
Oliver nods. "Being with you has really shown me that," he says, smiling up at Poppy gently.
Poppy leans down to kiss the tip of Oliver's nose. "Good," she says, smiling back down at him.
"The police dragged her out," Oliver says after a moment.
Poppy's eyes widen in surprise. "I hate to say it, but I really thought our ex drama was going to peak with Suresh," she admits.
Oliver chuckles. "So did I, to be honest. I haven't even spoken with Kayla before today in over two years," he says. "She... threatened to hurt you. I still don't know what she said to Suresh but..." Oliver sighs.
Poppy nods. "I gathered that much," she says with a small chuckle. "I don't know exactly what she said to Suresh either but... when I mentioned that jumping to the conclusion of physical violence is a big leap, he reminded me he's a lawyer and why he wouldn't take it lightly. I have to assume it wasn't good. He told me I should get out of sight as soon as I told him you were telling her that we're a couple now."
Oliver nods. "I'm glad he was there. She probably would have..." he starts, trailing off not able to say the words of what she might have done to Poppy. "I'm glad you weren't alone."
"To be fair Oli, I have five brothers, I know how to defend myself. Or at the very least, evade," Poppy says with a playful giggle.
Oliver laughs. "I hadn't thought of that, but I suppose you probably do," he says with a chuckle. "Hard to picture you fighting though, you're way too sweet."
Poppy giggles. "I don't fight," she admits with a laugh. "But I'm pretty slippery, my brothers can't catch me. Haven't been able to since I was eight."
"Well, in any event, I'm so sorry that our first day as an official couple was so...." Oliver starts but Poppy stops him.
"Oli! We talked about this, you had nothing to do with that! Please don't apologize," Poppy says warmly. "If it makes you feel better, we can do a do-over tomorrow. Call it the real first official day as a couple or something. To be honest, I'm not even sure what the date is today anyway," she says reassuringly.
Oliver sits up with a broad smile. "I like that," he says, putting his arm around Poppy's shoulder and kissing the top of her head. "Thank you, Poppy. You're... honestly the best."
Poppy smiles at Oliver sweetly. "No, you!" she replies with a giggle. "But of course, Baby. I'm happy to do anything to help you feel better, always. We can call today our practice run. I'd say we nailed it," she adds with another giggle.
"Yeah, we did!" Oliver agrees with a chuckle.
Poppy sighs. "We should probably get back inside," she says reluctantly.
Oliver nods in agreement and stands, holding out a hand to help Poppy up. When Poppy is standing, he pulls her into a tight hug and presses a lingering kiss to her forehead. "I'm really glad nothing happened to you today, I don't know what I would have done if..."
"Oli!" Poppy exclaims, "I'm okay, it's okay. Let's not speculate what ifs, not in this scenario," Poppy says. "Please? I don't want you to stress about it unnecessarily, it's bad for you."
Oliver smiles down at Poppy. "Okay, Baby," he agrees with his lips still pressed to Poppy's forehead.
They stand there a moment longer, just holding each other and enjoying the calmness of being in each other's presence before heading back inside and closing the window behind them.
Poppy and Oliver go out to the garden, seeing Kat, Leon, Finn and Lulu at the bean chairs they decide to join them.
"Heeey, how's our first official villa couple?" Lulu asks brightly as they approach. "How are you guys feeling?"
Poppy and Oliver exchange a look and smile at each other. "Great," Poppy answers. "It was a rough day, but it's definitely turned around."
Oliver nods in agreement. "Dinner was actually really nice," he says.
"We were just talking about the recoupling in the morning," Finn explains as they sit down. "Does anyone else feel a strange shift in the air? I have an okay feeling about tomorrow and I can honestly say that's a first."
Poppy shrugs. "I mean, I know who I'm picking tomorrow. Even if someone else picks him first, I don't even care anymore," she says with a laugh as she and Oli take a seat in a free bean chair. "I have to say, this whole "coupling rules don't apply" thing is really working out for me."
"Poppy's gotten a taste of rebellion and now there's no going back," Leon says, causing the others to laugh. "First its coupling rules don't apply tonight, then it's choosing already chosen people, what's next?"
"Total anarchy," Poppy says with a laugh. "It's a big leap." Poppy turns to Kat with a smile. "So Kat... what are your thoughts on tomorrow's recoupling?" she asks.
Kat giggles and snuggles into Leon. "I don't know, maybe I'll choose Oli," she says with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a kidding smile on her face.
"I'm just going to choose him anyway, like I said," Poppy says with a laugh. "Menace."
"You think it's going to be girl's choice tomorrow?" Lulu asks curiously.
Poppy nods. "Probably, especially now there are more boys than girls," she says.
"Who do we think is going home?" Finn asks curiously.
Poppy bites her lip nervously. "I think... probably Suresh if I have to guess," she says. "Although to be honest, I have no idea how Nicolas and Dana are doing. But it seems like Arlo and Johnny are getting on."
"I agree," Kat says with a nod. "He's played every single girl here. But I wouldn't trust Arlo, she might choose Oli again just to, you know, be Arlo."
Poppy frowns. "Either way, I guess we'll see tomorrow," she says. "But I know it won't be Oli," she adds, looking at him with a bright smile. "And I wasn't kidding, I will be choosing Oli regardless tomorrow, I don't even care."
"Rebel!" Leon exclaims with a laugh.
The six of them keep chatting for the rest of the evening, and when it gets late head up to the dressing rooms together. Poppy follows Lulu and Kat into the girls' room and runs to the sink to wash her face before going to her closet to grab some nightwear for bed.
"So, umm... Poppy, I'm going to... spend the night with Johnny tonight," Arlo says tentatively when Poppy emerges in her nightie.
Kat laughs, but Poppy smiles at Arlo warmly. "Thanks for letting me know, Arlo. I think Oli and me are going to sleep outside tonight," she says carefully, appreciative of Arlo's effort.
Arlo nods and Poppy exchanges a look with both Kat and Lulu, who stare at her in shock.
Poppy finishes getting ready and says goodnight to the girls before leaving the dressing room, finding Oli already waiting for her outside the door.
"Hey Baby, would you be interested in sleeping on the daybeds tonight? Have a little bit of privacy?" Poppy asks as he puts his arm around her. "We're not officially a couple again yet, so I doubt they'll let us use our Hideaway win tonight..."
Oliver nods. "Yeah, let's do that. I don't mind sleeping outside anyway, especially not with you," he says, kissing Poppy's head. "Do you want to grab our pillows? I'll get us some blankets," he says.
Poppy and Oliver make their way to the daybeds outside with their bedding and get comfortable. Oliver lays on his back and puts an arm around Poppy who snuggles into him happily.
"I missed this so much," Poppy admits sleepily.
Oliver breathes a smile. "Me too, Baby," he says, kissing Poppy's head.
Poppy looks up at Oliver happily. "I love you, Oli. I hope you know how special you are to me," she says.
Oliver smiles brightly. "I love you too, Poppy," he says, his eyes full of affection.
Poppy adjusts herself and leans in to kiss Oliver, putting her hand on his cheek as she does. When their lips meet, Poppy deepens the kiss almost immediately and swings her leg over Oliver to straddle him. Oliver groans, and grabs at Poppy's waist, moving his hands to Poppy's ass when she grinds into him involuntarily.
Poppy presses soft kisses along Oliver's jaw, down his neck and along the lines of his tattoos before looking up at him. "Baby, I want to make you feel nice, can I do that?" she asks, pressing another kiss to Oliver's neck. "I want to... return the favour from the other night..." she adds with a giggle.
Oliver groans. "You are making it very difficult to say no," he says with a chuckle.
Poppy smiles. "So don't," she says brightly. "You had a rough day, let me make you feel good."
Oliver nods shyly in agreement and Poppy smiles at him before kissing her way down his chest and abs. When Poppy reaches Oliver's boxers she pauses for a moment, looking at him for consent and maintaining eye contact as she pulls his rapidly hardening cock from his boxers and wraps her hands around it. Poppy gives it a couple of slow pumps before leaning forward to kiss the tip.
Oliver groans in pleasure when Poppy licks him from base to tip before she leans forward to take him in her mouth. Oliver pushes Poppy's hair from her face and holds it back for her gently as Poppy sends jolts of pleasure through him, taking as much of him as she can in her mouth before wrapping the base in her hands.
She starts a steady rhythm, moving up and down his shaft and building up his pleasure. Poppy takes note of when Oliver's breathing hitches, when he groans, working him up to where Oliver feels the pressure starting to build.
"Ah, I'm getting close," Oliver mumbles. "Where should I..."
Poppy smiles up at Oliver. "You can come in my mouth if you want," she says before resuming her work, looking up at Oliver as she has him in her mouth.
Oliver's cock twitches at Poppy's words and he groans again, letting the release take over. When he stops twitching, Poppy removes him gently from her mouth before placing a quick peck on the tip and making her way back back to Oliver with a smile.
"Baby, that was... wow," Oliver says with a relaxed smile on his face.
Poppy giggles, "I'm so glad, it was fun for me, too," she says happily and snuggles into him, nuzzling her nose into his cheek affectionately.
Oliver sighs in contentment. "You know, Dandelion does that sometimes too," he says when Poppy nuzzles against him after readjusting her position.
Poppy smiles. "It sounds like Dandelion really loves her dad," she says sleepily. "I can't wait to meet her."
Oliver chuckles and presses a kiss to Poppy's head. "I can't wait for you to meet her either," he says. "Please don't be sad if she doesn't warm up to you right away... she only really likes me and my Gram..."
Poppy giggles. "Of course not. I have no problem loving Dandelion from afar if that's what she prefers," she says. "Don't expect the same from Mr. Magz though, he's very affectionate, he will be all over you."
Oliver breathes a smile. "I'd love that, to be honest," he admits.
"I'll remember that," Poppy says with a tired yawn. "Mmm... Oli, I'm getting really sleepy," she says.
"Me too," Oliver says, kissing Poppy's head again before rolling onto his side. "Goodnight, Poppy," he says, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you."
Poppy readjusts herself, mumbling sleepily, "I love you, too, Oli." Poppy drifts off to sleep in an instant, feeling safe, happy and content in Oliver's arms.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________Poppy and Oliver are woken up in the morning by the sound of Poppy's phone getting a message. Poppy groans sleepily. "What time is it?" she asks, rolling over to grab her phone from the table next to the daybed where she left it. She reads the time, 6:23 a.m.
"Why are they messaging so early?" Oliver asks, leaning on his elbow and looking at Poppy with concern.
Poppy shrugs before reading the text. "Um... they want us to get ready, they're going to do the recoupling by 8," she explains as she reads it. "I guess we're a bit behind schedule now, but... the least they could do is let us sleep in. Leon's the WORST in the morning." She laughs tiredly. "I know because he schedules his tutoring sessions at 7 a.m. so I'll go to his flat and wake him up, otherwise he'll sleep right through his alarm."
Oliver chuckles. "That's one way to do it, I guess," he says, rubbing the sleep out of his eye before sitting up with Poppy and putting his arm around her.
Poppy smiles at him, scrunching her face in happiness when he pecks her nose softly.
Oliver breathes a small laugh. "You are adorable," he says before standing and offering Poppy a hand up. They walk to the bedroom in comfortable silence, holding hands and occasionally glancing at each other happily. When they get to the bedroom the others are already awake, surrounding Kat's bed.
"We've tried everything, I'm in awe," Lulu says with a giggle before turning to Poppy as she notices them walk in.
Poppy laughs as she takes in the scene, Leon sleeping soundly with Kat sitting up next to him and everyone else sitting around him. Strewn about the room are a few pots and utensils. "He doesn't enjoy mornings. He's also very ticklish, particularly on his feet," she says, winking at Kat.
Kat smiles mischievously and grabs Leon's ankle before running her nails gently along his foot.
Leon's eyes open in a flash and he almost leaps out of bed, startled a second time by the faces of the others surrounding him. Leon groans and pulls his duvet over his head. "Poppy, you traitor! One morning was all it took!" he laments from his blanket cave.
Poppy laughs. "They've been trying to wake you, the recoupling is in a little over an hour and a half. Thought you might want to get ready," she says to her friend.
Poppy joins the girls in the dressing room, making her way to the showers first. When she's done, Poppy sits next to Arlo at the vanity to dry her hair and apply her makeup for the day. She's really quiet this morning, Poppy thinks to herself, having decided long ago the best course of action with Arlo was to not initiate a conversation with her. Poppy smiles at Lulu when she takes a seat on her other side.
"So... how's everyone feeling?" Dana asks after Poppy finishes drying her hair.
"I'm feeling great!" Kat says brightly. "Didn't sleep much, but..."
Poppy laughs. "I'm not going to lie, it feels a bit like hearing about my brothers," she admits. "I'm so happy though, he fancies you."
Kat's eyes light up. "Really? He told you?" she asks excitedly. "Tell me everything!"
Poppy laughs again, charmed by Kat's excitement. "Yeah he did, yesterday when we were unpacking," she says. "You are very much his type on paper."
Kat beams at Poppy before quickly glancing at Arlo, her shoulders tensing and relaxing in an instant when Arlo smiles at Kat warmly.
"He's been pretty set on you since coming in..." Arlo says tentatively.
"Well, we all know that don't mean much to you," Kat says with a frown before looking at Poppy pointedly.
To Poppy's surprise, Arlo blushes and looks down to her lap. "I know, I'm sorry, Poppy," she says quietly.
Poppy blinks in surprise, and the entire dressing room stands still.
"Does this mean I don't have to worry about you choosing Oli today?" Poppy asks quietly in return, smiling broadly when Arlo nods. "Thank you, Arlo. I accept your apology."
Dana shakes her head in disbelief. "Who'd have thought, the Events We Aren't To Speak About of yesterday would bring us all together like this?"
Arlo chuckles. "It really made me see how ridiculous things have been in here for you, Poppy," she admits. "We were all pretty worried about you."
Poppy nods. "We aren't supposed to talk about it so I won't say anything more, but I'm okay," she says. "And to be honest, even better now that I know I'll leave this recoupling with Oli... thank you, Arlo."
"Did I hear right, that he's your boyfriend, now?" Arlo asks curiously as they turn to their mirrors to do their makeup.
Poppy watches Arlo in the mirror as she answers carefully, "... yes, you heard right."
Arlo smiles at Poppy. "We all knew it was coming," she says. "Congrats."
Poppy smiles in relief. She thanks Arlo and finishes up her makeup before turning to Lulu. "I'm about done here, I'm going to wait outside," she says happily. "It's a really nice day, I have a good feeling."
Lulu giggles. "Okay, Babes, I will see you down there," she says, giving Poppy a small wave. Poppy waves to the other girls before leaving, noting that's probably the first time she's done that since Arlo's arrived.
When Poppy gets to the firepit, Finn and Leon are already there, laughing hysterically at something they're chatting about as she arrives. "Hey guys, can I hang out?" she asks, smiling when Finn pats the place next to him in invitation.
"We were just noticing how... good it feels in here today, do you feel it?" Finn asks.
Poppy nods. "You guys, Arlo just apologized to me," she says, giggling when Finn and Leon's jaws both drop in surprise. "Aaaaand she promised me she's not going to choose Oli today. It feels amazing here today!" Poppy looks at her two friends and smiles warmly. "I'm glad to see you two getting on," she adds happily.
"Leon's great craic," Finn says jovially, giving Leon a friendly pat on the back. "You have good taste in mates, Poppy."
Poppy smiles and nods, "I sure do," she says happily, swinging her feet in the air playfully.
"It's good to see you like this, Poppy," Leon says sincerely as Kat approaches the firepit from the villa with Oliver.
"Thanks, Leon," Poppy replies, scooching closer to Oliver when he sits on her other side and smiling at him warmly. "I feel really good today."
"Poppy was just telling us Arlo apologized to her," Finn explains.
Oliver's eyes widen in surprise. "Really?" he asks, smiling when Poppy nods enthusiastically.
"We were just talking in the dressing room about how yesterday really brought us all together," Kat says. "I really think Arlo meant it, I was surprised too."
"Well, I guess I'm glad something positive came out of all of that, then," Oliver says, "does that mean we can expect this recoupling to go..."
"Don't say it out loud, you'll jinx the poor girl!" Kat interrupts Oliver with a laugh.
Poppy laughs. "To be honest, you better listen to her, I'm not taking any chances," she says with a giggle.
The other islanders trickle in one by one, joining the group as they do. Once everyone's arrived, the islanders sit and wait for the first text in nervous anticipation.
Poppy's phone is first to go off and her eyes brighten with excitement as she reads the text. "Looks like I'm going first," she says, jumping to her feet and bounding to stand in the middle. She looks at Oliver directly, blushing lightly when he winks at her. "I'll keep this short and sweet in the interest of diplomacy," Poppy says, briefly glancing at Suresh who gives her a grateful smile. "I think you all know who I'm choosing today. I still gush about him in the Beach Hut every time I'm in there, and I'm admittedly not so good at not being coupled up with him," she shoots a glance at Arlo who waves her off before turning her full attention back to Oliver. "He makes me feel all kinds of melty things and I'm so looking forward to saying this. Oli, wanna be my partner again?"
"Of course," Oliver answers happily, swinging Poppy around by her waist when he reaches her. The others cheer, even Suresh, albeit not as enthusiastically as the others, as Oliver takes Poppy's hand and goes to sit with her on the safe bench.
Kat's phone pings next and she exchanges an excited look with Poppy before standing. She takes a deep breath and faces the boys. "I haven't had much luck in here... partly my own fault I guess," she starts, glancing at Finn quickly before continuing. "But maybe that's about to change. I'm choosing this boy because he's all kinds of hot and I can't wait to see what he's all about. He's defo my type on paper and I think we'll have lots of fun... I'm choosing Leon," she says, turning to smile at him.
"YES!" Leon exclaims happily, grabbing Kat and pulling her in for a passionate snog. Poppy joins the others, cheering extra enthusiastically for her friend. Kat pulls out of their snog a little breathless, causing the others to giggle before she and Leon take their seats next to Poppy and Oliver on the safe bench.
Lulu's phone pings next and she smiles widely at Kat and Leon before standing up at the firepit.
"Who you gonna pick Babes?" Poppy asks playfully from the bench, causing Lulu to giggle.
"Not sure, Hun, might mix things up a bit," she replies to Poppy in a joking tone, laughing when Finn pouts playfully. She turns to Finn and looks him in the eyes. "I honestly didn't know if I was going to find love here, but I'm pleased to say that I have," she says warmly. Finn smiles at Lulu affectionately and Poppy gives Oli's hand a squeeze, smiling for her friends. "I'm choosing Finn, he's pretty great," she says happily.
Just like with Oliver and Poppy, and with Kat and Leon, the others cheer enthusiastically for Finn and Lulu as they take their seats on the bench. Poppy can't help but notice how good she feels, and when Arlo goes next and chooses Johnny, she leads the other islanders in cheering for them as well.
Dana stands up nervously to take the last turn, wringing her hands as she makes her way to the centre of the firepit. "Blimey, it really does suck being the last to choose..." she says with an awkward chuckle. "I'm choosing this boy..." Dana starts again and takes a quick glance at Poppy. "I'm choosing this boy because I've had my eye on him since we got here and if I don't choose him now I definitely won't get another chance to. I'm sorry Nicolas, we had fun but I'm looking for something a bit more..." Dana gestures to Suresh as though that fills in the blank. "I'm choosing Suresh."
Suresh blinks in surprise before turning to Nicolas. "Sorry mate," he mumbles sincerely.
Nicolas shakes his head with a laugh. "That's me done, then," he says, clearly unbothered by the day's turn of events.
"You seem happy?" Poppy asks Nicolas curiously.
Nicolas shrugs. "Excited for whatever comes next!" he says and turns to Suresh, "well-done mate, you deserve the spot."
"Er... thanks," Suresh replies, taking Nicolas' hand to shake when he offers it.
Nicolas' phone pings with a text that he reads aloud excitedly:
Nicolas, as you were left single today, your time in the villa is now over. You have 30 minutes to pack your things. #BurningBridges #ByeBye
Nicolas turns to Poppy with an unreadable look. "Poppy, come help me pack," he says pointedly.
Poppy tenses. What are you up to? she asks herself. "Oh... kay Nicolas, sure," she answers awkwardly, exchanging a confused look with Oliver before following Nicolas up to the bedroom to help him pack. When they've arrived, Nicolas turns to Poppy with a smirk.
"We're all alone in here..." he says, waggling his eyebrows playfully.
Poppy rolls her eyes. "What are you suggesting, Nicolas," she says tiredly.
"Well, I would say a goodbye kiss, but I sense I might be pushing my luck," Nicolas replies, chuckling when Poppy rolls her eyes again. "Maybe if the master plan had worked out, things would be different. Oh well."
Poppy balks. "Bullying me was all part of some 'master plan' then, was it?" she asks as he makes her way to Nicolas' closet to help him pack his things.
Nicolas laughs. "Oh come on, Poppy, it wasn't that bad," he says playfully.
Poppy sighs. "I almost left that night, Nicolas. Would have, but they asked me to stay because they were bringing Oli in..." she says with a nervous bite of her lip.
"Ah Oli. The other wrench in my otherwise perfect plan," he says with another laugh.
"Which was what exactly?" Poppy asks coolly, not pleased to find out she was a pawn for yet another boy in the villa.
"Couple up with the most popular person in the villa and cause a bunch of chaos to get the others dumped until the final," he says with a shrug.
Poppy laughs. "Well, there's your problem. If you wanted the most popular person in the villa you should have gone after Suresh," she says with an amused smirk.
Nicolas shrugs. "Suresh may be popular with the six people in here... but I'm thinking... bigger picture," he says and looks at the cameras. "Besides, I suppose it didn't really matter which girl I was coupled up with as long as I made it to the final."
Poppy frowns. "I can't believe I thought for a second you might have actually liked me," she says. "I suppose I should thank you for not wasting more than a day of my time."
Nicolas chuckles. "Don't be like that, Poppy. I did like you. I just... have to think of my future."
Poppy shakes her head. "What?" she asks in confusion.
"I bet I'll leave here with a ton of new followers on my socials!" Nicolas replies brightly.
Poppy blinks in surprise. "So... you used me to get followers on your socials?" she asks incredulously. "You know what. It doesn't matter," she adds after a second, handing Nicolas a pile of his clothes to put in his luggage.
"I suppose it wouldn't, now you have Oliver," Nicolas says with a chuckle as he packs his things. "Besides, I wouldn't call it 'using', it's just a game, Poppy."
"For you, maybe. Would have been nice to know you weren't looking for something serious," Poppy mumbles.
Nicolas laughs. "I don't recall ever saying I was," he says.
Poppy blinks. "I.. you're right," she says after a second.
Nicolas laughs again. "I've seen the Beach Hut interviews, Poppy. If you don't think they didn't plan to bring Oliver here the second you got all melty over him in there, you are sadly mistaken," he says, glancing to the doorway. "You were always going to leave our couple for him."
Poppy shakes her head in disbelief. "Neither one of us knows whether that's true or not," she says carefully. "But I do know if I were giving things an honest go with you when he got here, I would have continued to do that."
Nicolas chuckles. "That's cute," he says almost condescendingly. "You almost look like you believe that."
Poppy blinks. "Of course I believe that. I wouldn't have said so otherwise," she says tiredly.
"I don't. I doubt anyone else would either. The second he walked out on that stage..." Nicolas starts but Poppy interrupts him.
"Let me guess, you knew right away because I went goo-goo-eyed, yeah? I've heard this one before. Let me remind you, I was already planning to leave when he got here," Poppy says, sounding increasingly annoyed.
"Him too," Nicolas says with a shrug. "Anyone could see it was mutual."
Poppy sighs. "Is this why you asked me to help you pack? So you could give me a hard time for moving on to Oliver?" she asks, handing Nicolas another pile of his clothing. "You probably should have been joining my chats with Suresh then, maybe I'd have gotten it over with all at once."
Nicolas frowns. "No, believe it or not, I'm happy for you. You're well-suited," he says, giving Poppy a serious look. "It's just fun to watch you squirm."
Poppy studies Nicolas carefully. "You... have a strange sense of humour," she says finally causing Nicolas to laugh out loud.
"I just love the drama, what can I say," he says with a smirk.
Poppy laughs, noticing Nicolas' water bottle next to him. "That so?" she asks him with an amused smirk as she inches her way to the table where it is. When she reaches the bottle, Poppy twists the top off and empties the entire remaining contents on Nicolas' head. "That felt like a pretty dramatic exit, nothing less for your goodbye," she says, stifling a giggle.
Nicolas raises his eyebrows and smiles widely. "I'd expect nothing less from you," he says as he wrings the water from his shirt. Nicolas takes one last walk around the room to make sure he has everything before turning to Poppy. "You got this thing in the bag," he says with a casual shrug. "No hard feelings?"
"I suppose we're about even now," Poppy says, gesturing to Nicolas' wet clothes. "No point in holding a grudge."
Nicolas and Poppy exchange a friendly hug goodbye before they walk to the doors to meet the others. When they arrive, Dana raises her eyebrows.
"Things get a bit wet for you guys?" she asks, looking at Nicolas' shirt pointedly.
Nicolas laughs. "It's only water, Dana," he says, giving Poppy an amused smirk as she stands to join Oliver. The islanders say their goodbyes and wave Nicolas' car off, about to separate when Kat gets a text which she reads aloud, her face going pale as she does.
Islanders, there are joyous bundles of surprises for you in the living room. You'll get your instructions for today's challenge once you arrive. #BroughtByPopularDemand
"Not the Baby Challenge!" Dana exclaims in horror as the islanders turn to make their way to the living room. "I'm not ready to be a mum!"
"Babe, we'll be fine. I have a seven-year-old sister," Suresh says with a chuckle.
Kat turns to Leon with wide eyes. "I sure hope you have a kid sister, too," she says frantically.
"Honestly, Poppy and Leon will likely do the best here, given what they do," Suresh says with a shrug.
"DAYHOME OWNER!" Kat exclaims, looking at Poppy expectantly.
"Er... what?" Poppy asks curiously before her face brightens with the memory of Kat's guessing game. "Oh! No! But I suppose we'd probably be good at it," Poppy says with a nod at Suresh.
"Come on Kat, do you see me owning a Day Home?" Leon asks her playfully.
"No," Kat admits with a frown. "But now I know whatever it is Poppy does, you both do. Don't tell me Leon, I still want to guess!"
"Seriously, Leon, don't this is just as much fun for me," Poppy says with a laugh. "I'm so glad I get to play now, too."
The islanders arrive to a living room filled with cots, each marked with a couple's name on the front. Poppy and Oliver make their way to their cot, peering in to see their doll staring up at them.
"It's kind of... creepy," Oliver admits, causing Poppy to giggle.
"Oli! That's meant to be a child!" she kids before nodding in agreement. "Which is honestly probably why it's kind of creepy, it looks really realistic."
When Johnny's phone pings with a text, all five dolls start to wail at once, causing the islanders to exchange panicked glances. Poppy picks up the baby doll in her and Oli's cot and starts bouncing it in her arms, relieved when it stops fairly quickly.
The others observe Poppy and do the same, bouncing and settling the dolls before Johnny reads his text:
Islanders, today you will be competing for a very special prize... a guaranteed place in the final. You will care for these babies today as they are real, and we will analyze the data. Whichever couple performs best and are the most attentive parents today will win the prize. We will message again when it's time to return the babies. Good luck.
"He's actually kind of hefty," Poppy says with a laugh before turning to Oliver. "What should we name our little bundle of joy?"
Oliver chuckles. "I kind of want to call him OlliPop," he admits with a shy smile.
Poppy laughs. "Love it. Welcome to the family, little OlliPop," Poppy says brightly. "We should probably give him a normal middle name, you know, so he can go by that when he's older if he wants," Poppy says with another giggle. "You said Angie started the hashtag right? Maybe his middle name is Ang...elo."
"Perfect. She'll love that," Oliver says, smiling at Poppy widely. "OlliPop Angelo. Name of a champion."
"Should we call ours Fulu?" Finn asks Lulu playfully.
"I feel like Linn is the more obvious choice," Lulu replies with a laugh. "But sure, if Oli and Poppy's is OlliPop, we'll call ours Fulu."
"We are giving ours a normal name," Kat says to Leon quickly before he can suggest Kaon or Leat.
"Whatever you like, dear," Leon replies happily. "I've always liked Rose."
"Rose is beautiful, that's clearly her name," Kat agrees happily.
"What the heck are we going to call ours?" Dana asks Suresh with a frown.
"I... don't know. Bruce?" Suresh suggests, the first name that comes to mind.
"Bruce it is," Dana agrees. "Phew, we are nailing this challenge!"
"What do you think of William for ours?" Johnny asks Arlo.
"After Shakespeare?" Arlo asks with a laugh. "Uh.. yeah, you know what, William is great."
The islanders dig through the bin of baby clothes, tossing little onesies around and putting them on their babies. Oliver and Poppy dress OliPop in a bright neon pink and yellow onesie with neon green shorts, pink sunglasses and a yellow hat; he looks silly, but Poppy and Oliver have so much fun with it that they don't care.
"Look at our little trendsetter," Poppy says after he's dressed, holding him out so she and Oliver can get a better look at him.
Suresh snorts in laughter from where he and Dana are dressing Bruce. "Poppy, he looks ridiculous!" he says with a laugh.
"Hey! He looks perfect, thank you very much!" Poppy replies defensively, hugging the doll close to her chest and covering its ears. "Don't listen to him, you're perfect," Poppy whispers to the doll playfully. "Besides, when we're out there and a total solar eclipse happens out of nowhere and you're all looking for your babies, OlliPop will shine like a beacon. We're just trying to be prepared for anything."
Finn turns to Lulu with a laugh. "She's got a point Lu! We'll never find Fulu in a total solar eclipse dressed like this," he says, tossing the plainer onesie they were going to put on their doll.
Lulu shakes her head in laughter. "What have you started?" she asks Poppy as Finn digs through the bin for more colourful pieces of clothing.
When the babies are dressed, Fulu in an outfit just as bright and ridiculous as OlliPop's, the pairs of islanders each grab a diaper bag before heading out to the lawn. Oliver and Poppy make their way to the sunloungers next to the pool, pushing two of them together so they can put OlliPop between them.
"How much experience do you have with babies?" Poppy asks Oliver when they lay down as he hands OlliPop to her to place between them.
"Not much," Oliver admits. "Or.. any, actually," he adds sheepishly.
Poppy smiles at him. "That's okay, I've got a bit," she says. "One of the first units I did in school was in Neo-Natal. I got to play with babies all day long. But just so you know, I'm okay with not winning the challenge if we don't, too. I'm just glad we're having fun."
Oliver nods. "Me too," he says in agreement with a relieved smile.
Poppy giggles. "Baby, I wasn't going to name a baby OlliPop if I was taking this seriously," she says in reply to Oliver's expression.
"Good point," Oliver replies with a chuckle.
"Hey guys, can we join you?" Kat asks as she and Leon pass by with Rose.
"Of course," Poppy replies warmly and Kat and Leon push another two loungers together next to Oliver and Poppy before placing Rose between them.
OlliPop starts to fuss between Poppy and Oliver. They exchange a look and Poppy says, "he's probably hungry, do you want to grab a bottle from his bag?"
Oliver grabs one of the bottles specifically made for the dolls before pressing it to its mouth, spurring on a mechanical sucking noise.
Poppy cringes. "Oh, I... don't enjoy that sound," she admits with a laugh. "This might be more challenging than I thought." She shudders.
Rose starts fussing between Leon and Kat, and Kat rushes to her diaper bag to grab a bottle. "Maybe she's hungry, too!" she exclaims before pressing the bottle to Rose.
When the mechanical sucking noise starts from Rose, Poppy shudders again before covering her ears. "I'm just going to... sit like this until they're done," she says with a laugh.
Oliver rubs Poppy's arm comfortingly with his free hand and holds the bottle to OlliPop with the other. When the mechanical sucking noise stops, he puts the bottle away and gives Poppy a helpless look.
"You should burp him now," Leon says. Pick him up and hit his back with the heel of your hand.
Poppy gives Oliver an apologetic look and uncovers her ears. "I'm sorry Oli, I can feel it in my bones," she says, shuddering before covering her ears again.
Oliver gives Poppy a sympathetic look and an understanding nod before picking OlliPop up and gently hitting his back.
Leon chuckles. "Gotta be a bit harder than that," he says, picking up Rose when Kat is done feeding her. "Here, I'll show you. You can burp her next time if you want, Kat," Leon says before showing Oliver how it's done.
Poppy uncovers her ears, feeling more comfortable now that the dolls aren't sucking on their bottles. She gives Oliver a warm smile and cheers when OlliPop makes a (horrible, in Poppy's opinion) mechanical burping sound.
"I won't lie, today just got a billion times more challenging," Poppy admits sheepishly. "It's funny that the crying seems to be okay, but every other sound these things make just cuts right through me."
"Did you bring your first aid kit? You should have some earplugs in the front pocket," Leon says. "You should grab them."
Poppy nods. "Yeah, now you mention it, I think you're right," she says and stands up. "I'll be right back," she says, giving Oliver a quick peck before jogging to the bedroom.
Oliver turns to Leon curiously. "Does this happen to her sometimes?" he asks.
Leon shrugs. "I've only ever seen it when the fluorescents at school or the hospital are burning out," he explains. "She carries the earplugs in case it happens so she can keep working. The ones she has are pretty good, she can still hear talking and stuff, just not the sounds that make her uncomfortable."
"I also get it sometimes around certain kinds of fish tank filters," Poppy admits as she returns. "I don't know enough about fish tank filters to tell you which ones, though, because it's not all of them. Ugh, and you know those little robot dogs that kids have? The ones that walk and make that awful 'whirring' sound, those too," Poppy turns to Leon. "Good shout, Leon, I had the good ones in there. I might not be able to hear OlliPop at all, though." Poppy frowns. "I'm sorry Oli."
"Don't apologize, Love, you can't help it," Oliver says with a warm chuckle.
Poppy smiles at Oliver appreciatively. "Thanks, for understanding... I know it's a bit... strange," she says, biting her lip nervously.
Oliver shakes his head. "I get sensory issues sometimes, too," he says with a gentle smile. "Usually only when I'm really overtired, or very, very stressed, but I kind of get it."
Poppy is able to be more helpful with OlliPop with her earplugs in, to her relief, and the rest of the morning goes by relatively smoothly. Finn and Lulu eventually bring Fulu over to hang out as well.
"Kat, you... look like a natural," Finn says, sounding somewhat surprised.
Kat laughs. "I'm honestly shocked but I might do better than Poppy in this challenge," she says with a giggle.
Poppy nods vigorously. "I'd say so, I can't even be near them without earplugs in," she says with a laugh. "Winning a spot in the final would have been nice, but it is what it is."
"Ah, you and Oli are going to make it anyway, I wouldn't be worried about that," Lulu says warmly.
"Yeah, I'd say so," Kat agrees. "You were our season's power couple for a long time."
Poppy giggles. "Oh?" she asks playfully.
"Obviously, Leon and I have taken that title," Kat says with a playful laugh.
"Obviously," Poppy agrees, exchanging a warm smile with Kat.
Oliver can't help but smile at the exchange, one of his (many) favourite things about Poppy was the way she always brings people up, and he always found her interactions with Kat very sweet.
"Ugh, okay, Oli, you don't have to drive the point home, you're still our power couple," Kat says after a moment with a broad smile when she notices him looking at Poppy. "I'm going to need to call the dentist when we leave here thanks to you two."
Oliver blushes and Poppy smiles at him happily. "It's okay Oli, I stare at you sometimes, too," she says with a giggle. "You're very handsome."
"So. Many. Cavities!" Kat exclaims dramatically.
It's mid-afternoon when Poppy gets the next text of the day. She calls the others over and reads it aloud:
Ladies, go get ready for Girls Day! Your car will be here in an hour to pick you up and take you to the spa! #GirlsDay
"This is going to be fun," Poppy says brightly. "I'm sorry I'm the worst partner for this challenge," Poppy says to Oliver after the others disperse. "I have to admit, I'm really looking forward to getting away from these dolls for a while. They're nothing like real babies."
"I hope you have a nice time," Oliver says sincerely. "You deserve it."
"Thanks, Baby," Poppy says with a smile before giving Oliver a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you soon."
Poppy runs up to the dressing room to join the rest of the girls in getting ready, excited for what the rest of the day has in store and happy that, even in spite of the babies not agreeing with her, today has been a really, really great day in the villa so far.