Welcome back to another hot episode of the Bachelor Season 1! I hope you caught up on our last episode where we had our first elimination and said goodbye to one of our contestants. With only six girls left in the villa now our bachelor has to continue creating uniquely romantic events for each day to further learn more about the girls and get closer to finding his potential soulmate.
Last night Margo had to say goodbye to Bobby and the other girls who all received flowers from the bachelor. Earlier in the morning the crew cleared out her belongings in her room and it felt eerily vacant now. Margo was long gone from the villa and was said to be looking forward to going back home to her urban hometown of Bridgeport.
But Margo's absence hadn't affected the other contestants that much as they all knew the competition goes on. With breakfast being prepared by their personal chef everyone was busy with an activity to pass the time and stretch the sleep out of their body.
Rosie and Mary-Anne played some of their favourite hits on the stereo and busted some moves with confidence, giggling and having fun together. Clementine and Theodora decided to soak up the morning sun in the garden under the canopy of vines and flowers above the outdoor lounge area and discussed their experience in the villa so far. Bobby found Pearl taking a shot at pool in the lounge and introduced some friendly competition between them, playfully teasing Pearl when she missed. And Bethany was the last to awake, only getting out of bed just as the breakfast call was sounded.
With almost a week into the competition everyone was more comfortable around each other and began wearing more lounge clothes around the villa. The girls complemented each other's new outfits as they met in the kitchen to grab breakfast. Today's meal was fruit parfait made with many tropical fruits found around the beautiful isle of Sunlit Tides where the villa resides.
Bobby sat alone for breakfast and wanted a moment to reflect on the competition. With one potential candidate down and six more to get close to he had a plan up his sleeve to have a moment with the entire group today. He scoffed the sweet and flavourful parfait quickly and caught the girls for an announcement as they were seated for breakfast.
"Good morning ladies, I hope you all slept well!" Bobby's voice echoed through the kitchen. All the girls waved and responded in their own way as they smiled at the bachelor, some chewing through their spoonful of breakfast.
"I'm sure you're all intrigued to know what I have planned for you today." The contestants all nod as they intently listen to him. "After an emotional rollercoaster of an elimination I thought, 'why not have a relaxing day at the villa?' and so we're going to be having a pool day today!"
The girls began to cheer and clap with excitement as they glanced at eachother's reactions. "But that's not all," continued Bobby, "I will also be throwing a casual party later on in the evening and have invited a few local guests to join us too!" Everyone's eyes widened and minds began to wander and try guess who these guests could be. Could it be Bobby's close friends? Or perhaps it's members of their family that have flown in for a night?
"It's not even noon yet so finish up your breakfast, get into your bikinis and meet me out in the garden for a day in the sun! The party will be beginning around 6pm so relax with me until then!"
Bobby smiled at each girl before disappearing back upstairs to change into his swim shorts and apply some sunscreen. As the girls scooped up the last pieces of tropical fruit from their bowls and collaborated in the cleaning process Bobby made his way outside and served up some cool and refreshing drinks at the outdoor bar stand. Bethany was the first to join the bachelor in the garden and they both shared a drink together.
"Wow, it's hotter than I expected outside!" admitted Bethany before taking a long sip of the ice cold drink she was holding.
"Yeah, today is supposed to be a scorcher!" chuckled Bobby. "I hope you applied sunscreen, Bethany!"
"Well I plan on staying in the shade for a while but maybe later you can help me apply it?" She winked at Bobby and waited for a response.
"Perhaps, but I'm sure you don't want to make the other girls jealous... or do you?"
"Who's making who jealous?" announced Theodora as she approached to get a drink from the bar that Bobby prepared. Bethany gulped down the rest of her drink and tried to change the subject quickly, "Are ya joining me in the hot tub?"
Both Theodora and Bobby shook their heads and so Bethany ran off. Theodora looked at the bachelor with a slightly puzzled expression but he laughed it off casually before saying, "You'd have to ask her to get the full story, I'm staying quiet."
Theodora shrugged and made her way to the raised pool and got comfortable on one of the sunbeds with an umbrella above it. Bobby noticed the rest of the group make their way outside and invited them to a drink before walking down the perimeter of the pool.
As the sun rose higher into the sky everyone began settling down and choosing how to spend their time in the blistering summer heat. Although Pearl already had sunkissed skin it didn't stop her from seeking out more of a tan on days like this. She settled close to the pool and lay down comfortably on a towel and read a romance novel to pass the time, enjoying the hot sun rays bouncing off of her glistening skin.
Clementine took one of the inflatable beds and balanced herself on the water, floating around and really taking in the gorgeous views surrounding the villa. Although she is a native to Sunlit Tides it's not often that she gets a complete lounge day at her age and she was going to take advantage of the time she had under the sun.
Mary-Anne joined Bethany in the jacuzzi and enjoyed the bubbly massage she was getting from the jets. Casual conversation and occasional gossip about other contestants and the bachelor was had between the two as they giggled and grew closer to being friends.
Bobby was drawn to the water in the pool and wanted to have an energetic swim and welcomed Rosie to join him. They played around with who could hold their breath the longest and who was fastest at swimming, having a good time all around.
Bobby even attempted a few different dives off of the diving board, looking like a superhero as he posed in the air before making a splash in the sparkling liquid. Rosie followed Bobby and jumped off of the diving board too but was less graceful about it, still enjoying the time she shared with the bachelor and the group surrounding her.
As the hours trickled by the sun was halfway close to setting behind the horizon and so everyone winded down on the sunbeds and towels, some even taking a nap under the sun! Something about relaxing in a swimsuit with the bright sun keeping you warm along with the smell of the nearby sea was extremely calming that you couldn't help but snooze a little. Everyone was clearly grateful for having an easy-going day to spend alongside Bobby and really get to see what he's like as a friend.
Although the sky began shifting into a beautiful pink and orange sunset the weather was still warm and the contestants didn't want to leave the garden. Bobby suddenly gets a call on his phone and the girls hear him reply to the caller, "Brilliant, I'll get the door now, one second." He rose from his towel on the grass and walked quickly back inside. They all looked around and were curious to see who had arrived.
Bobby reappears moments later with a woman who looks the same age as Clementine and as the girls analyse her appearance they notice that she actually looks very much like Clementine too! Once the stranger meets her gaze Clementine jumps up and screams with glee before running over and giving the woman a big hug.
"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, "I didn't expect to see you here Ramona! Did Bobby invite you?"
"Yes!" admits the now introduced stranger, "He called and said he was throwing a small party and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see you! Look at this luscious villa..." Ramona began looking around and taking in the sights and ending her quick look around with a wave to the other contestants.
"Wait 'til I tell Lucretia about where you are, she'll be so jealous!" she snickered.
"Ah, I've missed you two. I hope you are getting on fine without me at home," expressed Clementine with a soft smile.
Bobby approached the sisters with a drink and offered it to Ramona which she accepted with a thanks. "So you really are sisters, huh?" began Bobby, "I didn't expect you two to look this similar!"
"We are triplets after all," explained Clementine, "our other sister is at home. Why didn't she come, Ramona?"
"You know her Clementine," scoffed Ramona, "she'd rather go partying in a big and loud venue than a sweet and intimate get together like this. But it's lovely to meet the bachelor that you went after!" Ramona eyed Bobby up and down, Clementine gave her a playful nudge.
"Maybe down the line we'll have another party that Lucretia will be happier to attend," suggested Bobby. They all smiled before Bobby asked "Hey Clementine, you don't mind if I speak to your sister in private do you?"
"Depends what you ask her," chuckled Clementine, "but of course not. I'll see about preparing us something to eat in the meantime!"
Clementine disappeared inside and as soon as she was out of earshot Bobby asked Ramona, "she's very much a mother figure isn't she? Seems like she wants to take care of everyone."
Ramona nodded and got chatting with Bobby. She took this time to learn more about Bobby, prying in a slightly defensive way but Bobby knew that she was just looking out for her sister, the two of them seemed very close. As the sky grew darker the bachelor decided this was his chance to pry for information from Ramona.
"Spill the beans on Clementine's dating history to me, Ramona." Bobby tried to be suave and lighthearted with her sister and smirked when he talked.
"Well..." began Ramona, "to be completely honest she hasn't had too much luck in the dating department. In the last few years she really dedicated herself to her job, she works as a paramedic in her daily life."
"Oh interesting, she hasn't told me that before," admitted Bobby thoughtfully. "Then... do you think if she were to win this competition she would dedicate most of her time to her job?"
Ramona was quiet and pondered Bobby's question for a minute. "It could be the case," she murmured, "but I think if she meets 'the one' she might change her attitude about that. Won't know until it happens I think."
Bobby had just learned some information that might give Clementine a disadvantage for the next elimination. Although he was ready to be supportive to his other half he wouldn't want to be forgotten because of a career. But his thoughts were interrupted by the girl he was thinking about. "Hey Bobby," called Clementine as she came outside, hands busy with a platter of raw ingredients, "I think there's someone at the door, can you get it?"
Bobby nodded and made his way inside. Ramona caught up with Clementine and followed her to the outdoor grill to help her make dinner. When inside Bobby noticed a few girls lounging on the couches and they admitted to him that it was getting a little chilly outside for them now that the sun was hidden out of sight. At the door stood a man and a woman, both tan and saying hello to Bobby with an accent native to Sunlit Tides. The bachelor welcomed them in and asked for their names.
The man introduced himself as Gilberto and the woman said her name was Ursula as they took turns to shake Bobby's hand. Once the guests said their names some of the contestants ran over to meet them in the corridor and say hello to their friend that had just arrived.
As Pearl approached Gilberto he made a loud wolf whistle, "DAMN Pearl!" he exclaimed, "you're looking smoking tonight!" She did a little spin and showed off her body in her swimsuit with confidence. Bobby stood nearby and chuckled while also taking the time to politely admire Pearl's undeniable beauty. Gilberto turned to the bachelor and joked, "how can you stand so casually next to her when she's so drop dead gorgeous?!"
At the same time Theodora called out Ursula's name and the two girls met with a hug. Ursula held Theodora's hands and enthusiastically said, "look at you go, girl! You're doing it! And looking stunning in the process!" Theodora visibly blushed a little and the reunited friends got chatting.
Gilberto pulled Bobby into the conversation he was having with Pearl and had a tight grip on the bachelor's arm. "You haven't hurt this girl have you?" Gilberto said in a low voice.
"Hey! Stop fooling around!" shouted Pearl as she lightly smacked Gilberto's tight hand. He let go and replied,
"Relax, honey. I was just testing him is all, but you knew that didn't you Bobby?"
"O-of course!" blurted Bobby, "I can't blame a guy wanting to look out for his friend!"
"That's the words I wanna hear!" laughed Gilberto as he rubbed Bobby's shoulder.
Pearl playfully rolled her eyes and called Gilberto a buffoon. He rolled with her interaction and the two had almost a brother and sister bond with the way they talked. Bobby found it heart warming and spectated the conversation. Soon enough Pearl excused herself and it was just Gilberto and Bobby left to talk on their own.
"Thanks for coming here, Gilberto," began Bobby, "it's great to meet some people that know the girls well here."
"It's my pleasure, man," Gilberto said casually, "thanks for the invite too!" The two men had a quick conversation before Bobby decided to find more information about Pearl, seeing as she hadn't come back yet.
"You seem to be very protective over Pearl," commented Bobby, "and I heard that she had a rough relationship not too long ago. Were you there to help her through it?"
"Oh, of course I was," spoke Gilberto confidently, "I couldn't leave her alone when she was so hurt and betrayed. I'm always there to be a shoulder to cry on for Pearl, without a doubt."
"I'm really glad to hear that," smiled Bobby. "Do you think she has fully gotten over that relationship?"
"I mean... I hope so," shrugged Gilberto, "that dick treated her like trash so I hope she never gives him the time of day, not even a thought." He crossed his arms before speaking again, "I don't know how many details she told you but if I ever see her go through that again I will kill the next man that betrays her. I'm serious."
Bobby felt a slight wave of intimidation wash over him but composed himself quickly and retorted, "that behaviour isn't anywhere in my books, I can promise you that. I intend to find a girl that I can love, cherish and share some special moments with in this competition and I won't throw it away by being a prick to her."
Gilberto's stoic face broke out into a wide grin and he smacked Bobby on the back as he laughed. "I think we're gonna be good friends, pal!" Bobby laughed with him and Pearl reemerged to see the two men have a bro moment.
"Should I even ask?" she chuckled. Boy, was he happy to see her again! Although he was happy to have met her friend he definitely didn't expect him to be so intense. Regardless he was happy to know that Pearl has moved on and is fully focused on this competition. Bobby excused himself and made his way to meet Ursula, Theodora's best friend, from what he gathered.
As he approached the duo they were finishing up a conversation that they were having. Ursula met Bobby's gaze and smiled at him before saying, "Hey Bobby, we were just talking about you!" Theodora's face suddenly shifted into a shocked one, not expecting her best friend to just expose her like that. "Theodora wouldn't stop telling me how handsome and fun you are!" she continued. Theodora was beginning to hide her reddening face in her hands.
"Goodness, Ursula!" exclaimed Theodora in a slightly shrill voice, "you're giving away all my secrets! It's just like we're kids in school again." They both giggled as they briefly reminisced their school days and Bobby can only imagine how Theodora was as a little child, loud and full of life.
"Oh, do tell," pried Bobby, "what was Theodora's first crush in school?" Ursula broke out in laughter and before she could even catch a breath Theodora was begging her to not continue.
"Oh, it's so embarrassing, please don't tell him! If you're really my best friend you won't say a word!" Theodora said at a fast pace.
As Ursula regained her composure she nudged Bobby and told him, "maybe if Theodora wins this competition and ends up with you I'll spill all her secrets to you."
"Deal!" screamed Theodora. It seemed like the best outcome for her and Bobby couldn't help but let his imagination wander and try imagine what she could be hiding. Are her secrets something simple and slightly embarrassing like a young childhood crush or could there be something more sinister behind it.
Moving on from making Theodora go red in the face Bobby asked the two girls how they know each other. They tell him that they grew up in the same town but when Ursula was soon to graduate she had to move back to Sunlit Tides with her parents, inevitably splitting the two apart. They remained in contact the entire time, occasionally visiting each other's towns, but this year Theodora made the big decision to move here and live closer to her lifelong best friend. They both spoke very fondly of each other and it was clear that the bond they had was strong.
Suddenly their conversation was interrupted by Ramona coming in and announcing to the contestants and guests that dinner is ready and is served in the garden. The group all collectively made their way down to the outdoor grill and were presented with Clementine proudly serving up fresh salmon with roasted vegetables. As she saw them approach she boasted about how the fish will be extra flavourful after being cooked on the grill and that without her dear sister's help the meal wouldn't be as perfect as it is.
Everyone dug in and shared friendly conversations under the moonlight and dinner was quickly over. The guests spotted the hot tub earlier and offered to have a quick dip to which the girls agreed to. Before they left the table Bobby took the opportunity to let the girls know that he will slip away for a few minutes and that at 10pm he wants the girls to change out of their bikinis and meet him upstairs. As he left there was an air of intrigue left behind which everyone took to the jacuzzi.
Once submerged in the bubbling waters of the hot tub the girls couldn't help but speculate what the bachelor was up to. Mary-Anne kept glancing at her phone and waiting until 10 to go get changed and meet the bachelor upstairs while others seemed more relaxed about their deadline. Bethany was the first to rise out from the hot tub and everyone followed suit. They all rushed back to their rooms, dried off, got changed and fixed their hair and makeup just a touch and rushed to find where Bobby was. He told them upstairs... but where exactly?
The bachelor stood in the live music room with his back turned to the entrance to the room and waited for the contestants. What they don't know is that Bobby created a secret little competition where the first girl that he sees will share a dance with him and if all goes well with that lucky girl she might get a flower and be safe from the next elimination!
Bobby stood patiently and began hearing the girls walk down the corridor and couldn't help but smile to himself. He heard some voices chatting away as they made their way to him and others seemed to be walking faster. Feeling like a character from a movie as he kept his back to them he waited until the footsteps subsided and then turned around to meet the gaze of one girl...
Mary-Anne. Her bright red hair stood out from the rest of them and his eyes stuck to her appearance like magnets. His smile widened and he stepped closer to her before saying,
"Mary-Anne, will you dance with me?"
Her face froze in shock, not expecting to hear those words come from Bobby but she quickly said yes before the opportunity was lost. The other girls visibly looked disappointed and all wished to be in Mary-Anne's place right now and Bobby understood he needed to explain himself.
He revealed to the girls that this was a little test to see who would show up first and wow him the most, a little playful competition. He assured the girls this isn't the last time he'll play this little trick on them and ended the conversation by taking Mary-Anne's hand and leading her to a comfortable dance spot.
Although Bethany was envious that the bachelor chose Mary-Anne to dance with him she decided to not ruin the mood and contribute some entertainment to the other girls and give a nice melody for the duet to dance to. She went up on stage, grabbed the acoustic guitar on one of the stands and announced to the crowd that she will play a few songs. She was passionate about music and felt a million times better when she put her emotions into a song.
As Clementine was on a hosting streak she went to the bar stand in the room and prepared some quick drinks to get the party started for the other girls. She went around and handed them out to everyone as Bethany strummed out the greatest romantic hits.
Some girls stood close to the stage and tapped their feet along to the beat of the guitar while others sat at the bar stand and listened while chatting occasionally, making the most out of a slightly upsetting scenario Bobby created for them. They wanted to be happy for Mary-Anne as friends but at the end of the day it's a competition, and a competition to win Bobby's heart.
Regardless of the crowd the two dancers were in full swing swaying in a slow dance to Bethany's skilled guitar strumming. The two of them couldn't help but think back to a few days ago when they shared a romantic moment under a full moon. Mary-Anne was so grateful to be so close to the bachelor again, realising how much she had been craving his touch after such a short time. As Bobby looked deeply into Mary-Anne's eyes while they danced he felt as if they were the only two in the room, getting lost in his date's evergreen eyes. One thing that he was sure about tonight was that Mary-Anne meant a lot to him and the connection he shared with her was deeply romantic, making him feel excited from head to toe.
Bethany let her last chord on the guitar ring out into silence before bowing to the other contestants and declaring that she is finished performing. Everyone politely clapped for her and some even whooped at her talent. Even Bobby stopped dancing with Mary-Anne to contribute to the cheering and shouted a big thank you to Bethany for her music. He looked around and noticed people were looking tired as it was nearing midnight and told the crowd that the party will be ending shortly. His invited guests found this the perfect time to say their goodbyes, give a warm hug to their best friends and thank the bachelor again for the invitation.
As Clementine cleaned up the glasses she handed out to the girls and some retreated to their bedrooms Bobby asked Mary-Anne to follow him for another little surprise. He led her to a nearby room and pointed at the photobooth they had in the corner, "did you ever notice we have one of these in the villa?"
"Huh, no I actually didn't!" admitted Mary-Anne as she tilted her head. Bobby pulled the curtain aside and stretched out his hand to his date, inviting her in to the booth for a fun photo. Once seated inside the cramped photobooth, both of their shoulders tightly pressed against each other, Mary-Anne couldn't help but feel her heartbeat quicken again. They both knew if they turned to face each other their noses would touch so each move would have to be calculated.
After sitting there for what felt like minutes but was merely seconds Bobby breaks the silence, "should we take some goofy photos? You can keep the film strip and hang it on your wall, maybe it'll make you smile each time you see it!"
Mary-Anne giggled before replying with an okay and so Bobby pressed the button inside of the booth and the timer began blinking on the screen. They both collaborated in the tight booth trying to think of the silliest poses they could do together and each time the flash went off they couldn't help but laugh and imagine how they looked like in the end result. After four shots the screen displayed a 'please wait' while the pictures were printing and the duo came out from the photobooth.
Bobby pulled the printed strip of photos from the dispenser and handed it to Mary-Anne while laughing. They both pointed out their favourite poses on the print and joked about each other's faces they pulled in the booth. They were both filled with a warm fuzzy feeling from the experience and Bobby knew what he had to do.
As they both died down from laughter Bobby presents a neatly wrapped box to Mary-Anne and she did a light gasp before giving Bobby a big smile. "Is this what I think it is?" she said in a suggestive voice. Bobby gestured for her to open it and what she found inside were a bundle of yellow wildflowers. She lifted them out of the box and was beaming with joy before giving Bobby a massive hug and whispering to him thank you.
"You have really made my day Bobby," she said in a gentle voice, "you have no idea how much all of this means to me." As she pulled away Bobby noticed how choked up Mary-Anne was getting and he was slightly surprised but grateful to see this side of her.
"Anything for you, Mary-Anne," admitted the bachelor, "now get some sleep, we have another busy day tomorrow. Thank you for sharing another romantic moment with me tonight. See you in the morning."
He gave her a small wave and began going up the stairs to his room. Mary-Anne stood and watched him go out of her sight before looking back down at the flowers she was just gifted. Her chest was going to burst from the many emotions she was feeling and she even had to pinch herself and check if this was all real, to which it was!
She quietly skipped back to her room and noticed that everyone had already gone to bed, with her roommate Clementine fast asleep. She quietly entered the room, switched on light on her bedside table and displayed her flowers and photobooth picture near her bed. These gifts brought her a tremendous amount of joy and she felt like she couldn't look away from them. Eventually she understood she had to sleep so she got changed into her pyjamas and settled into bed. That night she dreamt of Bobby a lot and not only relived the moments she shared with him but also let her imagination run wild in her sleep, creating scenarios that are yet to happen.
And that marks the end of the fifth episode of the Bachelor Season 1! Everyone feels nicely rested up after a day in the sun and with some seeing their close friends and family. But what is in store for the contestants in the next episode? You'll just have to tune in and see what happens! See you in the next one!
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