Bachelor Challenge Season 1 - Episode 4

1st Elimination

You're about to watch an extra special episode of The Bachelor as today the girls face the season's first elimination day. Tensions are high and hands are trembling to find out who will be going home tonight and saying goodbye to being our bachelor's significant other. In the last episode our bachelor attempted speed dating with as many contestants as he could and now has a better understanding of who really has chemistry with him and who didn't mesh well with him at all. So without further ado let's get straight into it!

Unlike the previous mornings Bobby was the first to awake. He felt a little groggy after going to bed pretty late after his moonlight date with Mary-Anne last night but he knew he needed some serious thinking to do before 3pm, the time he gathers the girls for elimination.

He got dressed in some casual clothes for breakfast and fixed his hair up in his mirror. He thought picking girls for a group date was hard but now his brain is swirling with what he thinks of each contestant. Does he even have the heart to send one of them home tonight? 

But not all is lost as he still has time to chat with two girls he feels the most unsure about after breakfast, giving them one last chance to impress him and keep their place in the competition. As he made his way downstairs a chime ringed out throughout the house, breakfast was ready!

As he entered the kitchen he saw the girls all lining up to get their portion of what their personal chef prepared for them. He noticed Clementine was already seated and eating away at the breakfast table.

"What's that delicious meal you're eating there Clementine?" called over Bobby as he tried to take a look at her plate.

"Vanilla waffles!" chewed Clementine. She swallowed before saying her next sentence, "We're absolutely spoiled here with the immaculate cooking, don't send me home today to eat boring cereal again!"

Bobby chuckled and made his way to the platter with waffles, greeting girls that were about to eat along the way. He really enjoyed and cherished the liveliness in the villa every morning and couldn't help but experience a little sadness knowing it was only going to get quieter as the days went on...

After everyone was well fed Bobby wanted to talk to the first girl that he was slightly unsure about and that first girl was Margo. As this was truly a last chance for her Bobby decided he would be as honest as he could with her and hoped she would answer honestly too.

He approached her and invited her into the discussion room, a small room located near the elimination stage in the main room. She nodded and followed him there. The room was quaint and simple with a white couch, a tall plant, a coffee table and a few decorations on the walls. It was also surprisingly quiet there, all of the sounds of the girls bustling after breakfast were completely blocked out.

The bachelor began speaking to Margo without hesitation, "Alright, let's get to the point here Margo. I feel like you're one of the girls out of the bunch that I haven't seemed to click with the best... do you remember our first day at the villa?"

"Yeah, what about it?" asked Margo with an arched brow.

"Well," continued Bobby, "you weren't very pleasant to talk to, giving me a pretty rotten first impression by almost insulting me when I asked you a question."

Margo scoffed, "of course I would respond like that, you came to me with your arrogant attitude and expected me to fall head over heels for you as soon as you stood in front of me!"

"There you use that word again..." Bobby's hands fell heavily into his lap with frustration. "Look Margo, all I'm trying to say is that since our first interaction I felt like it has always been tense with you and I haven't really felt a true connection to you."

Bobby looked deeply at Margo as he continued, "I really enjoy the competitive side to your rash personality but I feel like the negative outweighs the positive, do you feel like that too?"

"No." said Margo bluntly. "I honestly feel like you haven't tried hard enough to get to know me. Other than that I've been being as much of myself as I am."

"Alright," ended Bobby, "thank you for the chat Margo. I'll see you later at 3pm for elimination." He sighed as he stood up and walked out of the room without looking at Margo. Frustration and a bit of disgust brewed in Bobby but he tried to let it go before seeing the second girl he was willing to give another chance today.

As he looked around for the other girl he heard some pretty terrible singing coming from the lounge room and so his curiosity led him there. To pass the time between breakfast and elimination both Bethany and Clementine decided to try out the karaoke machine, showing off their very mediocre singing skills.

Bethany could carry a note once in a while but Clementine was useless with her voice, still they sang and laughed and had some time to let loose! Bobby watched from afar and occasionally chuckled to himself while also contemplating which girl to talk to. He solidified his decision when the two girls finished their song and put the microphones back in their place.

The bachelor walked towards the duo and asked Clementine if she could speak to him in private. Her playful smile dropped for a second and a wave of anxiety flowed over her face before she bravely smiled at the bachelor, accepting his invitation.

He led her back to the same room he spoke to Margo in but Margo was not there anymore. He sat down in the same spot as he did last time and gestured to Clementine for her to sit down next to him. Bobby knew he wouldn't have to be as direct and harsh to Clementine as he was to Margo and had different questions he wanted to ask her before elimination.

He started off the conversation light, "What made you decide to try out the karaoke machine Clementine?" Bobby smiled at her as he finished his question.

"Actually Bethany noticed it first and I just happened to be in the same room as her!" laughed Clementine. "She was so excited about it it was difficult to say no to her, and so I did a little duet with her."

"I could hear you two from across the villa!" joked Bobby. They both shared a moment of lighthearted laughter but Bobby knew he should start getting to the point.

"So Clementine," began Bobby as he got more comfortable in his seat, "you know why I wanted to talk to you in private... I'm having doubts if we have a romantic connection forming between us or not." Clementine's face was serious and she nodded waiting for Bobby's next words. 

"I think you're a very interesting and intelligent girl and I am so grateful to have had the time to get closer to you but I'm just worried that what we have right now is purely platonic... do you feel that way too?"

Clementine looked away and was silent in thought for a few seconds before replying, "I see where you're coming from but... I don't want what we have to stay platonic, I'm here in this competition for the same reason as the other girls."

Bobby got an idea that brought a smirk to his face. "So... what would your reaction be if I did something like this?" 

The bachelor did a fake stretch and put his arm around Clementine, a classic move! She didn't expect it at all and lightly gasped before letting herself relax and fall into Bobby's side. She felt her heart skip a beat and her cheeks get warm.

"I couldn't help but feel my heart flutter, Bobby," she admitted. They took a moment to look each other in the eyes and Bobby really analysed her reaction while also digging deep down to understand what he felt towards her.

Once he looked away Clementine put her head on his shoulder and the two shared a few minutes of silence, enjoying their intimate cuddle, thinking about how warm their skin is against the other and how their breaths are almost perfectly synchronised.

After a few minutes Bobby began to shift away and looked at Clementine while holding one of her hands. "Thank you for this chat, and cuddle, Clementine," he said softly. "I think this is the first time I have shared such an intimate moment with one of the contestants in all these days, so you have something to brag about!" He winked at her as she chuckled.

"I'll see you again at the elimination." He began standing up while still holding her hand and she followed his lead. 

"Thank you too Bobby, you're an absolute gentleman," said Clementine.

As they left the room some of the girls were huddling together talking about how it was almost 2pm and that the eliminations were soon. Bobby noticed them and thought it was a perfect opportunity to let them know a small detail about the elimination.

"Hey there girls," greeted Bobby, "just wanted to point out that for elimination you always have to dress to impress! I'm sure you'd want to look fabulous in case you're the one sent home! Each elimination will have a theme and for the first one we're going for 'Individualism', so dress in something that really shows off your personality!"

The contestants began whispering and murmuring amongst each other and thanked Bobby for the information before running back to their rooms to start getting ready. The bachelor took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before retreating to his room also.

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Every girl took their time perfecting their look for tonight, finishing their makeup, doing up their hair and evening out their dresses in the mirrors. Some contestants were taking some time for themselves, calming down their nerves through a pep talk while others were supporting each other in the best ways they knew how.

Bethany and Theodora were the first girls ready and they had gotten close after getting comfortable being roommates. "Your hair looks fabulous tonight Theodora!" exclaimed Bethany.

"Oh stop it!" snapped Theodora playfully, "have you seen how gorgeous you look in your dress?" 

After their little exchange they were the first one's to come down to the main room where the elimination was going to take place. Bobby was already waiting for them near a table with champagne glasses and flowers. He looked deep in thought but still smiled when he noticed them in the room.

"Hi ladies, you look stunning tonight!" admitted Bobby. The girls giggled and thanked him. "Please line up on the stand and once we have everyone we'll begin elimination.

As soon as they took to the stand and were chatting away to pass the time Bobby went back into thought, looking out into space. Earlier when he was getting dressed for elimination he had another ponder as he stood at his bedroom window, thinking back at his talks with Margo and Clementine. Did either of these girls deserve to go home tonight?

As he snapped back to reality he saw each girl come down one by one and each one was met with a personalised compliment from the bachelor. Not long after the stage was full with the entire group and they all quietened down, waiting for Bobby to begin.

The bachelor composed himself and began with a short speech, "Welcome everyone to our first elimination," he began.

"We have had some fun days fly by and now we must say goodbye to one of you wonderful girls. After a long time of consideration I have decided who I don't feel is the right match for me and I will be sending home from the villa. When I will call your name please make your way to me and I will present you with some flowers. You can accept or deny them, the choice is entirely yours."

The girls stood still on the long podium, listening to Bobby intently. The bachelor's eyes scanned the group and he began the elimination process.

"Before I say who gets the first flower from me I must point out that Pearl is safe from tonight's elimination, aren't you Pearl?"

Pearl began to giggle, "Yes I am, thanks to your gift a few nights ago."

He gestured for her to come to him and she walked with a confident strut to the bachelor. "Congratulations Pearl, you are safe from tonight's elimination and you can take a seat on the couches behind me." 

He gave her a tender hug and she walked off to get comfortable on the white modern couches, observing the elimination process from afar.

With Pearl settled behind the Bachelor he decided to continue the elimination ceremony. "The first girl I'd like to call over is..."

"Theodora."

Her face brightened and she put on a big smile before walking down to Bobby. She was elated to hear her name be the first to come from Bobby's lips. 

She stood in front of him, smiling from ear to ear, and he asked her, "Theodora, will you accept these flowers from me and stay in the villa? He presents her the most wonderfully bright peonies Theodora has ever seen and gasps from the beauty before saying, "Yes of course! Oh my goodness, these are gorgeous!!!" 

She takes the flowers from Bobby's hands and smells them before walking to the couches and joining Pearl in the wait. She feels her heartbeat slow as the excitement and adrenaline wear off and watches closely at how the girls are doing.

"Now, moving on..." spoke Bobby. 

As the other girls stood on the stage, patiently waiting for their name to be called, the sun was slowly setting behind the wavy horizon, changing the sky outside from a pale blue to a rich orange. 

"The next girl to come to me is..."

"Clementine."

Clementine straightened her back from shock as she heard her name and smiled as she walked over to the bachelor.

As she got close to Bobby she saw the rose that was in the vase on the table beside him and began thinking back on the intimate moment she had just hours before elimination. The questions Bobby asked circled in her head in that brief moment, did she feel romantic feelings towards Bobby? Then she heard his voice,

"Will you accept this bouquet from me Clementine?" Bobby presents her fresh white roses and she understood why Theodora gasped when she was handed the flowers, they're absolutely immaculate! All doubts instantly left her mind and she enthusiastically said yes to the bachelor before taking them off of him. She thanked him and joined the other girls on the couch.

Four girls were left standing in front of Bobby and he put his hand on his chin in thought of who to call next. He could see in each girl's eyes how badly they wanted to hear him say their name but there was only one that was currently on his mind...

"Mary-Anne, bring your pretty self over here."

Mary-Anne beamed from relief and the sweet compliment from Bobby and made her way off of the stage and stood in front of Bobby. She looked to the table as she got closer, trying to figure out which flowers he was going to offer her.

"Will you take these flowers from me Mary-Anne?" Bobby presented the contestant a bunch of marigolds wrapped in white paper. Mary-Anne looked at the bouquet in awe and graciously accepted the flowers as she said, "Yes, thank you so much Bobby! How did you know these were my favourite?"

"Just a hunch," said Bobby nonchalantly. He then gestured to Mary-Anne that she could take a seat with the other girls who all held their flowers and so she walked off.

Once Bobby saw Mary-Anne settle into her seat he looked back at the remaining girls. With so few of them left he could see they were all beginning to look very nervous and decided to be playful with the next girl,

"Come on down here, ghost hunter Rosie!"

Rosie's face went from shock to laughter and Bobby could instantly see the tension go away as her shoulders relaxed. The last two girls on the stage laughed too but then looked at each other with worry. Rosie walked down to Bobby and he said,

"Rosie, will you take these flowers and stay in the villa with me?" He pulls out some red lillies from behind his back and stuns Rosie with their beauty. 

"Yes, yes yes! Thank you!" she replied. He gently placed them into her hands and she smiled at him before walking to the safe contestants.

And then there were two. Bobby took a long look at each girl before he spoke again. Bethany's eyes stared longingly into Bobby's, begging to be the last girl chosen, yet she stood there strong and with confidence. While Margo on the other hand looked shocked she was in the bottom two as she held a hand to her mouth. She looked like she didn't expect to possibly be the last chosen.

"Two girls remain," began Bobby, "but which should get the last flower from me and stay in this competition..." His voice trailed off and he began to rub his chin going into thought. He remembered how he talked to Margo earlier in the day and considered how much their conversation would influence his decision. The two girls stood still as they waited for a name from the bachelor, trying to control their nervous knees from shaking.

Bobby brought his hands to his sides and looked at each girl left on the podium before raising his right hand and gesturing to one girl,

"Bethany." Some girls on the couch quietly gasped and Bethany jumped slightly where she stood. "Please come to me and take the final flowers."

She made her way down to Bobby and Margo looked down at her feet with sorrow. She felt like she couldn't even look at the other contestants as her pride was shattered.

Bobby sighed as he smiled at Bethany and presented her pink ruffled carnations. "Bethany, will you accept these flowers from me and stay in the villa?" 

Bethany wore a warm smile as she said, "Of course Bobby, thank you for not letting me down."

He nodded his head and handed the flowers to her before she walked to the other girls. She audibly breathed out a large sigh of relief and was met by the other girls with a congratulations. Theodora whispered to Bethany, "glad you're still here roomie."

Bobby looked back at Margo and waited for her to walk down to him to say goodbye. She wore a disappointed and sad expression as she heavily walked to Bobby.

"I'm sorry Margo but I will have to ask you to say goodbye to the other contestants and make your way home," explained Bobby. "I will wait for you outside and send you on your way."

Bobby began walking towards the front door and disappeared shortly after, leaving the girls in private to say their goodbyes.

Margo didn't seem to get close with many of the other contestants in her short time at the villa but Pearl was willing to hug her goodbye while the others were shocked to see her go. Margo said her thank you's and went to meet Bobby outside.

He stood near a car that was ready to take her back to the airport and fly her back to her hometown of Bridgeport. She approached him and gave him a sad smile. "Thank you for the opportunity to be in this competition and have a chance at meeting you, Bobby," began Margo.

"It was my pleasure," replied Bobby. "I hope you find what you're looking for back home Margo."

She waved him goodbye and got in the car before zooming off into the dark night. Bobby felt a bittersweet emotion but he was glad to have one less snappy girl in the villa to worry about. He turned around, walked back into the villa and invited the other girls into the kitchen.

There the chef had prepared them some champagne and cocktails to celebrate the end of the first elimination of the season! There was also some key lime pie to snack on with their drinks. They all cheered with their beverages and got chatting.

Bobby approached each girl and let them know he was genuinely happy to have them still be in the competition, letting each one know that "it's all downhill from here" for when the next elimination happens. He felt content with his choice and enjoyed the cheerful vibes from the girls.

He invited everyone to grab a slice of the pie and have a quick meal together before bed. It was very late and everyone was feeling pretty exhausted after the highs and lows of the evening. Before they knew it the plates were empty and they were all dragging their feet off to bed. The bachelor wished them all a goodnight and retreated to his room for the night.

One down, six more to go. Bobby is one step closer to potentially finding his soulmate among the six girls still left at the villa. With Margo gone there are still many more exclusive dates that Bobby will take the girls on... but what will happen next? Tune in to the next episode coming to your screens soon! Don't miss out!

Bachelor Season 1
Episode 3 / Episode 5

Bachelor Challenge Season 1 - Episode 3

You're tuning back in to The Bachelor and we've got a fun and packed episode for you all this time! In the last episode we saw this season's Bachelor, Bobby Martin, go on the season's first group date with three lucky girls. Memories were made and fun was had, but there are still four other girls that haven't had the chance to be on a date with Bobby... can he make time for each girl? Let's get right into it!

Each morning is a surprise at the villa and every day a new girl is the first to wake up. This morning its Bethany, up right and early. Her roommate Theodora only started waking up just as Bethany was heading out of their room. They exchanged good mornings and promised that they'd see each other at breakfast.

When Bethany stepped out into the corridor she spotted Clementine on the other end. They walked to meet in the middle and got chatting. After the usual small talk Bethany couldn't help but gossip about the three girls that went on a date with the Bachelor, 

"Did you see how tired Margo was when they all came back? I bet Bobby finally told her what he thought of her rash personality!"

"Hey!" exclaimed Clementine, "don't jump to conclusions! She did say she had a headache."

"Maybe that was just an excuse?" snickered Bethany.

But where were the three chosen girls? If you peered in to their rooms you could see they were all still fast asleep, they all went to bed later than the girls that spent their day in the villa. But one thing they didn't forget to do before bed was proudly display their group picture they took at the photobooth at yesterday's festival. But one even luckier girl had something else to display.

Pearl's flowers personally handed to her by the bachelor stood in a small vase next to her group photo, ensuring she is safe from the next elimination. And with this safety she slept like a baby before being the first of the three girls to wake up. She stretched and yawned and glanced at her aromatic gift before stepping out into the corridor. Bethany and Clementine stopped gossiping as soon as they saw Pearl and decided to disband their chats.

After the girls freshened up in the bathrooms for the day they all got to their own tasks while waiting for breakfast. Theodora occupied herself with a light novel she had been meaning to read in the sunny hobby room, enjoying the peacefulness and warmth from the sun. Mary-Anne created a routine out of playing the cello in the morning and livening up the villa with her melodies. While out in the garden Clementine had gotten into her pool gear and tried out the diving board at the deep end of the pool.

Bethany found Rosie in the live music room once again and decided to pry and learn more about yesterday's group date. She began with questioning Rosie about the gift she heard Bobby give to Pearl,

"I heard Bobby gift Pearl some wildflowers, what does that mean?"

"Pearl is safe from tomorrow's elimination," explained Rosie, "she displayed the flowers next to her bed if you want to see them!"

"Wow..." replied Bethany with a hint of jealousy in her tone. "And how did you find the group date?"

"It was great fun! Kind of intense having the other girls around but Bobby was good with finding time for each of us!" Rosie smiled as she remembered yesterday's events.

"And what happened with Margo?" said Bethany with a raised brow.

"She had a headache but nothing happened... what are you implying?"

"Well... didn't she get off on the wrong foot with Bobby? Did he say anything rude back to her?" Bethany's eyes widened as she thought she was going to finally hear what she wanted.

"Uhh... no. They actually had a great football game, I saw them talking a lot. Why do you think Bobby would do that?"

"F-forget it." snapped Bethany, "I just misunderstood, that's all." 

As the two girls were engaging in a now awkward conversation Bobby was in his personal bathroom trimming his beard. While giving it a good shape he reflected on yesterday and began thinking of what will happen today.

Today's romantic adventure is speed dating, having short but sweet dates with as many girls as he can. He planned to prioritise the four girls that didn't go on the group date with him yesterday, giving them a chance to grow closer to him and see if they are in any way compatible with him. There was so little time in the day and so many girls to be with so he decided these quick dates will all happen in the villa. He thought of what activity to do with each girl and once he was satisfied with his reflection in the mirror he gave himself a smile and went downstairs for breakfast.

All of the contestants collectively came down to the kitchen and checked out what was for breakfast today. The chef presented them with a plate of banana pancakes, straight off of the stove. 

The girls excitedly grabbed a portion and met Bobby on their way to their seat. Bobby complimented the chef on her immaculate dishes as always and went to the dining room to enjoy breakfast. Like every morning everyone chose a spot where to eat depending on their mood with some girls eating alone, at the breakfast table or in the dining room. The atmosphere was friendly and social and everyone was buzzing for another exciting day at the villa!

As Rosie finished her plate of pancakes first she decided to be on cleaning duty. She began scrubbing some plates in the sink and everyone else passed on their plates to her. 

The clock was ticking and Bobby was well fed and ready to start the speed dating process. Straight after breakfast he approached Theodora and asked her to meet him in the hobby room. She excitedly agreed and went back to her room to get dressed out of her pyjamas.

Theodora slipped into her usual everyday dress and walked to the hobby room right next to her room. There she found Bobby sitting on one of the couches near the large TV holding two video game controllers, waving one of them up in the air.

"I remember you said you're interested in manga and video games... wanna play a game with me?" Bobby raised his brow as he finished his question.

Theodora skipped on over and got comfortable beside him on the white couch. They agreed to play a sports game and be on the same team rather than get competitive against each other. And so the game was on!

Bobby was pleasantly surprised with Theodora's quick reactions and altruistic playstyle and he was having a lot of fun with her. The room echoed with the sound of the clicking from their buttons on the controller, their cooperative conversation and the cheering from the artificial crowd from the TV. They ended up winning their match in the sports game and called it a good game.

They both put their controllers down and got chatting about the game, reminiscing on the highlights of the game, such as when Bobby perfectly passed the ball to Theodora and that last shot making them win the match!

Bobby stood up to put the controllers back near the console and Theodora stood up too. He checked the time and realised they only have a few more minutes to talk as these dates had to be speedy so they got one last chat in.

The bachelor's next move was to determine if he had a romantic connection with Theodora, 

"Y'know, unique and competitive skills is something I look for in a partner... and it looks like you've got what I'm looking for." He gave her a smirk and waited for an answer.

"And I've been looking for the perfect gaming partner... funny, I  feel like he may be standing right in front of me," she winked.

"I'd definitely love to game with you sometime again Theodora, but I have to finish up our date here." he admitted. "Thank you for an amazing afternoon!"

"And thank you Bobby!" exclaimed Theodora. "Can't wait for our next gaming session!"

He hugged her goodbye and went back upstairs to change into something more appropriate for his next date. He wanted to invite Clementine out to the pool especially after he saw how much fun she was having on the diving board this morning. He got his swim shorts on and found her chatting with Theodora in the hobby room. Once Theodora saw him approach she understood that this was her cue to leave.

Bobby asked if Clementine would join him out near the pool and she happily followed the bachelor outside. He walked towards the outdoor bar stand where there were already some cold glasses of lemonade waiting for them, prepared earlier by the chef. They both took a glass each, stood in the sun and got talking.

They both sipped their ice cold drinks and got to know each other further, with Bobby asking more about her life on the tropical Sunlit Tides where they currently reside at. She recounted many sunny memories from her childhood and adolescence and admitted to Bobby that she is touched he cares so much about her history and culture.

As they got talking about her childhood she revealed to Bobby that although she is the oldest contestant here she still has a child-like wonder and they both pulled a few funny faces, letting their guard down together and feeling free to express themselves how they please. Bobby couldn't stop smiling when he talked to Clementine, there was something very warm and comforting about her...

As the sun slowly changed the colour of the sky to a lovely warm orange they finished their drinks and chose to cool off further in the pool. Clementine got in first and Bobby followed, playfully splashing her as he jumped in. Their light banter continued as they floated in the water until Bobby suggested to do a hold breath contest. They submerged under water and although Bobby can brag about being athletic he was the first to go up for air.

Clementine popped up a few seconds after Bobby and cheered at her victory! The bachelor invited Clementine to get out of the pool and had to say goodbye,

"Unfortunately our fun in the sun has to end now," started Bobby as he looked to the ground. "Thank you for spending time with me this evening Clementine."

"No, thank you Bobby!" exclaimed Clementine, "I haven't had this much fun in a pool in a long time." They both gave each other a friendly smile and dried off with some towels on one of the sunbeds.

By the time the bachelor dried off and changed back into his typical everyday wear the sun had set and the villa was illuminated by lamps and candles. It might be getting late but he was determined to get two more dates in before the day ends! He found Bethany near the jacuzzi outside in the garden and approached her with a proposal.

Bobby invited Bethany on a late night picnic in the garden to which she enthusiastically agreed to! He led her to the corner of the garden where a large canopied tree sheltered the ground underneath it and there lay a lovely picnic blanket with all of the goodies you'd need for a tasty snack. The area was illuminated by a few lanterns with flickering candles and the area was filled with a sweet aroma coming from the flowering bushes nearby.

The duo sat down comfortably on the blanket and Bobby started off their conversation with asking how Bethany's day went. She told him about how she was getting very friendly with the other contestants and how she played guitar alongside Mary-Anne's cello melodies. Bobby served some hotdogs and they got munching, throwing in a few words when they weren't chewing.

You could faintly hear the other girls gathering to eat dinner in the villa and it was calming and serene for Bobby to have some privacy with Bethany. As they finished their meal they began hearing crickets come alive in the dark, creating a romantic ambience under the now dark sky.

Bethany was encapsulated by Bobby's irresistible aura and she couldn't help but give flirting another chance. She began with a classic compliment,

"Hey Bobby, has anyone ever told you how handsome you are under the moonlight?" She gave her best flirtatious smile as she waited for an answer.

"Under the moonlight would be a first," admitted Bobby, "but that's because I haven't been on a date at this hour with someone like you."

Bethany felt her cheeks suddenly flush with excitement as she stared deeply into the bachelor's eyes. She wanted to take the next romantic step oh so badly but knew she would be rushing things between them so she just took a deep breath and tried to savour the moment she had with Bobby.

After a few seconds Bobby gently took Bethany's hand in his and began stroking it with his thumb. "It's getting very late and it pains me to say that I have to end our date here."

Bethany pouted at Bobby but nodded in acceptance. "Thanks for this awesome and very romantic late night picnic Bobby," complimented Bethany. "I can't wait for our next one!"

Bobby packed up the blanket and remnants of food and they both walked back into the villa. Some of the girls were lounging about on the couches and having some chats before bed and were surprised to see Bethany and Bobby walk in from the garden. 

"Ah!" exclaimed Bobby, still holding all of the picnic equipment he gathered minutes earlier, "good that most of you are here! I'd like to invite all of you for a late night dip in the hot tub! Get your bikinis on quickly and we can have a nice and relaxing soak before bedtime."

The girls all squealed from excitement and hurried back to their rooms to get changed. The only girls that didn't hear the announcement were Clementine and Theodora as they had already been asleep. Bobby settled comfortably into the bubbling and soothing tub and awaited the girls' arrival.

They all showed up one by one and couldn't help but voice an "ahhh" as they immersed themselves in the warm water. Not long after all the spaces in the jacuzzi were taken and everyone had a minute of peace with only the sound of bubbling water coming from the jets below them.

Bobby was first to break the silence, "how are you girls getting on after your first two days at the villa?"

The contestants answered in unison, each girl saying their own version of a positive answer, smiling at the bachelor.

"I wanted to find a time where I could relax with all of you," continued Bobby, "and I know tomorrow is our first elimination which will be pretty nerve wracking, so if you have any questions please ask away."

Pearl sat up a little in her seat and questioned Bobby, "will a girl receive a flower tonight to keep her safe from elimination?"

"Sadly not," answered Bobby, "I don't think it's fair to keep someone safe after such a short date today. Today's dates were merely a nice way to get closer to all of you and see if there is a spark between all of us."

Bobby gave Pearl a cheeky grin before saying his next sentence, "so don't worry Pearl, you're the only girl safe from elimination this week." Pearl's face faintly reddened as she looked away from the bachelor.

Margo raised her hand and caught Bobby's attention, "how will tomorrow's elimination go?"

"We will all gather in the main room downstairs at 3pm on the dot," confirmed Bobby. "You will all line up on the raised stage and I will begin the flower ceremony, giving out a bouquet to everyone who will stay in the villa until the next elimination."

The girls tightened a little as they thought about tomorrow. "But you all should know," continued Bobby, "that I will talk to two girls after breakfast and before elimination and give them one last chance to prove why they think we're a good match and why I should let them stay in the villa."

Rosie quickly chimed in after the bachelor finished speaking, "and what will await us after elimination?"

"A fizzy glass of champagne," Bobby chuckled. "But if you're waiting for me to tell you what date I have planned for the day after I won't tell, it's all a secret!"

Bobby looked around to see if anyone else had any questions and it seemed everyone was content with the answers he gave them. The group spent another few minutes occasionally conversing and just sitting back to enjoy the bubbles before one by one the girls retreated back inside and got ready for bed. When Bobby thought he was ready to get out too he stopped Mary-Anne and handed her a towel before saying,

"Here, dry off and follow me. You didn't think I forgot our date today did you?"

Mary-Anne lit up in a big smile and patted herself down as quickly as she could. She lay the towel down near the hot tub and the bachelor led her to a patch of grass near the blue pool, illuminated by the lights underwater. Bobby placed down a candle-lit lantern not too far from where he began to sit down and invited Mary-Anne to sit by him.

"With the sky so clear tonight and the peaceful landscape surrounding us around the villa I thought you and I could watch the stars for a while," explained Bobby.

"You're such a romantic, Bobby," blushed Mary-Anne, "thank you for choosing me for such a special date."

Suddenly Mary-Anne felt Bobby touch her hand with his and looked at him with a surprised expression. His eyes were warm and welcoming and he began scooting closer to her so she followed him. He sat close enough to her that she felt their shoulders gently touch. All she could think about was how fast her heart was racing until she heard Bobby's voice say,

"It's a full moon tonight." His voice was quiet and gentle, nothing like Mary-Anne has heard from Bobby before. "They call it a Blue Moon this month... I guess it's quite blue." He gently chuckled and so did Mary-Anne.

"Do you know much about the stars Mary-Anne?"

"Um..." she hesitated, "I actually do. Look, there's the Ursa Major. Oh, and over there is the constellation of Capricorn!"

Mary-Anne suddenly forgot how loudly her heart was beating and instead showed Bobby all of the stars she was very fond of, drawing out with her finger how each constellation looked like. After a while it really felt like two lifelong friends were sharing a special moment together. Once the moon hung high in the sky Bobby turned to Mary-Anne and told her it's probably time they wrapped it up for the night.

They both stretched and rose back up, standing straight while taking one last glance at the moon. Bobby stretched his arms out to Mary-Anne and invited her into a hug.

"Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on the constellations," Bobby said in a hushed tone, "your voice was very soothing to listen to and I think I'm perfectly ready for bed now!"

"Oh my goodness," quietly exclaimed Mary-Anne, "anytime Bobby! I really appreciate sharing such an intimate moment with you tonight. I can't wait to dream about it!" 

Bobby picked up the lantern and brought it back inside with them. He blew out the candle inside and said goodnight to his date before shuffling to bed. Boy was he exhausted! It was also far later than he expected but knew he had to wake up extra early to chat with two girls before elimination tomorrow.

Elimination... the first of many, rounding the group of contestants every few days until there is just one girl left, the girl who should be his partner for life. Bobby couldn't help but think what a crazy scenario he has gotten himself into but is also extremely grateful to have met each girl regardless if they have romantic relations in the end or not. He fell into bed and melted into his pillow, memories from today rushing through his head and he closed his heavy eyelids and dozed off to sleep.

The villa is still and silent tonight once again but tomorrow awaits a tense day, the first elimination. Who do you think will go home first? Which girl do you think is perfect for our bachelor? What do you think will happen next? Comment below and share your thoughts! All will be revealed soon...

Bachelor Season 1
Episode 2 / Episode 4