Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend,

Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within,

Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes,

They don't tell the truth...

"Can you please turn off the radio?"

The nurse shut down the radio as I asked, the verse dying down like a broken record. I gave a sigh realizing that the lyrics really hit home this time. Watching the nurse as she removed the day old flowers from the vase at the bedside table, another regretful sigh escaped my lips. She exchanged them with a set of fresh bundle of pansies. My eyes stayed glued to her as she watered them, the sweet smell slowly filling the room and covering it in a thick aromatic blanket.

"Do you want me to send in anyone?" Her voice had a soothing effect as she asked me the question in her thick local accent.

"No, it's fine. I'll stay here," I replied, and gave her a small smile. She returned it, hesitating before going out of the room. Stopping mid-way, she turned, and looked around the room before setting those wise brown eyes back on me.

"It's such a pity she got injured. I heard she was trying to save you?"

"Yeah. She pulled me away before the thing fell on me. But her hand..."

"Don't worry. It's a minor injury. The cast will come out in about two weeks. Make sure you take proper care of her till then." She smiled, and I nodded, glad for her brief but honest company.

I turned away with a sigh, as the door slid closed behind, leaving me and Bea alone in the room. Squeezing Bea's left hand, and looking at her sleeping form, I felt ashamed for all the times I had doubted her or her motives. Agreed she has done many a thing that had made me suspicious, but I knew I could have been better.

Hell, I should have been better.

Bea stirred that very moment, and I squeezed her hand again to let her know that I was there. She opened her eyes, blinked a few times, and looked around the hospital room in a dazed manner. Same room but such different perspectives. Her neck strained up as she attempted to look at me, giving me a weak smile when our eyes met. Her eyes wandered, finally resting on her right hand covered in plaster. I watched her hand too, slung from her shoulder at an awkward angle.

Our eyes met again, and I teared up, filled with immense guilt. I opened my mouth to apologize, but Bea beat me to it.

"Do not say another word! How many times am I going to say that's it's alright?" Her voice had the morning husk, and she cleared her throat, reaching for the glass of water with her left hand. I beat her to it this time and handed it to her.

"So what's up?" Bea asked me as I put down the glass on the adjacent table. Her usual cheerfulness was back in her voice, but as much as she tried to be normal, my depressed voice could be heard from a mile away.

"Nothing much. The producers sent you those pansies." I pointed to the flower pot and Bea wiggled her nose.

"You don't like them?" I asked, standing up to remove them if she didn't.

"No, I like them. Their smell is strong though," she said, and I nodded, sitting back down. I watched the empty white wall, awkward pause filling up the room in no time. My feet tapped the floor continuously as I thought of something to say.

Should I apologis-- nah. She hated me doing that. Ask her about her night? What would she say, I had fun with painkillers?

My train of thought broke when Bea shifted and a pained groan filled the room. I immediately stood up, feeling panicked at her contorted expression.

"Are you feeling okay? Does your arm hurt? What about your head? You don't think you might have a concussion right? Should I call the do-" I shut up, when I looked at the face Bea was making.

Her expression was twisted into a surprised yet controlled amusement. I realized that I was cowering Bea and most likely scaring her with my panicked and jittery movements. I stilled, and we stared at each other for a second, when Bea broke out into a laugh. My mouth turned up as well, and my lungs seemed to fill with air again. Realizing that I had been blabbering like a hysterical mother, I sheepishly retraced my steps and sat down on the chair.

"Even my mother is better than you! I can just imagine your kids, they would be embarrassed as hell of you!" She made her point through gasps of laughter and snorts. Doubling up when my face heated. Not the one to stop myself, I joined in with her, the awkwardness melting away in seconds.

"Funny because that's the situation with me and my mom," I added, thinking back on the cringing questions my mother never seem to end with.

"Then you are just like her." Her laughter died down as she clutched her abdomen in pain. This time I stay put when she winced, but still couldn't stop myself from asking her,

"Do you--"

"Not another question! I am fine, just a little pain because of that bruise," she assured me, but it still made me slump down in my seat, thinking of the ways the stupid me could have avoided the accident, without injuring either of us.

"Why did you do it?" I trailed off, the scene flashing back in my head with immense clarity.

"Tyler watch out!" Bea warned, and I twisted to see that the rod that had swiveled just seconds ago, unhinged from its place. It seemed to ponder over its course, as if hesitating to take the plunge. A momentary relief filled my stomach when it stopped, but as with horror movies, it came down as unexpectedly as it could.

There wasn't much time to react when it started the free fall, it's target straight towards me. The fear replaced relief, as millions of small fireflies rushed in my stomach, spiking my adrenaline. I closed my eyes and tried to block the nightmare with my arms, my ears buzzed out from the shock.

I gasped when a soft body pushed me away, and the sound of metal meeting bones distinctly reached my ears. My feet twisted, and I lost my balance, knocking myself over to the ground. A soft body fell beside me with a crackling thump and I stared in horror, not quite understanding the scene playing out in front of me.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, shit!" Bea screamed in pain, and that's when I realized that it wasn't me who was the victim, but--

"Tyler snap out of it," Bea said, calling my attention back to her.

"Yeah?!" I jumped, looking around frantically.

"Someone's at the door." She motioned with her head towards the door, and I saw the shadow lurking outside.

"Wait." I got up and walked to the door to open it. My hand stalled when I heard the hushed voices outside. Through more concentration, I could make out the distinctive voice of Stephanie and some another lady whispering angrily.

Not trying to pry upon them, I moved away, but then stopped when I heard my name being pronounced. Glancing back at Bea, who was looking at me curiously, I signaled her to stay quiet and listened on to their conversation.

"Tyler needs this!"

"No, no we can't do that--"

"But I already did--"

"You what? I told you Steph, what are we going to do if someone complains?"

"Oh shut up. Did you think about it when you aired episodes on Bella's whims? Believe me, I am doing the right thing!"

"But if we could simply remove--"

"Do not be a fool. It was the management's fault. What did they do?" Stephanie's voice quieted down, and I realised that my shadow too must have been visible to them. I quickly moved away from the doors, but still in the hearing range.

"Fine. Everything's finalized and in way?" The other voice continued, and I sighed in relief at not being caught.

"Yes, I have got the guardian's approval," Stephanie said, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. Using the moment to quickly slip back into my chair, I acted surprised when the door opened and the other lady stepped in. There was something about hearing a persons' voice and then actually looking at them. Though in this case, I could very well say, I was not disappointed.

"Tyler Anderson and Bea River," she said in a crisp, business-like manner, making me long for the familiarity of Stephanie instead.

"Yes, ma'am?" The word ma'am came out automatically as my mind processed the power figure dressed in a fashionable suit. I stood up, and she gave me the universal judgemental look, her expression otherwise masked. She took out a folder o papers and handed them to me.

"I am Melanie, the head of PR team here. The papers are compensation and some clauses stating that the production team would take full responsibility and follow up on any medical check-ups required." I went over the papers, and sure enough they said what she was saying.

"Thank you." I smiled. "I don't have to sign or anything...?"

"No. You're not the legal guardian. But we have had talks with her father, you don't have to worry," she replied, and I nodded, making note to confirm it from Bea's family later on.

"What will I do now? Are you sending me back?" Bea spoke up, and I looked at Melanie for her reply. If Bea went back, I would be alone in the competition, that is, if I was still in the competition.

Melanie took a seat, and I copied her, predicting the length of the conversation.

"No we won't be able to do that. The doctors have advised against any traveling for you. You'll be shifted to the medical wing of the hotel where a nurse would tend to your bruises and help you recover." She spoke mechanically, her eyes fixed on the flower pot.

"What about the competition?" I asked, and then hesitated, "Am I disqualified?"

"The second round will not air."

"It won't?" My eyes met Bea's, and she gave me a relieved smile.

"Yes. We are officially canceling it. It'll take place again day after tomorrow."

"But what--" I stopped when Melanie raised her hand to answer her phone. She gave small curt replies and then stood up in a frenzy.

Bea and I both watched as she slammed the sliding door open and stomped out of the room without another word.

"What do you think happened?" I asked Bea, staring at the door, waiting to see if she'll return.

"Dunno. Maybe Bella plotted a heist or something?" She shrugged.

"Speaking of Bella..." I hesitated, "Are you ready to tell me now?" My question was a whisper, the topic almost a taboo between the two of us. The brave act of Bea saving me from an injury had not thinned the act of betrayal in the slightest.

If only, there was a lot more of explaining left to do.

"Yes, Ty. I don't wish to keep it anyways." She reached out and shyly intertwined her fingers with mine. I gave her the benefit of doubt and squeezed back her hand in support.

"It started the very first day of the competition," Bea started, lost in thoughts. "I thought Giulia looked so pretty and it would be so much fun if I could be her friend."

"Guilia? It wasn't Bella who approached you?"

"No. It's always been Guilia."

Scary, I thought. So behind that innocent smiling face, there did lay an evil mastermind.

"She convinced all of us to help them." Bea avoided my eyes, and I sensed another hidden truth behind her words.

"Convinced you how? Did she offer you all money?"

"No!" Bea's reply was sharp, and I flinched back. She caught my movement and mellowed down, biting her lips.

"Then?" I prodded.

"There's a reason... But I can't tell you that." She looked straight into my eyes, pleading me to not ask anymore. I relented when my eyes met her cast and tired form. She was using the helpless little kid, injured-because-of-me card, but hell if I was so cruel.

"Okay," I said, nodding in understanding.

"You must think that I am making it up, but please believe me, it's not my story to tell. I regret what I did, but I really thought I was doing it for a greater good."

"Then what changed your mind? Why did you tell me the truth?" I narrowed my eyes, trying to get in all the sides.

"I saw how Bella and Giulia treated you." She squeezed my hand, making me look up to her face. "It was a delusion when I thought they were right. But the way they tried to win was not right." Her words soothed me, my ears finally happy to see 'Bella' and 'not right' in the same sentence.

"All well if it ends well." I patted her hand and then realized that we were in a hospital. "I mean, even if not so well."

"Shut up. You are not making any sense."

"Did I ever?" I asked, trying to cheer her up.

"Umm, no!" She laughed, but then stopped, as if struck with another thought.

"Yeah?" I prompted, sensing she had more to say.

"I-I think it's time to spread the news," she stated, and right then, I understood perfectly what she was saying.

***

"Sarah get everyone together and make sure they come alone. Oh, and no need to mention it to Bella." I put down the receiver and called up more contestants.

Pacing in my hotel room, I went over everything I would say to them. Not calling their partners had been to relieve any tension that might come with the news. And to save myself from unnecessary situations or accusations. Everyone could very well confront their partners back in privacy. My phone buzzed and I saw that I had just missed a call from my mom.

The doorbell rang, and I took a deep breath before opening it with a solemn mood. Sarah, Francis along with a few others stood patiently at the door, their expressions a mixture of empathy, curiosity and pity.

"Tyler!" Sarah hugged me, patting my back in comfort. "Is Bea here? Will she be alright?"

"No, she's still at the hospital. She'll be okay in a few weeks max." They all shuffled in and I closed the door.

"A few weeks?" Francis took a seat on the floor beside the bed. "Then who will be your--"

"Just a sec!" I ran back to open the door as another group joined us.

"I think this is it?" I called out, looking over the ten or so people sitting on various things inside my room. They looked back at me with open curiosity and interest. My phone buzzed again, but with all the expectant gazes I ignored the call and gave them a small smile.

"Yup," Sarah said, looking around herself. I scraped the empty chair towards them and sat down.

"You guys do have an idea on why you are here, right?"

"Um, no?" Henry supplied.

"Oh? Well to put it simply, Bella has bought our partners."

"What?"

"The hell!"

"Impossible."

One by one everyone expressed their disbelief. But when I made no effort to take my statement back, a look of wonder and confusion filled their faces.

"Look, the specifics are not known to me, but did you all tastes your baked goods yesterday?" I leaned forward, looking them directly in their eyes. "Was the taste alright?"

A satisfied smirk reached my face, as everyone recited the things that were off in their dishes. It further strengthened my resolve when the realization dawned on everyone that had been fooled all this time. Some were angry, some were still in disbelief, but it didn't matter, because everyone had the fire in their eyes for revenge.

And what a revenge we will get...

***

What the hell was happening? I groaned as the consistent sound of doorbell disturbed my sleep. Sliding open my phone, I checked that it was six in the morning and I still had two hours before I had to visit Bea in the hospital wing.

Ignoring the bell, I snuggled back into blankets, sighing at the warmth. Whoever it was could wait a few hours more.

A whimper left my lips when my phone buzzed, breaking my sleep once again. I kicked off the duvet in annoyance and snatched the phone from the charger. Squinting to see who was calling, I frowned when all I saw was blurred lines through my cloudy eyes.

"Hello?" I croaked out in my sleep filled voice and stifled a huge yawn.

"You're up?" Brandon's voice, smooth with a hint of amusement, reached my ear.

"Brandon?" I mused, my mind clearing up at his voice.

"The very one," he replied. "So is the sleeping beauty awake?"

"Hmm, yeah... Some idiot keeps ringing the doorbell. It's freaking six in the morning!" The sound of the doorbell stopped, and I sighed in relief. "Looks like they gave up."

"Uh-uh." He chuckled, making me smile as well.

"Is there any occasion for the call? Don't tell me that mom is making you get the grocery or stuff. I'll talk to her about that if you want," I suggested, plopping back down on the pillows and burying my body inside the cushioned blanket.

Silence met my ears as I waited for Brandon to speak up. I frowned, checking to see if the call got disconnected. Nope, it was still there.

Wait a minute that number--

"Brandon are you in freaking Singapore?!" I screamed in the phone, checking again to see the unmistakable phone code of Singapore with his number.

"So you're finally awake, huh?" Brandon chuckled, and the doorbell rang once again. And I added the two and two in my mind.

Because this time I leaped out of my bed to open the door.

*****

Okay, this chapter was a tough one because I had to include a lot of things. BUT GUYS THE WAIT IS OVER, CAUSE BRANDON IS HERE! (who's swooning??!!)

P.S. LOTS OF CUTE MOMENTS AHEAD.