Chapter 1
Heather paced around the plane in the private area, her mind racing with thoughts. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Courtney, who was still devastated over Duncan. But Heather knew that this obsession was tearing Courtney apart, and it was hindering her performance in the competition. She needed to do something, and fast.
Just then, it struck her - a brilliant plan. She knew that Sierra had been relentlessly pursuing Cody, and it was starting to drive him crazy. If she could get Courtney to focus her attention on Sierra instead of Duncan, it would be killing two birds with one stone.
Heather couldn't help but smirk to herself. She was a master strategist, and this was the kind of scheme that she thrived on. But she knew she had to proceed carefully - her plan was risky, and if it backfired, it could end up blowing up in her face.
Heather's mind raced as she continued to pace back and forth in the small, cramped area of the plane. This was the perfect location for her plan - it was out of the way, away from prying eyes and ears. She knew that she needed to be careful and stealthy in her approach, and this seclusion would give her the privacy she needed to work her magic.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. This was a risky move, but she was confident in her abilities. Taking a seat, she started to lay out the plan in her mind, mapping out the steps necessary to achieve her goal. The first step was to get Courtney's attention - and she knew exactly how to do it.
Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She quickly stood up, trying to appear casual and unbothered. It was Courtney, who looked like a complete mess. Her eyes were bloodshot, and she had clearly been crying.
"Hey," Heather said, trying to sound casual. "Mind if I join you?"
Courtney shrugged, wordlessly gesturing for Heather to take a seat. She was clearly in no mood for conversation, but Heather saw her as the perfect target for her plan.
Heather sat down next to Courtney, taking a moment to study her. She looked like a broken woman, completely lost in her own misery. It was heartbreaking to see her like this, but Heather knew that she had to push that sympathy aside if she wanted her plan to succeed.
She cleared her throat, breaking the awkward silence that had settled over them. "Listen, Courtney. I know you're still messed up about Duncan."
Courtney's eyes narrowed as soon as the word "Duncan" escaped Heather's mouth. It was as if the mere mention of his name was enough to ignite a fire of anger and sadness within her.
"Don't talk about him," She snapped, her voice sharp and cold.
"I'm just trying to have a conversation here," Heather said coolly, trying to keep her own emotions in check. She was used to dealing with difficult people, but Courtney was a whole new level of stubborn.
Heather flinched as Courtney's tears started flowing like a waterfall, her face contorted into a picture of pure despair. This wasn't what she had intended at all. She had expected a little pushback, but she hadn't expected Courtney to start bawling like a child.
"I'm sorry," She said, trying to backpedal. "I didn't mean to bring up Duncan-"
But it was too late. The damage had been done. Courtney continued to cry, her body shaking with the force of her sobs. She looked like a broken bird, helpless and completely shattered. Heather felt a pang of guilt, knowing that it was her fault. She had made a tactical error, and now she was stuck trying to salvage the situation.
"Please stop crying," She said, desperation creeping into her voice. "It's just a boy, for god's sake."
Courtney just shook her head, unable to form words through her tears. It was clear that she was in a state of complete emotional turmoil. Heather could see that she had hit a nerve, and she was starting to realize that maybe this plan wasn't as fool proof as she had thought.
Courtney's sobs came to an abrupt halt, as if Heather's words had cut through her grief. She looked up at Heather, confusion etched across her tear-streaked face.
"What did you just say?" She asked, her voice hoarse from crying.
"I didn't mean to say that out loud," Heather said, trying to backtrack. But she could see the seed of an idea taking root in Courtney's mind.
Courtney sat up a bit straighter, wiping away the tears with the back of her hand. "Wait, you're saying that my soulmate could be a girl?"
Heather shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I'm just exploring options here, that's all. It's not out of the realm of possibility, right?"
Courtney thought for a moment, considering Heather's words. She had never really given much thought to the idea of being attracted to girls, but now that it was being presented to her, she couldn't shake the feeling that there might be something to it.
"But what about Duncan?" She asked, her voice trembling. "I love him. I've always loved him. Or... at least I thought I did."
Heather rolled her eyes. "You loved the idea of Duncan, not the reality. He was a jerk who treated you like crap. You deserve better than that."
Courtney's eyes widened at the mention of Sierra's name. She knew that Sierra was completely obsessed with Cody, to the point of being borderline psychotic. But the idea of Sierra being attracted to her... it was intriguing.
"You seriously think Sierra is my soulmate?" She said incredulously.
Heather winced slightly at the thought of what she was doing. She knew that she was manipulating Courtney's emotions, but at the same time, she was desperate to win the competition.
"Yeah, I'm serious," she said, trying to sound as genuine as possible. "Just think about it for a minute. Sierra is clearly obsessed with Cody, but maybe she's just projecting her feelings onto him because she's in denial about her true sexuality."
Courtney looked skeptical, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "But Sierra is so... over the top. She's loud, obnoxious, and constantly bothering Cody. Why would I be interested in someone like that?"
Heather shrugged. "Maybe she's just masking her true feelings behind that facade. Maybe if you got to know her better, you'd see a different side of her. A side that you could fall in love with."
Courtney's mind started racing, her analytical nature taking over as she considered the pros and cons of the situation. On one hand, the idea of being with Sierra was completely new and uncharted territory. But on the other hand, Sierra had a fierce loyalty and a certain quirkiness that could be endearing.
She chewed her lip, lost in thought. She had never really considered the possibility of being attracted to girls before, but there was something about the idea of someone like Sierra liking her that was oddly... appealing.
Suddenly, something clicked in her mind. Maybe Heather was right. Maybe Sierra wasn't as one-dimensional as she had first appeared. And if Sierra was capable of being so infatuated with someone, even someone as dorky as Cody, it was possible that she could be capable of having feelings for anyone. Including Courtney.
The thought gave Courtney a flutter of excitement, and she found herself leaning forward in her seat, eager to hear more.
Heather could see that the seed was planted in Courtney's mind. She had opened up a whole new possibility that Courtney had never considered before. It was risky, and there were no guarantees, but it was worth a shot.
"Well," Heather said slowly, gauging Courtney's reaction. "There's only one way to find out if Sierra is your soulmate, you'll have to spend more time with her."
Heather grinned, seeing that she was getting through to Courtney. "Exactly," she said, her voice becoming more confident. "You have to focus on winning this competition, and that means putting aside your feelings for Duncan. And who knows? Maybe along the way, you'll find that your true soulmate is someone you least expected."
Courtney's expression softened as she started to consider Heather's words. The competitive side of her was starting to take over now, and the thought of winning the competition was becoming more appealing by the second.
"You're right," she said, her voice firm. "I can't let my feelings for Duncan hold me back. And if there's even a chance that Sierra could be my soulmate, I owe it to myself to explore it."
Heather felt a rush of triumph. She had done it - she had convinced Courtney to open herself up to the possibility of a relationship with Sierra. It was a risky move, but it was necessary to keep Courtney focused and give her a different outlet for her emotions.
"That's the spirit," Heather said, patting Courtney on the shoulder. "And remember, you're not just doing this for yourself. You're doing it for the team. And for me too, because I need you at your best if we want to win this thing."
"Look," Heather continued. "I know it's going to be hard to put your feelings for Duncan aside, but you need to stay focused on the competition. And if you're still feeling angry or frustrated about him or Gwen, use that energy in the challenges. Channel your emotions into your performance and use it to push us closer to the million-dollar prize- well for the win."
Courtney nodded, understanding what Heather was saying. Her competitive nature was now fully engaged, and she was determined to do whatever it takes to win. She took a deep breath and stood up, her eyes fixed on Heather's.
"You're right," she said firmly. "I'm going to put my feelings for Duncan on the back burner and focus on winning. And if I ever feel myself getting angry at him or Gwen, I'm going to channel that into my performance in the game. Winning this competition is all that matters now."
Heather smiled, impressed with Courtney's determination. She knew that this was the side of Courtney that she needed to see - focused, driven, and ruthless in her pursuit of victory.
Just then, a thought struck Heather's mind. She knew that Sierra was currently obsessed with Cody, but there was a chance that she could be won over by Courtney if the latter played her cards right. It was a long shot, but it was worth exploring.
Heather spoke again, weighing her words carefully. "There's... something else you should know about Sierra."
Courtney looked up, her attention fully on Heather now. "What is it?" she asked, her voice curious.
Heather took a deep breath, knowing that what she was about to say could either make or break their whole plan. "I think Sierra might have a bit of a... crush on you."
Courtney's eyes widened in surprise, her mind swimming with the new information. "What? Sierra has a crush on me?"
Heather nodded. "Yeah, it's subtle, but it's there. I've noticed the way she looks at you, the way she gets flustered around you. I even caught her staring at you a few times when she thought no one was watching."
Courtney was taken aback by this revelation. She had never considered the possibility that Sierra could be interested in her. But now that Heather had pointed it out, she couldn't help but see the signs.
"But...but she's always talking about Cody," Courtney said, her mind spinning. "I thought she was obsessed with him."
Heather shrugged, a hint of a sly smile on her face. "Maybe she is, but that doesn't mean she can't be attracted to other people too," she said, trying to keep her voice casual. "And if there's even a small chance that she likes you, it's worth exploring, don't you think?"
Heather chuckled, knowing that Courtney had hit the nail on the head. "Yeah, I guess you could say that," she said, a hint of irony in her voice. "It's a bit ironic, isn't it? I'm trying to get you to pursue a relationship with Sierra, while I'm trying to keep my distance from Alejandro even though he clearly has feelings for me."
Courtney looked at Heather curiously. "Why are you holding back from Alejandro? I've seen the way he looks at you. It's clear that he's into you."
Heather sighed, a mix of annoyance and resignation in her voice. "I just don't want to get involved, okay? He's too charming, too charismatic. I can't afford to get distracted from the game, especially not by him."
Courtney raised an eyebrow. "Is that really the only reason, or are you just scared of what might happen if you actually give in to your feelings?"
Heather bristled at the suggestion. "Scared? Me? Hardly. I'm just focusing on what's important, which is winning this competition. Relationships are a distraction. I can't let myself lose sight of the goal."
Heather was taken aback by Courtney's laughter. It was the first time she had seen her genuinely laugh since the whole Duncan mess. And in that moment, she realized that it did feel like having a friend.
"Yeah," Heather said, her voice quieter than before. "It does kind of feel like that, doesn't it?"
Courtney grinned, noticing the change in Heather's demeanor. "You know, Heather, you're not as heartless as you pretend to be," she said, giving her a playful nudge.
Heather rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't go getting soft on me now. We're still in a competition, remember?"
Courtney nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "I know. But it doesn't hurt to have some fun along the way, does it?"
Heather couldn't deny that Courtney had a point. "I guess you're right," she admitted grudgingly. "But don't expect me to start being nice to you all the time. I still need to maintain my image as the mean girl, you know."
Courtney chuckled. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation or anything," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Heather couldn't help but laugh at Courtney's quip. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. But don't forget who's in charge here. I'm the one calling the shots, remember?"
Heather raised an eyebrow, a smirk on her face. "Oh really? And here I thought I was the one leading this alliance. But I suppose since you're the self-proclaimed leader of the Amazon team, I guess I should step back and let you take charge."
Courtney rolled her eyes, enjoying the banter. "Exactly. I'm the brains of this operation, after all. You might be the ringleader, but I'm the one coming up with all the good ideas."
Heather couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, so now you're the brains and the brawn of this operation? What's left for me then? Just sitting and looking pretty?"
The two girls shared a knowing look, their eyes gleaming with mischief. Heather leaned back in her seat, a sly smirk on her face. Her expression exuded confidence, a sense of superiority. She looked every bit the queen bee, poised and in control.
Meanwhile, Courtney sat next to her, equally confident in her own way. Her face was determined, her eyes narrowed and focused. She sat with her arms crossed, the very picture of cool demeanor.
The two girls had always been a formidable pair when put together. Their similarities were obvious - the sharp intellect, the relentless drive to win, the tendency to use people as pawns in their games. But there were also differences between them, subtle nuances that set them apart.
Heather was more openly abrasive, her words razor-sharp and designed to cut. She enjoyed causing conflict and stirring up drama. Meanwhile, Courtney preferred to maintain a facade of sweetness and charm, hiding the shrewd calculating mind beneath the surface.
They were two sides of the same coin, and yet they were rivals. They both knew that they would eventually clash, that their competing personalities would lead to a showdown. But for now, they were content to sit back and bask in their shared moment of mischief.
Courtney laughed back just as mockingly, saying to Heather "Oh, so you think you're the pretty one, huh? Well, let me tell you something, sweetie - beauty is subjective, and in my opinion, I'm far prettier than you are!"
Heather's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing at Courtney's retort. "Oh, please. You may think you're prettier than me, but you're simply deluded. Everyone knows that I'm the one with true beauty and grace."
Courtney rolled her eyes, unbothered by Heather's comments. "Grace? Pfft. You're nothing but a walking dictionary definition of 'vain and shallow'. And as for beauty, well... let's just say I have a more natural beauty, while you rely on makeup and hairspray to maintain your façade."
Heather's expression twisted into a sneer. "Natural beauty? Ha! I look good because I put in the effort. You, on the other hand, are naturally plain-looking. And everyone knows that natural just means dull and boring."
Heather couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Courtney's comebacks. It was refreshing to see her fire back instead of drowning in tears over Duncan and Gwen. Heather didn't exactly have a soft spot for anyone, but she had to admit that there was something about Courtney's sharp tongue and quick wit that was oddly appealing.
"You've got some serious sass today," Heather said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "I never knew you had it in you."
Courtney smirked, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring match. "Yeah, well, I'm not just here to look pretty, you know. I know what I'm worth, and I'm not afraid to let you know."
Courtney smirked defiantly; her eyes locked with Heather's. "Oh, you think you're so tough, don't you? Well, let me tell you something - I'm not afraid to fight back. I'm done crying over some stupid guy."
Heather chuckled at Courtney's words, her own eyes flickering with satisfaction. "Oh, so you've finally decided to grow a backbone, huh? It's about time. You were starting to look pathetic, pining over someone who clearly didn't deserve you."
Courtney's eyes widened in surprise as Heather grabbed her face, their faces inches apart. Heather had a wicked smirk on her face as she spoke.
"Yeah, that's right. Sierra is the better choice for you. She's obsessed with you, you know. She practically worships the ground you walk on. And let's be honest, you need someone who appreciates you for who you are, not some loser like Duncan."
Heather rolled her eyes, her hand still gripping Courtney's chin. "Please. Sierra's just confused. She thinks she likes Cody, but deep down, she's just using him as a distraction. But with you..."
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "She's completely fixated on you. And let's be honest, who could blame her? You're hot, smart, and competitive. Of course she's into you."
Courtney's cheeks flushed at Heather's words, her eyes wide. She was taken aback by the sudden attention from Heather, who she never thought would be giving her this sort of praise.
"Are you... are you sure about that?" she stuttered, her voice trembling. "I mean, Sierra is pretty devoted to Cody..."
Heather could see the flicker of excitement in Courtney's eyes as she mentioned Sierra's interest in her. It was a familiar look, one that she had seen directed towards Duncan before. And it made her smile.
"I can see it in your eyes," Heather said, her voice softer now. "You're intrigued by the idea of being wanted. And I know Sierra's feelings for you aren't just a passing fancy. She's seriously into you."
Heather could see the hesitation in Courtney's eyes, and knew it would take more to convince her. She needed to sell the idea of Sierra as the perfect partner, the one who would never break her heart like Duncan did.
"Just think about it," Heather said, her voice smooth as silk. "Sierra is completely obsessed with you. She worships the ground you walk on. And let's be honest, Duncan didn't appreciate you for all that you're worth. But Sierra will."
Heather could see the uncertainty in Courtney's eyes, and she knew that she needed to convince her of the possibilities with Sierra. She decided to lay it on thick.
"Just imagine it, Courtney," Heather said, her voice smooth and persuasive. "Imagine if Sierra focused all her attention on you. No more obsessing over some goofball like Cody. She'd be solely devoted to you. Do you know what that would do to your ego?"
Courtney's heart skipped a beat at Heather's words. The possibility of being the sole focus of someone's attention was definitely appealing. She had always been used to being second best, a backburner option. The thought of being someone's number one was a powerful lure.
"I... I never thought of it like that," she murmured, her voice betraying a hint of curiosity.
Heather noticed the subtle shift in Courtney's demeanor, and she pressed onward, knowing that she had an opportunity to really sell this plan.
"Imagine all the potential," she said. "The romance, the connection, the passion. Think of all the things Sierra would do for you, just to make you happy."
Heather could see that Courtney was softening to the idea, and she decided to go in for the kill.
"Just think about it," she said, her eyes locking on Courtney. "Imagine what you and Sierra could bring out in each other. What it could feel like to really be seen, understood, and wanted. You've got to give yourself a chance to see what could be if you just let go of this Duncan thing and let yourself explore this Sierra thing. Wouldn't it be worth it to see if it could be something even better?"
Courtney felt her heart flutter as Heather's words sunk in. The possibility was both terrifying and exhilarating, and yet... she couldn't deny the intrigue.
"You... you really think so?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "You think there could be something there with Sierra?"
Heather nodded, her expression earnest now. "Yes, I really think so. You have this whole competitive, feisty thing going on that I think would play off well with Sierra. You're both competitive, passionate, and driven. If you stopped clinging onto Duncan and let yourself explore something different, I think you might be surprised at what you find."
Heather could see the uncertainty creeping back into Courtney's expression, and she decided to lay her cards on the table. She took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts before continuing, her tone growing earnest.
"Listen... I know this is a lot to take in but just hear me out for a minute. You and Sierra have more in common than you think. You're both driven, determined, and fiercely competitive. But you're also kind, loyal, and have deep-seated values. I think you two could balance each other out perfectly."
Courtney raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism still lingering in her eyes. "You really think we could balance each other out?" she asked. "I mean, we're so different. She's all bubbly and loud, and I'm all serious and focused."
Heather rolled her eyes, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips. "Please. That's the whole point. Opposites attract, right? You're a Type A control freak, and she's a scatterbrained ditz. It's a perfect match, if you ask me. She'll keep you laughing, and you'll keep her in line."
Courtney couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at Heather's blunt assessment. "I... yeah, I guess that does make sense in a weird way," she admitted.
Heather smiled, sensing that she was getting through to Courtney. "Exactly. And who knows? Maybe you'll bring out a more serious, driven side in Sierra, while she'll help you loosen up and have fun. You both could benefit from each other's strengths and weaknesses. That's what a good relationship is all about. Balance."
Courtney pondered Heather's words, the seed of curiosity beginning to take root in her mind. The idea of a relationship with Sierra was starting to feel less foreign, more intriguing.
"I... I still have feelings for Duncan," she murmured hesitantly.
Heather rolled her eyes, growing exasperated at Courtney's continued attachment to Duncan. "Ugh, seriously? Are you ever going to get over that guy? You're chasing after someone who clearly doesn't appreciate you, while you could have someone like Sierra who's practically drooling over you."
Heather rolled her eyes, growing exasperated at Courtney's continued attachment to Duncan. "Ugh, seriously? Are you ever going to get over that guy? You're chasing after someone who clearly doesn't appreciate you, while you could have someone like Sierra who's practically drooling over you."
Heather knew that Courtney's loyalty to Duncan was a weakness, and she decided to exploit it.
"Be honest with yourself," she said bluntly. "You weren't exactly the best girlfriend to him either, were you? You always put everything above him, including yourself. And let's not forget that you're still the 'bad guy' in everyone's eyes on Total Drama. Are you really happy being the villain all the time? Or is it time to move on and explore other options?"
Courtney's eyes widened at Heather's blunt assessment. She knew deep down that Heather was right. She had always prioritized winning over Duncan in the competition, and she was known as the 'bad guy' because of her ruthless attitude. The realization hit her hard, and she let out a sigh.
"I... I guess you're right," she admitted. "I haven't been the best girlfriend to Duncan, and I am tired of always playing the villain. Maybe it is time to explore other options and try something different."
Heather saw the glimmer of realization in Courtney's eyes, and she knew she had made her point. "Exactly," she said, her voice softer now. "Maybe it's time to stop chasing after someone who doesn't appreciate you and start considering someone who's clearly into you. Someone like Sierra."
Courtney sighed, torn between her lingering feelings for Duncan and the new possibilities that were appearing in front of her. She didn't want to let go of Duncan, but at the same time, she was starting to consider the possibility of something different with Sierra. "I... I don't know if I'm ready to move on from Duncan yet," she admitted. "But I can't deny that the idea of something with Sierra is... intriguing."
Heather patted Courtney's head affectionately, a satisfied smirk on her face. "Don't worry," she said with a hint of smugness. "I'll take care of everything. Sierra doesn't even know that you're her soulmate yet. That's where I come in."
Courtney raised an eyebrow, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation in her expression. "What do you mean 'that's where you come in'? What are you planning?"
Heather grinned mischievously. "All in due time," she said, refusing to give away too much just yet. "Just trust me. I have a plan. I'll get Sierra to realize that you're her soulmate in no time."
Courtney opened her mouth to speak, her words hesitating on the tip of her tongue. But before she could say anything, Heather cut her off, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"It's the 2000's, Courtney," she snapped. "It's perfectly acceptable to explore and discover your sexuality in this day and age. If you're unsure about your feelings for girls, this is the time to figure it out."
Courtney's cheeks flushed slightly at Heather's blunt and to-the-point approach. She knew that Heather was right, but she still couldn't wrap her head around the idea of being into girls.
"I... I know that it's more acceptable now to explore your sexuality," she stuttered. "But I have never really thought about it. I've always been focused on boys. It's a bit intimidating to even consider the possibility of being into girls."
Heather rolled her eyes, exasperated by Courtney's hesitation. "Ugh, come on, Courtney. Stop being so goddamn stubborn and just open your mind for a second. You're telling me you're intimidated by the idea of being into girls because you've never really thought about it before? Really?"
Heather sighed, her irritation quickly fading into concern as she noticed the vulnerability in Courtney's demeanor. She could sense the nervous energy radiating off of her as she tried to hide herself next to her.
"Hey," Heather said softly, her voice much gentler than before. "It won't hurt to try, okay? It's just exploring your feelings. And you don't have to do it alone, I'll be here beside you every step of the way."
Courtney took a deep breath and nodded; her head still buried against Heather's shoulder. "Okay...Okay, I'm just scared," she admitted softly. "I don't even know if Sierra is into girls, what if I'm just embarrassing myself."
Heather's expression softened even further as she patted Courtney's head soothingly. "I get it," she said, understanding the fear of embarrassment and rejection. "But you won't know unless you try. And besides, if Sierra doesn't feel the same way, it won't be the end of the world, right?"
Courtney lifted her head from Heather's shoulder, her eyes still filled with uncertainty. She nodded, a hint of determination in her expression. "You're right. I just need to take a leap of faith and see what happens."
Heather smiled, a sense of triumph in her eyes. "That's the spirit!" she said enthusiastically. "And don't worry, I've got your back. I'll make sure you don't get hurt, I promise."
Courtney nodded, her tension easing as she felt a sense of reassurance. She knew she could trust Heather to have her back, and she felt a glimmer of hope in her heart. "Okay," she said slowly. "I'll try. But first..."
She paused, biting her lip nervously.
Heather raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "But first, what?" she prompted.
Heather smirked, unable to hold back a smirk as she reassured Courtney. "Trust me, Courtney. I don't think Cody would mind at all if you and Sierra ended up together. In fact, I think he'd be happy for you."
The first class of the plane was in full swing, and Sierra had practically wrapped herself around Cody like a koala bear. She was still clinging to Cody with a fierce grip, her eyes narrowing as she shot a glare at Gwen, who was sitting across from them.
Sierra's grip on Cody was unyielding, like she was determined to keep him all to herself. She let out a low growl as she caught sight of Gwen, her anger at the situation palpable.
Cody was clearly uncomfortable in Sierra's tight grip, his arms flailing awkwardly as he tried to escape her embrace. "Errr, Sierra, m-maybe you could loosen up a bit?" he stammered nervously.
But Sierra was having none of it. She simply tightened her grip on him, her face contorted with jealousy and determination. "No way, Cody," she replied possessively. "You're mine."
Heather strode into first class with an air of authority, guiding Courtney into the section. Her expression was cold and her tone firm as she spoke to Sierra. "Sierra, I suggest you release Cody and step back immediately," she ordered, her eyes locked onto Sierra's. "You have no right to manhandle him like that."
Sierra was taken aback by Heather's sudden entrance and sharp command, her grip loosening on Cody. She looked up at Heather with a hint of defiance in her eyes but ultimately decided to comply. "Fine, I'll let go of him," she muttered, reluctantly releasing her hold on Cody.
Heather nodded in approval, satisfied that Sierra had obeyed her instruction. She then turned her attention to Cody, her expression softening slightly. "Are you okay, Cody?" she asked, her voice gentler now.
Cody nodded, still a bit dazed from Sierra's clinginess. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said, rubbing his arms where Sierra had been gripping him tightly. "Thanks for stepping in, Heather."
Heather gave Cody a shark-like smile, a hint of sly malice in her eyes. "You know what, Cody?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Since you still have a chance with Gwen, why don't you go sit with her instead? After all, she did steal Duncan away from Courtney."
Cody's expression faltered at Heather's remark, his cheeks reddening at the memory of the whole Duncan and Gwen debacle. He glanced awkwardly at Gwen, who was still sitting across from them, and then back at Heather. "Uh, I don't know... that might be a little awkward, right?"
Heather glanced over at Gwen and Cody, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "You never know, Cody. Gwen seems to be quite a... generous person these days. She could kiss you too, for all we know." Heather then pushed Cody out of his seat and forced a reluctant Courtney to take his place, her hands on her shoulders.
Cody's expression was a mix of awkwardness and unease as Heather forcefully guided him away from Sierra and over to Gwen. Sierra watched the scene unfold, her expression turning a bit sulky, but she didn't intervene this time.
Gwen glanced up at Cody as he awkwardly sat beside her, her eyes flickering with amusement and curiosity. "Uh, hi," Cody muttered, trying to break the ice.
Gwen raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "Well, well, look who's decided to grace us with his presence," she said smoothly. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Cody?"
Cody fidgeted in his seat, suddenly feeling even more awkward than before. "Uh, Heather kinda... forced me to sit here," he admitted sheepishly. "She said something about you kissing me too, or something like that..."
Gwen chuckled, her smirk widening. "Well, well, isn't that interesting," she said, her voice dripping with a hint of sarcasm. "Heather really has a way of stirring things up, doesn't she?"
Gwen's gaze was sharp and accusatory as her eyes met Heather's, her expression hardening. Heather, meanwhile, had the audacity to give her the finger before making her way over to where Courtney and Sierra were sitting. She then turned her attention to Sierra, her tone saccharine sweet. "Sierra, sweetheart, Courtney can do so much better than Duncan, can't she? Who do you think could be Courtney's true soulmate in this season of Total Drama, other than Duncan?"
Heather quickly covered Courtney's mouth with her hand before she could speak, silencing her. "Come on, Courtney," she said with a hint of urgency. "Who else would you ship Courtney with? Who else still in this season is ship worthy for her?"
Heather felt a wave of anger and disgust wash over her at Sierra's suggestion. She tried her best to rein in her emotions and keep a sugary-sweet facade, but it was taking every ounce of her will power to do so. She could feel the eyes of her whole Amazon team, including Courtney, Gwen and Cody, glued to her. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and asked, "Well, who else then? Anyone else in mind, Sierra?"
Sierra shrank back a bit, sensing the subtle tension in the air. She mumbled her second suggestion quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Uh... maybe Owen?"
Heather's fake smile tightened even more at the mention of Owen's name. She had to keep her cool, but it was getting increasingly difficult. "Owen, huh?" she said, her tone a little sharper than before. "Any specific reason why you think he'd be a good match for Courtney?"
Sierra could sense the tension and decided it was best to speak carefully, her eyes darting nervously from Heather's face down to her feet. "Well... he's funny and kinda supportive sometimes," she said meekly, her voice getting quieter. "And they do have good chemistry together as allies...?"
Heather let out a deep sigh as she realized that asking Sierra for ship-worthy options wasn't getting them anywhere. She then paused dramatically, gathering her thoughts before asking with a touch of sarcasm, "Well, what about a girl? Any ship-worthy girls for Courtney?"
Sierra blushed at the attention she got from the others, realizing she might have sounded a bit crazy. Heather, on the other hand, forced a smile as she shook her head. "That's a good suggestion, Sierra, but you're right. Beth is not on this season with us. So, besides Gwen, who is a certified boyfriend stealer, do you have any other suggestions for potential partners for Courtney?"
Sierra took a moment to think, mentally going through the list of female contestants still in the game. "Maybe... Lindsay?" she suggested tentatively. "She's a bit of an airhead, but she's sweet and loyal."
Heather let out a frustrated groan before smacking her forehead, feeling exasperated with Sierra's suggestions. She sighed and then said to Sierra, "You do realize, Sierra, that you and I are the only girls left in this season, besides Gwen, right?"
Sierra's eyes widened as Heather pointed out the obvious, feeling a bit foolish for suggesting other options. "Oh, right..." she mumbled, her cheeks turning pink. "I guess that limits the possibilities, huh?"
Heather, now back to her normal condescending tone, replied with a smirk, "That's right, Sierra. It looks like your options are quite limited."
Sierra slumped back in her seat, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Yeah, I didn't think about that..." she murmured, feeling embarrassed.
Heather rolled her eyes and replied with her usual cocky attitude, "Of course not, Sierra. I have standards, you know." She shot a smirk in Courtney's direction, while Courtney's cheeks turned a bit red.
Sierra and Courtney started giggling uncontrollably, unable to hold back their amusement as Heather unknowingly described Alejandro while trying to explain her standards.
Heather, completely oblivious to the fact that she was inadvertently describing Alejandro, raised an eyebrow at their laughter. "Uh... what? What's so funny?"
Sierra and Courtney couldn't help but burst into fits of laughter as Heather continued to describe her "ideal" partner. Heather looked confused, still completely clueless as to why they were finding her words so amusing.
"Uh... what's so funny?" she asked again, now looking slightly irritated. "I was just explaining my standards."
Heather sighed, a bit exasperated with the girls' giggles, but still determined to get her point across. "Okay, fine. I'll repeat my standards again," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance. "I want someone who is strong, confident, and independent. Someone who's not afraid to speak their mind and...uh... who's also good looking..."
Sierra and Courtney nodded in agreement at Heather's description, still trying to hide their giggles. "Uh... sounds like you're describing someone in particular," Sierra teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Heather rolled her eyes, becoming even more annoyed with their persistence. "No, I'm not describing anyone in particular," she said firmly. "I'm just stating my preferences. You know, what I look for in a partner."
Sierra and Courtney exchanged knowing grins, clearly not convinced by Heather's denial. "Sure, sure... you're totally not describing anyone specific," Sierra said with a smirk. "We totally believe you."
Heather quickly shifted the conversation to the topic of Sierra and Courtney being shipped together, curious to see Sierra's reaction. "You know, Sierra, it's interesting to think about the possibility of you and Courtney being shipped together."
Sierra's eyes widened as she heard Heather's words, a mix of excitement and surprise. She tried to conceal her emotions, but her cheeks started to turn a bit pink. "Um... really?"
Heather nodded, a sly smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, definitely," she said confidently. "I think there's definitely a possibility there. You and Courtney together... I can totally see it."
Before Heather could respond, Gwen interrupted with a rough tone, asking what Heather was trying to do. "What are you doing, Heather?"
Heather shot a sharp glance at Gwen, her patience wearing thin. "Mind your business, Gwen," she snapped back, her words sharp. "I'm just having a conversation with Sierra and Courtney."
Gwen crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at Heather's response. "Yeah, sure you are. It's not like you're trying to play matchmaker or anything."
Sierra and Courtney exchanged nervous glances as Heather admitted, "Fine, I'll admit it. Yes, I'm trying to play matchmaker."
They both felt a bit uneasy, unsure of what to make of Heather's admission. Sierra shyly looked away, while Courtney looked awkwardly at Heather.