A last-second change of heart seals Jenna’s and Paige’s fates

When you come back inside the manor, the front hall of the manor was rearranged by the production team to show a familiar set you recognize. Long bench chairs were arranged, and you were directed to sit on a seat next to Rick from the left. What did it mean? You sit far most left, and an empty seat was beside you, and Rick sits to your right, and then Tom sits to his right, and then Mike sits at the very right. Did this mean you had to pick first or last?

Amanda stands in front of you with the girls waiting in a line next to her. Paige looks resign and frustrated, she was still trying to straighten out her hair and dress. Jenna looks nervous, tapping her feet. Mona had her everlasting smiles on her face she always puts on for the camera.

Why was recoupling this early? Obviously, they want to keep the islanders always on their toes, and this wasn’t the first time they changed when recoupling happens during previous iterations of the show, but you were banking on it happening later and having more time. It was a great way to interrupt a barrier you were going to cross with Paige as well.

The mission was clear. You had to pick Jenna to save both Paige and Jenna from elimination. But why? The AMA says it was the only way, but if you choose Jenna over Paige, Paige will think she is second-string in your heart.

“I know you are surprised to see me, but this season has been full of surprises, hasn’t it? I hope you've all been thinking hard this week about who you want to spend more time on the island with as a couple because the time has come. One of these ladies standing next to me will be leaving tonight. Matt, are you ready for your decision?” Amanda asks.

Great. Just fucking great.

You had hoped to go last, so this decision could be a lot easier for you but they didn’t really give you much of a choice. Nervous, you stand up in front of the long bench and let out a deep breath.

“Matt, you know how this works. You will pick one girl and save her from elimination. More important, whoever you pick will be in a couple with you. It’s time to make your decision. Which girl will you couple up with, and why?” Amanda announces.

You gaze at Paige regretfully, and she looks away with glassy eyes and knows your answer. Jenna nods when you glance at her. Jenna gives you the same look she did when she asked you to save Paige. You had only one decision to make. You would save Jenna and trust the AMA was right. You had no idea the reason the AMA thinks that it would be the only path to saving both girls but you only had one rope to grab. If Paige hated you for your decision, you would at least buy yourself more time to make her forgive you.

“The fact is Amanda. I’m in love with two women, and it’s impossible to say which I love more.” You say firmly. “I’m picking one to save her and put my faith the other one I love will be fine. It doesn’t mean I don’t love them more than the other… I just need more time with both. The person I pick is Jenna.”

Jenna looks shocked, and she looks over at Paige wistfully for a moment and then comes to join you. The two of you share a hug and she sits on the chair next to you and while you stay standing, feeling like a dick. The AMA had better be right. A vacant expression was on Paige's face as she stared out into empty space in front of her. You quell the urge to go over to her and hug her while Amanda speaks.

“Wow… Matt. Paige saved you from the last recoupling, and this is how you repay her? Tell the audience at home why you picked Jenna over Paige.”

Oh, fuck you. I know Amanda didn’t write that, but what the fuck...

“Because this is a game. My real feelings aren't based on a yes or no answer or this or that answer. I’m playing a game and the decision I made was based on the hope the two women I care about are safe. That’s it.” You say emphatically and then add softly, “I owe Paige everything. I… I worship her. And I love her.”

Did you mean it? How did you know? You had no idea what love is. You cared about Paige deeply, though, and when it came out of your lips, it didn’t feel like a lie, or you were lying to yourself. Paige’s bottom lip quivers, and she looks away. Anger and resentment cover her face. It was the same face of disappointment you remember in her background video. Oh, how you hated to see it.

I’m going to work hard, Paige. I’m going to fucking work hard to win you back. Fuck the AMA for making me do this. It’s the only way right?

“Really great answer Matt. Now… Rick. Why don’t you get up and choose who you are going to save from elimination and couple up with? Which girl and why?”

Rick stands up confidently and says, “I’m picking this girl cause we been together since day one. Things aren’t always perfect, but I can’t see myself with anyone else. Liz get over here already.”

Liz smiles and Rick and Liz kiss and hug as they came together and sit on the bench next to you. It must be nice to be so sure of who you want.

“I think no one found that surprising at all, Rick. Tom, you’re up next, you beautiful beast. Tom, a big decision before you. The past few days things didn’t go well with Jenna, I take it?”

“Not exactly,” Tom says, still in a carefree and dashing way. “We’re still friends. It’s cool.”

“But you seem to move on fast. I saw you chatting it up with Mona, Paige, and even Rachel the past few days. Has one of them clicked with you?” Amanda asks.

“I thought one did, but it turns out it was pretty one-sided on my part,” Tom says, still smiling.

Distress came over Paige for a moment, and Mona stood beside her, twirling her hair knowingly.

Oh no. What did Mona do?

“Tom. It’s time. Pick a girl you wish you couple with.” Amanda says with finality.

Tom’s head turns from left to right, making a decision. Rachel was at one end, and Mona and Paige was at the other.

“I don’t know if this girl is still over a guy, but she’s been a good friend, and who knows… maybe there is something there. I just don’t want to pick a two-face girl and a girl who might already have a guy coupling up with her. The girl I pick is... Paige.”

Stun and relief come over you. Paige?

Paige herself has a look of confusion on her face and comes over and hugs Tom. Paige did not think that Tom would choose her. She sits down next to Tom and you can feel lasers piercing the side of your face as Paige stares at you from across the chairs. Mona still stands with resolve, the selection did not faze her, and a smile still plasters her face.

“Wow… Tom, why Paige? You and Mona have been getting along so well recently,” Amanda asks Tom, who is now sitting.

“Mona showed me her true colors recently, and I like Mike. He and Rachel are good together, so I wanted to save Paige and give her a chance to find love.” Tom says to which Mona shrugs innocently.

“Mike and Rachel do go great together, Tom. We’ll see how much Mike agrees with that. Mike, why don’t you get up and decide who you will couple up with and why.” Amanda says.

Mike stands, and he looks down, unable to face the two women he has to pick between. Mona and Rachel both wait patiently as he says. “Umm… the girl I pick is someone who… I mean, I like you guys both don’t get me wrong, but I just think… one is more fun, and I get along with her better and see a brighter future with her… The girl I pick is Mona.”

Mona claps her hand and runs to Mike and the two hug, and she kisses him on his cheek while Rachel is left in shambles standing alone and on the verge of tears. It was unbearable to watch. A small part of you cheers for Mona since you became friends with her, but Rachel was still a friend of yours as well, and it was awful just watching Rachel stand there and be used as entertainment.

This was the sick reality of the program you were on. Liz, Paige, and Jenna immediately go towards Rachel and comfort her while Tom kept pestering Mike over his decision with the words, “What the hell happened?” and “Why did you pick Mona?” and bickering starts between Mike and Tom.

Notifications came into your view as you watch, with the other islanders, a teary-eyed Rachel carries her bags to the car that would take her away from the island.

You have completed Mission – Save Jenna and Paige

You have unlocked one slot in the Relationship Party Menu

You have one available slot in the Relationship Party Menu

You have completed Mission - Pick Jenna

You have earned 10 Affection Points

You have one available data item – Knowledge Video 3

Mona stands next to you and watches the car start pulling out of the manor's driveway, and you feel a hand grip your butt and give it a squeeze. Mona smiles, devilishly, “Poor Rachel… Sorry to say this, but I’m not going anywhere, Matty.”