Minkie

Raphael splits off from the group and goes to the beach hut to address how he’s feeling, he looks sort of happy...

Raphael: I’ll be honest, this is all quite exciting! 

He is smiling cheek to cheek.

Raphael: It feels like we’re in a real life horror movie, getting picked off one by one! Obviously it sucks that people might die, but as of right now I’m enjoying this. I’m just so curious to find out more.

He thinks of Elliot for a second and his face drops.

Raphael: I just wish Elliot was still here.. This would be so much more fun with someone by my side... [He sighs] To be honest, I’ve been feeling really alone at the moment. Which isn’t surprising. It just hurts, a lot.

Suddenly, as he says this, the beach hut door blasts open.

The masked man that has been kidnapping Islanders storms inside and waves at Raph.

Raphael: Oh crap. I should’ve seen this coming... 

The man pushes towards Raphael, lifting him from his chair and holds him by his neck. Raphael smiles a little

Codi screams as she watches Georgia get dragged out of her sight. All the flats storm over, to try and help. But by the time they get there, it’s too late.

Codi: What happened?! Where did she go??

Daisy: I don’t know! I couldn’t see.

Codi: Does this mean she’s dumped?

Isaac: Probably not, it’s most likely a challenge or something?

Codi: I sure hope it is! [She starts to freak out] I actually can’t breathe!

Everyone stands around not knowing what to do, as per-usual. Merylee and Aurora try and comfort Codi, but she’s too stressed out to let them help.

Suddenly, *Ding*, someone receives a text. It’s Isaac.

Isaac: Guys, I got a text... [He sounds worried]

The Text: “Islanders, as you may have noticed, a few of you are missing. Georgia, Jade, Renee and Minkie. [Connor gasps as he realises Minkie is gone] Soon even more of you will be taken and prepared for tonight's recoupling. Don’t worry, Abbie, Brad, Ellie and Flynn. As you four are all new, you will be spared and not taken. Good luck!”

Merylee: There’s a recoupling tonight? Does that mean someone’s getting dumped?

Isaac: I’m assuming so...

Connor: What about the people who have been taken? What’s that all about? I swear to god, if they hurt Minkie!

Aurora: Minkie will be fine. Everyone will be fine, lets not worry. The text even said that more of us will be taken... Whatever that means.

Merylee: But the text said that if you’re not taken you’re “spared”. So maybe whoever’s taken has a chance of dying?

Aurora: Maybe... This is all so confusing. 

Daisy looks around at all the Islanders that remain, there isn’t that many. 

Daisy: Is this everyone? 

Aurora: I think so.

Daisy: How many more are gonna be taken, do you think?

Aurora: Probably until it’s half and half.

Jade and Renee’s scream echo through the house, Merylee and Aurora climb out of the pool as they hear it.

Merylee: Did you guys here that?

Aurora: Yeah, that was definitely a scream...

Merylee: Didn’t Jade and Renee here a scream too?

Flynn joins in with their concern.

Flynn: Yeah, they both did. I didn’t hear it at first... But I heard it that time. It sounded like Jade screaming...

Merylee: Uh oh.

Aurora: Wtf is going on?!

Flynn: I’m not sure, I’m gonna check it out.

Merylee: Be safe!

Flynn calls the attention of a few other flats. He grabs Connor, Nathan and Codi and start to walk towards the villa doors with them.

Everyone is really confused and concerned with what’s going on. Were people dying without anyone knowing? 

Georgia is left alone by Codi and Daisy, who have both gone to check on who screamed. Behind her, the masked man steps out from a hidden set door.

Georgia turns around and screams.

Renee, just like Jade, also heard the scream come from inside the villa.

Renee: Did no one else hear that?

Flynn: Stop messing around girls. You’re gonna freak people out.

Jade: No, there was genuinely a scream. I’m gonna go check it out. 

Renee: I’ll join you.

Renee and Jade head up the steps and into the villa. Flynn still just thinks they’re joking around. He rolls his eyes and heads over to Ellie.

In the villa, Jade leads Renee to where she left Minkie, who isn’t where she left her.

Jade: What? They were just here?

Renee: What is going on around here?

As Renee says this, the same man the attacked Minkie walks up behind them. Renee spins on her heel and squeals with fear as she sees him.

Jade: Who the hell is that?!

Renee: Someone playing a prank?

Minkie is still sat outside on the patio alone. She hums quietly to herself, waiting for Jade to fetch Connor. Little does she know, someone in a red mask was watching her.

He opens the glass doors and steps outside. Minkie assumes it’s Connor.

Minkie: It’s about time! [She jokes] We need to talk.

The man doesn’t respond. Minkie rises from her seat and turns around, realising that it wasn’t Connor behind her.

Minkie: AAAAH! Who the hell are you?! [Screaming]

Minkie lets out a loud scream as the man slowly walks towards her. 

Minkie: Get away from me! Help! [She calls out] Someone please, help me!

The tilts his head and laughs, grabbing Minkie’s wrist. She quickly tries to run but he spins her around and grabs her entire body, covering her mouth so she can’t scream anymore.

The Masked Man: Be quiet, or I’ll kill you. [He whispers]

Minkie nods her head as he removes his hand from her mouth. Tears stream down her face. She was terrified and confused. Who was this guy? Was he here to save her or kill her? What’s going to happen next?

Jade steps out into the garden to speak to Nathan, but immediately spots Flynn. She can’t help but go over and speak to him. Even though she promised Minkie she’d talk to Nathan first... Oh well.

Jade: Hey, Ellie. Can I pinch Flynn for a bit?

Ellie: Sure, he’s all yours. 

Ellie walks off, leaving just Jade and Flynn.

Flynn: What’s up?

Jade: I’m done with Nathan.

Flynn: You’re.. Done? What happened?

Jade: You happened.

Flynn: Me?

Jade: I thought I was happy with Nathan... I was wrong. You messed up my head, I can’t get you out of it.

Flynn: Jade, this is all so sudden.

Jade: I know. I couldn’t help myself.

Jade: I need to talk to Nathan about all of this. But, I thought I’d let you know first.

Flynn: Well, thank you.

Jade: What’s your opinion on this?

Flynn: I’m- actually really happy. I’ve really liked you since day 1. I just didn’t wanna step on Nathan’s toes.

Jade: You’re not stepping on them! I am. I think I’ll talk to him now... Wish me luck.

Flynn: Good luck.

As Jade turns to walk away, she’s stopped by sound of a faint scream coming from inside the villa.

Jade: Did you hear that?

Flynn: Hear what?

The new islanders and their dates return back to the villa. Before seeing everyone in the garden, Jade and Minkie decide to gossip about how their dates went with each other in the smaller patio.

Minkie: How did it go?

Jade: It was weird. I’ve definitely decided I’m straight. 

Minkie: I was really surprised that Abbie picked you. There are so many other people that would’ve been interested.

Jade: I know! I felt kinda bad that she wasted a date on me... We spent most of the time sharing small talk. It was awkward. How was yours with Brad?

Minkie doesn’t reply, they just look down at the floor.

Minkie: Uh...

Jade: Uh oh, what does uh mean? Was it bad?

Minkie: No, it was good... Which is bad.

Jade: Why’s that bad? Brad is hot!

Minkie: Because of Connor! I really like Connor.

Jade: Yeah.. It’s a hard situation. I’m in that currently with Nathan VS Flynn.

Minkie: I vote Flynn.

Jade: Do you wanna know what? [She look around to check if anyone’s listening] I vote Flynn too..

Minkie starts glowing with excitement.

Minkie: Oh my god! Really!! You’ve made up your mind?

Jade: I think so. But don’t tell anyone!

Minkie: Of course not! I won’t say a word.

Jade: Good! I think I’m gonna tell him how I feel tonight.

Minkie: You should probably speak to Nathan first?

Jade: Yeah, I guess I should. Maybe I’ll go talk to him now.

Minkie: Good idea. Tell Connor to come here, if you see him. We need to talk.

Across the villa, Daisy, Codi and Georgia chat about how they’re all feeling after last nights dumping.

Daisy: It’s actually so crazy that Elliot is dead. I almost kissed that guy.

Codi: Isn’t it odd to think that if you were coupled up with him he might be alive?

Georgia: What the fuck, Codi? That’s not a very nice thing to say. Besides, he was dumped because he failed the challenge. Nothing to do with who he’s coupled up with.

Codi: Yeah, sorry Daisy.

Daisy: Nah, it’s fine. I’m not sensitive like that. 

Daisy: You know, I was terrified standing in that tube.

Georgia: Imagine how it felt to get dropped into the water. Before I saw Elliot next to me, I for sure thought I was going to die.

Codi: I thought you were two. It was the lowest I’ve felt in here.

Georgia: It felt like I was falling for 5 minutes. Slowly imagining the faces of everyone who voted for me to die.

Daisy: I wonder who did vote for you? 

Codi: Raphael, I bet. And Merylee.

Georgia: Hey! [Coming to Merylee’s defence] Merylee’s kind and sweet. She’s been so misjudged in here.

Codi: Anyway, enough about who voted for you. How are you feeling about everything now?

Georgia: Still shaken. But calming a little. I’ve never been that close to dying before. 

Renee and Flynn arrive back from their dates with Abbie and Brad to a slightly quiet villa. They enter the garden and everyone is lounging around as usual.

As Flynn steps down off of the steps and onto the wooden decking, Ellie stops him.

Ellie: How was the date? Is Abbie the one?

Flynn: Actually, it was very eye opening. And no, Abbie isn’t the one.

Ellie: Then how was it eye opening?

Flynn: It made me realise how much I like Jade.

Ellie’s eyes widen as she looks over at where Nathan is sat.

Ellie: Keep it down! He almost heard you. 

Flynn: So? I don’t really care. I’m gonna go tell Jade anyway. Fuck what Nathan thinks.

Flynn seems a little frustrated but overall free in how he’s speaking.

Ellie: I’m not sure how that’s gonna work, she was just called on a date.

Flynn: She was? With who- Brad?

Ellie: Her text didn’t say. Nathan didn’t seem happy.

Flynn: Of course he didn't. The guy can’t let her live her own life for two seconds.

Nathan slightly looks over, making Ellie cringe.

Ellie: Shhh, you might not care what Nathan thinks, but I do.

Flynn: Sorry, Ell. I’m gonna go make some food. I’m starving!

Ellie: I’ll join you. I wanna know more about you-know-who. [Meaning Jade]

After flying all over the place on their roller skates, finally it’s time for Minkie and Brad to switch over with Jade and Abbie and get to their real date.

They grab a drink each and take their seats opposite each other.

Brad: You were exactly how I thought you’d be on the roller rink.

Minkie: Really? How did you think I’d be?

Brad: Like Bambi on ice!

Minkie burrows her head in shame. She’s a little embarrassed.

Brad: Aww don’t get all shy! It was adorable.

Minkie: More like ‘hard-to-watch’. I always imagined myself to be a perfect, elegant skater! 

Brad: Really? But you’re super clumsy..

Minkie: How do you know?

Brad: I’ve been watching the show!

Minkie: Oh yeah... [Giggling to herself] They always have to re-film me walking dramatically to places. I always stumble or trip during the first take.

Brad: [Laughing] Hahaha, really??

Minkie: Yeah! I’m surprised I didn’t trip walking along the grass to this date.

Brad: Hmm, maybe you were just so excited for this date?

Minkie rolls her eyes and laughs. Obviously she really likes Connor, but Brad is making her feel really special. 

Minkie: So why’d you pick me? You know I’m coupled up with Connor. 

Brad: Basically everyone is coupled up with someone. I was ignoring that and going with my heart. It said your name.

Minkie: Do you use that line on everyone?

Brad: Not at all! You’re one of a kind.

Minkie: Yeah, people tell me I’m weird and different all the time. I’m surprised I was even let onto this show. I’m not everyone’s idea of a ‘perfect heel’.

Brad: You’re crazy. You’re perfect in my opinion. And as for being weird and different, I call it being unique. You really are something special.

Minkie blushes. Brad is really laying it on her. He must either really fancy Minkie or really wanna stay in the villa.

Jade and Minkie are called from the villa by Abbie and Brad. They’re the next two Islanders they’re taking on dates. Jade is going with Abbie and Minkie is with Brad.

Brad: Hey, how’re you feeling?

Minkie: I’m great! Are we roller skating?

Brad: Yep! You any good?

Minkie: Nope.. I’m awful.

Brad: Then this will be fun!

Minkie and Brad put on their skates and get on the rink, as Jade and Abbie take their seats.

Jade: I’ll be honest... I thought it would’ve been Brad asking me on a date. I’m actually not into girls.

Abbie: Oh, that’s awkward... We can still have fun though? Can’t we?

Jade: Sure, I guess. I feel bad that you wasted a date though.

Abbie: It’s fine. I’ve got plenty of time to get to know everyone. 

Jade: I guess. Who would you have picked if you didn’t pick me?

Abbie: Ummm, probably Aurora. Or maybe Nathan? I’m not actually sure.

Jade: Ooh, okay. I kinda see you with Nathan.

Abbie: Really? Or is that your way of getting rid of him?

Jade: Rid of him? What do you mean?

Abbie: Come on, babes. You don’t have to lie.I saw your face when I picked Flynn for a date. You like him.

Jade goes all quiet and takes a sip from her drink, it’s really strong, she takes a bigger sip.

Jade: Okay, fine. Maybe I’ve moved on from Nathan. I’m just stuck on what to do. How do I tell Nathan?

Abbie: Not sure I can help with that one..

The rest of the date is really awkward and mostly silent. Jade and Abbie end up just watching Minkie fall around the roller rink. 

Minkie flies onto their back. Brad comes straight over and checks if they’re okay.

Brad: Oh my god! Are you okay?? [Helping Minkie up] Do you want some water? 

Minkie: Haha, you’re cute. I’m fine, it’s okay. But thanks for being worried.

Minkie rises to their feet and joins Brad in skating again, this time Brad stays super close just in case they fall again.

The dates switch over, Renee and Brad roll of the roller rink as Abbie and Flynn stumble on. Now it’s sit for Renee and Brad to sit down and have a nice drink.

Renee: I’m so glad we’re off of there!

Brad: I was just getting the hang of it..

Renee: Sure you were... You were worse than me!

Brad: Hey! That’s not true! You were sliding all over the place!

Renee and Brad burst into laughter.

This shared loud giggling distracts Abbie, sending her sliding into the air.

Renee: Oops! Did we cause that?

Brad: Let’s hope not!

Renee: I may have been bad at skating, but I wasn’t that bad.

They both giggle again, this time trying not to laugh too loudly.

Renee: Okay, so why did you pick me for a date? There are so many better choices... 

Brad: You don’t seem to be having much luck in here.

Renee: You can say that again...

Brad: I thought I’d treat you for once. The guys in here have all been quite trash to you ladies.

Renee: You can also say that again. Anyway enough about the villa. Let’s get to know each other!

Brad: Sure! Go ahead..

Their conversation flows and shift all around, they seem to really be hitting it off. Before they know it, their glasses are empty and it’s time for their date to come to an end.

Renee: Thanks for such a fun date.

Brad: You’re very welcome. Thank you for agreeing to come. We should do it again.

On the other side of the roller rink, Flynn and Abbie are also saying their goodbyes.

Flynn: So, who have you invited on your next date?

Abbie: Jade. 

Flynn: Really? I’m pretty sure she’s straight.

Abbie: It’s just to find out all the tea between you two. I have plenty of time to flirt with people 1 on 1.

The four islanders arrive at the date location. The first half of the date will be a chat with drinks as the other date consists of roller skating, then they will swap over.

Abbie and Flynn’s date kicks off great. It’s full of lots of laughter and getting to know each other.

Abbie: Okay, so tell me about being a firefighter! Have you got any interesting stories?

Flynn: Not really. It’s not as glamorous as they make it in the movies. Just a bunch of sweaty men getting called around for false alarms or when a grandma burns her toast.

Abbie: Oh, that sounds... [Abbie struggles to find a word that isn’t negative]

Flynn: Boring? Yeah, it is. Sometimes I just wish I could do more.

Abbie: Did you always wanna be a firefighter? 

Flynn: I think so. Before I really thought about jobs, I always wanted to be a spaceman. But that was just a silly fantasy.

Abbie: I relate! I always wanted to be a ballerina. Now I’m older, I kind of am... I guess I did follow my dreams.

Abbie: So what’s really up with you and Jade?

Flynn: What do you mean?

Abbie: Is there something going on?

Flynn: Maybe.. I think I really fancy her.

Abbie: Aww [Abbie’s smile drops]

Flynn: You don’t sound happy with that answer?

Abbie: I kinda liked you, but I won’t get in the way of you two. 

Flynn: I mean, she still has Nathan. Which is largely in the way! But, thanks. It’s nice to know we have one less obstacle.

Abbie: Obstacle?!

Flynn: No! That’s not what I meant.

Abbie: Hahah, I was just joking around. 

As this date is going on, Renee and Brad are slipping all over the place. Let’s switch them over and get them off the roller rink!

Abbie struts into the garden, grabbing basically every bodies attention. 

*Ding* Then her phone goes off.

Abbie: I’ve got a text! Oooh, I’ve always wanted to say that!

The islanders all rush over to hear. They all know what it’s going to be.

The Text: “It’s date time! Abbie and Brad please select the first Islander you will each take on a date!”

Abbie looks at Brad and gestures for him to go first, he clears his throat and proudly says..

Brad: I’ll take Renee. If that’s okay?

He turns and sees Renee is pulling a slightly uncomfortable face. 

Brad: Oh, what’s wrong?

Renee: Nothing! I’d love to go on a date with you. [Straining her brows again] I’m just kinda surprised someone picked me...

She looks back at Nathan who awkwardly looks away. Abbie notices this and breaks the tension with her answer.

Abbie: I pick Flynn for my date!

This however, adds far more tension. Behind her, Jade scowls.

Jade: Hope you two have a fun date! [She sarcastically says]

Flynn smiles, rubs his back then follows Brad, Abbie and Renee inside to get ready for his date. Renee and Abbie go upstairs to the dressing room, whilst Flynn and Brad go downstairs to the bedroom to get dressed.

Nathan crosses the garden and finds Renee sat by herself on a daybed. 

Nathan: Mind if I join you?

Renee: Not at all. 

Nathan sits down next to her and lays it on thick.

Nathan: Before I start, I just wanna say how beautiful you look today.

Renee is a bit confused by this.

Renee: Thank you, but, what do you mean by ‘start’?

Nathan: Like.. Start talking.

Renee: Oh..? But you had already started talking when you said that...

Real smooth, Nathan, real smooth.

Nathan: Uh... I-

Renee giggles as Nathan gets all flustered.

Renee: I’m just kidding! I knew what you meant. I was just pulling your leg.

Nathan: [Laughing] Thank god! You had me worried there for a second! I was really stressed.

Renee: Hehe, I know. It was super cute.

Renee and Nathan stare into each others eyes for a moment. It’s sweet.

Renee: Wait, I’m confused. I thought you were with Jade?

Nathan: I am.

Renee: Then why are you flirting with me? You haven;t given me any attention since our first date...

Renee looks down at the ground, remembering how he had ignored her.

Nathan: Thinks between be and Jade are probably not going to work out. I’m just trying to keep my options open.

Renee: So I’m a second choice? Again? God! Why does this keep happening to me! 

Nathan: No, no, no.

Renee: No, you’re right. I’m not second choice. I wasn’t even being considered until you realised you might get dumped!

Nathan: Renee, that’s not it at all.

Renee: Sure it is. I wasn’t born yesterday! I’m not stupid.

Nathan goes to speak again, but Renee has already stormed off. 

In the pool, a handful of islanders are swimming around. Minkie and Codi are splashing each other whilst Isaac and Nathan discuss the girls.

Nathan: I think Jade likes Flynn more.

Isaac: What? Why?

Nathan: Not sure, just a gut feeling. 

Isaac: Have you spoken to her about it?

Nathan: I’ve tried to. But she just deny’s it or changes the topic. I’m tired of getting played around. 

Isaac: Trust me, I’ve been there, it’s super annoying. But, you’ll get through it. I did. I just wish I had tried things out with other people, then I wouldn’t be as stuck as I am now.

Nathan: Stuck?

Isaac: I don’t have anything romantic with anyone. They all think I’m a snake.

Nathan: I’m sure that’s not true!

Isaac: Wanna bet?

Nathan: So, what you’re saying is, I should try and get to know other people? Just to secure my place in the villa?

Isaac: Yeah, basically.

As Isaac says this, Nathan notices Renee stepping out from the villa. Her skin glistening under the sun.

Nathan: I think I’m gonna go talk to Renee.

Isaac:  Renee? Really? That’s literally the girl I’m coupled up with...

Nathan: You said it yourself though, there’s nothing romantic. 

Isaac: Yeah, but.. Bro code.

Nathan cringes a little.

Nathan: If I don’t try things with her, no one will. Then she’ll get dumped. I don’t want that.

Isaac nods with frustration, letting Nathan chase after Renee.