She doesn't leave empty-handed mind you. She gets a memento of the good times she had with Chance.
It was a tough one, and it was a very close call between three females. We had to do a recount, just to make sure. In the end, it was Chance who made the final choice.
He looked nervous as he waited in the Yellow Room, crossing and uncrossing his legs and fumbling with the crease in his trousers.
"I hate this part," he said, grimacing slightly, "I love them all, in their own unique way."
We didn't dare tell him that it gets harder each time.
"So, who have you chosen to be voted out?"
He paused and took a deep breath.
"Melanie."
With that, he glanced down bashfully, obviously feeling uncomfortable with his decision.
"Any particular reason?" we have to ask this one, "you don't have to answer if you don't want to."
"Nah, it's okay," he replied brightly.
We could see that he was putting up a brave front here, but we kept the cameras rolling anyway. After all, this is a reality TV show, and we're getting paid to show you everything (within reason), Warts and all.
He picks at his fingernails, then looks up, those glacial eyes boring directly into the interviewers' (namely mine) eyes.
"We had some fun and stuff," he admitted, "but I realised that there was no apparent 'spark' there. Melanie's a load of fun and stuff. In fact, she's a good sport really, especially when I was playing pranks on her."
There was a pause whilst he gathered his thoughts.
"At least we'll be parting amiably," he said, finally, smiling that devastating smile of his.
That's when we decided to bring in Melanie. Chance smiled nervously as she passed and he shot to his feet, kissing her briefly.
"I'm sorry," Chance whispered, but the boom microphone picked it up immediately.
"It's okay," she mouthed back.
Yep, we're all adept at lip synching too. It's part of our job, especially where our viewers are concerned - sharp-eyed lot they are.....
When she finally settled down, we turned our attention to her.
"What are your feelings, right now?" we ask gently, "now you know you're being given the 'boot'?"
She smiled widely, even though there was a twitch at the corners of her mouth.
"Oh.... I dunno," she replied, sighing deeply and shrugging her shoulder, "I guess it wasn't meant to be."
There was an awkward pause as she cast a glance across at Chance.
"At least we're leaving on good terms anyway."
She turned to Chance and grinned broadly.
"After all," she said, chuckling slightly, "I'll not forget all those pranks and water balloon fights you put me through. I'm still picking feathers out of my hair even now!!!!"
With that they both stood up, albeit a little awkwardly. Was that a flash of regret on Chance's face just now? And he folded his arms around her in a tight hug, brushing a kiss against her cheek.
"Take care of yourself honey," she whispered, patting his back.
"You too," came the reply, "keep in touch."
They pulled away, still smiling before Chance pulled something from behind the table. A large white box.
"For you," he said, practically shoving it in her hands, "part of the deal. Hope you like it."
"Aww thanks Chance."
"You don't have to open it yet."
"Okay."
But she does anyway. Her smile faltered slightly, when she brought out a small envelope.
"Um, thanks."
"Just a reminder for you."
With a trembling hand, she ripped open the envelope and pulled out a folded sheet of paper.
"OMG!"
She spluttered, unable to articulate her sentences together, before throwing her arms back around him with sincere gratitude.
"It's no biggie.... really.... I just remembered what you told me. Maybe this will help you."
"Thank you! Thank you!"
It took all her strength not to blubber and make a fool of herself. She turned the paper towards us.
It was the deeds to a small empty lot that had planning permission for a cafe/restaurant business.
Now THAT's what we call generous.
We wanted Melanie to say goodbye to all the other girls, but by now, she was beginning to break down, so we decided not to prolong the inevitable and let her get on her way.
The cameras rolled as she took her long, lonely walk through the marbled halls of the mansion.
There was no pomp and circumstance as the taxi pulled up. She'd leave in exactly the same manner as she'd arrived.... by taxi.
Sliding inside, she gave the mansion one last, longing look, before shutting the door and driving off.
Inside the mansion, however, there is a shockwave rushing through the place as all the girls get wind of Melanie's departure.
So we decided to bring them in, one at a time, and have an informal one-on-one chat. Get their opinions on Melanie.
And we shall broadcast that in the next chapter.
