“Celine”

Text messages between Minnie and Celine report that Minnie has been accepted into the prestigious Edge Lake ballet program. Minnie asks if Celine is “gonna be okay” during her week in the woods with her “new boyf” (268). Celine insists Brad isn’t her boyfriend. Minnie scoffs at this.

On the bus to Scotland for the final BEP adventure, Celine tries to put thoughts of her relationship with Brad (which she still insists on calling platonic, though they kiss frequently) aside and focus on her upcoming week in the woods. She films Brad, ignoring the “swooping” in her stomach when he smiles at her. Aurora teases her about how long shots of Brad won’t be suitable for Celine’s TikTok channel.

Only nine BEP Explorers remain, leaving a one in three chance at the scholarship, though Celine rues her father for his part in distracting her from listening to her exact score. She sees, in the distance of the campsite, a father with his children, and thinks of her growing resolution to see a therapist. Neither Thomas nor Allen have returned for the second expedition, though Sophie, Raj, and Aurora are all present. The Explorers are shown the campsite, where they will be staying for their first night.