The Second Time Around

PART FOUR: THE TRANSFORMATIONCHAPTER THIRTEEN: The Final Challenge

The final physical challenge was a relay race.

Six obstacle courses, one for each family. But the twist was that they all had to work together. If one family fell behind, everyone had to wait.

It was designed to create both individual pressure and group solidarity.

The Vanderbilts went first.

Alexander carried Ethan through the rope climb, the boy was afraid of heights, though he'd never admitted it to his father before. When Ethan froze halfway up, Alexander stopped and said, "You can do this. I believe in you."

Ethan made it to the top.

Selene guided Lily through the balance beam, holding her hand, whispering encouragement. Lily's confidence grew with every step.

Then it was Alexander and Selene's turn, a partner obstacle where they had to work in perfect synchronization.

Alexander twisted his ankle on the final jump.

"Keep going," he said, limping. "Don't stop."

"I'm not leaving you," Selene said.

"Selene—"

She wrapped her arm around him and they crossed the finish line together. He was clearly in pain, but they made it.

The Westbrooks were behind them, but Marcus was encouraging Elena, and Elena was cheering for her boys, and they were actually working as a team.

The other families were following, slower, but determined.

When the last family crossed the finish line, the producers were filming the group hug that happened. All six families, all their children, all of them together, celebrating.

They'd done it.

They'd chosen to show up. They'd chosen to be vulnerable. They'd chosen each other.