Coming Home

by Kimberly McKay

  This was a time when no cameraman, production crew, or any other contestants were up, so that she could have her own space for devotionals and prayer.

  Kamryn descended down the ladder to search for her slippers, in the dark cabin. The first thing she felt was wet slime below her feet. Quickly, she jumped onto Anne’s bunk.

  “What the?” Anne quietly groaned, awakened from her slumber. She grabbed for her iPhone to shed light on who was accosting her bunk, and saw a curious Kamryn crouched at her feet.

  Anne’s hand flew to her face. As the light from her phone broke through the darkness around them, both girls could see they’d been painted with an overzealous amount of makeup, and below their bunks – the floor had been spread with some sort of hair gel.

  “What in the world … who did this?” Kamryn’s hand flew to her chest.

  Anne turned the flashlight on her phone, to shed the light on the rest of the cabin. No one else had been touched with the glimmer of makeup or hijacked with hair gel, which was generously spread below them.

  “I’ll give you two hints.” She held up her fingers one at a time and whispered, “Veer – a! Come on – lets get out and take this stuff off before they wake up.”

  Kamryn narrowed her eyes at Vera, who was still soundly sleeping across the room. “If there weren’t cameras in here right now and if I didn’t have a good heart, I’d strangle her where she slept.” Kamryn said through her teeth.

  “Shhh. Don’t wake the rest of them up.” Anne gingerly pulled her friend through the hair gel at their feet. “We’ll bring back some wet rags and clean this up too.”

  Anne quietly pushed open the screen door, hoping not to wake up the others. They snuck from the cabin and ran to the bathroom.

  “Ugh!” Kamryn uttered, once inside. It echoed throughout the building.

  Anne put a finger to her lips. “The sound will carry through the other cabins and wake everyone up.”

  They reached for soap and a washcloth to clean up. Anne giggled at their reflection, thinking they looked like they were made up for Halloween.

  “I bare a strong resemblance of a cross between a clown and a hooker.” Anne snickered.

  “I look like an Egyptian clown.” Kamryn half laughed, wiping away the last of the eyeliner from her eyes and temples. She then quietly asked, as she stared at her reflection, “Do you think this has to do with my faith?”

  Anne noticed again how her hand instinctively raised and touched her necklace. She looked to Kamryn’s eyes, which seemed strong, yet vulnerable.

  Kamryn dropped her rag in the sink.

  “After the first few days I was here, I heard a couple of the girls make noises when I left for my devotions. It’s okay if they don’t understand. So, I’ve made it a point to rise earlier, so that no one would see. I’d rather not have an audience anyway – as that’s private time.”

  “No, I’m sure it’s nothing to do with your faith,” Anne urged.

  She gently took Kamryn’s washcloth and rinsed both their rags out in the sink. As the hot water ran through them, the white sink slowly turned grey from the color flooding from the cloth. Anne watched as glitter ran down the drain.

  “Honestly, I think it has to do with that comment I made to Vera about her makeup the other day, and you happen to be a causality of war. You’re my friend – so you get what I get,” Anne said reassuringly, while continuing to wash out the rags.

  Kamryn leaned on the sink and smiled sadly.

  “You know, mother was born in Viet Nam and was persecuted for her faith there. Most of her family was killed during the war, and she did what she could to survive while still trying to protect her faith. Her village was almost destroyed during the war, but thankfully American soldiers rolled through to bring them food and supplies. This is when she met my father, who was an American soldier. According to her, he was very tall and very kind.”

  Kamryn smiled sweetly and continued, “Long story short … they fell in love, married, and he eventually brought her to America. Then they started a family – my brothers and me.”

  “Wow. That’s an amazing story.” Anne smiled. She was truly touched. “Is that what you wanted to share with me the other day? At the lake?”

  “Yes … only I didn’t want anyone else to overhear. I never knew how hard my mother’s life was, but she was very open with it with all of us kids … I’m the baby.”

  Kamryn checked her reflection once more before continuing, “She told us that she had to worship in an underground church, in fear of persecution. So now, if I have to take a few snickers or jokes in the face of my faith – I don’t like it but … I know it’s nothing compared to what my mom had to endure.”

  Anne had heard a few of the girls, throughout the last week, making fun of Kamryn for reading the Bible every day or for not drinking. Anne had never suffered in the spotlight like that, and was proud of Kamryn for standing up for her beliefs.

  “You’re strong, like your mom.” She smiled warmly.

  “That’s what my dad says.” Kamryn sighed. “But, I’m worried about how the show is going to portray my faith. Christians get made fun of. We’re targets for mainstream society. And if I take one step out of line, I’ll be painted a hypocrite in the editing bay.”

  “Okay – so I’ll make you a deal. First, let’s get the hair gel cleaned up. Wet a towel so we can sneak back in. Then you don’t worry about any of that. If anyone has to step out of line – it will be me. I’ll take the heat.” Anne laughed. “And trust me. If anyone messes with you, I have ways of getting back at them.”

  Anne laughed and thought of pranks, that she and her best friend, from home, would pull in college.

  “Come on – let’s clean up.”

  “What’s the point? Vera knows she did it already.” Kamryn wet the towel on one corner, and followed Anne outside.

  “Oh, she does. But when she wakes up and sees none of her beautiful work still in place, she’s going to know we got the best of her. We’re going to wake up without make up or goo at our feet … and smile like nothing happened.” Anne smirked at Kamryn. “And she’s going to be furious.”

  Kamryn laughed and quietly followed her friend up the steps. The sun was slowly making its ascent, which meant they had just enough time to wipe up the floor and sneak back into bed.

  Anne quietly opened the door, and gave Kamryn an evil grin. “Let the games begin.”

  Chapter 14

  Terrence stepped out from the kitchen into the mess hall, to confront the girls, who were eating their breakfast. Chad was tucked back in the kitchen with his mom and sister, who’d flown in the night before, waiting to be introduced.

  It was time to bring out the bachelor, and he was more than ready. Terrance had been the host for Broadcast Affair for five years running, and understood the need to increase ratings. There were a few other dating shows in competition with theirs. However he thought bringing in a celebrity would have been enough to spice up the show.

  These new changes might have been nice for Chad, but Terrance didn’t like having to sleep in a musty old cabin. He liked staying in a nice hotel, which had room service instead of schlepping it down to the mess hall.

  The only high point this week was the rugged look he was sporting with his new five o’clock shadow. He’d already had a couple of contestants complimenting him on his new look. He wasn’t supposed to fraternize with any of them, but a little flirting couldn’t hurt.

  Let’s get this going, Terrance thought, as he rang the dinner bell to get the girls’ attention.

  “Ladies, how are you enjoying your stay?” He asked only to get a minimal response.

  “I thought this was a dating show, not a girl’s gone camping show.” Cara piped up, from the back of the room.

  A few girls, sitting around her, erupted in clapping and laughter. Terrence smiled brightly and raised his hands to quiet them down.

  “I understand. It’s been a rough couple of weeks. So, maybe I can make it a little
better for you?” He gave a mysterious look, and waited for the close up he knew he was getting from camera one.

  Ned promptly instructed him in his earpiece to pull the letters out of his jacket, and Terrence happily obliged.

  Two cameras panned the mixed reaction of the girls in the room. It was a blend of frustration and anticipation at what was in Terrance’s hand.

  “I have something for a few of you.” He smiled as he watched the girls perk up. “But first Chad has a few words for a couple of very special ladies.”

  On cue, Chad strolled through the doors into a room full of very happy women. His gut was in knots as they looked to him to save them from their rough surroundings. Not only was the pressure mounting from the women, but also from the cameraman behind him, as he recorded every second. He had been used to watching the girls, but now here he was for all of America to see.

  “Here we go,” he said, taking a step toward Terrance, who reached for his hand and shook it firmly.

  “Hey buddy, welcome … finally!” Terrance smiled big for the camera. “How do you feel, Chad? Getting to finally make an appearance?”

  Chad lightly cleared his throat. “It feels good. I feel like I know these ladies already.”

  Chad nodded to the group. He noticed they were in much tamer outfits than they had been earlier in the week, and was glad to see them take a cue from Anne, and relax their attire some.

  “Ladies, you all look beautiful.” Chad gave eye contact to as many as he could. They all beamed in his direction, hoping to catch his eye.

  “Girls, what you don’t know is that while you were finding your way around the camp ground…” Terrence led in with his teaser statement, and paused. “Chad was watching. You see all the cameras in all the buildings. He got to watch live - as you went on your day, learning about you and your character. For some of you that might have been good, and for some not so fortunate.” Terrance smiled.

  Anne watched as most of the girls nervously laughed in response. She could tell they were unsure of what was going to happen next. Each day she was here, the judgment she held for this show was slowly stripped away.

  Just like her, these girls had no idea what was happening around them, which gave Anne hope that this was the real deal. She was truly excited to see what was next, and for her that was the biggest surprise yet.

  Chad caught Anne’s smile from the corner of his eye, and his gut wrenched. He hoped she would one day smile at him like that.

  Terrance laid his hand on Chad’s shoulder. “So do you have someone you’d like to bring on a date with you today?”

  “I’d like to invite two of you lovely ladies today - on a very romantic horseback adventure.”

  The girls squealed in anticipation.

  Danielle, who was sitting next to Vera, poked her in the side with her elbow, and whispered with excitement, “I wonder who it is.”

  Anne wondered why Danielle surrounded herself with people, like Vera. Danielle seemed sweet, yet she still went along with girls, who were vipers. Anne shook her head and reminded herself to tread lightly with Danielle. She liked her, but knew not to trust her.

  Vera looked to Kamryn and Anne, and smiled. “I guess we’ll see who is the fairest of them all?” She laughed and turned back to Chad and Terrance, who stood up front.

  “She is such a brat.” Kamryn whispered.

  “And it’s killing her that she can’t laugh at our expense. Did you see her face when she woke up?” Anne laughed.

  Kamryn smiled wide. “She woke up with a start and then her face fell.”

  “Ha! I know.” Anne whispered, and turned to Chad. He was looking straight at them.

  Vera waved and smiled at Chad, who said, “These two girls have been stellar examples of class, and I would love to treat them to a special day. They deserve it.”

  Anne heard Cara yell from the table next to her.

  “Tell us already. I’d love to go!”

  The girls at Cara’s table laughed. Anne hadn’t spent much time with the girls in that cabin. She wondered if they were like Cara, or if there were any nice ones in the group.

  Chad smiled at Cara’s response, and lifted his hands.

  “Actually I’d like to invite Anne and Kamryn out today, if that’s alright with you?” He turned and made direct eye contact with Anne.

  Kamryn elbowed Anne and whispered. “He’s looking at you, girl!”

  Anne looked up to Chad with questioning eyes, while Kamryn stood up and pulled her along.

  “Come on! Let’s go!”

  “What?” Vera grumbled. “You’ve got to be kidding me. The Bible thumper and the princess go on the first date while we get sent back to the woods?”

  Danielle frowned at Vera, but didn’t defend either of them.

  Alyssa, who sat on the other side of Danielle, finally chimed in.

  “Shut up Vera. You’re just jealous that it’s not you.”

  Anne trailed Kamryn and stood on the other side of her, so that Kamryn was between she and Chad. These last few minutes were so surreal. Here she was - standing a few feet away from Chad Chambers, and he wanted to spend time with her. Unbelievable!

  She saw the cameras move in closer, which snapped her back to reality. She awkwardly smiled and turned toward Kamryn and Chad, giving her something else to focus on.

  Chad saw how excited Kamryn was, which made him happy. He truly thought she was a nice girl, and she had an exotic beauty that any guy would want. It would be nice to get to know her. Yet, he noticed that Anne hadn’t made eye contact since she left her seat … and she was fidgeting.

  Is she nervous? He smiled at the thought.

  “So ladies? You ready?” He asked, pleased that he could finally have some fun.

  “Yes,” Anne laughed, finally bringing her eyes up to meet his. She had always thought he had beautiful baby blues, but thought the lighting on-set maybe helped pump up the hue. Standing this close, she saw that wasn’t the case. As he looked down to her, she could see every beautiful inch of him, including his eyes, which were all natural. Anne took a step back, feeling as if she needed to sit down.

  Kamryn, who stood between the two, could feel the chemistry between them. She giggled at the look on Anne’s face, unable to discern if it was anxiety or puppy love.

  “Come here.” Chad said to Anne, pulling her toward him. Again, he noticed her long legs as she stepped in next to him. They were almost as long as his.

  Now that he had a beautiful girl on each side, he slung both his arms around them and looked to the host. “It’s time. You have the letters?”

  “I still have them.” His eyes gleamed. “There are seven letters in my hand. And seven of you ladies will receive them. When I call your name, please come pick one up. They all say the same thing. So whomever I call first can read it to the group. Then the rest, which I call out, will know what their fate is.”

  The rest of the girls in the dining hall quickly forgot any jealously and strictly focused on the letters, hoping they were instructions for the next part of their journey.

  Terrance held the stack in his hands and read the first name, “Vera, come get your letter and read it aloud.”

  Vera jumped up, clapping, and quickly made her way to Chad. He brought his arms down from around the girls to give her a cordial hug.

  “So nice to meet you finally.” She gushed, and then walked over to Terrance.

  Anne suddenly felt like the warmth had left her body without Chad’s arm around her shoulders, and was astounded at how one touch from him could affect her in such a way. She wished she could lean into his side once more to feel that warm sense of security he gave her.

  She drew in a deep breath, kicking herself.

  You’re not supposed to feel anything for him. This is just an adventure.

  Anne looked to the group, caught Cara’s eye, and held back a smile.

  If looks could kill, I’d be in the ground already, she thought and gave a small wave to Cara.

 
Kill ‘em with kindness … is what her mom always taught her and there was no better time to use that than now.

  The exchange between the women wasn’t lost on Chad and suddenly he felt very protective of Anne. He quickly lifted his arm and placed it around Anne’s shoulders once more. If he didn’t know any better, he could swear she leaned into him and it gave his heart a thrill.

  Vera tore at the envelope and eagerly read the note card inside, “They say your true colors show when you think no one is looking. In life you should know that you reap what you sow. So please get your bags and gracefully leave the show.”

  Her mouth dropped open, and she turned to stare at Chad through blazing eyes.

  “You’re kicking me off? You can’t do that.” She yelled, and took a threatening step toward him.

  Anne quickly smiled across to Kamryn, who she could tell what trying hard not to laugh at Vera.

  “I’m sorry, Vera.” Terrence gently pulled her back to the side, and signaled for security. “Please get your bags, which are outside the door already packed and waiting for your ride to the airport.”

  “Fine.” Vera tore up her letter and threw it at Terrance. “I didn’t sign on for this anyway. The dirt, the hard bunks … some adventure this turned out to be.”

  Vera stomped away, bypassing the security guards, which were walking up to escort her to the van outside.

  The rest of the women got quiet in a hurry. As Anne watched her leave, she was relieved she wasn’t in her shoes today. The anxiety could be felt through the room, and it dawned on her how much she wanted to stay.

  “Alright.” Terrence captured their attention. “When I call your name. Please collect your letter, exit those doors, and your bags will be waiting by the van. Thank you again for being here. It was a pleasure getting to know you.” Terrence paused and listened to the silent fear that captured each woman’s heart. “Alyssa … Jane …”