Runner Up

by Leah Banicki

  The room looked a lot brighter with the sun shining through the enormous windows. I saw a group of the bossy interns with their clipboards poised and Randall, the host, standing with them. He was casually dressed and there were no cameras around. This was not a television activity, I silently mused.

  My heart thumped a few beats when Randall turned to face the audience of women. I was curious to see what was in store for us. After the extremely quiet morning with nothing to do, I was happy to have this distraction.

  “Welcome back to the grand foyer. This is not a broadcast part of the show but it is a planned and reoccurring event for the guests of the show. You women are treated to several outings and excursions during your time here with Soulmate. There are many perks for being a contestant on the show. Each of you were assigned an assistant that instructed you last night in your limo. This assistant will be with you through this week. As people leave the show these assistants will be reassigned as the show moves forward. Today we have a few events taking place for those without a date. Our goal is to keep our guests happy. If you go to your assigned assistant they will fill you in on your excursions that are available each day. They will be available tomorrow at nine a.m.. If you have an early morning date or a late evening date and have free time there may be events you can join in later, as well. Shopping, eating, exercise, any ideas you have for activities can be shared with your assistant. I will see all of you ladies at the next date card ceremony. Good luck on your dates and enjoy your days here in the mansion.” Randall nodded to the group after he spoke.

  Janette and I happily joined the swarming girls as we all found our way to our assistant from the night before. My group was the same as last night and we all got a name-tag handed to us.

  Our group assistant was Miss Warner and she was only a tiny bit friendlier than she was in the limo. Since there were no hard deadlines she had a relaxed, though tight, smile. Today we had several shopping trips available. I asked for permission to buy a camera and they approved. My assistant would purchase one for me and I would sign a confidentiality agreement to take no pictures of any participants for the use of selling or public display. My head swam a bit at the details, but being a professional photographer I understood the show was protecting their rights.

  Besides Janette and I, the other girls were shy and not too talkative.

  “I thought Randall said they wanted us to enjoy our time here. This assistant scares us all into submission.” I said to Janette, as we walked back to our rooms to prepare for our lunch activity.

  “I looked around and not all the assistants seem as severe as ours.” Janette pointed out.

  “Well at least we get along well. Not sure I could handle this without a buddy.” I added, and gave her a friendly bump with my shoulder as we walked side-by-side.

  I was rewarded with a nod and grin that said she agreed.

  Janette and I were not the only fast friends here. It seemed the three blondes that had been mute in the limo yesterday also joined forces, but not with us. The nametags were going to be a huge asset to me. I was not quick at memorizing peoples’ names and never had been.

  ‘I rarely remember a face, but I will always forget a name.’ My dad sometimes used to tease me by saying.

  There was a pale blonde that seemed very shy, named Sherry. A rather interesting two-tone blond, black on the under layer and extremely harsh highlights on the top, with two piercings through her right eyebrow, was named Deb. The other blond, whose normal appearance had people fooled, until she spoke, very negatively about everything. Her nametag said Danielle. They seemed to me an odd group to be friends, but I didn’t care too much. I tried to visualize the girls in my group dating Anthony and was having a hard time.

  Janette and I joined the group that went to Rodeo Drive to shop. At three different stores we were given free reign to buy several outfits. When they heard our group was on the TV show Soulmate we enjoyed some complimentary shopping! It was great advertising for the store, and there is always an angle, I was certain.

  I received several evening gowns and had the secret hope that I would get to wear them all on the show. After hours of shopping I was glad we were returning to the mansion. I was tired of being with so many strangers, all different personalities that didn’t always act in a way that I found amusing or interesting. A few women were rude to the sales staff and several were very loud and boisterous, to the point of causing a scene if they didn’t get what they wanted.

  The bombshell blonde, named Desiree, was with us but she kept to her small group. Her name fit her perfectly. I did not think we were going to be friends. I had my own name for her, “slinky” because of the way she “slinked” around in skimpy outfits, “skimpy slinky” would work too, but that was just too silly!

  Relieved, I climbed out of the limousine and headed toward the dining room, while Janette lagged behind talking with our uptight group assistant. Dinner would be soon and I was looking forward to hiding in my room for the rest of the night. I needed a little peace and quiet. I had enough giggles and hair-tossing females. Perhaps I was not a good TV show personality.

  * * * * *

  The next day was painfully slow. I didn’t join the events or shopping with the other women but decided to stay inside. I found a comfy couch and tried to read for the afternoon but checked my wristwatch a thousand times. Nine p.m. was taking an eternity to come. I saw three different women go on their mandatory hour-long date with Anthony. I felt my stomach flip, uncomfortably, every time the girl left and returned, looking as dreamyeyed as I felt when I thought about my few moments alone with him. I passed on the reading idea to spend time going through my luggage and store purchases. I decided on three different outfits that I waffled over for nearly an hour. I left my room and headed to the pool before dinner, swam a few laps in an empty pool, to clear my head and get some exercise. I went back and forth in my head about this process too much. Bored with these girls already, I grumbled in my head. If I stayed the course, it’s three months of my life. In four weeks, I take a week to go home and have Christmas with my family, in Indiana, if I was still given a date card then.

  I was torn about the other girls because I was not making friends like I thought I would. Janette was a gem and I considered her an amazing girl, maybe the fact that I got the broach and the first date was making things difficult. I spent some time gliding through the water giving myself another much-needed pep talk.

  I wanted to see what the sparks were all about with Anthony. If I quit the show because of boredom and missed out on finding true love, I would be ashamed of myself. I had to pull myself together and stop worrying about what the other girls were doing. I needed to get focused on being calm and staying true to myself. I climbed out of the pool when the dinner announcement shouted through the intercom.

  * * * * *

  My turn arrived, finally. The boring days finally passed and my evening date with Anthony had come. It reminded me of elementary school, every day someone got to be the special front-of-the-line-kid for our class. There were several parts of this experience that was a bit like elementary school.

  I hoped my one hour with Anthony went well. I would be so disappointed if we had nothing left to talk about after five minutes and another blah date would go into my dating file.

  I was driven, via limousine, to an unknown location. It was dark so I couldn’t see much outside the tinted windows. When the limo came to a stop I saw some old-fashioned lampposts. There were muted lights in the background, but the tinted windows kept it all a mystery.

  I was wearing a more practical dress tonight and I was glad. It was something I would actually wear in real life, well, as much as you can wear cashmere in real life. It felt like heaven on my skin and felt more casual than a formal gown.

  I stepped out of the limo and was pleasantly surprised that Anthony was the one who opened my door.

  "You look radiant." He said. His eyes suggested that he meant it, nothing overt or daring, just a pleasa
nt aspiration to something new.

  "I have been waiting to see you again. You look good, too." I said. My nerves loosened up and I felt suddenly determined to enjoy every minute with him.

  No more thinking, I told myself.

  "I am so glad you picked this time slot. I was hoping to get a moonlit walk with you." He glanced ahead and made a decision. "Let’s walk around this garden and see if we can't get lost looking for the moon." He grabbed my arm and I squeezed it like I owned it. He knew how to say the perfect thing to make me comfortable. I let him lead me through a flowered archway.

  "This is a conservation garden. I am looking forward to sharing it with you." He filled me on the details, his hands moving as he spoke. His confident smile was contagious.

  "I would love to have my camera in a place like this. But I suppose you will have to do." I squeezed his arm as he gave me a look. He was studying my face a moment before he caught himself and then we moved forward through the stunning garden.

  There was a low-level brick wall that held candles that lit our path. The stars were out and we weaved through the paths and talked a lot. We pointed out anything that grabbed our attention and the hour passed too quickly. We found the moon near the end, through an opening in the flora.

  As we said goodbye I was disappointed that the evening had to end so quickly.

  "Wait!" Anthony said, as I walked to the limo. He grabbed my hand and took the rose from his jacket lapel. His black hair was gleaming and his sincere, serious look nearly killed me.

  He handed me the white rosebud and leaned in toward me, his lips were warm on mine for a suspended moment. Our first kiss was sweet.

  "I needed to do that." He whispered close to my face after the kiss. I was still not breathing.

  "I don't mind at all." I whispered back. Our lips met one more time before I floated away in the limousine. * * * * *

  Two more days of Soulmate house activities were spent in a haze. I was asked by several girls about my hour date. I tried to downplay it to keep jealousy at bay but I think everyone guessed how it went by my stupid grin.

  Anthony was amazing. I would only call it the “puppy love” phase still. There was a long way to getting to know each other but, oh boy, I liked him a lot. If I had a notebook I would doodle his name and mine in it. I might do that later.

  The days passed and it was time for everyone to get dolled up again. The herd of makeup artists and hairdoers were gathering like an army and the toxic fumes of hairspray filled the air.

  I was wearing a black silk dress that my mom bought me. It felt simple and elegant. After two hours in the 'chair' my hair and makeup were plastered on me and again I looked like a stranger to myself. I was wearing my 'lucky' broach, as all the girls were calling it, and felt pretty lucky indeed.

  There was a peaceful assurance of knowing I would have a date card from Anthony, and a one-on-one date. Only three other girls would get a solo date with him next week, according to the rumor mill. The other girls were not too far off on the broach being a bit lucky, if you believed in luck.

  The card ceremony was scheduled for after dinner, but no one wanted to eat. I snacked on a light salad and then checked my teeth for any residue left behind. It was not my goal to have a spinach leaf stuck in my teeth on television. Just say no!

  I heard a bell ring when the time got closer. Janette and I walked together toward the staging area, the grand room where we gathered at the very beginning of the show. It had been four long days of dates for Anthony. I wondered who would stay. I only had one friend I truly liked and several others who appeared pleasant enough.

  This house was worse than high school, these girls were older and wiser. They had their catty games down pat. If there were a few name-callers and mind game players, that would round out the trouble nicely!

  You throw twenty-five women in a house with one available man and this was what you get.

  The room was full again and I was prepared once more for the hurry-up-and-wait game. I was pleased when Anthony and Randall, the host, showed up on time. Anthony was resplendent in his tuxedo and I actually heard a few girls sigh as he walked in. I know, cheesy! Leave it to us girls to get all gooey. I fought off the urge to grab him, yell out “mine” like a three-year-old, instead I convinced myself to wait to see what would happen.

  Randall in his dark suit grabbed a glass of champagne and started the announcement.

  "The card ceremony will begin shortly. We will get you all in place on the steps over in the corner and then we will get the cameras in place. We will start rolling when everyone is ready. Anthony will go through the cards on the table and announce everyone who has a card. You will come forward and either accept or deny the date card and then go back to your place. We need this to be quick. So get your card and go back at a quick but comfortable pace." Randall raised the glass after he spoke and sipped. He gestured to a camera man and the room glided into motion. I tried to make eye contact with Anthony but he was busy getting his own instructions.

  The women were herded to the back wall and lined up so everyone could be seen. There were two lines of ten and one line of five, in the front.

  It was a lot of women packed into a very small space. I was a bit uncomfortable but I kept my cool and stood as still as I could in high heels. They were better than the first night’s choice. I was glad for that.

  After a minute the perfume overload started, they did not combine well. I must say, some girls must have bathed themselves in it. Cack!

  The scene was ready, the cameras poised for action and the cards began rolling out.

  I was called third and went to get my card. I got a kiss on the cheek as he handed me my card. The girls gasped when he did it. I didn’t care if they didn’t like it. Anthony and I had a good start and I was giddy about him. I hoped he felt the same way.

  I got back in line and was glad to see my friend Janette got called. She accepted her card with a smile. Her long hair flowed down her back and it was magnificent. She was a sweet and beautiful girl.

  After nineteen cards were handed out Randall came forward to say that there was only one card remaining.

  The last girl called was Desiree. She slinked forward and got her card, her dress even shorter than the one she wore on the first night. He gave her a kiss on the cheek also. I tried not to make a face. It figured that she would be my competition.

  It was a testament to us girls. We always know who the guys will go after. It's in our DNA. Detect and hunt her down. I tried hard to keep my jealousy down to a dull roar.

  After the last card the five girls without cards got a chance to say their goodbyes. One girl was emotional and Anthony spoke to her first. I tried not to eavesdrop but failed. He was very polite.

  "It was a pleasure to meet you. You are a beautiful girl. I am certain there is someone out there for you." Anthony said sweetly and sincerely. He looked her in the eye and his face was kind.

  I thought that was nice. Once the other girls were gone I got a chance to open my card.

  Come fair maiden, to be the queen of my castle. Scotland awaits us for our first date .' On the bottom he added in his own hand writing. 'That kiss has been in my thoughts non-stop. I cannot wait to see you again, sweet Hannah.

  Sincerely,

  Anthony.

  Chapter 4

  We were given a few hours to pack our things. During the wait at the airport I braided Janette's long hair, it was extremely soft and rich red. I have always loved my brown hair but her hair was something special. I felt like a teenager with a new best friend. We had nothing to do but hang out and be bored. It seemed like a useless existence, but that was an opinion I was not sharing in an interview.

  Earlier our new group assistant arrived in our room bearing gifts bags piled up in her arms. She plopped three bags on my bed and three on Janette's. We opened the bags and found long elegant coats, with beautiful detail work, each slightly different from the other. They matched our own individual coloring. The creamy tan c
olor of Janette's went well with her red hair. My coat was a dark emerald green. Heavenly! The other two bags contained more little surprises. Accessories filled these special bags, hats, scarves to go with our coats, also a clasp purse and a few pieces of costume jewelry. (I certainly hoped it wasn't real.) We packed our luggage, gushed over our gifts and got into the vans. We were told it would be first class all the way to our destination.

  We hopped a plane with the twenty other girls. Janette was sitting next to me. We shared her ipod, each having an ear bud. Michael Buble' singing to me, 'Got the World on a String'.

  I was usually not a first class flyer but there were a few occasions when the airlines bumped me up for some reason. Today we were flying first class and given the VIP treatment! The dinner service was amazing, I had prime rib and Janette had smoked salmon and shrimp. We gladly shared with each other. It was delectable. * * * * *

  It was early morning when we arrived, after our twelve hour flight. My inner clock had no idea what day it was. We poured out of the plane and with sleepy eyes we all gaped out the window. The landscape was dotted with snow and the rock walls and small, quaint towns surprised all of us. I snapped a few pictures with my little point-and-shoot camera the show bought for me. Anytime the card filled up they planned to mail it to a P.O. Box set up for me back home. So I was able to send stuff home without people seeing it, that was against those pesky rules. I was secretly wishing for my own gear to take some landscape pictures. I had never been to Scotland in my travels, this would be an amazing place to camp out for a few weeks and absorb the atmosphere and culture. I put aside my wishes and we continued.

  The producers finally filled everyone in and told us we were headed to Kilnary Castle for the week. We all clapped excitedly, in the van. My earlier thoughts, this week of wondering how to survive the boredom was long gone.