Chapter 4
1842 Words
Maya's interview on Day 1
Interviewer: Hi Maya, how has it been going? Do you like it here?
Maya: Hi! (laughs) Yes, I do like it here. The location is great, the outfits we have been great are all so pretty and the food is good too (smiles).
Interviewer: That's good to hear. What would you say about this season's contestants?
Maya: (Thinking) Umm, I have talked to everyone here, and suffice it to say everyone 'seems' nice.
Interviewer: Why the emphasis on seem?
Maya: Well you know (laughs nervously), it is too early to judge someone, plus it is a reality show and people are here to win. So how many here see me as just a competition? I have no idea.
Interviewer: Fair enough. So, who do you see yourselves being good friends with?
Maya: Probably Bridget since she is my roommate and I have spent the most time with her since
coming here.
Interviewer: Okay! Who do you think will not be on good terms in the show?
Maya: Not be on good terms? Maybe Peter.
Interviewer: Why?
Maya: Just because of the vibes. Seems a bit off. I am sure it is just a problem. (Laughs)
Interviewer: Anyone who caught your eye here?
Maya: I wouldn't say it caught my attention, but I do think Dev has got some pretty eyes, man. Even I am jealous.
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"Do you think this outfit looks good on me?"
I turned around to see Bridget staring at me. She started moving in circles to give me a better view of her outfit. It was a rose quartz pink midi dress. It was crafted from a soft chiffon that flowed gracefully around her ankles as she turned, a perfect counterpoint to the weight of the gold locket nestled around her neck. The dress was a simple A-line silhouette, skimming her curves without clinging. The bodice had thin spaghetti straps that accentuated her shoulders and dipped slightly in the back, revealing a hint of bare skin.
"You look amazing. Trust me, Peter will not be able to take his eyes off you."
She beamed at me and then turned around to take another look in the mirror. I shifted my focus to my outfit then. I was wearing a burnt orange, cropped wrap blouse. The wrap style created a flattering V-neck and cinched at my waist, while the cropped length shows a sliver of my midriff. I paired it up with a high-waisted midi skirt in soft, sage green corduroy. The high waist balances the cropped top and elongates my legs. I paired it up with a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings and black boots with a platform sole. The outfit complemented my olive skin and deep brown hair.
Today we were going to have our first official shoot for the show. It has been two days since we arrived here. Everyone here was allotted a roommate and Bridget and I share a room now. She is nice and she also told me that she likes Peter, and she assumes that he does too. I did not tell her about the phone conversation I heard at the party because I am not sure anymore about what I heard. But it is clear that they are going to play this game together.
"You know I told you I was going to talk to Dev that day, right?" She had said to me last night.
"What?"
"On the day of the party."
"Yeah."
"I did go to him and I tried to start a conversation with him, but he wasn't really paying any attention to a word I was saying."
Sounds just like him.
"And then he just left suddenly, and then I realized where his attention was."
"Where?"
"At you."
"Come on."
"Seriously. He made his way to you. You were standing just outside this open area, and you weren't really paying attention to people around you. He walked up to you and then you two started talking, but it did not look really civil."
Shit. She saw us that day.
When I did not say anything, she continued.
"So I thought whatever and then suddenly Peter came out from the other side. You guys did not notice him, but he did, and then he saw me and walked up to me and, well, the rest is history."
"Wow, so that was your meet cute huh?"
"Yes, and I am so glad that this is how everything played out."
"We exchanged numbers and then, over the course of two weeks, we talked every day and I just really started liking him, you know?"
I understood how she felt. I have felt this too once. For someone who wasn't worth it, because I was always an option, never a choice for him.
"I am happy for you and I hope that he is like how you imagined him."
She did not hear me though, as she was already asleep. She was breathing softly on the bed adjacent to mine.
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"Okay. Lights. Camera. And action!"
"Hello everyone! Welcome to Love in Paradise season 6. I am your host Vicky."
"And I am Philip, and we are here with our contestants."
The camera zoomed in on each one of us as we stood on the elevated staircase, four on each side.
"How are you guys feeling today?"
"Great." We all said in unison."
"So how has it been going? Does anyone have anything to share?"
Blake lifts her hand.
"It has been good Vicky. We have all settled in and are slowly getting comfortable here."
"That is amazing. And have they all formed pairs? I can see some of you. What do you want to say about it, Maya?" Philip asked me.
"Yes, I actually have been talking to Flynn and I think he is a nice guy. He is funny and smart, and it seems like I could partner up with him." Phew! That wasn't nerve-wracking at all.
"Flynn! What do you have to say to this?"
"Well, yes she is great, and I also see myself partnering up with her. And she is also so pretty." He smiled at me and I smiled back at him.
"Awww." Someone said from behind me.
"Well, as you all know, we have gathered here today for the first game of the season." Vicky started.
"Yes, and it will be played in pairs, but not as you have all formed."
What? Why did I bother trying so hard to match get up with someone?
"The ladies here will be first given a chance to pick a chit from this bowl right here." Vicky picked up a bowl that had white chits inside it.
"Then the gentlemen here will pick from this tray each time." Philip showed us a tray that had four different items on it.
"So, one by one ladies, please go ahead and pick a chit."
We all made our way to the bowl and picked one piece of paper. We were told not to look inside it. Then the men made their way toward the tray and picked one item each.
"Okay, girls, so now, one by one you will tell you what is written on your paper. If it matches with what item that one of the boys has then you guys are a pair."
"We will start with Amara. What do you get?"
"Mine says nail paint."
"Whichever boy has nail paint with them, please step ahead."
We all waited in anticipation to see who would step up. Peter took a step forward and he immediately looked towards Bridget. So many emotions passed on her face in some seconds. Surprise, anger, and maybe sadness. She quickly masked it with nothing but nonchalance.
"Amara and Peter, you both have been paired for this game. We hope that you all do well. Next, let us move on to Maya."
I unfolded my paper. Strawberry.
"It says strawberry."
"Which one of you has strawberries with you?"
I closed my eyes just praying for one thing.
Not Dev.
Not Dev.
Not Dev.
"Dev!" I opened my eyes. f**k it. "So you and Maya will be partners for today's game."
It's fine. No really. I will just play my game. Yeah. Let's just be professional.
Joe and Bridget and Blake and Flynn were paired up.
"Since the pairs are formed, let us move on to the game segment for the show. But before that, how are you feeling? Did you like this pairing? Dev, let's hear from you."
"It's fine. I mean I was okay with performing with anyone here. I did talk to Maya though, and I think we are compatible."
Bitch say what? The shock must be evident on my face.
"Maya, you look shocked. What happened?"
"No, it's just that we did not really have the best first impressions. I mean I sure did not." I said honestly.
"Oh darling don't worry, I will change your perception tonight." Dev suddenly said and then winked at me.
He f*****g winked at me and darling? What's up with him?
I am scared.
"Maya, I am sure he will charm you tonight. Now let's talk to Joe and Bridget.
I did not hear anything that was said after Dev's proclamation. What is he thinking? I looked at him and realized he was already looking at me. He smiled at me. The f*****g audacity. And then it all clicked, like a puzzle falling into place by itself. He was doing it all for the camera. He wanted to create a good image. God, why did I say that I had a bad impression? Now people are going to see me as a Karen.
"Today's game is 'The Great Escape'," Vicky announced.
"In this game, each of the pair will be locked inside a mystery room which they will have to escape. The pair who will do it in the shortest time will win this game. Those who win will get a few perks. So make sure to give it your all."
I don't care who my partner is, I will win it. Or try at least.
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Dev's interview Day 1
Interviewer: So Dev how has it been?
Dev: It's been good. Though too early to say anything.
Interviewer: Very well what would you say about this season's contestants?
Dev: I think everyone is nice, I am still to talk with a few of them but everyone seems great.
Interviewer: Who do you see yourselves being good friends with?
Dev: Good friends with? Umm (thinking) I don't know, maybe Joe since he is my roommate. He is a good guy. I have known him outside of this show.
Interviewer: Who do you think will not be on good terms in the show?
Dev: (Laughs) You are trying to get me in trouble. I think Peter.
Interviewer: Peter! Why?
Dev: No reason, just the vibes.
Interviewer: Anyone who caught your eye here?
Dev: Maya, I think. Her eyes are pretty.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dev. That is all.
- Writer
