Dating Show?
2486 Words
After unpacking my luggage, I sat on the couch. I'm eager to relax and watch some television. Dinner was still a little ways away. Mom had my luggage sent up ahead of time. I thought for sure something would get lost, but all suitcases are present with the locks still intact.
I flipped on the tv, and begin scrolling through the channels. None of it looked familiar, but I haven’t had time to watch tv lately. I stopped on a talk show. The host had long blond hair, and a gorgeous blond was the guest.
“Nancy, you got to tell me how the new show is going,” The host said. Unfortunately, I didn’t know her name yet.
“We are preparing to meet the new girls soon. Filming will start in a few days,” The blond woman called Nancy replied.
“How does the Prince feel?” The host leaned forward as if she was about to hear the juicy gossip.
“You know, Sandy, he’s excited. The five girls will compete for his love. What more could a Vampire want?” Nancy flipped her hair back and flashed the screen a smile. The audience erupted in laughter.
I rolled my eyes. It seems like another dating show was coming soon. My mother loved watching them. She’ll be pleased to see they are pretending one is a Vampire. I flipped through more channels, bored with Nancy and Sandy. I suffered through The Bachelor Show with my mom year after year. Supernatural shows are all the rage right now.
It’s not like I hated those types of shows, but all the couples usually split up off-screen, making me think it's fake. I do like Supernatural shows, though. I groaned, thinking about my mom calling me while it’s on, to ask me if I believe he’s a vampire or who will get into a fight first. The dating shows seemed to capitalize on the fandom of Vampires on Mainstream tv right now. My favorite series, Vampire Diaries, sadly, is over.
Most of the shows on tv are talk shows, news broadcasts, or soap operas. I guess daytime tv wasn’t all that great. Sighing, I put the remote on the couch and stood up and stretched.
I'll just take a walk around campus and see if they have a swimming pool. It’s summer and I’m used to going to the beach. I can check out the library too.
The library isn’t large, but it was cozy. I walked down the first row of books and filtered through the shelves as I went along. I try to familiarize myself with the book order. It will help me later when I have more time to look for books.
As I’m reading the author's names on the side covers, a book stands out to me. I pick it up and run my hand over the brown leather cover. It had intricate designs carved on the cover. The design isn’t familiar to me, though.
It reminds me of Leonardo da Vinci’s Anatomy of A Human. I open the book to look for the title. The cover didn’t have it.
Lamia Anatomica
I’m not familiar with the word Lamia, but the second one I would guess meant Anatomy. I skimmed through the pages but couldn’t understand the words.
“Can I help you?” I slammed the book shut, startled by the feminine voice.
When I turn around I see the purple-haired girl from the cafeteria earlier, “I’m just checking out the library,”
“You have a key?” she looked at me incredulously, her mouth agape. What is her problem?
“No, I came in behind another student. Johnny said my keys would be ready after dinner,” I said.
“You should wait to see if you get a key,” she reached over and took the book from my hand.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I couldn’t visit the library in my building,” I try to be nice to her hoping she would soften up. Maybe she is having a bad day.
“I’m still trying to figure out why you’re staying in this building,” her hazel eyes scrutinized me.
“Look, I’m new here and trying to explore. This is the building I’m assigned to,” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Not if I have anything to say about it, you’re not. Stay out of where you don’t belong,” she puffed her tiny shoulders out. She huffed then walked away.
My first day isn’t going so well. I already made an enemy. I hope this place has a swimming pool to make up for it.
I’ve been walking around for about an hour and still haven’t seen signs of a swimming pool. I discovered the Tennis Courts and Volleyball court.
A girl with short blond hair cut into a pixie cut sat against a tree reading a book. Maybe, she knew where the pool is, “Excuse me, does this place have a swimming pool?”
She set her book down carefully on the grass. She regarded me momentarily before laughing, “I don’t know of many schools that do,” she said. She patted the grass next to her, and I sat down by her. “There’s one nearby that the students use,”
“I was just hoping since it has everything else,” I laughed. “I’m Lina, nice to meet you,”
“You should wait to see if you get a key,” she reached over and took the book from my hand.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I couldn’t visit the library in my building,” I try to be nice to her, hoping she would soften up. Maybe she is having a bad day.
“I’m still trying to figure out why you’re staying in this building,” her hazel eyes scrutinized me.
“Look, I’m new here and trying to explore. This is the building I’m assigned to,” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Not if I have anything to say about it, you’re not. Stay out of where you don’t belong,” she puffed her tiny shoulders out, let out a huff, and walked away.
My first day isn’t going so well. I already made an enemy. I hope this place has a swimming pool to make up for it.
I’ve been walking around for about an hour and still haven’t seen signs of a swimming pool. I discovered the Tennis Courts and Volleyball court.
A girl with short blond hair cut into a pixie cut sat against a tree reading a book. Maybe, she knew where the pool is, “Excuse me, does this place have a swimming pool?”
She set her book down carefully on the grass. She regarded me momentarily before laughing, “I don’t know of many schools that do,” she said. She patted the grass next to her, and I sat down by her. “There’s one nearby though the students use,”
“I was just hoping since it has everything else,” I laughed. “I’m Lina, nice to meet you,”
“I’m Shawna,” she shook my hand.
“Are you new here as well?” I asked.
“No. This is my fourth year here. Are you one of the five?” Shawna asked.
“Yes, is it that easy to tell?” I laughed.
“The five usually come in the Summer,” she shrugged.
“What else is there to do around here?” I asked.
“The French Quarter has a lot to do. We have a beach about an hour away,” she said.
“I’ve heard of The French Quarter,” I stretched my legs out on the lawn.
“Which building are you staying in?” she asked me.
“I don’t know the name, but it’s that way,” I pointed towards my dorm.
“We could head to dinner together,” she stood up and stretched her hands in the air.
“That would be great! I’m still trying to find my way around. Johnny gave me a tour, but I can’t remember it all,” I laughed.
We walked along the cemented path towards the Main Hall. The Palm Trees gave some shade from the blistering sun.
“What do you think of Johnny?” she said.
I just met her so I would not tell her about the kiss we shared.
“He seems nice,” I finally said.
She raised her eyebrows at me, “Just nice?”
“He’s nice looking too,” I laughed. Somehow, though, I got the impression he isn’t single. He says he’s single, but guys lie all the time. I remembered the purple hair girl from earlier, “Do you know a girl with purple hair?” I realized how dumb that sounded. There could be over one.
“You must mean Heather,” she rolled her eyes. I got the impression she didn’t like Heather much.
“She stays in my dorm,” I said.
“You’re in the Laurent Dorm?” her mouth was agape in disbelief.
“Is that what it’s called?” I asked.
“Is it back in the wooded area?” she asked.
“Yes,” I said.
We reached the doors leading to the Main Hall, and she stopped at the door, “Johnny put you there?” she whispered almost to herself.
I wasn’t sure if she was asking or saying it out loud.
“There’s a magnificent view of The Cathedral,” I said.
“I like you, Lina. You have already made school more interesting,” she opened the door and went inside, leaving me confused.
We looked around the packed dining area for a few minutes before we found an empty table and sat down.
“I will introduce you to some of my friends when they get here,” Shawna sat her bag on the bench next to her.
“It’s nice to meet new people,” I told her.
A couple walked up and sat down next to Shawna, “glad you saved us a table,” the girl said.
“It’s packed today. I want you to meet Lina. She’s new here,” Shawna motioned towards me.
“Hi, my name is Renee, and this is Mitch,” A girl with gorgeous Pink hair said.
I shook their hands, thankful to meet more new friends.
“I love your hair,” I told Renee. She has shaved hair in the back and on the sides. The pink tips made the long hair on top pop.
“Thanks, I just got it done last week,” Renee lifted her fingers to her hair and patted it.
“I wish I had the facial structure for that hairstyle,” I said.
“I got an app that will let you see how you would look with different hairstyles,” She reached into her purse and dug around. “s**t, I forgot my phone, but I can show you later,”
“That would be cool,” I told her.
“You must be one of the five,” Mitch said.
It seemed the entire school says, the five.
“Yes. I just started today,” I smiled.
“She’s staying in the Laurent Dormitory,” Shawna raised her eyebrows and shared a look with the others.
“Oh, that is most interesting,” Renne said.
“Why?” I asked.
“Usually, the five don’t stay there,” Shawna said.
Renee looked like she wanted to say something else but didn’t.
I hear a loud group of people. I turned to see what was causing all the noise. Johnny was walking with a petite blonde-haired girl. My cheeks felt warm, thinking about our kiss earlier.
The others followed my eyes.
“You’re blushing,” Shawna teased.
“It’s just hot in here,” I shrugged, trying to play it off. “Who’s the girl with him?”
“Another one of the five girls, I think. I’ve never seen her before,” Mitch said.
Johnny took the girl’s hand in his and led her to a table. I didn’t feel so special that he held my hand earlier now.
“When do they serve dinner? I have a lot to unpack,” I lied.
Shawna and Renee exchanged looks, then looked at Mitch. He shrugged his shoulders at them.
“Dinner will be soon, but we have something to tell you,” Shawna said, “We can come back to your dorm. Too many ears here,”
“Are all five here yet?” Mitch asked.
“Not yet, so it won’t be tonight,” Shawna asked.
“What are you guys talking about?” I asked.
“Later, dinner is coming,” Renee said.
A man was pushing a cart down the aisle and handed us each a tray.
“It would make more sense if they did a buffet or a line,” It would take forever to serve the whole cafeteria.
“Many serve at once,” Renee said.
I hoped I like what was on my plate. It seemed such a waste to do it this way.
As I took a bite out of the Lasagna on my plate, I heard a familiar voice, “Lina, I want to introduce you to Sasha,”
Shawna, Renee, and Mitch turned their heads toward Johnny and his blonde friend Sasha and looked them up and down.
“Nice to meet you,” I gave my best fake smile and hoped it looked realistic
“You too. Isn’t Johnny great?” Sasha cooed.
“Oh yea, he is great. In fact, he was very great,” I smiled.
She looked at me puzzled a few moments as Johnny smirked, “Let’s go find a table Johnny,” she wrapped her hand around his arm possessively.
"Well, that was awkward," Mitch said as he took a bite from his Lasagna.
"Just wait until there are five," Renee laughed. Shawna elbowed her in her sides, "Ouch," she rubbed her side.
I had no idea what they are talking about, but they are acting weird.
We were sitting on my bed back in my room. Mitch is painting Renee's toenails pink, and I can't help but think what a cute couple they make.
I never thought much before about having a boyfriend. It wasn't a priority, but it's my senior year. My parents told me to enjoy myself this year.
"This has got to be the best Dorm room on campus," Renee said.
"It used to be Johnny's, so of course it is," Shawna laughed.
"This was Johnny's room?' I asked, confused.
"Yep," Shawna said, popping the P.
They all exchanged looks again, and I sighed, "Spill the beans,"
"She's going to find out soon anyway," Mitch twisted the lid closed on the nail polish and set it down on the nightstand.
"Promise you won't freak out?" Shawna said.
"Now you're scaring me," I told her.
"Just promise," she said again.
"Fine, I promise," I said.
"Every year, five girls come here to compete to win the heart of a Laurent," Shawna said.
I spit my drink out all over the purple bedspread, "What did you just say?"
"You and the other four girls will compete for Johnny in a competition," Renee said.
I laughed at the thought of it.
"I'm not going to compete for any guy," I said.
"You don't have a choice," Mitch said.
"Of course I do," I closed the lid on my soda and sat it down on the table next to me.
"I wish we could tell you more, but we can't. We already told you too much," Shawna said.
"I'll just go back home," I shrugged my shoulders. I knew it was too good to be true.
"Your parents signed a contract. You can't," Shawna said.
"She can make Johnny pick one of the other girls," Mitch said.
"Do you mean to throw the competition?" Renee grinned mischievously.
"Yep. You just need to be the opposite of what he likes," Mitch talked like it was easy. I didn't know Johnny that well though.
"Be the opposite of you. He likes good girls like you," Mitch said.
"How do you know all this?" Renee asked him.
"We used to be friends," Mitch shrugged.
"You guys haven't even told her the worst part," Renee said.
"There's more?" I don't know how much worse this can get.
"It's a tv show, mainly broadcast on campus," Renee said. "Don't worry, your family will never see it,"
I don't know how that is supposed to make me feel better. I know one thing, I wasn't going to be anyone's entertainment.
- Writer
