Runner Up (4 page)

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 pleasant
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.

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.

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
color 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.
I am in Scotland. Heading for a Castle. Tomorrow.. or later today, I have a date.
A little jet lagged and tired I sat contentedly watching the Scottish country side zoom by.
* * * * *
The castle was enormous! We were stunned when we came around the hill and saw the magnificent
castle with tall stone turrets covering a huge amount of ground. The snow was melted in a few areas and the rock
walls surrounding the place looked much older than anything I had ever seen in the U.S.
If this was a dream I did not want to wake up.
* * * * *
I shared a suite with Janette and few other girls. A blond, named Brittney, along with another girl whose
name always escaped me, probably because she was very shy, they made a welcome addition to our small group.
We were very quiet and tried to stay away from the drama. A handful of other girls were probably getting a lot of
television time for all their hollering and gossip. Right now, Desiree and another girl were having a bit of a war.
They were stuck together as roommates and were scheduled for a double date with Anthony. Desiree declared
that she was not going to share her time with Anthony with anyone. I understood how she felt but this was a part
of the show. I wasn’t going to say anything about how I felt on-camera if I could help it. I did not need to feel her
wrath, at all. I had every intention of enjoying my week.
I got my itinerary from the group assistant and gladly found out my all-day date with Anthony was
tomorrow. I took my time relaxing and getting my bearings and a few extra hours of rest. Janette and I both got
excited when we heard there was a spa at our disposal, inside the castle, converted into a resort. I grabbed a Dr.
Pepper from the stocked mini-fridge in our room, and we wandered over to the hotel's amenities section of the
grounds.
"I think a facial and mud massage would work. Then maybe a soak in the hot tub, and movie in our room,
then fourteen hours of sleep." Janette suggested.
"Sounds brilliant." I grabbed the phone and called the service desk to see if we could get appointments for
all of the above. We were able to get in right away. We were told to come as we were. We would be provided
with robes and everything we needed. I loved this place.
* * * * *
Massaged and pampered, then soaked and steamed until tender, Janette and I made our way back through
the Castle to our rooms. We visited the gift shop, I could not help but buy a few trinkets, and gifts for my family
back home. I wasn’t allowed to tell them where I was or what I was doing when I talked to them on the phone, but
at least when this was all over I would have all sorts of gifts and souvenirs waiting.
We found our way back to the rooms with our loot. I made a list of things to do with the new assistant
before we left Scotland. I would send all the things I bought back home, they would be waiting for me.
"I know I suggested a movie, but I am toast. I don't even know what day it is. I think the bed is actually
singing my name." Janette said with drowsy eyes, then she leaned against her hands in a tucked pretend sleeping
motion.
"I could not agree more. I will be asleep before I can find my pj's." I hugged my friend. My own rubbery legs
were dragging. The massage was great but being that relaxed reminded the rest of me that sleep was not such a
bad idea. "I had a lovely day with you, Thanks Janette." I said in a soft and tired voice.
She was moving quickly up my favorite person’s list. She just passed a few Disney characters and the gal
who made those famous pies you bought at the grocery store.
* * * * *
I awoke with a panic, a feeling of terror, like I was already late for something.
I hate that.
I growled out
loud.
I checked the clock near me and it was only 9:30 am in Scotland. I fell asleep by 7 p.m. the night before. My
mouth was dry and I reached for the bottle of fresh water sitting on my nightstand. I decided to buy a gift for the
new assistant for our group. She was really going above and beyond by taking good care of me. I could use
someone like her in real life. I didn’t even know her name but intended to remedy that, soon.
I sat up slowly, still a bit groggy from sleeping so long. The water was perfect, and just a little cooler than
room temperature. I hated really cold water, I couldn’t chug it if it was too cold. I get brain freeze really easily.
My itinerary was sitting on the nightstand telling me that my date with Anthony started at 2:30. I left a
voicemail message for my parents before lunch. It would have been nice to talk with them but it would have to
wait. I don’t even know what the time difference was.
With a few minutes to stretch and get my bearings, I was up and flying around my room. My assistant came
in with four large parcels draped over her arm. Wordlessly, she hangs them up on the gold hooks near the closet
door.
“I know you have brought me something fantastic but I just want a moment to say thank you so much for
taking such amazing care of me. You are a gem.” I said, to the short brunette standing in front of me. She looked
to be in her early twenties.
The young woman smiled shyly, it’s the first time I’ve seen anything but her serious work face. She was so
cute.
“You are welcome, Miss Parker. I am glad to do it.” She nodded and went back to the garments. She began
unzipping.
“What’s your name dearie?” I asked the sweet little worker bee.
“It’s Heidi Gold. You may call me Heidi, if you wish. If I may, I need you to pick two dresses for this week.
Choose one for your date today and another one for an event in a few days. Your date is a special event, being the
broach date. You both will be dressed in historical Scottish royalty costumes. These dresses are custom made. The
remaining dresses you don’t choose will be auctioned off on ebay for a charity event after the show airs.” Heidi
said, very stoically.
I was totally surprised. She had been mute, now she was a fountain of information. I walked up to the
dresses and did a double take. These costumes weren’t like the oversized smelly things in the high school costume
closet or what you rent for a party on Halloween. These dresses were masterpieces. Each had corsets and
petticoats attached to go with the dress. The choice was difficult with each one being unique and beautiful.
“Before you choose, Miss Parker, you should change into casual clothes and I will do your hair, they want
you to choose on camera. It makes it better for the auction, to see you touching the dresses.” Heidi ran through
her checklist as she was talking to me. I could tell she had a million things to do today. I suddenly felt pretty lazy.
“You can call me Hannah, and thanks for the heads up. I am not big on being on television in my pajamas.”
We both laughed and I charged into my luggage but it had been mysteriously put away. She must have been quietly
working as I slept.
“Wow, Heidi, you sure are great at what you do.” I said to her, but she had left the room for me to
change in private and summon the camera crew. I was digging through my clothes when all her words penetrated
my brain. Both of us would be dressed in these types of clothes. My heart did a triple beat thinking about what
Anthony would be wearing.
If he is in a Kilt I may just die.
* * * * *
After a morning in front of the camera crew then makeup, I ate a quick lunch and headed to the salon for
the special broach date hair session. My brunette hair was a shiny glistening updo that nearly made me cry. I liked
being pretty but this was beyond what I could ever imagine. I felt like a movie star. I tried to watch them as they
curled and pinned and twisted my hair into the art form it was now. It was perfectly elegant. I had a vision of a
Fred Astaire movie I watched as a young girl. There was an elegant lady dancing with him and her hair was a
simpler version of this, twirling around the dance floor. This was that kind of hair.
As I waited for my lunch order, I called my parents. I gave them goofy hints about where I was without
actually mentioning Scotland and I couldn’t tell them I received the broach or that I was actually on the date. Darn
confidentiality rules! My cousin, Chrissy and I chit-chatted for a few minutes and I heard all about the new guy she
was seeing. I cheered her on and thought about the guy I was seeing, wistfully. It would’ve been nice to talk about
him with someone that wasn’t my competition.
After letting my family go, reluctantly, I nibbled on my lunch and Janette joined me at the large empty table.
I was very glad to see her.
“I am so glad someone still likes me. I was worried that the only people I would be friends with were the
make-up artists and the overworked assistants.” I grinned at my beautiful roommate. I never wanted to be anything
but a brunette, but her red hair was so rich and beautiful I would consider it for a second or two.
“I still like you, Hannah, even if you are gonna win and steal the prince away from all of us.” Janette gave
me a squeeze and stole a grape tomato from my salad plate. “Man your hair is not fair, Hannah. How in the world
did they do that?” Hannah nibbled on the tomato and leaned slightly, to get a glance of the full hair experience.
“Just wait until you see the dress. It was custom made… by angelic beings, I think.” I said and snickered. I
looked at the clock and did the nervous date countdown in my head.
“You need to actually eat, Hannah. You don’t want to run out of energy on your date with Prince Anthony
in Scotland. I know I won’t be able to eat in front of the cameras, not sure about you. You better eat now, while
it’s not documented how fast you can snarf down a steak and potatoes. I have seen people on talk shows and
newspapers get pretty cruel with date descriptions after an episode.” Janette grinned, as she delivered her
thoughts. I couldn’t help but enjoy her wit.
“Thanks for the added paranoia, Janette. I have nightmares about having stuff in my teeth after eating on a
date anyway. Now I’m stressing over the tabloids.” I agreed with her and started focusing on eating and less on my
upcoming date.
I finished and headed to my room. I saw a note on my nightstand to page my assistant after lunch. I
brushed my teeth then paged her. I grabbed a few essentials and laid them out on my bed to put in my clutch
purse, just goofy date stuff like I would do at home; mints, lip-gloss, a mirror to check over things, and my baby
digital camera. I wanted a few pictures to document the day.
Heidi, the wonder girl, arrived with two women behind her. It was the dressing crew. Never in my life
have I needed people to dress me, but today was the day for new experiences. After a fun session with the corset
and complicated underwear, I slipped into the dress. The emerald green material was thick and the texture was
soft and decadent. The best way to describe it was that it felt very expensive. I am a Midwestern girl who grew up
shopping at the mall, mostly the bargain rack. I was not poor, but this dress put everything I had ever owned to
shame. I was a bit giddy when Heidi told me I get to keep it. They allowed me a peek in the mirror and I nearly
undid all the work that the makeup artists had accomplished with tears trying to escape. How I would love to
show off this dress for my parents.
Heidi made a call and a few camera men showed up. They took a few still shots of me in the dress. They
interviewed me about my hopes for the date. They asked me what I thought we would do on the date, but I had
no idea. They asked how much I liked Anthony and other personal questions. I tried my best to be honest but also
kept in mind that this was still early in the show. I did not want to look foolish if things fizzled out between
Anthony and me.
“It’s time to get you in place.” Heidi stated.
Chapter 5