Confessional: (Due to the format confessionals take in game shows, I have decided it reads better as a script. Future confessionals will be in a similar format)
INT. A WOOD-PANELLED ROOM—Night
A lone chair sits in the middle of a black room. Along the borders of the room are members of the Groom War's staff, writers, assistants, cameramen, lighting crew, security, and producers. UNCLE CHARLIE, a potbellied man in his fifties, stands in the centre of the crew, holding a rolled-up piece of paper.
UNCLE CHARLIE
What's taking him so long?
The door opens, and ADRIEL DELAMAR enters. She's a slender, yet confident, masculine presenting woman who is hiding her real gender from the rest of the participants and staff. She's average height for a male. Five-foot-nine. She has flawless caramel skin and short, curly black hair. She's beautiful in a subdued manner, bearing no makeup or jewellery.
She sits on the chair in the centre, rubs her knees anxiously as the bright lights focus on her.
UNCLE CHARLIE
Adriel Delamar?
Adriel nods.
UNCLE CHARLIE
You've been accused of having gay relations with another participant; is this true?
ADRIEL
I know this might be hard for some of you to understand, but Leandro and I are simply friends. He's like an older brother. He'll cook for me from time to time. And if I do something stupid, he'll hit me and tell me not to do it again. But I don't love him. And he doesn't love me.
UNCLE CHARLIE
Do you find him attractive?
ADRIEL
I find him hideous. His huge physique, and the way he smirks is an absolute turn-off. I prefer small, dainty women.
UNCLE CHARLIE
Hmmm... I don't think you're lying. Alright, you can go.
Adriel leaves and another enters. The new interviewee is LEANDRO VALENTE. He's tall, six-foot-five. He's got long blonde hair that reaches the centre of his back. He's handsome and his knowledge of the fact shows in his walk and arrogant facial expression.
Uncle Charlie dislikes Leandro instantly and he scowls throughout the interview.
UNCLE CHARLIE
Leandro?
Leandro smiles.
UNCLE CHARLIE
You've been accused of having gay relations with another player; you are homosexual, aren't you?
LEANDRO
I'm not. If you give me an opportunity, I can provide the truth that's needed to clear your suspicions of me.
UNCLE CHARLIE
No need. I'm quite certain I know what you are. You spent the night with Adriel's head pressed against your breast, didn't you?
LEANDRO
He was out of it. I was out of it. One can hardly control what their body does during sleep.
UNCLE CHARLIE
You also pinned him to the bed in a sexual manner a few hours later.
LEANDRO
What makes it sexual? We were wrestling playfully as people do from time to time. In the instance you have quoted, I had managed to tackle him to the bed and was holding him down to prevent further attacks. If you check the footage you would see that he attacked me before I threw him on the bed. My actions were warranted.
UNCLE CHARLIE
We have good reason to suspect that you're not as innocent as you're pretending to be.
LEANDRO
Do you care to explain those reasons to me?
UNCLE CHARLIE
You know full well what the reasons are. I will let you go for now, but I'm watching you, and if you do cross that line, I'll give the Vancouver Hugon Regiment information regarding your transgressions and you will be arrested.
LEANDRO
Well, you have said your piece. I'm not going to grovel or plead, because I know my truth and you have nothing to hold me on or you wouldn't be interviewing me.
UNCLE CHARLIE
Get out my sight.
LEANDRO
It will be my pleasure, sir.
Leandro bows mockingly and exits.
***
YOU ARE READING
Groom Wars
RomanceIn 2090, 60 years after making himself king of Canada and becoming a tyrant like nothing the Canadians had ever seen, King Victor is old, and his health is failing. After appointing a male heir to the throne, he now looks for someone worthy of his d...
