Lies We Tell

2 : Stunner

The mixed aromas of body lotions, hairsprays, and perfumes were proving to be a heady cloud in the girls' dressing room. Zahra knew that if such an intoxicating swirl existed now, the combination would only become more unbearable the longer they were here and the more girls that came in. She was starting to dread this realization as much as she was beginning to dread the current conversation.

"Things are only going to get worse from here on, you know," Hope was saying. Her gaze was transfixed on her reflection as she applied fresh mascara. "More guys will come in, but so will more girls. They'll be coupling up with our boys."

"And Noah?" Lottie interrupted, raising an eyebrow skeptically. "What if a new girl wants to couple up with him?" Hope hesitated, and Lottie scoffed. "You're okay with it as long as your man isn't taken. So much for supporting us girls, too."

"We have to get used to it," Zahra heard herself saying impulsively. Apparently the words she'd been biting back at the tip of her tongue broke free. All of the other girls turned to look at her, probably shocked she'd said something without prompt. She was shocked, too.

Clearing her throat, she continued on, realizing it was too late to stay quiet now. "It's part of the game, right? We're all here for a reason, but that doesn't mean our experiences will be easy." She shrugged. "We just have to get used to the fact that we'll all be tested in here."

Lottie made a face. "So what about Rocco? You're not at all worried?"

Internally, Zahra rolled her eyes. "It's only day one," she answered shortly, trying not to sound as annoyed as she felt. It was nothing against Lottie personally; in fact, she happened to like the blonde girl's spunk and sass. As it was, the only islander she couldn't really stand was Hope.

As if aware of Zahra's thoughts, Hope sneered. "And what reason would you be here for? You've not said."

Zahra stared Hope down for a moment, choosing her next words carefully. She really wanted to tell Hope to back off and leave her alone, but that wasn't a "day one" behavior becoming of her, and her pride would hurt desperately if she went home so soon because of her big mouth.

But it was sweet Hannah who broke the tension first. Nervously tugging on her braid, she piped up, "Aren't we all here for love?"

Lottie shot a look between Hope and Zahra, but her gaze lingered mostly on Hope. "Not everyone has pure intentions."

Hope's eyes flashed dangerously. "Who's 'everyone'?" she shot back.

Zahra had to stifle her laughter as Marisol stepped in to calm things down. "I have to admit that Zahra has a point," she said, flashing a small smile of solidarity in Zahra's direction, "but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. We're the ones who are here first, so that means we have the best chance of getting to know our boys. More time means better odds for good outcomes."

"And what if that doesn't work?" Hannah asked after a beat.

No one answered. It was obvious that everyone had begun to feel slightly better after Marisol's encouraging words, but Hannah's heavy question lingered and turned the mood sour again. Fortunately Lottie and Hope had stopped arguing, much to Zahra's appreciation. Now the only headache she had to deal with was the one from all the conflicting scents in the room.

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By the time the girls emerged from the dressing room all dressed up for the welcoming party, all of the guys had gathered on the lawn. It was clear that they'd been waiting for a while, but that wasn't Zahra's fault; she'd been the first girl to finish getting ready.