rookie - chris "ct" tamburello

chapter one

authors note: i wrote this story a few years ago, but im gonna reupload it now, i didnt make any changes to this chapter but i will in the future! sorry my old writing was so horrible 😭!

I had gotten an email saying we all needed to be at the airport by 9am. The flight left at 12, but we had people coming from all over the country. I was a little bit scared because being a rookie and going into the challenge, you were often targeted as an easy vote. Everyone was targeted as a rookie, so it was only fair. I got ready, straightened my hair, and put on a sweatshirt and jeans.

Luckily, I lived pretty close to the airport. I'm not the best at waking up early.

I drove to the airport and got my bags inside. The only person that was there so far was Cara Maria. She was a pretty good competitor.

"Hi, I'm Katie, nice to meet you," she smiled and waved.

"Hey, I'm Cara," I smiled.

"It's such a pleasure to meet you," she smiled but not in like a "I know it is" way it was like a genuine "awe thanks" smile.

"Thank you so much."

Everyone eventually showed up, and we all got checked in. Then we got our bags on the plane, and boarded it.

I had to sit next to CT. He was such a great competitor. He was strong, fast, and never gave up.

For awhile we didn't really talk, and then he spoke up, "Hey rookie, what's your name?" I had always had a crush on CT, but that was from watching the challenge on tv. But when he spoke to me, his voice gave me butterflies, I love his voice.

"I'm Katie or Kate," I smiled.

He smirked back, "Well rookie, I love your smile," this caused me to slightly blush. No one ever really complemented my smile.

"Well thanks," I could tell my smile was from ear to ear.

We kind of sat in silence for a few minutes before I spoke again.

"CT, I have a question."

He turned his head towards me, "Yeah, what's up?"

I wasn't too sure how to ask this, "Do you have any advice for me, like as a rookie. I'm not trying to like suck up to you so you have my back or anything, I just want advice."

I was trying to explain that I wasnt using him but I didnt know how to.

"Yeah, I get what you mean," he paused for a moment. "As a rookie, you will be targeted, so do your best and try to win as many challenges and eliminations as you can. Eventually, people will realize that you're a strong competitor and they might stop picking on you. If you aren't a strong competitor and you go home, it's for a reason. Then, you need to go home, you don't give up. You have to train to get better. Work all day no quitting. It might sound like a lot of work, but to be the best, you have to beat the best. So do your best, and just make sure it's better than their best. Most importantly, never give up."

He had this whole speech, I was thinking he would say a few words before being like that's all, "Oh wow, thanks so much, that will be very very helpful."

He smiled, "Yeah of course."

Authors Note: Hey guys thanks for reading this. I know it was short and not that good, but I tried the best I could. If you're a challenge fan, who is your favorite person to ever do a challenge and why. Mine are CT, Diem, and Sarah. CT because he's a great competitor, D because she had a lot of heart, and Sarah because she's a smarter player. Also I just want to say I hope you are doing well D, rest in peace, we all miss you <33. Alright bye :) I hope you enjoyed!