More than a dream come true- M.G

Chapter 4- Interviews

As the early morning lights fill the hotel room, I slowly begin to wake up. My phone alarm buzzes softly on the bedside table, reminding me that work is about to begin.

I stretch in my bed, my mind already racing with thoughts of today's plans. Interviews, rehearsals, meetings...

I've been here for a week and a half. So far, I think Eurovision is the best experience in my life.

I get myself ready for the day, grab my press badge and my bag with every essentials in it and step out of the hotel room.

I make my way to the hotel's cafeteria for simple breakfast. I sit down in a cozy corner of the cafeteria. I open my laptop and put my headphones on. I woke up early this morning, so I have time to edit the vlog I made on the first day and post it before work.

I go through everything as I took as I sip my coffee and took a bite of my food occasionally. I trim the footage, add music overlays and write captions that capture the energy of the contest. After a little while of putting everything together, the vlog was ready to go. Just when I was about to upload it on all platforms, I noticed two familiar faces approaching my table.

"Good morning, Mathilda!"- Marcus chuckled. "Morning! Mind if we sit here? There are no tables left."- Martinus added, flashing the charming grin he had. "Of course, sit down, boys."- I said as I put my bag away from one of the chairs so they could sit down.

As they sit down, Martinus glances at my screen. "Editing the vlog?"- he asks with genuine curiosity. "Yeah, I just uploaded it."- I answered.
"Hope we made it into your vlog."- Marcus chuckled. "You for sure did!"- I grin back. "Also, I have to start a new vlog today.. Would you guys mind joining?"- I asked them. "Not at all"- they both replied. We took a quick clip of how we were enjoying our breakfast before busy rehearsals.

"How's everything going with your rehearsals?"- I asked, keeping my tone professional but friendly. "Good, good. But we're definitely feeling the pressure. It's Eurovision after all!"- Martinus replied. Marcus nodded in agreement while chewing on his food. "You have to be at your best there, no room for mistakes."- he added.

As we talked, the conversation flowed naturally, as if old friends were catching up. We chatted about everything from song choices to the energy in Malmö.

"I think it's about time we head out. It's 8:50"- Marcus said. Me and Martinus both nodded in agreement and bragged our belongings. I was about to go up to the counter to pay for my food when Martinus grabbed my arm to stop me. "It's paid, don't worry about it."- He grinned. I felt the corners of my lips form a soft smile as my cheeks begin to blush. "You didn't have to! Thank you so much. Next time, it's on me."- I replied as I gave them both a thankful smile. "Bet."- Marcus chuckled.

The three of us made our way to the arena which was just across the street. We stepped inside and walked through the busy hallways, all of us determined to find our destination. We all stopped in front of two doors, one saying "Norway's press room" and the other one next to it saying "Sweden's representers".

"See you later"- Martinus said as they both waved me goodbye before stepping in. "Bye, see you."- I waved back. I walked into the press room, closed the door and sighed. What a beautiful start of the day.

Mrs.Balke walked in right away. "Good morning, Mathilda. Glad you're already here. We'll be starting the day with a quick press meeting to discuss today's plans. Later on, you'll have enough time to come up with a few questions for each country. You'll be doing around 5 minutes long interviews with all of them. There are some obligatory ones you should ask each representer, I'll send you those questions on e-mail. That's basically it for today, then we'll have time to enjoy the rehearsal for upcoming pre-party."- Mrs.Balke explained. I nodded in agreement as a I grabbed my essentials, the meeting was starting in five minutes.

Colleagues were slowly filtering in, exchanging greetings and quick smiles as they took their seats. My interviews were scheduled back-to-back in the afternoon. This would be intense, but also a fantastic opportunity to capture the essence of each country's artist.

The meeting was done soon enough and I was back in my office room, my fingers tapping lightly on the keyboard as I started brainstorming the kinds of questions I could ask beyond the obligatory ones.

I was done with my questions exactly when it was time for me to head to my first interview, which was with Ireland.

I passed by Swedish team's rehearsal room. Through the door, I could hear faint notes of music and muffled voices. You could feel the energy inside even from outside the door.

As I entered the room where interviews were held, I noticed that everything was set up and ready. Before we started, I had to get my makeup done, so I approached the makeup room.

When I walked inside, I saw Martinus sitting on one of the chairs. He was mid-conversation with the makeup artist, animatedly gesturing with his hands as he talked. When he saw me walk in, he flashed a smile, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Hey, look who's here!"- Martinus grinned as he leaned back in his chair, his face half done with foundation. "You're getting ready for your interviews?"- He asked.

"Yeah. Just need a little touch-up."- I chuckled as I set my bag down. "Better be careful, one wrong move and you'll outshine all of us."- He teased. I felt my face redden and my lips form a smile as I shook my head.

"I'll get to you right after I'm done with Mr.Gunnarsen, dear"- The makeup artist, a middle-aged woman smiled warmly.  "Oh,no,no. Don't worry about me. I don't need much for today, I'll handle myself."- I smiled at her warmly as I sat down on the chair next to Martinus, ready to prepare myself.

As I started doing my makeup, I glanced at Martinus through the mirror. He seemed more relaxed now, but there was still a flicker of nervous energy in his posture. I could tell today meant a lot to him and Marcus.

"You ready for the rehearsals later?"- I asked, trying to ease him into conversation, sensing that the nerves might still be there under the surface. "I think so. It's hard to say. You know, it's one of those 'practice until it's perfect' things, but there's always something that could go wrong."- He shrugged, meeting my eyes in the reflection.

"Eurovision is huge, but you guys have been performing for years,"- I reminded him. "You'll kill it, I'm sure"- I added. "Thanks, Mathilda. I know you've got a lot on your plate too, but it means a lot that you believe in us."- He gave a small smile, nodding.

Before I could respond, the door swung open and Marcus stepped in, catching the sight of us immediately. "There you are, Martinus. I've been looking for you for ages!"- he said. "You're all set, Mr.Gunnarsen. Good luck."- the makeup artist smiled.

"Thank you. See you later for the interview?"- Martinus said as he stood up and made his way to the door. "See you."- I waved them both goodbye as they stepped out. Soon enough, I was done with my makeup as well. I said goodbye to the makeup artist and started walking down the big hallway. As I stepped into the interview room again, I took a deep breath, ready to take on whatever the day had in store.

After a few hours, I had already done interviews with all the other countries when it was time for Sweden. I was so tired, but also so excited to interview Marcus and Martinus. As I was preparing, the door opened and Marcus and Martinus entered, both of them looking ready. I smiled, waving them over to the chairs set up for the interview.

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Hello again! Sorry that I'm leaving this chapter at a bit of a cliffhanger, but believe me, the next chapter is worth waiting!

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Love,A<3