𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐑 ━ beckham jr.

2. First Impressions

LUNA

"...Odell Beckham Jr!"

That moment felt like a total blur, it happened so fast yet slow at the same time. The loud cheering erupted through the large room, so much so that it was hard to believe there were only fifteen of us, feeling and sounding louder than a Beyoncé concert. 

A pair of tall doors opened, letting a tall figure, about 5'11, appear in our sights, slowly walking out while smiling. Standing and stopping by Chris, I recognized the figure. I know him. I watch him, not so often, but I'm still aware. I'm just not sure where exactly I catch that from. He looked flawless at first sight — they had indeed outdone themselves this year. 

Exploring his features left me speechless. From his broad shoulders to the big arms that were noticeable through his black suit, matching his skin tone perfectly. His hair was perfectly trimmed, baby curls on top, the blonde-brunette mixing well together. The classic black suit was balanced with a black bow and the shoes in a darker shade of grey. Big feet also. 

My thoughts were interrupted by some loud chuckles around me. Was I so hypnotized that I had missed this man speak? I looked around before finally glancing towards him, our eyes locking as I didn't know he was looking my direction as well. I shook it off quickly, looking down at my feet with a shy smile, as my cheeks burned through my skin.

"As you have probably seen, you have got an outstanding group of ladies standing before you, Odell. But tell us, what made you get on the show?" Chris' words made me look back up, observing the two men side by side, both standing shoulder to shoulder.

"Well, the mansion seems like a fun place to live in" he replied, earning a few laughs from the girls. I laughed at myself, not so much at the unfunny joke but at his expression. "No. To be honest, my whole life is in one of its greatest phases at the moment. I managed to make my life passion — football —, my work, which is an honor for me." Football. There it was. The one-hand-catch Giants' star. My dad was a huge supporter... of the rival team. Growing up with his male influence and being the younger out of two girls, I knew my basics. "Nevertheless, I felt like coming onto the show to find someone who... well, to put it simply for a person my age, I'd like to find someone who actually makes me excited to come home" a few aw's filled the room.

"People tend to treat me different when they know who I am, what I do, my possessions. I came here because neither of you" he continued, turning at us "knew who I was, before entering the experience. You came here just like I did, with an open mind not knowing what to expect and, if I'm right, for a relationship, so I'll ask you all to keep the same mindset you came in this house with, before knowing who'd come out of that door." He finished with small side smile.

"Very well said Odell, I wish you the best of luck. I am confident you'll find what you're looking for" they did their little handshake, followed by a quick side hug.

After the little presentation speech from our so awaited bachelor, Chris told us we'd be having a small appetizer to get to know each other and size up our competition, his words. Seeing as we would all be competing for this one man and that he was more than just a man — he was famous all over the country and maybe even beyond borders, I don't see how any of these girls could be here to make friends. But I'd give it a try.

The first evening was focused on us girls only, as Odell had left soon after a quick hello, in order to get some rest for tomorrow's day. The little amount of time he had spent with us, a lot of girls swarmed his side, therefore my attempt to peak or even get closer to a conversation was useless, so I let it go.

We were led to this fancy modern dining room, a large table in the middle filled with food. Now this was my zone. I sized up the room, as all the girls were doing. Some of them had started small chatting in the corner but since I wasn't talking to anyone, I grabbed a plate.

"A girl who is not afraid to eat, I like it" I looked up from my plate who was already half full with pieces of a variety of food and smiled at this girl who stood by my side, about the same height as me, shoulder length hair. "I'm Kristin" she added with a big grin spread across her face. She seemed friendly.

I chuckled at her first sentence "I'm Luna. Seems like you got yourself an eating partner." I added nodding towards her plate, that couldn't take any more tacos in it.

"Shall we grab a seat? Before I devour this whole table" she responded, to which I nodded, being led towards some cozy armchairs further out the room.

A few girls gathered around, about seven of us, making small talk. "What do you think about him being famous and all?" a petite light skin girl asked, making us all turn towards her. I didn't see no harm in her question, though I knew some opinions were different.

"Like he said, we came in here without knowing it was him" this curly haired to her left began, being cut off by another blue eyed girl.

"Can you imagine how much dough he's making though? He said it himself, he's on the peak of his career" I immediately rolled my eyes at that comment, not caring if she saw it or not. Coming into this show, it was obvious there would be girls here for the wrong reasons, however it was still hard to watch. I had to bite my tongue not to say anything, but at least I knew who to stay away from.

We talked for another two hours, until the conversation started fading and we all decided to go select our rooms. I quickly called Kristin to share a room, as I wasn't risking being stuck in sharing a room with any others that could end up badly. We got in a three-bed room with another girl that seemed nice during our early evening — her name was Joyce.

I was exhausted so after taking a quick shower, I pretty much dove into bed. 

This was going to be a long ride.

☽

ODELL

"...Odell Beckham Jr!"

That's my queue, game face on, let's go. The doors slowly opened in front of me, revealing myself to an immense amount of flashing lights and a crowd. It was a bit overwhelming to be brought into this chaotic welcoming. I could say I was used to chatos, but this hit different. Not like entering the field, where I'd run into and forget all about the outer world — this was the outer world. 

A large amount of shouting and squeaking could be heard coming from the group of ladies standing directly ahead of me. Damn, I haven't made this many females yell in a long time.

The host, Chris, called me to his side and little by little, the yelling stopped and that's where he took the queue "welcome, welcome Odell." I heard him with a smile on my face, eyes roaming around the room to look amongst the girls standing. "How are you feeling at the moment? Tell me everything." All girls looked ecstatic for the most part. Some smiled, others were grabbing onto each other, and there was this particular girl who stood there quietly, eyeing me up and down very thoroughly, almost taking my clothes off with her eyes.

"I'm a tad bit nervous, not going to lie" chuckles erupted from most girls around the room. That one girl lifted her head to look up at me, once she caught my eyes locked on hers, she looked down to her feet.

This whole program idea came up randomly for me. I can confidently state I was at one of the best years of my life. I could snap my fingers and have anyone I'd want... however, I did feel like trying something different and challenge myself, so when my agent called me up to present me this possibility, which he thought I'd never go for — I accepted in the blink of an eye. 

I could say I sometimes I act before I get the chance to think.

Only after walking through those doors, did I realize what I was getting myself into. But since everyone already had access to my life, this was only a larger sneak peek.

Let the games begin.