𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐑 ━ beckham jr.

18. Words Of Wisdom

LUNA

Useless to say, Trish was loving the attention from everyone around her as she flaunted herself around the mansion. Ever since the new day rose, her speech revolved around herself and the upcoming date — which only got worse as time neared.

In a show such as this, you were bound to come across people with different personalities and interests. On my end, it came as an adventure. I wasn't sure what to expect and from the first day 'till now, it was a growing process, from having all these other personas to live with, to the huge mansion where cameras surrounded us all day.

For some, though, it didn't. A lot of the ladies wanted to make sure the spotlight was on them and it was clear how their personalities changed once the cameras started recording. One of them being Patricia, or Trish, that is.

I now sat in the large staircase observing the atmosphere as others sat around in the sofas and living area. A knock at the front door made heads turn and loud steps were heard coming from upstairs. Short framed Trish came running in four inch stilettos on her way to the entrance.

"Wish me luck!" She flipped her hair over her shoulder, rushing to open the door before anyone else could.

They were gone in two seconds, having left Odell no chance of coming in the house and greeting us all as he used to do, so it was only natural a few whispers were heard around the room as each chatted away into their own cliques. Soon, the room emptied out and I was left sitting alone in the staircase taking it all in.

You could easily feel the difference with five less females in the mansion, the environment changed and I was feeling lonelier than ever. Joyce for some reason had drifted apart, as we weren't sharing anything else than basic greetings each morning.

Never had it come to mind how ruthless the competition was, until I found myself sitting down in this huge strange mansion by my own. Like most other competitions, at the end of the day you could only count with yourself to win.

"Hello." A voice took me out of my thoughts, coming face to face with Andrea — one of the co-producers —, staring down at me. I had been so taken aback I didn't notice the large group of staff behind her pacing back and forth between the entrance hall and the elimination room.

"Mind if I take a sit?"

"Sure." I nodded, moving to the side.

Andrea was a very sympathetic woman in her forties, carrying herself in a calm poise and always beautiful dark-skin, fantastic hair done to a T. We always saw her around in between shooting and she was usually very attentive and helpful, making sure all of us were comfortable before recording began. People outside the show hardly knew about this relationship we, as contestants, held with the staff behind cameras but truth was they were like an escape for us.

And Andrea wasn't an exception. Her strong physique gave her a tern mother-aura.

"Are you alright?"

"I am" I lied.

"You don't seem alright."

"Just feeling a bit tired, that's all." I turned to look at her with an expressionless smile.

"Luna, right? Luna, as you know I'm an observer. Such as you."

"I guess, yes."

"You could say I'm the eyes and ears of this show."

"Right."

"There isn't much I'm not aware of. Besides hanging with you ladies every day, I also watch you on a daily basis. It gets me a clear idea of your personalities and I am able to compare it with the audience's opinion. And you, especially, have been one of the quietest thus far."

"I'm not one to go out of my way."

She nodded while looking at the floor, as if it held all the right words she'd meant to share next, when she turned to face me. "You know what I see? A young lady with a charming character that is often held back by the amount of different personalities inside the house. Your chemistry on dates is amazing, we can see the real you when you're by Odell's side — you should bring that funny side and charming persona to the group, too."

I nodded as I took her advice in, all with a shy smile in my face.

"The viewers have strong opinions, and although Odell has the last word, they also have a big say on who to keep around. To each their preferences, but I do have to say Patricia is rapidly leaving her mark on the show and those around it. She's making quite a big impact between the audience. An audience favorite, I'd say."

My heart sunk at Andrea's words, and my breath got caught up in my throat as I tried not to let it show. 

"But if I may, can I share my last thoughts?" Andrea placed her hand gently on mine, who rested above my knee.

"Yes?"

"He sympathizes with you." 

And with those words, she left.