The Masked Singer

[Chapter Twenty Nine]

Chapter Twenty Nine

It's not even close to being an hour with Archer and Ava being my sole carers, and Ava looks like she's about to pass out from stress. I wonder who recommended her? Ava is tapping away on her phone and I'm trying to do my eye make-up. But all this stopping and starting is making it hard not to stab myself in the eyeball.

I know there's an expression that beauty is pain, but I didn't imagine this would fall under the criteria. I really want to look good for my first on camera interview, but I also fear if I keep this up, I'll be filming with suspicious red looking eyes.

The idea of everyone looking at me while I'm trying to talk about myself is scary, I'm not much of a talker about myself. I'm scared of what will happen if I forget what to say, or chose on my words. I want to look confident. The good think about web interviews is that there's a quick escape route, and you can have cue cards on the side for help.

"Can you drive any faster, Archer?" requests Ava as she clutches onto her schedule diary.

I feel bad for causing the stress, but on the other hand, it was an accident I fell asleep and it's not like I planned it. I'm lucky it's just an interview I'm going to be late to, and not an arena of screaming fans that have been lining up for weeks. I don't want to see what Ava will do if that ever happens.

"But if we drove a little slower – my stinging eyes would appreciate it," I say.

Ava shoots me a mean glare, and I sink further back into my chair and continue to do my make-up in silence.

"We're already late for our first appointment for today." She moans. I'm the one who's going to be late for the interview, it's my reputation and name on the line if I show up late. But then again, my punctuality is a reflection of the persons trying to manage me.

It's only when the car parks in front of the studio that I can visibly see Ava beginning to relax. As soon as Archer cuts the engine, Ava springs out of the car and I quickly pack up my belongings and follow in pursuit.

I don't get the chance to say hello to the receptionist, so I quickly wave and enter the pending elevator Ava is already standing in. The mirrors in the elevator aren't the cleanest, or easiest place to apply my lipstick – but I get a rough guide. I apply a bright red colour and rub my lips together.

Just as I finish, the doors open and I get my first glimpse of the room set up. Despite rocking a ten minute late entrance, the camera crew are still setting up the scene – which makes me feel slightly better.

"Sorry I'm late," I apologise to everyone.

People stop what they are doing and look at me, so I shyly wave and smile at them. Some go back to work, while others stare and whisper among themselves. I make a clean dash to Alex's side which instantly makes me feel comfortable.

"What took you so long?" he asks, dropping his previous conversation.

"I had to sort a few things out." I look towards Archer and Ava.

"Glad you could finally join us. Read or not, we need to make a start," says a snide Alex.

The person coughs, bringing my attention back to her. She's a bit taller than me, but only because of her shoes. Her brown hair is cut perfectly to frame her face and fall around her shoulders – which leads the viewer's eyes to her soft, over the shoulder blue top that has glittery bits on it. It's tight fitting and shows of her tanned mid drift. She's also wearing a pair of blue jeans that accentuates her long legs and black pumps.

She's pretty, I'll give her credit, but I already don't like her.

"This is Melanie from Teen Music," introduces Alex.