The Real Prom Queens of Westfield High

Chapter Five

Author’s Note:  This is my second posting to Wattpad – thanks for reading! Please vote, comment and like! The Real Prom Queens of Westfield High, my new YA novel is coming out FEB 4TH!! Enjoy the teaser!

Part Two:

Prom Queen Boot Camp

Chapter Five

“I wonder what our makeovers will be like,” I grunt as I drag my brown suitcase up the stone stairs leading to a huge columned porch. I have matching bags under my eyes, courtesy of staying up all night to finish my quilt. I categorically qualify as “significantly unattractive” for my big TV debut. Victoria will be thrilled.

Kelly raises her nose ring into a snarl as she pushes past me, dragging her scuffed black duffel bag behind her. We follow Amy through the enormous double doors and cross the threshold of what will be our luxurious home for the next six weeks.

The three of us didn’t talk much during our shared limo ride here. Amy was completely mute, clutching the small case that coordinates with her plaid luggage and biting her bottom lip the whole time. I picture hours of footage filled with awkward silence and wonder how long before our show gets canceled.

As we stand in the yawning marble foyer, I take in the crystal chandelier, the ornate gold wallpaper, and the Nőrealique Cosmetics posters mounted on the walls. Marnie would hate all the blatant commercialism, but the contrast inspires me to make a mental quilt featuring gold paisley embossed with the trendy red-lipped logo of Nőrealique Cosmetics.

I’m naming my design Lip Service to Our Sponsor when Amy leans in to whisper, “I just hope I don’t completely embarrass myself.” She speaks. I nod and smile, suddenly hyper-aware of the fact that we’re being filmed. Besides the two men dressed in black circling us with handhelds, there are hidden cameras all over the house.

I’m so busy envisioning how my every eye blink is coming across that Victoria’s big introduction is just background gibberish about how we’re not to look directly at the cameras. I notice she’s wearing unnaturally bright-red lipstick that goes perfectly with her artificial demeanor.

Amy listens intently while Kelly examines one of her short, black fingernails with disdain. I’d put big money down on Kelly getting into a brawl at some point during our show’s run. I picture her crumpling Victoria’s perfect highlights in her fist as she smears that bright-red lipstick with her knuckles.

The non-smeared version of Victoria in front of me nods and smiles as she gestures upstairs. I lean over to ask Amy what’s happening as the three of us start making our way up the grand marble staircase.

“We’re going to see our bedrooms,” she says. “Then meeting in the Beauty Room in two hours to get our makeovers.”

“Sweet,” I say as I heave my suitcase up step by step. “I can’t wait to see how they reveal our transformations.”

“How simple are you?” Kelly’s heavy breathing tarnishes her cool façade.

Amy looks over her shoulder at me. “Victoria just went over the whole layout of the show. Hidden spy cameras will follow us through our senior year. Nobody will know about it until the show airs the first episode in the spring.” Amy puts down her plaid suitcases. “They’ll start with a two-hour premiere episode of us here at camp. Then the rest of the season will cover senior year, leading up to the live! finale at the prom when we find out if any of us wins the money.”

I look at Amy. “I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you speak.” She blushes as we continue up the stairs. “And thanks, live! finale at the prom—got it.”