A Rising Star

The Final Finalist

I feel my heart constrict as Candid rushes forward to claim her acceptance trophy. "Take that Bitter Baby!" Her bright teeth glow against burgundy painted lips as she bows and takes the trophy. Her trophy. "I want to thank all of my fans back in the suburbs for believing in me. I plan on winning these elections and becoming the greatest first lady to ever live. You better believe it. My first motion as First Lady will be-"

"Not so fast Candid, you haven't even been elected yet," Winner says. He turns to me and winks one of his familiar slate gray eyes. It was bad enough that he has been absent my entire life. Now I finally see him and Winner chooses to mock me.

I know this is the moment I'm supposed to cry. I can feel the tears gather at the corner of my eyes, like rain gathering in stormy gray clouds. But I don't want to give Candid the satisfaction. Not now. Not ever. I have no doubt that she will be elected. Candid always gets what she wants. It's practically her birthright. Stud is giving me a sympathetic smile. I try to smile back-to let him know that it's no big deal-instead, the tears fall.

My only saving grace is that all the cameras are surely pointed towards Candid. Stud meets me halfway and squeezes my hand. I give him three quick pumps back as if to say don't worry. "Wait," I hear Winner call out in the distance. "Is that Bitter sneaking away?"

I stop, unwilling to let go of Stud's hand even as I straighten my shoulders. Of course. I should have known they would want to rub it in my face. There is no such thing as graceful defeat on The Shows. "You don't think we'd let you run off so fast."

I swallow back the sob that threatens to slip and try to smile. I fail. I settle on raising my eyebrows in silent challenge, hoping my tears aren't too visible. Candid has always been better at looking defiant. Apparently, she is better at everything. "Especially since we have another trophy in our car."

"Do you mean?" My voice catches in my throat as I drop Stud's hand and step forward. The tears are now falling freely, but I don't care. I shoot Candid a triumphant smile as Winner says the words I have been hoping to hear my entire life.

"Yes, you Miss Bitter, the beloved Baby of Hollywood, are the final semi-finalist in this year's Elections." I hear Stud's sharp intake of breath as the other residents begin cheering. Candid's face is one of pure loathing, but I can't be bothered.

"As you can see, viewers," Winner says, his hand sweeping across the room to point to me. "tears of joy are streaming down Bitter's face. Not that this is any surprise to us. We knew from the moment we met Bitter, she could never hold back her emotions. And that is why we love her, our baby. Is there anything you want to say to all of your fans?"

My earlier speech has all but been forgotten, but I know just what to say. "Vote for me as First Lady. And Candid," I turn to look at her. "Get ready for the bitter taste of defeat."

***

"I guess this is goodbye," Stud says, leaning his tall and tight frame against the door. I don't need to pack. I've been prepared for weeks. The sun shines so brightly through the glass wall of my room that his skin seems almost translucent. Stud has always been like my guardian angel.

On second thought, maybe I'll just shove him in the suitcase and leave all my clothes behind. I suggest as much and he laughs, deep and throaty, before his face turns serious. "I don't think I'd make it as an Extra."

"What are you talking about? You're a Star. And in a year or two, you're going to retire in luxury. Just not as much luxury as your future First Lady." I giggle, hoping to release his sudden tension. Instead, he grimaces.

"I should have stayed in school. I don't know what I was thinking." I cross the room and look up at him. We're so close, I can see the blue veins which trace his uncreased eyelids. His iron eyes, which always sparkle black from afar don't alight with a hint of laughter.

"If you stayed in school, you would have never met me." I kiss him on the cheek before abandoning all restraint and wrapping my arms around his waist. His heartbeat, usually steady, is pumping rapidly against my ear. He is being foolish to express such regret when we are on air. He's smart enough to know better. How is he going to act when I'm gone? "You won't forget me?" I whisper.

"Forget you?" Stud laughs. "Bit, you're the one who's about to become a Star. When you retire in Foggy Bottom, try to save a spare room for me."

I hear a knock next to the door. Shadow is standing in the hallway. As always the dark button-up she wears is perfectly pressed and her brown hair is twisted back in a neat and slick bun. Shadow has been chosen to accompany Candid and me on the trip to D.C. Her arrival is my cue to leave.

"Do you need a few more minutes?" she asks. I shake my head before giving Stud another smacking kiss on the cheek. I pull away before he can see the tears that are already forming around my eyes. I'm supposed to be excited . . . I'm finally following my dreams.

So why does it all feel so hollow?