We Found Love

three

I wake up thirty minutes before the camera crew arrives, just so I don't feel groggy and out of it. Peyton reminded me that I should be on guard when filming, and any slight action that may displease the audience could ruin my career. It made me nervous as I slept, and even now as I'm anticipating the door to ring. I probably should have dressed up a bit, but it wouldn't be so realistic if it seemed to be that I wore something fancy to sleep in.

I sit on the couch, anxious, Then I hear the doorbell and I bolt to the door. I sigh deeply to calm myself and open the door, smiling. "Hi, come in!"

There seem to be about four people, one of them being the camera guy, another who I assume is in charge of the microphones, and two that seem to be in charge of filming. I watch as they carry their items into the living room and one of them walks up to me.

"Hello, Ms. Merrill. My name is Jennie Young and I'm in charge of the camera crew you will be having during the show." She smiles and extends her hand out, in which I shake. "My partner, over there," she points to a guy similar to her age who is scrolling through a tablet. "is Kevin Boeing. He's the person who'll be overseeing your schedule and telling you what we need to film for the episode."

She introduces me to Garrett, the camera guy, and Maple, who's in charge of the sound. As they finish setting up their gear, Jennie and Kevin sit down and motion me to sit with them. "So, I hear you've never done anything like this before?" She asks. I nod. "Don't worry, though. Our job is to follow you around and film. And feel free to interact with the camera when you're not with your husband. Like telling us what you're doing and talking as if you're with a friend." Jennie tries to reassure me and I nod, gulping down my worries.

Just charm them with your charisma! I say to myself. I just hope that my charisma won't run out, though.

"Is there anything planned for today?" I ask Kevin. He shakes his head. "Today is just to film your daily routine. What do you usually do?" I shrug. "Since promotions for my new show are over, my agency lets me get a few days off till I get a new project, which seems to be this one."

Garrett and Maple seem to be finished with setting up. He props his camera on the stand and Maple clips a microphone on my shirt. "We're set, Jen." They give her a thumbs up. Jennie nods. "Well, let's get to filming! We're looking forward to working with you." The crew nods, agreeing with her. I smile. "As do I."

Jennie smiles back and tells Garrett to start filming. The crew is now behind the camera and I'm now technically alone in the eyes of the future audience. How should I act? It might be harder to pretend that there's no camera, I think to myself as I head to the kitchen to make breakfast. But you're usually calmer with cameras around. After all, that's part of your job.

My thoughts were right. As I made myself breakfast, all my worries slowly disappeared to the point where I even hummed a tune.

I end up making something simple yet delicious, instant ramen. I asked the crew if they wanted some, in which they declined. "We've already eaten, but thank you," Kevin says. Jennie then hands me the mission envelope as I sit down to eat. I open it and read aloud. "Welcome to your newlywed journey! In twenty-four hours, you will meet your husband. First impressions are always important, so why not get ready for it?" I close the envelope and chuckle. "I've never been the greatest at first impressions, so I wonder if my husband will look past it." 

I finish eating and clean up. "Hey, I think I'll go out into town," I tell them. "I'll be right back to change." I quickly change into jeans and a blouse, bringing along my bag and putting on a little bit of makeup. When I get back to the living room, the crew is set as well.

We head down into town, and Jennie reminds me to be more open to the camera. "Well, the mission card tells me to get ready to meet my husband. Maybe I could give him a little gift to celebrate!" I smile. We walk into the shopping area and as we do so, I could feel the stares on me.