Author Games: On Air

Quarter Finals - Pick-Me-Up

Previously On Air...

Tensions were running high as each of the housemates was forced to admit something they'd never told anybody before. After emotional confessions from Jeremy and Coral, the final ten were put to the sword in a round of public voting. Unfortunately Kaedan's humorous admission didn't catch the imagination of the public and he was eliminated, along with Michio and Raymond.

***

Dawn passes. Outside the sun crawls over the horizon and hovers uncertainly in the sky, just about dodging the clouds. For a moment the On Air mansion is still. The housemates shuffle out of bed warily, but no voice calls for their attention.

With only seven left the great mansion is starting to feel empty. The games console lies on its side, the games scattered around the screen. A few bottles and tattered decorations remain from the euphoria of the party several weeks ago, a sad reminder of when the house was full of people and noise. The fridge is miraculously still full. Unbeknownst to the contestants, members of the production team have been secretly refilling it. Nobody has noticed.

The day continues sluggishly, the cameras drinking in every single angle, every single petty spat and angry glance. With nothing to do, no contact with anybody outside the house and a limited number of people to interact with, the housemates are slowly starting to discover the crushing power of boredom.

It is evening when a shrill, cheerful voice rings through the main room, where the celebrities are already assembled and doing not very much. A few can be bothered to put on surprised faces. So far the voices have never brought good news.

"Well, look at you all! You don't look very happy!" The fact that the voice is Kalea, the most energetic and fun-loving of the producers, does little to improve anybody's mood. Her faultless enthusiasm hits a brick wall of sullenness. "Elpis was very mean to you, wasn't he? But if it's any consolation, our ratings went through the roof!"

It isn't.

"So! Listen to me, just twittering on...and speaking of Twitter, #OnAirConfessions is trending like mad! You should be so proud of yourselves!" A stern voice from off camera, and Kalea giggles. "Okay, okay. I just thought they might want cheering up. Even though we've already arranged a bit of a pick-me-up for you all, as a reward for being so wonderfully entertaining! Yes, that's right! Now, if you could all look towards the front door for me...right...about...now!"

The door opens.

TASK:

- One of your character's loved ones has come to visit the house. It can be anybody as long as they are someone who is important to your character.

- Please note: All competitors have someone visiting at the same time. Feel free to imagine the loved ones of the other characters; we won't penalise you if it contradicts their entry.

- Word Limit: 1,500

- Deadline: 10PM GMT Wednesday 26th November. No, this is not an error this time. You lucky devils are going to get a whole week to write this task!