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“Ready, rolling cameras,” Monica said from the shadow of the lights.
“Welcome back. As you can see, Avery, Elizabeth, and Riley have joined us. Congratulations on making it to the finale. Riley, let’s start with you. What’s something you’ll take away from this experience?”
“I hope to take my sanity back with me from this experience. I think I’ll have a hard time not thinking I’m being filmed all the time.” Riley looked over her shoulder, pointing at three cameras close to her face.
“We will all hope for a good night’s sleep after this,” Stella agreed. “Elizabeth, what about you? What’s something you’ll take away from this journey?”
“I’ll take away my memories. From the fire and the earthquake, to Avery’s lap dance. I think we made some great friendships.”
Quinn gave her a soft smile. “That’s a great answer.”
Avery lifted her hand for a high-five. They had gotten close since the fire, and Elizabeth had turned out to be one of her favorite people. She was an authentic breath of fresh air.
“And, of course, last but not least, Avery. What about you?” Stella’s eyes, impossibly green and dancing with mischief, sparkled under the light.
Avery couldn’t fathom this being one of their last few hours together. Knowing she’d been staring at Stella for too long, Avery smiled before saying, “One of the biggest things I’ll take away is getting to know myself better. There is something about this show that opens up your view, and I hope I’m a better person for it.”
“I have to agree,” Quinn cut in. “The show turned into a mirror, holding up all your flaws, thoughts, and ideas, and challenged us to think differently. I’m forever grateful for the show.”
Avery thought back to who she was when she’d walked into the house for the first time. The arrogant yet desperate idea that she could waltz into the final. She was sure she’d be able to go through the show, keeping her distance from everyone. She hadn’t counted on the emotions, connections, and Stella. That sure was a twist.
“It’s been a long expedition. Twelve hopefuls started, and the number has been narrowed down to three. Quinn, we have to eliminate someone right now. Who will it be?” Stella twisted in her chair to face her.
Avery tried to clear her mind. No matter what happened, she was proud she’d gotten this far. It had been easy to forget her money troubles when she hadn’t had to pay for food, rent, or any amenities for months. Even if she was eliminated, she would be fine.
“The first person I’m going to eliminate…Wow, this is hard. This person is sweet, and I felt an excellent connection with her from the beginning. But I have to go with my gut, and I feel closer to the other two. She will make someone happy, but I’m going to have to eliminate Riley.”
Avery let out a whoosh of air she was holding and glanced at Riley, who had her elbows on her knees and her hands at her face.
“We’ll have to do that again to get a few other reactions,” Monica said.
This was Avery’s least favorite part about being on the show. If they didn’t get the right reactions or needed more footage, they had to pretend to be shocked when they redid a shot. She wasn’t an actor, which made giving a genuine response difficult. Twisting out her neck, Avery tried to think about how different her face should look.
“Rolling,” Monica called out. Avery leaned away from a camera that was encroaching on her space.
“…But I’m going to have to eliminate…Riley,” Quinn started again.
Avery raised her eyebrows, but that was about all the acting she would be able to pull off.
“Pause,” Monica said. They held their positions.
From the corner of her eye, she could see Riley struggling not to cry. If they had to do it again, the makeup people would have to redo her face.
“Okay, good. We’ll pick up from the cut. Riley, go ahead and say your goodbyes,” Monica directed.
Standing up, Avery waited while Riley said goodbye to Elizabeth before turning her way.
“I’m glad you were my roommate. Stay in touch, okay?” Riley’s voice cracked with emotion as sincerity shone in her eyes. She turned away from Avery to say goodbye to Quinn.
Avery heard the door open and then shut, bringing the end that much closer. Elizabeth slid over to the chair Riley had just left while someone took away the extra. Reaching out, Avery offered her hand.
“No matter what happens, I’m glad it’s us at the end. Good luck.”
“You too.” Elizabeth squeezed her fingers.
“For a reminder, Quinn will choose one of you to date going forward. The winner will then get to choose: Be with Quinn and have a chance at love, or forfeit Quinn and choose the money.” Stella swallowed, looking like she was clearing something foul from her throat. “Before we get to your final pick, let’s look back at the past weeks.” Stella pointed to the air.
“Here, they will play snippets of the show,” Monica added unnecessarily. “Hold while we touch up makeup.”
