I stepped into the house with My Right foot. The door closed behind me.The mirror door reflected me, and the outside world disappeared. Small lawn next to me. To my left was small swiming pool.
Just next to swimming pool a small door. Smoking room perhaps. Lawn chairs next to pool. I walked ahead towards the door of the house. To my left small couch placed in lawn if someone wants to sunbath.
My subconscious suddenly noticed something i almost missed. Open gym. Not big, but few equipment which can help with maintaining the physique. If not improve , maintaining is still big thing. And finnally my eye caught cameras. Six? Eight or more. Each camera is placed specially to capture certain space. No place for privacy.
As i opened the glass door of the house. A soft sigh escaped my lips. I noticed few house mates in the bedroom area. I could see them talking through glass door of the bedroom. On my left is kitchen, open indeed. On my Right is couch, next to it is TV. Which will connect us with host.
The hall was bigger then i thought. It felt quite new as I walked ahead the hall. Hall was L shaped, filled with furniture. On the end of L lies couch and TV. Curve of L is kicthen and rest straight line is filled with dinning table, some couches on the side and a room which is perhaps connected with medical room. Again, camera in each corner. Following my face, eyes from behind that screen waiting to see my activities. Judge them.
Only one person was sitting in living room whom i didn't glanced at. Walking ahead towards where i can get footage
Touching the glass door of the bedroom, the cold shiver ran through my spine. There was sense of family i suddenly felt, not from housemates. But someone who might be here.
Shaking off the thoughts, i stepped inside bedroom,where the other house members were present. They were greeting each other with gentleness and softness. I rubbed my temple, not knowing where to start.
Some of the house members' eyes landed on me. One stood up from the couch in the living room and walked towards me to greet me. "Her cheek is cute", that's all i could think off. "Bit of chubby perhaps". She was way smaller then me in height. Barely reaching my shoulder.
"Hello, I am Rose Stephens. And you are?" Her voice carried a bit of childish energy which was something you don't see in adult. "Overgrown kid" another thought took over my mind.
I shook her hand with gentleness that was not real but a act for the cameras. "Nice to meet you, Rose. I am Alex Honnald"
She excitedly led me towards the group, where the others were sitting. The rest of time followed with polite introductions. There were eight beds, meant to be shared.
A voice echoed through the house — sharp, commanding, yet somehow almost gentle. The same gentleness I possessed.A Fake one
"Everyone, gather in the living room."
Everyone exchanged those fake grins of excitement. But Rose, she was only one who flinched before giggling. Her giggles sound just like Mimi giggles. Annoying
I smiled, "Alright guys. House owner is calling, let's go" excitement in my voice was meant for only public who will watch it when broadcasted. It was an act everyone was playing to blend in, so I did the same.
We all took our seats on the couches in the living room. A TV screen was mounted on the wall ahead of us. After waiting a few seconds, a face appeared on the screen — the host of the show, the famous and popular actor, Dany Leslie. Silver hair, beared big enough to reach chest. Wearing a suit. I can't measure his height through screen. Perhaps taller then me.
Everyone squealed and exchanged excited grins of fake happiness, waving at the TV. The host smiled back.
"Welcome, everyone, to the House of Fame — where your fate, your life, and your bank balance depend on the love of the audience."
He took a seat on that ultra-rich, billionaire- chair like he was measuring a bunch of toys
He continued, "For the first time in the world, people will see so many rich, famous, and successful celebrities sharing a room. How does it feel to be here as the very first members of the House of Fame?"
One of the house members, a famous ex news Anchor named Rina harrison, spoke up.
"Sir, it feels very thrilling — very exciting. It feels like we are laying the foundation of a successful show. We will be the seeds, and this show is the soil for us. We plan to become beautiful flowers."
What a random line to throw out. But everyone was trying their own way to look unique, I noticed. Why not, whole world will see us afterall.
Everyone clapped, so I clapped along with a smile and a nod as if I understood a damn thing.
Dany spoke up, "As everyone noticed, in the bedroom there are only eight beds. Meaning two people will have to share one, right? So, Alex, can you go to the magic box and bring the magical items?"
With a nod "yes sir" i stood up and walked over the small mail design box attached with wall. Big enough to fit a dog. "Magic box. What a weird name"
I opened it and found a bunch of friendship bands. They were kept in a small basket. Very big box for such small basket. I picked the basket and put it on the table of living room. Again a shiver ran through, as soon as i claimed my seat again
"So everyone, one by one you will come and pick a band. Choose any color you desire" Dany announced.
Everyone took turns picking their friendship bands.
Dany nodded as soon as we all had our bands on our wrist . He then continued, "Now, everyone — whoever has the same color band will share a bed. And also share house chore duties. You will be best friends for the rest of the show."
He said it with that goofy grin I wanted to punch at.
I nodded and started looking for the person with the same band as mine. My fake smile vanished quicker than my heartbeat.
I wasn't just sharing a bed with a woman.
I was sharing it with someone I knew — someone I hadn't noticed. Or someone who ignored me entire time.
It was my ex-girlfriend. Lisa Rosie. Why didn't i notice her, but knowing her. She wasn't in bedroom at first place. She was already here From start. "I should have looked properly before choosing band" i muttered