[IC] Showmance [Ophelia + Summer]

[Rogue Sloth]

Congratulations!

Due to your outstanding audition, you have been nominated by our production team to take part in this summer’s hit reality TV series: Oceanside Strangers! We would like to thank you for giving us your time this summer and for helping to make our cast more diverse with the addition of your unique personality. All of us from Empire Entertainment are excited to see what is in store for both you and your soon-to-be-fanbase this year. We can’t wait to meet you!

Filming begins on June 20 at 7:00PM, so please be sure to arrive in Malibu, California before then. The house where you will be staying is located on 11846 Ellice St, Malibu, CA 90265. All of your expenses will be covered by Empire Entertainment throughout the duration of the production. If you have any further questions, contact Benjamin Hoof at [phone] or [e-mail].

See you soon!

Empire Entertainment Production Crew

Jett Olliston stuffed the letter back into his pocket and stared out the window of the taxi cab, watching as the tropical California scenery passed by. Coming from the steel-and-cement city of New York, he found the natural greens and blues refreshing. Trees and other plants lived in harmony among the manmade buildings, giving the area a relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. It was a nice break from the busyness of his home state, where everything that breathed seemed to be in a hurry to get from one place to the next. He smiled as the ocean peeked into view at the edge of the horizon. The TV production he had joined would only last for the duration of the summer, but hopefully this rich, beautiful paradise would soon become his permanent home.

As a young, newly discovered talent in the entertainment industry, Jett’s dream was to move to Hollywood and star in a movie. He wanted to become famous and leave his mark on the world, and so far he was on track to doing just that. Though he was only 22, he had already performed in a number of TV shows, Broadway musicals, and even one movie. He had never been cast as the principle role in any of those productions, but he felt strongly that it wouldn’t be long before he scored a lead and got recruited by a Hollywood talent agent. After all, he poured his heart and soul into his work as an actor. If there was any sort of justice in the universe, he would be repaid for his efforts eventually. But until then, he would continue to take on smaller parts in various, smaller productions, waiting for the day when he would receive that agent’s phone call.

The drive from the airport was long and slow as the taxi driver battled against the dense California traffic, but after an hour or so, they arrived at the house addressed in Jett’s letter. Both driver and passenger exchanged a look of surprise when they saw the building. Just the front side of it was enormous. Palm trees lined the driveway and the path to the front door, giving it a tropical resort kind of feeling, and small landscape lights cast a majestic glow on the walls. Jett let out a whistle as he climbed out of the taxi. Damn. I knew it was gonna be nice, but no one said we’re staying in a multimillion dollar house!

“Alright, folks! Participant number seven has finally arrived,” a man with a cordless microphone announced to a cameraman standing nearby. Jett looked pointedly away from them, pretending to be caught up in gathering his luggage from the trunk of the vehicle. It was bad form to stare at the camera after all, and he was using this summer gig to promote himself to talent agents. “Jett Olliston: a 22-year-old actor,” the announcer went on. “We were quite lucky to have caught him in-between jobs! With his looks, who knows what kind of spice this young man is going to bring to Oceanside Strangers? I know I can’t wait to find out! Ah—! Here he comes now.” As Jett began walking down the path that led to the house’s front door, the announcer intercepted him. “Jett Olliston! A star such as yourself must be very busy, but do you think you can spare a moment to answer some questions for your fans back at home?”

“Well, I’m not a star yet,” Jett shrugged. “Of course I have time.” I guess it’s that kind of reality show, huh? He let himself face the camera and smiled, playing it up for his audience.

“Wonderful!” the announcer beamed. “Many of the lovely people watching tonight will be following your story all summer, so I just want to ask you a few things that will help them get to know you better before this rollercoaster starts.”

“Shoot,” Jett said. “I’m an open book.”

“Fantastic! First question, then: Where are you from?”

“New York, New York. The city that never sleeps.”

“Excellent! Second question: Why did you join this humble little show of ours?”

“As I said a few minutes ago, I’m not a star yet, but I’d like to be. Any and all jobs help. And besides,” Jett glanced back at the gigantic house behind them. “Who wouldn’t want to live in a place like this for a whole summer? I was lucky to be chosen.”

“Very true, very true! So, do you have any hobbies? Say… long walks on the beach or watching the sun set?”

“Haha, those are fine and all, but I actually like to play games like Ultimate Frisbee. I’m also a musician of sorts, so I like to learn songs on my guitar—though I wouldn’t call myself a professional.”

“Ooh, I can’t wait to hear you perform for us! You know, we have another musician in the group as well. He even writes and produces his own songs. But enough about that; you’ll meet him soon enough. In the meantime, I must ask you the question your fans are dying to know the answer to…” he paused for dramatic effect. “Do you have a lady in your life?”

“I don’t,” Jett scratched the back of his neck.

“Really? A handsome devil like you: single? I’m shocked!” the announcer grasped at his chest in astonishment.

“I guess I just haven’t met the right girl yet,” Jett shrugged.

“Well then… do you think you’ll meet her here?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I didn’t come here looking for a relationship, but you never know when or how that sort of thing will happen.”

“Very wise,” the announcer nodded sagely. “Anyway, those are all the questions I have for you now, Jett Olliston. Head on in and meet the rest of the cast! We’re just waiting on one more person before we turn you all loose for the summer.”

“Sounds good,” Jett grinned. He turned and headed up the path to the open front door, eager to see what lay inside.

[Ophelia]

The excitement was palpable as Mia, the long awaited seventh participant stepped out of her taxi cab. The young woman still couldn't believe that this was actually happening. Just four weeks earlier she'd been a senior at high school, and now she was going to be in a reality television show! Unbelievable. Mia had initially submitted her audition tape as a joke, not thinking for one minute that she'd actually be selected, but here she was! It was bloody amazing. With a deep breath, she walked over to the visibly buzzing television presenter, resisting the urge to laugh out loud at how cheesy the whole scenario was.

"Ah, and here is Mia! Our own Californian grown beauty. How does it feel to be the only Californian that's going to be staying in the house?"

"It's exciting." Mia answered honestly, "Someone's got to represent us." Shooting the presenter a cheeky wink, it was rather obvious that the young blonde felt very comfortable in front of a camera crew.

"Fabulous! So, tell us, why did you sign up for our little show?"

"I figured that it would be a good way to celebrate leaving High School, and to kill some time whilst I decide what to do with myself next." Mia smirked in amusement, tucking her characteristically long blonde locks behind her ears as she continued to listen to the presenter's questions.

"Now, I know what a lot of people watching will want to know - and that is whether or not you have a devastatingly handsome beau pining your absence back at home?!"

Mia let out a small laugh and shook her head nonchalantly, "Nope."

"That's what we like to hear! Head on inside Mia and get yourself settled. We love you already!"

With a wave, the young woman descended along the palm lined driveway, and made her way inside the house. It was possibly the most luxurious building that she'd ever seen. There were palm tree's, LED lights blinking from every tiny crevice and the blonde was fairly sure that she could see an incredibly large jacuzzi nestled just out of view on the deck. It was like something out of MTV Cribs, and it was overwhelmingly exciting that she was going to be living in it. As one member of crew whisked away her pull along case, another headset wearing officiate led her towards the source of the noise and buzz; the kitchen; seemingly where everybody had gathered.

It was at this point that Mia felt a wave of nerves rush over her. What would the other people be like? Mia had watched enough reality television to know that there were bound to be a few sharks. Would there be anyone that she got along with? Would they like her? There were just so many questions buzzing through her mind, that she felt momentarily dumbstruck.

Come on Mia, you can do this. Suck it up.

Just before they stepped inside, Mia checked herself out and self-consciously pulled on the hem of her pale pink t-shirt. A pair of distressed blue skinny jeans hugged her natural curves and settled just below her defined hip bones. Her tan was luscious from days spent on the beach or in the surf, and she looked every inch the Californian with her tousled blonde locks and freckles. It amused her greatly, because at that moment, she certainly looked like a stereotype.

You look like such a bloody beach bum.

Now finally in the kitchen, she let her dark brown eyes scan around the room. There was a real mix of faces, one of which she immediately recognised as the producer. Stepping a little closer, she slipped her hands into her back pockets and smiled cheerfully, nodding politely in recognition of everyone. She felt very much like she was standing on a precipice. This really could change the direction of her life forever, but she certainly felt ready for it.

[Rogue Sloth]

If possible, the inside of the house was even more stunning than the outside. The first room Jett stepped into was thoroughly modern in design, with glass walls, a multitude of hanging and free-standing artwork, and a neat arrangement of chairs and a sectional couch in the center. There were few dividers between the different rooms, so the living area and kitchen space overlapped, giving the first floor a very open feeling.

A crew member hurried to relieve Jett of his bags and waved a hand, gesturing at the kitchen side of the room where the other participants were all gathered. Jett murmured a quick ‘thank you’ to the man, and then headed towards the group. However, when he was about halfway to the kitchen, he paused. They were still waiting for the last person to arrive, so he had a bit of time to look around. This is my last chance to explore without a camera following my every move. He turned and walked around the living area side of the room instead. Unsure how long it would be until the final participant arrived, he only took a few minutes to wander, but in that time he discovered a number of interesting things about the house, including a small aquarium built into one of the interior pillars, an enormous Jacuzzi on the back patio, and an open air bar. By the time he came back to join the others in the kitchen he was grinning excitedly, picturing the luxurious summer he was going to have at this millionaire estate. And if I become famous, I could live in a place like this someday.

Jett took a seat at the table with the other six participants who had already arrived. Not surprisingly, they looked like a pretty diverse bunch. There were four other young men and two young women, all looking like they were roughly in their early-to-mid twenties. Out of all of them, he only recognized one: Ethan Hale, a fellow actor who largely took on jobs in the advertisement industry. Though Jett knew his face, he didn’t know much else about the kid. They had once auditioned for the same role in a short TV series—as a more seasoned actor, Jett was the one who had received the part—but that was the only time they had ever come across each other until now.

As for the rest of this group… Jett’s green eyes swept over each person. I might as well find out who I’m gonna be living with. “So,” he said. “Sitting here with a bunch of people I’ve never met… Being watched by a mediator…” he gestured at the bespectacled director standing near the head of the table. “Kinda feels like an AA meeting. I feel like I should introduce myself or something.” He paused, taking a deep breath as he adopted a sudden anxious demeanor. “Hi, my name is Jett…”

“Hello, Jett,” a blonde man spoke up from the other side of the table, smirking jokingly as he played along.

“…And I’ve been addicted to apple juice for six years,” Jett sighed in mock relief. “Wow, it feels good to get that off my chest.” The others laughed, and they spent the rest of the time waiting for the last participant by going around in a circle, each one introducing him or herself and confessing ridiculous addictions and habits. Just as they made it once around, a blonde girl wearing a pink top stepped into the room and joined them all at the last open seat at the table. With everyone finally accounted for, the announcer and the cameraman who had greeted them out front came inside.

“Alright!” the announcer said loudly. “Good to see you’re all getting to know each other. The people sitting around you now will be your friends, your comrades, your family, your rivals, your partners in crime, and for some of you… your lovers.” They’re really hung up on this ‘lover’ thing, Jett mused, setting his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his hand. Romantic flings must make for good ratings in this type of show. “From now until the end of summer, this dream house is yours to use as you please,” the announcer went on. “You have access to all of it: the hot tub, the game room, the theater, the bar… everything is yours through September. The only place you won’t be able to wander to and from at all hours of the day is that shaded little spot outside.” He pointed at a covered area to the right of the Jacuzzi, where three, cushioned benches were arranged around a fireplace. “That is where we’ll be doing all of your confessionals throughout the show. Apart from that pretty little place, you have free reign.

“As for your rooms, they have already been assigned, and your luggage has been dropped off accordingly. Whenever you’re ready, you can go find the room with your nameplate and arrange it however you’d like. Now then, I think I’ve done enough jabbering. Go and enjoy yourselves in this Oceanside paradise!”

[Ophelia]

It took Mia longer than she'd actually care to admit to find her bedroom. The corridors seemed to go on forever, and split into such a multitude of directions; that it was easy to feel disorientated. The house was absolutely stunning. Mia really hadn't seen anything this luxurious in real life before. There were crystal light fittings, obnoxiously white carpets that just dared you to step on them with dirty shoes, and even the doors had a highly glossed reflective quality. It was like being in a real-life dolls house, and it was as alarming as it was exciting. The amount of money that the production company must have to let totally random strangers move into a house like this, was quite unbelievable.

When she had eventually walked through her own bedroom door, her jaw dropped. It was huge. No, bigger than huge, it was bloody massive! There was a beautiful scenery window that looked out over the ocean, and Mia could actually see the beach when she was laying on her bed. A girl could really get used to this! The en-suite was about the same size as her bedroom back home. It had a walk in shower that actually spoke to you! A Jacuzzi bath, and it even boasted a mini sauna! Mia had never seen the appeal of a sauna, getting all hot and sweaty, but she was certainly going to give it a try now that she had one in her own damn bedroom.

Opening up her trunk, she started to pull out a few of her belongings to make it feel like more of a home. Photo's, her iPad, a few books that she was in the middle of reading and her art supplies. There would certainly be a lot of opportunities to paint from the scenery window, and even down on the deck by the looks of things. As she was pottering about her new bedroom, it did suddenly sink in that she was in a house full of strangers. They'd all seemed rather normal down in the kitchen, but you could never really tell, could you? After tying her hair into a ponytail, she peeked her head out of her door, checking the nameplates on the doors that sat adjacent to hers.

Matt, she remembered that he was the blonde and ever so slightly cheeky looking one, and then Jett, who she couldn't quite picture. Still, there'd be loads of time to get know them over the coming weeks! And with that, the blonde headed back into her own room, collapsing happily in her kingsize bed as she watched the ocean below.

Perfect.

[Rogue Sloth]

As soon as all of the participants were released to act as they pleased, Jett made a beeline for the stairs. Having already explored most of the house’s ground level, he wanted to see what the second floor looked like. It was probably just full of bedrooms—there would have to be a lot to house this many people—but if they were anything like the rest of the mansion, they were sure to be something special. He wondered how big they were and what the view would be like. Were the bathrooms public or would they each have their own? He couldn’t wait to find out.

As Jett climbed the short flights of steps, he noticed someone else was keeping pace just behind him. “Can’t wait to see your room either, huh?” he glanced over his shoulder when he reached the second floor and smirked at Tom as the blonde clambered up beside him. The only other person to follow them up the steps was a cameraman—the crew was fast to start recording everyone’s reactions to their new home—so Jett guessed the others must have stayed behind to explore the rest of the house down below.

“You kidding?” Tom grinned back at him. “I want to make sure I scored one with an ocean view. Hey, if you get one and I don’t, I’ll trade ya.”

“Hell no,” Jett snorted.

The two went on to wander the upper level of the house. They found that it was shaped like a big “L,” with a railed catwalk separating the four rooms in the west wing from the four in the south wing. Half of the rooms overlooked the ocean—three in the west and one in the south—and the other half overlooked the surrounding palm trees. As for the room assignments (in order from the top of the “L” to the bottom) Ethan, Jett, Mia, and Tom were placed in the west wing—much to their excitement, both Tom and Jett had oceanside rooms—and Traci, Max, Chloe, and David were placed in the south wing.

Once they were done exploring, Jett and Tom split up to arrange their own rooms. The cameraman that had been following them around went after Tom, so Jett found himself with a little more time alone. He unpacked his things, hanging his clothes in the closet, setting his guitar up in its stand, putting his toiletries in the bathroom, throwing up a few posters of New York City—it was a precaution in case he got homesick later on—and placing a picture of his family on his nightstand. Feels like home already, he thought, pleased with the bedroom’s transformation. When he was finished, he kicked off his shoes and stepped over to the large window that made up the western wall, looking out over the ocean. It really was a view to die for. The moon and stars reflected on the ocean’s soft waves, which could be heard faintly as they lapped at the sandy shore below. I should try surfing sometime, he mused, watching the rolling tides serenely.

“Knock, knock,” Tom’s voice came from the open doorway. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed over his chest. The cameraman stood a few paces behind him, filming their interaction. “You done prettying up your room yet?”

“Yeah,” Jett answered. “Why?”

“I was thinking,” Tom shrugged one shoulder. “We should get everybody together for a welcome-to-the-show party. This is the ultimate party house, after all, and it would be a good opportunity to get to know the rest of the folks here. So, you wanna help me round up the gang?”

“Sounds like fun,” Jett grinned. “I’m in.” He followed the blonde into the hallway, where they split up once again to knock on the other participants’ doors. The cameraman followed Jett this time as he walked up to the room next to his own. The resident’s nameplate read MIA. She was the blonde girl, right? The last person to show up? he tried to remember as he rapped on her door with his knuckles. “Party downstairs in fifteen! You don’t want to miss it!”