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.