"Mom, honestly? Who needs a reality show to find a relationship?"
This is why I hate going to my mother's house. Every thursday since I moved out of the apartment, my mother and I have a mandatory mother daughter dinner. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother. But she just so happens to be a wannabe actress with a selfish hope for true love. She wants me to be in a relationship at all times.
"Maya, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Plenty of women go on these shows. And I think it will be good for you after everything that happened with Jacob."
I visibly cringe when she says his name. We were together for the majority of my college life, until one day when he texted me that he found someone else. No warning, no band-aids. But that is besides the fact that my mother is talking about me going on a reality show where ten girls date the same guy.
"Yeah mom, and plenty of women look absolutely idiotic while doing it! There is no chance in hell I am going on that tv show. And don't talk about him please, I really don't ever want to think about him again. And what kind of girl goes on a dating show? I would never!"
"Well then, sweetie, I have some awkward news…"
"Mom. You didn't."
"Oh-" and cue the wicked smile that always comes when she has been sneaky- "But I did."
3 WEEKS LATER
I am in my apartment, angry packing my suitcase. How dare my mother sign me up for a reality show? How dare she even consider this? I am a grown woman! I am 23 years old for crying out loud?! You know, for a woman who is usually really sensible, this is so far out of the realm that I am honestly astounded.
Nonetheless, if I am going to be on a stupid reality show, I will at least pack my paint and my bathing suit. I will be damned if I don't at least get a tan out of this stupid show.
As I am closing my suitcase, I hear a honk. Sighing, I grab my bags and take them out to the car, where the driver does not look exactly stoked.
"Hey, my name is Zay, put your bags in the back please."
"Zay? Is that short for something?" I ask. I heave my bag into the trunk; and I use the word heave because I am 5'2 and less than 130 pounds, and everyday things are literally an obstacle course for me.
"Isaiah. Thanks for asking!" he smiles "You know, I have picked up six other girls, and not a single one has asked me that. And you are?"
"Maya, Maya Hart."
"Nice."
We get in the car and he starts up the engine. We drive for a while before he turns to me with an inquisitive face.
"So Maya Hart, what caused you to audition for a dating tv show?"
"Funny story actually, I didn't. My mom signed me up against my will."
He actually starts to laugh at me, and I hit him in the shoulder. Zay seems like the type of guy I would be friends with, if he weren't literally driving me to my death. Death via reality tv is a real thing you know.
"Ok I know we just met, but I think I am going to like you Maya." He smiles over at me, and we pull into a cobblestone driveway in front of a mansion.
"Now, because I like you, I am going to give you the rundown."
I turn my body to face him, and look at him, urging him to continue.
"Ok, I have dropped six girls off so far, and there have only been two that are tolerable. Missy and Veronica. Find them and room with them. They guy you are all here for, is Lucas Friar, 3rd baseman for the Mets. I honestly think he will love you, so just be yourself. I will be around from time to time, you got this." He sticks out his fist and smiles, and I hit his fist with my own, before I get out of the car and start down the driveway.
