So, here's the first chapter. Thanks a bunch to my beta writingunderatree for her quick betaing!
Disclaimer: All Twlight related characters, plot lines, etc belong to Stephanie Meyer, everything else is emi12895's. Dont steal it.
I arrived at the Marriot hotel in New York City on May 12, tired from the long journey. I checked into the penthouse set up for me, and quickly reviewed my agenda for the day. At 6PM, I had a meeting with Mr. Harrison at the studio, and then would have a follow up "tour" of the next 5 months of my life.
My name is Bella Swan, and I am a bachelorette. I auditioned for ABC's reality show, The Bachelorette, a few weeks ago right after my break up with Mike. I was angry at him for cheating on me, even though we had been in a relationship for 4 fucking years. So, when I heard about the auditions, I jumped at the opportunity, even though never in my mind did I would think I'd be chosen.
When I received the call saying that I'd been selected, I was shocked. I figured they would probably choose a girl who was a lot older, more sophisticated, and definitely prettier. I was just an average…a plain Jane.
After I graduated from Fork's High School at the age of 17, I got a scholarship to Dartmouth. Since I was almost done with 3 years of college already, I transferred my credits and finished my undergrad for English Literature. Now, I'm 23; and doing my Master's degree while working for Volturi Books. Me and my 2 co-workers, Heidi and Chelsea basically ran all 7 of the stores in New Hampshire.
My life wasn't exactly boring, it was just…unfulfilling. I had a good job with good money, a good education, great friends, and amazing family. I had my share of boyfriends, and I had a moderate social life. Yet still, there was just something missing-that spark that I'd felt with Mike; the one that made me eager to start the new day. I hadn't felt it for 3 years.
At first, Mike was the perfect boyfriend. In high school, we were great friends, always hanging out, studying, etc. we began dating when I turned 19, and it was bliss times 10. I had never felt so loved, so appreciated, so cherished, I felt invincible. Mike would always say that I'd be his wife one day, and that we would approach the future together, and stay with each other for eternity. I was a fool for believing him. After a year or so, Mike got more distant. At first, I didn't think much of it, figuring it was pressure from school or something. But months past, and I rarely saw him anymore. He didn't visit every night like he used to, I was never able to call him, he wouldn't reply to my emails. I only saw him once a week or so. Mike blamed it on school, saying it was hard for him to see me because he lived 10 miles away (cue the eyeroll). I thought I loved him, so I bought the lies. I bought the lies he told me for 3 damn years.
The day we broke up was on his birthday. I decided to surprise him by showing up early for the party at his apartment. I remember hearing the sounds coming from his room, the moans and grunts. I thought he was just watching porn or something.
Until I opened the door.
There Mike was, with a naked Jessica Stanley on top of him, her head thrown back in ecstasy. I screamed in anger, and saw Mike's alarmed face. He jumped up, pulled on his boxers, and ran towards me as I flew out of the apartment.
"Bella! Wait!" he cried, as he pulled on my arm.
"Don't touch me!" I screamed back, "Why, Mike, why?"
He shook his head sadly, "Bella, I had to." He whispered, "I love her. She gives me everything."
I laughed scornfully, "Everything?" I spat, "What about me? Your girlfriend? Huh? Wasn't I enough for you?"
What he had said next ruined me as a woman, "You were a lousy lay, Bella. I love you too, but I Jessica keeps me satisfied…don't you get it?" he asked.
I slapped him the way my father taught me, and running away.
I snapped out of my haze at when I remembered the sound of my slap. I was wiping the stray tears that fell down my cheeks when the phone rang.
Clearing my throat, I picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Swan!" a voice drawled, "Glad you made it. I trust that your journey was comfortable?"
Oh, it was Chris Harrison.
"Yes Mr. Harrison, it was pleasant." I replied.
"Good, good. Now I was calling to see if you would mind us moving up our dinner a bit?"
"Oh, not at all. What time?"
"Well, why don't we make it a lunch meeting and have it around 3? That good with you?" he asked.
I glanced at my watch. It was 2:09.
"Sure, that's fine." I answered.
"Great! I'll pick you up at 3 then, there's an amazing steakhouse a few blocks away, we can have lunch there, if that's fine with you? It's very casual, there's not need to dress up."
"That's fine." I said.
"Good. I'll see you later Ms. Swan."
"Bye."
I turned off the phone and immediately headed to the shower, washing away the grime from the flight. I blow-dried my hair, and pulled it into an elegant bun, and pined up my bangs into a poof at the top of my head. I kept my makeup simple, a sweep of eyeliner and a smidge of lip-gloss. I then opened my suitcase, wary about the clothing my best friends had packed for me.
Alice Brandon and Rosalie Hale were without doubt the greatest friends a girl could ask for. We had met in elementary, and had been inseparable ever since. Alice was a perky, energetic, fashion diva, with a sweet and loving personality. She was pixie-like, with her barely 5ft, tiny frame, spiky black hair, and large, shiny silver eyes that were always twinkling. Rosalie was the intimidating one, with a cold and reserved demeanor to outsiders, yet a fiercely protective and supportive friend. She was also the epitome of beauty, with her tall, curvy killer body, long golden locks, and deep blue eyes. Both of them put me to shame.
After high school, the two of them went on to fashion school in Europe for modelling. They only survived a semester before they realized that they weren't meant to be models, but designers. I remembered all the times Alice would call me up, complaining that the skirt she was forced to wear was too retro, or Rose crying because she couldn't have dessert. When they returned, they moved near me to New Hampshire and started a new clothing line, La Vera Bellezza. Now, they are globally famous and have over 3000 stores spread all over the world. When they aren't at home with their boyfriends, Jasper and Emmett, they travel across the world, advertising, partying, and meeting with other designers. Despite their sucess, they are the most down-to-earth girls, and never flaunt their fame.
I pawed through the suitcase, pulling out scraps of French lingerie, designer jeans and tops and skirts and blouses, elegant dresses, expensive jewelry and accessories, and an ungodly amount of shoes and makeup. Sighing, I chose a turquoise blue top and a flowy white skirt that came down to my knees. Slipping into the outfit, I added a gold necklace and shoved on gold wedges.
Just then, a there was a knock on the door. I peeped through the peephole and saw Mr. Harrison waiting on the other side. I opened it.
"Ms. Swan, pleasure to meet you again." He greeted, stepping inside.
"Bella, please call me Bella. It's nice to see you again too, Mr. Harrison." I replied.
"We'll be old friends then shall we? I'll call you Bella and you can call me Chris."
I smiled, "Alright, Chris."
We chatted for a few moments, and then went outside to the limo waiting. I slid into the leather seats, relishing in the tinted windows, air conditioning, and soft music playing from the numerous speakers. We arrived at the restaurant quickly, and were greeted by a very classy atmosphere. I guess in the celebrity world, "casual" is like "semi-formal" to normal people.
I could tell right away that Chris was quite accustomed to the high life. He obviously took advantage of his status as host of the show and I doubted that he ever payed for his meals. I guessed that all he had to do to get them free was smile brightly at a waitress and let his occupation somehow slip as he was being greeted.
As we ate our food, Chris brought me up to date on the whole reality show biz. I was to be at the studio, or assigned location everyday at 8AM. There, I would go through makeup, an overview of the day, and sometimes, a small interview. As for the men, there would be 25, and I wouldn't be able to personally meet them until the first taping. In between the 20 or so tapings, I would be able to meet and hang out with any of the guys, for an opportunity to learn more about them. At the end of each day, I might have another interview, and then could leave back for the hotel, . There was also the whole confidentiality agreement, saying that I would reveal any personal information about any of the men or cast to anyone. I could only talk to friends and family, and no press or media was allowed to have any sort of statement from me, unless it was pre-approved. I could still roam around the area and travel, but I was told that there wouldn't be much time to do that later on.
"I know it sounds complicated, Bella." Chris said as we were leaving, "But it's an easy routine to slip into. You'll have a lot of spare time, and in the end, it'll all be worth it, right?"
I thought about that missing spark, the chance at finding my soul mate, the chance to find my lifelong partner who would love me the way I wanted to be loved…
"Of course." I said.
I could only pray that this wouldn't end badly.
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