Chapter 4
Bella patted down her skirt. She was nervous. She was always nervous before a televised interview. She still felt like a small town girl who simply didn't belong.
"Now, welcome to our show, the lovely Miss Isabella Swan," the host announced.
The stagehand patted her back and pushed her softly onto the stage. She took a deep breath and smiled as she walked onto the stage.
The crowd cheered and she felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment. A trait she had considered annoying was now her trademark.
She tried not to stare at the silhouetted crowd. She offered a small wave, but kept her focus forward on the tall, perhaps a bit plump, host.
"Hello Bella, thanks for joining us," he said, showing off his overly white teeth against his too tan skin.
"Thanks for having me," she laughed, shaking his hand and sitting on the plush sofa they provided. He took his seat across from her and smiled.
This was her first interview with Marcus Vlad. She was excited. She was nervous.
"Always so modest. It's so refreshing. So Bella, tell me, where are you originally from?" he asked.
"Forks Washington," she said, smiling. Always smiling. His eyes widened, as though he wasn't already familiar with this news.
"Forks…What an interesting name. Is it near Spoons?" he joked and she pretended to laugh along with the audience. How many times had she heard that joke.
"Yup. All located in the cupboard," she said, joking too. The audience laughed and Stefan chuckled.
"So it must be a big difference than the big apple, huh?" he asked, the crowd cheered at the mention of their city. She wondered if any of her neighbors were watching and cheering for her from her hometown.
"Yeah, it really is. Sometimes I still get really homesick, but I mean, this is an opportunity most people in my town would dream to have and I'm so grateful for this chance," she said, smiling.
"Do you still visit your hometown?" he asked. She tucked a strand of silky straight hair behind her ear as she crossed her legs.
"I do, actually. My family still lives out there and I try to visit when I can," she stated.
"So rumor has it, an old flame still live in Forks," he said, smiling cheekily. Inside she sighed in frustration. On the outside she laughed.
"Um, no. No, I-uh, last I heard he was living in Seattle," she said, trying to respect his privacy.
"Yes and engaged," he said, his eyes flashing briefly. He wanted a reaction. She met his steely gaze and only smiled, knowing the truth but having no idea how to continue with this type of questioning. Did she reveal what she knew or pretend to go along with it?
"So I've heard. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors. Our split was amicable," she said, deciding on ambiguity and lying through her teeth.
"Yes, of course," he said, staring at her. His eyes telling her he knew it wasn't.
Minus Ellen, I feel like talk show host are kinda slimy.
Who's your favorite talk show host? Favorite interview?
Next we'll see Rose's plan.
Have a great Friday :)