Runner Up

by Leah Banicki

  I am in Scotland. Heading for a Castle. Tomorrow.. or later today, I have a date.

  A little jet lagged and tired I sat contentedly watching the Scottish country side zoom by. * * * * *

  The castle was enormous! We were stunned when we came around the hill and saw the magnificent castle with tall stone turrets covering a huge amount of ground. The snow was melted in a few areas and the rock walls surrounding the place looked much older than anything I had ever seen in the U.S.

  If this was a dream I did not want to wake up.

  * * * * *

  I shared a suite with Janette and few other girls. A blond, named Brittney, along with another girl whose name always escaped me, probably because she was very shy, they made a welcome addition to our small group. We were very quiet and tried to stay away from the drama. A handful of other girls were probably getting a lot of television time for all their hollering and gossip. Right now, Desiree and another girl were having a bit of a war. They were stuck together as roommates and were scheduled for a double date with Anthony. Desiree declared that she was not going to share her time with Anthony with anyone. I understood how she felt but this was a part of the show. I wasn’t going to say anything about how I felt on-camera if I could help it. I did not need to feel her wrath, at all. I had every intention of enjoying my week.

  I got my itinerary from the group assistant and gladly found out my all-day date with Anthony was tomorrow. I took my time relaxing and getting my bearings and a few extra hours of rest. Janette and I both got excited when we heard there was a spa at our disposal, inside the castle, converted into a resort. I grabbed a Dr. Pepper from the stocked mini-fridge in our room, and we wandered over to the hotel's amenities section of the grounds.

  "I think a facial and mud massage would work. Then maybe a soak in the hot tub, and movie in our room, then fourteen hours of sleep." Janette suggested.

  "Sounds brilliant." I grabbed the phone and called the service desk to see if we could get appointments for all of the above. We were able to get in right away. We were told to come as we were. We would be provided with robes and everything we needed. I loved this place.

  * * * * *

  Massaged and pampered, then soaked and steamed until tender, Janette and I made our way back through the Castle to our rooms. We visited the gift shop, I could not help but buy a few trinkets, and gifts for my family back home. I wasn’t allowed to tell them where I was or what I was doing when I talked to them on the phone, but at least when this was all over I would have all sorts of gifts and souvenirs waiting.

  We found our way back to the rooms with our loot. I made a list of things to do with the new assistant before we left Scotland. I would send all the things I bought back home, they would be waiting for me.

  "I know I suggested a movie, but I am toast. I don't even know what day it is. I think the bed is actually singing my name." Janette said with drowsy eyes, then she leaned against her hands in a tucked pretend sleeping motion.

  "I could not agree more. I will be asleep before I can find my pj's." I hugged my friend. My own rubbery legs were dragging. The massage was great but being that relaxed reminded the rest of me that sleep was not such a bad idea. "I had a lovely day with you, Thanks Janette." I said in a soft and tired voice.

  She was moving quickly up my favorite person’s list. She just passed a few Disney characters and the gal who made those famous pies you bought at the grocery store.

  * * * * *

  I awoke with a panic, a feeling of terror, like I was already late for something. I hate that. I growled out loud.

  I checked the clock near me and it was only 9:30 am in Scotland. I fell asleep by 7 p.m. the night before. My mouth was dry and I reached for the bottle of fresh water sitting on my nightstand. I decided to buy a gift for the new assistant for our group. She was really going above and beyond by taking good care of me. I could use someone like her in real life. I didn’t even know her name but intended to remedy that, soon.

  I sat up slowly, still a bit groggy from sleeping so long. The water was perfect, and just a little cooler than room temperature. I hated really cold water, I couldn’t chug it if it was too cold. I get brain freeze really easily.

  My itinerary was sitting on the nightstand telling me that my date with Anthony started at 2:30. I left a voicemail message for my parents before lunch. It would have been nice to talk with them but it would have to wait. I don’t even know what the time difference was.

  With a few minutes to stretch and get my bearings, I was up and flying around my room. My assistant came in with four large parcels draped over her arm. Wordlessly, she hangs them up on the gold hooks near the closet door.

  “I know you have brought me something fantastic but I just want a moment to say thank you so much for taking such amazing care of me. You are a gem.” I said, to the short brunette standing in front of me. She looked to be in her early twenties.

  The young woman smiled shyly, it’s the first time I’ve seen anything but her serious work face. She was so cute.

  “You are welcome, Miss Parker. I am glad to do it.” She nodded and went back to the garments. She began unzipping.

  “What’s your name dearie?” I asked the sweet little worker bee.

  “It’s Heidi Gold. You may call me Heidi, if you wish. If I may, I need you to pick two dresses for this week. Choose one for your date today and another one for an event in a few days. Your date is a special event, being the broach date. You both will be dressed in historical Scottish royalty costumes. These dresses are custom made. The remaining dresses you don’t choose will be auctioned off on ebay for a charity event after the show airs.” Heidi said, very stoically.

  I was totally surprised. She had been mute, now she was a fountain of information. I walked up to the dresses and did a double take. These costumes weren’t like the oversized smelly things in the high school costume closet or what you rent for a party on Halloween. These dresses were masterpieces. Each had corsets and petticoats attached to go with the dress. The choice was difficult with each one being unique and beautiful.

  “Before you choose, Miss Parker, you should change into casual clothes and I will do your hair, they want you to choose on camera. It makes it better for the auction, to see you touching the dresses.” Heidi ran through her checklist as she was talking to me. I could tell she had a million things to do today. I suddenly felt pretty lazy.

  “You can call me Hannah, and thanks for the heads up. I am not big on being on television in my pajamas.” We both laughed and I charged into my luggage but it had been mysteriously put away. She must have been quietly working as I slept.

  “Wow, Heidi, you sure are great at what you do.” I said to her, but she had left the room for me to change in private and summon the camera crew. I was digging through my clothes when all her words penetrated my brain. Both of us would be dressed in these types of clothes. My heart did a triple beat thinking about what Anthony would be wearing.

  If he is in a Kilt I may just die. * * * * *

  After a morning in front of the camera crew then makeup, I ate a quick lunch and headed to the salon for the special broach date hair session. My brunette hair was a shiny glistening updo that nearly made me cry. I liked being pretty but this was beyond what I could ever imagine. I felt like a movie star. I tried to watch them as they curled and pinned and twisted my hair into the art form it was now. It was perfectly elegant. I had a vision of a Fred Astaire movie I watched as a young girl. There was an elegant lady dancing with him and her hair was a simpler version of this, twirling around the dance floor. This was that kind of hair.

  As I waited for my lunch order, I called my parents. I gave them goofy hints about where I was without actually mentioning Scotland and I couldn’t tell them I received the broach or that I was actually on the date. Darn confidentiality rules! My cousin, Chrissy and I chit-chatted for a few minutes and I heard all about the new guy she was seeing. I cheered her on and thought about the guy I was seeing, wist
fully. It would’ve been nice to talk about him with someone that wasn’t my competition.

  After letting my family go, reluctantly, I nibbled on my lunch and Janette joined me at the large empty table. I was very glad to see her.

  “I am so glad someone still likes me. I was worried that the only people I would be friends with were the make-up artists and the overworked assistants.” I grinned at my beautiful roommate. I never wanted to be anything but a brunette, but her red hair was so rich and beautiful I would consider it for a second or two.

  “I still like you, Hannah, even if you are gonna win and steal the prince away from all of us.” Janette gave me a squeeze and stole a grape tomato from my salad plate. “Man your hair is not fair, Hannah. How in the world did they do that?” Hannah nibbled on the tomato and leaned slightly, to get a glance of the full hair experience.

  “Just wait until you see the dress. It was custom made… by angelic beings, I think.” I said and snickered. I looked at the clock and did the nervous date countdown in my head.

  “You need to actually eat, Hannah. You don’t want to run out of energy on your date with Prince Anthony in Scotland. I know I won’t be able to eat in front of the cameras, not sure about you. You better eat now, while it’s not documented how fast you can snarf down a steak and potatoes. I have seen people on talk shows and newspapers get pretty cruel with date descriptions after an episode.” Janette grinned, as she delivered her thoughts. I couldn’t help but enjoy her wit.

  “Thanks for the added paranoia, Janette. I have nightmares about having stuff in my teeth after eating on a date anyway. Now I’m stressing over the tabloids.” I agreed with her and started focusing on eating and less on my upcoming date.

  I finished and headed to my room. I saw a note on my nightstand to page my assistant after lunch. I brushed my teeth then paged her. I grabbed a few essentials and laid them out on my bed to put in my clutch purse, just goofy date stuff like I would do at home; mints, lip-gloss, a mirror to check over things, and my baby digital camera. I wanted a few pictures to document the day.

  Heidi, the wonder girl, arrived with two women behind her. It was the dressing crew. Never in my life have I needed people to dress me, but today was the day for new experiences. After a fun session with the corset and complicated underwear, I slipped into the dress. The emerald green material was thick and the texture was soft and decadent. The best way to describe it was that it felt very expensive. I am a Midwestern girl who grew up shopping at the mall, mostly the bargain rack. I was not poor, but this dress put everything I had ever owned to shame. I was a bit giddy when Heidi told me I get to keep it. They allowed me a peek in the mirror and I nearly undid all the work that the makeup artists had accomplished with tears trying to escape. How I would love to show off this dress for my parents.

  Heidi made a call and a few camera men showed up. They took a few still shots of me in the dress. They interviewed me about my hopes for the date. They asked me what I thought we would do on the date, but I had no idea. They asked how much I liked Anthony and other personal questions. I tried my best to be honest but also kept in mind that this was still early in the show. I did not want to look foolish if things fizzled out between Anthony and me.

  “It’s time to get you in place.” Heidi stated.

  Chapter 5

  My heart did a flip as I slipped into my black heels. I sped through the room with the dress dragging regally behind me. The green off the shoulder style with the stunning beadwork, sparkled in the light, my reflection did a few things to boost my confidence, as I made my way to a night to remember.

  I noticed that the show staff had gathered all the women in the main greeting room. I never realized this, but it was like the staff enjoyed parading everyone through for the sake of the competition, looking all regal before the date. As I walked in I felt daggers coming from all directions. A few girls sighed and some told me that I looked beautiful. Janette gave me a friendly squeeze as I passed her. I tried to smile humbly and bury any strange regal feelings I felt earlier. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes watching me looking all smug and important. The room was certainly filled with odd emotion.

  I could tell the cameras were rolling and I tried to stay quiet, waiting and unassuming, as I stood where Heidi placed me. I could hear someone talking in the distance and a car door closed. I was not sure my heart would survive this show if it beat like this for every date. Perhaps this would be the only date I might get, I needed to remember that the competition was fierce and to enjoy the journey. Today could be a great day, and this show was a marathon, not a sprint.

  The moment Anthony appeared through the door the room erupted with sighs. He was dressed in a black jacket and dark burgundy kilt. He had shiny black boots and tassels on the jacket. I think every girl wanted to faint at his magnificence. He looked like every rugged hero pictured in the storybook fairytales. He smiled at all the sighs and even let a laugh sneak out. We all laughed with him for a moment before he spoke.

  “I have a request for Miss Hannah Parker to join me this evening.” He looked me in the eye and my heart melted, and he never looked away from me the whole way out of the house. I walked arm-in-arm with him through the foyer and when we reached the outside door I could not believe my eyes.

  As if by some unknown cue, a group of violins and bagpipes began a song of triumph. I gasped and listened to the haunting sound and was further surprised by the sound of horses clip-clopping nearby.

  Anthony leaned over to me and whispered in my ear. “I have never seen anything more beautiful than you in that dress, Hannah. You have stolen my senses.” I turned and looked in his eyes, which spoke volumes. I could have sworn he wanted to lean in and kiss me, but we had all the other women behind us now. I gave him a smile that hopefully showed my appreciation for the heavenly compliment. I turned quickly, when the women were gasping behind me.

  The horses were now within sight and behind it was a shining black carriage. I have only seen something this fancy in historical movies. The gear, surrounding the tall horses pulling the carriage, was dark and decorated with shining silver brackets. It was a magnificent sight with the horses standing tall, prancing into the castle’s courtyard.

  * * * * *

  It was a dream, I kept telling myself. As I climbed into the horse drawn carriage I felt Anthony sitting down next to me and the carriage swayed a bit. It was definitely surreal. The white horses’ breaths were frosty clouds in front of them. They were jostling and adjusting while standing and waiting for the cue to go again. Anthony grabbed a blanket and laid it across our laps. It was warm and cozy, for sure. I hoped the shy smile I gave him said, “thank you.” I was pretty speechless at the moment.

  The horse started forward and I noticed all the girls waving from in front of the doorway. They must have escaped the house while we were climbing into the carriage. I did a quick wave to be friendly and saw a lot of frowns. I would have frowned, too, from the cheap seats of this date.

  I sat in silence for a minute after the horses started their clopping down the road. I noticed the snow that had been on the ground yesterday was nearly gone. It was similar to an Indiana winter, in my estimation. November the snows came, but rarely stayed.

  "Are you as overwhelmed as I am?" He asked. He was sitting so close to me it was keeping me warm and the closeness felt amazing.

  "Yes, I am. Sorry to be so quiet. Just wondering if this is real or just a product of my crazy imagination?" I answered quietly. I did not want to break the spell.

  I looked over and noticed Anthony was staring at me, his face relaxed. I forced myself to look him in the eye and not be intimidated.

  "You never need to apologize to me. This whole process is overwhelming, you just need to go with how you feel. There is nothing wrong with taking it all in." His words were wise and comforted me. He had done this before. Take his cues.

  "Thanks." I said, with a grin. I looked him in the eye again to ask a question. "So do we know what the pla
n is for today? I hope the carriage rides last awhile, though I am losing my marbles a bit without my camera. So much rugged beauty here and I would have loved to capture it for a memory, later.

  The scenery around me was all trees, rocks and dark green, like a rugged world ready for the seasons to change. The road was paved and made it a relatively smooth ride.

  "I know what you mean, so much beauty!" His hand stroked my chin and my heart did a flip. He obviously was trying to charm me.

  I let myself turn away and leaned against his shoulder as we continued the ride through the rugged landscape. The hooves of the horses clip-clopping along the roadway, taking us to our first destination.

  The first stop was nearly thirty minutes away, at a manor house.

  We made our way through the place to the back. He held my hand as we climbed the stairs. I was ridiculously giddy and was enjoying myself on this adventure.

  Near the back room we met a local whiskey maker who told us the history of this region and gave us a lesson in whiskey making. The elderly man was funny and ruggedly fascinating and made us feel at ease right away. For a few minutes I felt ridiculous and overdressed but I calmed myself down and just determined to be in the moment and not worry about silly details that didn’t matter.

  After our whiskey tasting we were led to a large open room with a stage and some local children gave us a concert. Their sweet young voices were charming and I felt myself grinning and nodding at all their happy faces when they looked my way. At that moment, I felt like royalty. This was a once in a lifetime experience. I was humbled beyond words.

  After the concert we had a chance to talk to a few of the children and walked around the Manor with a guide, who gave us additional history and more interesting tidbits to enjoy. I had a handsome man at my side, touring a beautiful manor near the mountains of Scotland. Not a bad way to spend a day.

  The afternoon rushed by as we moved from the Manor house to a new location. At one point, there was more snowfall as we traveled through the landscape. There was a small canopy that kept some of the snow off our heads but I didn’t care about the chill, at all. Anthony and I laughed and shared the entire day, the close quarters and the romantic carriage ride. It was a perfect fairy tale experience. As we headed back to the Kilnary Castle, I wondered how the evening would continue.