Kyle: Finale
Ipaced backand forth as I waited for the driver to pick me up and take me to the studio for the show’s finale. The last thing I wanted was to go on television when things were the way they were, but I was contractually obligated, and the legal ramifications were something I didn’t want to deal with. Not now.
Wringing my hands in nervous anticipation, I looked around at the empty room. This was supposed to be my night, my debutante ball. Originally everyone had planned to be in the audience to support me, even Jake, if he was healed enough after surgery. But things didn’t always go as planned, and now I was alone, as the vigil continued on at the hospital.
A knock on the door shook me from my thoughts. For one fleeting moment I thought maybe someone from my family might be on the other side, but when I opened the door and saw the limo driver, I dipped my head in disappointment and followed him out to the waiting vehicle. My stomach was clenched tightly from the anxiety of the unknown. I was being whisked to a live taping where my family tragedy would, mostly likely, be exploited for ratings and would no doubt dominate my airtime. Once again I was taking a backseat to my own life. The fact that I felt resentment pissed me off and made me feel worse. Of course I didn’t blame Jake, I just wished things could have played out differently – not only for him but for myself.
The car took me to a private entrance where I was met by some of the network bigwigs, a lawyer, the show’s host, and one of the producers. These were the last people I wanted to be cornered by.
“Where is everyone else?” I asked. If I couldn’t have my family here for support, I at least wanted my friends.
“We’ll take you to them in a few minutes. We just wanted to talk to you about our expectations for tonight,” said a guy I’d never seen before.
Nervous dread rushed through me. What the hell did he mean by that?
“I thought all that was expected of me was to show up, and I did. What more do you want from me?”
“We want to make sure you don’t show any animosity towards the show or network,” he answered.
“Why would I do that?” I asked, seriously annoyed that they considered me a risk.
“Well, because you’ve been a little difficult to deal with the last couple weeks.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t more considerate of your feelings,” I snapped.
“Kyle, we understand this is a trying time…” the producer began.
“No offense, but it’s more than ‘trying.’”
“Yes, well, you have our sympathies, but your family issues do not negate the contract, and I’m sure you don’t want any legal troubles, especially not now,” the lawyer threatened.
“I appreciate your concern for my well-being.”
“You’re expected to answer questions and be as close to the character you were on television,” the first guy said.
“Character? That was me.”
“Oh, right, yes. Be like you, then.”
“Can I go now?” I asked, trying to escape before I said something I knew I would live to regret.
“Yes, but one more thing,” the host said, actually looking remorseful. “The audience is expecting me to ask you about Jake. How you answer is up to you.”
The inquisitors left me then, and I was cycled through a series of people to get me ready to appear in front of the cameras. By this point I was cranky and on edge. Definitely not the Kyle they were demanding.
Finally I was brought to the room where the others were waiting. I sighed with relief at the friendly faces that greeted me. My eyes fixed on Kenzie, and I had to blink a few times to take her all in. She was wearing a light pink dress with a little crown hairband. With her sideswept hair and glamorous makeup, Kenzie really did look like a fictional princess. I smiled. She beamed. In a daze, I walked over and kissed her on the cheek. Several other contestants seemed surprised by our affection. It was the common assumption, not only of everyone in this room but also the viewing audience, that I hated Kenzie… which, after the other night, was the furthest thing from the truth. Still, we had both agreed to keep our budding romance a secret for now. With everything that was happening, the last thing I needed was more media attention.
Dale hobbled up to me, his foot in a medical boot. The sheepish grin on his face made me laugh. “No way!” I exclaimed loudly. “What now?”
“Well, if you ever looked at my texts, you would have seen that I crashed into another skier in Lake Tahoe and twisted my ankle.”
I shook my disbelieving head. “I swear to god, Dale, you need to wear a helmet and be packed in popcorn at all times!”
“I know. I know. I knew you were going to give me shit.” He smiled widely before his face took on a more serious expression. “Are you doing okay? I’ve been worried about you. You stopped responding to me.”
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just been…” I had to stop for fear of my emotions getting the better of me.
“Hey, it’s okay. We’ll talk later. Oh, and my kids really want to meet the guy who did the impossible and made their dad cool, so don’t disappear right away after taping.”
