For Real(20)
I’m honestly not sure. The whole point of us being here is for Miranda to get revenge on Samir, so if he was still in the game, I guess I’d have to let Miranda keep racing, regardless of what I wanted. But what if she’d already gotten her revenge, and Samir wasn’t a factor anymore? I have more to prove than she does. If I wanted to show the world I was a competent, fierce contender who deserved to be taken seriously, I couldn’t afford to sacrifice myself for someone else. Sure, it might make me look generous, but it would also make me look weak. It’s exactly what Miranda would expect me to do, and it would show her that I consider myself disposable. If I think of myself that way, how can I expect her to disagree?
In any case, Charlotte’s question is purely hypothetical. I’ll never really have to compete against my sister in the race. And I can tell what the producers want me to say.
I square my shoulders and look Charlotte right in the eye. “I’d let Miranda be eliminated,” I say. “When it comes down to it, I’m not racing for her. I’m racing for myself.”
*
From: “Charlotte Sweeney” <[email protected]>
To: “Miranda Henderson” <[email protected]>,
“Claire Henderson” <[email protected]>
Subject: Around the World
Dear Claire and Miranda,
I’m delighted to inform you that you’ve been selected to compete on Around the World, LifeLine TV’s highly anticipated new race-around-the-globe show! We think viewers are going to respond well to you and your story, and we’re so glad you decided to audition. Welcome aboard!
Because your team is a last-minute addition to the show, you will have very little time to prepare for the race, and we apologize for the inconvenience. Attached are several waivers and confidentiality agreements, which you must sign and return to us via fax or email within twenty-four hours. Please include a copy of your valid United States passport. I have also attached a list of mandatory vaccinations required for international travel, which you must receive from an infectious disease specialist or travel clinic as soon as possible.
The race begins in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 19—eight days from now—and the network will fly you into LAX on the 17th and pay for your hotel accommodations until you depart. Regardless of when you are eliminated from the race, you will not return home until July 12. You may not tell anyone where you are going, aside from your emergency contact. Doing so will be considered a breach of contract and is grounds for elimination.
Everything you bring on the race must fit inside one hiking backpack. Additional luggage will not be allowed. Keep in mind that airline size and weight restrictions vary by carrier, and remember to pack for diverse climates—LifeLine reserves the right to send you anywhere in the world! You will not be responsible for any specialty items, such as parkas, snowshoes, or swimwear, but all other clothing must be your own. During the rest periods between legs of the race, you will be provided with sleeping accommodations, but you may choose to bring sleeping bags or bedrolls for napping at other times. You may not bring cell phones, GPS equipment, computers, or any other electronic communication devices on the race, nor may you bring any cash. Feel free to bring paper maps and guidebooks.
Good luck, and happy racing! We look forward to seeing you in Los Angeles.
All the best,
Charlotte Sweeney,
Ruby Harris Casting
(MESSAGE RECEIVED JUNE 11, 7:14 PM)
WILL DIVINE: WE MADE IT ONTO THE SHOW! You?
ME: You are not my emergency contact, so answering that question is a breach of contract and grounds for elimination.
WILL DIVINE: OMG YOU MADE IT TOO!!!! Congratulations!
ME: I have no idea what you’re talking about. (!!!!!!!!!! You too!!!!!)
WILL DIVINE: See you in L A. Can’t wait to fight you for my million dollars.
ME: I believe you mean MY million dollars.
WILL DIVINE:
The California sun is bright as a spotlight when Miranda and I climb out of the network car and follow a production assistant toward the outfield of Angel Stadium. I hoist my new red hiking backpack onto my shoulders and am dismayed once again by its weight—I brought as little as I could, but the straps are already starting to cut into my shoulders.
Miranda pauses at the edge of the field, where four other teams are already gathered. They’re not doing anything but milling around and shaking hands, but they’re already being filmed from several angles by burly camera operators and sound people with audio mixers strapped around their waists. I squint and try to pick out Will and Lou, but they don’t seem to be here yet. Samir and his brother aren’t either, and I’m glad—I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he arrives and spots us.
“Wow,” my sister says. “We’re actually here. We’re really doing this.”
“We are.”
Miranda bumps my shoulder with hers. “Hey, Clairie? I don’t think I’ve actually said this yet, but thanks for coming here with me. I know this is hard for you, so it means a lot.”
“It’s going to be great,” I say, willing my stomach to unclench from where it’s coiled like a spring in the corner of my torso. “We’re going to rock this race. Samir won’t know what hit him.”
“Go, Team Revenge,” Miranda whispers fiercely. She grins and holds out her hand for one of those cheesy exploding fist-bumps. I start to feel a little calmer as I touch my fist to hers. This past week, I’ve finally felt like my sister and I are a true team—she’s even the one who managed to convince my parents I’m responsible and mature enough to go on the race. During the day, we shopped for clothes and gear, and we spent our evenings poring over strategy websites and watching old race shows online. Every time one team sabotaged another, we took notes and discussed similar tactics we could use on Samir. My sister consulted me on everything and took my opinions seriously, and for the first time, it felt like we were equals reaching for the same goal. I pray this dynamic won’t break down the second the stress of racing kicks in. I’ve seen lots of teams turn against each other when things get rough.