Chapter sixteen: media and co

Elira

Today I woke up earlier than Aurelia, and things were already looking good. I didn't want to deal with her silence—or worse, her lack of it.

I got dressed quickly, and to make things easier, I pulled out one of my clones to help with my hair. She curled it into soft, glossy waves that fell beautifully around my shoulders. I wanted to look good today. We were supposed to meet with the PR managers and directors to discuss the live broadcast of the Convergence Trials.

We were also likely doing our interviews today. They wanted to wrap up all the videos within a month, and I was more than ready. This was my world. I was already used to it. After all, I'm a social media expert.

My clone was halfway through curling my hair when Aurelia finally stirred and stretched. I glanced at her without meaning to, and she looked back at me.

Her eyes widened.

That was when I realized—she had probably never seen me or my clones doing regular girly stuff. The only thing she had ever seen them do was fight. Her surprise lasted only a second before she blinked it away and sat up slowly.

Her curls were a mess, spreading out around her head like an unruly halo.

"Morning," she rasped.

"Well, morning, Princess," I replied.

I don't even know why I said that. We're not friends or anything.

But today, I was in a good mood.

And for once, talking to Aurelia wasn't annoying me at all.

"Yeah, whatever," she retorted.

And just like that, I was done being happy and chatty with Aurelia.

Why the heck was she so pissy this early in the morning anyway? Was she not a morning person? I could've sworn she was. She's always up before me. Maybe today is an exception. I wonder what's wrong with her.

I ignored her and watched as she got up and started getting dressed.

Once my hair was finished, I dismissed my clone and made my way to the media room.

The place was already buzzing when I got there. A few students had arrived, along with some instructors. I haven't seen Instructor Corvin in a while, but he was here today, which was kind of surprising. He usually doesn't train everyone, mostly just Aric.

Except Aric isn't in the Trials.

Because he hasn't manifested.

Sometimes I feel bad for him. I know he wants to participate more than anything.

I moved to the front and sat down on one of the chairs provided for us.

The media person was a woman in her twenties, and for some bizarre reason, she kind of looked like me. Not the same face, no, but she had the same curly blonde hair. And it was styled almost exactly like mine.

My wavy blonde hair is part of my brand. I always use this style when I go on social media. So yeah, it was unsettling to see someone who looked like my off-brand twin.

She was even dressed in the kind of outfit I usually wear.

A pink Chanel suit. I even have that exact set.

It was beyond weird.

The moment she turned around and saw me, she gasped loudly.

"Oh my god, Elira, you're here! I've been expecting you," she said, already halfway walking toward me. "I wanted to talk to you first because I know you already understand how all of this works. If it's okay, I'd love for you to do your interview first, so the other students can get a sense of what we're aiming for."

Then she paused. "Oh, sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Rebecca. Rebecca Collins. I'm the media coach. And my job is basically helping the students know their way in front of the camera. I really hope we can work well together."

She stretched out her hand. I took it and gave her a quick shake.

"Nice to meet you. Elira Reynard," I said, trying to sound polite.

"Yeah, yeah, I know!" she said again, waving a hand excitedly. "Elira Reynard!"

Then she turned to look toward the door as more students filtered in.

And then...her whole face lit up.

"Oh my god, Aurelia, it's you! Come, come over here! Sit beside Elira!" she called, her voice practically sparkling. 

I turned around to see her, Aurelia looked uncomfortable, almost scared? But she walked over to where I was seated. "Um, hi." She greeted politely. Aurelia annoys me all the time. Like now. Why the heck does she feel the need to be so polite to this woman? It's annoying. I took out my phone and tried to drawn them out.

"This is perfect." Rebecca continued. 

"I want you to do your interview right after Elira, so everyone can see what this is all about."

She looked around the room. "Okay, is everyone here? Anyone missing? If not, we'll go ahead and start. I'm going to begin with Elira, alright?"

Rebecca was way too bubbly. It was annoying.

I sat there, forcing my expression to stay neutral. There was no way I was going to let anyone see how annoyed I was. But I know Aurelia knew. She kept glancing at me. Maybe trying to get me to turn but I didn't budge.

"Well Elira, we can start once you're ready. Here's the script. You can tweak it a little bit if you want but don't go too off script."

Rebecca said while handing me a tablet. I nodded and took it. My eyes widened when I read the first few lines.

"What?! They can't be serious."