Free For Real by Alison Cherry Page A

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? Idon’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