Free Runner Up by Leah Banicki Page B

something before you leave. I really like you,
Hannah." He kissed me again, briefly, sincere and sweetly.
"Well Anthony, I like you, too. You are going to be the death of me." I said.
Why do all my words sound so lame to me ? I wondered .
“I want to spend more time with you, but the limitations of the show sometimes make it impossible. I
would like to write to you, and give you the ability to write to me. You can send any mail to family from the front
desk. If you label any letters for a T. Brown it will come to me. My mother’s maiden name is Brown and you can
call me Tony, when it’s just you and me. I hope you still want to be here because I want to get to know you
better.” He handed me another envelope and smiled boyishly, again.
“I love that plan, and I definitely want to be here. It was hard today sharing you with so many beautiful
girls, but knowing I can write to you makes me feel very special.” I sounded a bit better now. It’s time to get out of
here before I blow it.
“You can read that later. I just initialed it T.B.” He seemed a bit nervous. It was endearing. In that split
second I saw him as a more than the cute guy, someone also looking for love. It was a shock to me. I only thought
about myself this whole time. Suddenly he was here and vulnerable too, trying to make a connection.
“Thanks Tony.” I said, and reached my arms around his shoulders and gave him a simple hug. It felt like the
right thing to do, a genuine embrace. He held me for a minute and I could feel his heart beating, one hand slid up
and he stroked my hair for a moment. I think that was when I lost a part of my heart.
A minute later I was floating down the hallway, lost in the feelings of euphoria. When I reached the suite I
just opened my sliding door, sat on a teak chair, and listened as the soft ocean breeze whispered to me. I stayed
that way for a while then opened the envelope to get gushier when I read his simple words to me. ME, Hannah
Parker…
    Sweet Hannah,
Your dark eyes have me enchanted. I was so worried before this started that the girls were only interested in being
on TV and that I would lay my heart bare and there would be only a show, and nothing more. Now I know that God can do
anything, even get a girl like you, with beauty, poise and integrity to meet me here on a silly reality TV show, to do this
journey with me.
I cannot wait to get to know you better. Feel free to write me back. Tell me all about your family and anything you
want to talk about. Ask me anything too.
T.B.
* * * * *
The weather was so mild and breezy this morning, as I joined the full group of girls on the beach. The
show’s group activities were always interesting. Sometimes it was something creative, sometimes a contest to win
dates, sometimes a random name was called to enjoy a dinner or lunch date with the bachelor or bachelorette of
the show. We gathered together and the girls chattered companionably. All-in-all, we started getting along better,
or at least, faking it for the cameras. I heard a few complaints about some shrewish behavior when the cameras
were gone but certain girls were known to be that way, whether at home or on a TV show. We all knew how to
do drama when push came to shove, especially when there was a man involved.
Randall called everyone to attention and we got another long-winded speech.
I listened and was surprised when I saw men with boxes, for everyone, come forward. I moved through
the crowd and retrieved a brand new camera.
"Now ladies, today's contest is going to start in one hour. If you go to the main lobby there are batteries
available and people to help you get started with the simple digital cameras you have.
The contest allows you to take pictures for three hours. You can turn in three pictures for a chance to
win a dinner date alone with Anthony tonight and a guaranteed date card for the next ceremony.
So turn in your best pictures. They are due by 3 p.m. You have an hour to practice, three