Elite Comic Universe PBP

After the meeting with the hosts, it was time to get settled in at the house.

Bea followed the directions to the girl's wing and took stock of the spaces available.

She had one suitcase with her.

She looked around to see if another girl, or group of girls, wanted to claim a room, or neighboring rooms. A chance to get to know each other a little better, too!

"Hey," a young woman said as she walked in. "Bea, right, the American?"

She tossed her bag on the bed and said, "Name's Ayana."

Bea smiled brightly.

"Hello! Yes, Bea Hawkins. From Oklahoma. Beatrice, if you ask my Mom."

"Ayana, it's nice to meet you! Where are you from? What made you decide to apply to be part of this contest?"

“I am from here actually, and as for why I am here at the show, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me and my family,” she responded honestly.

“I have these gifts, they have to be good for something.”

She smiled. "It's nice to meet another local. This city is very beautiful. I've been working on my Amharic. We could switch to it if you'd like, though only if you promise to tell me if I'm getting something wrong or not making a lot of sense. I think your English is rather better than my Amharic."

"Do you have a big family? Brothers and sisters? Extended family here?"

She said in Amharic, “Really? Thanks, I worked really hard by watching tiktok videos.”

“I have a large extended family, most live here and around the region. You have a big family?”

Still in Amharic: "Really, your English is excellent. TikTok video, hmmm? Do you have a favorite creator or type of video? Do you have your own channel?"

"My family is not the biggest, but we're close. It's just me and my parents. But also lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Spread out across three states. A lot of cross-visiting. And getting together at holidays."

"And I have a host family here! The Bekeles. I've been staying with them for the last several weeks. We took a trip up to Tigray! They are very kind. My ability to speak Amharic is entirely from their support and practice. The church here makes me feel connected to the community. I've met folks at the services and meetings."

“Kind of, yes… but I don’t really post on it,” she admitted. “So you go to church? My family is not really religious. I been a few times but never thought of it as a community.”

"I do. Every Sunday. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There's a temple here in the sprawl, near where my host family lives. It can be a wonderful warm community - not just that one building but everyone who shares the faith. I know most cities I could find a host family."

She smiled. Happy thoughts.

"The show doesn't mind if I go on Sunday mornings so that's where I'll be. And occasional visits to my host family."

"I expect it's something similar for visiting your family. Just checking that they don't mind the cameras following you."

“I plan to spend time with family from time to time, too,” she said. “You came a long way, how are you holding up?”

She sat down on her bed and added, “Just feels like this trip is a lot of firsts for you.”

Galatea already had brought her two travel cases several hours before to get properly ready. They were already put in a room but that was only for security's sake. She hoped for a personnal room but knowing reality television it would be possible she'd have to share...not ideal for her situation but could be managed.

And so the fair golden gal made her way to the woman's dorm.

Bea heard the sound of footsteps and leaned out of the doorway of a room set up with four beds.

The beautiful golden supermodel! She was so striking! And already plenty famous. Even Bee Haw had seen her pictures online.

"Galatea? We still have free beds in here if you'd like to join us. Or just to visit."

"Have you met Ayana?"

Galatea's visage turned to meet Bea's as she was pulling a few stray strands back in their place.

She smiled warmly to the cowgirl and moved in their direction

''Hello...Bee Haw is it not?'' she inquired ''Miss Kebede? I have not has the chance to meet her yet''

Ayana waved and said in accented English, "Hey, I am still unpacking. Still processing everything that happened."

Bea had so far unpacked mostly clothes. A lot of very similar western style blouses, kerchief, long modest skirts, or similarly styled dresses. Some books. A photograph of her parents. A photograph of a horse. Toiletries and other sundries remained in the suitcase, for now.

"I can't quite believe this is happening. And it is strange, knowing there are cameras all the time."

"Galatea, I think you have a great deal more experience having all eyes on you. How do you manage it?" She looked at her curiously. The golden woman seemed very composed, very poised, to her. Admirable.

Ayana was interested in this response as well.

That was a question she should have expected but did not, oddly enough

''Hmm'' she rested her head on her chin ''I would like to give you something concrete but I am not sure I can. If I had to explain it is...that you can't. Rather you don't...It'll be annoying, even intrusive at times, but you can't really stop them from watching even when things are embarrassing. The best you can do is to...''

She searched her words

''...find contentment. If you are good with yourself, what does it matter what everyone sees?''

Bea listened thoughtfully and nodded.

"There are things I do hope to change in myself. I look forward to learning. How to make the best choices in high-stake situations. How to wisely choose what to do next when it matters most. How to be the best hero I can be. This is such an incredible opportunity. It's a good time to be teachable! Humble and open to learning."

"But I do want to just be me, beyond that. Hold onto what would make my mama and the good Lord proud. Good old fashioned Oklahoma cowgirl values, and clean living. That kind of thing."

She blushed. It did feel odd talking about yourself and pondering how it would sound. Best not to think about that part. Just be yourself.

"What are Oklahoma cowgirl values?" Ayana asked.

She smiled.

"It's really a code for cowboys and cowgirls. And I think it's pretty common all over the west and mid-west, rather than just Oklahoma. But Papa drilled it into me in particular as an Oklahoma cowgirl myself."

She counted along her fingers as she recited the code.

"1. Live each day with honesty and courage.
2. Take pride in your work. Always do your best.
3. Stay curious. Learn all you can.
4. Do what has to be done and finish what you start.
5. Get back up if you fall.
6. When you make a promise, keep it.
7. Be clean in thought, word, deed, and dress.
8. Give others a leg up when they need.
9. Stand up for what’s right. Protect the weak.
10. Be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals."