We enter the hotel & lounge, and I immediately feel like an imposter. Everything is richly decorated and gold-plated. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it. Is this what extravagance looks like? Why am I even here?
I enter our room with Maia behind me, and the awkward feelings continue. Everyone dreams of someday coming and making it big in Del Sol Valley. But now that I’m here, I realize I don’t belong. There’s no way I’m bringing home an award. We should take a S-Uber to the train station, get tickets, and return to Brindleton Bay.
I’m a second away from suggesting that when Maia’s voice brings me back to the present.
Maia: So, we have about two hours before the ceremony begins. What should we do? Want to take a look around?
She sounds excited about being here. I don’t want to ruin it. I join her on the couch.
Wade: No, let’s sit here and enjoy the view.
I don’t care about the view. I feel safer hidden away here in our room.
My phone rings. I look down and see that it’s Dray.
Wade: *to Maia* It’s my brother. I have to take this.
Maia: Of course. Go right ahead.
I answer the call while Maia busies herself on her phone. Before I can say hello, I hear Dray’s voice loud in my ear.
Drake: *on the phone* You went to Del Sol Valley and didn’t bring me?
For a moment, I’m wondering how he even knows where I am, but then I remember the Social Bunny update I posted earlier.
Wade: *on the phone* Sorry, it was a last-minute decision.
Drake: Dad told us about your nomination! You’re on your way to stardom.
I don’t know about that, but I don’t want to burst Dray’s bubble just because mine has been completely shattered.
Wade: Maybe! If I win, you’ll be the first to know.
Drake: *on the phone* Yeah, right. You’ll soon forget all about us little people.
But I am one of the little people, a straight-up plebian. I realize that more than ever. Once again, I try to play it off.
Wade: *on the phone* Never! Nothing would ever make me turn my back on you, bro.
Drake: Good! I wish you luck! Kill ’em out there in the valley.
Wade: *unconvincing tone* Most def! I have to go, Dray. I need to change.
Dray asks me to send him a picture of my trophy. I don’t have the heart to tell him that there will be no trophy. Instead, I agree before ending the call.
Wade: Sorry about that. That was my youngest brother. He’s way too enthusiastic about this trip.
Maia: As he should be! *stands up* We’d better start getting ready if we want to make it to the ceremony on time.
Maia begins walking towards the bathroom. I reluctantly stand to grab my suitcase. I might as well get dressed and see who shows up tonight. Maybe this trip won’t be wasted if I get a few autographs.
I step into my suit, wishing I’d brought something different to wear. I look good, but I could have done better. I send an updated Social Bunny post, revealing a bit of what I’m actually feeling. But as soon as I hit send, Maia steps out of the bathroom, and my heart skips several beats. She’s wearing a short green dress, accentuating her curves just right. Her makeup is flawless, even though she’d be just as beautiful without it.
Wade: You look freaking amazing.
And she does, making me question if I even deserve to have her accompany me tonight.
She smiles.
Maia: Thank you! You look good, too. Let’s get your award!
Her enthusiasm makes me believe, for a moment, that I could win something tonight. But I have another idea first.
Wade: Not until you grace me with your presence on the red carpet. We have to capture how good we look on camera.
Maia: Yeah, okay.
We step out on the red carpet to take some selfies. Maia is gorgeous, and I need proof that I’m lucky enough to be here with her.
It’s almost time for the Starlight Accolades ceremony. Maia begins walking towards the building, and I hesitate behind her, my confidence faltering again. We step inside the lounge and I do my best to walk in as if I belong there. We take seats right up front but are the only ones there. That’s when I realize our mistake – we’re on time. No one arrives at these types of events on time. It’s all about being fashionably late. I’ve failed my first test.
Rather than continue to sit there looking stupid, I make another suggestion.
Wade: Maybe we should grab a drink?
Maia agrees, and we make our way to the bar. A drink is exactly what I need. It’ll help to ease my nerves. I order for the two of us just as Maia receives another text that puts a smile on her face.
Wade: An admirer?
Maia: A what – no, it’s my father. He’s happy that I’m here, so close to San Sequoia. He’s hoping I’ll have time to come and see him, but I’m trying to explain that we won’t be here long.
So it’s not another guy. It’s been her father texting all along.
Suddenly, a loud voice comes out of the speakers all around us.
Noelle: Welcome to the Starlight Accolades. I’m your host, Noelle Murakami! Thanks for coming out. I wish all of tonight’s nominees good luck!
Noelle goes on to announce the first winner.
Maia: It’s starting! Should we go back and take our seats?
Wade: Why bother? My chances of winning are slim to none.
Maia: You don’t know that! They nominated you for a reason. You’re here for a reason.
I realize that Maia is trying to be positive, but her cheeriness has the opposite effect. I don’t want to hear it right now. I want to return to our room or, better yet, fly back home. But once again, I don’t want to let her down.
Wade: Let’s stay here a while and finish our drinks.
Maia: Yeah, okay.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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