Chapter 4 #2
Breathing a sigh of relief, I follow her for about five minutes until we reach a spot out of earshot and eyeshot of the rest of the tribe.
Of course, one of the ever-present camera crew comes with us.
When we reach the appointed location, Neema has me sit against a large mangrove tree and positions the cameraman so the ocean is behind me.
I imagine it’s a pretty shot, and I’m sure it’ll look very nice when and if it’s edited into the show.
While the camera is being set up, Neema gives me a few instructions.
“Since this is your first confessional, at the beginning, I’ll ask you to introduce yourself.
Then I’ll proceed to ask you some open-ended questions.
You can talk as much as you like, but keep in mind that we’re on a schedule, and whatever you say will be edited down in post-production anyway.
Also, please remember to restate the question in your answer so the viewers know what you’re talking about.
Other than that, feel free to say whatever’s on your mind, although I remind you that any and all confessionals may be aired in the show, so you may want to avoid saying anything too mean about any of your tribemates.
Oh, and look at me, rather than at the camera.
Understood?” She waits for me to nod. “Good. In that case, just give me one more minute, and then we’ll get started. ”
She goes over to the cameraman and checks his positioning, making sure it’s just right. Then she checks to make sure I’m in frame, having me adjust my position slightly. Finally, she attaches a small mic to my shirt and tests the audio.
Once everything is set up to her satisfaction, she nods to the cameraman, and a red light turns on. Then she looks at me. “Okay, we’re rolling. So, Ryan, tell me a little bit about yourself.”
“My name’s Ryan Levine, and I’m twenty-eight.
” I remind myself to look at Neema instead of the camera; it’s a little counterintuitive, but at least I’m directing my answers to a person rather than to thin air.
“I’m a corporate lawyer, and I live in Washington, D.C.
, although I grew up in North Carolina.”
She gives me a thumbs up and mouths good start. “What do you think about your tribe so far?”
“I think my tribe is pretty good. I’ve only known them for a day, but I feel like I’m getting along with everyone just fine. I don’t know how long that will last, but it’s nice for now.”
“Is there anyone you feel particularly close to?”
“I’d say I’m pretty close to Katie, and maybe Rhonda and Marina too. They’re the ones I’ve spent the most time with, at least.”
“What about Cole? It seemed like you and he had a good chat this morning before everyone else woke up.”
“Cole seems nice, too,” I say, trying not to sound as guarded as I feel. “We did get the chance to talk a bit this morning, and that was nice. And he seems pretty strong, so hopefully he’ll be able to help us in challenges. But that could make him a threat, too.”
“Anyone you don’t particularly like, or that you don’t really get along with?”
I allow myself a small smile. I knew it wouldn’t take long for her to get to the point.
After all, who’d watch the show if there wasn’t any drama?
“Well, if we did lose the next challenge, I suppose I won’t be upset to see Ashley going home.
” I don’t know if I’d be happy about it, but what I said is true—anyone would be acceptable at this point, as long as it’s not me.
“She hasn’t really been much help around camp, and the rest of us have to pick up the slack.
Or maybe Beck—he’s been a good leader so far, but I don’t really like being bossed around, and his whole act might get a little irritating if it goes on too much longer.
Plus, like I said, Cole could be a threat down the line, so maybe it’s better to get rid of him now, before it’s too late. ”
She smiles and gives me another thumbs-up, so I guess that was enough of a soundbite.
“Fair enough,” she says. “Let’s change topics a bit.
Tell me why you want to win the million dollars.
And I mean the real reason—why are you willing to starve for more than a month just for the chance to win some money? ”
Now this one, at least, is easy. “I want to win for my sister, Arielle. Our parents died when I was sixteen, and she basically raised me after that. Then, a couple of years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. She’s cured now, but it hasn’t been easy, and treatments are expensive.
” I’m tearing up just thinking about her.
She’s the strongest person I know, which is the only reason I agreed to come out here and be away from her for a month, even though she’s still recovering.
“If I win the million dollars, the first thing I’m going to do is pay off her medical bills.
She’s done so much for me, and now it’s my turn to give back to her. ”
Neema nods. She and the rest of the production cast know all about my family situation since they were very thorough in the casting process, so I’m sure she was expecting this answer. “Great, thank you,” Neema says. “You did a good job, Ryan. I think we’ve gotten all we need.”
I get up and prepare to return to my tribe, my hands moving by rote while my mind is occupied with thoughts of my sister.
I meant what I said about wanting to do something for her after all she’s done for me, and if that means I have to outlast seventeen strangers to win a million dollars, then that’s what I’ll do.
This is for you, Arielle. The others may not know it yet, but I’m coming for them, and I don’t intend to lose.