The Mating Run by Leeka

I watch Ettie exit the ‘Clinic‘ room, clutching brochures and pamphlets, and my grin grows wider.

“Not one word, Alina. I mean it.”

I wrap my arms around her, blocking out everything else around us, including her.

With Ettie by my side, we exit City Hall, and the flashes of the cameras from the photographers and reporters blind me momentarily. Reporters and photographers are swarming around us, their questions about our registration process causing Ettie to cover her face in frustration.

Ettie’s grip on my arm is tight as she pulls me away from the noisy press.

“Come on, it’s too damn early for this,” A photographer’s camera flashes in Ettie’s eyes as he gets too close, causing her to snarl in frustration. “Don’t take any more pictures, seriously!”

The press is hot on our heels, but we manage to lose them by ducking through small alleyways and climbing up and down gates and fences.

I already know that Ettie will be the center of attention and that many people will want to take her picture.

If there is anyone who could gather a large group of sponsors during the Mating Run, it would be her.

With a mane of golden hair and sparkling green eyes, she is the embodiment of timeless beauty. Those who manage to stay in the spotlight, even after the event, who find themselves with a leading role in an upcoming sitcom or featured in the pamphlet for the next Mating Run.

I wonder what the doctor told her, if it was more encouraging than what she told me.

Just as the thought enters my head, I notice Ettie’s house coming into view. The place where she lives is quaint and only has two floors. Ettie lives by herself and looks after five plants, exactly how she wants it.

“Goddess, I thought we’d never get away from those assholes.”

Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Ettie lets out a whine in frustration.

Our morning jog pales in comparison to the distance we covered while fleeing from the persistent photographers. Ettie surprises me by remaining standing, despite my expectation that she would collapse to the floor in exhaustion.

I observe her movements as she walks towards the watercan, picks it up, and waters each of her five hibiscus plants.

Just as I was about to tease her, the sound of both of our phones ringing interrupted me.

I furrow my brows and glance down at my phone to see an unfamiliar number attempting to reach me. I turn to look at Ettie, who mirrors my own expression of confusion. With a shrug, she answers the call and walks away from me. As I answer the call, my eyes fixate on the picture frames that decorate her wall.

“Alina Mockett?”

“Yes?”

“Your biodata and contact information have been shared with us by City Hall for the purpose of the upcoming Mating Run. I’m Miles and I’ll be taking care of the styling and PR for you. Got a minute to talk?”

My spine straightens involuntarily as soon as I hear what Miles said.

People have mentioned the speed at which PR works to get a contender’s name out there, and the intense effort put into pre-Mating Run events.

Prior to the event, the contenders’ names would be promoted through parties, interviews, and radio appearances to attract potential sponsors. Experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different matter than hearing about it, and the mixture of emotions is both overwhelming and exhilarating.

“Uh, yes?”

“Great! Wanted to give you the heads up – City Hall’s partying tonight. Registration closes soon, and they’re planning a big red carpet extravaganza to showcase all the contenders for this year’s Mating Run. You’ll have a chance to meet the Alpha and the High Council Elders. Got any flashy, maybe red dress? So, you’re kind of plain according to your file. Let’s work on making you stand out.”

The comment stings just as much now as it did when the doctor first uttered those words.

I steel myself and push through, reminding myself that this is a small hurdle.

It’s up to them to make me beautiful, not me.

who’s in the running and

almost feel the weight of his disappointment in the air,

but once you’re there at the red carpet, you’re solo. You gotta be the center of attention, but that won’t happen if Ettie’s right next

my PR guy, thinks I’m uglier than my friend. It goes

“Right.”

in my voice, Miles doesn’t seem

does notice, he just doesn’t

going, judging by the way she’s grumbling. After

believe you convinced me to

don’t let me hide

that barely covers my knees. One without

think my face isn’t enough, so they’re banking on my innocence.

creases, her eyebrows forming a

be serious. Alina, who cares what they think? You’re so beautiful. It’s all about ratings and putting

I know she’s

that his opinion is impartial. I take comfort in knowing that when the Mating Run starts on the trail, Ettie will be there with me,

wall, I can’t help but grimace

outside City Hall. They’re gonna try dresses on me and do my makeup, so I gotta get there pronto. Once you’re at the party, send me a text, Ettie. I’ll be late, so don’t wait

we’re not

shake Mile’s words about Ettie getting all the attention out of

And so, I lie.

since I’m tinier than the rest. There’s a good chance they don’t have many dresses that

lets out a low groan and rubs her

killing me. I just left City Hall and now I have to go back. Can’t believe it! I don’t give

wanna go through what happened last year,

the couch with a snort, stifling a yawn, as she makes her way towards

so it’s not gonna stop anytime soon. That’s when the pheromones start doing their

“Well, yeah, but-”

of it. No more discussion. I’ll be in the shower.

══════════════════

home, the cold air biting at my cheeks

smooth down my hair, put on a face mask, slide on some sunglasses, and zip up my hoodie. Miles instructed me to avoid being seen, as the initial photo to be released to the press is the one where I

Hall is already bustling with reporters and photographers swarming around the closed off white tents. When I arrive, I am

being broadcasted live, it was expected that every step of the bonding process, from registration to the

dream, and I have to blink several times to regain my vision. As I try to make my way to the white tent Miles had mentioned for make-up and dress rehearsals, photographers

warm arm grabs my shoulder and pulls me away, my tense muscles finally begin to loosen. The unmistakable sound of a camera hitting the pavement fills the air as a man with shaved pink hair and purple eyeshadow growls. And I know the only person who could have done it was

in there? We’re sorry we couldn’t come get you. We had a ton of things to take care of, including calling boutiques

my heart

as I’ll

by in a blur of motion, leaving me feeling disoriented and

of skilled assistants work tirelessly to transform me into a vision of perfection for the press. I am surrounded by a fluttering of chiffon as they hold up dresses in varying shades of pastel, the sound of rustling fabric filling the

lead, Miles exudes an air of sophistication

canvases, he chimes and twirls them around. “Which

eyes flick over the array of dresses, and I feel overwhelmed at the variety of styles and colors. The dresses are stunning, each one more delicate and intricate than the last,

don’t know, Miles,” I reply, my voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. “They’re all

as though my comment is old

not a funeral. We want you to stand

white chiffon with puffed sleeves, I’m struck

guess… this one.

of approval and

choice. Now, let’s

the dress over my head, and I’m amazed that it fits me perfectly. Like a glove, not too tight and not too loose, and the hemline ends just above my knees. It covers enough skin, and I’m