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 see

throat before continuing to speak. I could almost feel the weight

party, 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 to you. You’ll end up with nothing and she’ll get it all. You got what I

I’m uglier than my friend. It

“Right.”

doesn’t seem to

does notice, he just doesn’t

unhappy with the way it’s going, judging by the way she’s grumbling. After my hour-long call,

you convinced

you love me, don’t let me hide out

me wear a dress that barely covers my knees. One without

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

her eyebrows forming a high

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

I know she’s just

knowing that when the Mating Run starts on the trail, Ettie will be there with me, hiding and

at the clock on the wall, I

shower before I meet my PR team outside City Hall. They’re gonna try dresses on me and do my makeup, so I gotta get there pronto. Once you’re at

not

the attention out of my head, even as I try to focus on

And so, I lie.

fitting might drag on since I’m tinier than the rest. There’s a good chance they don’t have

out a low groan and rubs

City Hall and now I have to go back. Can’t believe it! I don’t give a damn about meeting the Alpha, and sponsors seem

go through what happened last year,

couch with a snort, stifling a

That’s when the

“Well, yeah, but-”

the end of it. No more discussion. I’ll be in the shower. Can you lock

══════════════════

air biting at my cheeks as

mask, slide on some sunglasses, and zip up my hoodie. Miles instructed me to avoid being

bustling with reporters and photographers swarming around the closed off white tents. When I arrive, I am greeted by a small but enthusiastic

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

the cameras make me feel like I’m in a 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 and reporters jostle for position, shoving each

begin to loosen. The unmistakable sound of a camera hitting the pavement fills

sorry we couldn’t come get you. We had a ton of things to take care of, including calling boutiques and make-up brands. But good news, we found three dresses that

into the white tent, my heart flutters with excitement, and I can’t

I’ll

after that passes by in a blur of

to transform me into a vision of perfection for the press. I am surrounded by a fluttering of chiffon as

Miles exudes an air of sophistication and unwavering

sweetheart, you have three options.” Holding up the dresses like delicate canvases, he chimes and twirls them around. “Which one do you prefer: lavender, white, or pale pink? All chiffon. All divine. Take your

overwhelmed at the variety of styles and colors. The dresses are stunning, each one more delicate

I reply, my voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

as though my

not a funeral. We want you to

with puffed sleeves, I’m struck by how light and airy it

guess… this one.

gives a nod of approval and shoves the dress into

let’s work some

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