The Winner — part 2

(This is part 2. Click here for other parts: https://medium.com/nebulabyday)

The cameraman returned to his position behind his camera. He signaled two fingers at David and David got the message. David quickly peaked at a small dim-lit room just behind the crowd and immediately looked charismatically into the camera before he continued: “Let’s move on to the second question.” Again the lights dimmed and the now-familiar suspense returned. Even though the light action and deep sound were by now familiar, the trick still worked and the suspense felt real.

Even though Elijah has seen this show a thousand times and was conscious that the effects would add to the pressure, he couldn’t help but acknowledge the pressure slightly increasing within him. Janice took another sip enjoying the show unfolding perfectly.

“We all know that before all these music streaming services we used to get most of our memorable music from the radio. I think everyone in the audience can relate.” David started and jokingly added: “I’m not saying you guys are old, I’m saying you’ve experienced some of the coolest decades. We miss those days right?” Elijah and the crowd could only nod and laugh.

“What’s the name of the Italian inventor of the first practical radio communications systems?”

The clock started ticking again but Elijah just looked at the serious David. As a big fan of music and everything sound-related he knew the answer and smiled a bit. David kept up his act as a serious show host when Elijah answered: “That can only be Guglielmo Marconi.”

Janice smiled and the clock stopped ticking. David leaned forward and replied: “You even got his first name right!” The crowd cheered as the show's lights flashed.

“Indeed it was Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi. In 1931 he announced, just before the Pope’s first radio broadcast: ‘With the help of God, who places so many mysterious forces of nature at man’s disposal, I have been able to prepare this instrument which will give to the faithful of the entire world the joy of listening to the voice of the Holy Father’.”

“And James Brown.” Added Elijah gaining more laughs and sympathy from the crowd.

As the show host, David was used to being at the center of attention and noticed Elijah’s popularity increasing with the crowd. David’s cocky confidence ignored this subtle personal observation. By acknowledging his own observation of this subtle popularity shift he had to acknowledge things within himself. By ignoring it, it didn’t have to exist, but his body took on a slightly larger pose implying he was adjusting himself to an uncomfortable feeling. Usually, David felt he stood above the contestants. Even though he had the answers to all the questions through the answer cards he was holding, it made him feel he had something to hold over them. It was a power that was useless but power nonetheless.

Backstage in the blue room, one of the employees — the young Luna — in charge of the show dynamics observed this slight change in David’s body language and turned to look at Janice. Still feeling slightly intimidated by Janice’s stature and her blank look she couldn’t go further than just making eye contact. Janice looked back with a friendly nod and replied reassuringly: “Let it happen. If anyone can do it, it’s Elijah.”

A few more questions followed and Elijah easily won himself 14.500 dollars. A few questions were challenging but nothing that Elijah couldn’t answer. The first day of shooting was over and everyone returned to the makeup room. The game show required all contestants to stay and sleep in the building to keep them disconnected from the outside world. With no internet, phone, and being limited to the show’s personnel, the show could keep all outside influence to a minimum. Elijah however could easily make friends and was chatting with the makeup lady who turned out to be quite a singer. While complimenting her on both of her skills David entered the room and walked straight to Elijah.

“You did great Elijah. It seems the crowd is really loving you. Hell, even I am starting to like you.” Elijah smiled at his just discovered singing talent, who smiled back, and replied to David: “I didn’t come to make friends but if you keep handing me these easy questions we’ll definitely leave as BBF’s.”

“Don’t think about leaving yet,” said David “you’re doing good and might earn a lot. Just some advice from a caring friend: try to focus on the questions and winning the game. All these lights and crowd reactions can be a huge distraction. Don’t let that get to you.”

“Thanks, David, I appreciate that.”

David knew Elijah wasn’t taking his advice and was just having too much fun being here. Elijah’s momentum was great and Elijah was just going to enjoy the ride as long as it would last.

A slightly irritated David forced a friendly smile before leaving to his luxurious room inside the same building. “Just letting you know for tomorrow.”

Elijah flashed a genuine smile back, chatted some more with the make-up lady slash singer, and returned to rest in his room.

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You can read part 1 here: https://medium.com/nebulabyday/the-winner-cbc57d9a7cf1

Part 3: https://medium.com/nebulabyday/the-winner-part-3-a5a5f5384f4b

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