Chapter 41

-15-

The audience buzzed as the show started. Marilyn sat with the other nine contestants from the first semi-final. Charisse had her fire back, she reached over and clasped Marilyn's hand.

"I saw your video;" Marilyn said, "to quote a friend, it's effing brilliant."

Charisse smiled and squeezed Marilyn's hand tighter.

The judges took turns announcing the results. Don't let me win. One, two, three, four people stood and waved in victory. Then confusion as the judges argued over the fifth place result.

"We have a tie for fifth place," Gordon announced. "Charisse and Marilyn have exactly the same number of votes. The judges will make the decision. If the rest of you will clear the stage." The audience shouted names at the judges. While the contestants walked away, winners to the right, the others to the left.

Marilyn held tight to Charisse. Don't let me win

"You're brilliant, Marilyn," Tiffany said, "and you know I love you, but I have to go with my girl Charisse."