Queen

This is what it's like. To be a real actor!

My blood fizzes. My eyes must be shining. I imagine how every component would look under all those lights; my outfit, my legs. Already planning how I'll angle my body, where I'll plant my gaze.

The studio reminds me of a beehive. When I pulled up outside, I thought I'd got the wrong place. It looked dull. Just a box. No way of knowing there was so much activity going on inside. Everybody has a headset on, or a clipboard in their hands, and they are all in a hurry.

Women flutter over my hair, pat brushes on my face, and clip a mic to my clothes.

If this were a hive, then Dennis Parkinson is its dubious Queen, humming at the centre. I hardly hear him introduce the three bachelors to the audience.

I recall the role of male bees in the hive; how they exist to mate with the Queen. When they've done their duty, their penises explode. Any left in the hive when winter approaches are a drain on it, so they're ejected by brute force to die. Various absurd, grotesque and seedy images flick through my mind, involving my three suitors and the slightly smarmy presenter. Close to snorting ungracefully, I poise to turn it into a charming laugh.

I almost miss my cue. My fluttery companions give me little shoves, their hands like tiny wings.

I think I'm prepared for the glare of the lights, but it takes everything to hoist a charming smile in place without squinting. I almost turn my ankle in these ridiculous heels. My tongue feels too big; my brain too sluggish.

Seated, with cards in my hands telling me what to say, it's easier. I court one of the cameras. It feels as if it's looming closer, that big insect-like eye. Every gaze in the audience is fixed on me too. They buzzed with excitement when I appeared. I am the Queen. I like it.

Dennis calms them by blowing smoke up their arses. My palms are slick, but when I read out the first question, my voice rolls over them all like honey. I beam.

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Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and author's note.)

Submitted on Sunday 27th October at 21.45

Quick Author's Note

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 301 (!!!) daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January.

ONLY SIXTY-FIVE DAYS TO GO!

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day! Rachel Deeming Gerard DiLeo

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments. Bear with me while I catch up on reads!

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