The Corona Chronicles: Chapter 20 - The Floor Is Omicron - Everybody On The Couch!

 

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Since my last update -- back in October -- there have been over 100k deaths in the US. 

In October, I knew two people in my circle of acquaintances and friends who'd had Covid19.

As of today, I know 23, and that's not even counting all the kids at school who've either caught it or have had to quarantine because family members have tested positive.

I do weekly tests, and so far they've all been negative, but I've certainly been exposed.

I got my booster shot around Thanksgiving and the side effects were unpleasant. But they only lasted a day and a half, and weren't nearly as bad as having the actual flu, so: three stars; would do again.

Some schools have shut down. Ours might. They're still deciding. I honestly thought it would happen a lot sooner. This past week or so, there have been a ton of teachers and kids out. Our kindergarten class of 21 kiddos has been reduced to 9.

It seems useless and ridiculous to be planning a trip next summer, but the hope of being able to go somewhere distant is all that gets me out the door in the morning. 

So on I will plan, and hope things don't go awry.

The Nation's Subsequent Supreme Mannequin - Episode 7

Previously on TNSSM...

The Nation's

Subsequent

Supreme Mannequin

Episode 7 - Finale

Everyone has their dark moments. 

Even supreme mannequins like myself.

 Yes... I, Iris Temple, lost my temper at the last judging session. I am not proud of that. But I also always want to be real. And my emotions WERE real. 

So that's why I decided to show you what really happened. I did not allow my editors to cut anything out. You saw the real footage.

And now it is time to move on.

I hope that the surprise I have planned for the remaining 3 girls tomorrow will make them forget about everything else entirely!

*  *  *

Meanwhile, back at the girls' apartment...

 Eclaire: "It feels so weird here without Maxx."

Chayanna: "Yeah, there's no clothes all over the floor."

Kate: "I can't stop thinking about judging. How Iris went off on Maxx like that."

Eclaire: "Right? Iris has always seemed so sweet and nice and cheerful. But no... hello, evil Iris!"

Chayanna: "At least we got new outfits."

Eclaire: "I hate purple."

Kate: "Well, I've always hated sushi."

The next morning...

Chayanna: "So we're all in bed, and all of a sudden I hear what sounds like a phone ringing. So I get up and go over to the dresser, and there's a phone sitting there. So I answer it."

Chayanna: "And it's Frederic, one of the judges. And he says, 'wake up the other girls and then look out your bedroom window.' So I'm like, 'Okay... WAKE UP GUYS!'"

Eclaire: "So we look out..."

Kate: "And we see three people down on the sidewalk. And.... OH MY GOSH IT'S MY MOM!!!"

Kate: "I could NOT believe it!!! MY MOMMA!"

Chayanna: "My brother Jakob was there! And so were Kate's mom and Eclaire's BFF."

Kate: "We were so excited! We hugged and hugged. Then we brought everybody upstairs and showed them our apartment. I had SO much to tell my mom!"

Kate: "My mom is my best friend in the whole world, and I've missed her SOOOO much!"

Cheryl, Kate's mother: "I hadn't seen my baby girl in weeks, and I couldn't believe how short her hair is! She looks wonderful, just wonderful."

Eclaire: "This is my best friend, Trina...."

"We've known each other since we were 14."

Chayanna: "So this is my brother, Jakob. He's my biggest supporter."

That afternoon, the three finalists and their loved ones hit the town...

Eclaire: "It was great just to spend time with Trina. I've really missed having people around who truly GET me, you know?"

Chayanna: "Ever since I've been in this competition, I've felt like I've been missing a part of myself. Like an empty feeling. Today, that feeling went away and my happiness was BACK, baby!"

Kate: "I don't think anyone has any idea how much I've missed my mom. Just being able to spend time with her and tell her everything, and to get hugs from her... it's been the best thing. I think it's given me what I need to win this competition. I'm sooo close! I want to win it for HER."

As the day draws to a close, the girls sadly say goodbye to their loved ones. 

Back at their apartment, the girls receive their final IRISGRAM:

Today you got to relax

But tomorrow, you will be challenged

And then we will know

Once and for all

Who will be

The Nation's

Subsequent

Supreme 

Mannequin!!!

Iris: "Hello, ladies! The TOP THREE! With me today are some of the people who have been part of this journey alongside you. They will be here to support you as you take part in your FINAL CHALLENGE!"

Iris: "Behind me is an obstacle course that is also a metaphor for the mannequinning world. I will explain how it works. First you will run through this archway to this public restroom, where you will change into a bikini and heels.

 Then you will swim through this pool of pond scum...

As you emerge from that, you will walk across this sidewalk of discarded food bits...

You will ascend the Stairs To Success, and then immediately descend them...

You will have to find your way through a hedge maze...

If you manage to escape from the maze, you'll have to cross the path of three fires -- each fire represents one of you ladies.

Did I mention the whole time you'll have been carrying a coin? Now will be the time to to throw that coin into this wishing well...

Then you will walk across this stone catwalk...

And whoever completes this course the fastest will be...

THE NATION'S

SUBSEQUENT

SUPREME

MANNEQUIN!

So... who wants to go first?"

Eclaire: "This is totally degrading. Forget it."

Chayanna: "I'm not swimming through that pond of muck."

Kate: "It's gross and degrading, yes, but I guess... so is this industry. Whatever, I'll do it."

Iris: "Congratulations, Kate! The other girls have, um, left the show, so... by default, you're the winner!"

Kate: "Great. Can I take a shower?"

Three hours later...

Iris: "Well, that didn't go quite as I expected, but so what? I still found The Nation's Subsequent Supreme Mannequin. Her name is Kate Jones, and I know we'll be seeing her name in lights!

Meanwhile, I will be starting my next search for the subsequent subsequent supreme mannequin.

Who will that person be?

FIND OUT!"