𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇

I don’t necessarily understand the hype surrounding the entire app. Some of it seems messy and full of drama and I don’t really like the drama so I’ll stick to the innocent side of it. It’s definitely important to just keep an eye on it - monitoring isn’t bad if down right. The homepage - newsfeed thing - like algorithms to what you watch and all I’ve been watching are people dressing up and acting as superheroes (like acting with a script) and that’s all that is on my newsfeed and I don’t regret it. 

Um, did Haley James Scott just tell me she’s a huge fan of me? Is there any coming back from that? I don’t think so but okay. Thank you - that means a lot and I am a huge fan of yours as well. 

That sounds sensible. I think I’m just a little old-fashioned when it comes to the internet. We barely used it when I was younger and even though I’m super into scrolling through photographs of food on Instagram, I’m still so outta touch with what’s good and what’s not good. It makes me anxious as Maria gets older. It’s kinda nice to hear someone else’s input. Gives me some reassurance.          She absolutely did! I don’t think there’s anyone out there who isn’t a fan of Taylor Swift. We’re particularly big fans of Shake It Off, Love Story and Blank Space. 

“Then what about we record it? Send her a little ‘I miss you’ video.”

‘She would love that! Have I ever told ya you have the best ideas, Charlie?’

“I might have seen all One Tree Hill so don’t doubt that right away, okay? Uh, I would say about two years but I didn’t even realize that until you just asked. It’s one of those ‘It feels like I just left’ feelings. You mean like previous locations wise? Well - we’ve been Los Angeles but at much smaller more confined location. We went over seas for a while and that place was pretty sweet, I won’t lie. I guess I just never can forget the original house - it was small, not horrible necessarily, open bar, and we were all confined in the house at all times.”

‘You have? That’s.. I don’t know why that still blows my mind to hear because I always knew the show was popular. Of course we were popular, we got nine seasons, but. I don’t know. It’s still so humbling when I hear someone checked into the whole show.          Wow. That’s almost as mind-blowing as hearing you watched One Tree Hill. I keep forgetting how long this show has been running for. Gosh, that sounds like such an experience. I’m not sure I could’ve survived back then. I don’t mind small houses and open bars are fine if there’s water, but not being able to leave or speak to my family? I’d wither away.’ 

“Will do.” Taylor agreed, straightening out the bottom of his shirt, he’d never actually met Beth, but he’d heard great things about her over the years. “Does it happen a lot around here? Should I be prepared to always knock at every door?”

‘Absolutely you should be prepared,’ Bethany agreed as she lowered her hand, finally deeming it safe to look again. ‘Shirtless men are just the tip of the iceberg. A very-often naked iceberg. There’s quite a few couples living here.           And also a few people who aren’t couples but seem to really, really like each other.’ Either that, or they got bored. Whatever it was, hook-ups weren’t unheard of. ‘Just the other morning, a newcomer walked in on someone using the bathroom.’ 

“No need not to be. What about we give this house a taste of Silent Night?”

‘One of my favourites. My daughter and I sing it every year at the carol service we go to.’

“Well, first day at the CBB house and I think so far everything is going well. I haven’t really spoken to anyone yet but I’m excited about this new experience. Would you like to join me for a drink or a game at the arcade room, hang out a little bit?” 

‘I’m pleased to hear it. I’m a big believer that first impressions mean a lot, so if this place has made a good one, that’s hopefully setting the stage for a promising future too. I was a little less enthused when I got here, but that’s not on the house or the show. I was just nervous as heck.             I would love to join you for either! My sister, Sophia, she’s told me so much about her Chicago family over the years. I’m always excited to meet a new member. A drink and a game sounds like the perfect way for us to get to know each other. Or, better still, share embarrassing Soph stories.’ 

“Okay someone needs to point me to the fridge and a bottle of tequila! I’m fresh off the plane from Chitown and I could use a stiff drink. If you twist my arm I might even do a round of shots with ya. Maybe after I’m three sheets to the wind you can show me around this place?”

‘Fridge and tequila. An interesting combination, but sure. I could probably find both. I mean, I can definitely find the fridge, but tequila? A little harder. It all depends on if someone has bought any for the bar and even then, it’s risky. They might not be ready to share.           Oh, gosh. I.. can’t even remember the last time I did a shot. There’s probably a reason for that too. Me and alcohol are an even more interesting mix than tequila and fridges. I could always be the designated carrier. Make sure ya don’t fall asleep in the wrong bed or, I don’t know, on the bar. Soph would never forgive me if I let one of her Chicago fam down.’

“Well I’m off to a fantastic start. I kicked off my arrival by walking in on a roommate of mine in the loo. I don’t even know what it was, all I saw was a bum and then I closed the door up real tight and ran for the hills. Whoever it was– you have a lovely bum and I’m so sorry. — Way to go Nat, way to come in with a bang.”

‘Oh, gosh. That sounds dreadful. I’m not sure I would’ve survived, I’m so easily embarrassed. I can barely cope when I walk in on shirtless men.          Something that also happens a lot around here, just to warn you. People keep telling me I’ll get used to it, but I’m not sure I believe ‘em because it’s been a few months now and I’m definitely not used to a single thing, except maybe the budget. That was easier to adjust to. Anyway, sorry. I’m rambling at you during your time in need. Hi, I’m Bethany. 

Jade would walk into the house looks around and sees how big it is she hope to make the most of it here and have some fun. “I know i’m gonna like it here and hello is anyone home?” she would ask.

‘Hi!’ Bethany smiled, looking up from her baking to welcome their newcomer. She still wasn’t used to how busy this place could get, but it was slowly getting easier. ‘Oh, I’m sure there’s plenty of people home. We’re never short of company around here. If anything, you’ll be lucky to find some quiet time.’ Placing down the tray of fresh, though not yet decorated, cupcakes, she removed her ovenmitts before holding out a hand to introduce herself. ‘I’m Bethany, by the way. Or Beth. I respond to both. Welcome to Big Brother. My daughter adores your band.’

“Who talked me into this? Who can I blame for coming back? This is definitely an upgrade of a location though - it doesn’t seem like we’re all shoved into a small place anymore which is always nice.”

‘Not me, I’m afraid. I don’t think I’ve been here long enough to persuade anyone to join, let alone return. Unless you’re a major Bethany Joy Lenz fan, which I highly doubt.           Welcome back though! How long has it been since you were last here? And where were you if you weren’t here? I always hear little stories about former locations, but no one has ever really spilled the deets before.’

I downloaded TikTok on the flight here and I promised myself months ago that I wouldn’t do that - welp, now I see why it’s addicting. I landed on the superhero section of TikTok and I have no regrets - absolutely none at all. I’m just watching videos of people cosplaying as superheroes and I love it. They’re all so talented - how can so many people in this world be this damn talented? Between TikTok and streaming services, I’m never going to want to leave this place and my bed. 

I’ve never been able to wrap my head around Tik-Tok, but my little girl loves it. She’s always showing me videos. I was a little nervous to introduce her to anything even remotely connected to social media because, as performers, we know how dark that place can get, but with the right controls and monitoring, I think it’s alright. I especially love the sound of this superhero one. I’ll have to ask Maria if she’s seen them. I also can’t wait to tell her I’ve just met the Taylor Swift. She’s such a huge fan. Do you know how many times we’ve baked together, listening to your albums? 

“I wouldn’t want another another partner.”

‘You’re too kind. What are we performing first?’

“Thank you so much for making a newcomers time a lot less scary.”

‘You’re most welcome. Are you hungry? I could make us some food and share some more Big Brother wisdom. Not that I have much. I haven’t been here long either.’ 

“Of course, it’s the new Assassins creed game, and this one you get to play as Vikings,” 

‘Oh, wow. That does sound exciting. I was always so rubbish at games when I was younger. I tried and tried, but I could never get past the hard levels.’

“He’s pretty damn awesome it’s true, he really looked after me during filming, well him and Debs of course.” 

‘The Walking Dead actors certainly know how to leave an impression on people. I hear nothing but wonderful things about them all.          Of course. You were in The Punisher together. I loved that show. A little bloody for my taste sometimes, but you guys were incredible. I was so gutted when I heard they weren’t going to renew. You definitely deserved a third season. And a fourth. Maybe even a fifth too.’

“And they always made my day better.”

‘I hope so. I learnt how to use emojis especially for them.’ 

“Thought ya were joking cause ya ain’t old at all,”

‘Ya sure? I’m definitely more mature than some of the babes we have around here, you included.’