Alexis and Kaley sat beside the pool in swimwear and shades. After the failure of the previous day, the Upstarts were ready to relax between scenes of challenges and games.

“So where are the boys?,” Kaley asked.

“Think they’re inside. Or not. Either way, they’re not out here acting a fool,” Alexis answered.

“Yeah, shit got heated yesterday. Did you see Kyle and Mutt when they got home? They didn’t wanna talk to anybody.”

“I hope they’re over it because we have to do that podcast later today.”

“Crazy to think we’ve almost shot three episodes already. Seems like we just got here. Filming a reality show is a lot different from filming a sitcom. Things just happen so fast. What about your youtube channel? Does it feel the same way?”

“Kinda. We shoot and edit content then post it pretty fast. I guess the only difference is that my parents aren’t constantly telling me what to do.”

“I know what that’s like. My mom was always onset, hovering around. Then she’d get into big arguments with the directors and writers if I didn’t get enough screentime or something.”

“Not enough screentime? You were the main character.”

“I know. She’s… well, she’s batshit.”

“My parents are like that too. They’re always telling me what do say and how to act even though the channel’s supposedly about our daily lives.”

“Kinda like this show?,” Kaley whispered despite no one being around.

Alexis giggled, “Yeah, a lot like this show, I guess,” their demeanor changed slightly, “Hey, remember when our dog passed and we had that big video about it?”

“Yeah, I was ugly-crying for like a week.”

They nodded solemnly, “I really was that sad. I was and so were my siblings. It’s just that, my parents kept being all like ‘say this’ and ‘now say that’ and the whole time I was just trying to mourn my dog, y’know? They had a thumbnail with us all crying so it’d get views and it never made any sense to me,” they began whispering as well, “I’ll be real, I didn’t even want to do this show but they said it’d be a good platform or whatever and I just don’t know how to say no to them.”

Kaley leaned in with sad eyes, “Wanna know my secret? I never even wanted to get into acting. My mom made me take lessons after she divorced my dad. At first,s he said we needed the money now that my dad was gone but I also know she was kind of a failed singer and I think she’s had issues about that ever since. So anyway, Craig asked me to do this show and the only reason why I said yes was because my mom doesn’t like it.”

WEEK SEVEN

Craig Levison sat in the meeting hall along with the directors and film crew, silently watching footage of the Upstart testimonials. Like most reality programs, The Upstarts featured cast interviews where they were allowed to share their thoughts. Unlike most reality shows, however, the testimonials were posted online once a week with the first batch online weeks before the first episode was to be aired, which facilitated the multimedia aspect of the show and drummed up a lot of publicity. “I’m the only dude here who isn’t famous or rich or something,” Dante said to the camera in his testimonial, “It’s all new to me and sometimes I feel like I’m not a good fit.”

“He’s a good kid,” Levison told the room of directors and cameramen, “This is why we chose him to be the team’s powerhouse. He gives off that wholesome hero quality but he hasn’t been too active in front of the camera and his testimonial didn’t get many hits. We need an angle going forward.”

“Da Mutt is the bad boy, right?,” one director asked, “How about a rivalry with him?”

“Mutt and Kyle have being going at it a lot on social media and in their testimonials. I want to foster that,” Levison told him, “Maybe he can have a romance?”

“Kaley is a lesbian so that’s not gonna work,” the director told him, “The only other person would be Alexis and…”

“Yeah, no, I got it,” Levison waved a hand at him, “… But I mean, kids today are pretty open minded. We can at least see where it goes.”

“Uh, Craig,” a cameraman raised his hand meekly, “I’ve taken some candid footage of the kids and it looks like Kaley and Alexis are getting pretty cozy.”

“I noticed that too,” another director added, “I mean, a love triangle could be possible but probably isn’t gonna happen.”

“Fine,” Craig clapped his hands, “Dante’s an easy going kid and Alexis, let’s face it, kinda has a chip on their shoulder. Maybe we can get some sparks flying just by having them in the same room. An odd-couple kinda thing.”

“And sir, just a reminder,” his personal assistant spoke up, “But we have the Buttered Bread podcast later this afternoon. 3:00 pm.”

“Perfect timing.”

Later that afternoon, the teens were ushered onto a bus and sent downtown to a small studio. On the ride, Mutt listened to music, Kyle played a game and Kaley and Alexis chatted. Craig made sure to sit next to Dante who was busy browsing on his phone.

“Hey Dante,” Craig greeted him, “How’ve you been? I bet you miss Baltimore, huh?”

“Yeah, kinda,” he shrugged.

“I understand. The other guys have been on other shows and stuff so they’re used to being on the road. This is all new to you so you’re probably getting lonely.”

“Yeah, a little.”

“I can see that. Young guys need to find someone to hang out with but Mutt and Kyle don’t have much in common with you, I guess. Have you tried hanging out with Alexis?”

Dante peered over the seat at them, “Not really. Why?”

“If I’m being honest, they don’t really seem to be into fame or money like the others. Ever notice that?”

“Kinda,” Dante wondered where this conversation was going but didn’t speak up.

Soon, they arrived at a studio along with the film crew. Inside, two podcast hosts, Kenneth Butters and Bready Phillips, entered the studio alongside their producer. Once brief introductions were made and everything was set up, the hosts began the show.

“Our guests today might be familiar with some of you,” Butters began, “They’re the Upstarts, the first multimedia super team. Their first episode will be streaming on PrimeWatch soon but you might have seen them on twitter and youtube , talking about their experiences so far. I’m just gonna go around the table and introduce everyone… there’s Kaley Chen from One Smart Cookie. She’s now going by Sesame.”

“Hi.”

“Alexis Grey from the Grey Matters Family channel who is now called Extent, I believe.”

“Hey.”

“We got Kyle Jackson, the son of Senator Jackson who helped kickstart this whole thing. He’s going by Hustle as his superhero name.”

“Good to be here.”

“We also have my boy Da Mutt, star of Real Community Service. And he don’t even need a superhero name. Before you do anything, you gotta say the thing!”

Mutt rose to his feet and put his hands in the air, “Catch ya slipp’n outside! How `bout that?”

“Oh, that’s always dope.”

Bready cleared her throat and motioned toward Dante, “What about that boy there?”

“Right right right,” Butters checked his notecard, “This is Dante Greer from Baltimore, now going by the name Payback. He saved his family from a fire. Yeah, I remember that story.”

“My mom reposted it on facebook, yeah,” Bready added.

“Hello,” he said unconfidently.

“Last but not least, we got Craig Levison, producing this joint. For those young enough, you’ll remember he was the guy who discovered Ryan Bennings aka Brain Boy. He’s been bringing superheroes to the airwaves for 30 years now.”

“Good to be back on the program.”

“I got a question for Craig and it’s something a few people have brought up recently,” Bready began, “Why teenagers? Why not get adults?”

“I’ve always been interested in the youth of America. Y’know, it’s a cliche but they are the future. So my question is, why not teenagers?”

“Now is it true, this isn’t just a typical show but it’s partially sponsored by the US government?”

“Yeah, my dad did it,” Kyle offered enthusiastically.

“It’s true,” Craig said, “The US gave us a little bit of Neutronium to make this happen in hopes that, when these kids are trained and ready, they’d be able to serve their country.”

Kaley noticed Alexis bristle at the last part.

“So these are legit superheroes,” Butters explained, “What are some issues you’d get involved in?”

“Fighting terrorism,” Kyle stated proudly.

“Or maybe income inequality,” Alexis said, “Not that we need powers to do that.”

“Alexis really cares about social issues,” Craig added happily, “It’s a big part of our-”

“So what other issues are you interested in?,” Bready asked Alexis.

“The issue in Columbia,” they answered.

“It’s a topical issue,” Craig gave them a nervous look, “One that is very complex.”

“The US media and the White House is on the side of Columbia which it should be but it’s ignoring Costa Triste,” Alexis added which earned an angry scowl from Craig.

“So you believe the conspiracy theory that the cartels bought weapons from Costa Triste?”

“It’s not a theory. There are pictures online of the weapons the cartels are using. They’re the same weapons the CIA gave to Costa Triste for a coup back in-”

“Like I said…,” Craig cut them off, “Alexis is passionate about so much,” Craig’s smile seemed so forced that it threatened to split his lips. He covered his mic and quickly whispered to the hosts, “Is this live?”

The hosts shook their heads, so Craig made a scissor sign with his fingers indicating an edit. He continued nonchalantly, “Social issues are important and are at the core of what this show is about.” Noticing the act, Alexis stood up and left the studio. Kaley rushed after them. Outside, she quickly caught up to Alexis but before she could say anything, Alexis spun around and began talking, “I didn’t even want to be here. My parents sent me here for a platform but I’m only allowed to talk about certain topics? This is bullshit! I just wanna go home,” they wiped a tear away, “But if I went home, I know it wouldn’t be any different.”

Kaley said nothing as she placed her arms around their neck. They embraced silently in the hallway of the studio and as they held each other, Kaley placed a hand under their chin and lifted their head so that their eyes could meet. Then they kissed.