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As the plane ascended into the sky, Audrey’s chatter slowly quieted, and the familiar hum of the aircraft filled the cabin. Catherine allowed herself to finally relax, her body slumping into the seat as the weight of the day settled on her shoulders. She pressed her cap down further, blocking out the world around her, and closed her eyes.
The events from earlier in the day, the awkward interactions, the roasting from viewers—none of it had fazed her. The constant attention from the crew and fans, while exhausting, was something she had learned to ignore over the years. The coldness she projected was her shield, and it worked. Most of the time, anyway.
Audrey, still eager and wide-eyed despite the long day, glanced over at her sister. The divide between them was stark: Audrey, bubbly and personable, thriving under the attention; Catherine, quiet and aloof, content to stay hidden in the shadows. Audrey didn’t mind the disparity; she had long since accepted it. But sometimes, she couldn’t help but wish Catherine would open up, just a little.
“Cathy,” Audrey ventured softly, “Do you think the viewers will warm up to us? I mean, it’s kind of… weird, right? Everyone else is so… lively.”
Catherine shifted slightly in her seat but kept her eyes closed. “Let them roast me. It doesn’t matter,” she replied, her voice flat but resolute.
Audrey’s enthusiasm faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. She hadn’t expected much more of a response. Catherine wasn’t one for small talk, and certainly not for indulging in the drama of reality TV. It was just how she was.
A few seats away, some of the other families were laughing and chatting, but Catherine barely noticed. Her thoughts wandered back to Branden’s call earlier. The realization of how much of her life had been scrutinized, even without her knowledge, weighed heavily on her. It wasn’t just the show. Branden’s reach extended far beyond that. He had a way of being everywhere, even when he wasn’t physically present.
“Do you think we’ll ever get any actual fans?” Audrey asked, breaking her train of thought again. Her voice was laced with a hint of worry. “I know it’s tough right now, but… I can’t help but feel like we’re just… invisible.”
Catherine turned her head, her eyes finally meeting Audrey’s. “Not everyone needs to be liked. Just do what you need to do.”
Audrey smiled, grateful for the rare moment of support. “Thanks, Kathy. I know it’s hard, but I really appreciate you doing this with me. Even if you’re not enjoying the spotlight, I feel like we’re doing this together.”
Catherine didn’t respond right away, but the briefest flicker of something—perhaps an understanding—passed between them. Audrey had her reasons for being in this industry, and Catherine had hers for staying in the background. Despite their differences, they had always been there for each other in their own way.
As the plane cruised toward their next destination, Audrey drifted into a doze, the quiet between them growing more comfortable. Catherine didn’t mind. She wasn’t the center of attention. And for now, that was exactly how she preferred it.