We are one week away from an event that will thrill an entire population in front of their TV for two hours: the Miss Heartland pageant. Being very popular, several young women in the age range of sixteen to twenty-five years send, each year, their application to try to participate. Following several castings, only twelve young ladies are selected. From there, various competitions; Miss Talent, Miss Elegance, Miss Sport, Miss Friendship and Miss Mermaid are organized, in the order listed, over a period of two months. Each category, for this edition, already has its winner. The apotheosis for the finalists is the grand finale which will crown the one who will represent the island on special occasions and which will aim to promote it for an entire year.
Lying on her bed with headphones in her ears, Daphne Harper is lost in thought. As one of the finalists for the beauty contest, she's supposed to be at the dock at two o'clock to spend three days at sea with the other ladies, but the heart isn't really in it. It's eleven o'clock and she constantly thinks back to the Miss Mermaid contest, which was held two days ago, where she was the victim of sabotage, which she finds truly absurd. While she is thinking, Sarah Harper, her mother, bursts into the room without her realizing it since she is back to the door.
- What's going on my darling? she asks him, taking her daughter out of her thoughts. Aren't you ready yet? Looking at you, it doesn't look like you're going to spend three nights on a yacht! Do you realize how lucky you are?
- The people with whom I will share this moment do not enchant me.
- Why do you say such a thing? wonders Sarah. I thought you got along well with girls!
- I get on well with some of them, but that doesn't mean they're going to become my friends. As soon as the contest comes to an end, I won't see them again.
- It would be a shame if you ruined your competition, or even your stay, because of a few girls, my darling... Go ahead and make the most of it!
- How do you want me to take advantage of this moment when I'm ashamed? I found myself naked in front of an entire room! I can still see all those cell phones pointed at me. I'm afraid to go on social networks for fear of what I can find there.
- It's normal, my darling, her mother told her, sitting down next to her. No one would have liked to be in your place, but you have to go over it and move on, even if it will be difficult.
- It's mostly easy to say...
- What are you going to do? Do you no longer want to participate in the final?
- Of course if…
- You were humiliated during the Miss Mermaid contest. In that case, why don't you want to go on the yacht? There will only be girls, right?
- Ah, what I know, yes…
- It's the dream of a lifetime to be able to spend even one night on this boat. However, when I look at you, you would really believe that you are absolutely not interested.
- Far from it. It's just boring to go there and not have anyone to enjoy this moment with. I wish you could be here with me. It would have been great.
- I also would have loved to be able to accompany you. You often told me about Gabriella. Why don't you get close to her? You would have a friend to have a good time with on the yacht.
- Because she doesn't talk to anyone. She comes, she does her job and she leaves.
- You can still try an approach! We never know. If it works, great. If not so be it.
- You're right. I'm going to try to get closer to her...
- What time did you tell me you have to be there? suddenly asks his mother.
- You have to be there at two o'clock.
- In that case, it would be better if you started to prepare yourself.
- It's true that I have a lot of things to put in my bag: clothes, bikinis, a towel, my body lotions, a perfume, my toothbrush... Ah! Above all, I must not forget to take an evening dress. It's kept classy for the last night. Apparently, Jessica has something sublime in store for us.
- And you still think it's still early? Sarah asks her in a mocking tone.
- Finally, not at all. I really have to hurry, says Daphne getting out of bed.
- I will miss you very much, my darling. This house won't be the same without you.
- I'm only leaving for three days mum, Daphne replies with a smile. On the other hand, I will miss you too my dear little mom. Do you think daddy would be proud of me?
- Of course your father would be proud of you my darling! It would be as much as I'm proud of you…
Touched by her mother's words, Daphne approaches her before hugging her for a long moment. Then, moments later, the young lady starts picking up anything she might need when Sarah gives her a hand to get her finished faster.
Daphne is in Heartland's "do not date" category. Eighteen years old, this charming young lady with blue eyes, fair complexion and long blond hair is attracted to the female sex. This attraction began when she was fourteen but, knowing that homosexuals are not appreciated in her country, she always made sure that it was not known, even during her first and only relationship which did not duration. Being a person who is attracted by nature, she went to scouts when she was younger precisely to be in tune with this nature. At first, she did not see herself participating in this beauty contest but, at the request of Marine, a person for whom she has a lot of esteem, she finally agreed to try the adventure. Today, she is a finalist in this famous beauty contest with the title of Miss Elegance, a title of which she is very proud. To earn a living, Daphne opened a kennel where she houses dogs with a master as well as stray dogs. Helped by two employees, she always finds time to take all the dogs under her care for a walk in a forest not far from her place of work. It also offers a grooming and veterinary service, which is practiced by professionals, and it also takes care of the dogs of those who have to leave the country for a long period. Mention should also be made that she does her best to ensure that the stray dogs who have been taken in find a loving master. Being the only one to offer this business in the region, she has a good clientele and this job allows her to earn a good living. Even if she does not mix with the participants, Daphne is a person who has a good background and who never hesitates to help others.