Melody Carlson - Premiere

Here we are at wonderful Wonderland. Paige doesnt even blink as she flashes a bright smile at the camera crew before launching into a clever monologue about the local theme park and its recent improvements. Im sure Im one of the few present who knows her real opinion on this mediocre park. This is so last century, she told our mom earlier today. But now she is all sunshine as she espouses the parks many wonders.

Meanwhile, a small crowd gathers around her, looking on with interest like shes a celebrity. Theyre chatting amongst themselves and nodding toward her like theyre trying to figure out just who she is. But the problem is shes not anybody. Well, shes my sister. And, in her own eyes, shes a soon-to-be-discovered star. But then who isnt down here in La La Land, CA, where it seems half the girls I know have a bad case of celebrity-itis? They either want to be famous themselves or connected to someone who already is famous.

I would never admit this to Paige, but shes got the look of a star. Not to mention the attitude. Plus, she knows how to dress. And it doesnt hurt that shes got peaches and cream skin, straight white teeth, clear blue eyes, and nearly natural blonde hair that despite being long always looks perfect. Not unlike her old Barbie doll. Some people have compared Paiges looks to Cameron Diaz, but in all fairness, Paige might even be prettier. Not that youll hear those words coming from my mouth anytime soon. And certainly not while Paige is within hearing distance. I love my sister, but that girls head is big enough already.

Anyway, as usual, I am hiding behind my video camera, acting as if Im a member the Channel Five camera crew, although Im fully aware that this is live coverage and my shots will not be used. Still, its good practice as well as my best excuse to remain behind the scenesor in other words, in my comfort zone. Not only that, but my camera helps to cover the conspicuous pimple thats threatening to erupt on my forehead today. Okay, so I am a little self-conscious and a bit insecure when it comes to my looks. But who wouldnt be with someone like Paige for a sister?

As I zoom in on Paiges picture-perfect face, I notice that the wind has blown a silky strand of hair across her highly glossed lips, and it sticks there like a fly on flypaper. She casually peels the strand off and continues to rattle on about the parks new and improved amenities, like its no big deal.

Its the twenty-fifth anniversary here at Wonderland. She addresses the camera. And crowds have gathered here today to celebrate the reopening of the recently renovated theme park. More than two million dollars were spent bringing the park back to its former glory and, as you can see, everything looks clean and new and idyllic.

I try not to be overly wowed with my sisters natural gift for gab, but sometimes the girl totally floors me. How does she do it? Still, I never let on that Im impressed. By the same token, I never let on that Im intimidated. Not even by her looks. Its not that Im a dog. My friends all assure me that Im relatively attractive. But, hey, theyre my friends. What else are they going to say?

The cameras continue to roll and Paige rambles on, and shes starting to get this look in her eye, almost like shes become bored with her subject matter. Not that I blame her. I mean, theres only so much you can say about a second-rate theme park, no matter how much money they throw at it.

Fortunately for Paige, my mom is signaling for her to wrap it up by slashing her hand across her throat and mouthing cut. And Paige, used to this routine, makes her graceful exit. And now back to the anchor desk at Channel Five News.

That was good, Mom tells her, but her eyes are on the monitor and I can tell by her expression that shes listening to her headset, probably taking direction from someone back at the station. She nods and says, Okay. Sure, no problem, we can do that. Then she turns back to the camera crew. They want us to get a few more minutes of airtimethey decided to cut the trucker story. So well be back on in fifteen. Everybody hang tight.

What more can I say about Wonderland? Paige demands, letting out a sigh that sounds like she just ran a fiveminute mile. Sometimes my sister can be a real prima donna.

I dont know, Mom says absently. Shes still listening to her headset as if theres another big story she should be going after. Just ad lib, okay?

How about if we go shoot near the entrance, suggests Sam Holliday. Sams the head cameraman and a very nice guy, as well as the first person to let me handle a real camera.

Mom nods. Good idea. Maybe we can get some of the parks guests to say a few words and give Paige a break. Now Mom points to me. Or perhaps Erin can take a turn being on camera.

This is all it takes to make my sister stand up and take notice. And I know her well enough to see that she is not ready to share the limelight with anyoneespecially me. And this, I must admit, is a relief.

Ill interview some guests. Paige takes the second mic and we head over to the entrance area. Were barely set up when Mom gives Paige the signal to start. Then Mom heads off to use her cell phone.

Here we are again for the big reopening of Wonderland, Paige says with another brilliant smile. As you can see the people are pouring into the theme park this afternoon. An overstatement since there are about six people trickling in at the moment. And heres a fresh ideasince the Golden Globes are next month, lets pretend like this is the red carpet and we are on fashion watch.

Then with mic in hand, Paige approaches a couple of unsuspecting teenage girls. They look a bit wary as to whether they want to be on TV or not, but my sister quickly disarms them by smiling and saying, Welcome to Wonderland, girls. Is this your first time here?

One girl nods without speaking, but the other girl is a little braver. Yeah. We decided to come since it was half price today.

And did you get those Capri pants for half price as well? asks Paige. Well, I almost drop my camera, except that Im curious to record the girls reaction and I have to admit the baggy, white cropped pants were a bad choice. Not only do they make her butt look big, but theres a spill stain on one knee.

The girl looks shocked, but her friend just nudges her with an elbow, then giggles. Yeah, the friend tells Paige, she did get them on sale. Howd you know that?

Paige smiles slyly. Oh, its a gift. So how would you describe your fashion style today? she asks the half-price girl who seems to be speechless. Campy casual or theme park comfort or thrift shop chic?

Uh, I guess its theme park comfort, the girl mutters.

Well, comfort is important, says Paige, turning to the other girl. And how about you? she asks. The girl frowns down at her black T-shirt. Its well worn with a faded white skull on the front. Sort of revisited Goth perhaps?