Tears streamed down eighteen-year-old Gia’s cheeks as she huddled in front of a battered television set in the dingy common room of the orphanage. Her eyes were glued to the screen, soaking up every detail of her favorite soap opera, “All My Yesterday’s.” The dim lighting in the room made the colors on the screen appear dull, but Gia could still make out the stunningly beautiful actress Bridget Cougar, who portrayed the tortured heroine, Valerie Golden. Every movement and expression of her idol captivated her, and she felt a sense of connection to the character’s struggles and sorrows. The sound of Gia’s sobs echoed through the empty room as she immersed herself fully in the drama unfolding before her.
“Nathaniel, you dog, how could you do that to her?” She grabbed a tissue from the box next to her and dabbed at her eyes. “I wonder how he will make it up to her?” She reused the tissue to blow her nose.
She glanced at the clock above the TV. “It’s almost seven. It’s time to watch Blaze of Justice.” Her other favorite show. Her stomach growled. She got up from the ratty couch she was sitting on to go to her room to get a snack from her secret snack stash.
Dinner was at 4:30 pm. Ms. Gisele, the lady who runs the Wings of Angels Orphan Home, is in her sixties, so she goes to bed before seven. If you didn’t eat at that time, you would go hungry until breakfast.
As Gia tiptoed down the dimly lit hallway toward her room, she heard a sharp crackle from the television behind her. She froze, her heart racing. The familiar jingle of a Dollhouse advertisement filled the air, its cheerful melody a stark contrast to the orphanage’s gloomy atmosphere.
Gia whirled around, her eyes wide with excitement. She scurried back to the common room, forgetting about her hunger. The screen now displayed a dazzling array of perfect smiles and flawless skin. At the center of it all stood Vivian Andersen, her caramel porcelain features glowing under the artificial light of the Dollhouse.
“Are you tired of feeling less than perfect?” Vivian’s voice rang out, smooth as silk. “Do you dream of a life free from imperfections and judgment?”
Gia unconsciously touched the white patches that decorated her dark brown skin. “Yes,” she said quietly, mindful of everyone else sleeping in the house.
Vivian answered, “Well, today is your lucky day! The Dollhouse is opening its doors to a select few individuals who are ready to transform their lives. We’re looking for those special souls who understand that true beauty comes from within... and can be perfected on the outside!”
Gia leaned in closer, her heart pounding. She’d never seen an advertisement like this before. Usually, the Dollhouse commercials just showcased their perfect inhabitants living their perfect lives. But this... this was different.
Vivian’s smile widened, impossibly white teeth gleaming. “That’s right, darlings. For the first time ever, we’re offering a chance for outsiders to join our paradise. All you have to do is submit a video explaining why you deserve to be beautiful, why you’re ready to leave your old life behind, and embrace perfection.”
Gia’s hands trembled as she reached out to touch the screen, her fingers leaving smudges on the TV. If Nessa were awake, she’d reprimand Gia for dirtying the TV again.
“Nessa,” she thought, Gia couldn’t wait to tell her. Nessa said it was impossible for people from the orphanage to be a part of the Dollhouse. Now they can be.
Vivian continued, “This is your chance to become the person you’ve always dreamed of being.” Vivian’s voice purred through the speakers. “To leave behind all your flaws and imperfections. To join us in the Dollhouse, where every day is a perfect day.”
Gia’s heart raced as she imagined herself transformed, her vitiligo erased, her body reshaped to match the ideals she saw on the screen every day. She pictured herself walking the gleaming streets of the Dollhouse, bathed in that eternal golden light, surrounded by beauty and perfection.
“But hurry, darlings,” Vivian said, her tone shifting to one of urgency. “This opportunity won’t last forever. Submit your video applications within the next 48 hours. Remember, we’re looking for those special individuals who truly understand the value of beauty.”
As the commercial faded away, it was replaced by the colorful introduction to Blaze of Justice. Gia remained frozen in place, her mind reeling from the possibilities that had just unfolded before her. The familiar theme song of Blaze of Justice played in the background, but for once, she couldn’t focus on her favorite show. Her thoughts raced with visions of a life inside the Dollhouse, a life free from the pitying stares and cruel whispers that followed her everywhere.
She glanced down at her hands, the patches of lighter skin standing out against her dark complexion. For years, she had dreamed of erasing these marks, of becoming as flawless as the people she admired on TV. And now, suddenly, that dream seemed within reach.
Gia’s excitement was quickly tempered by a wave of anxiety. How could she possibly make a video that would impress the likes of Vivian Andersen? She had no fancy clothes, no makeup to hide her imperfections. Plus, Ms. Gisele prohibits the use of technology.
Gia’s mind raced, trying to figure out how she could submit a video application. The orphanage had strict rules about technology use, and Ms. Gisele kept a watchful eye on the few devices they had.
Suddenly, she remembered the old camcorder tucked away in the supply closet. It was ancient by Dollhouse standards, but it still worked. If she could sneak it out without anyone noticing...
Her heart pounding, Gia tiptoed back down the hallway, this time bypassing her room and heading straight for the supply closet. She held her breath as she turned the creaky doorknob, praying it wouldn’t wake anyone.
The closet was a jumble of mismatched items—broken toys, outdated textbooks, and cleaning supplies. Gia’s eyes scanned the shelves frantically until she spotted the camcorder.
Triumphantly, she quickly grabbed it. She knew she would have to wait until she was out of the house to record. She quietly and quickly went back into her room and hid it in her school bag.
Gia’s heart raced as she slipped back into her room, the old camcorder tucked safely in her school bag. She crawled into bed, her mind whirling with possibilities. How would she film her video? What would she say? And most importantly, how would she keep it a secret from the others?
As she lay in the darkness, Gia could hear the soft breathing of her roommates. She turned her head slightly, her eyes landing on Vanessa’s corner of the room. Even in the dim light, she could make out the glossy magazine cutouts and Doll TV merchandise that adorned Vanessa’s space like a shrine.
A pang of guilt shot through Gia. Vanessa had always been obsessed with the Dollhouse, constantly talking about how she deserved to be there. What would she do if she found out about this opportunity? Gia knew she had no real chance if Vanessa were to submit a video. The only flaw she had was that her Doll mom gave birth to her and then dropped her off at the orphanage.
Gia tossed and turned, her mind racing. She knew she should tell Vanessa about the contest - they were friends, after all, even if Vanessa could be cruel sometimes. But a small, selfish part of her wanted to keep this opportunity to herself. For once, she wanted to be the special one, the chosen one.
As dawn broke, Gia had made up her mind. She would film her video in secret and submit it without telling anyone. She would face the consequences if, by some miracle, she was selected.
At breakfast, Gia could barely contain her excitement. She picked at her lumpy oatmeal, stealing glances at the clock. As soon as their morning chores were done, she’d make her escape.
“What’s got you so jumpy?” Vanessa asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
“N-nothing,” Gia mumbled, shoving spoonfuls of oatmeal into her mouth, leaving oatmeal dripping down her chin. Vanessa gave her a look of disgust.
Vanessa rolled her eyes and turned away, her perfectly styled hair swinging as she focused her attention on the younger girls at the table. Gia breathed a sigh of relief, quickly wiping her chin with her sleeve.
As soon as breakfast was over, Gia volunteered for outdoor chores. She grabbed her school bag, heart pounding as she felt the weight of the camcorder inside. She hurried out into the overgrown garden, looking for a secluded spot.
Behind a cluster of thorny bushes, Gia found a small clearing. She set up the camcorder with shaking hands, praying it would still work. The red light blinked on, and she took a deep breath.
“H-hello,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “My name is Gia Andersen, and I... I want to be beautiful.”
Gia paused, her throat tightening. She took a shaky breath and continued, her voice growing stronger.
“I know I don’t look like the people in the Dollhouse. My skin is... different. But I’ve dreamed of being perfect for as long as I can remember. Every night, I watch Doll TV and imagine myself there, surrounded by beauty and light.”
She took a deep breath and continued, “I’m abnormal by Imperfect standards.”
She then let out a bitter laugh. “Can you believe that?”
She unconsciously touched the patches of vitiligo on her arm, then forced her hand back down. “I may not be beautiful now, but I promise I’ll work harder than anyone to become perfect. I’ll do whatever it takes. Please... please give me a chance.”
Tears welled up in Gia’s eyes as she poured out her heart to the camera. She spoke of her lonely nights in the orphanage, of the cruel taunts she’d endured, of her desperate longing to belong somewhere.
Gia’s sobs faded, replaced by a determined look. “I know I can be more. I know I have beauty inside me, waiting to be unleashed. I know I wasn’t born a Doll. But I believe the Dollhouse isn’t just about genetics - it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. And I’m ready for that transformation.”
Gia paused, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “I may not have been born perfect, but I’ve spent my whole life studying perfection. I know every Doll TV show by heart. I’ve memorized every beauty tip from the magazines. I understand what it takes to be a Doll better than anyone born into that world ever could.”
She leaned closer to the camera, her voice dropping to an urgent whisper. “And I promise you, if you choose me, I will never take it for granted. I will work every day to prove that I deserve to be there. I will be the most dedicated and grateful Doll you’ve ever seen.
Gia’s hand unconsciously reached up to touch her face, tracing the patterns of her vitiligo. For a moment, doubt clouded her expression. Then she squared her shoulders and smiled brightly at the camera.
“And these marks on my skin?” Gia said, her voice growing stronger as she gestured to the patches of vitiligo. “They’re not flaws. They demonstrate my resilience. They show that I can overcome anything. Imagine what I could become with the resources of the Dollhouse behind me.”
She paused, gathering her courage for her final plea. “I know I might not look like your typical applicant. But I believe that’s exactly why you should choose me. I represent the genuine spirit of the Dollhouse - the promise that anyone can become perfect, no matter where they start from. Give me this chance, and I’ll show the world what real transformation looks like.”
Gia reached forward to turn off the camera, her hand trembling slightly. As the red light blinked out, she let out a shaky breath, feeling drained yet exhilarated. She had done it.
Gia quickly packed up the camcorder, her heart racing. She had done it; she had actually filmed her application for the Dollhouse. As she hurried back towards the orphanage, clutching her school bag tightly, a mix of excitement and fear churned in her stomach.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind her. “Gia? What are you doing out here?”
Gia froze, her blood turning to ice. Slowly, she turned to face Vanessa, who was standing with her arms crossed, a suspicious look on her face.
“I... I was just doing some extra chores,” Gia stammered, avoiding eye contact.
Vanessa’s eyes narrowed. “Really? Because it looked like you were talking to yourself behind those bushes.”
Gia felt her face flush.
“I was just... practicing a speech for school.”
She ran a nervous hand through her coarse hair.
Vanessa’s eyes narrowed further, her gaze darting between Gia’s flushed face and the bulging school bag. “A speech? For what class? We don’t have any presentations coming up.”
Gia’s mind raced, searching for a plausible excuse. “It’s... It’s for the drama club. I’m thinking of joining, and I wanted to practice my audition piece.”
Vanessa’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Drama club? You? Since when are you interested in acting?”
“I just thought... maybe it would help me be more confident,” Gia mumbled, her eyes fixed on the ground.
Vanessa stepped closer, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “You’re lying. I can always tell when you’re lying, Gia. What are you really up to?”
Gia clutched her bag tightly. She wanted to run, to hide, to disappear into thin air. But she knew Vanessa wouldn’t let this go. Her mind raced, trying to find a way out of this situation without revealing her secret.
“I... I was...” Gia stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Suddenly, a loud crash came from the direction of the orphanage. Both girls whipped their heads around to see Ms. Gisele standing in the doorway, her face red with anger. Her thinning gray hair was disheveled.
“Vanessa! Gia! What are you two doing out here? Get inside this instant and help clean up the mess in the kitchen! I didn’t raise you two to be slobs.”
Gia and Vanessa exchanged a quick glance before hurrying towards the orphanage. As they approached, Gia could see shards of broken dishes scattered across the kitchen floor through the open door.
“What happened?” Vanessa asked as they entered.
Ms. Gisele huffed, her wrinkled face creased with frustration. “That new girl, Emily, knocked over the dish rack. Clumsy thing moves like a newborn deer. Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do with her. Now, you two get to cleaning. And I mean properly, not just shoving things under the rug like last time.”
Gia breathed a silent sigh of relief as she grabbed a broom, grateful for the distraction. As she swept up the broken shards, she could feel Vanessa’s eyes boring into her back. The tension between them was palpable, but Ms. Gisele’s presence kept Vanessa from pressing further.
“I want this floor spotless, you hear?” Ms. Gisele barked, her voice sharp with irritation. “And Gia, for heaven’s sake, do something about that hair of yours. You look like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards. Have some pride in your appearance.”
Gia ducked her head, her cheeks burning with shame as she continued sweeping. She could hear Vanessa’s smug little chuckle behind her.
“Yes, Ms. Gisele,” Gia mumbled, trying to smooth down her unruly curls with one hand while sweeping with the other.
As they cleaned, Gia’s mind raced. She knew she had narrowly escaped Vanessa’s interrogation this time, but her friend’s suspicion wouldn’t fade so easily. She needed to find a way to submit her video application without anyone finding out.
The kitchen slowly returned to order under their efforts, but the tension remained thick in the air.
Gia could feel Vanessa’s eyes on her, searching for any clue to unravel the mystery of Gia’s secretive behavior.
“There,” Ms. Gisele said finally after an hour, inspecting the now-spotless kitchen floor. “That’s more like it. Now, Gia, go wash up and do something about that rat’s nest on your head. Vanessa, help me prepare lunch.”
Gia nodded quickly, grateful for the excuse to escape. She hurried out of the kitchen, clutching her school bag tightly to her chest. As she reached the bathroom, she locked the door behind her and leaned against it, her heart pounding.
She pulled out the camcorder with trembling hands, checking to make sure the video was still there. Relief washed over her as she saw the file, intact and ready to be submitted. But how? The orphanage’s ancient computer was constantly monitored, and she had no way to access the internet privately.
As Gia stared at her reflection in the cracked mirror, an idea began to form. The library. It had computers with internet access, and the librarians rarely paid attention to what the orphanage kids were doing online. If she could sneak out after lunch...
Gia quickly splashed some water on her face and attempted to tame her wild curls, twisting them into a messy bun. She tucked the camcorder back into her bag and took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.
When she returned to the kitchen, Vanessa was stirring a large pot of what looked like watery soup. Her eyes narrowed as Gia entered.
“Feeling better after your little ‘drama practice’?” Vanessa asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Gia forced a smile. “Much better, thanks. Do you need any help with anything?”
Vanessa went back to stirring. “Don’t worry about it, it’s almost done.” She grabbed a bowl of chopped onions and poured them into the pot.
Gia nodded and sat down at the table, her mind racing as she tried to formulate a plan. She needed to get to the library, but how could she slip away without arousing suspicion?
As if reading her thoughts, Ms. Gisele bustled into the kitchen. “Gia, I need you to run an errand for me this afternoon. The library book sale is today, and I want you to pick up some books for the younger children. Here’s a list and some money.”
Gia’s heart leapt. This was perfect! “Of course, Ms. Gisele. I’d be happy to.”
Vanessa’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing. “I can go with her. Two pairs of hands are better than one, right?”
Ms. Gisele waved her off. “Nonsense. I need you here to help with lunch, then I need you to change the babies’ diaper.”
Vanessa’s face crumpled in disgust. “But Ms. Gisele, I—”
“No buts,” Ms. Gisele interrupted firmly. “Gia can handle the library on her own. Now, finish that soup before it burns.”
Gia struggled to keep the relief off her face as she accepted the list and money from Ms. Gisele. She could feel Vanessa’s glare burning into her back as she left the kitchen.
After a quick lunch, Gia set off for the library, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. The camcorder felt like it was burning a hole in her bag. As she walked, she rehearsed what she would say to the librarian, how she would act casual while using the computer.
The library was quiet when she arrived, with only a few elderly Imperfects browsing the shelves. Gia approached the bored-looking Librarian who had a bad case of acne.
“Excuse me,” Gia said softly to the librarian, “I’m here for the book sale. Could you point me in the right direction?”
The librarian barely glanced up from her computer screen. “Down the hall, last door on the left,” she mumbled, absently scratching at a particularly angry-looking pimple on her chin.
“Thank you,” Gia replied. “Also, um, are the public computers available?”
The librarian waved vaguely towards a row of ancient-looking machines. “Knock yourself out. Thirty-minute time limit.”
Gia’s heart raced as she made her way to the computers. She sat down at the one farthest from the librarian’s desk, her hands shaking slightly as she pulled out the camcorder. She connected it to the computer, praying that the old machine would recognize the device.
After a couple of minutes of tense waiting, the computer finally recognized the camcorder. Gia quickly opened the video file, her heart pounding as she watched a few seconds to make sure it had transferred correctly. Seeing herself on screen, pouring out her heart to the camera, made her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she pushed the feeling aside. This was her chance.
With trembling fingers, she navigated to the Dollhouse application website. The sleek, polished design was a stark contrast to the library’s outdated computer. Gia filled out the application form, double-checking every detail. When she reached the video upload section, she hesitated for just a moment before clicking “Submit.”
The loading bar seemed to crawl across the screen. Gia held her breath, glancing nervously at the clock. She still needed to buy the books for Ms. Gisele before heading back to the orphanage.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a message appeared on the screen: “Application submitted successfully. Thank you for your interest in the Dollhouse.”
Gia let out a shaky breath, a mix of relief and anxiety washing over her. She had done it. Her application was in. Now all she could do was wait and hope.
Quickly, she disconnected the camcorder and shoved it back into her bag. She cleared the browser history, not wanting to leave any trace of what she’d done. As she stood up, she noticed her hands were trembling.
Forcing herself to focus, Gia made her way to the book sale. She scanned Ms. Gisele’s list, picking out worn copies of children’s books. As she paid for them, she couldn’t help but imagine a future where she might be reading stories to her own perfect children in the Dollhouse.
