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The Challenge
Charles walked by Phil and Darrell, who had apparently slipped in to film the early morning Tai Chi class. He couldn’t wait to go on the flight the next day, when he’d be free from those two. They seemed to be everywhere, and judging by Phil’s smile as Charles walked by, Phil knew more than was good for him.
Charles paused as Phil stopped Bev and Katie in the doorway and asked for a few minutes of their time. Charles wondered if he should step in and tell Phil off for asking for an interview. He turned back, but when he saw the two women graciously accept and step away from the group, he stopped. Bev didn’t seem annoyed or pressured into something she didn’t want to do. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying it. It was only when she noticed Charles watching that her smile slipped for a moment. But then she turned back to Phil, a
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Charles felt disoriented as he leaned on Doctor Randall. His body had never been through so much torture. But he had done it, and without puking. He had Bev to thank for that. He slid into his chair in the hall, many of his teammates looking similar to how he felt. Only three people were left: Brady, Cecelia, and Katie. With each person who came out, Katie made another phone call to her daughter. The last time she’d returned, she’d complained that her sister-in-law had stopped picking up the phone.“Guess I better show you how it’s done, eh?” Cecelia said, teasing Brady. She smiled as she said it, but her eyes held fire. Whatever anxiety she’d had before had been replaced by the feud between her and the young actor. Who knew someone could gain a nemesis on a space tourism flight?
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