Twice Two

Plane kept winning. Nymphia watched her with a touch of envy, a bit upset that she only had two wins herself. Plane carefully made sure her own satisfaction with her work didn’t affect Nymphia’s mood. ‘Well, look, Planey,’ Nymphia said playfully as she was heading to bed, ‘the day after tomorrow, you won’t be getting any win.’ ‘I agree,’ Plane replied, pressing her against the door, ‘only if it goes to you, and you’re the first one to the finale.’ ‘You make it sound like it’s unlikely,’ Nymphia insisted, pulling away from Plane. ‘That’s not true,’ Plane took her by the chin and turned her face back to her. ‘I believe in your win.’ ‘In the finale,’ she added. Nymphia stared at Plane in shock. What was she saying? Was this really Plane? ‘I won’t be given the crown,’ Plane said slowly and shrugged. She’d been thinking about it for a long time and hadn’t been able to accept it until she realized she didn’t really need that win. She had already proved herself, she had four wins, All Stars awaited her ahead, and most importantly — fate had brought her together with Nymphia, the one who kept pestering her with silly questions and constantly reminding her name, the name Plane had remembered from the moment she introduced herself. ‘You deserve the crown more than anyone else,’ Plane placed her hand on Nymphia’s cheek. ‘You need to do your best to win the last challenge and prove it to everyone.’ ‘Wait,’ Nymphia cut her off. ‘What do you mean: you won’t be given the crown? Where did that come from?’ ‘No one’s ready for a Russian winner, especially one who’s acted like a bitch all season.’ ‘But you’ve got four wins!’ Nymphia exclaimed, brushing Plane’s hand off her face. ‘Sapphira has four too,’ Plane noted, ‘so you need to beat her before the finale and not let her get a fifth. The audience needs a winner like you, not like Sapphira or me.’ ‘But you’ve been shouting about the finale all this time,’ Nymphia protested, pacing back and forth in the hallway, ‘how important it is for you to make it there and so on!’ ‘I’ll be there,’ Plane replied calmly, ‘and I’ll be by your side the whole time. It’s just that this time, I won’t have to compete against you.’ ‘Please, don’t give up…’ Nymphia said plaintively. ‘All this time you’ve been the one I looked up to. If you hadn’t pushed me, I probably wouldn’t have made it this far.’ ‘But you’re already in the semifinals,’ Plane answered softly, ‘and I’m not giving up. I just need to secure myself a spot on All Stars. Promise me you’ll give it everything you’ve got.’ ‘Why did you even tell me all this?’ Nymphia banged her fist against the door in frustration. ‘Couldn’t you have kept your assumptions to yourself?’ ‘Nymphia,’ Plane took her hand, trying to calm her, ‘now you know you don’t have a worthy opponent. I’m not going to whine and get upset in the finale, and I don’t want you upset because of me either. So pull yourself together and crush them all.’ Nymphia pressed herself against Plane’s chest and sobbed. ‘Promise you’ll try to be the first to get to the finale?’ Plane looked down at her. ‘Yes,’ she answered briefly, ‘if you’ll be there with me.’ ‘Where else would I go away from you?’

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Plane realized the last challenge definitely wasn’t for her. To talk about her life… She’d already forced herself past so much just to open up to Nymphia. She couldn’t imagine repeating all of it under the glare of the cameras. There was only one way out — prepare for the lipsync. But what if she didn’t make the finale? How would Nymphia look at her then? They were supposed to be there together. ‘What a wimp you are, Plane Jane,’ Plane said during a break, looking at her reflection. The viewers got the same old Plane Jane, preaching her own superiority and not forgetting to list the flaws of her remaining rivals. And why did she bring up Amanda again? The podcast host didn’t particularly like her answers; most likely he’d been waiting for something personal. ‘He’ll live,’ Plane thought and started getting ready to leave. Nymphia looked inspired, and Plane didn’t want to spoil her mood with gloomy thoughts. But today she’d slipped back into the bitch role, and once she remembered that she’d always been like that and would have to stay that way, she couldn’t stop. ‘Do you believe now they’ll give me the win tomorrow?’ Plane heard, snapping out of her thoughts. ‘Of course I do. I really did my best yesterday to finally get you to pull yourself together and stop whining.’ Nymphia let the haughty tone slide and, holding back tears of joy, said sincerely, ‘Thank you, Planey. You’ve changed a lot in my life. Maybe in me too…’ Plane rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. ‘Miss Banana, you’re starting again…’ Nymphia noticed Plane’s changed behavior and, with a snort, put her hands on her hips. ‘And you, I see, are still acting like a bitch! I thought you were over that.’ ‘Sister…’ Plane began, arrogantly. ‘Listen, sister!’ Nymphia raised her voice, surprising even herself. ‘Don’t take out your dissatisfaction with your work today on me! If you couldn’t be sincere on that podcast, that’s entirely on you, not me or anyone else.’ Plane’s eyes widened in surprise, and she was completely at a loss. But seeing the change in Plane’s face, Nymphia decided not to back down. ‘And yes, I’ll be the first to head to the finale tomorrow. As for you, I’ll watch how you wriggle out of it to save your ass. Otherwise, what’s the point of you being here? That’s always been your main goal. Thanks for everything and so on, but go back to your room and get ready if that’s how you’ve decided to behave.’ Nymphia finished her impassioned speech and noticed the tears glistening in Plane’s eyes. ‘Have I hit a nerve now?’ Nymphia asked. ‘Mm-hm,’ Plane quickly brushed away the tears. ‘It was about time I felt for myself everything I do to others.’ ‘Just don’t apologize now,’ Nymphia waved her off. ‘We’ve heard it, more than once. Better go to your room and think about how not to end up a loser yourself.’ Plane let out a submissive breath and spread her hands, about to carry out Nymphia’s order, but was stopped by her words. ‘And a goodbye kiss?’ Plane couldn’t help smiling and, squeezing Nymphia tight in her arms, kissed her. ‘Don’t forget that I, the little shit I am, love you,’ Plane said, embarrassed. ‘Go already,’ Nymphia gently pushed her away and slipped into her room.

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After winning and being the first to reach the finale, Nymphia, full of pride, looked around at the competitors. They were sincerely happy for her success, and even Plane, who had ruined the previous evening with her rudeness, didn’t hide her admiration. Nymphia had no doubt that Plane would fight to the end in the lipsync to reach the finale. Plane’s words about having no chance at the crown had shocked her. How could Plane, who had spent so many weeks insisting on her superiority and her future crown, even think that? She’d been winning challenges easily and almost always receiving positive critiques. And no matter how much Nymphia wanted the crown, deep down she was certain that her Plane would be the winner. She even imagined Plane being invited to countless interviews, bursting with pride, unable to stop talking about herself. But what if Plane was actually right? When Plane won the lipsync and joined the finalists, Nymphia wasn’t surprised. Her Planey had to stay by her side until the very moment she got the coveted scepter.

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‘Finally tomorrow we won’t have to sweat it,’ Plane said with satisfaction as they approached Nymphia’s room. ‘We’ll just sit and comment on what others are doing. Just the way I like it.’ Nymphia glanced at her in surprise. ‘Is that all you’ve got to say?’ ‘Of course not,’ Plane replied, wrapping her arms around Nymphia’s neck. ‘Congratulations on your win, baby.’ ‘And congrats to you too, Planey,’ Nymphia said with light sarcasm. ‘You almost fell flat on your face. I think your desire to slack off tomorrow saved you.’ ‘Well of course you’re right!’ Plane exclaimed and, pressing Nymphia against the door, dug into her pocket searching for the key. ‘Come on, let’s celebrate this event.’ Nymphia grabbed the hand that was boldly rummaging in her pocket and put it back on her shoulder. ‘No way, Planey. Tonight I celebrate alone.’ Plane looked at her in surprise. ‘Why alone, when I can do whatever you want? You’re the winner tonight.’ ‘And what I want is to go to sleep. I’ve got no strength left for anything.’ ‘Absolutely none?’ Plane asked plaintively, her tension from the day turning into the opposite effect. She was about to throw Nymphia onto the bed, lift her ass, and fuck her like it was the last time, when suddenly she heard a loud voice behind her. ‘Hooray! Congratulations!’ With a dissatisfied look, Plane let go of Nymphia and turned to see Mirage holding a bottle over her head. ‘I’m so happy for you!’ she screamed and ran up to hug Plane. Plane grabbed her by the waist and eyed the bottle clutched in her hand with confusion. Nymphia joined in Mirage’s excitement and was the first to snatch her into an embrace. ‘At least something good has happened lately,’ Mirage continued enthusiastically, tugging at the handle. ‘Why are we standing here like poor relatives?’ ‘Mirage, we were going to sleep,’ Nymphia explained gently. ‘And I’m in your way again?’ Mirage asked reproachfully. ‘You’re already always sleeping together. Let’s at least spend some time together after your last challenge, otherwise you’re like rabbits.’ Plane grimaced, and Nymphia protested. ‘We really were going to sleep. And you could use some rest too. We’re not the ones who need to bust our asses tomorrow.’ ‘And getting drunk before the Lalaparuza isn’t a good idea either,’ Plane added. ‘You’re so boring…’ Mirage dragged out sadly. ‘And no one was even planning to drink.’ She shook the bottle again. ‘It’s empty. I found it on the way here. I wanted to prank you, but you…’ ‘Mirage, Nymphia’s really tired,’ Plane reassured her. ‘I wouldn’t mind going to her room and having some fun myself, but she turned me down too. So let’s go.’ Plane unexpectedly took Mirage by the arm and started down the hallway. Surprised by Plane’s strange behavior, Nymphia called out, ‘And you’re not going to say goodbye to me?’ Plane lazily turned back and sighed. ‘Well, bye, Miss Banana.’ Mirage gave her a shy wave. With an annoyed huff, Nymphia ran up to Plane, wrapped her arms around her neck, and kissed her goodbye. Meanwhile Mirage glanced around the corridor and tucked the empty bottle into a dusty corner. ‘Sweet dreams, Planey Jane,’ Nymphia purred, pulling away from Plane. ‘Same to you, Miss Banana.’ With a tired smile, Nymphia watched Plane and Mirage wander down the hallway, knowing that very soon it would all inevitably come to an end.

✶ ✭ ✶ ✭ ✶

Despite not having a challenge themselves, Nymphia and Plane felt the tension all day long. And even though the true winner’s name wouldn’t be revealed for another year, they both had the sense that the coming days would be decisive for their future. ‘Promise you won’t screw up the choreography,’ Nymphia said slowly, lying on Plane’s chest when the filming day came to an end. ‘Baby, it’s my performance, and everything in it depends only on me.’ ‘Well then it might turn out insanely boring…’ Nymphia drawled. ‘You can’t take a step without tripping.’ ‘Well, if we’re talking about your number,’ Plane replied mockingly, ‘then you’re right. Though today this place doesn’t look too bad.’ Plane looked around the room and nodded in satisfaction. Nymphia sighed and reminded her, ‘Actually, you’re the one who helped me clean it back then.’ ‘But that was ages ago. Amazing you haven’t trashed it again yet.’ ‘I wanted to keep it neat for you. I don’t want you to think of me as messy.’ ‘Sister, all my impressions of you were formed a long time ago…’ Plane said mysteriously and ruffled Nymphia’s hair. ‘Promise you’ll come to me when you have a little free time.’ Plane lifted her head from the pillow and studied Nymphia’s face. ‘We’ve already talked about this,’ she reminded her. ‘I’ll go back to my studies and, as soon as this nightmare ends, I’ll fly straight to you. It’ll be just the two of us, and finally we won’t have to look for places to sneak off to.’ ‘I’ll be waiting impatiently…’ Nymphia breathed out and pressed herself even closer to Plane.

✶ ✭ ✶ ✭ ✶

When the choreography practice and the final rehearsal ended, Plane realized she’d soon have to face her mother, who was supposed to appear in the finale. She didn’t know what Yelena would say when they met for the first time after so long apart, how she’d look at Plane on stage, or what words she’d say when RuPaul addressed her directly. She must have already been somewhere in the hotel, but the rules hadn’t changed, and she likely wouldn’t break them. That meant they’d only meet tomorrow. At least Plane had the night to prepare herself. Everyone finished rehearsing at different times, so that evening Plane returned to the hotel alone. She didn’t stop by Nymphia’s room, not wanting to intrude, and just went up to her own. She was about to close the door behind her when suddenly she heard a familiar voice, ‘Plane, wait!’ Plane stuck her head out into the hallway in surprise and saw Big Atlas running toward her with joyful cries. Plane couldn’t hold back a happy scream and, spreading her arms wide, squeezed her friend tight in an embrace. ‘I can’t believe you’re here!’ Atlas exclaimed, not letting Plane go. ‘And I can’t believe you’re here, Attie,’ Plane said happily, loosening her arms and staring at Atlas in shock, ‘seeing you in this damn hotel where you don’t even know what to do with yourself.’ Plane gestured for her friend to come in, and they flopped down on the couch to continue their conversation. ‘How did you even find me here?’ Plane asked in surprise. It still felt unreal to her — having her sister next to her after so long apart. She’d gotten so used to the isolation and having only one close person nearby that it felt like it would always be this way, and Big Atlas’s appearance felt like a hallucination. ‘You know me,’ she smirked. ‘If I want something, I’ll get it. Turns out here you can solve practically everything with money.’ ‘I’m already aware of that…’ Plane muttered, recalling all the unbelievable things they’d done there. ‘So, tell me,’ Atlas began, settling more comfortably on the couch. ‘How did you manage to make it to the finale?’ ‘Sister, we’re a lot alike. I made it because I wanted it. By the way, I’ve got four wins.’ Big Atlas clapped seriously, and Plane tossed back imaginary hair from her shoulders. ‘I can’t wait to see you in the finale tomorrow,’ Atlas continued. ‘Do you think you’ll outshine the others with our two super looks we worked on for so long?’ ‘Naturally,’ Plane replied, trying to hide her doubt that anyone would even see that last look in person.’ ‘They put your mom next to me,’ Big Atlas said in passing. ‘She tried to find you. I think it’s better if you two meet tomorrow. But if you want, I can…’ ‘No, you’re right,’ Plane cut her off. ‘How is she?’ Plane didn’t know if she was ready for the answer. With Yelena you could expect anything. She might calmly agree to come, remembering her promise to her son, or she might sit through the taping, barely hiding her disgust at what was happening. ‘She misses you so much,’ Big Atlas answered with a smile. ‘I’m sure tomorrow will go well. She even bragged about a new dress she’s planning to wear, so I’ve got a good feeling. And I think she even went to a salon before the trip and got a new hairstyle.’ Plane felt a weight lift off her chest. If her mother had decided to pretty herself up before the finale, then she was in a good mood. But if tomorrow Plane wasn’t allowed to lipsync for the crown, would that change Yelena’s mood? ‘Have you made friends with anyone?’ Plane heard. The question caught her off guard. She hadn’t thought yet about what and how she’d tell her sisters about Nymphia. She herself didn’t know what Nymphia was to her — a rival, a friend, a lover, or someone else? Big Atlas looked questioningly at Plane’s puzzled face. ‘What’s with you? Did you scare everyone around you so much that no one wanted to talk to you?’ Plane shook her head, embarrassed, still not knowing what to say. ‘Or did you, on the contrary, seduce someone?’ Big Atlas narrowed her eyes mysteriously. Plane spread her hands and sighed, ‘Well, yeah. One evening I decided to pass the time…’ Her friend crossed one leg over the other and drawled with interest, ‘So who is she? Did you send her home from the show a long time ago?’ ‘I just hope she won’t be the one to send me home…’ Plane said with displeasure. Big Atlas’s eyes widened, and she couldn’t hold back a cry, ‘She’s in the finale too?! No way…’ ‘What, did you think I’d befriend losers?’ Plane bristled. ‘So I don’t get it,’ Atlas said, puzzled. ‘Are you two in a rel… or not? Stop being secretive, Plane. I want all the details.’ ‘I’m not sure I can tell you everything right now…’ Plane shook her head. ‘Since when do you keep secrets from me?’ she exclaimed. ‘We’ve always told each other everything. So spill it.’ ‘I can’t tell you everything,’ Plane began to explain, ‘because I’m not sure of anything myself yet. These last few days we’ve been telling each other we’re in love, though it all sounds like empty words. I don’t know what will happen when we leave this place, but one thing I can say for sure — this was, if not the best, then definitely one of the best periods of my life.’ ‘Unbelievable… I thought after that jerk no one would be able to so quickly make your head spin. I urgently need to meet her!’ ‘You’ll definitely meet her, Attie,’ Plane smiled, ‘but only tomorrow. We’re all tired, and I don’t want to barge into her room just to have a meet-and-greet. You’d start talking about life, and then neither of us would be able to get that wretched crown.’ ‘All right,’ Big Atlas agreed, ‘but you’ve got to arrange a proper meeting so I can fully judge your love.’ ‘Oh, cut it out,’ Plane waved her off. ‘Don’t call it that.’ ‘Then what should I call her?’ ‘Nymphia,’ Plane answered and smiled, lovingly pronouncing the dear name.

✶ ✭ ✶ ✭ ✶

Half an hour before the finale taping was to begin, the finalists were allowed to meet their loved ones. Nymphia was happily chatting with her mom and friend, while Plane searched for Yelena with her eyes. Finally, she saw Big Atlas in drag, leading Plane’s mother. She’d really prepared for the big event and looked like the most festive of all the guests. All morning Plane had been thinking about what she’d say to her and how she’d behave, but she hadn’t been able to come up with anything. And now, seeing her like this, she just walked up and hugged her tight. ‘Andy…’ Yelena breathed out. ‘Mom…’ Plane replied. ‘I’m so glad you’re here.’ ‘I’ve missed you so much,’ Yelena let Plane go. ‘It’s awful when I can’t call you, when I don’t know where you are or how you’re doing.’ ‘As you can see,’ Plane gestured around herself, ‘I’m doing great. I’m in the finale, I’ve got fame secured. So I’ve achieved what I wanted.’ Yelena suddenly grabbed Plane’s hands and blurted out, ‘Andy, I’m so proud of you. I never doubted you’d reach your goal.’ Plane kept silent politely, remembering their conversation before she left. ‘And if I don’t get the crown?’ Plane asked bluntly. ‘Will you still be proud of me?’ ‘I’ll always be proud of you,’ Yelena smiled broadly, ‘first of all because you’re so brave. And it doesn’t matter what place you take. For me you’ll always be a winner.’ Yelena hugged her son again and, patting his cheek, gave way to Big Atlas. She immediately pounced on Plane, demanding to be introduced to Nymphia at once. Plane noticed that Nymphia was still chatting with her loved ones, but her friend’s persistence forced her to interrupt. They hadn’t seen each other yet today, so when Plane grabbed her by the elbow to get her attention, Nymphia squealed with joy and was about to throw herself into her arms, but caught herself just in time and followed Plane. ‘And here’s Nymphia,’ Plane said ceremoniously to Big Atlas. Her friend looked Nymphia over with interest and exclaimed, ‘So this is the love of your life!’ Nymphia glanced at Plane in confusion, who quickly explained, ‘This is my friend Big Atlas. She made all my wigs and helped with many of my outfits.’ Atlas nodded proudly and pulled Nymphia into an embrace. Plane looked at them with satisfaction. At last they’d met. Everything seemed so strange: she’d known Atlas for a very long time, and she’d always helped Plane. There had never been any rivalry between them, and Plane considered her her best friend. Nymphia, however, seemed to be from another life — a life where there were only the two of them, competing and loving each other. And now, when these two worlds crossed, Plane felt confused. While she tried to put her thoughts in order, Nymphia had already struck up a lively conversation with Big Atlas, and both seemed fascinated by each other. But it was time to say goodbye to their loved ones, and Plane, waving goodbye to her mother and friend, went off to do her makeup.

✶ ✭ ✶ ✭ ✶

Yelena’s words, spoken during the finale, stunned Plane. She hadn’t expected her mother to sincerely support her in front of thousands of people. What had begun as a gloomy conversation in Andy’s room, when Yelena had made her son promise never again to bring up what was happening, turned into a fiery speech delivered in front of the cameras. At that moment it really didn’t matter to Plane whether she’d get the crown or not — she already felt like a winner. But as she had expected, she wasn’t allowed to lipsync. She looked at Nymphia, who was desperately trying to hold back bitter tears, and tried with her eyes to calm her and keep her from ruining her own lipsync with the sad news. ‘Fight for us,’ she whispered to Nymphia, who was ready for the last trial. Nymphia nodded silently and stepped confidently onto the stage. It was her first lipsync in the show, and today was her chance to show herself to the world in full. Plane watched her performance, certain that in the end the win would go to her. Their win. By long-established rules, two versions of the outcome were filmed, and when Nymphia was announced the winner, Plane couldn’t hold back tears of joy. This was exactly the finale the audience had to see. This was exactly the winner the world needed. This was exactly the winner she herself needed. Only a year later would they find out who had actually received the crown, and none of them knew whether that year would drag on, tormenting them with uncertainty, or fly by like a single day.

✶ ✭ ✶ ✭ ✶

‘Promise you’ll keep your word,’ Nymphia whispered, squeezed in Plane’s arms, not trying to hold back her tears. ‘I always keep my word, sister,’ Plane answered, trying to be strong. ‘Very soon we’ll see each other again. You won’t even notice how quickly the time flies.’ ‘Promise, Planey,’ Nymphia repeated barely audibly. ‘I promise, Miss Banana.’