The Chamberlain twins were naturally good-looking, especially their eyes and eyebrows which looked like theyâd been sculpted by a master.
If they had shown these faces during the audition, they wouldâve been selected sooner.
Why theyâd covered such features with layers of makeup was a mystery.
Feeling the roomâs attention, Woodrow, the younger of the two, seemed uncomfortable.
He kept his gaze down, hoping to go unnoticed.
Ariana gave them a nod of appreciation.
âYou two are the Funny Time Duo from five years back, arenât you?â
The duo had become known for their comedic content.
Five years ago, at nineteen, theyâd looked even younger.
Ariana remembered following their work.
Back in the day, theyâd had a showdown with a major company.
The online world wasnât kind to them afterward.
Lacking the resources and backup to push back, the brothers had opted to disappear from the public eye.
When Ariana saw them perform recently, their distinct voices and dance styles jogged her memory.
She realized who they were.
The Chamberlain twins looked taken aback by Arianaâs recognition.
They figured that half a decade was long enough for folks to forget them and hoped for a fresh start in the spotlight.
Those days werenât easy to think about.
Theyâd been dragged online with nasty comments and baseless gossip.
Many had critiqued their looks, saying they werenât masculine enough.
Wild rumors circulated about them undergoing surgeries, being financially supported by wealthy benefactors, and leading scandalous lives.
From then on, theyâd hidden behind thick makeup.
Ariana knew of the online harassment theyâd faced.
It made sense to her why they felt safer behind layers of cosmetics.
Ariana noticed their unease with the cameras and spoke gently to them.
âThat online mess was a plot by your competitors.
Many of those internet bullies were just folks they paid to spread hate.
They have a routine, mainly to attack anyone in their way with the same venom.
None of it was your doing.
When the truth came out, all those tales about you were debunked.
Folks see through such deceit.
So, chin up and own your looks.
Theyâre a gift.
Trust me, things are going to get better in the entertainment world for you.
â
The Chamberlain twins seemed to take heart from Arianaâs pep talk.
Their rigid faces eased up some.
She noticed their improved mood and nudged them towards getting ready for practice.
Chatting had left Ariana parched.
She paused for a quick drink of water and caught sight of the clock.
She was taken aback.
Over thirty minutes had flown by and the production teamâs vocal coach was still a no-show.