Twisted 🌀 chapter one II
Twisted chapter 1
No 5. You're up next".
Oh God. Not now. I was so terrified, the next person had to tap me.
Okay, I can do this, I can make it through. Oh Mom. Where are you when I need you the most.
"Alaina dinner's set".
Mum makes too much announcements.
'Alaina, the kids are going to bed'
'Alaina I'm doing the laundry'
'Alaina pizza's here'.
I don't want to hear any of that tonight. Right now, I only want to stuff my mouth with all these chicken and I'd make dessert for myself with the last bowl of ice cream in the freezer. Surprisingly mom didn't repeat her announcement or come upstairs to drag me to dinner. I'm not too sure why but it made me more upset. I felt like she had not been giving me attention, like she had not been there. I bit into the chicken with so much force, that my teeth hurt, i had downed eight wings, still a number to go.
As much as I tried, I couldn't stick around for mom to come find me. I need attention too. I flounced down the stairs and quickly took in the scene that was playing out while they had dinner. I walked to the fridge and took out the bowl of ice cream. Even with my exaggerated actions, all I got was,
'Sweetie are you okay?’
And I gave my answer as straight too.
'I'm fine mom'.
Was I??
I was mad at everyone but it wasn't physical hurt, it was emotional. I put up a wall to obstruct my feelings. On the outside, I'm managing a smile, on the inside, I'm so down, drowning in a river of tears.
I resumed my eating.
'Alaina. Madison is here.'
More announcement.
But why is Madison here.
Soon there's a knock on my door and the voice is unmistakable.
Ugh. Did mom call her because I was upset?
I opened the door and she flung herself into my arms.
"Oh! Alaina. I missed you so much. I've got so much stories to tell you. The island was amazing. I really have not seen anything like it in my entire life".
Why do people always have to say a lot of words?
There she was, my only childhood friend that had not back stabbed me. Madison is like another word for beautiful. Sometimes I feel proud to introduce her as my bff.
Other times, I'm weighed down by jealousy and the fact that she easily got crowd in her favour. It didn't ruin our friendship however. Maybe it's good that she came here. I really had to talk to someone.
" Alaaaaaaaaina, did you hear me at all?”
Oh! She hadn't stopped talking.
"Did you say something?"
Maybe I shouldn't have asked that. I can't have her start all over.
"Awww, Alaina, you're upset"
I was so relieved. And warm too. She finally noticed.
"Where do you always buy your chicken wings?”
" Sam's place. Why? ........." Then I realized
"No. Not my chicken. Madison put that down".
Too late. Two's gone.
" They always taste so good Alaina".
I shrug and fall back on my bed.
"Alaina what's getting so hard to you, I feel so uncomfortable right now. Tell me babe, did something happen at work"
I sighed deeply.
"Earlier today, I was at Keith Jones theatre. There was this interview for auditioning actors. I didn't tell you or mom because I felt that I was in control of it. For two weeks I rehearsed my words day and night. I worked really hard at it. I searched for all possible questions on the internet then I compiled 150 of the most common questions. I made sure I had the answers. And yesterday, I asked for a off day and surprisingly Larry granted it. I got there really early. I was dressed in one of my best gowns, I even wore the bracelet mom got me last year. Everything seemed perfect until the interview started. I must have been the youngest there. I was the fifth person. I panicked when I heard that voice call my number. I walked in to the hall to meet the panel sort of. There were five of them, two women and three men. They all looked business like, except a man who looked far more casual than any of them managed to look.
" What's your name miss? The older woman asked me.
"Alaina Audrey. I'm 17”.
For a minute I thought the casual man looked surprised.
" How would you describe your acting style?”
It was a man this time, with a very deep voice.
"Um......I......I just flow with every scene and.......I adjust to the new turnout of things....."
What was I saying? I had gone completely blank. I was already stuttering on the first question. I looked to the faces of the panel for some sort of solace, there was none.
"How many roles have you taken on since you started acting?”
"This......it's my first......I mean none. This is my first audition".
I felt so embarrassed. What was I thinking when I decided to come? I've not even done this before.
" What's your inspiration?" The older woman asked again. She seemed to be helping me but I couldn't be helped. I knew clearly what inspired me but I seemed to have forgotten.
"Well, the setting and the kind of story inspires me"
No. No. No. I was making the whole thing worse. The last question that saw me out of that hall came from the casually dressed young man.
"Why do you think you should be an actress, what difference will your acting make?”
I was sweating right under the cold air conditioner.
"It's been a long time dream for me to become an actress and I want people to know through my acting that life is about doing what they want".
That part made a tiny bit of hopeful. It came out right I guess. I scanned all five faces. I saw nothing. It must be part of an actor's job, I thought.
"Miss Audrey, we'll get back to you if there's need to. Thanks for coming".
I felt like I was flung into a trash can. That's it. My dream, it had vanished, just like that.
I wanted to cry but the tears were somehow nowhere to be found.
I'm often like that. When I really want to cry, I don't but that one time I don't want to cry, I'd make a messy face.
" Alaina. I'm so sorry about this. I know you're talented and if you keep pushing your talent will be put on sportlight someday. Moreover they didn't say they won't call you. Don't get all too upset. Wait for the call first. "
"There's no need waiting when I know I won't be called up".
Madison became quiet. I felt sorry for killing her initial excitement. Some things are just meant to be. Maybe acting ain't for me. I shouldn't ruin an innocent girl's night because of that.
" Say, Madison, let's stuff our faces to celebrate our re-union".
She looked at me doubtfully. I undestand that look. One of the reasons Madison's my best friend. She'd not hesistate to cancel her plans for my sake. I brought out the last bucket of chicken wings. Soon enough,
"I opened my window every afternoon so that I could see him clearly from my room. He was so cute. He looked back at me and waved everytime he saw me. Finally we talked. Gosh Alaina, he's so funny. And on the last night we took a long walk. And......."
"You kissed him, I bet you did".
" No you're wrong, his hands only brushed my face slightly when he removed the strands of hair that kept falling into my face. I was so shy, I looked away".
"No way. Really. You looked away, hmmm. That's nice. Maybe he did it while you looked away and you didn't notice".
She hit me with the teddy next to her.
"Alaina don't be like that. I'm not lying".
And it went on and on till it was black.
But I knew when mom came in. She kissed my forehead and Madison's too.
The next morning.
" Morning girls". Mum only stepped in a minute. She resumes very early at work on Tuesdays.
I picked up my phone. I switched it off cause i didn't want to talk to anyone. All the event played itself out in my head again. I still felt very embarrassed. I open Blair's messages first. Maybe I should have told him. He always had a good solution to many things.
"Hi Roxy".
" You seem to be busy today".
"Please call me when you see my messages"
"Roxy where are you? Are you avoiding me? I'm sorry I didn't call earlier".
" The call keeps going to your voicemail. Is everything fine?.”
"I know something must have happened today but whatever it is, you'll be fine. You always are. Goodnight Rox. Blair cares".
So sweet of him to leave all those messages. I must have given him a fright.
" Madison. Good morning. Mom said you came in last night but I was asleep already. I'm happy you're here. Will you take me to the mall after school?"
Madison let out a hearty laughter.
"Rob, ain't you such an adorable child. Yes I'll take you to the mall and here I got these chocolates for you. They're heart shaped because I love you".
All of these drama. Can we just get to the bus station already.
Now the same drama would repeat itself with Aaron too. Only with less luvy words.
It felt really good to be out in the sunlight with Madison and to be free from all the practise and memorising. After deciding to meet at Rob and Aaron's school in the afternoon, Madison and I parted ways. Back to my regular life at Webstix. It's a web design company. I'm not a tech expert. I'm a personal assistant to Larry. One of the main partners at Webstix. Larry Jeffery and John Jeffery own Webstix. I walked in and I just felt happy to be back there. The familiar atmosphere and the smell of coffee coming from every angle, felt like a second home. I've only been here for a year but it felt like I've been there for more years.
" Good morning Tessa."
"Hi. Morning Alaina. Good to see you. Someone came to see you and he left a message".
"He??"
"Yes a young man came looking for you. Rather an handsome man Alaina".
Why did she wink?
"Tessa, I don't know what you're thinking. I also have no idea who you talking about."
She handed me a business card with a name and a number behind it. That was the message.
*Braden Willian*
No 5. You're up next".
Oh God. Not now. I was so terrified, the next person had to tap me.
Okay, I can do this, I can make it through. Oh Mom. Where are you when I need you the most.
"Alaina dinner's set".
Mum makes too much announcements.
'Alaina, the kids are going to bed'
'Alaina I'm doing the laundry'
'Alaina pizza's here'.
I don't want to hear any of that tonight. Right now, I only want to stuff my mouth with all these chicken and I'd make dessert for myself with the last bowl of ice cream in the freezer. Surprisingly mom didn't repeat her announcement or come upstairs to drag me to dinner. I'm not too sure why but it made me more upset. I felt like she had not been giving me attention, like she had not been there. I bit into the chicken with so much force, that my teeth hurt, i had downed eight wings, still a number to go.
As much as I tried, I couldn't stick around for mom to come find me. I need attention too. I flounced down the stairs and quickly took in the scene that was playing out while they had dinner. I walked to the fridge and took out the bowl of ice cream. Even with my exaggerated actions, all I got was,
'Sweetie are you okay?’
And I gave my answer as straight too.
'I'm fine mom'.
Was I??
I was mad at everyone but it wasn't physical hurt, it was emotional. I put up a wall to obstruct my feelings. On the outside, I'm managing a smile, on the inside, I'm so down, drowning in a river of tears.
I resumed my eating.
'Alaina. Madison is here.'
More announcement.
But why is Madison here.
Soon there's a knock on my door and the voice is unmistakable.
Ugh. Did mom call her because I was upset?
I opened the door and she flung herself into my arms.
"Oh! Alaina. I missed you so much. I've got so much stories to tell you. The island was amazing. I really have not seen anything like it in my entire life".
Why do people always have to say a lot of words?
There she was, my only childhood friend that had not back stabbed me. Madison is like another word for beautiful. Sometimes I feel proud to introduce her as my bff.
Other times, I'm weighed down by jealousy and the fact that she easily got crowd in her favour. It didn't ruin our friendship however. Maybe it's good that she came here. I really had to talk to someone.
" Alaaaaaaaaina, did you hear me at all?”
Oh! She hadn't stopped talking.
"Did you say something?"
Maybe I shouldn't have asked that. I can't have her start all over.
"Awww, Alaina, you're upset"
I was so relieved. And warm too. She finally noticed.
"Where do you always buy your chicken wings?”
" Sam's place. Why? ........." Then I realized
"No. Not my chicken. Madison put that down".
Too late. Two's gone.
" They always taste so good Alaina".
I shrug and fall back on my bed.
"Alaina what's getting so hard to you, I feel so uncomfortable right now. Tell me babe, did something happen at work"
I sighed deeply.
"Earlier today, I was at Keith Jones theatre. There was this interview for auditioning actors. I didn't tell you or mom because I felt that I was in control of it. For two weeks I rehearsed my words day and night. I worked really hard at it. I searched for all possible questions on the internet then I compiled 150 of the most common questions. I made sure I had the answers. And yesterday, I asked for a off day and surprisingly Larry granted it. I got there really early. I was dressed in one of my best gowns, I even wore the bracelet mom got me last year. Everything seemed perfect until the interview started. I must have been the youngest there. I was the fifth person. I panicked when I heard that voice call my number. I walked in to the hall to meet the panel sort of. There were five of them, two women and three men. They all looked business like, except a man who looked far more casual than any of them managed to look.
" What's your name miss? The older woman asked me.
"Alaina Audrey. I'm 17”.
For a minute I thought the casual man looked surprised.
" How would you describe your acting style?”
It was a man this time, with a very deep voice.
"Um......I......I just flow with every scene and.......I adjust to the new turnout of things....."
What was I saying? I had gone completely blank. I was already stuttering on the first question. I looked to the faces of the panel for some sort of solace, there was none.
"How many roles have you taken on since you started acting?”
"This......it's my first......I mean none. This is my first audition".
I felt so embarrassed. What was I thinking when I decided to come? I've not even done this before.
" What's your inspiration?" The older woman asked again. She seemed to be helping me but I couldn't be helped. I knew clearly what inspired me but I seemed to have forgotten.
"Well, the setting and the kind of story inspires me"
No. No. No. I was making the whole thing worse. The last question that saw me out of that hall came from the casually dressed young man.
"Why do you think you should be an actress, what difference will your acting make?”
I was sweating right under the cold air conditioner.
"It's been a long time dream for me to become an actress and I want people to know through my acting that life is about doing what they want".
That part made a tiny bit of hopeful. It came out right I guess. I scanned all five faces. I saw nothing. It must be part of an actor's job, I thought.
"Miss Audrey, we'll get back to you if there's need to. Thanks for coming".
I felt like I was flung into a trash can. That's it. My dream, it had vanished, just like that.
I wanted to cry but the tears were somehow nowhere to be found.
I'm often like that. When I really want to cry, I don't but that one time I don't want to cry, I'd make a messy face.
" Alaina. I'm so sorry about this. I know you're talented and if you keep pushing your talent will be put on sportlight someday. Moreover they didn't say they won't call you. Don't get all too upset. Wait for the call first. "
"There's no need waiting when I know I won't be called up".
Madison became quiet. I felt sorry for killing her initial excitement. Some things are just meant to be. Maybe acting ain't for me. I shouldn't ruin an innocent girl's night because of that.
" Say, Madison, let's stuff our faces to celebrate our re-union".
She looked at me doubtfully. I undestand that look. One of the reasons Madison's my best friend. She'd not hesistate to cancel her plans for my sake. I brought out the last bucket of chicken wings. Soon enough,
"I opened my window every afternoon so that I could see him clearly from my room. He was so cute. He looked back at me and waved everytime he saw me. Finally we talked. Gosh Alaina, he's so funny. And on the last night we took a long walk. And......."
"You kissed him, I bet you did".
" No you're wrong, his hands only brushed my face slightly when he removed the strands of hair that kept falling into my face. I was so shy, I looked away".
"No way. Really. You looked away, hmmm. That's nice. Maybe he did it while you looked away and you didn't notice".
She hit me with the teddy next to her.
"Alaina don't be like that. I'm not lying".
And it went on and on till it was black.
But I knew when mom came in. She kissed my forehead and Madison's too.
The next morning.
" Morning girls". Mum only stepped in a minute. She resumes very early at work on Tuesdays.
I picked up my phone. I switched it off cause i didn't want to talk to anyone. All the event played itself out in my head again. I still felt very embarrassed. I open Blair's messages first. Maybe I should have told him. He always had a good solution to many things.
"Hi Roxy".
" You seem to be busy today".
"Please call me when you see my messages"
"Roxy where are you? Are you avoiding me? I'm sorry I didn't call earlier".
" The call keeps going to your voicemail. Is everything fine?.”
"I know something must have happened today but whatever it is, you'll be fine. You always are. Goodnight Rox. Blair cares".
So sweet of him to leave all those messages. I must have given him a fright.
" Madison. Good morning. Mom said you came in last night but I was asleep already. I'm happy you're here. Will you take me to the mall after school?"
Madison let out a hearty laughter.
"Rob, ain't you such an adorable child. Yes I'll take you to the mall and here I got these chocolates for you. They're heart shaped because I love you".
All of these drama. Can we just get to the bus station already.
Now the same drama would repeat itself with Aaron too. Only with less luvy words.
It felt really good to be out in the sunlight with Madison and to be free from all the practise and memorising. After deciding to meet at Rob and Aaron's school in the afternoon, Madison and I parted ways. Back to my regular life at Webstix. It's a web design company. I'm not a tech expert. I'm a personal assistant to Larry. One of the main partners at Webstix. Larry Jeffery and John Jeffery own Webstix. I walked in and I just felt happy to be back there. The familiar atmosphere and the smell of coffee coming from every angle, felt like a second home. I've only been here for a year but it felt like I've been there for more years.
" Good morning Tessa."
"Hi. Morning Alaina. Good to see you. Someone came to see you and he left a message".
"He??"
"Yes a young man came looking for you. Rather an handsome man Alaina".
Why did she wink?
"Tessa, I don't know what you're thinking. I also have no idea who you talking about."
She handed me a business card with a name and a number behind it. That was the message.
*Braden Willian*
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