Twisted🌀 6

Twisted chapter 6

"It's okay, I understand. It's only natural that you're curious. For some years now,  I've been working on a movie and just at the middle of it the teen face of the main character,  runs off to sign another contract that appeared very lucrative and when it fails she tries to come back, but she finds out that she's pregnant. Things must have gotten really messed up for her. Summary is we urgently need a replacement. I know if you're trained for a few months, you're good to go. Well there you have it Miss Audrey. You're welcome for ruining your surprise".
" What is going on?"

I was stunned. I won't just be trained in the acting school but also prepared for a role that was waiting for me already. How much better could my story become? I looked back at Madison who was grinning at me. She had that I'm so proud of you look on her face. I couldn't reach over to her yet. We'd scream all we want when we get back to the house. I was thinking so much at the same time, I had to look to the side at Braden to be extra sure that I wasn't saying my thoughts out loud. 'Alaina, you really would be a star and walk down a red carpet and you'll live in a magnificent house and you'll be in the news, on Tv’.
It was so hard to believe. "But I have to go to college, graduate, earn a degree for myself".
" You will Miss Audrey. You definitely will."
I was quiet the rest of the ride. Here I was living my superstar dream wthout leaving home. I always nursed hopes of going to New York city or London to become an actress. I couldn't wait to tell mom. I began thinking about my role. As the lead,  I should be comfortable and have plenty of aides and just talk about money and fame. Who was I kidding? I'd take on any role as long as I get to star in a real movie.

"What movie are you working on?”
" Arabella".
A chill went through my spine.
Arabella.
At that minute, we passed through a large black gate.
"Welcome to Cherry acting school, ladies".
" Cherry acting school?”

"Yes, named after Cherry Willian. My mother. She always wanted to be an actress though she was a trained journalist. She was always intrigued watching the behind-the-scenes of movies live. When she eventually tried acting, she got quite a number of supporting roles. Mother always wanted more. She felt she should star her own movie. So she quit and ever since, she blamed it on not being trained in an acting school. Becoming an actor myself, I realized that people could really do better if they were trained. That's why we're here."
"It was very nice of you to do this for her. Does she visit?"
"Yes, once every year. She would have loved to come here more often but she lives far away and she has other commitments".
I mumbled my response as I scanned the area. There were so many trees, tall hovering trees that were neatly planted around the premises.
Oh! My gosh.
I couldn't help exclaiming. Right in the middle of some trees, I caught a glimpse of water, huge water flowing.
" A part of the Gelaing river flows through here ".
It was just too beautiful.
Braden drove right into a spot that must have been reserved for him at the park.
As I stepped down, I was greeted by cold but fresh air. I had little goose bumps. Madison stood next to me and she smiled again.
" Girl, you don't need me to tell you but I'll still say, This Is Huge".
We hugged eachother,  laughing.
"Err..... So are we going inside or you'd rather be here hugging?’

I smiled a little as we walked towards him trying not to feel embarrased. He always had something to chip in.
As we walked into the magnificent building, I kept wondering in amazement how much it would have cost to put this place together. Everything about it spelled beautiful. There was a round water fountain right in the middle of the long hall we walked into then around it were seats just like in the park. There were some people seated around the fountain,  not as young as I expected and they were probably doing a group work before we came in but not anymore. Their eyes were feasted on the group of myself and Madison and Braden. I didn't know what to make of their stares.
A few people who were close enough said a 'Good morning' with a slight bow. The rest just stared on.
We walked straight to the elevator at the right end of the wall.
It stopped at the third floor.
There seemed to be a lot of activities going on at this floor unlike the first but it didn't take long before Braden's presence was noticed. The first people that actually talked to him were two grown up women.
"Good morning Mr. Willian"
The black- hair woman spoke first. Didn't look like the black was her colour though.
"Good morning Mr Willian".
The other woman greeted too in a firm voice.
" Good morning Ms. Glenna, Mrs Volakis".
"Mr Willian we're indeed happy to see you today though surprised by your sudden appearance."
"I came in respect of 'the project'. Call all the tutors, could we make use of your class Ms. Glenna? I need to make an announcement."
"Yes sir. I'll get the other tutors right away."
As Ms. Glenna stepped out, a beautiful young woman stepped in. This place must be women dominated, I only saw a few guys on the first floor. She seemed anxious as she hurried to Braden's side.
"Good morning Mr Willian. I'm so sorry I'm late. I was inspecting the works of the repairs men in the new closet you ordered to be fixed."
"Thank you Madigan but I just came in too. There's no need to apologise. I've called an urgent meeting concerning the project. I guess you know why."
She looked over at Madison and I as if  looking for which of us Braden has chosen.
"Yes sir".
Suddenly I felt like re-considering my decision. As the tutors walked in and took their seats,  saying a brief greeting to Braden, I felt a little coldness. I stood beside Braden on his right, Madigan stood on his left. Madison sat somewhere at the front. Ms.Glenna finally came in. Braden thanked them all for coming around and he went ahead to deliver his announcement.
" You're all aware of the surrounding circumstance facing the project with the lead character gone, we have to train another person within four months and resume with our project. For this reason, I brought a very good replacement for Miss Allison. Everyone meet Miss Alaina Audrey. She would be joining the acting school from tomorrow. Mrs Volakis, she's your student. Any comments?”
"May I speak sir?"
It was Ms. Glenna. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable around her.
"As soon as the loss of Miss Allison was announced, we picked two of our best students for evaluation at the end of next month. I am very certain that whoever passes the evaluation will be our best actress for the lead role."
Everyone was quiet for a moment. Nothing comes easy after all, I thought to myself. But Braden is the boss right? He should be able to do something. I looked up at him and as if on cue, he spoke again. He's never short of words.
"Well if that is the case, Miss Audrey will take the evaluation test with your other students. In the absence of other observations, all tutors can get back to their duties. Mrs Volakis, please stay behind."
For the first time he looked a bit tired. Madison came over to me and took my hands.
"Alaina don't worry. It'll be fine. I'm sure he'll fix it. I don't want you getting all worked  up over this. Maintain your poise, let them see your confidence. I'm here for you laina."
I returned a weak smile to Madison. I was glad I wasn't alone.
"Hi Alaina. It's nice to meet you. I am Darcie Volakis. My class is the basics of acting. I tutor all the new students and I look forward to working with you".
"Thanks Mrs Volakis"
"No darling, call me Mrs Darcie, I love it when my students are free around me."
I smiled again. Finally. Someone who understands. Madigan stood with Braden as they watched on.
"Mrs Volakis, please show Miss Audrey around and send her up to my office later".
" I'm sorry to interrupt but I really have to go now. I should be in an important meeting very soon".
Oh! I completely forgot. Madison's agency will decide if her contract would be renewed today.
"I'm so sorry Madison, I didn't remember."
"It's okay. I would have someone drop you wherever you're heading to."
I hugged Madison and whispered goodluck to her.
"You need it more Alaina".
A man in a suit soon joined us, he was the one Braden had called to take Madison back to town.
Braden soon left with Madigan so I was left with Mrs Vola...... right Mrs Darcie.
As we toured round the building,  I was trying to put away my negative thoughts. Maybe it's been a long day for them, that explains the cold treatment.
It wasn't only Braden they were staring at when we can in at first. Their consistent gazes told me so. Did I wear something not fitting? I definitely didn't look so different from them in black and white. Maybe it's because I'm new. I wonder if I'll meet anyone my age.

" There's the office of the Managing director Liam Burke, he does all the overseeing and handles the management duties while Mr Willian is away."
A young man approached us, well, Mrs Darcie. He asked her for a copy of a script. Before he turned to leave he looked at me and without taking his eyes he asked Mrs Darcie
"New student I guess?"
"Yes, she came in this morning. You want to coach this one too?"
"I don't know. I've got a lot on my hands. I could watch for a while and if she has the potential,  I would take her on."

Usually, people having a conversation about me like I'm not there made me upset but I was very thankful this time that I didn't have to say a word. It was all happening so fast.
Finally, we were at the fourth floor.
"Students and staff alike do not come to the fourth floor so often. Mr Willian's office and the theatre occupy the fourth floor."
Finally I managed to reply her.
"There's a theatre here?”
" Yes, for special functions and auditions which happen only once or twice a year."
Mrs Darcie knocked at the door of Braden's office.
"Thank you Mrs Volakis. Miss Audrey would resume tomorrow. Please write a list of necessary materials for her and get it back to me before the end of the day."
"It was nice to make your acquaintance Miss Audrey. See you tomorrow."
"Thanks Mrs Darcie".
She sounded so sincere, I hoped she was really sincere.
"So, you like what you've seen so far?”
" Yes, it's really beautiful here and so natural."
Braden's office here was a replica of his office in the tower. The only difference was the space. This office was more spacious than the other one.
"And the people?”
He must have noticed my uneasiness. I still felt a cold air hanging around. I would have completely bought the fact that it was because I was the new student but now that I heard the way Ms Glenna talk about her best students I began to think I wasn't welcome.
"They are nice people, as time goes by, I would get to understand them better."
"I am glad you see it that way. The whole acting school is involved in this project. This is the second year since we started this movie. Leah Allison was one of the best first year students and most of the tutors approved of her being the lead character but to be fair to the other students a test was set and like they all predicted Leah performed excellently. Six months into the filming, Leah stopped showing up and when she was eventually found, she was pregnant. I don't want to go further than that. Since then Ms. Glenna has put in much more efforts to train another lead and this time she made sure to have two options. After four months, you'll take the test with the rest of the students. Let the best actress win. Do we have a deal?”
"Sure. I'll do my best. It's the least I could do to show my gratitude."
The rest of the day passed uneventfully.
7:00pm I was glad to be back home. I came down from my room to play with Rob and Aaron but it wasn't enough to put me at ease. I talked to mom about it and she insisted on not giving up with giving it a try and she gave me a 'mom loves you' hug.
I had nothing else to do so I ordered for Bondi chicken burger 🍔 and a bottle of Solo.
Immediately it arrived, I went up to my room to eat. Nothing puts me at ease like eating especially a chicken meal.
"Alaina, how did you do?”
I looked up,  very surprised.
" Madison. I'm so glad you're here. But you should be home."
"After what I saw today, I'd stay for a few days to be sure everything is fine before I leave".
I smiled. So much like Madison to be protective. She loved cheerful places and the acting school didn't come across as cheerful in any way.
" Madison, it's nothing, really. They've just been through a lot lately. Braden says it's all under control. I'll do just fine. So, was your contract renewed?”
"Great way to change the topic but I'll play along anyway. Yessss. The next shooting is in Spain in October. I'm so excited".
We hugged for the third time today.
"What do you say, let's celebrate our future success".
It was always great having Madison around. We talked long into the night and drifted off to sleep just before midnight.

Braden dropped me off the next morning like he promised. He did a few things and then he left. I felt very lonely and lost in a very new and very cold environment until Mrs Darcie found me.
" lost already, Alaina?”
"Good morning Mrs Darcie"
"Good morning. Let's go. You're getting late already. You think you're ready? ”
"I was born ready." I wondered where the confidence came from.
As we stepped into the class, there was a total silence. Mrs Darcie did a little introduction and asked me to join the rest of the class. A girl with a friendly face motioned to the seat next to her. "It's empty",  she said in almost a whisper. I thanked her and hurried to sit as Mrs Darcie soon started the class. At the beginning,  I tried hard to listen but soon I let my eyes wander around the class trying to scan my environment and the new faces. Thankfully the class didn't take too long. My new classmates started coming closer. Like I had noticed majority of them were older, the rest would be my age. They were friendly though and a certain girl stood out. She was at the front of the class. She was pretty and she spoke very convincingly. She must be a leading influence among the first year students.
" Hi. I'm Catherine. I help the teacher with settling in the new students. I'm everyone's first friend at CAS."
CAS? Oh! Must be the acronym of Cherry Acting School. She talked on and on about the courses and other activities, lingering on the end of semester performances. Truthfully, I am beginning to like this place especially since I've not seen Ms. Glenna today.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnggggg!!!
I turned around to reach for the alarm clock. 6:00am. I stifled a yawn as I turned on the light. I was right there in bed in my p-jays. It was just a dream.