4 : Bridges, Coins and Attractions
New York was busy as usual, people walked through the streets , trying to get to their destination as soon as possible, Cars and Taxis drove speedly across the busy streets, the annoying sound of horns and cars screeching were heard, the familiar garbage smell polluted the air, While the passerby’s walked in oblivion. Grace was still anxious, even more anxious than she had been at home, though she was seated in her mother's 2010 ford model car, fidgeting with her fingers, she couldn't help but panic a little even with her mother sitting by her side. She was about taking the biggest step in her life, and she could either come out a victor or a loser, the thought of loosing this opportunity gave her a shock and she didn't think she would be able to handle it if it were to happen.
Her mother, Eliene was driving, paying strict attention to the road, to notice her panicking , she couldn't blame her mom for her lack of attention, it was alright since her mum wasn't a particularly 'Sound Driver' and it showed with how slow she drove and how scared she got when a car sped past her, Grace found her cute though. It was the perks of having a scaredy cat as a mum.
She noticed the car stop abruptly, making her heart race quicken thinking they had arrived, but she her thoughts changed otherwise when she noticed noticed the car still vibrating a little, she turned to her mother who was already observing her.
"There's traffic, that's why we stopped". Her mum said looking concerned.
"Oh okay". Came her short reply as she went back to fidgeting with her fingers. Eliene noticed her daughter's uneasiness, it was expected though, she was about to take her first big decision as an adult, she stretched her hand a little grabbing her left hand that was shaking a continuously, in a soothing but firm grip.
"Grace!, Baby Stop Being anxious and scared, everything is going to be fine, and even if it isn't it's okay to loose".Grace turned immediately to face her mum, Her anxiety kicked in hard, she couldn't believe it, was her mum already giving up on her?, the thought scared her more.
"Mum, I'm going to get this part, I really will, are you giving up on me already?" Grace sounded scared and it didn't escape Eliene. A concerned Eliene went further to hold her daughters both hands.
"Look at me Grace, in life you can't win all the time, you learn to put in your best but always have it at the back of your mind that there's a 99% chance you are going to loose, because there are so many people who are also putting as much efforts as you are and are praying to the same God, you are praying to, if they win it means they put more effort than you or were just lucky. You loosing doesn't mean you're a failure, or a looser, it just means to try harder and do better, it's okay to loose sometimes. "
Was it really?
"So do the best you can today, if you come out successful, then I'll be happy, but if you don't I'll be even more happy and willing to help you get it next time, Okay!, stop panicking Honey". Grace nodded, Hugging her mum, accepting that whatever happens she had to accept it though it would be hard. Her mum returned the hug rubbing her back in the process, after a while they separate as her mum opens her phone to keep herself busy.
The traffic lasted longer than expected and Grace was getting bored, she looked around seeing that no cars were still moving, she scanned the area, noticing a group of people gathering together facing the sea. Then it clicked to her , they were at the Long Express Bridge, She had always heard about it , and knew it was most popular for it's bad traffic. Her mother couldn't avoid it today, as it was the only way to get to Black entertainment.
"Mum can I have a coin?". She asked her mum, who nodded, Eliene knew what her daughter wanted to do and she really didn't plan on stopping her, she was too invested in her phone to stop, she was currently watching a video and was laughing so much from it. She hands her the coin, before focusing her attention on the phone again.. Grace thanked her, though no reply was heard, just a small chuckle as her eyes remained fixed on the object in her hands.
Holding the coins, Grace opens the door banging it softly after her and heading to the the other side of the bridge. The wind blows through her hair covering her face, she felt a bit chilly, her short dress wasn't helping matters, not being able to do anything, she sighed now concentrating on the sea above her. The sea was beautiful and from where she stood, she could see the trump tower in its glory, it was a nice feeling standing there, the cold being the only disadvantage. She always loved the sea growing up, it was the part of nature she connected to the most, it was always peaceful to her seeing the sea. Back then her parents would take her on a trip to London , and she would always beg her dad to take her to the bridge, where she would throw coins and wish for good things. Now she had just one wish, and she hoped the three coins would grant her that wish.
Closing her eyes, she held her hands above the sea, staying far away to avoiding tripping. "I wish to get this part, so my mother can stop working as a cleaner ". She immediately throws in the coins with a proud smile on her face. With her hands clasped together, she prayed for it to come true.
The sound of horns bring her back to reality as she notices cars starting to move, she runs to her mother's car after hearing her mum calling for her to hurry inside. Seated, she buckles her belt, with a smile on her face, and a new found confidence.
_______________
Grace Winters
He stared at the girls picture, he couldn't see much since it was a passport, but he could tell she was very beautiful. She had a small smile on her face like she had seen something so beautiful, it was like she wanted to laugh but didn't want to spoil her passport, she looked stunning. Her deep green orbs held a beautiful gleam in it. He read her bio that said nothing more than her dreams of getting the role. He looked at her picture again, his lips curving to a slight smirk, he couldn't wait to see her at the auditions. He turned of the iPad placing it on the seat, not wanting to look more at the mysterious but enchanting girl. He collected a bottle of water from his fridge, taking a sip from it. He let the cold water cool him down.
"Why has the car stopped Vincent?". He asked noticing the car not moving.
"Sir, There is a traffic Jam?". Vincent replied from the drivers seat. Melissa looked up from her laptop now noticing the jam .
Leonard Frowned. "I thought you are passing Freeway road, Traffic Jams never occurs there".
"I took The Bridge this time sir, I got news from my friends that an accident occurred at that road." Vincent stuttered a bit, shaken.
"Fine, how long is the traffic going to last?". Leonard sighed.
"Thirty Minutes Sir".
"Thirty Minutes!, that's a lot of time To spend doing nothing". He sighed Muttering under his breath .
"I'm sorry sir". Vincent said quietly. Leonard dismissed it, not wanting to hear an apology from him, knowing he wasn't at fault. He adjusted his tie before laying back on the seat.
"I'm so sorry sir". Melissa spoke up calling his attention, he looked up to see her visibly shaken as she stammers a bit to get her words correctly.
"What is it?, Speak up?". He said impatiently.
"Well Mrs Black has scheduled a meeting with you today, I forgot since I had-".
"Such incompetence!!, This information should have been passed yesterday”. He huffed slamming the iPad on the seat frightening Melissa .
"I'm sorry sir, I had to arrange-". Melissa tried explaining further.
"Your apologies won't solve the problem now would it, call Justin, Now!". He ordered massaging his temples. He couldn't believe such incompetence coming from Melissa who had worked with him for over five years. A meeting with his mother is a must meet, and he had the auditions to take care of too. He always emphasized being told things before hand considering his conflicting schedules.
Melissa handed him the phone which he collected speaking to the receiver, Justin his manager.
"Postpone the auditions by two more hours-".
"But Mr Black almost 350 Ladies have already arrived, we can't postpone it, there would be an uproar and the media is already waiting." Justin said in a low voice as if not wanting others to hear, his voice sounded strained, probably scared.
"I wasn't done talking Justin". Leonard said curtly.
"I'm sorry Sir".
"Postpone it but don't tell the contestants, let it seem like a challenge a part of the auditions to see who is the most patient and determined. I have something to take care of". He spoke before ending the call and throwing the phone over to a still scared Melissa.
"I'm so sorry Sir". Melissa said again but Leonard ignored her.
"Vincent, when the jam is over take a turn to The estate, then call for a car for Melissa now." Melissa looked at him confused. "Go and supervise the company till I get there".
"Okay sir". Melissa said a bit relieved. Leonard ignored her rolling down the window to observe the area. Cars lined up around all patiently waiting for the jam to be over. Leonard's eyes however focused on the overlook of the sea, though he was never interested in the sea, he was however fascinated by it. He looked around, till his eyes rested on a girl whose back was turned against him. She wore a black short gown that hugged her large backside, but perfect for her slim body. Her long black hair was in huge waves cascading all the way to her hips, the wind blew through it spreading it further, she wore small black heals to match. He could only stare at her, Though he couldn't see her face he could tell she was beautiful, he wondered what she was doing at the bridge.
Was she thinking of sucide?
He doubted, seeing as other people stood around her watching the sea too. He noticed her holding something in her hands, she said something to the thing before throwing it to the sea, she jumped a bit after, presumably Happy Making him get up from his seating position with his hands on his car door, scared for her falling. He sank back to his seat when he noticed her stopping. He tried looking further to get a clear view of her face, but he is distracted by the sound of continuous sirens and horns blowing at the same time, the mysterious girl then runs towards a black ford slow enough for him to get a small glimpse of her face. The car then zooms off leaving Leonard puzzled.
His winds up the window, falling back into the seat, he lets out a sigh resting his head and gently closing his eyes, he thinks about the long discussion he would have to entertain with his mother, But The thought of the mysterious girl in black stays dominant in his mind as he tries to match her to Grace Winters. The rest of the journey consists of him thinking about the two ladies and how they could be related.
_________________5: Welcome to Black Entertainment 10am, January 27thBlack Entertainment Cameras flashed from all corners, bright light threatening to blind the eyes of all who looked at its direction. Men and women dressed in black outfits screamed series of questions to the arriving stars, and girls who hoped to be like them one day. The front of the 30 story building housing the Famous Black Entertainment was unusually packed today, reporters and paparazzi of all kinds stood at the front of the building clicking pictures of anyone who entered, hoping to create the next big story of 'The Next Big Star'. Notable stars that were being produced or managed by Black entertainment had already arrived, some eager to meet the next big thing, others looking for a way back into the celebrity life, they knew they were loosing their popularity by the second and needed to regain their image. Women from all over the country had arrived in New York at the head branch of Bl
10:54am Black Estate Golden gates stood tall guarding the beautiful estate, embedded on the huge 10 feet gates was a huge sign written in gold letters that spelt "Black Estate". The limousine drove through the huge gates, followed by two black cars, revealing a huge mansion and estate. As the limousine drove in fully into the compound, it past a huge fountain that stood in front of the mansion, completing the whole compound. As the limousine stopped, one of the guards came to the passenger side of the car, opening it , shoes first, Leonard stepped out of the car, with a frown. The journey had taken a longer time due to the long route they had taken, Melissa was called several times by Justin already. Leonard couldn't blame him he was scared, but he was sure to reprimand him on his cowardice when he gets there, he was always so scared of big decisions. Leonard always thought if he was worthy of the pos
Chapter 7 : The Interview (Part 1)Miss Grace Winters, You're Next".Her heart stopped, her hands were sweaty, her body was moving on its own accord and her mind was all over the place. So many questions ran through her mind. She couldn't help but look around to all the crying girls that looked at her with jealousy, she couldn't blame them though, they had looked at each girl that entered the elevator with the same eyes, but each girl had either come out crying or with a huge frown, some even left the building disappointed, she had thought they had rejected them until she saw some girls still sitting down and waiting, then she knew the results would be announced later. The girls that left already felt they had lost and wouldn't be able to get the chance at all.They weren't really much people remaining, just a little over 50, who remained after the long wait, of 6 hours. Most girls lost th
Chapter 8: The Interview (Pt 2) Always Believe in yourself, if you don't no one else can. When you stand before the panel, you either give your all or go home And remember a good actor doesn't just act the part, he or she becomes the part, always learn to connect to your emotions Grace. She thought hard on it before breathing in and going straight to character, She closed her eyes as she connected to her most painful memory, the day her father was buried, 10 years ago, she remembered crying and weeping close to the corpse when she tried giving a speech about him, she could remember the pain and she tried to connect to that pain as drops of tears fell from her eyes to her cheeks, she remembered the distraught look on her mother's face as she said her last goodbyes and that was all she needed to be Anita. Opening her now puffy eyes, with te
Chapter 9: A Decision Made by a Panel. (Pt 1). The Auditions were officially over, all 50 girls had been screened and the final verdict awaited. The Panel of five sat in a round table, with Mr Black at the head, screening through the girls from least good to best. It was a tough decision, finding the good ones out of the 50, As the panel knew most girls had put in their best , but after much deliberation they came down to the top Five, But That was were the real difficulty arrived, deciding who was more deserving of the five proved to be a real task. The panel would have to make a decision and soon as they didn't have much time on their hands. Even as they were a panel, each had a particular person they thought had done the best to them, which varied from the other judges, now was the time to argue and convince the other judges to vote their choice. Mr Black was oblivious to the current debate by the panel. He folded his hands together, try
Chapter 10: A Decision Made By The Panel (pt2) Leonard knew Grace was perfect for the role, She had the beauty that intoxicated him, The smile that he couldn't forget, the innocence that radiated of her and what he was most curious about. She was perfect and that was the more reason he wanted to hide her from the world so much. He knew she would make a good actress, he had seen it for himself and she had stunned him so much, he also knew she was good for Business but he was jealous and didn't want to share her, he had already made his decision, he was going to give the role to the other deserving girl, His Grace was better off with out it. He picked the two files up as his eyes caught Grace's passport, even for a passport he was sure stunned , she had a small smile and her eyes twinkled. Passports were meant to be ugly but she still stunned in her passport, she was a natural beauty. He said a little sorry from his head to her, he had seen the expectat
"Good Evening Ladies, Can I have your attention please?". Mr Justin, spoke in a polite voice to all the exhausted ladies in the Lobby. He was Accompanied by Jane, The receptionist who attended to her and another unfamiliar lady who was still dressed in a professional attire, The both ladies had purple gift boxes in each of their hands, though Jane's was slightly bigger. Grace wondered what was inside the boxes at first sight but decided not to think much about it as it would be revealed later on. The sound of The managers voice was like a bell rung to most of the sleeping ladies. It was inevitable to fall asleep, even Grace did, it wasn't a bad thing though, they were all exhausted and tired, which was expected, they had been seated at the lobby for almost ten hours, some had arrived at 9:00 am to secure a good space at the lobby due to the crowd and had been there ever since, it was already 8pm now and even though Grace and her mum had arrived a little
“Are You okay?’’. Eliene asked once Grace had seated in the car. “I don’t know Mum”. Grace brought her knees to her head hugging it. She stiffled a moan as she began crying uncontrollably. Her cries were loud and each sound felt more painful than the last to Aliens. “No Amore, No!, don’t cry”. Eliene pulled grace close to her self hugging her tightly. With Her free hands she patted her shoulders softly as she allowed her to cry. Knowing that it was better for her to pour it out, than bottle it in. There was a comfortable mixture of crying and the soft sounds of patting that Eliene was doing and soon Her loud wails were just soft sniffing here and there. “Thanks Mum”. Grace said sitting back in a normal position. "Do you know why I wanted this part so much Mum?" Grace asked after a short while. "Because you've always wanted to be an Actress". Her mum answered turning to face her. "No, You're wro