Kaylani

“Am I not that good?” Shelannie asked me that with frustration. She was complaining about the audition last month and the result just came in, and she didn’t pass. I just let her talk and wail because that’s how she vents out her feelings.

“Don’t think about that, okay? You are good. It’s just that this isn’t your time.” I guided her to sit. She was pacing back and forth. We’re here at her condo, it’s already past 8, and we’re done eating. We were just watching some series and the result popped up.

“Lani, this is the 5th time I failed! I did my best, and I thought I passed the audition!” she exclaimed. She added, “I did my best. That movie would be my stepping stone if only I p-passed that!”

“It’s okay, Shel.” I sat next to her and caressed her back. She leaned on me. “You always did your best and poured all your heart into that audition. The director didn’t even notice that!”

And she auditioned along with the brightest star from our rival company. I think it was the fact that they came from a top agency and most of them had already established their names.

“Maybe this is not really for me. If that’s the case, then I would stick to modeling,” she sadly said.

“No! Don’t ever say that! You are good at acting—the best, I must say,” I protested. She was a good actor, and she always attended different workshops. She invested a lot of her time and effort, and I don’t want her to waste that. “You were good out there! Better than that Samantha girl.” Comparing her to that girl—she was good, but not good as Shel. I didn’t want to compare, but I couldn't help it. Samantha got the role, which made Shel more furious because it’s her biggest competitor in some workshops and casting.

“Ah, that bitch! She thought I didn’t know what she was doing. She even tripped my foot when I was walking through with them. Her friends saw that, and they had the guts to laugh at me! And now what a coincidence that she always presents every damn time.”

“Maybe because… you know… connection? Her agency is big and has a lot of connections.” My voice was a bit uneven. The thought of that came abruptly.

“She’s doing that on purpose! She was mocking me the last time I failed my fourth audition. She always does that, as she knows at the beginning that I am not going to make it.”

“You know what? There’s an opportunity waiting for you,” soothing her. I removed her head on my shoulder and faced her and said, “Always remember that nothing worth having ever comes easy.” I smiled at her while caressing her hair. “But for now, seize every opportunity and don’t give up. Your time will come.”

“Your words always make me calm. Thank you, Kay, for being there, I couldn’t do the things I have now because of you.” She smiled and hugged me. I hugged her tight and simply uttered goodnight.

Our usual days rolled like that; Shelannie was busy doing her things, going to the gym, and attending her last workshop for this year. I’m busy arranging her schedules, then, suddenly, my phone rang, the sound echoed in this quiet living room. I look at it, and it was Lennon, Shelannie’s manager.

“Hello, Kay. I’ve been calling Shel, but she’s not answering.” Oh, hello, I mentally said. “Are you with her?” he straightly asked.

“Hello, Lennon. Shel went to the gym on the ground. Maybe she doesn’t want distraction,” I explained before he nags her later.

“Gosh! That girl!” he grunted. “Is she still sulking? Didn’t I tell her to move on, did I?” I could tell here he was pinching his nose in annoyance.

“No… of course not. She’s already moved on.” I shook my head as if he saw me.

“Good. Okay, hear me? I don’t have time right now. The boss asked me if I can send her to audition tomorrow.”

My eyes widened in shock. Audition? What… tomorrow?

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I uttered in dismay. He should tell us ahead so Shelannie could prepare.

“This was also short notice, our boss informed me, just this time. Call Shelannie and tell her you still have time to prepare,” he commanded. “Tell her to do her best. I heard this will be a big project with a famous actor. They didn’t reveal yet, but I have my bet already.”

“Wow, yes. Thank you for informing us this early.” My voice sounds sarcastic right now. But I was curious who would be that ‘famous actor’ then? “Who do you think then?”

“Welcome, Kaylani, and thank you too.” He sensed my sarcasm, and he fueled it, which made me roll my eyes. “For that, I’ll tell you when I confirm it. Calm your ass. Adios!” The other line shut down. Bye!

I was scrolling through my phone contacts when the door opened, and Shel entered with a grin plastered on her face. Wearing fitness attire and holding a gym bag in her right hand. When she saw my frown, her forehead creased.

“You look like you lost the lottery. Something’s bothering you?”

I shook my head. “No! But Lennon called me just now, he informed me about a certain audition tomorrow!”

“What!” She hurriedly dropped her things on the floor and sat on the couch. “Why didn’t he inform us earlier?”

“He tried, but your phone was off. He called you many times and lose his patience, then he called me to inform us.”

“That bitch!” She fidgeted her phone with annoyance. “Don’t tell me they informed him late?” I nodded and she sighed in annoyance. She rolled her eyes and added, “Again? He always does and says that lame excuse.”

“Don’t worry, you still have time to prepare. Go, take a shower, and I’ll prepare your outfits for tomorrow.” I shooed her.

When taking an audition, they just wear simple clothes, though nothing extravagant and light make-ups. Directors always ask for that so they can see their natural expression and face when acting some parts.

One hour before sunrise, we’re now awake. We do this every time Shel has an audition—we’re early birds. Shelannie was conditioning herself. She took a sip of her coffee while acting and throwing some lines.

“Hey, stop drinking coffee, you’d feel more nervous!” I always remind her that, but her addiction to caffeine makes her alive all day. I drink coffee, but it depends on my mood and not on daily basis.

“Ugh!” she grunted and went to her room.

“Okay, you know the drill. Do your best and pour your heart,” I informed. “And I think you’ll get this role, my guts are telling me.” I started the car when it turned to green light, we were ten minutes away from the location. We were heading to the studio now, two hours before the audition begins. Knowing Metro Manila, during the rush hour, the last thing we want is stuck in the middle of the traffic!

“Hay. I trust your guts. Your words like an angel in disguise.” She smiled at me and then mind her own business.

“You seem confident now,” I beamed. “The last time you were clutching at me like a lost child!” I teased. My eyes were still focused on the road.

She rolled her eyes. “Uh, you know. I’m still nervous, but I’m trying to take that away and tried to focus.”

“They didn’t provide us a script, I guess this impromptu, or they’ll give you the script later.” Yes, Lennon didn’t send us the manuscript, and we’re used to it. I’m glad that Shel has all the preparation. “Lennon said they gave the male role to a famous actor and he has a bet already. I guess we’ll meet him later.”

“Workshops help a lot.” In my peripheral vision, she looked at me. “You wanna bet? I want to bet, Hector.”

“Ah, of course, first thing first your crush.” She has an infatuation with this actor. Shelannie’s the biggest fan. “Who wouldn’t think that you’re whipped over him?” We both laughed.

“And it wouldn’t be a surprise when someday you’re in the headline confessing your deep love to Hector.” My eyes still focused on the road while laughing and based on the maze we are near.

“Ugh! Your mouth! Don’t spit something like that! Knowing you!! I’m obsessed with him, yes, but that doesn’t mean I’ll confess to him publicly. I still want private life. Duh!” Her eyes rolled.

“Oh. Private life, huh? Do you still plan to confess to him privately then? Don’t you?” Realizing her last sentence.

“Of course not!” she denied guiltily while shaking her head.

“Yeah! Pig flies!” I teased. She slightly slapped the lap that made me laugh hard.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” the guard greeted us with a warm smile, and we did the same.

“This way, please.” One girl’s staff guided us. We were heading now to the waiting room while waiting for our call. “You are now fourteen in line, Madam. Others are waiting there,” she informed us. I took a peek at her name tag when she welcomed us. Her name’s Sarah.

“Oh! I guess they are more early birds than us, huh?” Shel answered her in awe. “Who are they, though?”

“For real, one staff called me when I’m still in deep slumber and told me to hurry. I wasn’t familiar with the others, but Giselle and Natasha are there. Some came from different agencies.” We were still walking in the long hallway. I saw some familiar names posted in every door—these must be dressing rooms for VIPs.

I’m holding Shel’s small bag that contained her belongings and also mine. We don’t have any make-up artists or hairstylists. That’s why I enrolled myself in a 3-month beauty course to learn these things.

On cue, Shel and I looked at each other. I know what she was thinking.

“Giselle… and Natasha? Are… are they a certain people we knew?” she asked Sarah lowly. She even held her hand.

“Yes, the one and only Giselle Santos and Natasha Ann,” she confirmed it. Gosh!

Shel was in shock also. She was trying to speak but couldn’t put it into words.

“I thought this audition was canceled, and the directors would just pick between the two, but he changed his mind.” Sarah looked at us and smiled, “Better if they try another artist. People would love that.”

Those two are veteran actors, a child stars. They started showbiz when I was still in the making, nor my parents are getting married, even Shelannie. Sarah opened the door for us when we reached the waiting room. A set of eyes landed on us as we entered. Okay, we’re doomed!