Chapter 4 – Ready or Not
1291 Words
Ariana stood in front of the mirror, finally dressed and ready.
The black-and-white polka dot dress fit her perfectly, paired with a pair of black shoes that completed the look. She gently brushed her hair over one shoulder and gave herself one last look.
Behind her, Lila sat comfortably on the bed, watching with an approving smile. "You look gorgeous."
Ariana turned around at the compliment and smiled. "Thanks, Lila."
Lila nodded proudly before suddenly narrowing her eyes. "Wait."
Ariana blinked. "What?"
Without answering, Lila immediately jumped off the bed and marched toward her.
Before Ariana could react, Lila gently grabbed her arm and guided her toward the chair in front of the vanity table.
Ariana laughed in confusion. "Lila, what are you doing?"
"Sit." Lila said.
Ariana sat down, still looking puzzled.
Lila quickly opened a makeup box and began arranging the items on the table. "Your face."
"My face?" Ariana repeated.
"Yes, your face." Lila pointed dramatically at her. "Thank goodness I noticed. Otherwise, I would've sent you out there missing an important touch."
Ariana couldn't help laughing. "Really? And here I thought something terrible had happened."
"Oh, it would have been terrible." Lila said seriously, already examining her face. "You should be grateful I caught it in time."
Ariana shook her head in amusement. "You're unbelievable."
"I know." Lila carefully began applying a light touch of makeup.
Ariana watched her through the mirror. "So... how long is this going to take?"
"Shh." Lila immediately pointed a makeup brush at her. "You'll ruin everything if you keep talking."
Ariana laughed. "I'm barely talking."
"Still." Lila continued her work. "Besides, it's only going to be very light makeup. Nothing dramatic. Just enough to enhance what is already there."
Ariana smiled and decided not to argue. Instead, she sat still and let Lila work.
A few minutes later, Lila finally stepped back to admire her work. "All done."
Ariana looked at herself in the mirror.
The makeup was subtle, so subtle that it was barely noticeable, but somehow it made her look more polished and confident.
A smile spread across her face. "You did a great job." She tilted her head slightly. "It really doesn't look noticeable."
Lila nodded proudly. "Exactly."
She pointed at Ariana's reflection. "That's the whole point. Enhancement, not transformation."
Ariana laughed before standing up. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around her friend. "You're the best."
Lila immediately hugged her back. "You know I've always got your back."
Ariana smiled. "I know."
The two girls pulled apart just as a soft knock sounded on the door.
Lila glanced toward it. "Come in!"
The door opened slowly.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett stepped inside with warm smiles on their faces.
The moment they saw Ariana, both of them stopped.
Mrs. Bennett's eyes widened. "Oh, sweetheart."
Ariana suddenly felt self-conscious. "Yes Mom?"
Mrs. Bennett smiled warmly. "You look absolutely beautiful."
Beside her, Mr. Bennett nodded in agreement. "She's right."
Ariana felt her cheeks warm as Lila immediately grinned. "See? I told you."
Mrs. Bennett laughed softly. "Looks like someone's ready for the interview."
Ariana smiled, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness flutter inside her chest.
Mr. Bennett stepped forward first. He gently placed a hand on Ariana’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
“Go and smash the interview,” he said warmly.
Ariana’s lips curved into a grateful smile.
Behind him, Lila nodded dramatically.
Mrs. Bennett approached next, her expression soft and full of pride. “I know you’re definitely landing that role,” she said confidently.
Ariana smiled, her chest tightening slightly with emotion. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”
Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett smiled at the word, exchanging a warm glance.
Lila suddenly placed a hand on her chest. “Wow,” she said lightly. “You three are making me so emotional.”
Ariana laughed softly, then reached out and took Lila’s hand. “You’re also part of this, you know.”
Lila’s expression softened instantly. She smiled and held her hand tighter.
Without another word, the four of them stepped into a group hug.
It lingered for a moment, then Lila pulled back first with a quick breath.
“Alright,” she said, switching back to her usual energetic tone. “Hurry up. You’re going to be late.”
Ariana laughed, shaking her head.
She picked up her bag, adjusted her dress, and turned toward Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. “Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad. I’ll see you later.”
“Take care, sweetheart,” Mrs. Bennett replied gently.
“Good luck,” Mr. Bennett added.
Lila followed her toward the entrance, walking beside her as they reached the door.
Ariana paused, then turned and gave Lila a quick wave.
Lila stood at the doorway, watching her with a proud smile. “Go show that interviewer what you’re worth,” she called out.
Ariana chuckled as she stepped outside. “I will,” she replied.
She quickly got into a waiting cab.
As the door closed, Lila remained at the entrance, still smiling as she watched the car pull away.
For a moment, she just stood there quietly.
Then she whispered to herself with a soft grin, “You’ve got this, Ari.”
---
Ariana leaned back in the cab seat as the city slowly passed by outside the window.
Her fingers lightly rested on her bag as her mind replayed everything she had practiced, everything Lila had said, and everything she had promised herself.
Silently, she whispered under her breath. "I’m not going to mess this up… I’m going to give it my best."
The longer the drive continued, the heavier her anticipation became.
Eventually, the car began to slow. Then it came to a complete stop.
The driver turned slightly toward her. “We’re here, Miss.”
Ariana blinked and quickly looked out the window.
Her eyes scanned the surroundings, then dropped to her phone where the interview address was still displayed.
Her heart skipped slightly.
This was it, she was really here.
After paying the fare, she stepped out of the cab, and it immediately drove off, leaving her standing in front of a large, imposing gate.
Ariana looked up slowly. The mansion behind it was even bigger than she had imagined.
Taking a quiet breath, she approached the gate. A security man stood at the entrance.
She offered a polite smile. “Good day, sir.”
The man nodded slightly. “Good day. How may I help you?”
“I’m Ariana Brooks,” she said. “I have an interview scheduled for today.”
She quickly pulled out her phone, showing the email confirmation.
The man glanced at it and gave a small nod. “Alright. One moment, please.”
He pressed a control, and the large gate slowly opened.
Ariana stepped through carefully. “Thank you very much,” she said politely.
As she walked in, her eyes widened slightly at the view before her.
The mansion grounds were vast and beautifully maintained. Sleek cars lined the driveway, and in the distance she could see a swimming pool shimmering under the light.
It was quiet, allmost too quiet.
Ariana swallowed lightly. “This is huge…” she murmured under her breath.
She continued walking along the path when she noticed a man standing at the main entrance.
He was dressed formally in a suit, his posture calm and composed.
As she approached, she slowed slightly. “Good day, sir,” she greeted politely.
Dylan gave a small nod. “Good day, Ms. Ariana Brooks?”
She straightened slightly. “That’s me,” she replied with a small nod.
A faint smile appeared Dylan's face. “Please, come in.”
Ariana nodded and followed him inside the mansion.
- Writer
