chapter 2
973 Words
"I've been waiting for you to come to me," Monica placed a cup of tea in front of Helena.
In the blue and white porcelain English teacup, the amber-red tea floated on top with a layer of steam, much like Monica: pure, without sugar, milk, or lemon, slightly bitter in the mouth but with a sweet aftertaste.
After downing a cup of hot tea, Helena felt a bit of relief in both her physical and mental state.
From packing, house hunting, to moving, it only took her a day and a half. Today, the second afternoon, she was already sitting in Monica's office. Only at this moment did the soreness in every muscle gradually showed up, like a time-release capsule, and even her movement to pick up the teacup became stilted, losing its previous fluency.
"You know," Monica sat across from Helena, placing down her teacup and casually tousling her fluffy, elegant shoulder-length wavy hair, breaking the silence, “Helena, I must tell you, I never forget the way you looked the first time you walked in here."
Helena had been staring at the teacup in her hand the whole time. At this point, she actually didn't want to hear judgments from anyone about herself.
When Monica spoke, Helena looked up reluctantly. Unexpectedly, she saw a rare smile on Monica's usually efficient and stern face, "That afternoon, the sunlight was as beautiful as it is today. You walked in, bathed in light, like a painting."
Helena had nothing to say, finished the last bit of tea in her cup which she didn't really want to drink it, but compared to making the atmosphere even more awkward, she didn't mind the remaining tea leaves scratching her throat.
Two years ago..? She reluctantly found that file in the memory bank, and unpacked the compressed file—
Back then, she had just agreed to Michael's intense pursuit, but still with a string of suitors still following her every day. Even though she only auditioned for small roles, she succeeded every time, shuttled between the sets every day, her life was simply shining.
Helena seemed to be stung by strong light, and she firmly closed her eyes.
Later, as she and Michael became closer, they decided to move in together, and she had also devote more and more of her energy to the relationship. But now, the reality has proven to her, how irrational her initial choice regarding the relationship!
When she placed more and more expectations on others, it also meant that it will be a big gamble with infinite raises, her gamble would result in a disappointment with nothing left, not even a penny.
Now, besides summoning the courage to face failure, she can no longer come up with any other chips.
Only on her own.
Of course, if Monica is still willing to stand by her side.
“Let me tell you, that afternoon, is one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen."
Thank god, she is still willing.
Helena took a deep breath, "Monica, I have some plans to discuss with you. According to my current situation, I want to have an acting course. Also, I hope to expand the audition roles, include drama and stage plays... What do you think?"
At this moment, in Helena's eyes, Monica stood up backlit, exuding an undeniable radiance. She was like an indomitable female war god, reaching out to her.
"Helena, welcome back."
In the upcoming few auditions, despite the still less than ideal results, Helena has learned to treat each failed audition as an opportunity to refine her acting skills.
This is the inevitable thorny path to success.
Helena looks at the red brick and dark gray steel building in front of her, confirming the address once again. Right, this is the place for today's audition. She has a feeling deep down this time, she may very well succeed. In fact, when she finished the audition, she was even more convinced of this thought. Just now, she felt that the character flowed into her body along with the lines. At that moment, she was HER.
This boosted her confidence.
"Helena, wait a minute! "
She turned back, the young assistant who had just been sitting next to the director was standing in the corridor, waving at her, "Could you please come back for a moment?”
This was a good sign.
"Okay." Helena responded, holding back her excitement. As she was walking towards the audition room, a blonde haired girl with a snub nose emerged from the room and stared at her with an expressionless face, brushing past her.
She couldn't quite confirm it, was it... but soon that fleeting thought was cast aside as the director greeted her with, "Helena, come ride along and show us who's your Frank."
In the middle of the room, two chairs were placed facing each other, about the distance of a dining table apart. A male actor was already sitting in one of the chairs, with two others waiting beside him.
Following the director's instructions, Helena sat in the other chair and made eye contact with the three male actors for a minute.
She looked at the first one, hmm, he looked very upright, upright like a news channel host... the second one... she tried hard not to frown, but still felt a little out of control, this guy really looked like Michael.
The director took a sip of coffee, "Okay, the third one."
When he sat down, Helena immediately noticed his eyes. They were bright and deep blue, like gemstones. His brown semi-long hair had a slight curve, and his gaze fell on her, with a smile on his face.
She didn't even notice, when the director put down the coffee cup, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, “Hmm...I may find her now.”
- Writer
