SIX YEARS LATER
Quinn's heart was pounding in her chest as she watched Darren tap the email. Her mind raced with different questions. Was this going to work? Would she be accepted? She shut her eyes tight and clasped her hand together in a silent prayer.
Darren screamed, causing her to flinch as her eyes snapped open.
“Quinn, your application got approved! You've been accepted!” He exclaimed and she blinked, not believing him.
“This is a joke, right?” She asked, but he shook his head and pulled her towards the laptop screen.
“Dear Quinn Lane, you have been accepted into the Howard Entertainment Group as an actress. Your audition is on Monday. Do not be late!” She read aloud and screamed.
Quinn jumped up and down, hugging Darren tightly. “Oh my gosh, this is wonderful!” She exclaimed, tears of joy streaming down her face.
Darren laughed and spun her around, holding her close. “I knew you could do it, Quinn! You're going to be a star!” They danced around the room, screaming and laughing, until they collapsed on the couch, exhausted but still grinning from ear to ear.
Quinn couldn't believe it. She, Quinn Lane, was going to be an actress. It was a dream come true for her. It was what she had wanted for six years. She was going back to Los Angeles.
Though that place held most of her bad memories, she was determined to go back stronger. She wasn't going to let her six years of training and self-improvement go to waste. She was going to make a name for herself and give her son a good life while doing what she love.
“Mommy!”
Speak of the little devil. She turned and saw Jayden rushing down the stairs. “Careful, sweetie, don't run.” She rushed to him and carried him up in her arms.
He wrapped his tiny arms around her neck and blinked his cute blue eyes at her. “I was playing and heard you screaming. Are you okay?” he asked and she dropped him.
She crouched to his level and cupped his cheeks. “You've always wanted to go to Los Angeles, right?” She asked and he nodded. “Well, guess what, Mommy just landed a job there, and we are moving.”
His little eyes sparkled with joy and he pecked her cheek. “Mommy is so awesome!” he exclaimed, and she chuckled, giving him a peck as well. “Mommy, does this mean I'm going to see Daddy?” he asked and her heart thumped.
“Um…” Quinn trailed off, not knowing what else to say. Jayden wasn't like normal five year old kids. He was too inquisitive and intelligent for his age, and at such a tender age, he began demanding to know who his father was. She's been able to lie and give all sorts of excuses, but he was a persistent kid.
“You don't have to worry about that. When we get there, I'll personally help you find daddy!” Darren came to the rescue. He was a best friend she could rely on. When she got here six years ago, he was the first person who offered to help her. He took her around the city, and even got her an apartment. At first, she found him suspicious, because who would help a stranger? But he was nice at heart and being a popular dancer and an entertainer himself, he helped her save some money and enrolled her in the best acting school in the state.
They became best of friends from then and became each other's emotional support. She wonder what she would have done without him.
Jayden narrowed his eyes at them but seemed to believe him. “Now go to your room and play, okay? Mommy and I want to start working on our travel documents.”
Jayden nodded and rushed up the stairs.
“Jayden, don't run!” Quinn yelled after him, but he was out of sight immediately. She turned to look at Darren with a helpless expression on her face and sucked in a breath.
“Quinn, you have to find a way to make Jayden meet his father. Keeping them away from each other isn't going to help matters.”
Quinn sighed. “I know that, Darren, but what am I supposed to do? That man thinks I set him up, and I don't think he would forgive me that easily. He doesn't even want me, how the hell is he going to want my son? I already told you what happened six years ago, remember? It was just a one night stand and I don't think he expected anything other than to deal with me from it. I feel so helpless at this point.” she facepalmed and let out a frustrated sigh.
Darren took a seat beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Don't worry, okay? When we get to Los Angeles, we will know what to do. It's been six years, I don't think anyone would even recall what happened. He might not even recognize you. You've gone through a major transformation, and I am certain when the time comes, he will have no choice but to accept Jayden.”
She looked at Darren gratefully. “Thank you for all you do, Darren. I'm more than grateful.”
He just smiled and gave her a gentle pat. “Come on, we need to start our preparation. I'll look for an apartment for us and also sort the documents,” he said and she nodded.
"Los Angeles, here I come.''
*****
A few days later, their plane landed in Los Angeles airport and Quinn felt a wave of nostalgia hit her. It felt like nothing had changed. As they stepped out of the airport, she felt the warm sun hit her skin and smiled as she put on my sunshades and helped Jayden put on his.
“This is amazing, Mommy!” Jayden jumped up happily and she smiled.
“Let's go,” She held his hand and Darren brought the car for them. They got in, and he drove them to their new apartment. As they drove, she felt different emotions. Excitement for her new journey and anxiety to confront her past.
They got to the apartment, and she was amazed because it even looked better than it was in the picture. They spent the day unpacking and settling in, and she couldn't help the joy she felt as she imagined what it would be like to finally do what she have dreamed of doing for years, and this time, on national television.
***
Monday came, and she made sure to dress her best as she prepared to meet her new boss for the audition. She had acted in a few movies during her school practical days, and they did amazingly well in the global market, but since she was still a student, it didn't get into the global hits rank, but she's proud to say she's a natural, and she's determined to ace this audition.
“Goodluck, Mommy.” Jayden beamed. She placed a soft kiss on his forehead.
Darren gave her a nod and she smiled before leaving.
*
Quinn got to the company in no time and entered. She didn't have the opportunity to look around as her wristwatch beeped, causing her to gasp.
“f**k! I'm gonna be late!” She made a run for the elevator and saw a man walking in. She rushed in after him, brushing shoulders with him in the process, and heaved a deep sigh of relief.
“Do young ladies have no respect these days?” His deep voice sounded behind her.
“I'm sorry if me rushing into the elevator is upsetting to you, but I am late for my audition and would appreciate it if you aren't rude to me.” She huffed and rolled her eyes. Who did he think he was? The only person she would respect for now is the CEO.
“You bumped into me and should apologize.” He demanded but she let out a scoff.
“I'm not apologizing to you with that attitude.” She rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.
“Young lady, you have a sharp tongue, don't you? Do you even know who you're speaking with?” He asked, his tone intimidating, but she stood unfazed.
“I don't care to know who you are-” Her voice got stuck in her throat when she turned to see who he was. He raised an eyebrow and her eyes widened with shock. She looked away immediately, finding it hard to believe.
Jaxon Blackwood?
Quinn wanted to quickly rush out of the elevator, but the door was closed, and instantly, she knew it was over for her.
Fucking s**t, I'm doomed!