Chapter 2: No Blondes Allowed

What the hell am I doing here?

Eyes wandering to the buzzing candidates surrounding me and the door that seemed so far away, I began doubting whether I could leave the place unscathed. Hands holding my bag close to my chest, I calculated my plans for getting out. There are just too many women! They won't even budge... How important is this role for them?! Is this life and death to them?

"Would you quit shoving?" I hissed at one of the girls behind me. "Even with your efforts, you won't get to be first in line!"

My words fell on deaf ears, the one who should receive it was too busy chatting on her phone to even listen to my complaint. Rolling my eyes, I squeezed in between the girls in front of me and opted to find another exit. There's got to be one here somewhere...

A man suddenly emerged from the double doors and addressed the crowd of females "Alright! I request everyone to quiet down so we can start this, nice and smoothly!"

Much to my surprise, the girls obeyed him. So, it's going to begin now, eh? Must leave the building now or risk getting caught in this... whatever this is.

"Those who are natural blondes, please leave now! We're only accepting brunettes!"

Some of the women groaned and began grumbling about how it wasn't fair. I bit my lip in annoyance as the rest of the girls hung on to every word the man was saying. The requirements for the role were quite specific. Young, age ranging from twenty to twenty-seven. Graduated high school or college. They also have to be natural brunettes. Not blonde.

What is it with hair color or hair in general? Shouldn't it matter? What's the use of getting an actor who looks like the character and doesn't even know how to act?

Relief washed over me as it started to get spacious, the women who didn't fit their descriptions either stayed to take a chance on luck while the others went home. I admire those who stayed, but they should know that once they don't fit the description they'll be sent home.

Seriously... they should just allow them to participate. I almost got crushed because they were rushing in only to be told that there was a specific requirement.

Turning my back, I followed the woman on her way out. Should I buy lunch? Today is making me lazy—

A hand grabbed me by the shoulder, pulling me in the opposite direction. "Alright! You're included in the first batch to audition. Follow the other four women to the door."

What?! I faced the man who grabbed me, about to tell him I wasn't going to participate when the rest of the women he took pushed me to the entrance. "Wait! I'm not here to—this was a mistake! I don't want to audition!"

"Yeah, yeah..." he brushed my words off, "Please quiet down or you'll be kicked out."

"Hey! Did you hear me? I said I'm not here to audition—" The words died in my mouth when the door was slammed shut in my face. Frustrated, I trailed behind the gushing women who were marveling at the huge stage. Sitting up front were six judges, ready to evaluate.

"Ladies, please follow me." The blonde woman I saw early beckoned for us to accompany her backstage. I have to tell her that I'm not included in this—damn my curiosity! Always getting me in trouble.

We were all lined up. I was standing behind the first woman to audition, she was muttering quite loudly. Seeing the blonde woman walking towards us to give us numbers, I shook my head vigorously when she handed me mine. "No, um, I'm not going to audition. My being here was a mistake and I need to get home. Can I just go?"

Surprise was written all over her face at my request. "Go home? You don't want to be his wife?"

Wife? Is this the role these women are all screaming about?

"Yes, I just want to go home and—"

"Chelsea! Are they ready?"

She spun to address one of the stage crew. "Yeah, they're all prepared! Let's start now." Her attention went back to me and gave me a small smile. "Sorry, but we have to begin now or I'll get fired. Just relax and do your best."

What kind of advice is that? Did she even hear what I just said?

The blonde woman walked away to attend to other stuff, leaving me with excited four women. Chances of escaping were now down to zero as the first woman went up the stage, introducing herself and acting all adorable. It made me cringe.

What kind of wife is this character? Is she all cutesy? Oh god, I feel like I won't like this...

"Alright, next!"

Huh? Eyes bigger than saucers, I regarded the empty stage and spotlight. Me? I'm next? Where did the first woman go?

"Hey! You're up!"

A hard push on the back almost made me trip on my own feet as I walked to the stage. Stage fright was what I always experienced back then, the sweating of my palms and the feeling of being scrutinized. I never expected to feel it again as I stood in front of piercing eyes, evaluating me by my appearance only. Swallowing, I stared at the judges and smiled nervously. Sweating profusely like a sinner at church.

"Uh... hi?"

"Yes, hello to you as well." One of the men said, adjusting his glasses. He was wearing a sharp-looking suit. "What is your name and age?"

"I'm Elise Skylar. I'm twenty-two years old."

"Twenty-two? That's quite young!" The woman beside him gasped. "Are you sure we shouldn't change the age requirement? Who would want to marry at that age?"

"Well, she knows what she's getting herself into." he then smiled at me. "Twenty-two... are you still in college?"

I shook my head at his question. "No. I... quit on business management two years ago to pursue acting." Why are they even asking this? They're looking for an actress, right? "Um, is there something wrong with that?"

They were exchanging a few looks and I didn't like it. The man with glasses shook his head, "Nope. There's nothing wrong with that, we were just expecting something else."

Something else?

"Do you know how to cook?"

"Yes."

"Do you know how to clean?"

Left eyebrow twitching, I nodded. What's with these people? Are they rich that they have maids running around to clean? "I live in an apartment with my best friend. She isn't around all day because of college so I manage the cleaning, cooking, and the bills to pay."

That's right, Alex forgot to throw the garbage a while ago. That woman...

Awe was in the face and eyes of the woman, her lips shaped in an 'O'. "Really? That's good to hear! He likes independent women when it comes to those kinds of things."

He? Are they talking about the character's husband in the movie?

"That's enough." The man with glasses said, clearing his throat. "So, Miss Skylar, do you like children?"

Okay... I guess the character has children. That means I have to deal with kids in this role.

"Not really... but if I ever have one, I want them to be well-mannered but still enjoy their childhood."

"Are you an only child?"

I frowned at their personal questions. Is this still considered an audition? How did the woman ahead of me finish so early? I want to go home now. "I'm sorry but does that have to do with the character?"

"Sorry, Miss Skylar. It's alright if you don't answer if you're uncomfortable."

I nodded. "Yes, I'm an only child."

Don't tell me they're going to ask about who my parents are as well!

"What were your thoughts about this audition?" Another judge asked, a man with a weird-looking hairstyle. "Were you excited that this chance finally came up?"

Licking my lips, tasting the cherry-flavored Chapstick, I responded. "To be honest, I was just next door entering an audition for a farm girl. I didn't get the role but I'm glad I didn't pass that chance up." I scratched my head, not knowing how to tell the rest of the story. "And um, I ended up here because there was a horde of women pushing me. My curiosity got the best of me and here I am now..."

The six of them started to discuss in voices so soft I couldn't hear them at all. I scratched my arm, patience wearing thin every passing second. Can't I just go home? It seems to me I don't fit the role! There are also a lot of women outside waiting; they're the ones interested in this.

"C-can I go now?"

They were starting to get weird, exchanging such narrowed looks that I began to fear what they were going to ask me next. However, relief was what I felt the most when they nodded. The bubbly woman up front gestured to the exit. "Yes, you may now go Miss Skylar. Thank you so much for your time. Please leave a contact number for our assistant waiting at the exit. We'll call you."

I doubt that. There may be other women outside you'll take an interest in. It wouldn't bother me so much!

"Yeah, I will." I grinned, waving at them as I walked out. Away from any watching eyes, I mischievously chuckled and made up a fake number in my head. But when I arrived at the door, the same blonde woman earlier stood there with a clipboard and pen ready. Handing it to me, the made-up numbers disappeared.

Maybe... I should just take a chance on this. At least I tried. And who knows, this might be my big break!

After writing my cellphone number on the paper with my name, I handed the clipboard back to her. She smiled and waved as I walked away. "Thank you for your time!"

Once out of the theater, I let out a yawn and stretched. Finally! Thank god, I thought I'd be stuck there forever! Taking my phone out, I saw that it was already lunchtime and called Alex. She picked up at the third ring.

"What is it?"

"Woman, what do you want for dinner? Tell me ahead so I can buy the ingredients."

"You called me just for that?"

I laughed. "And yes, I started missing you, woman."

"I want chicken. And pizza."

"Just that?" I stifled a laugh, knowing that she wanted to eat more but wouldn't allow herself. Alex was skinny back then until she gained weight during the last year of high school. Right now, she was managing what she was eating, sometimes spoiling herself but still on a diet. "What happened to craving ice cream? Carbonara? Pizza rolls?"

From here, I could tell Alex was giving me the 'fuck-you' look through her phone.

"Just cook something that doesn't burn the whole place, alright? I don't want to come home and see the kitchen a mess."

"Shut up. It's always me who cleans!" I shook my head at her words. "Seriously, you can't even fold your clothes right. You can't fix your bed properly. You can't even put the shoes you wore back to in their place! And I will never forget when I was gone for a whole day only to find the apartment such a mess—"

"Yes, yes. I love you too, goodbye!" she interjected. "Please don't make the sauce too spicy, alright?"

"Of course woman, I wouldn't try and burn your tongue." Unless I want to see you suffer now that's a different thing. "You know I don't like spicy stuff."

"Okay... goodbye."

"Bye."

Pocketing my phone, I gave the theater one last look before making my way. Maybe if I come back tomorrow, I'll land a better role. Passing by a crowd of blonde women, their conversation reached my ears which made me stop in my tracks.

"Can you believe it? Aiden is looking for a wife and he's making women audition for it?"

Aiden?

Turning around, I watched as five blonde ladies all circled at the side. They were probably here for the audition until they were told that blondes are not allowed. It's kind of silly really.

"Yeah, I thought he had a girlfriend!"

"What if they recently broke up? This is probably his way of getting back at her. Who in their right mind would separate from him? He has it all!"

I frowned at them and continued on my way. So... it was an audition for this man's wife? Is it for real? Like legally? Shaking my head, my frown further deepened. If it is real, he's probably one of those annoying rich people. They should just go off somewhere.

Images of a man, laughing and sharing stories with everyone, entered my mind until I cut them off. No, I shouldn't think about that useless man. We were fine when he wasn't around and we will be fine even if he won't come back. After all, we were just scum to him. Biting back the anger boiling inside me at the memory of him, I mentally counted to ten as I walked. Hands in a tight fist with teeth clenched.

Summer here in Devont City is like a dream—if it weren't for the wild parties being held at the beach and teenagers getting high. Lips in a thin line, I recall doing everything just to earn money. The memory of having to work with a growling stomach empowered me to work harder so I'd never experience something like that again.

Running a hand through my hair, I clutched my bag close to me as I walked past a huge crowd. The grocery store across the street.

"Hey, check out that limousine! I wish I could afford one soon."

Head turning to the direction of where the man was pointing, the limousine he wanted was parked near us. Like an instinct, I distanced myself from it and lowered my gaze. Oh god, what if he's there? I don't want to see his face!

Inhaling sharply, I quickened my steps. Don't worry, Elise... There are a lot of rich people around here. Yeah, it can't be him. I mean, why would he be around this area?

Ears picking up the door opening, my spine shot up straight and slowly turned. Two tall bulky men climbed out, all wearing sharp suits. That was all it took for me to look away and scramble away. No, they're not here to take me. Why the fuck would they do that? They're just bodyguards—

"Excuse me, Miss?"

Breath hitching, I turned to see them looming over me. "W-what is it?" Did I drop something? What do these two gorillas want?

"I'm sorry but our boss wants to talk to you—"

As if my legs had a mind of their own, I started to run away. No, fuck no! I'm not getting in that limousine! Shit, why didn't I cross the street sooner?

Fate was playing with me. Even if my legs were fast, I didn't stand a chance against these gorillas as they picked me up like I was weightless and went towards the car.

"No! Let me go!" I trashed around, legs kicking. I couldn't even feel the pavement! "This is kidnapping! I don't want to—"