Chapter 3: Bad (W)Heather

My stomach was churning as I looked up at the building in front of me.

Despite the feeling of regurgitation of my breakfast I steeled myself and proceed to head inside. I head straight to the reception desk and asked directions where the audition is being held.

I was directed towards the elevator, which was luckily on its way down and only a few people are waiting for it to ride. My feet subconsciously went towards the elevator, when I caught a familiar face.

Heather Mckinley. The self-proclaimed rival of Elena Halloway, in the past. She’s competitive and creates bad rumors about me. She’s also become Jared’s new beau when he left me. She took advantage of my situation to create a scandal and ruin my already failing image more after the incident burned my whole body.

Growing up as a beloved child actress, Heather became arrogant that she believes that the world belongs to her. I remember her being in the audition for Pale Eyes but she didn’t get the part, I couldn’t remember why she get kicked from the audition but it was an event where she never ever got a chance to work with the director of Pale Eyes in their future works which was as successful as Pale Eyes.

I didn’t realize I was staring until our eyes met, she glared and rolled her eyes at me.

Shifting my gaze at the elevator which had to reach the floor we were in, I waited my turn to enter the elevator when Heather put out her hand and stopped me at the door.

“It’s full,” She said arrogantly, the proceeds to press the close button.

The elevator door closes and leaves me down on the ground floor.

Unconsciously, rubbing my head in irritation, I looked down at my watch and saw I had time to go up to the fifth floor where the audition is being held. Didn’t want to take my chances of waiting for the next elevator I decided to climb the stairs.

I removed my heels and took my time climbing the stairs up to the fifth floor.

When I reached my destination, I took a glance around and saw a few girls my age waiting in the hallways. I also took note of Heather standing in the middle of the hallway as if she owns the place. I didn’t bother to confront her, it will only add to my stress.

I took a seat on the floor at the side trying not to obstruct the foot traffic and try to remember how the audition went from the first life and what I should do to take part in the movie.

I didn’t manage to get past the first part with the pair impromptu test, I was nervous but I was paired with another rather anxious girl so we blundered that audition. But I heard that the second part was a monologue where the judges would give out a theme and if they’re satisfied they would send you to the last part. I was so devastated back then for not passing at least the first screening that I didn’t stay long to find out what they did on the last audition. But basing it with how I successfully got the part on other shows, it’s probably an interview.

I was so caught up with my internal musing when I was startled out with a screech.

“YOU STUPID BITCH!”

The familiar voice, I looked up to confirm my suspicion. It was Heather, her face was red and I can swear smoke was coming out of her ears.

A meek-looking girl profusely apologizes to her. It seemed like the girl was a member of the casting staff and running errands. One of the drinks that were on her hands was obviously half empty and the rest of it is on Heather’s shirt.

Heather was obviously having none of it and started to point and scream at the girl who was obviously terrified.

I took a look around and realized that no one was going to help the girl and was minding their own business. Standing up from my seat, I brushed off any dust from my pant and made my way towards the commotion.

Just as the former child actress was raising her hand to slap the errand girl, I stepped in and grabbed her by the wrist.

“I think that’s enough,” I said, with a dark tone.

As if she couldn’t be even redder, “What the- Let go of me, freak!” She exclaimed as she shook my hand off her wrists. “Mind your own business.”

I placed myself between Heather and the poor girl, and replied, “I’m afraid I’m making it my own business.”

“Don’t you know who I am?!” She exclaimed.

“I do in fact, and I don’t particularly care.” Responding almost immediately. “I admit this girl wasn’t looking where she’s going but don’t you think you’re at fault as well?”

“Are you saying it’s my fault, that she’s blind?” She scoffed.

“You’re at fault by placing yourself in the middle of foot traffic like you’re a foot rug,” I commented. “And although I don’t really care if you want to be an annoyance to the people around you just because you think they owe you the world, I think you need to wake up from dreaming honey this world owes you shit just because you knew how to look cute when you’re a child.”

Heather looked like a second away from punching me, “Who do you think you are?”

“Me? I’m Elena, I would say nice to meet you,” I started with a neutral voice, “But seeing you’re an A-class bitch I would rather not associate with you.”

Despite the confidence of my words, in reality, I was trembling inside, Heather was a very intimidating figure in the past, I tried not to get in her way as much as I could and with my position as one of the best actresses in our generation, Heather barely does anything against me other than fan the flames of gossip whenever a bad rumor pops up once in a while.

She scoffed in response, “And why do you think I would either? You’re just a nobody.”

“Being a nobody is better than being someone like you, I can smell the stench of your attitude every time you open your mouth,” I replied.

In anger, Heather tried to tackle me but I saw it coming and moved out of her way taking the terrified intern along with me, which caused her to fall face planted on the floor.

“Oh my, are you alright?” I mockingly asked. “I’m sorry I’m only moved out of the way because of self-defense.”

“You— !!!” Heather screeched, She stood up in anger and tries to grab a chunk of my hair. I dodged her hands but unfortunately, the girl behind me wasn't fast enough to move out of Heather's clutches. heather took the opportunity to pull the girls hair.

At that moment someone from the audition room comes out and exclaimed, “What’s happening here?”