The Scarlet Bride

The world is the stage and we are the main characters of our own story. Our choices are the future. Our future.

"Next!"

A round of ugly sobs filled the hallway as another contestant failed to impress the judges. Her sobs were irritating to the ear since they sounded rehearsed to me. Eyes were all on her and ears listening to her cry. Mascara was running down her cheeks along with her tears which she furiously wiped away. This already happened twice in today's audition and it honestly fucking terrified me.

Judging by the way the woman was clinging to who seemed to be her boyfriend, she was royally rejected. Or she was just being a drama queen off-screen. There were plenty of them.

"I can't believe they rejected me!"

Her boyfriend rubbed her back in a soothing manner. He looked decent, a normal guy in everyone's eyes compared to his pink-haired girlfriend, who looked like she was going to kill someone who dares insult her further. "Don't feel down, babe. I'm sure they don't know real talent when they see one."

Real talent, my ass... your girlfriend clearly doesn't fit the role of an innocent farm girl. She should've tried something else...

I shook my head in disapproval as they walked away and went back to what I was concentrating on a moment ago.

A college dropout like me wouldn't be here if they were seeking instant cash—unless they were really good at acting and have already gained fame. Acting was what I hated back then, never really entertained the idea of becoming an actress until eighth grade. The day our annoying English teacher decided to make me the main character of this play one of the students made.

It was a complete disaster at first, but as I was acting in front, pouring out monotonous words that were supposed to be full of passion—I decided to make fun of the weak protagonist.

I happened to find one of the kids sleeping with a kernel of popcorn stuck at the entrance of his nose. My young self decided to scare him. Roaring my next lines which stirred him awake. The popcorn flew from his nose and at the person seated in front of him. Seeing that funny thing, the crowd was energized once more at how comedic it was. With just that one decision, I gradually tried my best to make them pay attention.

That was how I came to love acting... to make people jump with energy even at such a boring scene. Not every day is filled with action and thrills unlike in the movies.

"Next!"

The woman before me stood and went into the door where one of the stage crew was beckoning her to hurry up. I stared down at my watch to see that the audition was close to ending.

Can I even make it?

My thoughts were answered when the woman walked out and I was called. Giving my bag in the safety of one of the staff. Heart pounding so loudly I thought it would burst; I stood up and walked down the path to another success or failure. If I get the role, I would rejoice but if I didn't... I just wasn't fit for that role. Simple as that.

As soon as I stood on the stage, bright yellow lights shone down at me. My whole being felt exposed and the slightest mistake would unravel all my hard work. Cold. I only felt cold as I stood there for them to evaluate with their piercing eyes. Memorizing those short lines, just two sentences repeating over and over in my head for this one moment... I won't let it go to waste.

"My name is Elise Skylar. Twenty-two years old and auditioning for the part of Mary, the farm girl."

One of the judges, a man in a gray suit, waved at me to begin. I took in a sharp breath, repeating the two sentences that they handed out in my head, and began. I could do this. I could do this!

Acting like I was digging something heavy from the ground—basing my actions on this movie I saw—I wiped the nonexistent sweat off my forehead and stared at what I imagined as the horizon.

"Ah... another day here in this little ol' farm. But I think today's going to be a good day for apple pies!" I sing-songed.

Hand gesturing to what I marked as the sun, I gazed at the lights. The brightness made my eyes water as I stood there. The judges started debating that I almost screamed out in agony. When are they going to give me the signal?

"Alright, you can move now Miss!"

Heaving a sigh of relief, I relaxed and watched as they continued to talk in hushed voices. I know this all too well. The exchanging of opinions. It's either they take me or not. Lips in a tight line, I waited for their decision.

One of the men cleared his throat and they all stared at me, finally arriving with their answer. "Miss... Skylar, right?"

"Yes."

"Miss Skylar, I like the way you delivered the lines—you even acted like you were digging and then looking up at the sky, love the transition." he then gestured at me. "But... your hair."

Reflexively, I touched the strands that stopped short on my shoulder. "What about it?" I didn't like how long it was before, always getting in my way so I had to cut it short. "Is there something wrong with it?"

He nodded. "Yes... it's so short! There's nothing wrong with it, but Mary here has long hair—"

"Why are you making such a fuss over this?" The woman next to him frowned at her fellow judge. "So what if she has short hair? She can always wear a wig—"

"I don't want Mary to wear a wig!" The man countered fiercely. "Last time it took so long for us to shoot because Marie Antoinette's big ass wig keeps falling off!"

Are they seriously arguing about this right now? I internally sighed. They should've stated it in the beginning and not let countless women audition only to be told their hair doesn't fit the character. I feel bad for the pink-haired woman earlier. No wonder she was sobbing, even if it sounded fake.

"Enough! I'm the director so follow my lead!" That shut off the other judges' opinion. Turning back to me, the man smiled sweetly. "Sorry about that dear... but we can't take you in. Mary has a lot of scenes that require immense work. Wearing a wig is no problem but it's a hassle—a lot of hassle. Good acting anyways. Wish you luck, Miss Skylar."

So that was it.

"Next!"

I left the stage and exited the area, heading straight for the restroom after taking my bag.

I need to take a piss real quick!

Once inside one of the cubicles, I did whatever I needed to do. Piano notes resonated around the restroom, phone vibrating. Who could be calling me? Body tingling slightly, I flushed the urine and went towards the faucet to wash my hands. After drying my hands quickly, I answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Hey sweetie, how are you?"

"Mom..." Looking up at the mirror, I stared at my own reflection and cringed. I look awful! And my lips... Pulling my bag, I zipped it open and fished my chapstick out. "I'm okay. How about you? How's granny?"

"I'm fine. She's in her bedroom right now, taking a nap. Is it raining over there?"