CHAPTER 12 : EDITED VERSION.

Deloise was overwhelmed with joy. She couldn't stop smiling on her way back to the dorm room. She'd been congratulated by people she didn't know and couldn't wait to actually share it with someone.

She hoped Layla was home and stopped by a cafeteria to get some burgers and soft drinks. She was going to eat it as a celebratory meal for her first movie role.

After getting the meal, she committed to taking care of herself more in preparation for the filming. She wasn't about to look funny in her first role in a movie and made a mental note to hit the gym as soon as possible.

One thing she loved about her body was the fact that it could fit Into almost anything. With the right conditioning that is. She was never one to complain about weight due to her fast metabolism.

She couldn't go wrong with some facial and skin therapy and all she wanted was to look and feel good. She'd previously searched up some popular actors' rituals in preparation for a new role and ever since then, itched to have a ritual of her own when she eventually ventured into the film industry.

Deloise attempted pushing the door to her room open but quickly realized it was locked. Which pretty much signaled her roommate wasn't around. Knowing she would be alone almost put a damper on her mood but she shook it off and dug into her bag for a spare key.

In no time, she was inside and catapulted herself on the bed with a cheesy smile. Her heart was warm and she itched to share her joy with someone.

A light bulb went off in her head and she immediately reached out for her phone. This was a dream she had nursed with Anna throughout her life and it was only fitting she told her of the news.

Deloise immediately dialed Anna's number, waiting anxiously with a smile to share the news. The line rang three times before it connected.

" Anna! You wouldn't believe it! I got a female lead gig. It's all finally happening, I'm so happy." She said in one breath.

" Okay? So… " came the voice of Anna, flat and unruffled.

" You don't get it, I just got picked as the lead female for a huge production. I can't even begin to explain how I feel. It's been a week and my entire life has changed. It feels like a dream."

The line was pin drop silent, Deloise checked to see if she ended the call but saw that the line was still connected.

" Hello? Are you there?"

" I don't know what you want me to say, Deloise. What do you want?" Anna asked, sounding almost bored.

Deloise deflated like a balloon. How stupid had she been to think she was going to share her joy? They weren't even talking for Christ's sake!

" If that is all, then.." Anna spoke after a while of quietness from Deloise's end. With that, three beeps were heard, signaling the end of the call, alongside the end of a long time friendship.

Deloise turned off her phone with a soured mood and a new found determination to draw happiness from herself and attain a level of emotional independence.

Meanwhile, in the Royal Arts community, news of Stella Davis losing a role to a newbie spreads like wildfire. The news left everyone thirsty to see the one who was able to snag a role from the industry's princess.

******

Esther was in her home, tidying up her kitchen when the doorbell went off. She wasn't expecting anyone and wondered who it was at the dead of the afternoon.

She quickly washed her hands and headed on out to see who it was. On getting to the door, she looked through the peephole and saw an unfamiliar face.

Without wasting any more time, she went on to open the door.

" Hello, how may I help you." She said to the man, a delivery man.

" Good day ma'am. Delivery for Miss Esther."

A bouquet of sunflowers was handed over to her alongside some paperwork which she signed. In a matter of seconds, the transaction was over and she was left thinking about the person behind the gesture.

She placed the flowers on her table with a suspicious look. It wasn't a coincidence that after he showed up, the sunflowers followed. She tried to convince herself of the fact that it was a mistake but deep within her, she knew it couldn't have been.

It wasn't a mistake that her favorite flowers were suddenly delivered to her, in the same fashion he used to surprise her. The only thing missing from the assembly was the usual sweet note attached.

Esther unconsciously found herself searching for the note which was usually attached. With a turn of the basket, she immediately sighted a yellow envelope in the midst of the assembly.

Her heart picked up at the sight of it. If she wasn't sure of the source before, she was clear on it. It was definitely from him. The locked memories from previous years poured into her mind frame, bringing back nostalgic feelings.

A part of her wanted to push the basket into the garbage without reading the content of the card, but another side of her was curious.

After a moment's hesitation, she picked up the flowers and headed straight for the garbage. She couldn't let herself fall into that sweet abyss. She managed to move on with her life after everything that happened.

She couldn't let herself go back.

Esther disposed of the flowers, convincing herself that it was the best thing to do. At that moment, three successive knocks landed on her door. Esther turned around with eager steps and marched to her front door.

This time around, without looking through the peephole, she threw the door open and was met with a shock.

Daniel Greenwood stood on her patio with another sunflower and an almost teasing smile. She couldn't escape him!

Esther made to close her door but the foot of Daniel hindered the door from being shut.

" Hear me out! I know you threw out the flowers, just please talk to me." Daniel's hand was by the edge of the door, holding firmly.

" I don't have anything to say to you. Can you please leave and never come back?" Esther said with a pointed look, then finally came out of the house, shutting her door behind her.

" Just hear me out. Can we talk? Inside?" Daniel covered his head with his coat, he couldn't afford his picture being taken at her home. It would only invite the public eye. Something he really wanted to do away with for the meantime.

" You must be dreaming. Leave now or I'll invite the police. I'm sure your fancy famous self wouldn't like that. " She said with a serious tone. Her heartbeat was erratic and she hoped he didn't notice how much effect he had on her.

" I will leave. But this isn't over love. I'll be back."

Daniel spoke with a level of confidence that scared Esther. She didn't need this right now. It was only a matter of time before Karen, Deloise and Anna returned back.

" Don't you even dare. Back off."

Upon seeing the look on her face, Daniel figured that it wasn't his best day yet but was reluctant to go without achieving anything. Before he could stop himself, he blurted, " Can I at least get your mobile?"

The question was met with a slam of the door. Esther entered her house and locked the doors. Hoping that he got the memo and stopped showing up on her doorstep.

Daniel stood motionless for some seconds after which he broke into a smile. His Queen was the same. He wondered what he was thinking when he came in such a conventional way.

The only way to gain the heart of his love was by creeping up on her. He was going to get in so subtle that she wouldn't see it coming until the deed was done.

He went away with a smile and a new plan hatched in his mind. He was going to capture the heart of his queen. It was only a matter of time.

On entering his car, he placed a call to his employee, demanding to get the mobile number of his beloved. Within minutes, his phone pinged with a message including the number.

*****

Deloise was on the phone when her mother's call came in. She hesitated to pick it, not quite in the mood of lying so blatantly to her.

On the third ring, Deloise swiped to the green button and slowly placed her phone on her ear. Half expecting the screaming voice of her mother.

" Baby, how are you doing?" The still voice of her mother spoke instead.

" I'm alright mum, sorry I didn't pick up earlier, didn't hear it ring." She said smoothly.

" No problems. It's fine. Talk to me about school. What's been happening? I heard that the exams are around the corner."

" Oh yes! Sorry I didn't tell you. With the coming exams I've been really swamped up trying to prepare."

" I understand. Take all the time you need. Don't hesitate to tell me if anything comes up okay? No matter how little, anything at all."

" Definitely. I'll be back for the holidays with Anna after the exams. " Deloise said, making a mental note to inquire from Amanda when the exams were beginning and the time frame for the holidays.

" No! I mean, no need to come back so soon. Take your time. You can stay on campus and study. Or get a job through the holidays and boost your portfolio."

Esther was skeptical as she spoke. She wondered if she sold herself to be investigated by her daughter. It was almost too obvious she was stalling her, and she hoped her daughter didn't notice.

As the seconds trickled by in silence, Esther figured her daughter wasn't deceived by her little attempt to keep her at school till she settled things with Daniel.

" I'd love that! I was actually thinking about getting a job too. I was only worried that you would feel too lonely."

Upon hearing the words of her daughter, Esther didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was either she was a damned good actor or Deloise was actually enjoying her school.

Either way, it was all to her advantage and she couldn't be more grateful for how the conversation was going. She needed time to clear things up and she was going to do everything to keep her daughter at arms length while she handled things.

" Great! Say hi to Anna for me okay? I gotta go." She said and quickly ended the call. Esther didn't feel too good about how things were. She didn't like deceiving her daughter but desperate times called for desperate measures.

On the other hand, Deloise was stunned at the call she just received. Believe it or not, she was worried about how everything was going to end with her new life.

She wasn't complaining though. Matter of fact, she was glad how it turned out. With the recent development, she knew she had to come up with some story but her mother made it easy.

Now, she didn't have to lie to keep up with her escapades. It was a good day.

****

Amanda was on her way out of class when she overheard a conversation regarding her friend Ann.

" Do you know her? She used to hang with him all the time but now, she's been dumped. He was literally sucking the face of a bimbo last night. " A girl informed a clique of three that stood in the corridor.

" I'm not surprised she was dumped. She felt like the deal when Liam pivoted towards her, not knowing she was just another notch on his bedpost." Another said with a malicious tone.

" I'm sure he fucked the hell out of her. Anna's such a tramp and best believe, she had it coming. Can't wait to see her and ask who's the bitch now."

The trio laughed aloud, having fun with the news spreading round town. However, their fun was cut short when Amanda stepped in.

" Ha, ha ha. That was funny for a moment there." She said with a bored look. " It's obvious you are all so jobless and bitter. Forming a little Anna haters club - what are you guys? Mean girls? "

One of the girls, having had enough, spoke up.

" We have no business with you whore, get a move on." There was an antagonistic and daring tone to her voice which drew people's attention.

" Oh tell me she didn't just call me a whore. Somebody please tell me I heard wrong." Amanda said and before they could find time to react, she pounced on the lady before her.

A cat fight ensued.

Amanda, having the upper hand, sat on top of the mean girl and rained slaps on her face while she kept scratching and attempting to get back at her.

The other girls, scared to come close, watched their friend get slapped until her face turned the color of a tomato. The rest of the students watched with their phones out, recording the moment with glee.

They were soon separated but the damage had been done. A damage which Amanda made sure to effect in order to make her think twice before slandering others.

****

Amanda was seated in Anna's dorm, waiting for her arrival. The door finally clicked open, bringing in Anna who faltered in her steps upon sighting Amanda's presence.

" You're just going to pretend you didn't see me?"

Amanda's words stopped her trail. Anna, hearing what happened, didn't feel like having a conversation. Without a word, she attempted to proceed to her room but was brought to a halt by Amanda's next statement.

" So it's true? You got dumped by what's his name again?" She asked, having trouble remembering the name of the guy she'd been frolicking with since their arrival at the college.

Burned, Anna couldn't help herself. " Shut the fuck up." She bit back, " Maybe if you had something going on, you'd learn to mind your business and stop involving yourself in matters that have absolutely nothing to do with you!"

" So now I'm crazy? I'm crazy to have defended your bitch ass, Anna? I'm crazy to have actually stood up for you and try reaching out to you? You know what? You're a bitch after all. I can't believe I was so stupid to come here."

Amanda was quick on her feet and without a glance back, she left Anna to her devices, vowing to never involve herself in anything pertaining to Anna.

She's had it with her.

******

" Meeting by 8 am sharp. Venue at the director's office. Not a minute late!"

A mass message was sent to the cast members of the new production. Including Deloise.

It was soon the day of the meeting and unfortunately, Deloise slept in. She barely had a close eye due to her overthinking and when she was finally able to sleep, she got past her usual get up time.

At 7:56, Layla was well dressed and ready to go out when she remembered her roommate told her she had an appointment for the morning.

" Dee, wake up, did you cancel your appointment? " She asked while tapping her gently.

" Just a little more— oh my goodness!"

Deloise was wide awake and panicking. She looked towards the clock and the time she read sent her flying out of bed and to her dresser.

It was 8 : 00 am!

She was supposed to be at the director's office for a meeting. Layla watched in surprise for some seconds at how fast she was going but soon remembered she had a meeting herself and left the accommodations to get a move on with her day.

Deloise couldn't be bothered with a shower and instead picked out some outfit, doused them in perfume, brushed her teeth and washed her face in record time.

In five minutes, she was out the door, running like her life depended on it with the most absurd clothes you would find in the market. As she sprinted, she begged the one above to help her delay the arrival of the director like the other time but there wasn't such luck.

Meanwhile, seared in the director's office was the entire crew, excluding Aaron who was rightly covered by Mr Austin, Ms Ema Bennett, and the director of Evolve talent management company.

They were brought in to be introduced to the cast as the playwright and sponsor respectively. The absence of the female lead and male lead was unmistakable and equally irritable to not only the people who showed up early but the actual playwright of the film.

Ms Ema Bennett couldn't understand how she could be there early, as busy as she was, but some upcoming nobody made them all wait for so long.

To think that a tardy person was the selected person for the female lead character irked her to no end. She wondered just what it was about the girl that everyone spoke so favorably and unsuccessfully tried to cover up.

She was seething and literally couldn't wait to get up and out of the school environment, but not before she could get her hands on the little thing that has been a hassle from the very beginning.

" Believe me, it usually isn't like this. I'll send someone to get her, in the meantime, let's introduce other characters, shall we?" Mr Austin intervened, breaking the silence and trying to save face.

" Now why would we do that? The main role is literally the story. Her life encompasses the rest." Ema Bennett, the playwright of the film explained.

" Maybe It's best we wait. She is the lead for a reason. How about you send that person to check on her?" Mr Hart Ambrose, director of the Evolve management said from his chair, hoping that it could serve as a temporary appeasement to Ema who wasn't in her best mood.

The other cast members were seated silently, some of them with pity for what was brewing for Deloise while others either ecstatic about it or couldn't be bothered.

Stella was amongst those who were ecstatic about it. That is if she wasn't the only one thrilled to see just what would become of Deloise.

She was in the industry and knew that playing a role as the lead female while in the bad books of the playwright wasn't the easiest thing to do. In the middle of the chaos, all she saw was an opportunity.

An opportunity waiting for her to explore.

In that moment, a disgruntled, sweaty and panting Deloise barged in. The room watched silently as she attempted to catch her breath. Deloise soon realized she was in fact not alone.

She shied away from looking at the faces of the people and contemplated getting on her knees to apologize but she was cut off by the stern and unfriendly voice of Ema Bennett.

" Nice of you to finally join us. Everyone, Let's welcome the queen of Zamunda!" She chided sarcastically.

" I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to, I overslept and just– I'm really sorry. " Deloise stuttered out with her head bowed.

" You overslept?! Don't tell me the director sent us a lazy and incompetent girl as the female lead because believe me when I say if she doesn't make the cut, she's out!"

The room was quiet as Ms Ema ferociously aired her opinions.

" Just look at her. Her hair is a nest, she looks like she was rescued from beasts and not to talk of the stench. Did you even take a bath? Oh don't even answer, get out of my sight and fix yourself somewhere. " She ordered with displeasure written on her face.

" I'm sorry, sorry everyone." Deloise said coquettishly and made her way to the vacant seat behind, embarrassed.

The room watched Deloise until she was seated and with that Mr Austin took the reins of the meeting once again.

" Okay. As I've said before, this is Mr Hart Ambrose. He is one of the major sponsors of this project and the director of the Evolve management company. Do well to perform your best for this filming and if possible, commit his face to memory. Who knows? you just might be the next signed talent."

The room was revived at the last statement and excitement came fresh upon everyone. The previous events, long forgotten.

" And this is Ema Bennett, our playwright. Feel free to ask her questions regarding the interpretations of your characters. Anything at all, she's got all the information you could ever need about portraying the characters. She wrote them after all.

"

Mr Austin was a man of charisma and knew his way with words around people. Ema Bennett, in reply cracked a smile of agreement to his words.

" Now that that's settled, let's begin the characterization, shall we?" He added and the meeting began properly.