CHAPTER 2: EDITED VERSION

A troubled Deloise laid on her bed as she thought back on her conversation with Ann. The undiluted truth about her not doing anything realistic in pursuit of her desired career plagued her.

She picked up her phone and opened a popular microblogging app. Scrolling through her timeline, news of the arrival of the movie king Daniel Greenwood in New York City occupied the number one spot of what's trending.

Pictures of the Forty-year-old man flooded the internet showing the pack of fans who welcomed him into the busy city. How great would it feel to have such an impact? Deloise thought, sighing as she went through the pictures of the number of fans and gifts received.

Not wanting to spend more than the required time sulking over how pathetic her life was at the moment, she kept on scrolling and saw a post from the official handle of The Royal Arts Academy, New York. Which read;

_

SCHOLARSHIP! SCHOLARSHIP! SCHOLARSHIP!

Application to study performing arts in our prestigious institution and academy is ongoing. Are you interested in pursuing a career in the film industry? Are you talented and determined to take a shot at making a profession out of your passion?

TWO SLOTS LEFT!

Send in your audition monologue of the attached file below and you just might be one of the chosen candidates for this year' fully funded scholarship offer!

_

On reading the sponsored advert from Royal Arts Academy- the most prestigious institution for theater and performing arts in general. Her heartbeat felt laboured. She felt convinced that this was the opportunity she needed.

Herself and probably over one billion others!

With just two spots, her discouragement and lack of confidence in her ability to secure it grew. She remembered her conversation with Anna and knew if she wanted to live out her dream, she had to do something other than overthinking and dreaming of a life where it was possible.

Although the scholarship program felt impossible due to its high competition, she couldn't afford not taking action. If she tried and failed, then she'll be consoled from the fact she gave it her all.

As much as it would be a terrible experience if she wasn't selected, it won't be as destroying as knowing she never took any realistic shot at her desire and aspirations.

Years from now, she refused to add this to her possibly long list of regrets. And with a made up mind, clicked on the link, filled out the form, and downloaded the PDF of the audition monologue.

She glanced through it, and ideas on the best way to depict the character in the said monologue kept pouring in, she immediately logged offline and got to work on creating her audition video for the application, setting up to deliver her best acting yet.

******

It was Esther's birthday.

Deloise made up her mind to hatch things out with her mother. They had a birthday ritual of having dinner together. Being the only family the other had, it was easy to fall into the routine.

Occasionally, they had Anna and Karen over just to spice things up. But tonight, Deloise knew it was going to be just her and her mother.

With a father who rejected them before she was born, and an almost stepfather who betrayed them, she refused to be at odds with the woman who had always been there for her. She woke up with renewed determination to make her mother's Birthday the best one yet.

Deloise walked into her mother's room, holding her favorite piece of chocolate cake as a peace offering while she sang her awake.

" Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear mommy. Happy birthday to you." She sang softly, efficiently driving sleep from her mother's eyes- who felt unshed tears at the sight of her daughter.

Deloise' heart broke at the sight of her mother's tears. " I'm sorry about everything, I love you."

" My b-baby " Esther took the cake from her daughter' hands, dropped it by her lamp stand and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. " I love you so much, child. " She said, kissing her wavy hair.

" Unm, okay mom, I love you too!" Deloise squeaked out, lost for breath at the sheer power of the hug she was enveloped in.

Allowing her some air to breathe, Esther withdrew from her daughter and reached for her hands with a smile on her face. She spaced out for a second and immediately lost peace. Her grip on Deloise's hand tightened, " Promise me something,"

Esther said and Deloise felt worried. " Are you okay, what's going on?" She inquired, wondering the cause of her drastic change of mood.

" Just tell me that whatever happens today, You'll think about it and understand that everything I do, I do for you, my child." Deloise drew back in uncertainty at her mother's intent.

She shook off the odd feeling she felt at her mother's words and put on a smile. " I know you love me, but you need to get up, and get out of your room. It's your big day!" She said with a grin. " Remember our dinner date, and help yourself with some cake." Deloise dropped a kiss on her mother's forehead, " Have a great time out with Karen, and have a happy birthday! "

Deloise exited her mother's room, and immediately, Esther jolted towards the doors. She heaved a sigh of relief when she confirmed it was indeed locked.

She jittered with intent back to her bedside where the chocolate cake was dropped on an envelope that somehow managed to escape the eyes of her daughter.

Remembering the content of the envelope she heaved a sigh, grateful that her daughter was too occupied with her to notice the envelope.

She immediately opened and glanced through its content for the hundredth time since she received it the previous day. Afterwards, she returned into its envelope and securely locked it inside one of the drawers.

Esther anxiously waited for dinner to reveal the content to Deloise, hoping she received good feedback without having to take extreme measures to achieve her purpose.

*******

A troubled-looking Esther sat in her study, contemplating on how the night might end for her. She knew she may have crossed a line with what she did, but a greater part willed her to believe it was for the greater good.

The only problem was Deloise may not look too favorably on her honest efforts to help get her life on track. Her growing obsession with pursuing the filthy lifestyle of an actor had forced her hand to do what she did as a mother.

After all, she was her child and knew nothing of the world she so desperately wanted to be a part of. Esther knew how cruel, betraying, and borderline evil that lifestyle transformed people into.

She was determined to never let her daughter slip through her hands the way he did.

Papers were spread on her home office table, which served as a space to run the paperwork for the little baking business she had going. But now, it littered with the official papers that had the power to break or make her relationship with her daughter.

Esther tapped on the papers, and heard the door shut loudly; Karen was on her property. She packed up and quickly headed out.

" The day my door falls off, I'll be sure to get a check from you, Karen," Esther said, and joined Karen in the sitting room, watching her help herself to some cake kept by the table in honor of her birthday.

" This is good." Karen grumbled with her mouth full, intentionally chewing with her mouth open.

" Whatever, Karen," Esther said, unwilling to go further with the discussion upon seeing the state of Karen's mouth.

Now finished with the chunk of cake she spooned, Karen noticed the afar and sunken mood of her friend, and immediately cleared her throat. Sporting a smile, she cheeked, " Happy birthday sweet! How are we spending the day today and why are you wearing such a sullen look?"

" Thank you," Esther said, half-heartedly. " I don't think I want to do anything this year, so I'm just going to have dinner with Deloise later today."

" Okay? so why the long face, don't tell me you guys are still at odds." Karen inquired, wondering why her friend looked so pent-up and unhappy on her birthday. " I'm getting worried, is everything okay with you and Deloise? " She pushed, trying to get something out of her now quiet friend. " Esther, I'm going to call Deloise right now if you don't-"

" I applied to the State's Law school for Deloise and now she's gotten admission and I haven't told her yet cause I don't know how she will take it! " Esther blurted out in one breath.

Karen took in a breath," Okay, that's a lot." She stated thoughtfully.

" How is that going to help me? The school resumes in two weeks for God's sake and everything is in motion except for the person who they are prepared for. " Esther felt frustrated.

" Anna is resuming in two weeks too! Ooouuu, they could be roomies!" Karen exclaimed, sounding excited at the possibility.

" Stay on track Karen," Esther spoke firmly, almost angry at her friend's not too solid attention span. " I plan on telling her about it tonight and I know she isn't going to be thrilled about it. We just made up this morning from the previous argument and I don't want to get into another one." She relayed worriedly.

" Calm down, and talk to her. Deloise is a smart child, and she loves you, just make her see reason. It'll be fine, I promise." Karen assured, " Get your face out of the gutter, and let's enjoy your birthday before Deloise has you for the night, okay?"

******

Deloise came back from the mini Mart in a taxi, paid the driver, and gathered up her shopping bags before walking into her home.

No one was home, which alluded that her mother was out with her friend, Ms. Karen went on a birthday spiral before their dinner.

She picked up the key from the spot behind the window and opened an empty house, beelining for the kitchen where she dropped all her bags in readiness to make her renowned white soup and other side dishes for dinner.

As a tradition in the Tanner household, the women duo prepared something handmade for dinner on birthdays, and enjoyed each other's presence for the rest of the night.

Deloise needed to relieve her bladder and after dropping the ingredients, She made way to the bathroom. There, she heard her ringtone and quickly finished up. Just before the phone went off, she picked up.

" Hey Ann!"

" I'm on my way to your house, and I'll be around in five minutes to help with dinner. See you! " Anna ended the call afterwards, leaving a smile on Deloise' face.

Immediately, she began preparing things for dinner ahead of Ann's arrival. Five minutes into washing and cutting the vegetables, the front door opened, and Ann's shadow appeared by the kitchen door.

" Guess what? " Ann walked into the kitchen and sat in an aisle.

" I don't know Ann, I do know you need to pick a knife and join in cutting the veggies and onions." She answered, " they won't cut themselves."

" I'm going to excuse your lack of sportsmanship because it's mom's birthday." Ann snorted, then continued excitedly, " I'm leaving the community in about two weeks. I'm going to college!"

" That quick? Oh my jewel, I'm happy for you, Ann! " She said supportively.

" Thank you. And you, my lady, are in charge of helping me prepare and choosing what stays and goes."

Deloise remembered her friend's tendency to pack in things she didn't need and with a smile accepted to do that for her.

" Of course! That's a given. Congratulations sweet."

" Thank you. I can't wait to get out. It's long overdue." She sighed and together, they prepared dinner for Esther.

Meanwhile, Deloise wished that someday she would also be gone, in pursuit of her dream and happiness.

*****

Royal Arts Academy, New York.

The sun was out and bright, portraying shades of trees and leaves littered in the quiet school compound. The prestigious school was yet to open for academia and prepared to open the year's session in three weeks.

The director of Arts, Mr. Austin walked hastily towards the school gates, checking his Rolex watch as his eyes nervously scanned the empty area. Meanwhile, far to the right, a black Lexus Jeep parked horizontally, with its glasses tinted and exotic.

A man in his late forties sat inside the car, leisurely looking through a news magazine. His deep brown orbs, effortlessly scanned through the content of the magazine. While his long baby lashes and deep black eyelids gave a beautiful touch to his round eyes, perfectly arched brows, and glass skin.

Dressed stylishly, his magnificently sculpted body was donned in a black tux which accentuated his model arms and body structure - arms desired by the majority of the female populace.

His poise screamed royalty and confidence as he sipped the water provided, and crossed his long-toned legs. Outside, Mr. Austin sighted the car and hurriedly walked towards it. He adjusted his shirt as soon as he got where they parked, ready to receive one of the greatest men of influence to have graced the film industry.

The driver saw Mr. Austin walking in their direction, and immediately informed the person seated at the back of the car, his boss.

" The director is here."

Mr. Greenwood gruffed, " Could they be any later than they are?" His annoyance was barely hidden.

The driver maintained silence, his boss wasn't happy and he didn't want to join the queue of job hunters.

" Open the door. " Mr. Greenwood spoke clearly, briefly glancing at the director, who stood with a smile, waiting to welcome him. He drank the last of his water, folded up his magazine, and left the comfort of his car.

" Welcome to Royal Arts Academy, Mr. Daniel Greenwood." He greeted with utmost hospitality, then guided him into the school's administrative block. " Our school is determined to grow future great men and women in the film industry." Mr. Austin chatted as he walked his guest into the office.

He gestured to the comfortable sofa situated in the huge space that was his office, and immediately dug out a bottle of expensive wine from his fridge.

After serving his esteemed guest, the director finally sat down opposite Mr. Daniel, whose countenance remained calm. It was hard to tell what went on in his mind.

" You're highly welcome once again, I hope the wine is to your taste." He spoke, humbled at the presence of one of the world's biggest veteran star actors, currently looking to invest in his academy.

" Thank you. Let's get off to business, shall we? " Mr. Daniel took off his glasses, and a sip of his wine. " I am putting together a production; I want the best of your students to participate, fresh and promising talents for the screening process."

" Our academy is the best, we only train the best faces and talent who have the potential for a promising career in the field in the near foreseeable future. We guarantee you nothing but the best."

" Then we have a deal." Mr. Daniel spoke monotone, picking up his glass and downing the remnants in a gulp.

" Thank you once again, Mr. Daniels, Royal Arts Academy is glad to have you." The director spoke, stretching his hand for an official welcome and handshake, to which Mr. Daniels took in a firm grip.

" How is the search going for the female character? " Mr. Daniels asked, wanting feedback on the earlier discussed script which was sent to the school in search of a new face for his film production.

" Very well, we put up two slots for a fully funded scholarship with the dialogue as a script for the audition. So far we have received tons of videos, but none have as much potential as the people we have currently in Royal Arts."

Mr. Austin gauged the reaction of the man in front of him but couldn't grasp anything substantial. He couldn't tell how his client was taking the news and it bothered him.

" The search is currently on, and hopefully will bring good fruits forward in no distant time. Unless of course, you decide to have the ones that are already in school and with potential." The director said, efficiently putting his students out to be picked.

He knew that if one of his female students gained the role of the female lead in the huge production, it would be a huge credit to the academy as it could shoot one into instant stardom.

" I stand by my decision, my female lead is still out there, somewhere. find her." Mr. Daniel stood up on his feet, signaling his departure from the office.

" We will find her, all hands are on deck." The director agreed and ushered him out of the office, escorting him to where his driver stood by the exotic car.

Nodding, the director watched him till the car drove out of sight.

********

Deloise donned a beautiful long sleeveless gown. She got the table set with a smile on her face, knowing her mother was going to enjoy the meal prepared with a chocolate cake to go.

" You are all ready, tables set, and food tantalizing, it's time to go." Anna counted and picked up her bag, ready to leave.

" Thank you so much, you are the best," Deloise called out to a leaving Ann.

" I know!" She shouted back before exiting the home complex.

Five minutes later, the rev of a car arriving outside alongside the voice of her mother was heard. Deloise straightened up, expecting her mother's presence, she stood by the dinner table and immediately her mother walked in, the smell of sweet foods and delicacies wafted up her nostrils.

" Yummy." Ms. Esther closed her eyes and inhaled the aroma in the air.

" Happy birthday mum," Deloise replied with a smile as she took in her mother's countenance upon sighting the set food.

" Thank you, my love," Esther felt almost moved to tears, she enveloped Deloise in a motherly hug- one that felt a bit too tight.

" umm- mumm, I think the food might get cold." Deloise said as the hug prolonged.

" Ohh yeah, let's eat," Esther said, finally letting her go, and they settled in to eat.

The duo ate happily, chatting as they went and reminiscing previous years of the tradition. As the dinner drew to an end, Esther decided to bring up the topic she had been putting off for a while.

It was now or never.

Perceiving a change of mood and atmosphere, Deloise looked at her mom in wonder, puzzled as to what could make her silent so suddenly.

" Are you okay?"

" There's something I want us to discuss." Her mother said in a small voice.

" Okay, I'm all ears," she said, looking at her mom, and waiting to find out what got her so bothered.

Esther pushed food round her plate, a trait her daughter rec

ognized to mean she was nervous. She watched her mother finally open her bag, bring out a folded envelope, and slide it over to her.

Deloise felt a sense of rising dread overwhelm her. Something told her she wouldn't like what was coming.