Chapter-9 : Audition

Being a kid have its own advantages, this advantage is even great if your an actor. Having a good result can both be a good and bad. Good because you will get called for auditions, film makers will come to you, you will get endorsement etc.

But bad you will be in the watch list of media, the paparazzi will constantly follow you anywhere i.e you will lose your privacy specially in public places and any wrong step will spell disaster.

For child actors good part comes moderately but bad part it close too none. Thanks to special laws , organizations in US your free from constant harassment but still few paparazzi will roam around you after all it's the life of a public figure.

With the busy life of filming, stage play, writing book and of-course school, the new year came almost silently to Richard.

If not celebrating new year and Richard birthday, his birthday is in January 2nd with his extended family in California, he would have forgotten it. If he misses anyone other than his parents it will be his granny.

His grandfather died before he born. So, he only met his grandma on his father side. During the initial bedridden days his granny took cafe of him, when ever she came to visit but soon she passed away and he could attended her funeral. he always feels sad when think so after finally remembering he decided to take-care of his granny as much as possible.

Santa Rosa is a beautiful place, he like it here very much specially the horses. they have a huge ranch here which had a large stable. he always rides on horse and circle around the entire ranch when ever he come here.

His grandparents use to live here, now elder uncle's family lives here with granny. Every new year all the family get together here.

Among the family member David is the youngest and after him is his two sisters than his older brother. one of the sister lives in Florida and other in Chicago.

Everyone like this get together very much specially the siblings.

The event was a success, everyone have spend a good time together and Richard was the center of attention like the last time when he reviled he was R.R Jackson. This time he have spend his time telling his experience in film, some behind the scene moments which he also enjoy telling them.

Five month have passed after this episode. the life of Jackson family became normal again with Richard doing some endorsement, a signing event, writing books including a book name<spies in disguise>published last month and acting in Broadway, also not forgetting school.

Taking about school he this year he entered middle school. For him who is living his second life school becomes ted bit easier and beside he was academically good in his previous life too.

So, his normal life was disturbed when their doorbell rang.

It was non other than Ari Emanuel who is Richard's agent. { A.N: IN case some forgets.}

"Hello Ari what made you to come all the way to New York." replied Richard.

"Oh! Come on, can't I come without any reason. "

"No you can't"

"Damn your one mean kid"

"Thank you for the compliment but now the reason" replied Richard raising a eye brew.

"Okay..Okay... sheesh!!! So, the reason I came is I got a role for you to play in a film from MGM." replied Ari wiping the false sweat.

"A film invitation from MGM" Richard frowned.

"That's right... MGM announced a family film name A Christmas Story. There is an important child character in it. The audition is next week." he replied.

"Wait I have do the audition" he asked curiously.

"Well when the film was announced MGM directly found me to give this role to you but the director vetoed it. So, they came to concussion that as long as you do well you will get the role." he explained.

"O" Richard relied while thinking.

He can't remember hearing or seeing this film. so, it is one those which didn't have enough market potential or had very moderate or low box office.

"So?" Ari urged seeing Richard in daze.

"huh??... oh...Sure Why not." replied Richard after recovering.

"Excellent" said Ari happily.

'Well what can go wrong, worse it will be cancelled or make loss. While walking blind is also good because future will always may not be available or might change due to butterfly effect. In-fact it is a good idea, then I will not be depended on the future that much, besides it will only work until 2020. And who knows I might make it into a successful movie' Thought Richard with a smile.

As days goes by next week finally came.

Richard flew all the way to MGM studios for the audition.

After he came he saw a lot of kids in the hall waiting for their audition. Someone is always coming out or going in to a certain room. The expressions of those who come out are mostly frowning or sad.

After waiting for sometimes his named finally called.

"Richard Jackson!" shouted the person sitting beside the door.

Its not like first time he given audition but it is a first time for this life so, he became a little nervous when he heard his name. Taking a deep breath he went into the room and by the time entered he was nervous heart calmed again and his self confident smile came to his face which shown to the judges.

Bob Clark have become tiered seeing all the stiff young faces. now he is waiting for the next one. by now only few could impressed him specially one young kid named Peter Billingsley. if anyone anyone cannot impress him more than this kid inducing the Richard kid proposed by MGM, he will get the role.

"Hello My name is Richard Jackson."

Sudden intrusion of sound broke Bob's musing. Looking at the source of the confident sounded introduction came, he saw a black hair , sunny confident smile with a stunning blue eyed kid.

"I have only appeared in one film which was released last year but i have acted in a lot of plays in Broadway and my hobby is writing stories." Richard without stopping confidently finished his introduction.

The room was silent after that no body spoke after that,some moment later Bob broke the silence.

"Well good to see you Richard. I am Bob Clark also the director of this film,I have seen your performance in E.T which was good even hear that Mr.Spielberg also given positive comment on your acting skills. "

"Thank you for your praise Mr. Clark but most of the credit is due to Mr. Spielberg, he guided me quite a lot. " replied Richard humbly.

Seemingly satisfied with the response Bob came to main point

"Although your acting skill is good but this film is more of a indie type film with a comedy, which completely opposite of what you experienced."

"Well I have played few Humor or comedy based stage plays as i said before i have a Broadway background so, it might help" replied Richard sweetly with a smile.

"Oh you appeared in Broadway" said the person next to Bob for the first time.

Richard smiled and nodded radially which brought a few chuckles from the people sitting.

"So, your confident you will get the role" said the man.

"As long as everyone liked my auditions" Richard answered confidently.

"Well lets start then" said Bob.

Then they gave Richard a script asked to do a specific scene after giving him few minutes for preparations. After the time passes Richard acts the specific scenes. Some causes them to nod, Some made them simile and few to frown. finally getting satisfied they told him to stop.

the space becomes quite again, Bod and the other person look at each other seemingly taking a decision. Then look at Richard.

"Well Richard...."