The book flies across the room, hitting my best friend, Chloe, square in the face as she comes home from her job as the director of the play Peter Pan.
"OW, what was that for Bethany?" she shrieks as she closes the door to our shared apartment in the suburbs of Los Angeles and picks up the book.
"That was the worst book I have ever read in my life! Actors aren't actually that conceited, I would know, I'm an amazing actress."
"Uh-huh sure," Chloe retorts, "and the Earth is flat."
I lightly smack her arm, but she just laughs. "Hey! I did get the lead role in the movie version of Matched," I state proudly.
"Yeah, I'm so excited for you for landing that job! This is your first big acting role. You'll do great. You're so much like your character. You have the same green eyes, copper- brown hair, fiery spirit, and creativity."
"Thanks, but seriously though, that story was about a small time actress who finally makes it to the top, but ditches her friends along the way. I am an aspiring actress, but I would never do that to-"
I am cut off by a chirp coming from my purse. I run over to it and check my phone, hoping that it is my manager, Evelyn. I see her text, telling me to come to the studio I had auditioned at immediately for an urgent cast meeting.
* * * * *
I pull up to the extravagant studio on 5th Avenue, a little after one o'clock. A massive arc stands before me as I walk out of the parking lot towards the establishment, making the studio look like a majestic castle. I strut down the red carpet style entrance and push open the large glass doors. As I enter the lobby, I look around and find the poised receptionist who gives me a warm smile. I walk up to her and I ask where Matched is being shot. She shows me the way and as I walk, I use the time to take in my surroundings. To the right of the hallway, there is a ginormous wall with all the actors I have ever known and so many more. I hope I can be up there someday. "This is your stop. Have a great time shooting, I have a feeling your picture will be up on that wall in no time," the receptionist winks at me before turning around and walking away.
I open the black doors, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
* * * * *
"Okay, so this movie is projected to be one of the greatest blockbuster movies of the year, don't blow it," Evelyn states for the umpteenth just a few minutes after I walk in.
Gee, thanks for all the confidence you have in me.
"Remember to keep your image up and always act like the big movie star you were born to be. Today you are going to meet your co-stars, have a group read over of the script, and get a tour of the entire studio, so you are comfortable with your surroundings." Evelyn informs me as we walk across the room to the snack table.
"Come on, let's go meet the rest of the cast," she drags me over to a table where several people are amicably chatting.
As we approach the table, I realize that I am going to be working with the most popular actor in all of America, Tyler Evans. Next to him is another guy whom I haven't seen before. That is probably Dylan, this must be his first role. I think to myself.
"Hey Bethany, I'm Dylan and you have probably heard of Tyler," Dylan greets while extending a hand. I shook his hand before looking over at Tyler.
"Hi Tyler, I'm Bethany," I exclaim enthusiastically.
He gives me a quick onceover and sneers "You're the one they chose? I think they ran out of money after hiring me, so they settled with you."
Well, someone is a little stuck up. I shrug it off and continuing to chat with Dylan.
"Ok everyone, now that we are all acquainted, Let's start discussing the plot and shooting schedules." the director announces.
* * * * *
We spent the next 3 or 4 hours figuring out our characters and getting to know each other. I am talking animatedly with Dylan when the director quiets us down to make an announcement.
"I have an amazing opportunity for you all. You have been invited to the premiere of Optimistic Overtime in a month." the director exclaims.
"Oh my gosh, I have been dying to see that movie." I squeal.
"Hey Beth, will you be my um... date for the Optimistic Overtime premiere" Dylan asks hesitantly.
"Sure" I agree happily and shoot him a dazzling smile
"Great" he responds with relief obvious in his tone.
* * * * *
"You did what!" My manager screeches through the phone a few days later. "Why in the world would you go with Dylan when you could go on a date with Tyler Evans!"
"Because Tyler seems like a jerk" I respond with annoyance as I get ready for my 5th day of shooting.
"Tyler could give a huge boost to your popularity. Please ditch that Dylan guy and go with Tyler," Evelyn pleads, "you need to start acting like a celebrity. Think about your career not this stupid nonsense"
"I guess I should be thinking about my career," I hesitantly conclude, "Fine, I'll ask Tyler."
I let out a groan and fall onto the bed.
"What's up Beth?" Chloe asks as she waltzes into the apartment.
"My manager is making me go to the premiere with Tyler," I whine, "He is such a brat and thinks he is better than us just because he is famous."
"Have you even talked to him?" Chloe questions, "He could just be shy."
"Maybe, but I doubt it" I respond before I am cut off by a chirp from my phone. "Ugh, now I'm late." I grumble. "Now my manager is going to use this as another reason for why I should move out."
"Evelyn wants you to move out?" Chloe asks softly.
"Yeah, she keeps complaining that it's pointless for me to live out here," I reply, "and I am starting to think she is right. It is really hard to travel an hour just to get to work."
"I guess that makes sense, but you promised we would have each other's backs in the city. I already feel like we are growing apart and this feels like a confirmation," Chloe lamented.
Why is she being such a drama queen. I stride out of the apartment and slam the door shut. The resounding thud echoes down the hall as I whip out my phone to text Evelyn. I tell her that I am thinking about moving out and she immediately replies and tells me she has already rented out a good place in downtown LA.
* * * * *
After a few hours of filming, we are given a lunch break. I guess now would be a good time to tell Dylan that I can't go to the premiere with him and ask Tyler instead. I think as I make my way to the snack table.
"Hey Bethany, I can't wait to go to the premiere with you!" Dylan exclaims as he strolls over to me.
"About that, I can't go with you," I mumble nervously. He seems so excited to go with me, I can't tell him that I am ditching him for Tyler. "I um... have to go out of town that day."
"Oh, well I guess we can go out or something when you get back," Dylan says dejectedly.
"Yeah, maybe" I reply even though I know it won't happen. He is a nice guy, but he isn't as good of an actor as me and I need to date someone who will improve my status. I leave Dylan at the snack table and scour the area for Tyler. I locate him near his dressing room and sashay over to him.
"Hey Tyler, Would you like to go to the Optimistic Overtime premiere with me?" I ask with confidence. Evelyn told me that confidence is key when trying to impress someone. He can't reject me this way, not that he'd want to. I am a star just like him.
"Sure I guess" he mutters before slamming the door in my face. I let out a groan of frustration, Why is he being so difficult?
* * * * *
The day of the premiere creeps up on me with no warning and I am completely unprepared. I wish Chloe was here to help me get ready. I rummage through my new wardrobe to find the dress that Evelyn gave me to wear tonight. I slip on the gorgeous fuschia colored dress and layer it with a cute black leather jacket. I finish off the outfit with some strappy black heels.
Where is Tyler, he was supposed to be here by now. I grab my phone and shoot Tyler a text asking where he is. I had to wait 10 minutes before I finally got a reply:
"Sorry can't make it."
Is this guy crazy? I will not stand for this. Wait a second, I have a back up. I can go with Dylan. I call him to see if he is available.
"Hello?" Dylan answers.
"Hi Dylan, I know that this is last minute and all, but do you think you can be my date for the premiere?" I ask.
"I really wish I could , but I already asked someone else."
"Can you please tell her you can't come," I plead, " I need to have a date, it would be awful for my image if I show up without a date"
"I can't just ditch her Beth, that's rude, and why do you care about your reputation so much?" he spat, annoyance starting to creep into his voice.
"Why not?" I whine, "It's not that hard, just make up a lie, like I did with you when I wanted to go with Tyler."
I pause once I realize what I just said.
"You lied to me about leaving town," Dylan says incredulously, "just so you could build up your reputation. I never thought you would end up like such a diva."
I don't understand. Why is he so upset? He should be grateful I even asked him.
* * * * *
"Oh my gosh Chlo, he was being so ungrateful," I rant to Chloe, "and he even has the nerve to call me selfish!" I am fuming as I continue my spiel. I had a day off set and Chloe did not have to work on directing her play, so we decide to meet up. It has been almost a week since I have seen my best friend and I am filling her in on Tyler's negligence and Dylan's selfishness. Chloe is sitting on my bed while I pace around the room.
"I agree that Tyler is a total jerk, but Dylan did not even do anything wrong," Chloe responds.
"What!" I screech," he should have ditched that other girl the minute I called."
"You were the one who ditched him for someone else in the first place, why are you mad at him?" Chloe reasons, "he didn't even ditch you."
"Who's side are you on?" I hiss in disbelief.
"I want to be on your side, but now you are just being crazy," Chloe replies with annoyance. "What happened to my amazing, down-to-earth, aspiring actress best friend," Chloe screams, tears welling in her eyes, "because the person in front of me right now just is a huge diva who doesn't care about anything except her reputation, not my best friend."
"You are the worst friend ever," I scream, "a best friend is supposed to be there to support you, not act like a jealous brat!"
Tears start to stream down Chloe's face as she bolts out of our apartment slamming the door shut on the way out. The reverberating echo of the door continues to ring in my ears as I am left alone with my thoughts.
* * * * *
Oh, I remember that trip! Chloe had gotten drenched because her younger brother had emptied a bucket of ocean water on her, while we were tanning at the beach. I reminisce while looking through the old pictures of me and Chloe. These photos are like snapshots of the most amazing times of my life. I can't stand the thought of losing her. I have go apologize to her, she is at the rehearsal for the play that she is directing. I reach 2 hours before the play is scheduled to start, so I can get the chance to talk to her. I enter the community theater building and walk down the aisle that leads to the stage where Chloe is standing. I walk over to her and tap her shoulder. She turns and looks at me with surprise and confusion swirling in her eyes. Just before I start to speak, a backstage helper runs up to Chloe and tells her that some guy named Greg is missing and nowhere to be found.
"What? Are you sure you have thoroughly checked everywhere?" Chloe asks, mirroring the guy's worried expression.
Okay, this is very confusing. "Who is this Greg guy? Is he the main actor or someone important like that?" I ask.
"Greg is our sound operator. We need him to play all the sound effects during the play,"
She explains ending our conversation, before running off with the backstage guy to go look for the sound guy, whatever his name is.
Seriously! He's just the sound guy!? Why is it such a big deal that he's gone? It's not like he's the lead actor or something. I can't believe that Chloe is ditching me to go chase that nobody" I think to myself as I head off the stage towards the seats, planning to wait for her.
* * * * *
Holy mother of God! This rehearsal is such a disaster! The actors keep missing their cue, the dances are a complete mess and the timing is off on everything. I wonder why this is happening, the play seemed to be coming along so well when I had seen it a few weeks ago. Is this...is this happening because the sound guy is missing? No, that can't be, he's not even that important. At least that's what Evelyn told me. No one other than the main actors matter.
It is getting harder and harder for me to convince myself Evelyn is right. As I watch Chloe's amazing play go down the drain just because one guy on the sidelines is missing, I realize how important everybody's role is. It doesn't matter what role you play, every single role is important in producing a final product.
OH MY GOODNESS!! CHLOE!! Oh, this must be awful for her. I have to go find her. I run back stage, hoping to find her working or talking to someone, to show me that she's okay, but instead all I see is a mop of brown hair covering the face of a girl who is sitting in the corner, silently sobbing. I slowly walk up to the girl I have known forever and quietly sit next to her. I put an arm behind her neck and pull her head to my lap. She slowly stops sobbing and shaking and looks up at me.
"Hey, it's going to be okay. I overheard one of the other set guys talking about how he was able to get a hold of Greg." I comfort her.
"Really?" Chloe asks with hopeful eyes and lifts her head from my lap.
"Yeah"
"Thank you, for comforting me and being there for me when I needed you. It almost makes up for how you have been acting ever since you got that role in Matched" Chloe says as she gets up and dusts off her pants. I follow her and stand up as well, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
"About that, Chloe, I really need to talk to you. Chloe, you are my best friend and have been for as long as I can remember, I'm sorry that I let myself forget that and put my career before our friendship. Is there anyway that you can forgive me and be my best friend again?
By the time I finish my apology, her eyes are already brimming with tears again, except this time, she pulls me into a crushing bear hug.
"Of course, I forgive you, Beth. I will always be your best friend."
* * * * *
Today is our first day of shooting after our week long break. I haven't seen or talked to Dylan since the night of the movie premiere since the Friday night before break. I pull up to the studio and prepare myself as I make my way down to the set of Matched. As I open the black doors, my eyes immediately start to search for the mop of brown hair and set of blue eyes that I have wronged. I see Dylan at the snack table and am about to walk up to him, when my manager yanks me the other direction.
"Ow, Evelyn! You almost dislocated my shoulder! Why did you pull me over, I really have to go apologize to Dylan for what you made me do!"
"No. You are not going to go apologize to him, you have done nothing wrong. If anything he needs to apologize to you for not going to the premiere with you," Evelyn scolds.
"Wow, Evelyn, that is by far the most conceited thing I have ever heard you say. I hired you because I thought that you were going to help me adjust to the lifestyle of an actor. I never realized that instead you were turning me into a diva."
Evelyn opens her mouth to protest, but I raise a hand to silence here.
"You're fired!" I spat as I cross my arms over my chest and stomp off. Ugh, I need a snack.
When I walk over to the snack table, I see Dylan still standing there.
"Hey, Dylan, can I talk to you for a sec," I ask with uncertainty.
"I really have to be somewhere, Bethany," Dylan mutters as he turns around and starts to walk away.
"Please Dylan, this is really important and it will only take a second," I grab his wrist to stop him. I continue talking, so he doesn't get a chance to cut me off.
"I am so sorry for how I treated you. It was so wrong of me to expect you to drop your date for the girl who ditched you in the first place. I was actually looking forward to going to the premiere with you, that's why I had said yes at first, but then my manager told me to go with Tyler instead of you and I stupidly listened to her. I knew that you were someone I could easily get along with since the first day on set," I say looking straight into his blue eyes.
"It's okay Beth, I forgive you," my cheeks flare up at the sincerity of his voice.
* * * * *
"Oh my gosh, you're Bethany Mcallister! You are my idol! Can you autograph this for me?" I turn around to see a young girl looking at me in awe.
"Of course! I owe everything to fans like you," I respond with a warm smile.
I am in the best mood ever because I just got a call from my new and improved manager, Kate, telling me that the studio decided to put my picture on The Wall! I never thought I would actually get on that wall, especially after how I treated everyone on the set of Matched. It has been almost a year since Matched was released. It was a huge success and my new boyfriend, Dylan and I got tons of movie offers afterwards. Chloe's play turned out to be such a big hit that she was offered a job to direct a huge Broadway play. Now my picture will be on The Wall, always reminding me of the journey that I took and the lessons I learned while I was living in the limelight.