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laurencyrus · 03-15-2009, 02:05 PM

Note: I have posted Chapter 10, "Change", ending "Life of Becca" and beginning my new sequel. As soon as I decide to post the beginning of the next story I will have a link on this thread. Thank You so much for reading my first story here!

Click here to go to Life of Becca's Sequel, "Nerd Gone Popular"!

|Summary|

Spoiler: show

|PM List|

Would you like to be Notified every time I post a new chappie? Let me know!

Spoiler: show

|Dedication|

Spoiler: show

|Other Books You May Be Interested In|

Spoiler: show

Character Guide (Updated):

Spoiler: show

|Character Guide|

Alert - if you are reading this before you have read what I have posted so far on the book, there are a few potential spoilers you might become aware of. I'd reccommend waiting to read this if you're just starting to read "Life of Becca". Just a warning.

Becca Bell - protagonist. Becca is a middle-schooled actress looking to earn an exclusive scholarship to an acting college. She is a bit self-centered. She looks like Selena Gomez!

Lauren - antagonist. Lauren is also a middle-schooled actress who wants the same scholarship as Becca. The two are rivals, and always in competition. Lauren is tall with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Becca is jealous of her.

Paige - Becca's best friend. She is not an actress, and is somewhat shy and reserved. She is always trying the keep Becca out of trouble. She is a total oppisite of her best friend, yet she remains loyal in any situation. NOTE: You may remember Paige as Lola. I changed the same because (1) I couldn't stand it for some reason, (2) neither could a few other people, and (3) Lola sounds too much like Lauren, in my opinion; I sure don't want them getting mixed up!

Now I know changing the name of one of your characters can get really confusing, and I'm really sorry for any inconvenience, but I thought it was worth it.

Mr. Gates - The middle-school drama teacher. He decided which actress gets the scholarship, so all of the students are trying to keep on his good side.

Ms. Jones - The middle-school geometry teacher. She usually picks on Becca; Becca believes she is out to get her. She does not like Mrs. Jones' class.

Ms. Kerry - The middle-school English teacher. She is nice, but stern. She got Lauren into some serious trouble with the principal for bullying Becca.

Kyle - Lauren's crush. Long (but curly) brown hair and deep eyes. Pale skin and the perfect nose - in Becca's opinion. Kyle helped free Becca from the seat she had been duct-taped to (a trick Lauren had played).

Cynthia Windspark - Head of the L.A. Talent Scout Department. She wrote the letter Paige gave to Becca that informed her of the audition in Los Angeles for aspiring young actresses.

Susan Bell (Mrs. Bell): Becca's mother. Hesitant on letting Becca go to the big L.A. audition.

Doug Bell (Mr. Bell): Becca's father. He looks and acts like a drill sargeant, but on the inside he's a really great dad. He was the one who defended Becca and her decision to go to the audition.

Rick: Becca's director in one of her movies.

Chapter 1: (Open Spoiler)

Spoiler: show

"Yeah, I am a superstar, a superstar, uh-huh, uh-huh, a super superstar, rising to the top, dum dum dee doo"

I looked around with a huge smirk. "Who's phone is that?", I called out loud enough for my teacher to hear. "Psst, Becca! It's yours, genius," my friend Paige said quitely.

Oh.

Everyone was staring at me now...how could I be that silly? Who else would have a ringtone like that? As discreetly as I could, I reached into my new purse and grabbed the sequined cellphone to turn it off.

"Goodbye", an electronic voice exclaimed. So my phone says goodbye now. How inconveniently polite.
"Shut it or I'll throw you in the pool at gym!" I blurted to the Iphone.

"Do do doo doo do do doo doo daaaaa" it replied.

It had finally turned off. Why do phones have to make so many noises just to assure you that they are turning themselves off?

Now EVERYONE was staring at me, including Ms. Jones, my geometry teacher. Perfect. After all, I craved attention, didn't I? Despite my efforts to delude myself, I could tell that I was blushing furiously. I could practically feel the warm blood flood my pale, sallow cheeks. How embarrasing. I closed my eyes for a second, hoping that I would be somewhere - anywhere - else when I opened them again.

Deep breaths...like the ones I use when I am preparing to deliver a dramatic line in a scene. In....out....In....out....Okay...I opened my eyes to see my teacher looking at me with a smug grin. Ha! I used the exact same grin in my last play when I overthrew the evil emperor of Rome.

"Becca Bell, was that your cellphone ringing just now?", Ms. Jones asked. "Well duh" I thought about replying, but I decided against it; how would a detention affect my schedule? I had drama class after school, so it was best not to risk it...

"Yes it was," I said in the sweetest voice I could muster, "I'm so sorry Ms. Jones."
It won't happen again!, I scolded myself internally.

"Will you promise me that it won't happen again, Becca?" she asked in her superior tone. At that, I almost exploded. (I have a bit of a temper, if you have not yet caught on.) Again, I composed myself, ridding my throat of the angry knot blocking my speech.

"Promise!" I said. Yeah, whatever, the defiant voice in my head groaned. Ms. Jones went back to her lecture on theorems and perpendicular planes, droning on and on. I glanced up at the clock in the front. Dismayed, I found that I still had about a half an hour of this torture before I could skip on down to my after school drama lesson. I am so excited; in a few days, we are going out to the Center of the Arts to perform in front of a large audience in a stadium! I have heard rumors from other actresses that talent scouts may be watching for the next big star for a new show airing on the Disney Channel. I sighed. How I wished I could be the next Miley Cyrus, or Demi Lavado. I do actually look just like Selena Gomez. Everyone agrees. My long, blackish-brown hair and big eyes are the cherry on top. I'm really very photogenic. The camera would love me!

Acting is a big part of my life. And I mean, HUGE. When I was little, it was all I could talk about. "Mommy, when I grow up I'm gonna be a superstar like all the beautiful people on TV!" She would just sigh and tell me not to get my hopes up. And now here I am, the Drama Queen of my middle school - and everyone knows it. You see, there is this awesome acting college that only gives out one scholarship per school, and I want in so bad! Although my mom is a little more supportive of my dream to become an actress now that she sees how serious I am about it, that does not change the fact that we don't have a ton of money to pay for a spectacular college education. And believe me, this place isn’t cheap! But hey, lots of big stars started of with literally nothing. Take Oprah for example. I figure, I would already have a head start on her back when she was my age! I have to work my way to the top and prove to the college that I am the best of the best...in any way I can. It will be hard, but if I want this enough, I know I will beat all my fellow actresses in school to the scholarship. I won't lose focus. Drama is life.

I repeated that phrase in my head. Drama is life, drama is life, drama is life, drama is --

"Becca! Are you paying attention?" Ms. Jones snapped. All the heads spun right back around to me again. Becca, center of attention once more. Great.

This was going to be a long half an hour...

Chapter 2:

Spoiler: show

I had finally escaped the hour-long session with Ms. Jones, (I thought I'd never make it out of that prison cell!) and started running down the long halls to my drama class. "MOVE IT, guys!" I yelled as I pushed my way through the masses of students eager to leave school in the dust. Luckiy for them, their school had ended. Mine had only just begun - my drama school.

"C'mon, move! Everyone! I'm gonna be late just let me through," I ordered. It did not seem to do much good. As I looked to my right I saw a group of people who seemed to be standing stationary in the doorway. What on earth?! Didn't they have somewhere better to be? Or, better yet, somewhere more appropriate to stand?

"Helpppppp,"one of the boys in the doorway hollered, "we're stuck!"...Ah, so that would be the reason.Typical , I thought as I rolled my eyes. I pulled out my Iphone and saw the time. Perfect. I was late again.

As teachers focused their efforts on attempting to free the students jammed into the doorway, I snuck around the hall to the cafeteria's kitchen and took the back door to the drama theatre. (Technically not allowed, but I had perfected my sneaking abilities so that I could take my secret shortcut without getting caught). I was quietly walking over to my seat in the auditorium when out called Lauren, possibly the most annoying girl on the planet.

"Mr. Gates, look at what the cat dragged in - it's Becca!" Several giggles erupted from the back of the room. I turned around ever so slowly to give Lauren the glare I had reserved just for her. She caught my evil gaze, and simply smiled back. Ugh.

Ever heard the saying "Oppisites attract"? Well, its true for your information. But what if two people are not oppisites? What if they are pretty much the same? I have the answer to that, too. Alikes hate eachother. Go make that into a saying, cause that 100% fact right there. I hated Lauren. Hated her with a passion. When I was not busy acting, or daydreaming about my future superstar status, I was quarreling with Lauren. Paige believes that she is my arch enemy...right she is. Kind of like the Batman and the Joker, me and Lauren apparently were put on this earth to fight each other. Becuase we just love to hate like that.

Truth be told, there was not a whole lot to dislike about Lauren. Her good qualities may be the reason why I fight with her so often; maybe I am a jealous wreck. Lauren is a pretty girl with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She is as tall as a skyscraper, towering over even the boys of my middle school. She is as graceful as a gazelle, carring herself high with pride and walking tall with long, even strides. She has an actresses' posture; I have not once caught her slouching at the lunchtable or in her desk. She delievers her lines precisely and with striking confidence, besting all of the students in drama class, myself included. Lauren has the personality of a star, and the drama teacher, Mr.Gates, sure notices it. I swear, she is trying to steal away that scholarship to the actor's college - MY actor's college. And, frighteningly, she's doing a pretty swell job of it.

I desperately probe my mind for a belittling comeback to hurl at her, but nothing comes. I settle for a small sneer and then take my seat. (Oh so conveniently located right in front of Lauren. Yeah, that's just life). Mr. Gates continued on like no one had spoken. I like that about him. He does notice Lauren's talent, but just because she is so great does not mean he writes off all of his other students. Maybe he sees how snobby Lauren is on the inside. Does he see that in me?, I worry. Hope not...

"Now I want you all to practice the rela***ion methods to use before you go up on stage. Not only will they help you rid yourself of the jitters, but many will also help upkeep your voice and posture so that you will act your best onstage." Mr. Gates said. "I have been hearing rumors that some of you get very nervous before your plays. There's no need for that; you're all so wonderful up there."

Hmm...rela***ion methods? Oh, I remember one. I shut my eyes and crossed my legs Indian-style. For a moment, I tried to remember a place that I have been that makes me feel good. I had some difficulties, because while everyone usually will think of a beach somewhere in the Bahamas, or some other exotic place, I have never left my state, much less the country. Happy place, happy place. Hmm...finally, it comes to me. I imagine myself rocking on the hammock tied between the two trees in my backyard. I am watching an "Access Hollywood" re-run recorded on my phone. The sun is shining down upon me, giving the world a beautiful golden tint. The picture perfect form of rela***ion. I sigh aloud, already feeling my vocal cords ease up. And then...

"BANG!" My eyes flew open with a start. My heart was beating out of my chest. What caused that loud noise? As I looked around, disoriented, I heard a snicker coming from behind me. I did not even have to turn myself around fully to recognise that voice. It was Lauren. Of course. She was bending down to pick up the heavy Grammar book that she had just dropped on the floor.

"Gotcha again, Becca dear!" she squealed. Now what do I say to that? Once again, I searched through my extensive book of comebacks, but nothing seemed like the right way to get her back. I merely turned around and pretended to go back to my rela***ion therapy. At that, she started to laugh again. Then I heard heavy footsteps coming my way. Who was that? Should I open my eyes? I peeked through a just barely slitted eye to see Mr. Gates hefty figure parked only a row behind me. Uh-oh. Was I in trouble? Not again. I don't exactly have the cleanest record of all my fellow actresses in middle school. My countless quarrels with Lauren accounted for a few inevitable referrals that I just could not erase from my record. What can I say? Lauren does not bring out the best in me.

I heard Mr. Gates bark, "Lauren, was that you?!"
"Oh, the loud noise?", Lauren inquired inncoently.
"What else would I be talking about? Now was that you? I expected better behavior from you, young lady."
"I'm sorry Mr. Gates. I accidentally dropped it. I really did not mean to interrupt your rela***ion session."
"An accident? I don't believe that for a minute! You know what you did. Apoligize for disrupting Becca...NOW!", he scolded.

"Yeah, sorry Becca." Lauren said. Wow, that was probably the most insincere tone I have ever head used before. Better than mine. I felt a spark of jealousy at that. Wow, am I jealous or what? I would not be surprised if I started to turn green any day now.
"Yeah, whatever Lauren." I mimicked flawlessly. Oh my, that was good! I could have sworn I saw the corners of Mr. Gates mouth turn upright for a split second. Yes, I think they really did! When he noticed me staring, Mr. Gates coughed self-consiously. After clearing his throat, he murmured, "Alright kids, back to buisness."

Was that the perfect ending to a great day or what?! Score one for Becca!

If I only knew what was to come of next week's huge play at the Center of the Arts, I would not have been so elated....

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 3:

Spoiler: show

It was dark, cold, and it smelled of dust and decay. I hugged myself tighter, hoping I could generate some extra warmth by pulling my sweater down past my knuckles. I felt sick and unsure, expecting the worst. Want to know where I was?...okay, so that did get a little dramatic; I was standing backstage at the Center of the Arts, waiting for my que. La dee dah. So nervous...I tried all of the techniques for stress-relief that I could pull out of my head, but none seemed to work. Instead, I watched Lauren onstage. The play was in a rather dramatic scene; Lauren was on her knees, crying. I studied her facial features, looking for a crack in her armor. I searched for any hint that would make her audience remember that she is just an actress, not a girl sobbing with sorrow. When I found none, I grunted in annoyance. The girl was good. Dissatisfied, I went over to the small dressing room to put on my make-up and fix my hair. While I ran the fine-tooth comb through my thick hair, I checked the time. My que was in five minutes. I had plenty of time; us actresses are trained in the arts of getting in-costume quickly. As I smudged the fake dirt across my cheek, I felt like I really was becoming the character I played.

That's good, I told myself, if I'm going to best Lauren tonight I had better be this character.

"La-la-la-la-la-la-La" I sang out. That was a scale in the key of C minor...I thought it sounded alright. I wanted to have the perfect pitched voice for the girl I was playing..."Argh!" I muttered. The tip of my eyeliner brush has poked my eye. Great. Now I will have to walk onstage crying. Just great.

After glancing at myself in the mirror for the last time, I finally sat down on a chair near the curtains to wait for my que. I pulled out my cellphone. Paige had texted...

"Becca, how's it going over there? R U still going to be able to hang out 2night? Beat Lauren into the ground this time, alright?"

Ha! I sure would. I texted back to comfirm.

"Oh, you know I will! Everything's going gr8, thx. C ya @ 10:00!" I paused to wipe some of the tears from my injured eye. A black smudge came off on my hand. No! I went back to the mirror to fix my bleeding make-up.

Suddenly, I noted the odd silence onstage. Did it used to be this quiet? Wait, was that my name being whispered from somewhere, or was that in my head? .... My heart started to pound as the seconds of awkward silence continued. I could feel the cold sweat trickling down my forehead. My eyes widened, and I felt as if I were going to collapse as I saw Mr. Gates walking quickly towards me, making ushering gestures as he got closer.

I had missed my que.

I stood there, as stiff as a deer in the headlights, as time seemed to stop in its tracks. I missed my que. I missed it. I ruined the enitre production! What am I going to do? My mind kept repeating these thoughts like a broken record. Mr. Gates was getting closer now...wait, was he? His figure started to get fuzzier and fuzzier as he approached me. I felt petrified, and my vision was instantly clouded with odd blue spots. What is going on?!, I thought frantically. My mouth hung open unnaturally. I tried to make coherent words, but nothing came out. Then, blackness.

***

Echoes....Why were there echoes? Where were they coming from? It sounded like people were trying to talk to me, but it was all a murmur; blurred just like my vision. The blackness was begginning to fade now, and I could make out a few shapes. Were they people? Trees? Where am I? As I lay on a cold surface, I tried to grasp at answers for these questions, but nothing came to mind. I closed my eyes again, too confused. I took a few deep breaths and swallowed - I had a funny taste in my mouth. I felt as if I were floating on a cloud...a very cold cloud. It was the weirdest sensation. After a few more breaths, I immeadiately began to regain my senses.

I could see a large group of people huddling over me. It seemed as if they were staring down at me...Was I on the floor? Whoa. There was Mr. Gates, a few actresses, the Centre of the Arts manager, and...Lauren!!!! It all came back to me right as I saw the gargantuan grin on her dirt-smuged face. I had missed my que! Wow. I guess Lauren knows that she'll be first in line for getting that scholarship after this "mishap". How could I be so silly? I knew my que was in five minutes! How could I have thrown away this golden oppurtunity because of such a careless mistake? Then I noticed that Mr. Gates was trying to talk to me.

"Becca? Earth to Becca? Are you alright, hun? You fainted back behind those curtains, there." he said worriedly.

"H-hey...yeah," I replied. I found it hard to talk....I felt like I wanted to sink into the ground, never to be returned. I swallowed once more to clear the knot in my throat.

"Where are your parents, Becca? Did they come to see the play?" Mr. Gates asked. Psh, my parents?! He acted as if he did not know my family at all. Like I said before, my parents aren't exactly the most supportive of my passion for acting. They do try, but they had something else planned for the night, and it wasn't like this was important enough for them to cancel for. No! You shouldn't think that way of them. You know better than that., a voice in my head scolded. Still, I remember how dissappointed I was when they said they couldn't make it; I guess I am still a little sore about that. Mr. Gates's question was like another hard kick in the side.

Still, I said cooly, "They're not here. I'm very sorry."

"Oh," he sighed, "I guess I should probably drive you home then, if that's alright. You look pretty pale."

"I'd appreciate that, thank you." Then I came to my senses. "But wait!--what about the play? Why areLauren and Kim and Robin and those guys still out here? This show's over - but the one out there isin't! That must go on! Get out there, people!" I ordered.

"Becca, the play is over. We did not want to go on without you and, well, pretend like nothing happened." Lauren explained brightly. I could tell she was allowing herself just a tiny grin - hoping that I would think she was trying to hide it. I did not reply. Instead, I hobbled towards the back door, avoiding all of my classmates' stares. When i opened the door, the cool night wind caught my hair and tangled it even more. I could feel the cold tears from when I had poked my eye - and possibly from the moment when I found I'd missed my que - pressing into my skin. Hopefully they would dry before I reached home. Home...what would my parents say? I still was not sure just how bad the outcome of this situation really was. Would it impact my entire future, or would I be laughing about it tomorrow? It was unnerving that I had no clue which one. I looked behind me - Mr. Gates was saying a few parting words of false encouragement to the actors and actresses, (We'll get em next time, showstoppers! Good work, guys!), and then he followed me out.

His grey, dirt-encrusted Volvo was parked out in the back section of the lot in a parking space reserved for the Middle School Drama Director. I zipped up my jacket and tried to press my teeth together harder to keep from shivering. I prayed his car had heated seats. I climbed in the car and slammed the door behind me. Mr. Gates loaded a box of costumes in the trunk and then inserted the keys into the slot. The car roared to life with a surprising jolt. As we pulled out of the emptied lot, I saw a large crowd of people emerging from a set of revolving doors. Mr. Gates acted as if he did not even notice them.

Those are all the people I let down tonight, I thought, What a shame this all could have been avoided.

Mr. Gates coughed hesitantly, and finally asked if I was alright. Was I crying again? Maybe I was. He was looking at me strangely. Why couldn't I stop the waterworks?!

"Yeah, I'm alright now." I said in the hardest tone I could muster. I always had to use the "hard" tone when I lied. Truth be told, I was not okay. I was completely, totally 100% not okay.

"Hey, where's your house?" he asked, trying his best to keep off the unpleasant subject.

"Not far from here, actually. Turn left...yup, now - no - go that way, its faster." I pointed. My home really was close to the Center of the Arts. Why couldn't I have just walked?, the voice in my head groaned.

As if he could read my thoughts, Mr. Gates explained, "I did not want to let you walk home, sorry. On such a cold night that would have been irresponsible of me." Ha. Nice try, Mr. Gates. I know the real reason why you did not want me to walk on home, and it had nothing to do with the weather. I really do appreciate how he does not push the subject, though., I though to myself.

Suddenly, a thought hit me like a lightning bolt; I had promised Paige that I would be at her place around 10. Great. I reached into my pocket for my phone so that I could text her back.

Where is it? I wondered as I fumbled around for the Iphone.

After checking both pockets in my pants and jacket, I realized that I had forgotten it behind the stage. A rush of emotion swept over me, and I tried as hard as I could to keep from screaming. Tears were now flowing freely across my complexion.

We pulled up to my house. It was all lit up, which was unusual at this time of night - my parents like to save as much as they can on the energy bills. Then, I saw two dark figures standing in the yard, waiting.

It was my parents.

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 4:

Spoiler: show

"Hey girl, where were you last night? You were a no-show!" Paige called out to me. I wasn't really listening...hopefully she would just give up and walk herself to school without bugging me. I didn't even bother to turn my head even as I heard her pace quicken to try to catch up with me.

Oh well that's a nice way to treat your best friend. A sarcastic voice in my head exclaimed. Well today isin't my best day ever, and neither was last night, I argued. I would much rather be musing over yesterday's disaster. It seemed like the entire world was against me - trying my patience until I finally decided to spontaneously combust under the pressure. And, yes, I think I have heard about that happening somewhere...I dismissed it and went back to moping. Not only did I miss my que and made a total fool of myself, but I also fainted.

Who faints? I used to think it was something that only the girls in the movies did. I've never actually fainted before. It was the weirdest, most unpleasant feeling I've ever had. But it went away immeadiately after I went into the blackness...I thanked my lucky stars for that. I remember how embarrased I was when I got back on my feet, with the eyes of the entire class on me. I remeber Mr. Gates of all people driving me home. And, worst yet, I remember my parents.

My parents...

They were standing outside, waiting for me. Waiting expectantly like angry teachers smacking hard wood rulers against the palms of their hands. I could still picture the expressions that the both of them wore; it practicallly made me drop to the ground all over again! Mr. Gates caught one glimpse of them, (even in the darkness he could tell they were mad), and said a hasty goodbye, leaving me to the sharks without another word. Ha! Coward. I was actually surprised that I was brave enough to face my parents. I was almost half an hour late, an unspeakable offense in my parent's rule-book. I had forgotten to warn them that the play may have been pushed to a later time that night. They had already gotten home from their evening out to find the house empty.

Ironically, when I explained to them what happened, they were more upset that I lost my cellphone than the fact that I had flushed my entire scholarship down the drain. Parents. "You're just exaggerating, honey. It couldn't have been that bad." they coaxed. "You'd understand if you were actually there!" I retorted loudly. I then ran to my room, heartbroken, to cry myself to sleep. (It didn't make for the best when I looked in the mirror this morning and saw my reflection). I had caked on as much make-up as my face could hold, but it didn't do much for my puffy, sunken eyes or my red nose. I had hoped people wouldn't notice, but they dissapated when I saw a clique of girls point and laugh when I caught their gaze.

I turned my head and wondered what the future had in store for me as I got nearer and nearer to the school. Will the college hear about this? Am I really exaggerating, or is McDonalds the only venue I will be working in during my lifetime?...I asked these questions of myself over and over as if the answer would magically appear. It didn't, just as I had expected. I looked up, and saw that I was right outside my first period classroom's door. A lot of my fellow actresses are in this class, I thought, How will I stand to be in the same room with them now? Will they tease me?

Gathering all the bravery left inside of me, I twisted the door handle and pushed it open, fearing what might await me.
That's when I saw Lauren.

"Hey, Becca," she called out, "surprised to see me here? I got switched from regular English to English Honors. Ms. Kerry said I was too smart to be in the regular class, you know?"

Why was she being so nice to me? She has something up her sleeve, I warned myself. Suspicious, I kept my eye on her while I walked carefully to my seat. (Wouldn't want to trip on any "misplaced" banana peels, or anything like that.) Thank goodness I am sitting on the oppisite side of the room from her!, I thought. Maybe my luck was starting to turn. As I went to take my seat, my teached called me.

"Becca?" she said. I turned my head towards her.

"Becca, dear, I moved your desk to the front. I see you squinting back there at the end of the class, you poor thing," she crowed, "Please, come join Lauren near the front of the class."

Well, that's just peachy. I thought. I then decided that my luck was just getting worse after all. What am I supposed to do? Carry around a garlic neclace, a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover?

The dam I had built to block the tears from flooding over dissolved, and I started to blink rapidly. Why had fate singled me out to be tormented? It made no sense. I hadn't done anything all that terrible in my life...that I remember. Lauren was smirking. I wonder what her deal is. She can never be satisfied. Enough bullying is never enough to her. I had to admit, I was the victim in this relationship. Rather, I had become the victim. At first, I was just as nasty as Lauren, teasing and clawing at her reputation to try to throw her to the bottom so I could earn the scholarship. But that's just not who I am. I believed in Karma. Maybe if I was good to her, I would get the scholarship because I was a better person. Now, I was not so sure....

I sat down in my new seat, trying my hardest to pay attention to Ms. Kerry's lecture and not to Lauren whispering with a group of her friends. I took out my pencil and started writing some notes to pass the time. Then it flew out of my hand, rolling down below my seat. No! I couldn't reach it. I tried to kick it across, but with no luck. Finally, I started to get out of my seat and was shocked to realize that I couldn't move. I pushed myself up as hard as I could, but it didn't work. Whoa! Why couldn't I get up?!

I looked down and saw the answer - someone had duct-taped the back of the chair. Correction: not someone - LAUREN! I growled aloud.

"Is something the matter, Becca?," Ms. Kerry inquired, oblivious. Should I tell her, or can I free myself without her help?

After trying for the second time, I moaned, "S-she d-duct-taped me...to...to my c-chair!" in between sobs.

"What?! Who, dear?," the teacher asked, so furious her face was turning white. I could tell Lauren was gonna get it. I even cheesed it up a little, throwing in some of my acting skills to define just how upset I was.

I first pointed in Lauren's direction and weeped, "It was ... HER!"

This was going to be good.

"Lauren?," Ms. Kerry asked me, nodding towards Lauren.

"Yes, Ms. Kerry." I cried. Out of the corner of my tear-filled eye, I could see Lauren sitting there. She was putting up a good show - faking her best look of innocence. But I could see the guilt shine through.

Without another word, Ms. Kerry motioned for Lauren to come outside the classroom with her. Lauren paled, and slowly got up. She tripped on her way out. I tried not to smile and laugh. A little giggle kind of burst through after Ms. Kerry had left the room, though. As if a wave had swept the classroom, whispers erupted throughout the class as soon as the door had been shut. I just quietly sat there and attempted to free myself from the clutches of the duct-tape. It was pretty strong, though.

"Uggggg! Oof!" I grunted. This was hard!

Then Kyle walked up to me. "Need a hand there, Becca?," he asked. I held back a squeal. Kyle! I thought, Kyle is talking to me!

Okay, keep your cool now. Don't sweat it. Act uninterested. For goodness sakes, Becca, don't blow this!, the voice in my head advised me. Kyle was pretty much the cutest guy in school, so yeah, I did get kind of totally psyched out when he talked to me. I mean, he actually talked to me. WOW. I gave him a quick lookover to make sure he was really as cute as the last time I saw him. After glancing over the curly brown locks and his perfect nose, I decided that he was better that how I last pictured him. Thankfully my short stare had gone unnoticed. I should probably say something! I thought as I tried to remember the one and only language I knew - English. For some reason it seemed I had temporarily forgotten it.

"Well I'm almost out...but if you want, I guess you can help me out a little bit..." I replied cooly. Ooh, good feign of disinterest, I complimented myself. Wow, am I stuck up or what?!

"Always glad to help a nice girl out. Alright, push up on three...two...one..." he counted.

"RIIIIIIIIIP!!!!"

I was free from the duct-taped chair at last.

"Thank you, oh strong one," I exclaimed, happy to be out of the chair. I looked back at it and saw all the lint from my jeans still stuck to the bottom. Wow, like a full body lint-roller. I did have a lot of loose strings on these jeans. I should thank Lauren when she comes back in. I thought to myself. When I looked back, Kyle was already in his seat. I sighed. Missed him already.

Is he into me?, I asked myself. Was that one of those things that is more than it really seems like?....so confusing. I guess that's the point.

At this point, it is just a crush. Just a sillly crush. I kept repeating that. When I zoned back in, I felt myself smiling. I can't smile! I'm supposed to be recovering from a terribly upsetting prank! I wiped the ear-to-ear grin off my face as quickly as I could.

Where are Lauren and Ms. Kerry?, I wondered. This was too weird. They should have been back by now.

Just then, Ms. Kerry walked in the door. Her lips were pursed, and she strode briskly over to her desk. I saw her pick up a pink and blue slip and then grab the nearest pen off of the air-conditioning unit. Ooh, I knew what that was. A principals office form! The ones that your parent or guardian has to sign! The ones that come with an added detention and a parent-teacher council meeting as an added bonus. I've never gotten one of those. Hope I never will.

"Guess who for? Guess who for?, I sang to myself softly.

Ms. Kerry's head whipped towards my general direction. Uh-oh! Did she hear that? Eek!

Then she turned and walked back out the door. I turned my head, hiding my blush, and saw Kyle staring right at me. My cheeks reddened even more, but for a different reason. He looked away when he saw I caught him, shy as always.

"BA- RIIING RIIING RING RING!"

That was the bell to signal our next period. Everyone leaped out of their seats and stampeded towards the door. I was leading the crowd; I wanted to see whether or not Lauren was still out getting a scolding from Ms. Kerry or if she had already started her journey down to the principal. When I looked around the hall, I saw my teacher, but there was no sign of Lauren. She was gone. Yes!

The next few classes flew by as they always seem to do when you are on top of the world. I waved to Paige in the hall a few periods ago. She seemed flustered by my sudden mood swing, but accepted it openly. Better elated than grumpy! I searched and searched through the halls for the person I most desperately hoped to see, but Kyle was nowhere to be found. Oh well, I told myself, maybe I'll see him tomorrow. Class is almost over. As I attentively listened to my geometry lesson (oh, let's face it, I was really just thinking about Kyle) I felt my pocket vibrate. My cellphone. I surreptitiously grabbed it out from my pocket and held it under the desk.

"R U coming over tonight @ 10 this time, Becca?" It was Paige, texting in class. Naughty naughty. I thought. Was I any better? Nope!

"Yea. 2nite @ 10, I'll be there this time. Actually I'll be there earlier, K?" I texted back

"Good. I hav something I want 2 show U." she replied mysteriously. I wasn't too concerned.

I clicked off my phone and shoved it back into my jeans. As if a switch had been flipped, my mind instantly went back to Kyle. Unbelieveable, the voice in my head muttered.

"Oh, be quiet." I replied back.

"What? Who?," a girl sitting next to me asked.

Oops, did I just say that out loud? I simply rolled my eyes and smiled in return. I was too happy to care.

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 5:

Spoiler: show

"Hey, umm, mom?," I asked hesitantly. I was not yet sure if she was still mad at me or not. I had gone and retrieved my Iphone from the Center of the Arts...I walked over there since it was so close to home, then snuck through the back and searched the stage for the phone. I found it lying in a decrepit box labeled "Lost and Found". Hopefully my mother could learn to forgive and forget. After all, I got my cellphone (at high risk), and was on my best behavior today.

My hopes were granted when she replied, "Yes hun?," in her most chipper tone. Good, she was happy. Cause I was about to ask her for a bit of a favor.

"Could you pleeeeease drive me over to Paige's house in a few minutes? I promised her I'd be there." I begged.

"Sure, sweetie. Hold on just a second, let me grab my purse...now where did I leave that thing?," she said. I sighed and took a seat over on the counter. She hated it when I did that, but I figured she'd just have to get used to it. This was my official chill out spot. As I watched her bending over to search under her dresser, I thought, This may take a while. That was okay with me...it gave me more time to muse about Kyle.

He is so cute, I thought. Way too cute to be into me. I mean, how could he be with this drab look I tend to have? Then I reminded myself that not all people were as shallow as I was. Looks surely can't be everything. What if he was into the way I smiled, or how I appeared to him on the inside? Then I reminded myself that I was just as self-centered on the inside as the outside. Ha! I tried to picture his flawless face in my mind; it was hard, though. Isin't it the weirdest thing that I have the hardest time remembering the faces of the most attractive people I see, but I can easily remember faces of the not-so-beautiful people I run into. I wish it were the other way around. Then I could see Kyle's gorgeous smile 24/7. I tried even harder to remember all of his facial features.

Shaggy brown hair, the color of fresh earth, as thick as willow branches, I thought to myself, The most shocking eyes I've ever seen. A deep brown with just a hint of...what was that color? Burgundy? Maybe so...Average skin, not too tan, but not the skin of an undercooked chicken, that's for sure. Just right. He has the most perfect nose I've seen on a guy. He really is just that flawless. An angel. And...he could be my angel. I just have to play it cool.

"Becca?...Earth to Becca?...Becca!" my mom snapped. Whoa. I'd zoned out there for a second. My thoughts echoed as they bounced against my skull, rattled by my mom's interruption.

"Oh, sorry. Found your purse?," I asked.

"Yup. Weirdest thing - it was underneath my pillow, along with my toothbrush. No clue how they got there...," she wondered. Huh. How did her purse wind up there?, I wondered. Hmm. I dismissed it; my mom could be such a scatterbrain sometimes. Good thing logical, rational Becca was around to organize things.

Together we walked out the front door and into the car. As my mom started the engine, I checked the time on my cellphone.

"Oh, you got your phone back, Becca?," my mom asked, surprised.

"Yeah, just today. Again, I'm really sorr---"

"I heard that the Centre of the Arts was closed today." my mother notes suspiciously. Uh oh. Time to think fast.

"Uh, oh, yeah well there was a janitor outside. I asked him if he could go in real quick and check for me." I lied. I'm such a practiced liar, but that's not necessacarily a "good thing".

Satisfied, she nodded. Wow, that was a close one! That would be terrible if I got grounded again right after I had just been let off the hook for losing my phone. My mom did not usually forget about punishing me when I did something bad...it was a good that I had learned just how to smooth talk my parents. I tired to be honest with them if at all possible, though. Just because I was a good liar does not mean I told fibs a lot.

We were pulling up to Paige's driveway. I noticed a large crack in the concrete that had not been there before; as you can tell, I know Paige's house better than my own! We had been friends since we were in diapers, what can I say? Paige was waiting outside for me, lounging on the rusty old swingset that her younger brother sometimes played on. When she saw our car, she waved frantically. It seemes she was excited about something. Hmmm, Paige excited?, I thought, This is either a really good, or a really bad thing. I looked over a my mom, she seemed to note on Paige's mood, also. I bet she was deciding on wheter or not to stay and chat with Paige's mom or just leave me and my friend be. When Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Johnson talked, nothing good ever came out of it. I remember the last chat they had. "Oh, yes, I do think both the girls should wear matching outfits every once in a while. They'd look just like twins, how cute!" ...Did my mom ever experience middle-school for herself? A breif flicker flashed across my mother's eyes. Oh no!--I think she had just made up her mind, and it was not the outcome I had favored.

"Paige seems awfully excited today." my mother noted.

"Like she isin't always?" I said sarcastically. Please don't stay, please don't stay!, I thought to myself.

"I think I'll stay over for a bit and talk with Paige's mom." my mother exclaimed. I looked for any reason to discourage her from staying over. When I found none, I let out a gust of air depressedly and let my eyes sink to the bottom of their sockets. What I saw when I looked down caused me to light right back up again.

I tried not to appear too pleased as I said, "How are you going to do that, mom? You're wearing no shoes." Ah-ha!

"Oh dear. You're right. How on earth could I have possibly forgotten those? Silly me," she sighed.

Better get outta here quick. "Bye mom!" I called out to her right before I slammed the van's door shut. As she pulled away, I smiled and waved good-bye. More like good-riddance. Paige ambled over to me.

"Hey Becca! I got something to show you." she said in her sing-song voice.

"So I was told. C'mon, show me!" I said, suddenly impatient to see what Paige thought was so important.

As if she sensed my aura, (and that I'd go beserk if she would not just show me already), she reached into her pocket and retreived a piece of crumpled fax paper. "Here it is!," she exclaimed, "Bear with me...one sec." She was now unraveling the paper, fold by fold.

I finally snatched it from her hands, almost ripping it in the process, eager to see what it was all about. "Heyyyy!" she snapped. "Shhh!" I snapped back. I was like an alligator today. I started to read the paper, suspended in disbelief....it read:

"CALLING ALL ACTRESSES!

Are you a talented young teen waiting to be discovered? Do you have a passion for acting, and is your greatest dream to be a beloved star in Hollywood?

If so, please consider the "Television Actresses' Screening Audition" that will be held in Los Angeles. During this tryout, we will be picking a few of the very best young actresses to play in various roles for upcoming televisions series airing on channels such as ABC, The Disney Channel, Nickolodeon, and MTV. This is YOUR chance to be BIG!

Some of the qualities we are looking for:

Intelligent
Vivacious - Can you bring life to your character?
Attractive
**Committed
**Experienced

Although we may take actresses with no prior acting experience, you are more likely to go far in this audition if you have a more extensive resumee. Of course, raw talent is always recognised, also! The tryouts will be held from 2:00PM to about 5:00PM at the Presidential Lobby in the Hyatt near Fourth Street. Please, this is a formal audition, so you will want to look and dress your best as to impress our talent scouts.The date the tryouts will be held: Friday, September 15th. Be sure to book your flight tickets in advance if you want to make it to Los Angeles in time!

We hope to see you there.

Signed,

Cynthia Windspark, L.A. TV Talent Scout Department Head"

As I scanned the flyer over and over again, I practically went into shock. This....this is me! This is just what I have been waiting for all my life! Could it finally be happening? My thoughts raced.

"Th-thankyous-s-som-much," I slurred excitedly, "Do you k-know how m-much this means to me?!"

"Whoa, Becca, slow down. Don't get your hopes up - you're still going to have to find a way to get to L.A. and back, and you're parents will have to be involved; admit it!" she laughed.

She laughs at my pain!, I thought exasperatedly. Great. How was I supposed to get to the auditions if they were in L.A.? My father probably would not even let me into a local audition! "Sorry, Becca, but its a waste of time. You have homework and school that you have to focus on. These tryouts can take a lot of your time, not to mention damper your spirit when you don't make it in." he once told me. I hated it when he was like that. Did he really have that little confidence in my abilities? It seemed neither of my parents did. Where did I ever get the strength and determination to carry on with my purpose?

Back to L.A....how on earth could I possibly do this? My heart plummeted as I unsuccessfully tried to think of a way to make it to the auditions that didn't involve me aquiring a lot of money in a short amount of time, hopping a plane, and trying my best to look 18. My spirits weren't improved much.

"How am I going to convince my parents to let me audition in Los Angeles?," I sighed to Paige. Let's face it, I told myself, I would definitely have to face my parents if I wanted to do this thing. I quickly silenced the evil little voice in the back of my head still plotting on how to make myself appear 18 years old.

"Aww, Becca--I just showed that to you as a slim little possibility...maybe they will hold tryouts here someday!" she reasoned. Ha! I doubted that.

"You know that's not true, Paige; it's just false hope. This is my one chance - how can I let it slip away, blocked by something so minor (my parents)?! It's just not fair. I gotta take this. You know I've always wanted to be a television actress and escape this town. You know, expanding my boundaries, acting in something bigger than just a school play? I've worked my whole life for this. This is what I want...I want it so bad!" I whined. Did I sound babyish? It's just that all my hopes were pinned on an audition like this one. If I let L.A. slip by, when would another oppurtunity open itself up? One closed door always opens three new ones. That annoying voice murmured in my head. It was just full of wisdom, wasn't it? The question was: when would another audition like this take place? I'll tell you when - when I'm 40 and old! I can't wait. My time is now...

Paige just stared at me. I guess she did not know what to say to make me feel better. She knew me so well. Or at least well enough to know that when I got like this that it was pointless to try to get me to "cool down". She would just be wasting her breath. I stared right back, thinking hard. She let me be, and her eyes went towards a dandelion bending with the gentle breeze. Nature lover.

While she waited patiently, I decided it.

"Paige...," I announced as she directed her attention back to me, "I'm going to ask my parents. I mean, this is it! Don't you think so? There's no time to wait. I'm just so glad you showed me this! Wow! I'd win, wouldn't I? I mean, how could they not choose me?" I rambled.

Then the ever-pessimistic Paige replied simply, "I guess you have just as much a chance as winning as the other girls...but what if your parents say no?"

That hit my nerve, "Oh, Mrs. Sourpatch...first, you know they'd pick me and second, how could my mom and dad say no? I just won't take that as an answer." I exclaimed.

"I don't know...but, well...Becca, I ish you the best of luck in anything you do. You're always here for me, so the least I can do is to help you out with this. I really do hope your mom and dad allow you to fly to Los Angeles and I'll bet that you'll blow those big-wig talent scouts away with your awesomeness! You can do this. And....I support you." she said with all the enthusiasm she could muster.

Practically bringing tears to my eyes, I cried, "Oh, Paige! You've always got my back...I can't thank you enough! Well, in a few years, when I'm up on the stage at the Oscar's, you're the first person I will mention!"

"Okay, okay! It's no problem. Now that that's over with....wanna go order a pizza and gab about stuff lime two normal girls would do?," she laughed.

"You bet! Except, order half plain cheese for me - I'm going vegetarian. It's what all the stars seem to be doing these days..." I said dramatically.

She picked up the phone to order. I hope it's Dominoes!, I thought to myself. I can't stand Papa John's.

"Ow!" I yelped. I looked down to my hand to see that I was still clutching the audition letter - it had given me a papercut. I ever-so-carefully refolded it and placed it in my jacket pocket. I think I wanted to frame it. I'll sign it when I'm famous and sell it on ebay...might be worth something in a few years! I plopped onto the couch inside as ungracefully as possible and snatched the TV remote. Paige followed me inside, still ordering the pizza. Sounded like the person on the other line was actually having a casual conversation with her. What on earth? SInce when did pizza delivery guys start getting that friendly with their customers? Mine just asked me what pizza I wanted and got to work. Huh, how odd...I reminded myself to ask her about it when she got off the phone.

I flipped the TV set on and immeadiately switched it to channel 12, (my favorite celebrity gossip station). Hmm, what was going on in Hollywood today?

"--Jennifer Aniston agreed to an interview on her sure-to-be blockbuster coming soon to theatres," a female host announced, "but today we'll get the chance to talk with her co-star." "Ugh!" I groaned as I quickly switched the channel. A repeat. I hated repeats. I settled for a chick-flick titled "13 Going on 30". Maybe Paige would want to watch it while we muched on our pizza. I glanced back and saw that she was done with talking on the house phone.

"Who was that, Paige?" I inquired curiously.

"Oh, um...just the pizza guy of course. Er, well, the pizza girl," she said.

"And why was he talking to you like you were old friends?" I pressed.

"Ummm, cause, well, we do kind of know each other, you know." she replied, trying not to give too much away.

"And?! Who is she? C'mon, spill the beans!" I pressed even further.

"She's.......oh, fine! That was Lauren." she said annoyedly.

"Huh?! Wait - the Lauren?" I asked with disbelief.

"Who else? Pleeeeease don't tease her about working at the pizza place. She'll be devestated if anyone finds out. She only works on some weekdays - she's trying to earn more money." Paige revealed.

"M-money?," I asked, shocked, "Why would Lauren need more money? Aren't her parents, like, rich, or something?" In fact, I knew her parents were rich. Lauren never failed to point that out. To rub it in my face. That was the difference between me and her...she was so spoiled.

"Lauren needs money because her parents don't support her going to that acting college you two are fighting over. And she wants to go there just as bad as you do. Only if she does not get the scholarship, she knows that she will have to pay for it herself, since her parents surely won't. Just like you. She is preparing. Preparing and looking at her future from every possible angle, you know? She wants to be ready, ready for the worst...you two are so alike, have you ever noticed that? I don't know why you and Lauren fight so much. You have a lot in common. You're in the same boat" she explained.

I thought about it for a second, looking at the situation from Paige's point of view. A part of me wanted to take what Paige had just said seriously. I might want to be nicer to Lauren...to empathasize with her. I've just never thougt of her like this before..., that part of me thought. Another part jeered, Ooooh Lauren works at Pizza Palace? Ha! She will never hear the end of this once I get it around school. Payback time!

I wasn't going to lie to myself; I knew which course of action was the right one. Duh. But revenge was oh so sweet...I'd have to think more on this later. For now, I assured Paige that I would not let the secret out; I wouldn't want to betray my best friends trust. Especially after all that she had done for me today.

I must admit, though, I was a little peeved that my best friend and my arch enemy were suddenly talking.

"Since when did you and Lauren become cool with each other?" I asked, letting my agitation peek through my charade.

"Well, I don't really know. I saw her as I was walking by the Pizza Palace, and as soon as she saw me she ran outside and begged me not to tell anyone. I could see the shame in her eyes. I mean, I felt bad for her after she explained it all to me. ... You won't tell the whole school about this, will you?" Paige said.

"Course not, like I already said." I replied. Hmmmm, she's really putting me on the spot, here. I don't think it will be worth it in the end if I tell everyone about Lauren's job. Paige would be so angry...I'd better rethink this. Maybe Lauren will be nicer, and humbled. We'll see., I reassured myself.

"Ding ding!" the doorbell sang.

"I'll get it!!" both Paige and I choroused simultaneously. Eager to see if my some miracle Lauren was delivering tonight's pizza, I pushed my way to the front door. Look out, here I come! As I undid the lock, I peeked through the peep-hole. To my disappointment, it was a dude. Definitely not Lauren this time. I was going to have to start ordering more pizzas so that I might get her. Oh, wait...Lauren didn't have her driver's liscence, yet. Of course. Neither did I. Aww.

"Pizza Palace Pizza, here's your order. That will be, um...$14.50? Yeah, thanks." the man said.

"Here you go," Paige said as she pulled a thick wad of cash out of her pocket and handed it to the pizza man.

"Careful - it's hot. Have a nice night - bye!" he then ran off to his car.

Paige opened the box, letting a cloud of steam rise up to her face. She sniffed the thick-crusted, cheesy goodness and sighed to herself. I leaned in to the delicious aroma, aslo. I could feel my mouth start to water. Think of all these calories, Becca!, the voice scolded. I deserve them!!, I retorted. I took out the biggest slice and scarfed it down as quickly as I possibly could.

"Hey! You took my piece," Paige whined. Of course.

"Why do you always get the biggest piece, princess? Ya snooze ya lose!" I teased.

We sat back down on the couch to watch the remainder of 13 Going on 30 halfheartedly. I think Paige would rather gossip. I tried to think of some juicy tidbit to discuss, but nothing came to mind...well, except for Kyle. But no way was I going to tell her about that. She would never approve of my crush.

As if she was a mind-reader, Paige brought up the subject. "Sooooo, any guys on your mind?" she hinted. "Namely...Kyle?"

Wow she was good! How'd she know? Who told her?!

"Is it really that obvious?" I asked dubiously.

"Yeah. I saw you staring with those eyes of yours. You like him, don't you?" she deduced.

"Whoa, hey. Hold up there. It is still in the just-barely-a-crush stage. And I am planning on keeping it that way." I said.

"Hmmm, I guess that's good. Wouldn't want to distract yourself from the scholarship or anything, huh?" she pressed.

Ooh that Paige. She loved psuhing my buttons. "Now why on earth would a person like me get distracted? I thought you knew me better." I said playfully.

"Mmmhmm," she grunted.

"See these eyes?," I whispered, "These are the eyes of focus. These are the eyes or pure, 100% concen---"

"Ding ding!" My eyes darted right back towards the door. Paige giggled.

"Hmm, who could that be?" I wondered, trying to change the subject. It worked.

"No clue. Let's go check it out." she agreed. We skipped towards the door. I let Paige peek trhough the peep-hole this time.

"It's your mom." she said, and then added a dun dun dun dun. Uh oh.

"Great! I forgot to call her. Open it!" I said.

"Hey, Mrs. Bell! Sorry Becca forgot to call you...soooo irresponsible of her." Paige joked.

"I know, isin't she?," my mom laughed, "Hey, Becca! Miss me? I guess time flies when you're having fun. Party's over - I have to take you home before I am too tired to drive you back."

"Aww, okay then. Bye Paige. See you next Monday!" I called back to her as I walked out to the van. Today was a Friday...that leaves me with the whole weekend to attempt to convince my parents to let me participate in the audition, I reminded myself. I had better clean my room and do my chores to kiss up.

I winked back to my best friend as my hand patted to my jacket pocket. I could feel that little slip of paper resting inside. So little, yet so crucial. This could be the making or breaking of my entire career. Yeah. Hollywood was harsh like that.

As I climbed into the car, I knew it was time. Time to ask...could I pull it off? Would she say no? Could I change her mind if she did? These answers dug at the pit of my stomach, making me wish I hadn't just ate.

"Ahem, mom?..." I started.

"Yes dear?" she answered cluelessly.

Here it comes...

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 6:

Spoiler: show

I stared at the toothpaste stain on the otherwise meticulously scrubbed bathroom counter and a tear trickled down my cheek. I had been doing chores and housework all day, devoting all the time I could be spending kicking back with friends to cleaning. And why was this? Because I was trying to get my parents to change their minds. While I thought about last night, more salty tears poured out from my eyes.

"Mom...there's this audition...and I really, really want to go. It could be the start of my entire acting career if I make it in!" I started.

"Oh. honey, that's great! Where is the audit---"

"It's in Los Angeles." I interrupted, already knowing what she was going to ask.

At that, she laughed. I could feel my heart drop from my throat to my feet...I felt it break as it crashed to the bottom.

"Mom....please, don't laugh. This means a lot to me. I have to go..." I cried.

"And when exactly did you know that you have to go to this audition in L.A.? Oh, better yet, how would your father feel about this?" she spat back.

"Well, I knew today...You see, Paige gave me this letter that she thought I would be into reading. It was from a talent scout. This is what I've been waiting for! Dad, well....he's going to have to understand. He'll have to trust me on this one. You both will. I'm not a little girl anymore. I really need to do this." I pleaded, trying to sound as mature and reasonable as possible.

Her words were blurred in my mind, but I got the jist of it. The answer was no. No; what a horrible, depressing word. I then decided to simply give up. To shut down. I stared aimlessly at the window until we reached home. I walked, almost robotically, into my house and straight to my room. I weeped silently until I caved in and fell asleep.

Yeah, that was last night. No really, it was great and all, getting my hopes and dreams rejected by my parents. Oh, stop pitying yourself!, the voice in my head scolded. It was right, though. Self pity....ugh. I snatched up the paper towel I had in my hand and wiped my eyes to rid myself of the tears staining my complexion.

"Argh! Owww!," I yelled in pain. I had wiped the Windex absorbed from the paper towel right into my eyes. Windex isn't exactly the same thing as "Tearless" baby shampoo. My eyes started to water even more than before. I jammed my head under the sink and turned on the faucet to stop the burning. The cool water rushed over my injured, chemical-burned eye and soothed the sting. I blinked a few times. Yup - all back to normal. I pulled myself off of the counter, turned off the faucet, and wandered around the house.

Despite my great sadness, I could not help but to feel the slightest bit of satifaction as I admired my hard work. The place was spotless. And I mean spotless. I stared at the letter that my parents had written me, though I had already read it. It informed me that they would be out for the day, shopping downtown. It also said that they were sorry for last night, but they stand by the decision they made. Why couldn't they have brought me along with them?, I wondered. They never spend any time with me anymore - always gone. Is it my fault?

"Stop thinking about it!", I told myself, "Find something brainless to do until they come back."

I grabbed my Iphone as I strode to the couch to watch some TV. I clicked it on and found I had 3 voice messages in my "Unread" box. Hmm, who could those be from?...they were all Paige. I held the cellphone to my ear and listened to each message, one by one.

"Beep!

Hey, Becca! It's Paige...how'd everything go last night? Did you ask your parents about..... Anyways, I was wondering if you want to hang out today. It's early in the morning right now, but maybe later we can go out to see a movie. Everyone's talking about that new comedy coming out today. Well, call me back! I'll be around all day. Bye!"

Next one...

"Beep!

Becca? Hey, maybe you didn't get my last message. It's Paige. Um, I was wondering if you wanted to play sometime today? I mean, it is the weekend and I am b-o-r-e-d! As long as your parents aren't taking you out anywhere, I really want to see you! Maybe we can see a movie or something. Well...call me back as soon as you get this! Love ya!"

And....the last one.

"Beep!

Helllllooo? Becca?? Becca, why aren't you answering your phone? It's Paige, once again. Is someting the matter? Is this about the audition? Puh-lease call me back, okay? And cheer up. Gosh. Bye."

I threw my phone to the carpet and flipped on the TV. I didn't really feel like talking with Paige today, no matter which movie was involved. I couldn't be bribed out of my deep sorrowful state of mind. I was going to keep it up and hope that it would convince my parents to let me audition. And if not...well I'd just have to get down on my kness and beg like a dog. But that was my last resort, trust me.

I watched some news, utterly bored out of my mind. When are my mom and dad getting back?, I wondered. Suddenly, I realized how tired I was. Hours of chores can do that to you. I yawned once...twice. My eyelids started to get very heavy. Sleepily, I snuggled closer to the couch. I started to nod off, and then finally fell asleep.

***

"Becca? Hey, lazy! Paige is at the door. Get up!" a voice ordered.

"Hmm?," I murmured groggily.

"Paige is here. Wake up!" my mom repeated.

Paige! I leaped up from the couch and started skipping towards the door until I remembered I was supposed to be deeply upset. Oh. I slowed my pace and trudged towards the door, hesitating before I opened it.

Before I could even get the screen door halfway open, Paige greeted me. Whoa, I thought, it's already dark outside! How long was I out?

"Hey Becca!," she said, "Having a lazy day? Where is your phone? I tried calling you five million times."

"Umm, oh. I picked my phone up from the floor and saw four new messages awaiting me, all from Paige. She must have called incessantly while I was napping.

"So...," Paige whispered, eyeing my mother, "how are you? Did they...did they say no?"

"Yeah, Paige. They said no. I'm not doing so well." I said, adding the most depressed sigh that I've ever heard.

"Oh...I'm so sorry Becca! But maybe they will change their minds. Anyways, do you want to go out with me? I was just wondering...me and my mom were going to go out to see a movie. You're invited! --we just have to go really soon because it starts in less than an hour. I just came over to see if you wanted to." she said.

"Sorry, Paige. Maybe another night." I replied.

"Oh, okay then. Talk to you tomorrow, or Monday, or something. Oh, and good luck!" she winked.

"I'm gonna need it. Bye." I sighed.

She walked right back out the door and ran to her mom's car, eager to make it to the movie on time. It was nice of her to invite me, I thought, but tonight I have something more important than movies to focus on. Tonight, I'm going to get something accomplished.

I was going to change my parent's minds.

That was something that NEVER happened in the history of this household, so I needed some time to prepare myself. I thought of every possible excuse or remark they could use in verbal combat, and I experimented with how to defend myself. It's just like court. I thought to myself. Only this courtroom is a dining room, and the judges are my parents. I gulped -- I'd take real court to facing my parents any day! I sniffed the air. Mmmm, my mom was making Italian. The delicious scent of homemade lasagna wafted into the hallway to the front door where I stood. At least I'd have good food to console me if things didn't go the way I planned.

"Becca! Dinner!," my dad called. As you can tell, he's pretty authoritative. I think I read soomewhere that authoritative parents are the most effective parents, but I'm not so sure about my dad...he does keep me in line, though! (I'm sorta kinda terrified of him...yeah.)

"Coming, dad!" I reported back. Hmm, he reminded me of a drill sergeant. Yup, that's it!

I marched myself to the dinner table, feeling the dread wash over me. I think I was sweating...but it was cold in this room...Oh, I was so nervous. I sat down in my normal spot and watched my mom serve the steaming hot lasagna.

"How much, dear?" she asked, already scooping out a spoonful onto my plate.

"Oh, yeah, stop there. That's good, thanks." I said, suddenly not hungry.

"Really? Well tell me if you want any more later." she replied, the concern almost visible on her face.

My dad came to take his seat. The chair creaked under his weight. My dad was a big guy. He really did look like he could be a drill sargeant! He had short black hair, cut so close to his scalp that he was almost bald. His face was square and tough. His chin poked out really far when he was angry. Hopefully he won't be angry...please don't let him get mad at me!, I thought to myself. I noticed the silence at the table. Unusual. My parents usually ask me about my day, especially when they have been gone for so long. I took a deep breath, indicating that I had something to say. Now was the time to ask.

I began, "Mom, dad, I know I asked you about this yesterday, but...I really want to go to the audition in Los Angeles. I've never wanted anything like I want this. I mean, look at the house! Didn't you notice a difference? I cleaned all day for you - and I never clean normally! Can't you see how much this means to me?...I'll understand if you say no, but I won't forgive you if you refuse to think this over one more time. Just think about it, please? This could be really good for me." I reasoned.

My mom was the first to speak, "Hun, if it makes you happy, I'll think more about it. But I know my answer so its a moot point. Now is not the time...maybe when you're older."

I stared at her for a long moment. I knew the truth - she wasn't going to think about it. She wasn't going to even consider changing her mind. I was expecting the tears, but oddly, they didn't come. Maybe I had run out. Then I noticed the strangest expression on my dad's face. Despite my propistion, he did not look angry at all. In fact, he looked like he was thinking about something... Yes, I could tell he was deep in thought. My broken heart immeadiately repaired itself and leaped once more to my throat. Oh, silly Becca - don't get your hopes up. I mean, come on, your dad? Your strict dad? You know its not happening. He's probably thinking about fixing the sink or something., the voice in my head scolded.

"Susan," my father began (Susan was my mother's first name), "I think she should go."

That simple sentence left my jaw hanging wide open in shock. I listened harder, trying to process what my dad had just said. Did he really just say that?!, I asked myself.

My mom's face turned white; she was just as surprised as I was. "What?" she asked.

"I think this would be...best for Becca. It would be a learning experience. She's not a little girl anymore. She can handle it. It would teach her to be more independent." he explained.

"YES!" I yelle a little louder than I had intended, "I mean, yes dad - it would! I could come out of this audition so much more responsible. Like a little adult!" I enthused.

"Doug..." my mom said (Doug was my dad's name -- they always called each other by their first names when I was around. All their little endearing nicknames like "sweetie" and "cutie-pie" just grossed me out - and I wasn't afraid to let them know it!).

"Please let Becca do this. Please. I think she should. I could...I could take some time off work and come with her. We could book a flight and a hotel and have a great old time!" my father begged, trying to convince my mom just as hard as I had. I loved my dad so much right now. Dad, I thought silently to myself, Remember that one time I yelled at you for tousseling my hair?...I take it all back. You're officially forgiven!

My mom sighed. She could see that she was cornered. I could see the apprehension in her eyes. I wished she could be more trusting about this.

"Alright," she said, "but you must realize I'm not happy about this. If you put on toe out of line, miss --"

"M-o-m!", I moaned, making "mom" into a three syllable word. "C'mon, have some faith in me, here. And if not in me, in dad. He'll keep me behaved for sure!"

"Alright," she repeated.

"Um, may I be excused?" I asked politely.

"You may," my father answered, "me and your mom have some things to talk about."

"Thank you!" I called back as I was running up the stairs."Thank you, thank you, thank you!!"

They both just laughed in return. I thumped up the small stairway as quickly as I could, eager to get to my phone and call Paige. I probably owe her a bit of an apology for avoiding her today. I thought on a sidenote.

"Beep beep beep beep-beep, beep-beep!" my phone beeped as I punched in Paige's cell number.

As I waited for her to answer I tapped my nails impatiently against my bed's headboard.

"Hello?," Paige said.

"Paige! I am so sorry for the way I treated you today and how sad I acted, but I have something to tell you!" I exclaimed.

"...Oh my gosh -- did you do it?" she asked.

"Yes!" I screamed.

There was a long stream of excited screams on the other end. Then, Paige chanted "You're going to L.A., you're going to L.A.!" I smiled. Paige always knew how to make me feel elated.

"Hey, what's that noise in the background?," I inquired curiously.

"Oh, I just got out of the movie. It was hilarious!" Paige laughed.

"Just think - one day, I will be up there on that screen, and you'll be watching all of my movies and applauding!" I said in a dreamlike tone.

"Too right you are!", she agreed, "Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow - you can tell me all about it then!"

"Bye Paige!"

"Bye Becca!"

I clicked the phone off and then got another urge to scream. Sensing it was about to pop out of my mouth, I leaped onto my bed and grabbed the nearest throw pillow.

A muffled scream could be heard over the sound of my parents laughing loudly.

I did it!, I thought.

Just then, my phone rang...who could that be? I went to go pick it up.

"Hello? Becca speaking." I answered.

"Um, hi Becca! It's Kyle, member me?" a deep voice greeted.

Did I remember him? Uhhhh....YES!!!!!!

I replied as cooly as I could, "Oh, hey Kyle. How did you get my number?"

"Um, ha, funny story...actually I had a question to ask you." He dodged.

"I'll answer it as soon as you tell me how you got my number, Kyle!" I said with an evil laugh.

"Fine. Our middle school doesn't protect its student's privacy very well. I called the front office and they just gave it to me." he admitted.

I still just couldn't get over the fact thet KYLE called ME. What does this mean? I think he's totally into me, too. W-O-W! I did my best to keep calm, but my efforts weren't succeding.

"Why'd you go through all that trouble just to call me? I mean, if you really wanted to talk, you could have just waited another day and caught me in class." I stated.

"Yeah, about that....I really wanted to talk to you, Becca. To ask you something." he started.

Oh...my....gosh! This could NOT be happening to me! I think I was pretty sure what Kyle was going to say next. I waited for it, anyway. I was holding my breath, caught up in the moment when he began.

"Becca,..."

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 7:

Spoiler: show

Chapter 8:

Spoiler: show

Chapter 9 (New!):

Spoiler: show

Chapter 10: "Change" --the Final chapter of "Life of Becca":

Spoiler: show

"*~.C h A n G e.~*"

***

"And...Cut!" Rick, my director, exclaimed with excitement thick in his voice. We had just nailed the final scene of my newest movie - a small, artsy film that wasn't exactly going to classify as a blockbuster. But hey, I have to get my start somewhere, right? Rick promised me that it would be the start of many more movies to come, each one even bigger than the other. I was just working my way to the top as I had done back in middle school. Middle school..., I thought dreamily.

I suddenly had a flashback from before the L.A. audition that changed my life. Things have really changed since then! For one, I am a much more experienced actress playing in quite a few movies now. I can feel my popularity growing each premiere event I go to. (This might be because of the increasing amounts of screaming fans at each afterparty). So far, I had gotten over 500 fan letters and even a marriage proposal via my email that made my cheeks turn as red as a tomato! I guess I was flattered in a way - only the biggest actresses generally have fans that crazy. I sighed aloud and then thanked the heavens for my incredible fortune.

My acting career wasn't the only part of me that had changed so quickly. Things were so different once the word got out at school. You can thank your friend Paige for that!, the sardonic voice in my head rasped grudgedly. Can you believe that Lauren -- Lauren! -- of all people asks me for free tickets to all of my premieres now. Truth was, Lauren was quite surprised when I gave up that scholarship I had earned to the actresses college to her. Yeah, I really did that at the end of the school year. So unlike me. Just goes to prove that I really have changed that much over the course of this year. I recalled her face when we were in the big auditorium and Mr.Gates announced that I'd won it. When I glanced at her from behind, I thought she was going to explode like a pressurized balloon! I actually felt sorry for her - she burst into tears as I skipped up on stage. Suddenly an earlier conversation I had with Paige popped into my head.

Lauren needs money because her parents don't support her going to that acting college you two are fighting over. And she wants to go there just as bad as you do. Only if she doesn't get the scholarship, she knows that she will have to pay for it herself, since her parents surely won't. Just like you. She is preparing. Preparing and looking at her future from every possible angle, you know? She wants to be ready, ready for the worst...you two are so alike, have you ever noticed that? I don't know why you and Lauren fight so much. You have a lot in common. You're in the same boat.

I was honestly prepared to take the scholarship right then and there, but Paige's words caused me to think hard and fast before I acted. I saw Paige sitting next to Lauren, smiling at me while patting Lauren's shoulder at the same time. Her smile didn't reach her eyes though...I knew it was because of how torn she felt. After the incident at the Pizza Palace, Paige started to become friends with Lauren. I could see it happening right before my eyes. At first I felt mad, but then I came to accept it. A friendship among enemies. It was then that I knew what I had to do that night. I gave the entire scholarship to Lauren; she deserved it just as much as I did. She needed it. After all, I had already started my first movie - Ms.Windspark said I would make a much nicer actress in movies than on TV. I trusted her fully when she said that I'd be happier taking that path.

And I was.

I was so happy. I knew I was going to make a lot of money off of my first movie. I didn't even need college. Well, after I told that to my parents they kinda flipped. So I guess I do need to go finish my education - by the end of my movie I'd surely have enough to buy my way into the acting school I desired so much. Everything would work out okay for me. I couldn't say the same for poor Lauren. That's why I did it. Now the twosome me and Paige has secured grew into a threesome. Old enemies united into a sisterhood of friendship. It was pretty cool.

Besides Lauren, a lot of my other classmates and even teachers started to treat me differently after they knew I was really going to be a movie star. Sadly, I always had to keep my guard up; I didn't know who wanted to be my friend for who I truly was. I remained polite, but I tried to wave off all my sudden popularity at middle school and stick with my old friends. It wasn't working out so well. Many of my teachers wouldn't stop inviting me to come eat in the teacher's lounge with them. It was getting rather irritating. At least Mr.Gates saw through all the fuss and stayed true to me. I still was in his class, and thankfully I was never treated like the star of the show because of my acting status.

But I assure you I was keeping my alternatives in mind...full-time virtual school was an option I was seriously considering. Once again, Paige opened doors for me when she showed me how she took her Physical Education elective online after school so that she could have another elective in class. When I asked her if some students could take it instead of traditional school, she said yes. Full-time enrollment online was something I hoped I could achieve later on once I became even more of a celeb. Everything was just happening so fast that I wasn't sure what to do. Life as I knew it was morphing into something completely foreign. Luckily my parents were along for the ride. I knew they'd support me now. Imagine how psyched they were when I told them about Cynthia Windspark's unexpected callback!

Oh, and how could I forget another very supportive friend in my life...i.e. Kyle.?!

*sigh*

Kyle was, like Paige, Mr. Gates, and my parents, loyal to me no matter what my whirlwind of a life threw at him. Ever since the dance, we have just gotten closer. I feel like it is the end of one of those movies where music is playing and the girl is there with her dream guy that she finally won over and there is a happily ever after inevitably waiting ofr the pair of them. I know - it's a pretty awesome feeling. Everyone knows about me and Kyle now, and that's fine with me. We text constantly, and a long-distance relationship seems achieveable between us if necessary. Kyle. Is. Amazing. . . . . . .

"Becca?...Becca!" a voice called from afar. It shook me out of my reminiscent daycreaming and into my crazy reality.

"Huh?" I said numbly. It was my dad who was calling me. What was he doing on the set? Rick was going to go insane if he saw a parent sneaking around here!

"Ready to go? You're all done! Final scene filmed hun! Unbelieveable..." he remarked, blinking against the harsh stage lights.

"Yup. Alright - let's head out! I'm all done here I guess." I replied happily. Finally this movie was done. It was going to be even bigger than the last few.

I said my goodbyes to Rick and the portion of the cast that still lingered around the cleaer set. I knew I wouldn't see any of them again until the premiere. It was a long time to wait, but it would be worth it in the end.

"Keep in touch, superstar." Rick called out to me as I walked out the back door.

"I will!," I promised.

As I hopped into the car, my father sat awkwardly in his seat. Uh-oh...bad news?, I wondered. Hmm. Was he going to tell me or was I going to have to squeeze it out of him.

Just then, he cleared his throat and began, "Becca, how do you feel about..."

"About what?," I asked.

"About....moving."

I sighed exhaustedly...What a life!

TO BE CONTINUED...NOT!!!

I had so much fun writing "Life of Becca", and I must admit I'm a little sorry to end it. But don't worry! ----the sequel will begin VERY soon! I will put a link to my new story on this thread the minute I post it. Thanks so very much for reading my first book ever posted on W.I.!

Click here to see Nerd Gone Popular, Life of Becca's Sequel!

webkinz_lover_ · 03-15-2009, 02:47 PM

Awesome story! I can't wait to read more!

laurencyrus · 03-15-2009, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by webkinz_lover_

Awesome story! I can't wait to read more!

Aww, thank you so much! You're my first post

Thanks so much!

WebkinzLover8 · 03-15-2009, 04:29 PM

Great so far

Can't wait for more!

webkinz_lover_ · 03-16-2009, 09:13 AM

Great new chapter! Loved it!

bekah_rose · 03-16-2009, 10:40 AM

Oh my gosh, do you seriously know someone named Becca Bell? I do!! She goes to my school! And my name is Bekah! LOL, anyway, seriously, that is creepy! Great story by the way! :]

webkinz_lover_ · 03-17-2009, 09:20 AM

Great suspenseful chapter! I can't wait to see what happens!

Parisgirl · 03-17-2009, 11:07 PM

wow your a total story writter you rule at it!!

dizzyfish101 · 03-18-2009, 10:40 PM

Some criticism / likes for the Character Guide:

I don't really like Lola as a name... reminds me too much of "Hannah Montana", and I don't think you should reference too much to Selena Gomez, but that's just my opinion. Also, I just wish that she wasn't jealous of Lauren. I mean, BRUNETTES ROCK! : )

I like the character guide, though and I like how you made her a brunette. Plus, you describe it nicely with great detail. I love "Antagonist" and such. We learned about that. You write just like I do so far. I LOVE IT <3

Criticism / likes for Chapter one:

NONE! I adore the first chapter! You didn't completely follow the rules of writing, but it's amazing and if it were a book, I would buy it. INCREDIBLE WRITER!

Critcism / likes for Chapter two and three:

NONE, DUH!

THAT IS SUCH A GOOD STORY.. WOW! Please please PLEASE make it into a book! NO Exaggeration! I love it. SO MUCH. You're really talented. We're seriously alike. WOW.

How did we even meet on WI anyway? I don't remember..

Anyhow, REP for such a good story, and 5 star rating.

- Ciara

YOU ROCK MY WORLD. <3

Awesome! I love love LOVE the new chapter! A crush! Everyone has gone through THAT one... and I love how she actually got in big trouble! It's awesome.

LOVE IT! Can't wait AT ALL for more. : )

- Ciara

LissyRose · 03-19-2009, 07:13 PM

Wow! This is the best story I have read on here! Keep writing, you are really good at it!

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