Before We Fall

Prologue

Alivia's POV

I dropped my backpack on the carpet floor of my bedroom, collapsing on my bed. Senior year of high school had worn me out more than I thought was possible, but it was finally over and I could breathe for a few weeks before getting ready for whatever life threw at me after graduation.

My phone buzzed in my back pocket, and I pulled it out, standing as I did. The caller ID told me that my agent was calling me, and I hastily answered it. I had just gone to the last round of an audition that could be my big break into the theatre industry, and I needed to know if I got in or not.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Alivia! How are things?"

"I'm okay. Just finished senior year."

"That's good. Anyway, I'm calling because I just got a message from Jeff Calhoun. Liv, they want you in the touring cast of Newsies."

Time stopped. I leaned up against my bed and slid to the floor, covering my mouth with the back of my hand. 

"You're a bit younger than most of the cast, but he said you have potential and the talent and skill they're looking for. You'd be playing Sniper and understudying Katherine. Rehearsals start in August and the tour starts in October if you want to take the job."

I could barely believe what I was hearing, but knew exactly what I was going to do.

Six Weeks Later

I slammed my laptop shut, falling back to lie flat on my bed. These past few weeks had been a rollercoaster I hadn't quite prepared myself for. Leaving for New York after my senior year wasn't exactly what I had in mind at the beginning of this year.

Life's funny like that sometimes. 

I slid my laptop across my bed before pulling out a notebook and pen, flipping to an empty page.

Dear Jacob,

It's been a while, but you could use an update. I'm finally making it to Broadway! Guess all the singing and dance recitals I annoyed you with finally paid off, huh?

In all seriousness, this is a huge thing for me, and I wish more than ever that you were here to see it. Not a day goes by where I don't think about you and everything that could have been.

I miss you more than I could ever put into words. I know you'll always be with me, but it still stings to think about you.

I love you so much, Jay.

-Alivia