Give Me Love

Chapter 13

Lucia was a little lost. Except for parties, she didn't see the whole family together much. They ate dinner together then disappeared again until bedtime. She was lonely.

School didn't start up for another two weeks and she'd been over most of the villa. She'd even started working out in the gym, reading books in different languages in the library and watching movies in different languages in the theater. She even went for swims in the indoor pool, even though it was so cold outside and technically inside.

She was bored, lonely and still pressed from seeing that Rugrats movie nearly a month ago. Would she be like Chuckie Finster and yearn for a mom because hers died? She hoped not. Good things never happened for her so of course the Changs were going to put her out soon.

That made her heart hurt and tears pricked her eyes. But she refused to cry. That was life. It sucked.

So she was truly surprised when Marcy set her quilting aside after Mal told her, her story. "We talked about this briefly but it's never come up until now."

Lucia felt fear. Were they putting her out now?

"There is a television show that's looking for young blondes that can ice skate. You won't be the title character but you would be a reoccurring character. It's a steady enough paycheck and it'll get you out of the house."

Lucia didn't even know what to say. "A television show?"

"Yes. It's called Giving Roses. It's about competitive ice skating. I have the first episode's manuscript and we can rehearse all tomorrow so you can audition."

Lucia felt her heart lift up suddenly and quickly. They weren't kicking her out! "I have never acted before."

"Won't mean you're not good at it. It's a lot of people have been acting for years and are terrible."

Lucia giggled. "But-?"

"But?"

"How will I get there?"

"To the audition?"

"Yes."

"Xindi is going to take you with her bodyguard. She's going to record you so if you get it, we can always have that for your reel. If you don't, we'll study ways to improve. If you want."

Lucia felt excitement. Acting?! Her?! "Don't you have to work tomorrow?"

"No. I took off to help you prepare."

Lucia felt immense emotion at that. "How would I get there if I'm chosen?"

"Xindi. Her show is on the same lot so it'll be easy. You'll receive your own bodyguard. You're too old for a nanny so you better be on your best behavior. You represent this family when you're in public."

Lucia tried not to mist up. She nodded.

"Good. Get some sleep. We're starting at eight in the morning." Marcy resumed her quilting and began singing. Like with all her kids, she sang a particular song just for Lucia.

Lucia thought she'd be too excited to sleep but the next thing she knew, she was asleep and dreaming of red carpets.

M&MC

Lucia woke up at seven thirty. She was unsure if she had to be dressed for this so she showered and brushed her teeth anyway. She brushed her hair into a neat bun and put on jeans and a jumper.

She hurried to clean up then ran downstairs. She was unsure of where Marcy was but was hungry so she went to the kitchen.

Marcy was there, chatting with Maddie as Manny cleaned up from breakfast. "Good morning!"