The After

1

     "Maxon,"

     "I told you, I swear to God, I hope I never see your face again!" Maxon's face was red with anger and resembled his father all too closely as he spit his words at me.

     "Well, you know what I came down here to say," I gave up on trying to play nice- I've been putting on a pretty mask for too long. "I was going to congratulate you on your engagement. So Congratulations!!" Sarcasm drips from my voice as I stare at a man I don't even know anymore. "And one day, you'll understand. You'll understand everything about what I've gone through- what I'm going through. Right now- you are angry, and that's fine. But, you just broke my heart on national television all because of a huge misunderstanding."

     "Misunderstanding?! You call cheating on me a misunderstanding?! America-"

     "Aspen is engaged, Maxon!" I breathlessly argue and his breath hitches. "To my maid, Lucy. They got engaged last night. Our relationship is still going because we are practically family. We were hugging because Aspen was happy for me and explaining that they were getting married! You made an assumption, and if you could've just let me explain for ten seconds, we wouldn't be here. Maybe you can't forgive me right now, but I want you to know how naïve and stupid you are to let me go, Your Majesty."

     With that, I spun on my heel and I could feel his embarrassment wash over as I slam the palace doors shut behind me. He made this mistake in the first place, and broke my heart. At this point, I am so done with the drama- and the lies, the boys in general. I need to live my own life, and I was just given the opportunity to do so- I'm going to take advantage of it.

5 months later, Clermont.

My heart is beating hard in my chest as I tear at the crisp paper- whatever it is, I'll be fine. But I better get the part. I hold my breath as I open the letter and spread it out on the table.

Ms. Singer, 

     We are delighted to inform you that your application to star in the Nickelodeon show "Victorious," has been accepted. You have been selected to play the role of Cat Valentine. You will be starring amongst Victoria Justice, Elizabeth Gillies, Leon Thomas III, Matt Bennett, Avan Jogia, and Daniella Monet. More information will be released in the coming days- the set is staged in downtown Hollywood- so be in Angeles by Friday the 15th. Any questions can go in regards of our creator Dan Schneider. 

Have a wonderful evening,

Leora Ren - (Casting Director)

     There are tears streaming down my face as I grab my phone to call May. "May, I got the part!" I hear screaming on the other end of the line, and her running down the stairs of the big yellow house. My family is staying in that house, but Maxon tries to visit sometimes so I moved out a month after and live in my own apartment in Clermont. Celeste's apartment is next to mine, so we like to call ourselves roommates. 

     "Congrats, Honey!" I hear my mom's proud voice on the phone and it fills my heart.

     "They are directing the show in Hollywood, so I will move into an apartment nearby where you guys live. I have to be out there by Friday- so I will make sure to visit. I love you guys."

     "We love you too, see you soon." My family hangs up, and I am left with a goofy grin on my face. Let's do this.