It's always been you

Chapter 21 - Dickensian

JOSEPH POV

It had been a week since we'd auditioned. The three of us were checking our phone and messages and emails constantly. I think Lucy had barely eaten all week. Her stomach wasn't happy if she was anxious about something. Even Ollie, ever optimistic, ever the happy giant puppy dog Ollie, had gone quiet. He and I had been chain smoking the whole week. Even Lucy had smoked a bit. She RARELY smoked. Nikki had given us all a lecture about the damage we were doing to ourselves but we all ignored her. All three of us too wound up to care.

Camille had been wonderfully supportive and asked questions about the audition and about they vibe we got from Tony and the writers. She'd surprise me at work by leaving little notes of encouragement in my work locker, or my favourite sweets. Mum and dad would call me every evening to see if I'd heard anything.

It was currently 4:30pm and another day had passed without hearing anything from Tony. I was beginning to give up hope. Had Tony just bullshitted us to get us out of there nicely? The suspense was killing me! I was sitting out on the balcony of mine and Nikki's flat smoking what was probably my 20th cigarette of the day when my phone rang.

I didn't even glance at the number before I answered it. Sure it was Camille or mum ringing to see if I'd heard anything. "Hello?" "Hello Joseph? It's Tony?" I inhaled sharply, almost inhaling my whole cigarette making me choke slightly. "You ok?" "Yeah sorry! Something went down the wrong pipe then. Um....hi Tony!" He chuckled to himself and said "hello Joseph. Now I have great news for you. You got the part! You're our Arthur Havisham!"

Oh Jesus H Fuck!

I laughed with disbelief. "Something funny?" "Are you sure? You want me?!" He laughed again. "Promise! Joseph I meant every word I said to the three of you on the afternoon of your audition. I can see great things coming from you. Julian Roberts has never steered me wrong when sending his students to me."

I could feel my eyes welling up. I was so overwhelmed by the compliment and the fact I'd just received my first paid acting job. For the BBC nonetheless. "I don't know what to say" I said gruffly. "Thank you Tony. I think I'm in shock." He chuckled to himself and said "now I know you don't yet have an agent to handle the business side of things but I'm sending you through a letter of offer by email. It will explain everything from filming schedules, financials, that sort of thing. Please, call me if you have any questions about it. Julian could also be a good sounding board for you if you're more comfortable with him."

"Thank you Tony. I'm sorry I'm not talking much. I'm just a little shocked!" "Totally understandable mate. You're going to be fine though I promise! Now do you have any questions for me now?" "Probably a million but my mind is a bit blank." "Totally fine. Call me or email me if you think of anything. Congratulations Joseph!" And then he hung up.

It was then I realised I forgot to ask him if Ollie and Lucy got their parts. I needed to see her. I knew she was working tonight so I grabbed my keys and ran down the stairs of the apartment building three at a time.

LUCY POV

My phone was buzzing in my apron pocket as I was pouring a pint for a customer so I asked Nikki to answer it. I think the three of us had just about given up on hearing from Tony. I knew it was only a week but I couldn't help but feel disheartened. Nikki pulled my phone from my pocket and answered the unknown number saying "hello Lucy's phone?" She listened for a few seconds before her eyes grew huge and she grabbed my arm digging her fingers in. Hard. "Ouch Nikki what the fuck?" I whisper shouted.

"No no she's right here. One moment I'll put her on for you." She pulled the phone away and mouthed the name "Tony" to me making my arm jerk and spill beer all over my hand. "Fuck. Shit!" I all but threw the pint glass at Nikki so she could finish pouring it before grabbing my phone and scurrying in to the storage room behind the bar to take the phone call, Nikki skipped to the doorway to watch me after she handed the customer his pint.