Good Boy, Sad Girl

1: Noah

Tears prickle at the back of my eyes, threatening to fall.

I got another rejection, and it seems like this vicious cycle. Audition, and then get rejected. I know it's a part of the process, but it hurts still.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I take a deep breath before my anxiety starts to kick in.

I must remember that it's okay.

My phone starts to buzz, and I take a huge breath and wipe the tears from my eyes. "Good afternoon." My mood immediately gets better once I hear Evie's voice.

"I got rejected again, but I'm sure you've heard of that already."

"I did hear it, which is why I'm calling with some news."

"Is it another rejection or an audition?"

"Audition, and I think you're perfect for the role," she explains. "It's a romance, and it's based on a book. Book movies are a huge deal, so when reading what they were looking for in the male lead, it reminded me of you."

I feel happy but scared at the same time. The outcomes of every audition have been the same.

"What book is it based on?" I ask, my voice thin.

"Eyes Full of Stars by Huey Eugene," she replies.

That book was barely released a few months ago, so this movie will be a big deal.

When I don't reply, she continues to talk. "Auditions are on Sunday, and I'll email you the rest of the information."

"Thanks."

It's Friday, so this is terse, but it gives me enough time to read the book to understand the character entirely.

This is another chance to succeed.

***

"Evie got me an audition," I say, my heart beating faster as I think about it. "I feel like I might have a good chance."

"That's great. I'm happy for you," Vinnie says. "But why are we going to a bookstore?"

"The movie is based on a book called Eyes Full of Stars, and I need to read it before Sunday." I say quickly, "When a movie is based on a book, people will judge every single aspect of the movie."

"Calm down, I know you're nervous, but you're ranting.," Vinnie says, "Take a deep breath, I know you're scared and nervous, but you have to believe in yourself to succeed."

I take a few deep breaths and try to calm myself down. You have to believe in yourself to succeed. I replay those words in my mind a few times.

I've got this, positive thoughts only.

I walk up and down the YA Romance section of the bookstore. I see the purple spine of the book. Eyes Full of Stars is silver, and written in a fancy font.

I'm very excited about this book and movie. It's about two teens who meet in San Antonio and fall in love over a month.

I walk around looking for Vinnie, and he's already in line. I get in line beside him.

"Find what you need?" He asks.

"Yes," I reply and show him the book. "Romance is always a good genre."