Star Crossed Lovers

Chapter 1

My name is Sophia Summers. I come from a long line of actors; my grandmother, my mother, my father, even my stepfather. When I was little, I didn't want to be actor. I wanted to go to college, but after watching my mother on set one day, well let's just say the acting bug bit me. I've had some small, bit parts here for there, but I felt like it was now that I needed to step up it and go for it, become the star.

My family had all been behind me. My mother and grandmother even suggested a role for me in the new upcoming movie Star Crossed Lovers. It was about co-stars who fall in love onset. Sounded easy enough but my agent has been trying to talk me out of doing it. I feel I am ready for this. I have urged him to find out all he can. The only thing that I know about it is was a best selling book series.

There was so much riding on my performance today. I had to do get it just right. I wanted to respect the fans of the book series too but I wanted to create my own character. I had to make it mine. I had to show all of them I had what it took to play the role of Dianna.

According to my script, Dianna was written to be a shy, sexually inexperienced, intelligent girl who had low self esteem, who did not believe she was beautiful, but to others, she had a quite, understated beauty. Men were always interested but she never believed it.

Living in the businesses as I have been, it forced me to grow up and develop a tough skin. If I was like Dianna, I would never survive and never have gotten as far as I have. I have to get the part. My whole career depends on it.

The day was starting to be so beautiful. As I glanced out at Central Park, I could see three for miles. The sky was so crystal blue, not a cloud in sight. Maybe it was a good omen things would work out for me.

With a contented sigh, I looked over at my clock to see the time, and oh shit, I was already going to be late. It was after nine and the meeting was several minutes later. If I didn't hurt, I would be late and there went my career.

Hopping off the window seat, I headed into my bedroom to get ready. Several minutes later, I was dressed in my favorite pair of ripped blue denim and a wispy white blouse and I dressed quickly.

I found myself staring at my complexion in the mirror. Did I look like Dianna? Soft creamy skin, dark circles, and my brunette hair silky and straight. It gave me a plain look yet understated. Yes, I think the look was perfect for the character.

I took a quick look at the clock once again. Oh god, I was gonna be late. I only had twenty minutes to get to the hotel. Oh no! I could feel my heart racing, my breathing was becoming in short, shallow breaths. Great, a panic attack. My hearts were shaking. I don't need that at all. Please, calm yourself. Breathe. In and out. In and out.

I think I was calm down as I headed out of my apartment with my purse, the script, and to the elevator down the hall. I pressed the button, waiting for the elevator to open. As I waited, my nerves started getting the better of me. The doors opened a moment later and I stepped inside as the door closed.

It was an agonizing waiting for the lobby one floor at a time. When the doors finally opened a few minutes later and I ran through the lobby, bumping into people as I went. So sorry, but I can't stop and apologize. I make it outside just in time to see a waiting cab. Was that for me? I hope so. I didn't stop to contempt that.

As slid get into the cab, I tell the driver, "East Fifty-Seventy street and step on it."

I was nervous. Calm down, Sophia. My hands started shaking again. My throat closing on me. I can't breathe. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply several times until I got myself under control. So much better. I can do it. I have to do it. You want it. You need it. It will be okay.