Charlotte is a first year at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Little does she know that inside these old walls not only her love for acting will grow.
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This was it. The moment i anticipated for so long. This grey brick building in Gower Street, the epitome of my dreams.
Today I will cross a threshold that so many of my life long idols crossed before me. A scary thought to follow in their footsteps. Peter O'Toole, Glenda Jackson, Alan Rickman, Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Branagh, Diana Rigg, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Sheen to only name a few. It would take the whole day to finish the list of outstanding talent this institution helped to create over the years.
It seems borderline mad that I even attend the same school as all these greats. But here I am. Attending the first orientation class of my BA in acting. The beginning of my career.
I shake my head at myself, even calling it a career yet. It is a beginning. I am giving it a shot.
Staring at the old engravings above the door - Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts - I feel excitement building. I wonder if anyone ever touched them.
"Are you bonkers?" my subconscious shouts at me. "Want your career to end before it even began? They gonna kick your crazy butt out, before you have been through that door"
I take a look around. I am alone. I always failed miserably at keeping out of mischief. Always being the one that stepped on the grass, while the herd stayed on the pavement. So why change now?
I climb up the thin handrail, hold on to a brick in the wall and stretch towards the letters. Careful not to slide off, I stretch further and finally my fingertip brushes over the cold stone. A huge sense of satisfaction and joy fills me.
"Can I help you?"
My head shoots around and I see an exceptional tall man in a pair of beige cords, a dark button-down shirt and a waistcoat. Hard to tell his age, but this conservative appearance suits him. He actually looks very handsome. His face familiar, but I can't point my finger at where I have seen him before.
"I ... I just wanted to touch this inscription. I am sorry. I guess this is all a bit overwhelming"
He raises his eyebrows and starts laughing.
Not knowing if this is a good or very bad sign I jump off the handrail. Trying to make it look cool, I fail epically. Losing my balance at impact, I plummet forward. Unable to respond, I get stopped inches before the concrete by two arms.
I stand slowly regaining control over my body. His hands remain on my shoulder, making me feel comfortably excited.
"I am so sorry. I normally behave less wild and crazy" I say, taking a step back.
"I hope not. Wild and crazy is your future" he replies, pointing at the inscription above the door.
"Oh, yeah, I suppose. My name is Charlotte Williams. It's my first day at RADA".
"Nice to meet you Miss Williams. I am Tom Hiddleston. An alumni of this exceptional institution and a guest professor for this semester" he holds out his hand.
The moment our fingers touch, shivers are running down my spine. He grips my hand firmly and shakes it. For a split second I think to see the same reaction in his eyes.
"Professor!!!!" My subconscious shouts and I instantly let go of his hand, trying to keep my composure.
"Nice to meet you Professor. Again I am so sorry for all of this"
"Please don't be. Enthusiasm and curiosity are a very positive trait for an actor. You will always cherish your time here, trust me" he says checking his watch. "We better get going. We don't want to be late, do we?".
"Of course not, Professor"
"Enough with the formalities. That makes me feel much older than I am supposed to feel" he laughs. "Please call me Tom"
"Ok Tom" I say and step towards the entrance.
He rushes past me, holding the door open. "Welcome to this exciting new part of your life, Charlotte"
I stop in front of the threshold and look in his eyes. His smile reassuring.
Taking a deep breath I step inside, my senses immediately heightened.
