Turn Around {Sequel to Where the Lights Are}

Chapter 7

Audition day. I'm standing in line at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. It's not Cinderella, but they're doing a production of Into The Woods.

I'm auditioning for the role of The Baker's Wife, I just don't think I could do a bigger part.

"Mia Hart and Nicholas Cook," the lady calls. I smile, he must be auditioning for The Baker.

"I'll give you two ten minutes," she says, leading us to a room. I nod, and thank her, turning to Nicholas.

"Any suggestions?" I ask him. He offers a weak smile, "This is my first time." I grin, "Me too. We're a bunch of newbies. We should pick a song."

"Ah yes, well, what plays do you like?" He asks. "Pretty much everything. How about we sing Something There from Beauty & The Beast," I suggest. He lights up, "I've got it memorized."

We work on harmonies for the rest of the time together, then the lady that brought us here returns, and introduces herself as Autumn, the director.

We begin singing together, and I truly feel something special. This is the first step I've taken towards musical theater since my college production of Grease-which I played Frenchy in.

As much as I dream of being a Broadway star, I don't think I could just leave like that. My kids are here, my Owen is here, and the guys are here. And if I moved to New York, I'd be farther away from Josh and Jaxon. I wouldn't be able to do it.

Nicholas and I finish singing, and we leave the room together. "You have a really talented voice, Ms. Hart," he says. I blush, "Thank you, Mr. Cook. It was a pleasure singing with you." He grins, "Hope to see you at rehearsals." With that, he leaves.

~*~

"Alan, you have to open it, I can't!" I close my eyes. The cast list has been sitting in my email for a few days now. I've refused to open it until I was with Alan. The kids are all playing, so I'm finally going to know.

He opens it, and my heart rate speeds up. "Did I get it, Alan? Did I?" I ask. "Slow down, crazy chick, I'm reading," he chuckles. A few seconds later he sighs, "I'm sorry, Mia girl, you didn't get the role of the Baker's wife." I open my eyes, as my heart sinks, this is all I wanted.

"You're Cinderella!" He exclaims. "Wait, really?" I glance up at him, tears brimming in my eyes. He nods, "Yes princess, you're playing a princess." I can't believe what I'm hearing-Cinderella-this is huge. I have to tell everybody.

(Ch-Chad, C-Caleb, Jo-Joey, O-Owen, Ja-Jaxon, J-Josh)

M- I had that audition a few months ago for Into The Woods, and I read the cast-list. Auditioned for Baker's Wife, got Cinderella!!!

O- Awh, babe, in so proud of you. I'll be front row every night. You've always been a princess to me.

Ch- My baby sister's playing a princess?! You better not be marrying a handsome prince without my approval 😉

J- I knew you would get in, darling! I'll have to come out for opening night! Give it your all, and you'll shine like a superstar.

Ja- Mia, I'm so unbelievably proud of you. I'll be with dad on opening night to give you some flowers. I know you'll kill it!

C- Way to go, kiddo! Dreams do come true. You're one of the leads, and you didn't even have to go to NYC for it to happen. I know how much this means to you, and I couldn't be prouder.

Jo- Okay love, always remember to warm-up your voice before a performance. Kidding, I'm practically oozing with pride. Keep up your excellent work, and you'll reach the stars.