Behind the Screen (Rosa x Curtis)

The waiting room

Tim guided me and Fluffy through pokestar studios, leading me through the crowds, which had seemed to thicken.

"They are all here for the auditions." Tim said.

We had left Jackie at the caravan, who said she would catch up with the crowd later and cheer us on. For some reason, knowing Jackie was in the crowd made me feel a little better. As we walked through the crowds, I thought of calling Hugo. He was my best friend after all...but I was too stubborn, and I fought the urge to call. I then considered calling my parents, just to check in, but then if I did talk to them, they would end up leaving even more pressure on me, leaving me with the weight of possible failure, a weight that I couldn't carry.

"Where are the auditions being held?" I ask Tim, deciding to call no one.

Tim doesn't respond. I suddenly feel lonely in this massive crowd. Even with Fluffy at my side, there were just so many unfamiliar faces...my stomach began to churn with fear, my ears picking up imaginary laughs...

"At the far corner of Pokestar studios, in the theatre where they showcase new movies. There's a big stage, millions of chairs, perfect for auditions." He says, rudely not looking back.

We walk for what seems like forever, squishing and squeezing our way through the crowd. We finally made it inside a magnificent building, with tall stone pillars and an old exterior, but with a beautiful, modern lobby on the inside.Tim talks to the lady at the front desk, who absently nods him away, pointing to a door right next to her. Through the door is a room I recognize too much. The dressing room is filled with boys and girls and Pokemon of different ages, some tall, some short, ranging from brunettes to blondes. But the one thing they all had in common was how beautiful they were. Even their Pokemon seemed so perfect. Each person had a skinny, willowy figure, and a face so beautiful it seemed like it was possibly made from China. Comparing myself to them made me feel even more sick. Thankfully, nobody turned to stare at me and Fluffy as we entered the room.

"This is the waiting room. Have fun." Tim said, shutting the door behind me.

I began to sweat and panic. Was my two signature buns on the top of my head too childish? Would I be seen as pathetic and odd for wearing my favourite sun visor indoors? Were three quarter tops out of fashion? I began to mutter, as I always do when I panic. Suddenly, a sharp stinging pain came from my right cheek. I look up from my hands and see Fluffy towering over me, his hand poised to slap again.

"Ampha ampha ampharos ros ampha ros ros!" He said as if to say Get a grip! This is our only chance to achieve our dreams! Are you going to get a little pressure and stage fright get to you?!

I shook my heard, and wiped my watery eyes. I put my hands into fists, feeling my nails did into my palms.

"No, I won't let it get to me. We are going to do our best!" I scream quietly, reminding myself of one of those people in a movie who suddenly forget everything because of their stupidity.

My bag starts to buzz, and I take out Curtis xtransciever. I smiled, feeling happy that someone was there. He always called at the most appropriate times...

"Hi Rosa!" He sings happily.

"Hi Curtis!" I say, staring at the blank screen. 

I understood that he had an old xtransciever, but not being able to see his face gave me a longing feeling...

"Isin't it annoying we can't see each others faces?" Curtis laughs, reading my mind. 

"Yeah a little bit. It would be really cool to meet face to face." I said.

"We really should! We'd have to anyway for when you give me back my xtransciever." Curtis agreed.

"Yeah." I said, sighing.