Forever In Your Shadows

Chapter 30

Pippa's POV

My eyes were tired, and I already wanted to sleep in more. I had so many things to do that the list was unbearable. I rolled over in my bed and saw Steven still asleep peacefully. I smiled and thought that nothing could be better than this. Having a day off from performing, being able to spend time with Scarlett and spending time with him. I moved more into him and heard him start stirring in his sleep. His eyes opened slowly as he stretched out his body. 

"Good morning." He mumbled while wrapping his arms around me.

"Good morning." I smiled while resting my head on his chest. I heard little patter of feet and saw Scarlett climbing on the bed with us. 

"Good morning!!!" She giggled while flopping right in between us. Steven smiled at her and started tickling her. I just laughed at the sight and wished we could be like this forever. Happy and content. 

"Pip!" Lin yelled. I snapped back to reality and looked at him. 

"What?" I asked. 

"Scarlett is about to perform in front of us as a normal person. Not our daughter alright?" He said quietly. I nodded and looked down at the paper in front of me. "Are you alright?" He asked. 

"Yeah, fine." I shrugged. I wasn't going to tell him that I was thinking of him... I missed him so much... I was grateful for our kids now, but was I really, truly happy with Lin? We fought for years after we were married, then the kids are growing up.... Do I really love him? 

"Alright Scarlett, show us what you got." Lin smiled. She walked out on stage and it looked like she was terrified. I frowned and knew I couldn't just encourage her... The music began and she started singing. I knew she was scared, but she was already messing up... I frowned and Lin stopped everything. "Alright... Well.. Um..." 

"Give her another chance. I'll be back." I said while getting up. Scarlett frowned and I walked over to her. "Come here." I said while pointing to the wings. She walked on the stage through to the side that I was waiting for her on.

"Mom I'm so sorry..." She cried. I held out my arms and wrapped them around her. 

"It's alright. It's alright." I whispered. "You're just over thinking everything. Deep breaths in, then you'll be able to do this. The music is different yes, but this is your father and me. Not some directors. Yes, we are treating you just like any other ordinary actress who wants this role, but you will always be our daughter." I said quickly. 

"Thank you." She sniffed. I kissed her head and smiled. 

"Now, let's try this again. Yeah?" I said while wiping her eyes. She nodded and walked back out to the stage. I went back to my seat and saw Lin smile at me. I was still thinking of if I had settled for Lin... Did I? Or did I really love him...? 

~~~

Scarlett's POV 

Dad was going through lines with me while I read through them. Mom was going further through the script with other girls too. I sighed and hoped that people didn't think I was in this show because of my parents... 

"So you're going to play Jess?" One of the girls smiled. I shrugged and looked at the papers in front of me. "You're terrified aren't you?" She laughed. I nodded and heard them laugh. 

"I would be too. It's such a demanding role. You're lucky you got it!" The blond haired girl smiled. 

"Maybe we can all hang out!" Another girl laughed. "Oh! my name is Georgina by the way." The curly haired girl smiled. 

"Mine is Beatrice, but call me Bea." The blond hair laughed. 

"And I'm Taylor." The first girl that spoke smiled. I nodded and kept my head down... I couldn't help but think that these girls were going to call me out and say I was terrible... "What's your name?" Taylor asked. 

"Scarlett, we are going to change a few things with your character. Lin is going to sit with Roger and fix the score." Mom said while lifting up my script. 

"Wait... I see it! You're Scarlett Miranda!" Taylor gasped. 

"Your parents let you audition?" Georgina smiled. "Oh my gosh... Wow.... I'm so jealous. I think my parents would've just given it to me." She shrugged. "Which wouldn't have been fun." 

"I'm so happy you get to play the lead. You're going to fit so perfectly. Your parents have been searching forever for the role." Bea smiled. "I'm glad it's someone who can understand the role better." I didn't understand... These girls were okay with this? 

"You guys aren't just saying that so my parents don't kick you out of the show?" I frowned. 

"No! We all auditioned for your role, but your dad was saying how we didn't fit the character just yet. So he gave us these roles saying that he needed someone who was going to be able to know what the character went through." Bea shrugged. "Then after reading the finished script, well... We knew we couldn't do it." 

"Alright, here." Dad said while flopping the script right in front of me. It made a loud noise which made us all jump. "Rehearsals start next week Monday morning. I hope to see you all here by ten!" He smiled. 

"Yay!" The girls cheered. I smiled and started flipping through the script. Seeing the changes dad made to the character. It was just minor changes with lines she had to speak. The girls left the room and I rested my head on the table. 

"No sleeping. You're behind already." Mom smiled while moving the hair from my face. 

"Are we going to walk the park tomorrow?" I frowned. Mom sat next to me and gave me a little smile. 

"Yes. Your father is going to have to deal with it. Did you want to visit his grave too?" Mom asked. I nodded and looked at the table. "We can do that." She whispered.