Checked Out

Chapter 3: Half Working Hairdo

I watched Titanic that night. It was magnificent but that was only because I stopped it before I could see Jack's body freeze to 'save' Rose. There was room. There's always room I reasoned as I stared at the dark screen, as sweat, not tears, poured from eyes. I don't cry. Never have and never will. I stared out over the window above my ratty sofa at the ethereal glow of the yellowing lamp light. It cast a wide oval on the surrounding cracked, timeworn pavement and for a brief second I could've sworn I saw a pair of golden eyes shifting effortlessly through the darkness

My eyelids grew heavy with each passing minute and before I knew it I was fast asleep. My dreams were filled with a screaming Gray and a pair of chocolate eyes that seemed to be endless pools of swirling copper. I awoke to the sounds of a car alarm.

Typical.

I groggily slipped off the throw I had draped over my shoulders and made my way to the kitchen. Sometimes I wished Gray was one of those exes that I'd feel mildly conflicted about just so I'd have something to think about as I stir my burnt coffee. Books didn't live up to reality and neither did movies... It's a shame I wanted a career in one of the two.

As Gray drifted from my thoughts, other irritating reminders seemed to follow in his path. How in the world was I going to pay for the damage to that stupid car. I'm barely living paycheck to paycheck, in an apartment that, thanks to my aunt the landlord, I graciously only have to pay 75% of... Skinflint witch.

My mom stopped the whole idea of allowance mid-fifth grade when I went on strike against folding my clothes and other menial household chores. Currently my one source of income was the damn commercial that according to the universe I would probably never finish. After I ate a skimpy breakfast I climbed in the car and headed to the studio. I thought blasting some music may calm my nerves, but disappointingly Nickelback, on the radio, did not have that soothing relaxing voice I was looking for. I looked into the rear view mirror to come face to face with a monster. I would've let out a groan if I hadn't had a mint in my mouth due to the fact I ran out of toothpaste last Thursday and have yet to get some more considering my recent trips to the grocery store have been otherwise.... Preoccupied.

As I pulled into my spot I took note of the flashy mercedes bedside me. I climbed out and eyed the out of place vehicle.

Someone was here.. Either to yell at me or hand me my paycheck. Either way I knew I'd be in for disappointment.

Without hesitation I pushed through the doors just in time to see Jake turned towards a man in the tightest suit I have ever seen. It hugged his body in all of the wrong place and for a second I felt mildly scandalized. As I created the appropriate censorship in my head I approached him, nearly laughing at the thin wispy moustache he had painted on his upper lip.

"Caia is it?" He asked as his grey eyes locked on mine.

"Yes that would be-"

"Listen sweetie, I'd love to stay and chat but I have places to go." He eyed his golden watch that still had the tag clinging to the arm and smoothed back his gelled hair.

"Yeah I was just-"

"Now I didn't come to tell you how to do your job or anything. Because I would never do that! Never! I am a very respectful man, my employees have always told me so. But I do have some criticism. Particularly with your recent casting decision."

"Well-"

"Honey, I know we all think we can act. Heck I played the tin man in every damn play including Romeo and Juliet but I knew back then and I know now that showbiz requires star power. Not just anyone with a working mouth and a half working hair cut. No offense dear."