Twin Switch

Scene 1

(A/N: DO NOT READ! Look at the announcement first)

"Maya!"

"Look here."

"To your right, dear."

I expertly pose on the red carpet, placing a hand on my hip while looking over my shoulder to give the cameras a glimpse of my backless dress, maintaining a picture-perfect smile throughout. I used to find the constant flashing of the cameras blinding, but over the years, I've perfected the art of not making direct eye contact while looking like I do.

I notice Chris, the costar of my upcoming movie. Pro tip: if you want to become an actor, change your name to Chris. You can thank me later. I see approaching from my right as he places his hand on my waist, pulling me in to his side before leaning in to my ear to whisper, "You look beautiful tonight." I smile at him, placing my hand on his shoulder, and pose for the cameras.

A couple of years ago I would have probably blushed at the compliment from this incredibly handsome man with the incredibly sexy British accent, but I'm not the same inexperienced girl I was. I'm an actress and the script continues outside of filming.

I could already see the headlines, "New costars getting cozy at movie premiere." At least, my manager would be pleased with that.

"You look pretty good yourself. Is that suit by Ralph?" I question making small talk.

"How'd you know?" he asks with genuine confusion. "Is there a tag or something?" He passes his hand over his collar, messing it up in the process.

I laugh as I lean into him to adjust his collar, keeping my eyes trained on my hands as I see him visibly gulp. Awww that was adorable. "No. I could tell Ralph's work anywhere. I have a tradition of wearing his work to all my red carpets."

He looks amused. "Interesting," he says as if in deep thought. "Show time," Josh whispers in my ear as he leads me into the event with a hand placed on the small of my back. I continue beside him, still smiling as I'm seated next to him. "It's been fun working with you over the last few months."

"Yeah, same," I smile back. I guess the years of acting did not make me less awkward. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. That's something I haven't gotten used to. Does Botox get rid of the pain of smiling? Maybe I should look into getting Botox.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts by Chris. "We should catch up some time after filming is over... or before. Whatever works for you is fine with me," he rushes. I don't understand why he's so nervous around me. He's a well-established actor himself, and obviously very attractive.

"That sounds great," I smile. "I'll text you."

The rest of the event continues with silence with the exception of our awkward small talk. It's a comforting awkward silence, if that makes sense. I constantly look down at my phone discreetly as to not draw attention to myself, but to be honest, I'm not paying attention to the event around me at all. I have a simple role: smile and clap when everyone else does.

Finally, as the event comes to an end, Chris leads me out. "I'll see you later," I bid Josh a farewell as he places a chaste kiss on my cheek before giving me a hug. I wave to the paparazzi and get into the limousine sent for me.

As soon as I get into the vehicle, I pull out my phone and call home, "Ma, the premiere's over and I'm heading home."

"Get home safely," she coos, sounding as if she's talking to a teenage girl. Well, I still live with my mom, so that wouldn't be too off. Don't judge me. I'm living with my mom as long as I can.

"Yeah, ma. I'll see you in around twenty minutes. Bye," I say before turning my phone off, taking a quick nap or pretending to. I can never fall asleep when I want to. And I always want to fall asleep.

When I get home, I rush to my room and quickly change into a comfortable set of pink silk pyjamas, sighing in relief of finally getting to take my uncomfortable dress off. You would think that a dress so expensive would be a little more comfortable.

I go down to the living room and lay down on the couch with my legs crossed over one another, "Is Jade not back?" I call out to my mom.

My mom pops her head out from the kitchen, "No, she went out for a run. I made pasta. Come eat." I love pasta. My love for pasta has always been unconditional. Even if someone managed to make shitty pasta, I'd probably still love it. That's just how true love works.

I sit next to her at the dining table, devouring the divine food in front of me. I suddenly remember what she said earlier, "Why is it that you let her go out alone at night, but you're so protective when I go out to areas where I'm constantly protected?"

She slaps my hand, "It's not proper to speak when you're eating. I don't have to explain myself to you, but I just think she'll be able to defend herself." I pout at her statement as I finish up my meal. I'm as capable as Jade of defending myself. She's always treated me like a fragile little girl. Jade's always been the strong, capable one, and I've been...me. Whatever that means.

I quickly finish the rest of my dinner and wash my plate before lying down on the couch. I switch on the TV and proceed to scroll through my phone. I like to practice my multitasking skills.

The bell rings and I turn on the intercom, "Badda Ba Ba Baaa." I instantly recognize the tune of McDonald's sung in a beautiful voice. Note my sarcasm. I open the door to see my twin in all her sweaty glory, wearing Nike shorts with a matching Nike tank top. She's definitely more toned than I am. I'm not jealous. Maybe a little. Okay, may a lot. I should probably cut down on the late-night snacks.

"How are you not cold wearing that?" I ask her, rubbing my arms to warm myself from the cold after standing in the doorway for a few minutes.

She throws her bag on the couch before retorting, "The same way you don't get cold wearing your flimsy dresses."

I glare at her and roll my eyes. I follow her as she makes her way up to her room. She tries to slam her door shut but I make it just in time. I sit on her bed, like the annoying, technically younger sister that I am. "Why were you out for a run this late?"

While changing out of her sweaty clothes she responds, "When did you become mom?" I give her a stern look and she sighs. "No reason. We should really stop changing in front of each other."

"We're twins. We have the same body. I see it every day," I reason, then groan. "Stop changing the topic. You changed the topic to changing. That's funny." She gives me a confused look. "Come on it's funny. Anyways, I know you only go out for a run nowadays when you need to clear your mind," I reason, upset that she's hiding something from me.

"Work is getting kind of stressful," she says nonchalantly before laying on her bed. Her acting is terrible, but I let it slide. Not everyone can be a great actress. "Can you tell me something honestly?" she asks and I nod. "When you don't want to do a role but your manager makes you do it, what do you do?"

I turn to her, slightly confused but decide to answer, "I refuse. It's my choice in the end."

She looks disappointed at my answer, "What if it's me who asked?"

"I'd do it in a heartbeat," I say immediately, looking at her. "I owe everything I have to you. What's a little acting?" I smile at her genuinely and she smiles back.

That was the first time that day that I genuinely smiled.