Convicted

Chapter 7: Competition

Hi, it's been six days since the last update, anyways here it is. Shoutout to Sarah K. for giving me a memorable birthday.. :) I'm planning to finish this story by the end of Nov so I can begin on another story. Going to keep my fingers crossed and see how it goes.

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"I saw someone follow me home last night! I was so scared!"

Everyone was seated facing each other in the make-up room, listening to Jenny talk. Jenny noticed that I came into the room, rolled her eyes at me then continued rambling to the other girls. The rest of the girls just ignored my existence. Anna, looked over her shoulder and beamed at me, giving me a small wave. I headed towards her and sat infront of the mirror, taking in a deep breath, trying to compose myself infront of the girls. Anna began working her magic on my face as I sat there, my thoughts all over the place.

It was unfair how the rest of the co-workers treated me. Jenny and her foul mouth. My mind kept replaying the conversation I had with Michael earlier on. Who could have possibly killed Valerie? Nobody I knew would have such a malicious intent, at least not anyone I think I knew. It was apparent that I wasn't really on good terms with most of the female co-workers.I realised I don't actually really know them as much as I thought I did. Emmett had his guess on the people working here. Jenny? It seems impossible that Jenny would do that to Valerie, considering that she was her best friend. Yet, it still made me shiver at how Jenny didn't seem to display a ounce of emotion towards the news of her death. Mr Martin? Mr Martin was a real ass to everyone. Does it make it more unlikely for him to murder Valerie?

"Cecil?" Anna said softly, trying to snap me out of my thoughts. She gave me a concerned look before grabbing both of my hands, her face then turned serious. I raised an eyebrow, puzzled at what she was doing. I felt her drop a plastic object onto my hands. She removed her hands from mine and I immediately lowered my head to see what she gave me. Candy. I felt like a child.

"What is this for?" I asked, laughing at her antics.

"Don't think too much Cecil." Anna said, turning away from me and keeping all her make-up tools in her box. She then hurriedly left the room. I pulled out my phone to check if there was any messages, I was however, distracted from doing so when I heard what Olivia said to another girls.

"Shouldn't you tell the police officers what happened to you last night Jenny?" Olivia muttered out softly, as though she was afraid what she said would offend someone.

"Of course I'm going to! I'm telling the young cop. Y'know, bat an eyelash or two and I'll get him wrapped around my finger. HE'S SO HOT!" Jenny gushed, giggling. The rest of girls giggled along with her, nodding and giving her their approval. I shook my head in utter disgust, completely revolted at what they were discussing about. Jenny seems to be going for every guy. Not to mention she used to date Michael during the first two months of filming. Michael stopped dating her after two weeks though, claiming there was a vast difference between their own interests. It was an excuse that I didn't understand at all. Maybe I sort of did, Jenny was older than Michael. I can't even imagine what kind of things they actually talked about. All I could picture was Jenny trying to introduce the latest branded Gucci bag to Michael.

That thought made me chuckle.

After awhile, Mr Martin called us back to the studio where we acted out the next scene. Fortunately, nothing eventful happened except for Jenny scowling at me whenever I spoke to Michael. Not to mention, Mr Martin was also giving me glares every now and then whenever I had to act in a scene. I felt more self-conscious of myself during work today then I have ever had.  The rest of the day in the office consisted of my agent, Audrey going through my schedule for the next week and letting me know of the business proposals that was offered to me.

"That will be all Cece! Look over all this tonight, okay? Give me a call if you agree to this. I'll set up proper arrangements right away!" She chirped, closing the files and handing them over to me. Taking it from her, I began packing my stuff, preparing to go home.

"Miss Evans?" I heard a knock at the door. The voice was very familiar.

"Come in."

The door opened and Austin walked into the room, his hands in his pockets and his posture was stiff. It felt like he was trying to stop himself from doing something.

"Hi! Need anything? Oh by the way, Cecilia is just fine." I asked, smiling up to him.

"Uh, alright. Emmett assigned me to go ask you a few questions," he said, his tone awkward. He took the seat infront of me, taking out a notepad and a pen. He glanced at me, then quickly looking to his notepad. He was very fidgety. Why can't Emmett talk to me instead?

"Ask away." I issued him a tentative smile. I was dying inside, completely feeling uncomfortable at how awkward the atmosphere was between Austin and I. I was also completely afraid at the kind of questions he would ask me. I didn't kill Valerie but having this interrogation just scares me.

"Would you know if Valerie had made any enemies, had she ever offended anyone you probably know, something like that?" Austin mumbled.

Yes. Me.

I shook my head.

"Jenny said you would know?" Austin stated, looking very uncertain of himself.

What?

"I barely ever talk to her. Truth to be told, she hates me." I shot back, feeling defensive. What the heck is Jenny on about?

Austin just scrutinized me, not saying anything.

"Look, I think you should go ask Jenny, I know nothing of Valerie. Valerie's the underling of Jenny. She follows her around." I continued on, I was extremely frustrated. Is Jenny trying to frame me?

"Alright. Uh-I got it." Austin said, scribbling on his notepad.

"Are we done?"

Austin winced at my tone and nodded, standing up and going to the door.

"Thanks." He said, reaching for the handle.

"Um Miss-Cecilia, I-," he turned to me, stumbling on his words, looking very nervous and hesitant, he walked towards me.

"Yes?"

"MayIgetyournumber?" He rushed out at once. I opened my mouth in surprise.

"Isn't that unprofessional?" I questioned, teasing him. His hand reached for his pocket and he took his phone out.

"I just tho-thought that I could a-ask you out for din-dinner sometime." He cursed under his breath after he completed his sentence, looking very embarrassed. 

Should I give him my number? Maybe...just maybe, I need to move on from Michael. This could be the first step. Why not?

I took the phone from him and typed my number in. Just then, the door opened and Michael's head was at the door. He was smiling. It was then replaced by a frown when he noticed Austin. He narrowed his eyes at him.

Perfect timing, Michael.

"What's that?" He said, pointedly staring at Austin.

"This is Austin. Austin, that is Michael." I retorted, irritated by how rude Michael was.

Austin gave a nodd to acknowledge Michael to which Michael did the same.

"I'll call you." Austin said, giving me a huge smile then heading out.

After Austin left, Michael stepped in the room.

"I'll call you." Michael mimicked Austin, giving a disgusted face. He then continued on, "sooooo, I was right about you being into police fantasy shit."