Twin Switch

Scene 8

"Mia, you're late again!"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I got caught up in traffic?" I try to reason with my manager.

She shakes her head at me. "For an actress, you sure are bad at lying." I pout at her slightly and she sighs, "Stop giving me that look. Just go get ready for your take and I'll explain to the director."

"I love you," I coo as I head towards my trailer. I wear the beautiful pink dress that is hung up for me for the final ballroom scene. It's honestly the best having a job where you get to where all these fabulous outfits. After sitting at hair and makeup for an hour I walk onto the set.

"Mia," the director says walking up to me doing a chef's kiss. "I knew this dress would look wonderful on you, but you look like a princess. We're going to film through it one time, but we may need to take multiple takes because this is the most important scene in the movie so I need you to work all your Mia magic, got it?"

"Yes, boss," I say playfully with a salute.

I walk over to my place and get ready.

"Action!"

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around with a confused look.

"Surprised to see me Emma? Or are you going by Amelia now?" the antagonist, Cassidy, asks me with a smirk.

"Please don't do this now," I plead, my voice coming out at a whisper.

Josh walks up to me and places a hand on the small of my back, "Why is this lady calling you Emma? Do you know her Amelia?"

"I-" I start, looking back at Josh with wide eyes. "It's not-"

Cassidy looks at me, feigning pity, "That's not fair. How is she supposed to tell you that she's lied to you this whole time? You've made it so difficult, especially when you've thrown this whole party to celebrate your engagement."

Josh looks at me, holding my hand, "Amelia, is what she saying true? Tell me she's lying and I'll get them to throw her out of here right now."

He searches my eyes and I look down, tears blurring my vision. I struggle to look up and look at him helplessly.

"It's true, isn't it?" At this point, we have an audience. "Everyone, party over! Leave!" he screams. I flinch slightly. He laughs without a hint of emotion, "You're the one scared of me? I'm the one who fell in love with a girl who lied to me the entire time. Do you know how that feels?" he screams at me, grabbing my arms and shaking me.

I squeak and look back at him, "I had no choice. Please let me explain."

He looks straight into my eyes, "I don't deserve to hear any more lies. Leave!" I hesitate and reach out to him. "I said leave!" I start crying, and walk away.

"Cut!" the director yells and I wipe away my tears before smiling. "Beautiful! You two are beautiful on screen. I sure know we didn't make a mistake with casting."

I smile as Josh gives me a side hug.

"This Saturday we're setting up our first press conference and remember - no spoilers. I'm looking at you Josh," he says sternly as Josh blushes. "And remember just be your charming selves. I'll contact your agents about any other information."

*****

"This Saturday?" I ask Jade for the tenth time. "Why do I have to go for his stupid event?"

"It's a charity event," Jade says.

I throw my hands up in defeat, "Make me the villain, why don't you?"

Jade thinks for a while. "Do you have to go for the press conference? Won't it be cool if the female lead doesn't show up?"

"You want the media to tear me apart? I see it now 'stuck-up actress doesn't come for her movie's first press conference.' Why can't we just switch and you go for the charity event?" I ask.

"Mia, we can't keep switching now that you guys are actually married. We can't keep lying to him. I don't know what to do."

Suddenly my brilliant mind comes up with an idea. "You go for the press conference. You know everything about me and I'll just tell Josh that it's you so he can help you through the conference. It's a win-win."

She scratches the back of her neck, "I don't know... You're the actress of the two of us. What if I mess something up?"

"Don't worry. You'll have Josh next to you at all times and I'll give you a few tips before Saturday. It's a perfect plan." I clap my hands, excited.

Jade sighs in frustration, "How many twin switches are we going to pull off before we finally learn our lesson?"

"Too many."