The Phoenix Diaries (ONGOING)

Chapter 19

        I wake up the next morning to the sound of loud pounding on my door. I wake up delirious and notice my pillow squirming. It also does not feel like a pillow. That's when I look up and see him. Anthony spent the night and we fell asleep together. The banging gets louder and my anxiety kicks in. Who is it? What are they going to say when they see Anthony Campbell asleep on my couch? Dreadfully, I get up and answer the door.

      "Girl, what is taking you so long?" Asks Cecily loudly.

      That's when she sees Anthony on the couch. Anthony looks at her confused.

      "The rumors are true?" She raises an eyebrow.

       "What? No! We were just hanging out and he fell asleep here." I say.

"Who do you think you're fooling, sister?" She asks.

I blush. "So, what's up?"

       "Where were you yesterday?" She asks.

       "What do you mean? I was here." I raise an eyebrow.

"Yeah,' she replies,' that's the problem. You completely blew off your meeting."

"Meeting? What meeting?" I ask.

       "With Ruby? She had something to talk to you about." Says Cecily.

        "What?" I ask.

        Cecily shrugs. I start getting ready.

         The same things happen like they did at the first meeting. I walk up to the receptionist at the front desk and tell her who I'm here for. The small blonde woman then escorts me to Ruby's room.

       "You're late." Ruby says.

       She's not facing me. She is looking outside of her huge window.

      "I know and I'm sorry." I respond.

       "Why are you so late, miss Arthur?" She sighs.

       "I didn't know." I say.

"Figures." She says.

She slowly turns back to face me and sits at her desk.

"Take a seat." She commands.

I do as she says.

       "I got you an audition." She says.

       Already? I just got here. That's fantastic.

      "What? Thank you! When is it?" I gasp.

       "Today at three." She responds.

        "Three? That's in a few hours." I reply.

        "You would've had more time if you came tomorrow. It's just like the audition you had back home." Says Ruby.

That makes me nervous. I remember that like it was yesterday. God, I wish I could just forget it. Everyone staring at my cellulite covered thighs and stretch marked body. Everyone thinking how hideous I was.

"Why are you crying?" Scoffs Ruby.

Great, I'm having another episode.

       "I-I,' I sigh,' I'm scared."

        Ruby reaches her long, thin hand across the table.

       "Aw, sweetie. Want some advice?" She smiles.