"Holly Molly, I am freezing".
I open my eyes. How can it be cold? I am in California, it is warm outside. Yet It's cold in my apartment.
Well, In my studio..
Well, in my closet...
How did I end up here? Well it all started about a year ago.
My friend Jessa and I were talking, by one sunny afternoon, hanging in the kitchen of our flat share in Seattle, I worked there as a aspiring video editor. In reality I was working as a nanny. Jessa was an aspiring actress. In reality, she was working at Abercrombie and Fitch.
After having a glass of wine we couldn't really afford, eating pasta that were all we could afford, we started to dream about leaving everything. We were almost 25 years old, It was our last chance to live our dream. Or in the blink of an eye, I would be a 45 years old nanny and she would be a 45 years old waitress (they don't keep you at 45 at A&F!). Not that there is anything bad with being a waitress or a nanny. It just wasn't our dream.
"We should totally take our economies and go in a town were we could find a job we love" I said after 3 glasses of wine
"We should totally go to California, I am tired of the rain. I want the sun" Jessa said after 5 glasses of wine
"Arrre you suuuure? I book the tickets for Los Angeles? In a month?" Did I say while finishing the second bottle of wine (at least I vaguely remember that this is what happened).
Anyway, somehow, we woke up the next morning with a bad headache and non refundable tickets for Los Angeles. After a long silence, a little bit of shame and a lot of scare, I tried a shy
"Maybe we should do it?"
"Are you crazy?" Jessa has replied. She had always been the scared one. She never really tried anything new. Never really took risks. She liked her little routine.
"Jessa. Do you want to be an actress? Then we need to go to Los Angeles. And anyway, we are going to lose the plane tickets' money if we don't go. In the worst case, how hard can it be to find a nanny job there? Or a waitress job? Or a job at any shop? Tell me? We might actually earn more money there"
Jessa bit her nails, completely torn inside. To go, not to go, to go, not to go...
"You know what Jessa? I go. If you want to stay here, good for you. But I want to give it a try. There has to be more jobs for a video editor there. I'll go. I'll have the great life. You'll see. One year from here, I'll have the money, the boyfriend, the social life. It's going to be amazing"
How far from the truth can one girl be? Really far.
Jessa have decided to follow me.. Of course, I had to do everything. Quit my job, help her quit her job, find a place to stay...
And at the beginning, we were happy. We found this ridiculously small studio (well, there is a room with a bunk bed and a microwave, basically). We were dividing the rent between the two of us. We had just arrived, living the dream, without a care.
We were looking for a job, visiting the town, getting out for a drink at night. But weeks passed, and we couldn't find a job. So I had to take a nanny job, full time and Jessa worked in a restaurant. We didn't have so much money to get out or for shopping. The flat seemed more tiny with every day passing. It was noisy.
Three months ago, I have lost my nanny job. I had time to save some money, so I have decided not to take another nanny job. I work as a freelance video editor, and it almost cover my expenses. I dip into my savings to pay the rest.
It was alright. Until three weeks ago. Jessa freaked out and left one day, without telling me anything. She just left a note and went back to her parent's home.
And this is where I am in my life. Alone in an expensive slum that I can't even pay, in a town where I know no one, even if I have been here for almost a year. Losers will be losers, what can I say.
When Tessa ran away. I gave myself a month to find a job, or I would go back home. That might be tough, as I might or might not have lied to my family and friends about my life in Los Angeles. I might have told them that clients where fighting to have me as a video editor. That I had an awesome social life, hanging out in the most famous clubs. I might even had pretended that I spent a night with Colin Farrell. So what? Sue me!
Anyway, going back home and beginning everything again from zero is going to be a hell. But let's face it. That's what's going to happen.
I get out of the bed, put my jogging pants, open the window to warm the room and prepare some coffee. I stretch on my chair.
"Let's go Clara. Today is your lucky day". I have been repeating this to myself for the last 23 days. I don't even believe it anymore.
As usual, I go on my email first. Nothing. Not even an email from my mother. I check all the freelance jobs website. Nothing. No new potential client. No answer to the applications I've sent. I breath out loud.
"Come on. There has got to be something somewhere". I need to stop talking to myself, this is getting worrying.
I look at myself in the window. Argh. For a second I think about dropping my search for a job and go into the bathroom to have a bath and do my hair. At least I would be a loser looking better. Not looking good. Just looking less bad. But I mentally slap myself and get focused on my computer.
I start looking at the websites for full time jobs. On the first one, I find an interesting job offer. I apply.
On the second one, I think I have found a great job offer, until I send my application and receive, three minutes later an answer of a gross guy, being really interested by my application and joining a picture of himself... Naked.
As I am opening the third website. I see that I have received an email. I recognize the email address. This is Theresa. My ex Boss. She was crazy. Always on coke. I could write a book just on her. But I don't have time to write books. I open her email.
"Dear Carly,
Are you still searching for a job? I am looking for a night receptionist for the music studio. It only pays 25 dollars a night, but you wouldn't have to pay a rent, you could sleep on the couch in the office during the day (as Jimmy is working during the day, he won't need it from 8 am to 6 pm).
Let me know
Lots of love
Theresa"
Carly? My name is Clara, you big stoner. 25 dollars a night?? You big dreamer.
I close the email without even answering. I am totally discouraged. I stop. This is it. I am losing my time. Why do I even do that to myself.
I close my email tab. I am going to close the tab with the third Job search website when a word catch my eye ... "DA CRAIC" . Isn't it the Production company that Niall Horan created when he left One direction two years ago? I was never a huge One Direction fan but I'm not gonna lie, I always thought they were cute. I don't know why, but I decide to read the advert.
" Love music?
We are currently looking for an experienced Video Editor to join our team at our headquarters in Los Angeles.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Development and production of TV and WebTV formats:
In this exciting position, you will support, develop and produce formats for television and WebTV in close collaboration with in-house departments.
Library management :
You will be in charge of the daily management of archives, liaising with clients and internal workers.
EXPERIENCE:
Degree in audio visual or adequate practical work experience Minimum of 3-5 years' of continuous practical experience in film production, TV journalism and/or WebTV Experience in the production and development of short and long formats for Web and TV Most recent work experience as a staff member of a major TV network or large production company, or uninterrupted freelance work for such companies Skills in coordinating and guiding other producers High Project Management skills Credible relationships with key contacts within the media/creative industry and network of international production partners Excellent story telling abilities and editorial competence Strong interest in arts, music, social aspects, creativity and associated lifestyles."
I am frowning. I am either Dumb or not really awoken, but I don't really understand every words. I read a second time and this time it's sure. I am Dumb. No, I mean I understand, but I am tired just thinking about all the efforts I would have to put in this application.
But on the other hand... That could be cool. I mean. Not having the job. That won't happen. But having an interview. I might see Niall Horan. Or even talk to him. OK Let's do it.
I am going to improve a tiny bit my CV. I add a little bit of freelancing here, a little bit of competences there. I write my cover letter. I tell them everything : my passion about music -what?? I have listened to 5 songs of Beyonce already today and I know the first 30 second of this Outkast song, "roses" on the piano- , my volunteer involvement in various project as a video editor - which is barely a lie, my cousin Sandy wanted to do a video for her wedding birthday, I did for her. You see. I'm not lying there-,... I put some jokes....
I read everything once again and feel a little bit ashamed. But I erase that feeling from my soul, after all, they are probably not going to call me. I hesitate some more second then violently press my finger on the mouse and click the "send" button.
There we are. I've sent an application full of lies to Niall Horan's company.