2. Big Break, One of Many

Denise worked with a spring to her step. It would seem stupid or even weird to another person but she was happy. Getting a job in these slums was a plus because it meant that tomorrow would be sorted.

In fact, since she wasn't a worker here, she had been given menial jobs like washing utensils, cleaning and running errands. But did she mind? No. In fact, compared to how she lived in that mansion she used to call home, this was easy peazy for her. She was also happy because she knew that in the three days that the person she was standing in for was going to be away, she would make more than she would ever have cleaning clothes for a week. That's all that mattered: making money.

She did her usual cleaning very quickly and had a few minutes rest before she would be called in for more utensils. As she was resting, she saw the previous day's newspaper and she decided to browse through it. As she was reading, she saw an advert about an acting company that was promoting new talent. They wanted to produce a new movie full of new cast that hasn't been in the industry and they were thus calling for auditions.

Denise thought about it: she always wanted to be an actress and it's only that she lacked school fees to join a performing arts school. She thought about it and wondered whether this was her big break. She noted the address of the hotel where the auditions were to be held and she promised herself to go there. If she got the chance, then well and good. If she didn't, there was still a next time. But what she knew was that there was no harm in trying.

After the three days Denise had to stand in for the sick worker at the hotel, she decided to buy herself a nice second hand dress so that she would be looking her best during the auditions. She then passed by the studios that were to produce the movie so as to get the script of the part she wanted. The advertisement said that if one wanted to audition, they should go to Diamond Studios so as to be given a script on the part they would act. And that's what Denise did.

Nobody in these sides of the country did not know where Diamond Studios building was. It wasn't the biggest entertainment company in country, no, but they had made a name for themselves in the industry.

As she walked in the CBD, where the Studios were located, she saw beautiful buildings and she swore to one day own a real estate company. She psyched herself by telling herself that even these big buildings were owned by people. She would do it. All she had to do was work hard and smart. All she prayed for was time.

It didn't take long for her to arrive at Diamond Studios. The building was a sixty storied sky scraper all owned by the studio. It was made of hard glass and gave someone the illusion that one was looking at a diamond as it was shaped. Whenthe sun rays fell on it, they were reflected by the mirrors in beautiful blue streaks of light making it look ethereal. The motto of the studio was: Where Diamonds are Made. She hoped that she would be a part of the diamonds Diamond Studios will produce. There was no harm in hoping.

From the little she knew, every year in the entertainment industry of the country, there were categories of rankings for entertainers. For example, every year during the month of December, there would be a ranking of the top two hundred new comers in the industry regardless of their specialization.

Then there was a list of the best two hundred actors, the best two hundred singers and such. For years now, no newcomer had ever appeared on the top two hundred actors or singers. These lists were all dominated by the gurus and masters of acting.

Denise hoped that one day, she will see her name on both lists. She knew that there were ups and downs, and mostly downs in this industry but she wasn't worried. She was a fighter and she wasn't afraid to fight for her position in this industry. Growing up in that household had taught her good acting skills and resilience. In that household, she had to act daily for her survival. Otherwise, if she were to show her true characters to those people, she would have been kicked out long before she was.

Denise walked to the reception and she saw the beautiful lady there and she smiled at the other girl. The other girl was shocked by Denise's beauty and she was also smiling at her as she admired the newcomer. It was long since Jael saw a person smile genuinely at her. So, she returned that smile and she didn't miss the shock that crossed the receptionist's face.

"Hi? Welcome to Diamond Studios. How may I help you?" She said with a dashing smile. The ones I think they are usually taught when learning how to be good receptionists.

"Hi, my name is Denise. I'm here for the audition that was advertised in The Torch (name of the newspaper where she saw the advert) two days ago. I want to audition." She said full of confidence. She wasn't worried because 'Confidence' was her middle name.

"Okay. I'm sure you will ace it. You are so beautiful. With the right acting, you will get the part you want. So, what part do you want to try for?" The receptionist complimented asked again and this time she made Denise smile. She was the first person in so long that treated her as a person and not as a curse.

"I want to try for the second leading lady, Lauren Kingsley." Denise answered and the receptionist smiled again at that.

"That's a good choice. Go do your best and I wish you all the best." She said as she handed Denise a copy of the script ofthe part that she would act for in the auditions.

"Thank you so much. If I get this part, I promise to buy you chocolate. Bye." Denise said as she flashed her signature smile, the one that usually makes people weak at the knees, at the receptionist who blushed.

Denise left that girl lighting a candle for all the young men out there. She knew many will fall at her feet just at the sight of that smile. If I was a man, I would make her mine'. The receptionist thought and laughed at her own thought.

Denise walked out of Diamond Studios with a spring to her step. Something told her that if she did well in the auditions, it would be the first of many. But she wondered what to do about her name. What if she becomes famous and her family comes to bother her again? She wasn't worried though because she had all the evidence of the evil things they did to her, but she wanted to avoid trouble.

But she swore that since they chased her out of that house, the first to mess with her will know the extent of her wrath.

And they should always remember that hell hath no fury than a woman scorned. They had scorned her her whole life and she was ready to pour her fury on them.