Heather

"This is going to be the role," Lauren said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I mean, a story about an earthquake, survival, hope, it's practically calling for someone with my presence."

The assistant nodded eagerly. Perhaps a little too enthusiastically, but Lauren didn't notice. She was too busy being proud. When the doors opened, and Heather walked in, Lauren stood still for a second before narrowing her eyes.

The face was familiar. Too familiar. She barely recognized her at first, but there was no mistaking the face. Lauren's lips curled into a smug smile as she watched Heather walk further in.

Her clothes were simple, nothing flashy, nothing demanding attention, but attention was falling on her anyway. Lauren hated it.

Heather didn't even look her way, which only added fuel to Lauren's annoyance. Security escorted her to her trailer.

"What is she doing here?" Lauren muttered under her breath.

When Heather came out of the trailer, she walked past the crew, murmurs started.

"She's beautiful," someone said.

"She looks a bit like Miss H, doesn't she? Same height, same build," another added.

Lauren frowned. It was one thing for Heather to show up unannounced, but now people were comparing her to Miss H? She couldn't stand it. Miss H was a mystery, a legend, and nothing Heather would be in a million years.

(Lauren's words, not mine).

"How can you even compare her to Miss H?" Lauren said sharply, walking over to the murmuring group. The room went quiet for a moment. She crossed her arms, raising her chin.

"And what exactly are you doing here?" she directed at Heather.

Heather turned slowly, her expression was calm. Before she could respond...

"Miss Lauren, don't you know? Miss Heather is auditioning for the lead role."

Lauren blinked. Then she let out a sharp laugh. "*Her?*" She scanned Heather from head to toe as if trying to find a crack in her presence. "Auditioning for the lead? That's... ambitious."

Heather tilted her head slightly but didn't say a word. She didn't have to. Her lack of reaction only made Lauren angrier.

"You might as well give up now," her tone was harsh. "This role is going to require real depth. It's not for just anyone."

Heather's lips twitched, not in a smile but something close. She looked straight at Lauren for the first time.

"You sound very sure of yourself."

"I am," Lauren replied quickly. "I know talent when I see it. And let me tell you, Miss H and I are very close. She wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection."

Did she hear right? Miss H and Lauren? Very close?

She couldn't remember anytime she became close with Lauren.

"Wow, Miss Lauren. You've seen Miss H?"

"What does she look like?"

"Uh, our relationship is strictly confidential."

Heather laughed. A soft laugh. A genuine laugh that spread in the quiet room.

"What's so funny?" Lauren snapped.

Heather just smiled. "Nothing. Just imagining how close you must be to Miss H."

Lauren bit her lip hard.

The directors entered the room, clapping their hands to gather everyone's attention. "Alright, auditions are starting now," one of them called out. "Lauren, you're up first. Let's see what you've got."

Lauren smoothed her dress. She gave Heather one last glare before walking toward the stage. But just as she stepped onto the platform, her heel caught on a loose cable. She stumbled, her arms flailing slightly as she caught herself. The gasp that left the crew wasn't what she wanted to hear.

A quiet snicker broke through the room. Lauren didn't even need to turn around to know who it came from. She glared straight ahead, and climbed the steps onto the stage. She turned to face the directors.

Lauren spun around.. "You think that's funny?" she snapped.

Heather raised an eyebrow.

"A little."

The director sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Heather," he said, gesturing toward the stage. "Since you find it amusing, why don't you show us what you've got?"

"You shouldn't laugh if you're not any better," one of them threw shades at Heather.

"Yes." Another agreed. While Lauren smiled.

Heather stepped forward without hesitation. As she climbed onto the stage, the room seemed to still. The crew, the actors, even Lauren stood frozen by the stairs, everyone was watching.

She didn't grab the script; she didn't need it. She knew the scene by heart. She let a single breath escape her lips, and then she began.