Summary:
Bella left home at 17, in hopes to pursue her dream to become an actress. She moves to Malibu, California. She has no luck with her dream until a big time music producer hears her singing. HE gives her an opportunity of a lifetime. Then, later, she meets Sam Uley... will a love blossom? Or will he ruin her career? AU, AH, Bella/Sam.
Prologue
Thinking back, I couldn't being myself to regret the decision I made to leave my parents and pursue my dream of becoming an actress. My parents, Charlie and Renee Swan, had told me while I was growing up that acting would be a waste of my life, and that I should go for something more realistic like becoming a doctor, or a nurse. Hell, my mother told me she'd give me a job at her diner for the rest of my life. I laughed in her face at that.
Like I'd ever work at my mother's diner.
I was 17 years old when I had enough of my parents nagging me about my dreams of becoming an actress. I had enough of them shoving college brochures in my face, telling me that they had a nice art program, or great medical courses. It was no secret that they hated my decision - and that they'd do anything to keep me from my dreams.
Growing up, I always thought my parents would be supportive of whatever dream I would have. Like most parents, I had expected them to tell me to reach for the stars and do everything I can to touch the biggest one. They never said that. Instead, they said that being an actress was a poor choice of a career, and that I'd be easily run-down and old looking.
That one hurt.
But, I never gave up on it. I was in all the school plays growing up. I played Cinderella in first grade, Sleeping Beauty in grade three, A rebel in some play in grade nine, and Juliet in my last year of high school. Everyone loved me; in the small town of Forks, Washington, I was like a mini celebrity.
But I wanted more.
Sure, it was great to have everyone praising on the plays, telling me how great I was, telling me they couldn't wait for my next one… but I wanted to be known world wide…
So I left home.
Charlie and Renee had gone on a vacation for their 17th wedding anniversary, and I took that time to pack my stuff, leave a note, grab some cash and skip town. I got in the new car I got for my birthday and drove away, not even looking in the rear-view mirror as I left. I didn't want to see the house I grew up in. I didn't want to see Forks, Washington again. I wanted the real world.
And I got it.
I left Forks, and went to California. I rented a flat in Malibu, and got a job in a restaurant for the time being. It was fairly popular, and I worked on commission. I was getting half of what I brought in, plus tips. So, I thought I was doing pretty good for myself for being 17.
It was my third month in Malibu when my destiny found me. The restaurant was closed, and I was cleaning up after my shift. I was putting the chairs up on the tables, and dancing to a song on the jukebox by the door.
I hadn't even noticed anyone had come in, and I unconsciously started singing to myself. "It's like I'm lookin' at a distance, standin' in the background. Everybody's sayin' he's not comin' home now…"
I was startled out of my little solo when I heard someone clapping and a male voice say, "Oh my. You're a natural."
I spun around on my heel, holding onto the table, and looked at the man at the door. He was just standing there - well more like leaning on the door frame - clapping and smiled. I gulped. He was very tall, and good looking. He was tan, with sandy blond hair. I could see that his eyes were green. He looked interested in me as he stopped clapping and looked me up and down.
I stood there awkwardly, and bit my lip - something I did when I was embarrassed. "You can sing," he said, pushing himself off the door frame and walking forward. "You can really sing." he stopped in front of me, and I suddenly realized who he was. He was Peter Whitlock… President of Aspire Records. I felt my self get nervous. This big time producer was talking to me… little 17 year old Bella Swan from tiny town of Forks, Washington.
"T-thank you." I stuttered. He smiled, and put his hand out.
"I'm Peter Whitlock." I slid my hand into his, and smiled nervously.
"Bella Swan."
"Hmm… what a beautiful name. Bella means beautiful in Italian, correct?" I nodded. "Huh. It suits you." I blushed and looked down. He chuckled.
"Not really." I said quietly. "I'm just plain."
Peter scoffed. "You, my dear, are not plain. But, I would like to hear your voice again… can you sing me something, please?" my head snapped up, and I looked into his green eyes. I bit my lip, and nodded. "Great! Take your time." he moved a chair from the top of the table, and sat down, looking at me expectantly.
I cleared my throat, and took a deep breath,
"He's holdin' on to the wheel, on to the way she made him feel, to the shifter, to the pictures. Every precious moment with her, like the left behind colors in the sky, when the sun is gone.. He's holdin' on.."
I stopped, too embarrassed to continue on. Peter was looking at me with such determination, that it made my blush and look away.
Then, suddenly, his face broke out into a smile, and he stood up. "Your exactly who I've been looking for, Bella." I spluttered, shocked.
"W-what?"
He reached into his pocket, and held out a folded piece of paper. "Go to this audition. They're looking for someone who can sing, and act. I've been searching for you ever since I saw your Romeo and Juliet play this year. I expect to see you at that audition tomorrow afternoon. Be ready." I nodded mutely, watching him walk away.
When the door closed, I let out a loud squeal.
My acting career was beginning! And it was because I was singing along to a jukebox!
Quickly finishing the cleaning in the restaurant, I locked up, and walked down the street, humming happily, the audition sheet in my hand. I was happier than I've ever been.
When I made it to my apartment complex, Ronnie, an old doorman who seemed to like me better than everyone else, smiled at me. "Hello, Miss Bella. You seem exceptionally happy." I smiled at him.
"Thank you, Ronnie. I am." He smiled and opened the door. I gave him another smile and walked towards the elevator.
I pushed the button to my floor, and leaned my head back against the wall of the elevator. I couldn't believe it. I was auditioning for a movie roll tomorrow, one that required me to sing! But I was saddened that I had no one to share it with. I haven't talked to my parents since they left for their anniversary vacation… and they never tried to contact me.
But I didn't let it bring me down as I skipped to my apartment, sliding my key into the keyhole, and opening the door.
I threw my key into the bowl on the counter, and walked into the living room. Chester, my cat, was stretched across the back of the couch, and I let out a giggle, scratching behind his ears.
I sat on the couch, and sighed happily.
Tomorrow I was going to audition for this movie roll… and in my heart I knew I was going to get it. And I couldn't wait.
Okay. So, this just popped into my head randomly in school today. So, during math, I just started writing… and it was coming out like word vomit. I was shocked at how well it turned out. And I really think this story could go somewhere… well, let's hope anyway.
For those of you who may not know, Peter Whitlock is Peter from Peter and Charlotte… if that makes sense. I didn't make him up.. Okay, I made up his appearance, but you know what I mean.
I hope you liked the Prologue, and the two songs that were used were:
Carrie Underwood- Just A Dream
Rascal Flatts- Holdin' On.
I, unfortunately, do not own these songs… or Twilight, for that matter. I only own "Aspire Records". It's not real... I was just looking at my computer, and the word aspire was written on a sticker... and I was all "Hmm... that could work." So, tada! A made up multi-million dollar company. lol :D
Please review. I want to know how you all like this, and if you'd like me to continue. (:
Love always,
Marie-Jane.
