Chapter 10

BPOV

Staring into the mirror, I sighed. This had to be the fourth outfit I'd tried on this morning. I was getting a rare opportunity most authors who sold the rights to their book never got—I was getting to sit in on the auditions. I would even have the chance to give my opinion, but in the end, the final decision wasn't up to me.

I pulled the top off over my head and shimmied out of my slacks, throwing both on the bed. Glancing in my closet, something in the back caught my eye. I shoved everything out of the way, taking the green wrap dress off the hanger. It was one of my favorites, and definitely one of Seth's. Even though we'd been together for a couple of years now, every time I wore it, I'd catch him staring at my cleavage.

I jumped as the bedroom door opened. "Bella?"

"Seth? Why are you home so early?" A frown marred his beautiful face, and I was suddenly worried.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, holding his head between his hands. "My mom just called. My dad's in the hospital. There was an accident and—he's in a coma and they don't know...they don't know when or if he'll wake up. I've got to go there. My mom, she's all by herself."

"Of course, let me just call the casting director and tell him I won't be there tomorrow and then we'll get on a flight."

"You can't, Bella. You need to be here with everything you have going on. I'm hoping I'll only be out there for a few days, you know?"

"But, Seth—"

He reached around my waist, pulling me close and resting his head on my stomach. Listening as his breathing hitched with his tears, I ran my fingers through his hair, hoping to soothe him.

"You didn't put in all this work, just to cancel on something so important. And I know what this means to you. It means something to me, too. I'm so proud of you, and I promise I'll be okay. If I can't handle it on my own, then you can fly out."

It didn't feel right letting him go on his own. He'd held my hand through so much, he deserved the same from me. But he was right; I had worked hard to get here, and I didn't want to throw it all away. Suddenly, my mind conjured up thoughts of Edward, and I had to wonder what kind of person I was.

My boyfriend's father was laying in the hospital and he was still supportive of my career and convincing me to not go with him. When I realized part of the reason I was willing to stay was to get a glimpse of Edward, guilt bubbled up inside of me.

I swallowed thickly. "When are you leaving? I still don't like you going on your own." And I really didn't.

"The earliest flight leaves tonight at eight, so I have to pack, but I still have some time before I have to leave."

"I'll help you, and then I'll make you some lunch. I know you're probably not hungry, but—"

He stood up, grasping my face in his hands and kissing me softly. "Thank you, Bella."

—DC—

He texted me when he landed in Chicago. He was exhausted, and visiting hours at the hospital were over. His plan was to head to his parents' house, and hopefully crash for the night.

I didn't hear from him again, so I figured he'd fallen asleep, but I tossed and turned all night. I was worried about Seth and his dad, but I was also anxious for the next day. I didn't know what to expect; it was like nothing I'd ever done.

And in between thoughts of Seth and the day I had ahead of me, Edward continued to sneak into my mind.

It had been over six years since the last time I'd spoken to him, and it hadn't exactly been under the best circumstances. If I closed my eyes and thought about it, I could still see his face and how pained he'd looked. But we were just kids then, or at least that was what I wanted myself to believe. I didn't want to believe that after all these years he could still be carrying around the same hurt as I had.

It had taken me so long to get past it. If I were honest with myself, it still festered there under the surface. I may have dressed better, and was able to see myself in a different light most days, but that scared, hurt little girl was still in there.

—DC—

The next morning, my stomach flipped as I did my makeup, and I was almost ready to vomit as I pulled my dress over my head.

The only thing that calmed my nerves was a text back from Seth. He told me he loved me, too, and wished me luck. He promised to update me later on his dad, so at least I could breathe on that front, knowing Seth was okay.

—DC—

"Bella, it's so good to see you again." Tyler—the casting director—gripped my hand in his. "Are you excited?" he asked as he led us over to a table with four chairs lined up behind it.

"Excited, nervous. It still doesn't feel real at times."

He grinned at me. "I bet it doesn't, but it is. While we're waiting for the others, tell me, did you have time to look over the list of names? Did anyone stand out to you?"

"Honestly, I didn't recognize many of the women. And obviously, Zac Efron and Edward Cullen caught my eye."

Tyler chuckled. "I assumed they would. We were hoping to go with an actress that isn't very well known with a more noteworthy lead actor. Oh good, here come Kate and Riley, we'll get started in a few minutes. I can have my assistant get us some coffee if you'd like?"

I nodded. "Sure, that'd be great." Not that I really needed the extra caffeine to make me even more jittery.

—DC—

I didn't know how people regularly did this all day. It had started off exciting. It was fun watching people read lines off of the script I recognized from my text. But after a while, they all blurred together. And while Zac Efron was great, he wasn't my Robert.

Tyler leaned over to me, whispering. "So, next is Edward, and between you and me, I think the part is his. But the team will still have a long discussion."

My heart suddenly raced as the door creaked open and he stepped in. I could have sworn his smile faltered for a moment and his eyes widened when they met mine. But seconds later the smile was back, and it was as if he hadn't noticed me.

He was flawless as he read his lines. He immediately embodied Robert, and it was as if the words I had written had come to life. There was no way anyone could top him, and I prayed that they all saw it too.

His eyes flicked to mine one last time as he thanked us all for our time and he stepped back out.

Tyler gave a clap of his hands, sitting back in his seat. "So, Kate, Riley, and I will go over these tapes over the next few days and then we'll have a chat with you. Sounds good?"

"That sounds great. I really appreciate this opportunity you all gave me. Have a good evening." I smiled as I gathered my things.

As my heels clicked down the empty hallway, my phone buzzed in my purse. I stopped, pulling it out to check my messages. Seth was asking if I was finished yet and if he could call.

I'd just replied that I was heading to my car when I heard him behind me.

"Bella?"


I'll just go hide now. lol! Let me know your thoughts!

*I forgot to mention it last chapter, but there is a substantial time jump of a couple of years between her book being published and the movie script. Just incase that wasn't clear enough!