90210
Episode 608
"Acting Out"
Cast: Annie Wilson, Dixon Wilson, Naomi Clark, Erin Silver, Navid Shirazi, Adrianna Tate-Duncan, Liam Court
Disclaimer: I don't own 90210.
Author's Note: I can't help but love the tension in this chapter! Definitely got some ideas from BH90210.
Full Summary: Season 6 finds Annie and Dixon Wilson, along with the rest of the Beverly Hills' gang, lost, loved, and strengthened through each other. It's a new and different time for them, as the stakes are much higher and there is a lot more to lose. Old flames are ignited and broken families are reunited. Coming from a world of glamour and privilege, with endless possibilities in front of them, anything can happen. All in all, it's just another day in the world's most famous zip code.
"Acting Out" Drama/Romance. Shenae Grimes, Tristan Wilds, AnnaLynne McCord. Series Annie feels betrayed by Adrianna's decision to audition against her for the lead in the play. Meanwhile, Navid's story puts a strain on his relationship with Teddy and Teddy's tennis career. Silver is upset at Dixon, while Naomi receives an anonymous letter during her party event.
000
California University - PlayHouse:
She carefully combed her dark curls to one side with her hand as she made her way up the hard steps of the campus playhouse. She held her small, black purse close to her stomach as she strolled towards the massive double doors. A mixture of joyous screams and bereaved sobs filled the playhouse.
"Excuse me," muttered Annie kindly, as she easily slipped through the eager crowd. "I'm sorry, excuse me."
"Hey!" called someone.
"I'm really sorry," apologized Annie sweetly, holding her purse tightly in her arms. "I'm just trying to -"
"You look familiar. I think I've seen you on TV. Wait, I have seen you before! Aren't you Author X?" asked the college student eagerly. Annie took a deep, nervous breath. "You wrote Undressed?"
"Yes," answered Annie quietly. "I'm Author X."
"Hey everyone! It's Author X!" screamed the college student. Annie bowed her head immediately to avoid any eye contact. "Get out of the way! Move!"
"It's okay," said Annie, preventing attention to herself as she put her hand up. "That's not really necessary -" The college student pushed her to the front of the rambunctious crowd. "Okay then, thank you. Thanks."
Annie's anxious eyes rapidly wandered for the callback list for the lead in the play. Before Annie could find the callback sheet, she felt a strong tap on her shoulder. Annie slowly turned herself around and almost fell back against the double doors. The familiar long, blonde curls, striking eyes, and seemingly innocent grin painted on the lovely face overwhelmed Annie.
"Annie!" screamed the familiar, squeaky voice. "O! M! G!"
"Uh," breathed Annie nervously.
"Annie?" whispered the girl.
"Cousin Emily?" murmured Annie nervously. "What...what are you doing here?" Annie held her head still with her hands. "I am so confused right now."
"I'm here to check out the callback list, duh," answered Emily annoyingly.
"No, no," gritted Annie quietly. "But you can't be..."
"What are you talking about, Annie?" asked Emily, confused. "Now I'm the one who's lost here."
"You're supposed to be in NYU," explained Annie, breathlessly. "...not here. Not in CU."
"Well my agent heard about Rob Marshall's newest production," began Emily. "My agent said that I couldn't pass up this role. Kept going on about how this is going to be a classical hit. How its an opportunity of a lifetime. There is a lot of press, publicity, and money going into this."
"But you're supposed to be in NYU," added Annie strongly.
"Well I transferred to CU," spat Emily with a sly grin. "...just for the semester at least. It was a bit depressing that I couldn't make it to the auditions, but my agent was able to get me a private audition. Everyone knows I do my best behind closed doors." Annie rolled her eyes. "Anyways, I'll be in town for a while...until the play is over I mean. After I get the lead -"
"Wait, what?" stuttered Annie, feeling sick to her stomach.
"The lead?" repeated Emily. "Oh my God, Annie...you're kind of slow today." Annie angrily thinned her eyes. "Well if you're wondering who got callbacks - its me, you, and that Tate-Duncan girl."
"Adrianna?" murmured Annie, holding her stomach.
"Yeah," squealed Emily. "That girl." Emily rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I had the same reaction when I found out. I can't believe she even made it in college." Emily snickered. "I always thought she was pretty dumb." Annie scoffed. "...well for a dumb girl, apparently the light crew says she's a front runner in getting the lead role."
"What?" spat Annie. Emily shrugged her shoulders. "There must be a mistake...Ade told me she wasn't auditioning for the lead. She didn't even want to audition." Annie was hurt.
"Well she killed her audition," added Emily with a devious grin across her face. "She must've been great." She could see the betrayal Annie felt in her sultry eyes. "I wish I could've seen it. It must have been amazing to watch -"
"I got you the first time, Emily," gritted Annie.
"Whoa there, cheetah girl," snickered Emily. "Calm it."
"I can't believe this," whispered Annie, staring at the callback sheet. "Ade said she barely prepped for it -"
"If this helps," began Emily. "...people told me she had coffee with Mr. Marshall after the auditions were over." Annie pursed her lips.
"What?" spat Annie angrily.
"Yeah," hissed Emily. "...Well...you know how the theater works, Annie. With friends like Adrianna, who needs enemies..." Emily threw her shades on her face and walked away.
Annie bit her pink, thin lips and thinned her eyes as Emily strutted down the stone steps of the playhouse. Annie wrapped her arms around her petite body as the cool breeze moved her dark curls around her face.
"Unbelievable," whispered Annie.
90210
Adrianna's House:
She kicked her leg up and smashed her foot against the dummy's face. She swung her fist to the dummy's ribs and continuously kneed it in the stomach. She wiped her sweat brows and took a sip of water.
Her phone machine answered another anonymous call: "Hey Adrianna - This is Georgie Daniels. I'm a friend of Roger. I really am hoping to get a word with you about setting up a music tour. I know you cancelled the previous one, but " She deleted the message instantly.
Adrianna tightly wrapped her body with a silk bathrobe as she dragged her tired feet into the warm living room. She threw her hand up to protect her sleepy eyes against the sun's light as she took a seat next to her mother.
"Why are you up so early, mom?" muttered Adrianna.
"Ade, it's almost 10," said Constance. "Maybe you wouldn't be sleeping in so much if you actually slept at night." Adrianna smiled shortly and shut her eyes.
"I've just been having a hard time sleeping lately," answered Adrianna. She scratched the back of her head. "I've just had a lot of things going on -"
"Are you on drugs again?" asked Constance. Adrianna was perplexed and offended. "You know you can talk to me about this, Ade? We've gone through this before."
"No!" defended Adrianna, offended. "No, I'm not."
"Well good," said Constance. "Cause our future is in your hands."
"What are you talking about?" asked Adrianna.
"You got called back!" squealed Constance excitedly. Adrianna was taken back.
"What?" murmured Adrianna, her eyes widening.
"Yeah!" added Constance happily. "Isn't it great! I knew you would get it! I had a really good feeling about this audition." Adrianna began to shake her head in confusion.
"I don't understand," whispered Adrianna. "...I was awful."
"So you thought," spat Constance. "But that director probably saw something good in your performance."
"I don't understand this," added Adrianna. "Annie was supposed to get that part."
"Stop thinking so much," said Constance. "You're gonna give yourself a headache. Don't think about her. She's competition for now." Adrianna wet her lips slowly. "What you need is a healthy breakfast and a clearheaded mind. And maybe a bath. You really smell honey." Adrianna was speechless. "Here, I made you some tea..."
Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Adrianna quickly stood up and swung the door open. A confused, bitter, and angry Annie stood on her steps. Annie folded her arms across her chest and forced a smile on her beautiful face.
"Hey," welcomed Adrianna nicely. Annie smirked and stared at the ground.
"Hi," spat Annie coldly. Annie was feeling all kinds of emotions from jealousy to betrayal to anger and insecurity.
"Come in, we were just talking about you," invited Adrianna kindly. Annie quickly walked passed by Adrianna and stepped foot in the foyer.
"Hey Annie!" welcomed Constance.
"Hi," replied Annie sternly.
"Well I'm going to leave you girls alone," added Constance, walking away. "I'll be in my room if you girls need me."
"So I heard you made callbacks," happily stated Adrianna. "Congratulations."
"Yeah," muttered Annie. "I saw your name on the list, too." Adrianna realized what was going on here.
"...Listen, Annie," began Adrianna carefully.
"So when were you planning on telling me?" asked Annie, offended. "...Was it after I told you how much this role meant to me, especially after everything I've been through these past months or after you had coffee with Rob Marshall after your audition?"
"Annie," muttered Adrianna. "I know how much this meant to you." Annie rolled her eyes. "And I had coffee with Rob and everyone else who were stuck there late that evening. It didn't mean anything."
"Well if it didn't mean anything why didn't you call me about it, then?" asked Annie.
"Annie, you already had a great audition," explained Adrianna. "I didn't want you to feel like you had to go just cause everyone else was there. To be honest, I don't know where this is coming from!"
"I can't believe you would go behind my back like that!" spat Annie.
"Annie, I didn't -," replied Adrianna.
"Obviously you did because you were called back!" interjected Annie. "...I have to go. I can't believe this is happening." Adrianna deeply sighed. "Oh and tell Liam he forgot to call me last night..." Annie took a deep breath and stormed out of the house.
Silver's Apartment:
She ran her delicate hands around her smooth, bald head as she stared deeply in the mirror. She cringed slowly as she looked at her reflection. Her eyes filled up quickly with overflowing tears as her lips trembled.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Just a minute," she called out, wrapping her head around with the headscarf. She walked over to her door and carefully opened it. Dixon stood in front of her door with an eager smile across his handsome face.
"Hey," said Dixon happily. Silver wiped her eyes.
"Hey," responded Silver, welcoming Dixon in her home. Dixon immediately could tell that something was wrong.
"Are you okay?" asked Dixon, reaching out to her. "How're you holding up?"
"I'll be fine," answered Silver, her voice shaking. "It's just one of those days..." Dixon took a deep breath as he walked around her small apartment. "If it's not a good day, it's a bad day."
"And..." asked Dixon.
"It's sort of a really bad day," whispered Silver, smacking her lips.
"I'm really sorry you feel that way," muttered Dixon.
"What are you doing here anyways?" asked Silver. "My radiation therapy doesn't start till later...I told you I'd meet you there."
"I know," added Dixon. "I just thought that it was time." Silver turned around and faced him.
"Time?" she repeated curiously.
"Yeah," Dixon smiled. "Time."
"What do you mean?" asked Silver. "What are you talking about?"
"Well," began Dixon. "I've been thinking. Ever since you got your surgery - the last thing I want you to feel is betrayed by me." Silver folded her arms across her chest. "I made a few phone calls..." Dixon brought in two familiar faces of the famous zip code in her home. Silver's jaw dropped to the floor as her half-sister, Kelly Taylor, and her half-brother, David Silver walked in her apartment.
"Kelly?" muttered Silver, her lips trembling hysterically once again.
"Hey there," called out Kelly, slowly making her way in.
"David?" whispered Silver. "What are you guys doing here?" David smiled sweetly at his little half-sister. Silver walked up to her older siblings and fell dramatically in their arms.
"Dixon told us everything," whispered David, embracing his little sister. Silver gazed over her shoulder at Dixon.
"I told you I'd tell them when I'm ready," muttered Silver, taking a step back. "Dixon..."
"Don't get angry with him, Silver," interjected Kelly. "The question is: why you didn't tell us anything?" Silver wet her lips and inhaled carefully.
Offshore:
Teddy leaned over the counter as he ordered another round of beer from Old Salty at the bar.
"Thanks Old Salty," muttered Teddy tiredly, massaging his forehead.
"No problem, kid," replied Old Salty. "Rough week?"
"Sort of," answered Teddy, slamming a tip on the table. Adrianna whisked around the counter with a tray on her hand. "I do nothing wrong...and then suddenly I'm hated."
"You can say that again," added Adrianna.
"You too?" asked Teddy.
"Yup," murmured Adrianna.
"Oh, that's right," added Teddy. "Word around campus is that you made callbacks." Adrianna smiled. "Congrats."
"Thanks," thanked Adrianna sweetly. "I think?" Navid emerged from the front door and found his way around the counter. Teddy quickly looked away.
"Hey girlfriend," greeted Navid sweetly, planting a soft kiss on Adrianna's forehead.
"Hey," welcomed Adrianna.
"Congrats," added Navid kindly. Adrianna glanced at Teddy.
"Here we go," breathed Adrianna.
"Why what's wrong?" asked Navid. "Do I smell bad?"
"No, no it's not you," finished Adrianna. "It's this whole callback thing." Adrianna stood up as she grabbed more empty glasses.
"Ade, you're talented," added Navid. "How can they not choose you?"
"This was supposed to be for Annie," explained Adrianna, wiping the tables. "She really wanted the part. And I wanted the part for her. This was her thing. She wanted it."
"Doesn't mean she owns the part," added Navid.
"I just don't want her hating me," said Adrianna.
"Kind of like the way I hate Navid for ruining my life," spat Teddy, jumping off his seat. Navid and Adrianna exchanged worried looks.
"Look, Teddy," began Navid.
"Listen to me," gritted Teddy. "Just when I thought I could get a fresh start at CU, your story ruined everything. The team hates me more, I get kicked off the varsity squad, and now no one wants to sponsor me. Thanks a lot, friend."
Naomi's Mansion:
Naomi swiftly moved around her kitchen as Annie walked in.
"Sister, sister," welcomed Naomi. "Just the person I was almost thinking about."
"Hey, Naomi," greeted Annie bitterly, taking a seat on the counter.
"Good thing you're here," began Naomi excitedly, handing Annie a white invitation envelope. "I need someone to accompany me to my gala tonight -"
"And you want me-" interrupted Annie carefully.
"Well I need a special guest," interjected Naomi. "Come on, Annie, everyone's practically given up on me. Liam refused to go as my date, because he hates the whole model slash actor look he's been trying to get rid of. Adrianna denied my offer because she has some -"
"Rehearsal at 3 at the playhouse?" finished Annie, rolling her eyes arrogantly.
"Yeah," added Naomi slowly. "Don't tell me -"
"Yup," responded Annie. "We're competing for the same role..." Naomi gasped. "..oh, and don't forget about my cousin Emily."
"The crazy bitch is at our school?" Naomi gasped. Annie nodded her head. "There's a twist."
"Tell me about it," muttered Annie. "For once, I'm trying to put my past with Patrick behind me...this play was my window of opportunity."
"Well sorry to totally disregard your drama with Adrianna," began Naomi. "...but this is also my window of opportunity to crush Rachel's company. I really need to make sure this event rocks L.A. Anyone who is anyone will be there. The right media has to cover the gala. The right caterer. The right celebrities!"
"Hmm," breathed Annie.
"You are going to my party tonight, right?" asked Naomi, as Annie sighed. Annie nodded her head. "That's my girl! I'll have your dress ready by 6pm."
Silver's Apartment:
Silver, Kelly, and David sat around her small apartment as Silver carefully poured them some hot tea. Silver gazed at Kelly as she struggled to drink her tea. A small tear rolled down Kelly's rosy cheek as she pressed her lips against the small teacup.
"Kelly," murmured Silver, reaching for Kelly's hand. "You don't have to cry." Kelly sniffled.
"I'm sorry," responded Kelly, taking a deep breath. "I just feel horrible that there was something in you that couldn't even tell us about this...that you couldn't even tell me." David wet his lips as he gazed at his little sister.
"It's not that I didn't want to tell you guys," began Silver. "I wanted to, I did. I promise."
"When?" asked Kelly. David rubbed her back. "When were you planning on telling us? When you were gone?"
"Kel," muttered Silver. "...We practically watched mom wither away." Kelly shut her eyes. "I knew if you found out you would be here in a second."
"Of course," added Kelly.
"We're your family, Silver," replied David.
"I can't watch you both be like this," explained Silver desperately. "It breaks my heart." Silver began to weep. "Nothing's as bad as watching your little sister die in front of your eyes." Kelly wet her lips and embraced Silver.
"Nothing's as bad as not being here," added David strongly, tearing up.
"Well you guys really don't have to worry," said Silver. "I got a lumpectomy and they removed the tumor. This radiation therapy is just for making sure there are no cancer cells left."
Wilson Photography Studio:
"This place just keeps getting better!" stated Dixon excitedly, closing the front door behind him. Debbie emerged from the back of the studio and welcomed her son with a warm embrace.
"Thank your father," replied Debbie. "Help me with this, please?"
Dixon carried a box in his large arms across the wide room as he followed Debbie to her office.
"Where'd you come from?" asked Debbie.
"Silver's," answered Dixon quietly. "...after I picked up Kelly and David at the airport."
"How is she?" asked Debbie worriedly. Dixon carefully placed the box on her wooden shelf as he took a seat in front of her desk.
"I don't know," answered Dixon, sinking his body in the black leather seat. "I figured I'd give them some space." Debbie smiled hopeful. "I was trying to be a good friend, mom."
"I know," responded Debbie kindly.
"After everything I've been through," began Dixon. "I've learned that we're not promised our tomorrow." Debbie stared sweetly at him. "One thing's for sure. All I wanted with me during all of this was my family."
Debbie smiled affectionately at her son.
"I just want her to have the same thing, yeah know?" added Dixon softly.
"I know," muttered Debbie. "You have a good heart, Dixon."
"I just don't want her to have any regrets," said Dixon.
"And let me guess," began Debbie, folding her arms. "She's upset with you?"
"Yeah," added Dixon. "That's the only regret I have..."
"Don't worry, Dixon," said Debbie. "She'll thank you one day."
Offshore:
Liam smoothly slipped his sweaty, large arms into his shirt as he wiped his sweaty brows with his strong forearms. He squinted his beautiful eyes against the bright California sun as he tossed the dirty rag in the bucket.
"Liam!" called Annie from the docks.
"Hey!" greeted Liam excitedly. Annie carefully made her way down the soft docks. "What you got there?"
"Chinese!" yelled Annie eagerly. Liam smiled gratefully at his fiance, as he helped her up on his sailboat.
"My favorite," he whispered sweetly to her, planting a big kiss on her face.
"Well I just wanted to stop by before my rehearsal," mentioned Annie. "I figured you would be hungry after being out here all day." Liam nodded his head as he opened the boxes. "The boat looks great."
"Yeah," added Liam, staring at his glistening sailboat. "It does, doesn't it?" Annie chuckled softly and took a seat next to Liam. "It's not that great to live in yet."
"So when am I going to get my private tour of the boat?" whispered Annie sensually, feeding Liam sweetly. "You know I've been really patient."
"Oh," replied Liam, biting into the chopsticks. "Is that why you come here? For a private tour? Are you trying to sweet talk me with Chinese?"
"What else?" giggled Annie, leaning in for a kiss.
"Well the inside isn't done yet," muttered Liam, kissing back. "But maybe we can start out here..."
"I'm afraid if we do," Annie laughed. "I might be late for my audition."
"Do you really have to go?" pleaded Liam.
"Yes," answered Annie, kissing Liam. "The theater calls." Liam hung his head. "I'll tell you what...we'll go to Naomi's party tonight. Then we can come back here and you can show me a private tour of Liam Court." Liam smiled sensually.
"I think my fiance is a very sexy, smart, and talented woman," whispered Liam. "...and she's all mine."
California University: Playhouse
The cast of Her Heart of Gold sat around the stage for a table reading. Annie and Adrianna continued to keep their striking eyes away from each other's glances as Emily enjoyed the tension between the two girls.
"Welcome everyone!" greeted Rob Marshall. "Before we continue, I want to acknowledge the three young ladies who could possibly be taking the character of Sarah Little and making her alive on stage." There was an echo of applauses as Annie, Adrianna, and Emily stood up.
"Thanks!" responded Emily excitedly. Annie rolled her eyes as Adrianna thinned hers'. "I cannot wait to take Sarah into life."
"Thank you for that, Emily," muttered Rob. "I think."
"Well today," began Rob. "We have Emily Bradford, a recent transfer from NYU. She has made quite a name for herself in the city and is a very popular blogger. We are very excited to work with you today." Emily stood up once again and waved her hand in the air.
"You forgot that I also have an agent," added Emily. "I don't think many college students have agents. Do you, Annie?" Annie scoffed.
"Of course," added Rob. "Next we have Annie Wilson, the very famous, best selling author of Undressed!" Emily rolled her eyes as Annie received a great round of applause from the cast and crew. "If you haven't read her book yet, I suggest you go die." Annie was taken back. "Maybe Annie's creative writing can transfer into her acting! We are very excited to have you with us."
Annie smiled and took a seat.
"And last but not least," said Rob. "Miss Adrianna Tate-Duncan! A former child actress and a rising pop star in the music industry! We are all very excited to see you back on stage, Adrianna."
"Let's just hope a stage doesn't collapse on her again," hissed Annie. Emily chuckled.
"Yes, that was very unfortunate," added Rob. "But we are glad she's with us today!"
"Thank you," muttered Adrianna.
"Since you're already up," added Rob, pulling out a script. "I want you to give us a sample! I want you to start at the part where Sarah feels abandoned by everyone and everything as she sits on the hotel balcony..." Adrianna uncomfortably walked over towards him and reread the script."
"Okay," agreed Adrianna, readying herself. "I-I-feel so alone..."
"STOP!" interjected Rob. "I want you to make us feel it! To really dig deep into the character." Adrianna nodded her head. "Really try to understand her character! Try to relate! Haven't you ever done something so horrible that has made you feel abandoned and terrified?"
"Well," began Adrianna. "...during high school, I did something really terrible to a friend of mine...and everyone ended up hating me for it." Rob stared deeply into Adrianna's eyes. "I had never felt so alone and terrified."
"There it is!" muttered Rob. "Now put those emotions into Sarah." Adrianna wiped away her tears and started over.
"How could this be happening?" began Adrianna, her plump lips trembling. "How did everything become so complicated so fast?" Tears began to flow from her tired eyes. "I thought he loved me? I thought...I thought I was enough...I-I-I feel so alone." Adrianna took a deep breath. "How could he love me? I'm just Sarah."
"Bravo!" praised Rob, clapping his hands ecstatically. "Bravo! Bravo, Adrianna! That's it!" Adrianna wiped her tears as she took a seat behind Annie. "Now she's an actress."
Annie slowly turned to Emily.
"Yeah," whispered Annie, crossing her arms. "She pretends to be your friend."
Naomi's Launch Party:
Naomi's long, sparkling, gold evening gown flapped against her heels as she met Annie and the rest of the gang at the entrance of the ballroom. She welcomed the group with her arms wide open as she directed their attention to the marvelous decorations that hung around the ballroom.
"Hello, friends!" greeted Naomi. "Welcome. Welcome."
"Whoa," Teddy gasped, his eyes wandering around the vicinity. "This is amazing, Naomi."
"Naomi," said Annie. "Is this being televised?"
"Of course it is," responded Naomi nonchalantly. "Annie, it's like you don't even know who I am." Naomi graciously flipped her hair to on side of her shoulder as she continued to welcome other guests in. Silver quickly stormed through the glass doors with her camera under her arm as the tail of her headscarf flew behind her. She aggressively brushed Dixon's shoulder as she passed by him.
"Silver?" muttered Liam.
"Naomi," whispered Annie, pulling Naomi close to her.
"What?" spat Naomi.
"You asked Silver to film this?" asked Naomi. "I don't think she's in the condition to -"
"To be fair, she's the one who asked me," explained Naomi. "With everything she's been going through, film is the only thing that makes her feel normal again." Annie smiled inwardly. "You know how it is? Isn't that why you're trying out for the lead in that stupid play?" Annie gazed away.
"Sorry I'm late, Naomi," apologized Silver. "I had to drop off Kelly and David at the airport."
"You sent them away?" muttered Dixon to her. Silver thinned her eyes and scoffed.
"It's none of your business, Dixon," spat Silver angrily. "Don't you think you've done enough already?" Everyone around them gulped nervously. Dixon licked his lips and massaged his jaw.
"Okay," breathed Naomi, putting her hands between them. "Let's settle this not at Naomi's very important launch party event!"
"Gladly," gritted Silver. "Now where's the video booth?" Naomi pointed to an area in the room. Silver picked up her camera and walked away.
"Listen, if I want to take Rachel down - correction - when I take Rachel down, I have to go all out." Naomi threw back her hair. "It's not a petty competition like you have with Ade." Annie scoffed. "Besides...Rachel humiliated me in front of everyone. That bitch needs to get slapped." Navid and Adrianna carefully walked through the doors and met up the gang.
"This is awesome!" stated Navid.
"Thank you, Navid!" thanked Naomi. "Hey, Ade." Adrianna sweetly waved back as Annie rolled her eyes.
"Maybe you could put this on The Condor, too?" spat Teddy to Navid, walking away. "...since exposing other people's lives and ruining them is kind of your thing now, huh?" Navid took a deep breath.
"Teddy," murmured Navid.
"Go to hell," muttered Teddy. "I can't even look at you."
"What the hell is going on here!? What is up with everyone?" Naomi asked, perplexed.
"I can't believe you would accept the role behind my back?" spat Annie to Adrianna. Adrianna shook her head. "You knew how much this role meant to me. I thought we were friends."
"We are," added Adrianna strongly, letting go of Navid.
"Obviously not, Adrianna," responded Annie, thinning her eyes.
"Annie, you have no idea what you're talking about," retorted Adrianna. "You have no idea why I even auditioned in the first place!" Liam looked at Adrianna.
"I don't need to, Ade," Annie stated. "Why didn't you tell me you made callbacks?"
"Honestly," began Adrianna. "...because I was afraid of how you were going to react."
"Stab me in the back, I bleed," hissed Annie. Liam held her back.
"Seriously!" gritted Naomi. "Guys!? Not here!"
"You know what," stated Adrianna. "I wanted to come here and explain to you everything. But I guess that doesn't even matter anymore." Annie folded her arms.
"Maybe you could explain it to Liam," spat Annie. Adrianna and Liam exchanged glances. "I know you guys were together that night. First you're trying to steal my part - now my fiancé. Why don't you try getting a life of your own and stop trying to steal mine."
"I have a life of my own," replied Adrianna.
"Honestly, Ade," whispered Annie. "The word, bitch, is too nice for you. It's too nice." Adrianna gulped and quickly walked away. "Unbelievable."
Silver carefully assisted the camera men in the video booth as she continued to edit videos. Dixon appeared from behind her.
"Silver, we need to talk," stated Dixon to her. She continued to ignore him.
"I'm working," spat Silver. "I can't talk. Not that I want to." Dixon pulled Silver aside as he threw her camera to another person. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?"
"Why'd you send them off?" asked Dixon.
"Kelly and David?" asked Silver. Dixon nodded his head. "Maybe because I don't want them around me right now! Kind of like how I don't want you around me right now."
"Why not?" asked Dixon.
"Oh my God, Dixon! What part don't you get?" screamed Silver on the verge of tears. "I don't want them to see me like this! It's hard enough that my friends see me like this! The hardest part is having to see you see me like this!"
"Like what?" asked Dixon.
"Like this!" repeated Silver, pointing at her headscarf. "...Dixon, I don't even want to see myself like this." Dixon reached out to her. "The worst part about this cancer...is feeling like this. Feeling so insecure about my body that I push my own family and everyone I care away from me."
"There's nothing wrong with you," murmured Dixon, wiping Silver's tears away. "That's all in your mind." Silver shut her eyes. "You are still Silver to me!"
"...I can't help but to think this way, Dixon," confessed Silver. "It's difficult for me." Dixon longed for her. "My life's difficult. It's always been. I feel like it always will be."
"Silver," muttered Dixon.
"Look," interrupted Silver quietly. "I know you're just looking out for me...I don't know why, but I just need to go through this right now." Dixon nodded his head. "...I have to get back to work. Naomi's gonna rip my head off if she knows I'm not filming the party." Silver smiled shortly and walked away.
Liam and Annie sat close by the bar as they gazed at Naomi greeting the entire ballroom on stage.
"Thank you all for coming to Naomi Clark's Event Planning Launch Party!" thanked Naomi. "I appreciate all of you for coming! I really do! Don't forget that I have contact information in the booth right next to the Naomi Clark cut-outs for all of you to take home. If you are loving this party, imagine what I can do for you!"
A large applause arose from the crowd.
"Now please give a warm welcome to my very close friend," began Naomi. "A rising star in the music industry, Miss Adrianna Tate-Duncan!" Annie scoffed as Adrianna walked across stage and took the microphone.
"Ugh," spat Annie, taking a sip of her drink.
"What is the matter with you?" asked Liam frustratingly, knowing what Adrianna has been going through. Annie, suddenly shocked, turned to her fiance.
"Don't tell me you're taking her side, Liam?" asked Annie, surprised. "You know what she did!"
"I'm not taking any sides here," responded Liam.
"It certainly doesn't feel like it," muttered Annie desperately.
"Annie," Liam began. "You're overreacting."
"Oh," replied Annie, offended. "So you think so?"
"Actually, yeah, I do," said Liam, trying to knock some sense into his girlfriend. "Maybe if you tried talking to her to you would understand her side of the story. You have no idea what Ade has been going through."
"Oh, so you do?" Annie stated. "Oh of course you do, you guys like to hang out together."
"Listen, Annie," said Liam, feeling Annie's heat. "It's not in my place to tell you-"
"Liam, I'm your fiance!" argued Annie angrily.
"Just talk to Ade," whispered Liam, holding Annie. "...it's important. She's just been going through a lot lately - she hasn't even told Navid about it. She can't."
"Then tell me," pleaded Annie.
"I can't," responded Liam. "I think she just needs her friends to know from her. Navid can't carry her through this by himself. Just like how Silver couldn't just hold on to your brother for support. She needed all of us."
"So let me get this straight," gritted Annie, combing her hair back. "Adrianna has Navid. Silver has Dixon. Tell me, Liam: who do I have?" Liam breathed deeply and watched Annie walk away.
Navid finally found Teddy drowning himself with liquor at the bar. Navid quietly sat down next to Teddy and asked for a drink.
"Don't hit me!" warned Navid. "I'm just getting a drink."
"Navid," muttered Teddy. "Look, I'm sorry how I've been reacting." Navid listened intently. "You know how sensitive I am about - you know? I should have talked to you about it first. I''m sorry man."
"Yeah, I know," replied Navid. "I'm sorry that story got put out there on the paper. That was never meant to be sent out. Someone must've done it."
"It's already out," added Teddy. "I can't do anything about it anymore." Teddy took another shot. "I'm just tired of not being able to do normal things without getting judged."
"I hear you," added Navid. "How's the tennis career going?"
"I'm good," answered Teddy. "But I'm also gay."
"Someone's going to look past that," said Navid. "Don't worry, man."
"You know, even though I don't have a career going for me right now," said Teddy, chuckling. "I'm glad I have friends like you."
"Thanks again for setting up the music, Dixon," thanked Naomi. "Adrianna is perfect."
"Thank you for hiring me," replied Dixon sweetly. "It took a while for her to finally get me some of her songs..." Naomi continued to oversee her party. "And it took a while for me to get time in a recording studio for her."
"Are you still complaining about that studio?" asked Naomi.
"Seeing that my beach house was blown up," muttered Dixon. "I don't really have a lot of my-"
"Why don't I rent you a space for now," began Naomi. "And maybe you and I can work together. My company and your record label."
"Really?" asked Dixon. "Are you serious?"
"Well, duh," spat Naomi. "I'm talking about me. This is serious."
"Well thanks, Naomi," thanked Dixon, pulling out a letter. "...I was gonna wait till after the party to give this to you - this came in the mail the other day." He handed Naomi the letter. "I couldn't find the time to tell you...It's from - it's from Max."
"My Max?" asked Naomi, surprised, quickly taking the letter.
"Yeah," said Dixon, turning her attention towards the double doors. "Your Max." Naomi turned around and saw Max Miller glide in the ballroom. Her jaw dropped to her knees as she couldn't believe what she was seeing."
Author's Note: REVISED CHAPTER