Audrey made her way to the auditorium. She had no doubt in her mind why she wouldn't get the part of Maria. When she heard her name called she sprung up and out of the auditorium seat and headed to the stage. She really wanted this part. She wanted to make her mom proud. And when Audrey was determined to do something, something that she really wanted, there was no stopping her.
"Hi, I'm Audrey Hudson and I'll be auditioning for the role of Maria," she said as the music started to begin. Another classmate sung the part of Tony along with her.
MARIA
Tonight, tonight
It all began tonight
I saw you and the
world went away
Tonight, tonight
There's only you tonight
What you are, what you
do, what you say
TONY
Today, all day I
had the feeling
A miracle would happen
I know now I was right
TONY & MARIA
For here you are
And what was just a
world is a star
Tonight
Tonight, tonight
The world is full of light
With suns and moons
all over the place
When the song ended everyone applauded. Audrey was very pleased with her performance. "Thank you Audrey we'll let you know on Monday," said Mrs. Howarth, the director of the play. "Thank you," she responded. Audrey grabbed her things as she started to make her way out the door. She soon met up with her friend Brenna.
"Hey Audrey! Your audition was amazing as usual!" "Thanks Brenna, that means a lot. You did great too!" The two girls started walking home together through the hustle and bustle of New York City. Audrey loved the smell of the city, the crazy people, everything about New York she loved. Brenna's phone started to ring. It was a text, "Darn, I have to babysit my brother tonight. You're so lucky you're an only child. No other siblings to worry about," said Brenna. "Yeah, I'm actually kind of glad too. I like being an only child. I'm always the center of attention," Audrey responded. Brenna giggled, "Audrey Hudson always wanting the spotlight." Both girls laughed. They soon arrived at Audrey's apartment building, "Bye Brenna. Good luck with the babysitting." "Thanks Audrey!"
Audrey went though the revolving door and entered the lobby. She approached the front desk, "Hey Audrey. How did the audition go?" asked Chris, he worked at the apartment building. "I think I got the part! Any mail today?" Audrey asked. "Oh, your mom already picked it up awhile ago," said Chris. Audrey looked at the clock in the lobby. 5:30. "Oh that's right. Thanks Chris!"
When she arrived on the 45th floor she could smell something good getting off the elevator. She entered the apartment and saw her mom and dad cooking dinner. She hung her coat up in the closet and placed her bag on the floor. "Hey! How was the audition?" asked Finn. "I really think I got the part. Everyone loved my performance," said Audrey. Finn laughed, she sounded like Rachel. Audrey went to the refrigerator and grabbed a water bottle. "What's for dinner?" "Your favorite vegan casserole." Even though Audrey wasn't necessarily a vegan. She really liked her mom's vegan casserole. "Now, go do your homework before dinner," Rachel added. And with that, Audrey headed to her room.
By the time dinner was ready, the three of them sat down to eat. "Audrey we need to tell you something," said Rachel. Audrey raised her head letting them know that they had her full attention. "We have given this a lot of thought and well, were moving," she said to her daughter. Audrey stopped chewing, "Excuse me? Cause it sounded like you said we're moving." "Well we are. To Ohio," said Finn holding his wife's hand.
"Bu...but mom what about your career?" she asked. "My last show is next Friday," said Rachel in response. "This is crazy! New York is my home, I grew up here! I took my first steps in this apartment. I had my first Christmas here. I want to be a performer. I want to be on Broadway someday and to follow that dream I can't move to Ohio!" said Audrey. She certainly got this attitude from her mom. "We know this is hard for you Audrey," Finn said. "Wait why are we moving anyways? What's in Ohio that's not here?" she interrupted her father.
"That's something else we need to tell you," said Rachel. Audrey raised an eyebrow waiting for an answer. "First, is because we want to give you a normal life. No more private school, no more paparazzi when we go out to dinner," said Finn. Audrey was silent. "The second reason why is, I'm pregnant," Rachel added. Audrey choked on her food a little, "Is this a joke? That's why we're moving, you want me to have a normal life. And because you're pregnant!" said Audrey trying to contain herself. She was Finn and Rachel's entire world until now.
"We wanted to do this when we found out we were having you but we decided to stay in the city. But we've now decided to move back to Ohio," Finn said to his daughter. Audrey stood up from the table in anger. "I can't believe you guys are doing this to me! I want to stay here with my friends. I want to fulfill my dream here. Now I can't be in 'West Side Story' because of you guys!" Audrey stormed off. "Audrey Caroline Hudson, get back here right now. You do not walk away from us and you will not give us this attitude," shouted Rachel. Audrey turned around and faced her mom and dad. There were tears streaming down her face, "I hate you!" Audrey shouted, and she ran into her bedroom. She plopped on her bed and cried into her pillow. Audrey started to think. She felt guilty for the harsh words she had just said. But, she was still mad at them. "Can I come in?" She heard her father's voice coming through the door. "No! Go away! I don't want to see you." Audrey said back as she heard her dad's footsteps fade away.
"She hates us Finn. She hates us!" said Rachel. "She doesn't hate us." Finn said coming back from Audrey's bedroom. "Yes she does. She said so herself." Rachel responded. She placed her hands on her face. "She didn't mean that Rach. It was just in the heat of the moment," he said sitting next to her on the couch. He put his arm around her. Rachel rested her head on his shoulder, "I hope so."