THE FLEA
(Quinn)
I needed to face the facts: I never would have chances of getting a role in that audition. Not in this nor any other. I wasn't an actress, I've never attended a play at school and my major role in the choir was composing the team. The only time I was the main player, Rachel criticized me as hell. Worst: she was right. So, I wasn't a protagonist as Rachel and Finn. I hadn't had a strong voice as Mercedes, Santana and Kurt. The stage wasn't for me as it was for Rachel or even Mike.
Santana decided to make the audition because she had nothing better to do in the city but looking for apartments. She accessed some rental real states sites on the internet, but I think she had no energy to do visits and plans in that moment. Not when we didn't know what thing would process in the near future. I would have even accompany Rachel and Mike, but I confess I spent the way to the Flea trying to articulate a plan to get a job.
We were all in the cab: Rachel spoke softly alone, Santana had this far way look and Mike still seemed impressed with life in a metropolis, as if the whole scene, for more everyday it was, had its charm. Mike could be a poet. I didn't know what to expect, but I needed to draw a good and urgent strategy to achieve and sustain myself in the city. One that I could finish high school and have a job.
The cab stopped in front of the Flea: a Tribeca's theater that was part of the off-off-Broadway circuit. The place was very charming and I was surprised by that. I was prepared to handle a fearful hole with old and broken chairs, and rats crossing the stage from time to time. Not to mention the cockroaches. But Flea had a beautiful reception desk, a grand pompous piano in the hall, brand new flooring, modern and clean details. Rachel once explained me that the Broadway theaters' classification had to do with the size of the place. Broadway theaters were giants. The off-Broadway theaters were up to 500 seats, but still was the professional circuit. And the off-off-Broadway theaters are up to a hundred accents and contain the amateur circuit, but it doesn't mean it was less popular.
There were some people in the lobby and there weren't lines outside. Strange because I know that these auditions for extras used to has huge queues to get a seat among the crowd. First, we present ourselves to the lady who was behind the table and seemed control the situation.
"We came to the audition. We confirm our presence by phone and ..." Rachel has spoken with her natural playfulness I loved.
"Names?" She even looked at us. Amazing.
"Rachel Berry-Lopez, Santana Berry-Lopez and Michael Chang." The girl looked for the names on the list then looked at me.
"And you?"
"I didn't come to audition."
"Did you bring resume and photos?" We've just printed the material before we take the cap to the Flea, so, we nodded. "Correct." She took a few forms. "You can fill out it first before waiting in the south room."
"I can stay with them?" I asked.
"If you want ..." The girl spoke indifferently.
They took pens on the table and those three filled out the form ASAP. The paper consisted of an overview of production, a description of the characters and space to mark "x" on the character you would like to audition for. Finally, it was necessary to write a few lines explaining the choice. The secretary clipped the form with the resume and photo. Then put everything into separate packages for each character, I presumed.
"The audition will be made in blocks, but you all will be assessed today in this first round." She said.
"Round?" Rachel's eyes widened.
"Yes, we will call back the best ones for another audition on Friday. Next week, the selected actors will be called and the contracts come next."
Rachel was nervous, I could feel. I held her hand to show my support.
"If I were you..." The secretary called our attention. "I begin to prepare myself. Ten more minutes and I will no longer accept any registration. The auditions should start in half an hour, tops."
"I think I'll warm up my voice..." Rachel said.
I nodded and kissed Rachel before she went to south room with Mike and Santana. I didn't feel very comfortable. I was there for moral support, which was valid but it didn't make me feel useful. I couldn't stay in New York forever giving moral support to Rachel and even for the other two. I saw two latest candidates running to fill the form. It would be rude to stare at them, so I averted my attention to the wall. It was when I saw the A4 size sheet with an ad:
"Hire a general assistant to work in the 'Songbook'."
Then followed the instructions to leave the resume in the theater or send a file to a given address.
"Excuse me, but do you know the person that I can talk about this job?"
The secretary looked at me in amazement and smirked, half mocking.
"Yeah, I'm the one you're looking for."
"Do you know if the job has already been filled?"
The secretary didn't answer immediately. She first attended the latest candidate, basically speaking the same information that she had previously said. Then, she put the documents in separate envelopes. That's when a redheaded girl came on stage and collected the envelopes. Apparently, the tests would start soon.
"So?" I called her attention again.
"What?"
"This job? Has it already been filled?"
"Not that I know." Then she laughed. "I wonder! Is a supply of slave labor."
"How so?"
"It's a hard work for a low salary for at least three months of your life. Honestly, the guys were looking for students that want to do a summer job and being not paid at all, but nobody filled. That's the second calling and only one or two sent a resume, I think."
"Maybe I'm interested. What do I do?"
"Are you sure? You will need to do things like buy lunch for the directors, serve water to the actors and do anything we needed at the time, like nailing scenario, distribute flyers in the street, carrying equipment, setting, run up our office in West Village just because Roger forgot to pick his favorite anti-stress ball, and what else comes. I'm telling you this because you are too pretty and delicate. You look like a princess, not a blue collar work. So, are you sure is that what you want?"
She would say the same if she knew that pretty delicate princess was already a mother? Or that she was poor?
"I don't care, I get the job." I finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I had on my resume works like babysitting and school tutor, and I hadn't finished high school. So, I needed to be realistic about the kind of work I could take and put me in a consolidated theater company seemed more interesting than other jobs I could do.
"In that case, you can fill out this form here. Better if you attach it to your resume."
That was what I did. I printed my resume along with others. You never knew if you could need it and that is the proof that I was right.
"Do you really want the job?" The secretary seemed intrigued by me.
"You have no idea."
Two men entered the theater. I recognized one of them as the producer who made the calls on the Nationals.
"Hey, Benz!" The secretary said.
"Lori... I thought I wouldn't find you here. How the things are doing?" The producer seemed very friendly with the secretary.
"I'm about to leave and everything is on the trails, but before, I want to introduce you to..."
"Quinn Fabray." I greeted the producer, who was suspiciously.
"She is willing to do that assistant job."
"Really?" He didn't seem too convinced. "Have you worked with this before?"
"No, but I have experience in the choir organization I was part, New Directions, of Lima, Ohio. Do you know? We were National champions last Saturday."
"Oh, now I'm remembering... you... you... made the harmonization with the soloist... yes, I remember: Sweet Child of Mine. That was a good performance. A nice notion. The soloist came to audition?"
"Yes, she's in there getting ready."
"Perfect... Perfect..." He seemed excited and I had the feeling that Rachel would get the part. "But don't you live in Ohio?"
"We're moving! The soloist's sister will study in Stuyvesant and we'll stick with her. She wants the Broadway. I want a job. "
"Interesting... What's your name again?"
"Quinn Fabray."
"So you're willing to take this job, Quinn Fabray? Lori has told you what is the salary? "
"It is a paycheck and it will serve me. Just tell me when to start."
"On Monday?"
"Wednesday!" I had to think about my moving. Oh my god. I really would move. I had to hide my inner panic so they wouldn't notice my sudden anxiety.
"Okay… see you on Wednesday. Lori, if you can, route her to Amy."
"Sure... Oh, Gabriela is already inside organizing the candidates. Everything is ready, water, peanuts…"
"Great... great... Thank you."
"Who is Amy?" I asked Lori after the producers entered one of the rooms of the theater.
"The one who takes care of R&J's the human resources department. It seems that's your lucky day."
I needed and wanted the send the good news for Rachel and others. I would stay in New York. I had a job, even if it was underpaid.
"I'll go to the office before call of my day. Shall we? "
"Of course!"
I sent a message to Rachel and wished her luck, or rather "break a leg".
…
(Rachel)
I not quite understood the message I received from Quinn. She said she would sign a contract, be back later and wished me "break a leg".
The director assistant, who had given us some instructions, called of the first group to audition. This had four candidates and my sister was one of them. I knew that there were only three candidates for the part because Santana was just there to pass the time. I think my sister was curious, or perhaps suspicious, and wanted to see everything by her own eyes.
"You need to warm your voice." I alerted her.
"I'm not so worried."
"It doesn't matter if you're here just to be. I want you to leave a good impression. Maybe, one day, you will want to become an actress."
"No way! Singing is cool, I love being in Glee Club. But do it professionally? Someone has to know how to deal with the money in this family. "
"Are you saying I'm going to fail?"
"No. I'm saying that someone needs to learn how to handle the money. That's it."
"Spoke the girl who blew the credit card limit twice."
"Please, I was 15."
"Please, and what made you mature in just two years?" Judging by my sister's look, I got ashamed of myself for having made such a comment. I knew very well what made her mature early and start taking tough decisions.
I change the subject.
Each audition lasted an average of ten minutes. When my sister was called, she winked at me and Mike before follow the assistant to another theater room. I was anxious. I could barely start voice exercises. I looked for that amount of candidates: all amateur young actors still seeking luck on Broadway. Some have tried their luck for a long time. Others just started, like me. I thought of my mother: how many times she went through this just to end directing and not acting like it was her dream?
Santana returned to the room and she seemed indifferent to everything.
"There are two evaluators." She told me and Mike. "One of them is the guy who gave us the card. They do a quick interview and asked why I chose a character with those discretions, so they asked to sing a cappella. Finally, they thank you and tell you to wait for the call back tomorrow."
"Why so fast?"
"I don't know, Mike. But I think it has to do with the play debut in late July. "
"How do you know?" Mike asked again.
"It is written in the registration form, or didn't you read?" I didn't read it. I was too preoccupied to write a perfect answer on the character. "Now you understand why someone needs to take care of the details?" Santana growled.
The assistant called another candidates block, but I didn't even was part of it. She said the rest would be excused for lunch and that auditions would start at three o'clock. We didn't see Quinn outside the theater and I started to get worried. I tried calling, but didn't have any answer. Damn service.
"Try call Quinn, please." I asked my sister.
Santana called and apparently managed to talk to my girlfriend. Quinn was on her way and I was anxious for her to explain to me what happened to the point she left behind in the Flea. We waited in front of an expresses pizza and she arrived almost twenty minutes later when Mike inadvertently filled his belly just to stay drowsy and heaviness for his audition. Quinn was red in the face, trying to wipe the sweat from her forehead.
"What happened?" I got a chair for her to sit.
"It's better you get the parts." She said rather boring as we waited for further explanation. "I got a job. An underpaid job, but still a job. Because of it, I will have to return to New York sooner than you three, and I barely will have time to say goodbye to my mother."
"Nice and slow down!" Mike served her some water. "You got a job... how?"
"It's a temporary job in R&J to work as an assistant of Songbook production staff. The pay is low, but at least I'll spend the summer employed. And I will able to be with you and pay my part of the rent, since you don't get an expensive apartment. The problem right now is that it begins next week, and I even have a place to live!"
"Slow down!" I ran my hand on my girlfriend's back. Quinn was almost panicking. "We'll think something."
"How, Rachel? I didn't have a house here and no one to rely on. You will still be in Lima at least for one more week. And I? I was so excited to get a job, anyone, that I changed the toes."
"We have a few days, Fabray." My sister said with a strange coldness. "And if we don't get something, you can always get some basement."
We returned to the Flea and, punctually at three o'clock, the assistant called the following group to audition. I was on it. Suddenly there was so much to think that hit me mild anxiety attack. Quinn, Santana, jobs, auditions, New York, moving, all at the same time. My hands started to shake and Mike sat by my side. He was the only one who was with me inside the Flea.
"I don't know if I can do it." I said almost crying and Mike held my hand.
"Of course you can. You are Rachel Berry-Lopez. I know we weren't friends, but you have always been an inspiration."
"How?"
"Don't you know? Rachel, you always went after your dream, your goals, your art. Sometimes you exaggerate and upset people, I won't lie. On the other hand, I had always jealous of your determination. I am just a guy who danced in my bedroom, imitating dancers in Youtube videos, to afraid to be caught by my parents. So yes, I had always jealous of you because you know exactly what you want and never was afraid to speak of it to anyone else. This is so rare. And now you have a real chance at your fingertips. All you need do is go in that room and show why you are Rachel Berry-Lopez."
I shook my hands with Mike and gave him a kiss on his cheek. The assistant called my name. Mike nodded again and gestured for me to have strength. O took a deep breath and followed the redhead to the theater room next door. I found the two men sitting at a table with some papers in their hands.
"Rachel Lopez" The bearded one commented.
"Berry-Lopez, sir."
"Well, Rachel Berry-Lopez, 17, Lima, Ohio. I remember watching you screaming Nirvana in the National Choir Competition. That was awesome."
"Thank you sir, but I do much more than scream a song."
"We will see it soon."
"Why have you applied for the Katie part?" The short hair one asked.
"I don't know much about the play. I only know the synopsis provided on the record. Katie immediately attracted me because I have things in common with her. First., her physical description hits with mine, and also that she moved to a big city in search of her dream, just as I'm about to do. I guess she has a little bit of hope and desolation that I can understand."
"So you're moving to New York? At 17?"
"I won't be the first."
"No you won't. What do you expect to find here? Not that it has any relevance to the part or with your ability as an actress, but I'm curious." Asked the bearded one.
"Well... I don't expect New York to receive me with open arms, but I hope the city one day recognize my efforts."
"And how do you intend to do it?"
"Doing what I've always done my entire life, sir: working hard. I know my qualities and also my defects. I wasn't a popular girl on my school and it made me see things in perspective. The world isn't a fairy tale, I know that very well. So I also know that the only way to prosper is working hard for my goals, because no one is going to fall on my knees and open doors because I'm cute or talented."
"Ok." the bearded one nodded. "Show what you know, Rachel Berry-Lopez."
I closed my eyes and imagined instruments playing into my mind. I remembered am indie banal music. So banal that even privileged the reach of my voice, but at the same time was delicate and sincere.
"When you finally scaled the wall / Thinking you had heard the siren singing / What you really heard was a broken bird / making out like it's a Dove / when you stole the soldier's car..."
"Wait!" The bearded producer stopped me.
"Did I do something wrong?" Maybe he knew 'Run Off The Road' and disliked. Or perhaps he never heard Ola Podrida. I didn't know. I knew this band because of Santana, who listened to the songs in recent weeks. This particular one would not leave the radio and I remember that we heard every day on the back of National rehearsals. I started to panic. What if it was the wrong song and the producers wanted to hear me sing Streisand or a show tune?
"Why this song?"
"I can sing another if that is a problem."
"Why this song?"
"No particular reason, sir. It's just a song I've heard enough and she came to my mind right now. Is there anything wrong? I can sing other song if you want."
"No... is that... Gabriela!" he called the assistant that was in the corner of the stage. "Could you get that acoustic guitar in the dressing room?"
In two minutes, the guitar was in the hands of the bearded. He began playing the exact same song and gave the signal for me to enter. And I sang the whole song accompanied by his guitar, who harmonized with me. I don't know if that was a defining moment, but it was certainly unique.
"Rachel Berry-Lopez." The producer put the guitar aside and seemed thrilled. "See you on Friday."
…
(Santana)
"Stay calm. Concentrate and everything will be alright."
"What if it doesn't?"
"We go back to Lima and then try it again."
It gave sickness watching the sugary dialogue between Quinn and Rachel. It wrapped my stomach just thinking that these two were together. Who knew that my sister obsessed with Finn Hudson would end up in the clutches of Quinn Fabray. Rachel should have something with people whose name ends with two 'n'. I didn't know who was worse: if it was the idiot who treated Rachel like a crap, or a treacherous viper. Once these two stopped kissing, I approached to my sister and give her a hug for good luck.
"Second day of audition, Santy! How is it?"
"Don't worry about it, okay? Just get the damn part and leave the other things to me."
Rachel gave me a kiss on the cheek before leaving with Mike in the cab. I was called back too, but I refused. That was fun to lie to the producers and sing something, but that was it. I had no business in the Broadway. On the other hand, I was happy for my sister and Mike for being called back to another round. I just wasn't sure what I felt about Quinn getting a job in New York in the same theater company. I know she didn't plan and it was a twist of fate, perhaps. I would find it great to share an apartment with my sister and even Mike. But Quinn? I've never trusted her and didn't know if one day I would. Come on, that was the girl who used to treat Brittany every time she needed a favor of mine. She betrayed me to have my captain position. She was the one who started to throw slushies in McKinley High and the prime target was my sister. I know I'm a bitch, but I play fair. Quinn doesn't.
"Johnny is downstairs talking to the owner." Quinn said as I packed our stuffs.
The deal was Mike and Rachel would meet us at the train station to go home. I mean, Lima home, for now. We would have a full week in Lima to find a cheap apartment, but that was not a filthy hole with cockroaches and rats. Mr. Weiz particular agent would help us find a good place, and so also Johnny. It made me calmer. Of course I was also searching for real estate websites to get an idea of prices and even to see if I could find one that pleases me. On the other hand, I would have a maximum of two weeks in Lima to sell my car and to file all the paperwork to get access to the inheritance money. With this money, I could pay the rent, and mine and Rachel's expenses in New York for a while. Quinn and Mike were another story. Quinn's salary would barely pay for her part in the rent, let alone eat and get around. And I was talking about a fair price of an apartment in Bushwick. Also I wasn't sure how Mike would solve some issues with parents. One way or another, Rachel and I would pay half the rent. It was indeed.
Johnny entered the green room when we were about to close the bags. He gave the good news that Quinn could stay in the hostel for ten dollars per day when she came back, and then he helped us to carry our backpacks and bags to the hostel's door. I thanked my new friend, promising that we would see each other soon. Having someone like Johnny, who knew a lot of people around town, was always advantageous. Next to five in the evening we called the taxi, we said goodbye to Johnny and went to the train station.
I bought four one-way tickets to Cleveland, departing at seven o'clock of the next day. We wouldn't have money to go down to Lima, but once in Cleveland, zaide and bubbee would help us for sure. We spend some good money in four accents which entitled the coffee cart and internet signal. Quinn looked scared to sleep in the station. I was too, but I couldn't demonstrate. The fact was: our money was over!
"How are they doing?" She asked as she shared a sandwich and a bottle of water.
"Fine, I hope." and our conversation died.
I was mentally and physically tired. Quinn looked no better. I looked at the clock. It was almost seven and nothing about Rachel and Mike. My stomach began to wrap nervous. My hunger also contributed for my nervous state. Then the phone rang. It was Rachel's tone.
"Santy!" She seemed excited. Rachel didn't camouflage emotions well, then that was a sign that things worked out. "I think we did it, Santy. Mike and I were very good in this audition."
"Good, Ray!" I was genuinely happy. "Where are you?"
"We are coming out of the theater."
"I want you to come to station..."
"I know… I know, Santy. Don't worry."
"Great. Then come back here and call me when you get back."
I was relieved that Mike was there watching Rachel. I looked at Quinn. She stared at me expectantly and barely concealed jealousy because Rachel called me. The coolest thing is that Rachel even asked for her. Points for my little sister.
In just over half an hour, we four were again gathered in front of the Burger King with suitcases and tiredness on our faces. I had no energy anymore, but Rachel and Mike still had some and they told us about the play. Songbook had five acts and was inspired on a book by Nick Hornby. The producers would select six actors to six characters and some to be understudies. The terms were as follows: a little over a month of daily rehearsals premieres in July and a month in theater that may be extended for more tow months if it works. The actor would earn a ridiculous salary weekly. Take it or leave it. Rachel and Mike would take it if they receive the call back. Quinn would work and earn even less than the actors. I would have to maintain the house. Maybe that was my destiny.
We slept in shifts on the station to catch the train the next day. My body was bruised, my joints complained and I didn't smell nice. Nobody smelled. On the next day, when we finally board the train, I sat and looked throw the window: I saw the beautiful scenery passing quickly. Rachel, next to me, was so full of hope.
"What?" Rachel smiled.
"Do you know what you're getting into?"
"It'll be alright, Santy."
"How can you be sure?"
"It is our destiny."
"Maybe it's yours, but I'm not sure it will be mine."
"I am."
"Is your sixth sense loud?"
"That and the certainty that nothing is by chance."
I wanted to make sure of it. For Rachel, things were simple. She was still far from reality. Maybe New York would taught her. Maybe... I looked in clock of my cell phone. We still had hours of travel ahead. I closed my eyes and rolled over to sleep and I felt my sister cuddling me. I was so tired… and our saga has just begun.