Thanks for all the amazing reviews! Here's chapter two! :D

Chapter 2: Everyone wants in

Misaki loved acting. If she didn't have to work back in high school to support her family, she would have tried out for drama club or auditioned for a school play. Never in a million years did Misaki expect to be where she was now.

It all started her freshman year of high school. A flyer about an open audition for a commercial at the mall offered her an opportunity to not only make money but to finally explore acting. All those hours in front of a mirror playing characters from her favorite shows finally paid off.

Her family was poor so when Misaki walked home with a $500 check in her pocket, reality began to hit. Perhaps Misaki had finally discovered her route to survival. That commercial lead to another.

Her local commercials paid well but the checks were inconsistent. Her mom still had long hours and night shifts at the hospital despite her failing health. If Misaki had one goal, it was to help her mom.

Within a few months, Misaki booked her first national campaign. She was jetted to LA to shoot for a cellphone commercial. Her famous line "you had me at hello" in the commercial opened an even bigger door. Misaki was offered a small role on a TV show at the age of 16 and then at the age of 17, she was a supporting character on the TV show, Midnight, which ran for three years. It was also on that show where Jim Graph discovered her. Misaki finished her contract with Midnight and immediately got on set for Sparrow.

So here she was… Misaki had finally completed her goals. She retired her mom, bought them a new house, and saved a tuition for Suzuna to attend the best university out there. Misaki thought once that was done, she'd stop working. She'd return to school and become a teacher or something except now she realized there was no way to go back. She was a celebrity. She was forever going to be in the spot light. The new normal for her was going to red carpet premieres and riding in limos.

Did Misaki regret it though? Never.

All her sacrifice was for her family and every penny she earned was through so much hard work. Misaki was 20 years old this year except she felt so much older. She spent her teenage years standing in line waiting for audition after audition, rehearsing her lines until her tongue felt rubbery and getting back up rejection after rejection. This industry didn't coddle anyone. If you're not the best, someone was there to replace you.

"Get up, Misaki!" someone yelled.

Misaki jerked up, half asleep and very confused. She glanced around and saw her manager, Honoka standing in her room with a bull horn.

"What are you doing?!" Misaki exclaimed as Honoka threw open the blinds releasing bright sunlight into the room that was piercing to Misaki's eyes.

"Time to get up," Honoka said, tapping her foot. "You've got a huge day."

Misaki groaned and dragged herself out of bed. She opened her bedroom door and found her entire prep crew camping out in her living room.

"Honoka…" Misaki said, feeling her eye twitch. "I wish you'd call before barging into my house."

Honoka just shrugged and returned to texting people on her phone. Sometimes Misaki regretted giving Honoka a copy of her suite key…

"Go shower," Satsuki said. "Then we can get you into hair and makeup."

"You're first appointment is at 9:00," Honoka added, scanning her leather book.

"Great," Misaki said, yawning.

After a quick shower, Misaki sat in a chair eating a bagel while her hair stylist, Subaru, blew dry her hair.

"So a quick rundown of the day," Honoka said, sitting on a stool across from Misaki. "So you have a press conference first thing this morning at 9:00. That should last until like 12:00. I'll have Stan pick up some lunch for you on the way but you've got to get to a huge fan panel at 12:30. The entire cast will be there. That will probably take most of the day. You'll be having dinner at the city charity event at 7:00. Then when you get home, I left you the textbook you wanted on chemistry," Honoka said, slamming her book shut.

Misaki just nodded. She was expecting a busy day anyways. Even though her plate was full, Misaki still wanted to catch up on everything she missed in school. Honoka tutored her in her spare time and Misaki made up for missing her high school years.

Subaru sprayed a spritz of hairspray in Misaki's hair to hold the beach waves she had created. Afterwards, Subaru was replaced by Misaki's makeup artist, Erika.

"Misaki is wearing a grey blazer, white undershirt and these chic leather pants," Honoka said, hanging the outfit on the rack. "I was thinking a smoky eye and then a red lip."

"I agree," Erika said, flipping through her makeup case.

Erika dabbed a bit of concealer under Misaki's eyes and set it with powder.

"Close your eyes," Erika said, opening a palette of eyeshadow.

Misaki's eyes were a smoky gray color that faded to a rich black color on the edges. Erika then expertly added eyeliner and a few coats of mascara. To finish, she dabbed on a rich red lipstick on Misaki's lips.

"I'll have all your outfits ready for you in the dressing rooms," Honoka promised.

Misaki nodded and got changed. Honoka and Satsuki accompanied her as Stan drove them to the press conference.

The conference was easier than expected. Misaki answered all their jabbing questions with a smile on her face. She even got a few laughs out of people to her relief.

"So how does it feel to become this famous at such a young age?" one man asked. "Do you feel like you're missing out on a normal life?"

"Well, everything I've achieved has been through hard work and it feels great to have it paid off. As for life, this is what I love to do. Isn't that what being young is about?" Misaki replied.

"Misaki Misaki!" someone else called. "Are you under a lot of pressure right now because you have to top this movie?"

"I'll worry about that when I get to it," Misaki said, vaguely.

"Misaki, what are you planning to do next?"

Misaki glanced over at Honoka who pointed to herself.

"My manager and publicist won't let me say," Misaki said.

That got a lot of complaints from the press.

"Okay," Honoka said, stepping forward. "We have to go now."

"Wait Misaki!" they called as they left the stage.

They got into the limo where Misaki found a salad waiting for her.

"Seriously?" Misaki demanded. "I'm starving…"

Honoka just gave Misaki a look. "I'm not going to let you eat pizza or some junk. Here," she said, handing Misaki a turkey sandwich on wheat flat bread.

Misaki took it and bit into it. "Thanks Honoka," she said, smiling.

"Yeah yeah," Honoka said. "Don't ever let me catching you telling people that I starve you. I keep you fit- not skinny…FIT!"

"Of course," Misaki said, shoving the rest of the sandwich in her mouth.

After inhaling the salad and downing a bottle of water, Misaki sucked on a mint while Honoka touched up her makeup.

"Now just smile and be your charming self," Honoka said, getting out of the limo.

Misaki just smirked to herself and got out too.

The screams were the first thing that hit her. Security stood by the velvet ropes to keep the crowd back and Misaki walked up toward the stage. She waved to some fans and smiled for their pictures.

"Look who finally made it," Tora said, pulling out a chair for her.

"Hi Tora," Misaki said, sitting down.

At the fan panel, there was Tora, the director Jim Graph, and several other cast members. There was a speaker by the name of Melinda Law who chose fans to ask questions.

"Welcome everyone," Melinda said, from her podium. "Welcome to the Sparrow fan panel."

The crowds immediately quieted.

"So let's welcome our guests for today," Melinda said. "We have Jim Graph the director."

Melinda paused to let everyone applaud.

"Tora Igarashi-"

"TORA!" everyone screamed. If there wasn't security, the screaming fangirls probably would have trampled them on the stage.

Melinda patiently waited until the screams died now.

"Misaki Ayuzawa!"

Misaki got a huge uproar too. "Jackie! Jackie! Jackie!" they chanted.

Misaki gave a wave to them.

By the time Melinda finally got through introductions, Misaki felt like she was going to go deaf. She calmly opened her water bottle by her mic and took a sip.

"So on twitter, we compiled the top ten questions the fans want to hear," Melinda explained. "We'll ask those first and then we'll open it up to the fans. How's that sound?"

That of course got another round of applause.

"Okay, question number one is for director Jim Graph. Misaki Ayuzawa is the freshest face we've seen this year. Where one earth did you discover this treasure?"

Jim smiled and pulled his mic closer. "I'm a sucker for soap operas," he admitted. "I especially like those ones they play late at night…"

That got a laugh out of the audience.

"Many of you might know that Misaki's previous acting job was on the TV show, Nights," Jim continued. "Well, I'm watching the show and at this time Misaki was playing a supporting character, a snarky waitress. Her character intrigued me. Even when the scene wasn't about her, I felt myself wishing she would speak up. Sorry Misaki, this is where is gets stalkerish."

Misaki laughed. "I guess it worked out," she said, lightly.

"So," Jim said. "I followed the TV very closely but was disappointed when I had to direct again for Sparrow…That meant no more watching TV at 10 pm sharp. Well, ladies and gentleman, if I couldn't watch Misaki Ayuzawa on Nights, why not have her right on the set of Sparrow?" he asked the crowd.

The crowd applauded in response.

Melinda nodded. "Question number 2 is for Tora. What was your first impression of Misaki?"

Tora smirked. "Attractive."

That got the crowd going… Misaki kept a poker face and elbowed him.

"But I admit, I did have my doubts, until we shot the first scene," Tora explained. "As soon as Misaki walked onto set in full costume, I believed her. Now, I still believe in her," he said, sweetly.

The girls awed.

"Third question is for Misaki. Why do you think Jackie Sparrow, the free spirited pirate would fall for a proper English captain?"

Misaki licked her lips and pulled her mic over to her. "I'm sure you've heard that opposites attract," she explained. "But from my understanding of Jackie and Ralph, they balanced each other out. Jackie was a bit of a lost spirit and Ralph became her rock. Ralph on the other hand felt trapped in his uniform and Jackie was able to show him how to live life out to its fullest. I guess, before they realized it, they needed each other. Two very different people completed each other."

"Very romantic," Tora whispered.

"Question four is for both Tora and Misaki. How did that first kissing scene feel?" Melinda asked.

"Cold," Misaki said before Tora could say something embarrassing.

"How so?" Melinda asked, interested.

Misaki shot a smug look at Tora and told her funny story.

They shot in Hawaii but it was a very windy day and early in the morning. The sun was just rising which gave a gorgeous glow to the water but Misaki's teeth were chattering.

At 4 am, she only had on a loose white shirt and thin pants. The first scene she shot was Jackie floating in the water. She was supposed to be unconscious but when a wave of salt water submerged her, she'd jerk up coughing. Salt water up your nose is not a nice feeling… After six takes of Misaki just drifting in the water, they moved on.

Jim wanted a shot of Misaki when she was sinking into the ocean. With light weights tied onto her ankles, Misaki held her breath until the crew would pull her to the surface by a harness. The rest of the cast waited on the beach while Misaki swam around in the cold water for two hours.

Then there was finally the kissing scene. Ralph grabs onto Jackie and pulls her onto the beach. Misaki naturally looked like she had been shipwrecked from her struggles in the water. She laid on the sand (which was sticking all over her) as Tora faked CPR on her. It was supposed to be a romantic moment as they realize they haven't died. They tightly hug and then Ralph kisses Jackie. The whole time Misaki was kissing Tora, she kept thinking about all the salt water she must have swallowed and how she couldn't feel her toes. After that scene was over, Misaki spent the next week washing sand off her scalp.

They finished the Twitter questions and moved onto fan questions.

"So the first question is from number 12," Melinda said into the microphone.

A microphone was handed to a young girl.

"Hi, I'm Andrea…" she squeaked out. "This question is for Tora…" she said, blushing. "How close would you say your character is to how you actually are?"

Tora smiled at her and Misaki was worried that girl was going to pass out.

"I'd actually say Misaki and I should swap characters. I'm more outgoing then she is. Misaki is more professional and well mannered," Tora told her. "I prefer a little excitement every now and then. I'm the Jackie and she's the Ralph."

"Number 2,"

"Hi, my name's Mark," the boy said. "This is to Jim Graph. Which in your mind was the most emotional scene to film?"

"It was definitely the scene where Ralph and Jackie realize they have to make a choice. This is where the navy captures Jackie and has her tied up, awaiting execution. Ralph has to choose whether or not to listen to his orders or let Jackie escape. Jackie on the other hand realizes she's changed. The old her would have escaped without a second thought but now she cares that Ralph would have to die if it wasn't her. That scene was just full of raw emotion."

"Misaki, why do you think your character matured so much throughout the movie?"

Misaki capped her water bottle. "Jackie is this young, stubborn and fearless girl. She starts out as this girl who never stresses and completely plays everything by ear but as you continue watching, you see how she's guarded. Ralph shows her it's okay to be vulnerable at times. The entire world doesn't have to rest on her own shoulders. I think that is why Jackie matured into a young woman."

Misaki smiled as they applauded for her.

Misaki was exhausted by the end of the day. She showered and passed out on her couch, asleep. She woke up the next day in the late afternoon by the banging on her door. Misaki dragged herself off the couch and answered it.

"Oh, I'm so glad you're home," Honoka said, coming in. "Satsuki has been on the phone all day. The entire industry is in an uproar."

"Why?" Misaki asked, closing the door.

Satsuki had two phones in her hand as she furiously texted and called. She without a word retreated to Misaki's living room.

"Have you heard of Benedict Riser?" Honoka asked.

"Isn't he that director?" Misaki asked. "Tea?"

"No thank you. He's more than THAT director. He is THE director!" Honoka exclaimed.

"Hasn't he only made three movies?"

"So?" Honoka asked. "Every actor and actress he's put forth are all Oscar winners. If you can be on a Riser movie, your name will blow up so big, you'll be set for life."

"Okay, so what the punch line?" Misaki asked. "I thought this guy retired or something."

"NO, YOU IDIOT!" Honoka yelled. "He was just uninspired for a long time. He finally got a spark or something. His newest project is known as the Red Rider Project. It's going to be the biggest production of the decade. Its action, romance, war, friendship all wrapped up into one."

"Wait," Misaki said. "You said I shouldn't do another action packed movie after Sparrow. Something about showing my versatility."

"Forget what I said," Honoka cut in. "That was before I knew Benedict Riser was starting another movie. Everybody and I mean EVERYBODY wants in on a Benedict Riser movie."

"She's right," Satsuki said, walking into the kitchen. "That man is a cinematic genius…"

"Misaki, you have to read for it," Honoka said. "You're an idiot not to. Singers, models, actors, everyone wants to get into this movie."

Misaki nodded. "But we need to get a script-"

"I already have it," Honoka said, handing Misaki a thick packet.

"Thanks…" Misaki said.

"Your reading is next week," Honoka said. "I think you really do have a shot at the lead except she's more of a soft character which can show your versatility. Your second option is to read for a character named Cypress Lunar who is a tough supporting character but you got to shoot big," Honoka added. "You're going to have to fight for this part from much more experienced actresses."

Misaki groaned. "Weren't you suppose to discuss with me first-"

"I did discuss. I just knew you'd say yes so like the great manager I am, I already prepared everything." Honoka beamed.

"Great," Misaki muttered. "I guess I'll spend the rest of the day reading this over."

"Oh, don't get to comfortable with the script," Honoka warned. "Benedict could end up trashing the entire thing after the first take," she explained. "He's so unpredictable."

"So he's crazy?"

"Crazy good," Satsuki corrected. "Just image being an Oscar winner in just your 2nd big hit."

Misaki was still digesting the news. It was so hard to image something that just seemed so impossible. Satsuki and Honoka left and Misaki walked out onto her balcony. Life seemed to be blowing by. It felt like yesterday where she read for commercials.

Misaki felt herself getting deeper and deeper into this new world. She would never admit it to anyone…but Misaki Ayuzawa was afraid. She was trekking through unknown territory and there was no going back.