7

MIA'S POV

I just got done with my first day of online school, and honestly, I'm liking it a lot better than public school. You get to work at your own pace and you don't have people constantly judging you when you walk down the halls.

"Hey, babe," Anna smiles when she comes in. "Are you done with school yet?"

"Yeah. I just finished," I tell her.

"Okay, well, I was thinking that maybe we could introduce you soon, if that's okay with you," Anna checks and I nod eagerly. "Okay. I have a photoshoot tomorrow and I want you to come with me. Then, we'll take pictures together, post one on Instagram, and that's how people will find out."

"Okay. I like that idea," I tell her, smiling.

We hear the doorbell ring from downstairs, so we both rush to get it. In comes a tall, pretty lady with blonde hair and blue eyes. 

"Hi, Anna. Nice to see you again," the lady says to Anna. "And, you must be Mia?"

"Yeah," I say, a little unsure. "Who is this?" I ask Anna.

"Oh... I forgot to tell you that you're starting acting classes today," Anna smirks. I glare at her, which makes the both of us laugh.

"I'm Kayla." The lady extends her hand for me to shake.

"Nice to meet you." I shake her hand. 

"Let's get to work!" Kayla excitedly exclaims.

For the first hour, we just talk about random things, getting to know each other better, and what my goals are for the future.

The second hour is warming up my facials and consonants. 

"Do you know how to cry on cue?" Kayla asks.

"I don't know. I've never tried before," I shrug.

"Here." She hands me a script. "Read the first scene and think back to a time that made you really mad or sad."

I start to read from the scene and I think about the past five years of my life. Being abused, being ignored, being treated differently than others, being bullied, being judged. My eyes fill with tears and I let them fall as I continue the scene.

"That was amazing, Mia," Kayla smiles when I finish. "I've barely taught you anything and you're already a great actress."

"Thank you," I chuckle.

"Well, you do need a manager," Kayla tells me. 

"Can you be my manager?" I ask her hopefully.

"Of course! I love working with you," Kayla smiles. "I'll add you as one of my clients."

"I can't wait!" I squeal. "What exactly does a manager do?"

"I'll basically get you auditions and stuff, to start your career," she explains.

"Yay!"

"Well, that's all for today. I'll be back on Friday." Kayla stands up.

I hug her. "Thanks, Kayla."

"Anytime, kiddo. Goodbye, ladies." She waves.

"Bye," Anna and I say in unison.

"I like her. She's nice," I tell Anna once Kayla is gone.

"Yeah, she is," Anna laughs, sitting on the couch. "So, the photoshoot is tomorrow at eleven, so be up by nine."

"Okay," I nod.

My phone starts to ring. It's a FaceTime from Hailee.

"Hey," I answer.

"Hey! I have exciting news!" Hailee squeals.

"What is it?" I perk up.

"So, I showed Rick your demo of Most Girls and he loved it! He wants to sign you!" Hailee exclaims.

"What?" My eyes widen. "No way."

"Yes! What do you say?" Hailee asks.

"Yes!" I squeal, hugging Anna.

"I have to go, but I'll let Rick know! I'm so proud of you," Hailee smiles.

"Thanks, Hai," I smile back.

She hangs up and I stand up, squealing and jumping. Anna joins me, then we fall to the ground laughing.

"I'm so proud of you!" Anna tackles me in hugs.

"Thank you," I say between laughs.

"Taco Bell for dinner?" Anna asks.

"Sure. I've never tried it," I tell her. 

"Ooh, you're in for a treat," Anna says, which makes me laugh.

We get off of the ground and head out to Taco Bell. We order our tacos and eat it in the parking lot instead of going inside to eat. 

"This is so good," I gush after my first bite of the taco.

"You're so my child," Anna laughs.