[OSCAR]

“‘Sometimes we fall in love with ideas, not people. I guess you fell in love with the idea of me. Not the reality of me.’”

I turn to my co-star and kiss her cheek before turning to walk away.

As soon as I get through the doors to the other side of the set, a voice rings out.

“Cut!”

—————————

Cole, my manager, trudges into the office, grumbling on the phone.

“Gianna, I’m sorry, but Oscar has already decided to take a break from acting…”

I sit up in my desk chair, my interest piqued as I listen in.

“Would you like to ask him? He’s in the office right now,” Cole adds, staring towards me.

I raise my eyebrows as Cole nods and hands me the phone.

“Hello Oscar. My name is Gianna Dillon, and I am the casting director of a brand new series we’re calling ‘Back With A Kick’ about a nerdy guy having a glow-up over the summer and suddenly learning karate. I was calling your manager, Mr. Armstrong, to suggest an opportunity to star in this series. I am aware you do not have any karate experience, but we have an instructor on-set that is willing to help.”

I nod my head to her words, replaying the syllables over and over again.

“When are auditions?”

Cole’s eyes connect with mine.

He mouths an unintelligible word.

“Thursday. I will send the address to your manager. Thank you for your decision.”

I end the call.

“Oscar, I thought you said you were done with acting for a while,” Cole complains.

I shrug him off and return to the computer screen.

“Karate sounds fun. I’d love to learn. Plus, it’s not a romantic show.”

“Your mom will not be happy. She wanted you home this summer,” he continues.

“She knows nothing about happiness. Just tell her I’m only auditioning. I doubt I’ll get the character, Cole,” I sigh and let me head fall on the desk. “I fell in love with the idea that my mom could be there for me, so I don’t fancy the idea of returning back to that. Or falling in love with an actual person.”

I scrunch up my face.

Bleh!

“16 years of age, and you already banned love from your life.”