I didn't tell mum where I was going, it was a small surprise I was planning. While I was dating James, I had the opportunity to be offered a deal by a film company to be the voice of one of their characters in their latest project. And sing some songs of course. Music had always been a big thing for me, and it was my dream to become a superstar but James… he sold me an even bigger dream of being his wife. I didn't want my career to get in the way of my relationship, after all, I had seen it happen multiple times, so I put everything from my side to a halt, waiting for him.
Now seeing how that turned out, I have decided to chase my dreams and I knew the universe would be my most powerful supporter.
As I rode in the cab, I thought about what it would be like to be the voice of a character, and many people watching the animation, I wonder what they would think. I wondered how much it was and after a quick google search, I became more excited. If I worked hard enough, I could use that money to push myself into school. I wouldn't have to bother mum for that.
I heaved a very deep breath and turned to the window, I could see the company's skyscraper building just ahead and the knots in my stomach intensified. I felt a bit sad, remembering that they had sent me the email a long time ago but…
"No buts Crystal. Better late than never right?" I mean, I had responded within the time frame, so I was sure the window would still be open for me. A few days being the deadline, if Ii had decided to stall any longer, I would have missed the opportunity of a lifetime.
Eventually the cab parked, and the driver turned to face me. He had an interesting look as he wondered what a small girl like me was going to do in a big place like that. I didn't respond to his look, but I did hand him his fare with a tip. He showed his appreciation with a gentle nod and waited for me to exit his car before zooming off.
I had to tilt my head all the way back just to see the top of the damn building. This place was massive, like it could swallow you whole and not even burp afterward. The glass on the outside reflected everything—the sky, the other buildings, even the cab I just stepped out of. It looked like one of those buildings you'd see in movies where all the big shots work, making deals over million-dollar lunches while the rest of us just try to figure out how to pay rent.
The entrance had these towering glass doors, practically screaming "Welcome to the world of money and power!" As I stepped inside, the cold blast of air conditioning hit me, and, wow, did it feel like a whole other planet in there. Polished marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and an insanely high ceiling that made you feel like an ant just strolling through someone else's dream.
And the people? Everyone looked so put together. Sharp suits, heels clicking like they had places to be and lives to run. I half expected someone to hand me a script the second I walked in. The receptionist's desk was like an island in the middle of this ocean of marble, with sleek computers and a smile that was just a little too perfect, like she'd been rehearsing it all day.
I walked over to her briskly and her smile brightened. But this time I looked genuine. Maybe it was a surprise seeing someone like me here.
"Hey, good morning, I'm Crystal, and I was sent an invitation by the company. I'm a student of Belmont High…" I trailed off for a second as I searched for the papers I needed in my handbag, "well was a student, I graduated already. I was called for a voice-over audition?" She took the papers from me ever so gently and nodded approvingly.
"Well, lucky for you, the director is inside, so you can go meet him." the smile widened, and it had me questioning if it was really real. I returned the nod too and when I looked around, I was lost, "floor 34." she smiled widely again, "the elevator is that way." she pointed to it and I thanked her for the directions. I thought everything was so put together but the elevators?
They were something else. Huge, shiny metal doors with this fancy black and gold trim, like they were promising to take you straight to success. I swear I could see my reflection in them, and yeah, I looked about as out of place as you can get.
As I waited for the elevator to take me up, I couldn't help but wonder… What exactly did they see in me that got me invited here? Because, standing in the middle of all this, I was feeling very small. I had a feeling of doubt for about a short period of time, but I didn't want to take it in. it was not who my mum trained me to be.
When I got to the 34th floor, everything was even bigger than I expected. It looked like ten living rooms combined, or was it someone's office. As I walked out of the lift with wide eyes, I accidentally bumped into someone. And it caused me to stumble back. I didn't expect the person to move anyway, I did not possess the physique to do that.
"I'm so sorry madam." The man was still very respectful as he bowed his head in reverence, upon looking at his face I could tell straight away he was of Asian heritage. He was so tall, I had to tilt my head just to look at him, where was I when God was sharing height?
"No, no I'm sorry. I wasn't looking. I am looking for Mr Ling? Are you Mr Ling?" I pointed at him gently, and he smiled, the smile was so infectious, it passed to me too, "hi, I'm Crystal Blue, I was invited by the company to audition for the voice of a character." I explained myself to him and like in fear, he let out an exasperated sigh, almost like his heart was hurting. He seemed very dramatic but also so amusing.
"We have been waiting for the response Crystal. To be honest, I thought you would have gotten back to us sooner." he showed me to a couch, and we took a seat together, "Anita! Tea please!" he rang to his receptionist and immediately, I heard heels clicking.
"Yeah… I was having some difficulties back then. But I am definitely ready for the role. I can do an impression for you?" I was eager to secure the spot, but I knew something was wrong, he was hesitating. Anita brought us the tea and I wouldn't lie, her beauty took me aback for a moment. I was so grateful for the tea, but I wanted to hear good news from him.
"Crystal…" Mr Ling sighed, "we already got someone. In fact, she started working with us over a month ago. I would have waited for you but this project couldnt. I'm sorry."
"Over a month ago?" My heart broke, I didn't know how to feel, but I guess the best I could do was just smile, "oh…" I was having a hard time processing this, and he could see it.
"But… Your former principal is a close friend of mine, and he really put in a good word for you. When there is another project, I will reach out to you first." he assured me and I nodded my head gently in affirmation. At least the road wasn't entirely closed. But it didn't stop me from letting out a huge sigh, as I was about to leave, I heard someone call out to Mr Ling. Curiosity made me turn back and when my eyes connected with hers, I nearly let out a gasp.
It was the same girl James cheated on me with and she was holding a script. She saw me too, and I could feel the hatred in her eyes dig through my skin.
"What is she doing here?" she had the sassiest tone ever, I remembered it from that night, but I didn't wait for her to approach me, I knew girls like her liked to cause a scene even when there wasn't a need for one.
"Leave her Roxy, what did you come to ask me?"
Roxy? I remembered that name. Images flashed in my head, I had seen the name on James' phone. When we celebrated our anniversary together. She was his business partner, so James cheated on me with his business partner? Cool. If she was even his business partner.
I left the building of the company with a heavy heart and took a cab straight home. I felt so bad I couldn't sit in one place. I kept shifting and turning, thinking of why I was so unlucky. I wanted to cry but if I did, I would relapse. I didn't want to relapse. When I got home, I wasn't in the mood to talk, I was tired and heartbroken, but mum seemed so giddy. I didn't bother to ask, I just went straight to my room and fell to my bed.
I hated my life more than anything now.
I fell asleep after a few minutes and when I woke up, it was pitch dark, the only source of light was the ray of moonlight that had found its way into my room. I sniffed back tears as I sat upright, pulling my knees to my chest. I thought about what life would be if James and I got married, if he hadn't hurt me the way he did, and I could feel myself slip back into an overwhelming sadness.
Before I could let out the first tear, I heard a knock on my door. I made sure my eyes were dry before I gave the signal for my mum to come in. she came in, and she could immediately make off my figure. But she didn't put on the lights, she just sat down beside me and held my hand in hers.
"Are you okay sweetie?" she squeezed it in affirmation and I let out a defeated sigh.
"No mum. I went to the company today, they already got someone else…" words refused to flow out of my mouth, I didn't know if I should tell her that the person who took my role was the same person James cheated on me with. With the help of the moonlight, I could see her pout before she pulled me into an embrace.
"Setbacks are part of life Crystal. They serve as a sense of redirection." she rummaged her finger through my hair, her comfort was so warm i didnt realise I leaked out tears, "don't cry love, I have good news for you." she bent to kiss my forehead. My body jolted a bit, she had good news for me?
"Good news? What? When? How?" I desperately needed the good news.
"DUA…they just gave you a scholarship."