Chapter II
The days passing onward weren’t the usual type I knew. My mornings and afternoons had remained as steady as ever; I tended to my hobbies online watching movies or playing the occasional game, I engaged in light bits of exercise to keep my body active and healthy, and I’d have my solo acting sessions at my home. Whenever I’d need to, I’d go out to buy groceries or simply just take a walk about to get out of the Candid Bean and clear my head, but for the most part I’d always stick to my own matters and made sure no one bothered me profoundly. These were as my days usually were. They were not particularly exciting or otherwise interesting. My nights used to be the same.
Key phrase; used to be.
Ever since that night so long ago where I’d had my first midnight visit, Magnolia’s been in my nightlife since. Night after night, she’d come to visit the Candid Bean almost always around the time I’d be closing up shop (a fact I pointed out with annoyance, yet she’d only react in innocent ignorance) and we’d pass the time mostly aimlessly. I’d brew a macchiato for her, we’d make small talk, the clumsy woman might try teasing me or prying information out of me about my personal life and I’d simply shut down her obvious attempts without consideration.
Never had a situation arose like I’d once imagined between us on her second visit. She’d never mentioned it nor made any move to pursue anything related to that night. Naturally, I wouldn’t push her. I’ve been getting the impression overtime that what “memories” I’d imagined were nothing more than fleeting fantasies that I entertained in a moment of weakness. The woman
was beautiful after all. While I may not think so lustfully as most men, it’s been years since I’ve been with a woman and there’s really only so much one could do on their own. Perhaps the situation of such an attractive foreigner coming into my shop at the dead of night had enticed me, and I’d thought shameful thoughts following…
Even that’s highly unlikely for me, but it’s the most acceptable answer I could presume. After all, while I’ve never pushed her into continuing whatever fantasies I’d had, that’s not to say I
didn’t make any moves. I’ve never directly flirted with Magnolia, but I might’ve dropped a few obvious hints here and there just to gauge her reaction. From my extensive research, I was able to conclude that my macchiato-obsessed customer is equal parts clumsy and oblivious as well as likely uninterested. I’ve asked her personal questions about her love life and romantic engagements and she’s only responded honestly that she’s never been in love. I could be kinder to her than normal, claim I’m interested, and a number of other approaches… but she only seems to consider it as no more than friendly gestures.
Add naive to the list of traits. Honestly, I just can’t believe I’d ever with someone like her no matter how attractive she is…
Now, it might be prudent to offer more relevant information. For one; I really don’t know much about Magnolia. According to her, she’s the daughter of a wealthy wristwatch collector and she lived in England (London to be specific) before moving to America and settling down in Massachusetts. She’s visiting Briarbloom on a road trip to see the sights of the country—both small and large—and she’s currently staying in a local hotel.
Truth be told, that’s the most I ever got out of her. Other details she’d very simply excuse as small or simply not mention it, or when I’d intend to ask her something more pressing, it’d always seem to slip my mind by the time I see her… again I can only chalk it up to the rare occasion of my own lust fogging my mind.
All the same, it’s not very important anyway. Magnolia mentioned she’s on a road trip, after all. It’s only been a mere six days since she’s arrived so I can presume she’s tiring of this place. Likely tomorrow or the day after she’ll mention she’s leaving and be off, out of my life for good. She’s certainly made quite a stir in both my usual activities and the town itself as a whole, but eventually we’ll all return to our normal everyday lives. I would almost wish to stay in contact with her though, if only I could really care to hold a friendship over the phone.
But for now, let’s do away with the unrelated thoughts. At present time I’m dealing with something far more pressing… so much so that I’d distract myself with an internal recap instead of considering it. I really don’t often procrastinate, but I can’t help myself. Right now I’m balking at the weight of the task in my future. I’m honestly shaken up, and it’s hard to keep my head on task.
Now just what is this big, monumental moment that I’m approaching? It’s nothing, really. Just an audition for an upcoming hit TV show.
That’s right. For the past hour, I’ve been on the road out of town and I’m driving toward the capital. They’re holding auditions there for a crime drama coming to TV in the next year or so, and I’m particularly interested in one of the parts. The show’s called “Black Theater”. It’s about a family man losing his way after the horrible murder of his wife. Following the traumatic event, the man vows to exact vengeance upon the criminal populace of America’s underbelly; but here’s the catch. That man’s methods are no less than criminal in their own right. He starts off small using his journalistic career to chase criminal stories and investigate cases the police wouldn’t want him to look into, but in time, he begins to go further and further as the crime world darkens his soul.
The part I’m auditioning to play is the role of a minor antagonist being the main lead’s perfectionist co-worker. This co-worker eventually comes to investigate the main lead in time and acts as the sort of antithesis of the main. While the main character is slowly corrupted in his pursuit of vengeance, this antagonist instead follows a redemption story as he falls into his own suffering and pulls through in his own way.
That part sounds like a dream to me. A part that sophisticated, one that’s not too in the light but not far in the background… it’s perfect. Just what I need to start my acting career! I’m no less than enthusiastic and I feel prepped for this, but even so, I can’t help the nervousness from feeding through me. This could be a big moment. I think I’m ready—no, I
know I’m ready. It’s just a matter of whether or not I can communicate my talent effectively in the time I’ll be given.
It’ll likely be ten minutes. I’ve already seen the part of the script I’m meant to read through; those auditioning were given it in advance, so I’m aware of my job. I’ve spent so long on this… it has to come to fruition and get me out of this goddamn town.
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