CHAPTER 6

Royal Arts Academy, New York.

The sun was out and bright, portraying shades of trees and leaves littered in the quiet school compound. The prestigious school was yet to open for academia and prepared to open the year's session in three weeks.

The director of Arts, Mr. Austin walked hastily towards the school gates, checking his Rolex watch as his eyes nervously scanned the empty area. Meanwhile, far to the right, a black Lexus Jeep parked horizontally, with its glasses tinted and exotic.

A man in his late forties sat inside the car, leisurely looking through a news magazine. His deep brown orbs, effortlessly scanned through the content of the magazine. While his long baby lashes and deep black eyelids gave a beautiful touch to his round eyes, perfectly arched brows, and glass skin.

Dressed stylishly, his magnificently sculpted body was donned in a black tux which accentuated his model arms and body structure - arms desired by the majority of the female populace.

His poise screamed royalty and confidence as he sipped the water provided, and crossed his long-toned legs. Outside, Mr. Austin sighted the car and hurriedly walked towards it. He adjusted his shirt as soon as he got where they parked, ready to receive one of the greatest men of influence to have graced the film industry.

The driver saw Mr. Austin walking in their direction, and immediately informed the person seated at the back of the car, his boss.

" The director is here."

Mr. Greenwood gruffed, " Could they be any later than they are?" His annoyance was barely hidden.

The driver maintained silence, his boss wasn't happy and he didn't want to join the queue of job hunters.

" Open the door. " Mr. Greenwood spoke clearly, briefly glancing at the director, who stood with a smile, waiting to welcome him. He drank the last of his water, folded up his magazine, and left the comfort of his car.

" Welcome to Royal Arts Academy, Mr. Daniel Greenwood." He greeted with utmost hospitality, then guided him into the school's administrative block. " Our school is determined to grow future great men and women in the film industry." Mr. Austin chatted as he walked his guest into the office.

He gestured to the comfortable sofa situated in the huge space that was his office, and immediately dug out a bottle of expensive wine from his fridge.

After serving his esteemed guest, the director finally sat down opposite Mr. Daniel, whose countenance remained calm. It was hard to tell what went on in his mind.

" You're highly welcome once again, I hope the wine is to your taste." He spoke, humbled at the presence of one of the world's biggest veteran star actors, currently looking to invest in his academy.

" Thank you. Let's get off to business, shall we? " Mr. Daniel took off his glasses, and a sip of his wine. " I am putting together a production; I want the best of your students to participate, fresh and promising talents for the screening process."

" Our academy is the best, we only train the best faces and talent who have the potential for a promising career in the field in the near foreseeable future. We guarantee you nothing but the best."

" Then we have a deal." Mr. Daniel spoke monotone, picking up his glass and downing the remnants in a gulp.

" Thank you once again, Mr. Daniels, Royal Arts Academy is glad to have you." The director spoke, stretching his hand for an official welcome and handshake, to which Mr. Daniels took in a firm grip.

" How is the search going for the female character? " Mr. Daniels asked, wanting feedback on the earlier discussed script which was sent to the school in search of a new face for his film production.

" Very well, we put up two slots for a fully funded scholarship with the dialogue as a script for the audition. So far we have received tons of videos, but none have as much potential as the people we have currently in Royal Arts."

Mr. Austin gauged the reaction of the man in front of him but couldn't grasp anything substantial. He couldn't tell how his client was taking the news and it bothered him.

" The search is currently on, and hopefully will bring good fruits forward in no distant time. Unless of course, you decide to have the ones that are already in school and with potential." The director said, efficiently putting his students out to be picked.

He knew that if one of his female students gained the role of the female lead in the huge production, it would be a huge credit to the academy as it could shoot one into instant stardom.

" I stand by my decision, my female lead is still out there, somewhere. find her." Mr. Daniel stood up on his feet, signaling his departure from the office.

" We will find her, all hands are on deck." The director agreed and ushered him out of the office, escorting him to where his driver stood by the exotic car.

Nodding, the director watched him till the car drove out of sight.

********

Deloise donned a beautiful long sleeveless gown. She got the table set with a smile on her face, knowing her mother was going to enjoy the meal prepared with a chocolate cake to go.

" You are all ready, tables set, and food tantalizing, it's time to go." Anna counted and picked up her bag, ready to leave.

" Thank you so much, you are the best," Deloise called out to a leaving Ann.

" I know!" She shouted back before exiting the home complex.

Five minutes later, the rev of a car arriving outside alongside the voice of her mother was heard. Deloise straightened up, expecting her mother's presence, she stood by the dinner table and immediately her mother walked in, the smell of sweet foods and delicacies wafted up her nostrils.

" Yummy." Ms. Esther closed her eyes and inhaled the aroma in the air.

" Happy birthday mum," Deloise replied with a smile as she took in her mother's countenance upon sighting the set food.

" Thank you, my love," Esther felt almost moved to tears, she enveloped Deloise in a motherly hug- one that felt a bit too tight.

" umm- mumm, I think the food might get cold." Deloise said as the hug prolonged.

" Ohh yeah, let's eat," Esther said, finally letting her go, and they settled in to eat.

The duo ate happily, chatting as they went and reminiscing previous years of the tradition. As the dinner drew to an end, Esther decided to bring up the topic she had been putting off for a while.

It was now or never.

Perceiving a change of mood and atmosphere, Deloise looked at her mom in wonder, puzzled as to what could make her silent so suddenly.

" Are you okay?"

" There's something I want us to discuss." Her mother said in a small voice.

" Okay, I'm all ears," she said, looking at her mom, and waiting to find out what got her so bothered.

Esther pushed food round her plate, a trait her daughter recognized to mean she was nervous. She watched her mother finally open her bag, bring out a folded envelope, and slide it over to her.

Deloise felt a sense of rising dread overwhelm her. Something told her she wouldn't like what was coming.