Chapter Text
Wendie Hillman. Eighteen years old. College Freshman. Major: Theatre, Minor: Journalism.
Wendie had never planned to be back in school after the summer, but so far, she didn't mind it. She enjoyed her classes, and most of all, loved her professor. She used to be the lead singer of a punk rock band, but it ultimately disbanded due to creative differences, meaning nobody got along with each other. She decided that singing wasn't for her, but having her name out there was the real dream that she wanted to chase.
She decided to pursue acting.
She had lots of money in her account from scholarships that she won, but never used. It seemed like the perfect fresh start.
“Wendie, do you mind staying behind for a moment? I have to talk to you about something.” Ui-Seok’s hand was cold against Wendie’s burning elbow, but it was a soothing freeze to her, which almost fully alleviated the stress from her.
Ui-Seok Rengalia. Forty years old. College Professor. Profession: Actor.
“What’s wrong? Did I do something bad? If it’s an assignment, I could’ve sworn that I planned all of them out accurately..” Her hands begin to rummage around her bag, attempting to search for loose assignments she could have missed.
“No, it doesn’t have anything to do with the class. I was just wondering if you were interested in having a side job? I can provide you with extra credit if you need it.”
“What’s it for?” She moves a strand of her hair behind her ear, trying to keep it away from her mouth so she won’t anxiously chew on it.
“Do you remember my wife? Ulani?”
“Mrs. Rengalia? Yes, of course! What about her?”
“Well, she owns this company, and she handles this group of performers, and I told her that you’d be perfect for it.” He hands her a flyer, and she looks down at it, slightly cringing in response.
“Circus performances? I’m not really..”
“I know. It’s something you’re probably not into.” He exhales in defeat, adjusting his tie. “But you want to be a performer, and this is a great way to make people know who you are. Plus, the pay is nice, especially since you’re alone in your dorm right now.” He receives a sigh in response, and slightly frowns at it.
“When’s the audition?”
“You can come in tomorrow.” He moves behind his desk, opening one of the drawers, pulling out a business card. “Here’s her personal number. There’s a spot open for someone to do aerial hoops. You just have to be flexible, and not afraid of heights.”
“I don't think I’m afraid yet.” She smiles, sharing a laugh with the other.
“Wonderful. I'll make sure she knows you've accepted the audition.”
“Thank you so much, Ui-Seok. I won't let you down, I promise.” Her smile was more genuine, and relieved. She was finally getting a big break, unconventional or not.
“I believe in you. Good luck, Wendie. I'll be there for you.”
~~
Wendie's hands were sweating, and trembling. Her throat closing as she knocked on the door. When it opened, her eyes slightly widened. On the outside, it was just a massive, striped, tent shaped building, but on the inside, it was a portal into childlike wonder. There were only five other people, who all seemed to be around her age, yet she still felt so intimidated. The younger person who opened the door for her stared with a blank expression.
"Are you here for the audition too?" He asks, tilting his head as he impatiently waits for a response.
"I am, yes! What's your name?" She smiles widely, putting out her hand.
"You seem old." His voice was monotonous, and oddly deep for his seemingly young age.
Milo Ingram. Fifteen years old. High School Sophomore. Status: Unemployed.
"That's.. okay." She gives him a strained smile, gripping onto the strap of her backpack harshly.
"Milo!!" A darker skinned boy called out, running up to him. "Who's this?"
"Just an old woman, Frederick. No need to be worried." He huffs, turning around before walking off. Wendie stares at the new boy, and blinks, earning one back.
"Hey, being old is cool. My dad is old, y'know?" He smiles, putting up his fist. She smiles, fist bumping him.
"You're cool, little man. I'm Wendie."
Frederick Alera. Fifteen years old. High School Sophomore. Status: Unemployed.
"Freddie! I have a twin!! Wanna meet her?"
"Sure!" She lets the boy drag her further into the wonderland, pulling her up to the other kids.
"Freddie, why did you walk off?! You know we have to have our makeup done before Ulani comes back! Come here now!" A dark skinned girl with elbow length braids shouts out, angrily stomping over to the cheerful boy.
"Woah, woah! Calm down, Farrah! I was just trying to show the new girl around!"
"Freddie, you know we have to nail this audition! Quit messing around!"
Farrah Alera. Fifteen years old. High School Sophomore. Status: Soon to be employed.
"I believe the expression is 'Quit fucking around'." An asian tomboy raises their finger, earning a giggle out of Wendie.
"I already told you, Ronnie! I'm not old enough to cuss yet!"
"Yeah, you're just two babies." A redheaded female, who seems to be the oldest out of the bunch, chirps.
Jillian Milano. Seventeen years old. High School Senior. Status: Internet Sensation.
"I don't think we should be getting made fun of just because we're going to die after all of you." Freddie raises his hands in defense, and Farrah slaps him on his chest.
"Shh!!" She puts her hand on his chest, and the others immediately straighten themselves up, causing Wendie to begin backing up.
"Um.. Freddie? What's happening?"
"Ulani's coming."
"I see.."
Click. Click. Click. Click.
"Hello, everyone." A tall, dark woman comes out, with Ui-Seok following right behind her, water in hand. He makes eye contact with Wendie, and his face morphs into a hopeful smile.
Ulani Rengalia. Thirty-Seven years old. Entrepreneur. Status: Business Owner.
"Are you ready for your auditions?" Her eyes scan over the scared children, and pause on Wendie. She gives a nod in response, along with the others. "Wonderful. Jillian." The redhead's neck snaps up, her eyes slightly widened with anxiety. "Follow me."
Click, click, click, click.
...
"Do you guys think she's going to die?"
"Freddie!"
"It was a genuine question!" He rolls his eyes.
Wendie places her bag on the main stage as the others scurry off, letting out a nervous sigh.
"Dude, you'll be fine. Don't worry." Ronnie places his hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.
Ronnie Craine. Sixteen years old. High School Junior. Status: Just chilling.
She smiles back, nodding once more before nodding.
"Thanks."
"No problem. Now, let's get some makeup on you. What type of clown are you trying to be?"
"Uh.. type?"
"Just go backstage."