(Dreaming of hitting 1000 Power Stones this week! đ„șđ„șđ„ș)
The sun had barely risen over the horizon when a few sound stages at the Disney Studios were already buzzing with early activity. Wearing a baseball cap and holding a rolled-up newspaper, Matthew showed the entry pass he'd received during his first audition to the guard at the gate and walked into the studio lot.
It was still early, and apart from a few sets, the place was mostly empty. He headed to the electric cart parking zone, picked one out, and drove straight towards the soundstage rented by the crew of the "Sometimes" music video.
Frankly speaking, Matthew hadn't listened to many of Britney Spears' songs apart from her hits. His taste in music was still stuck in the '90s, mostly Mandopop and Cantopop, with only a few international songs leaving an impressionâlike Ricky Martin's "The Cup of Life" and Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On."
He hadn't even heard any Michael Jackson tracks properlyâjust knew the name.
For this audition, he'd bought Britney Spears' album. Even though he couldn't say much about the songs, he could tell that "Sometimes" had a softer, more relaxed vibe compared to the title track "(You Drive Me) Crazy."
The song was just a typical teen love story.
When he reached the soundstage, he parked the cart and walked towards the entrance. A few days ago, he had sneaked in using his audition pass to get a look around. It wasn't a huge set, but the facilities were all in placeâseveral rest areas included.
From what he'd heard recently, Martin Jackson, the director, had dropped the idea of filming on the beach. Everything would be done in-studio, and the backgrounds added during post-production.
"You're here already?"
A voice called out just as Matthew reached the door. From the hallway, a familiar face appearedâit was one of the assistants from the first audition.
Matthew greeted him with a smile, "Morning, York!"
York nodded, "Morning."
He remembered the guy from the auditions but had forgotten the name.
"I'm Matthew," he said casually. "We had a chat in the hallway last time, remember?"
"Oh right!" York smacked his forehead. "You were the fifth one to audition that day."
Matthew nodded. "You even wished me luck back then."
Of course, that was a made-up detailâjust something to help break the ice.
York chuckled warmly and waved him along. "Come on, I'll get the door for you."
"Thanks," Matthew said, walking beside him. "You're the first one here from the crew?"
"Yeah, it's my shift today. You're second earliest."
They turned into the hallway that led to the rest areas. Matthew shrugged, "I was too nervous to sleep, so I figured I might as well come early."
"Just rememberâmore nervous you are, worse you'll perform. Relax," York advised.
"Yeah, I'll try." As they passed a specific room, Matthew asked casually, "Is this where Britney hangs out when she's off-set?"
"Yup." York didn't think much of it. "She's got her own rest area. Only Britney, her assistant, and her manager are allowed inside. No one else."
They walked further in, and York opened the door to the rest area Matthew had used previously. "You can wait here. There's yesterday's paper on the rack if you get bored. I need to run."
Matthew stepped inside and nodded. "Go ahead, I'm fine on my own."
Once York was gone, Matthew stood by the door, glanced around, and then quietly walked back towards Britney's room. He carefully flattened the newspaper and slipped it under her door.
It was just a backup plan. He had one more idea in case this didn't work. His resources were limited, so he had to take some chances. If luck wasn't on his side, then so be it.
Back in the rest room, he grabbed a newspaper and sat down to read, looking calm.
After reading for a while, he heard footsteps outside. Checking his phone, he saw that there was still some time before his audition slot.
A few minutes later, someone pushed the door open. Amanda walked in.
"You finally made it," Matthew let out a breath of relief. "I thought you were ditching me."
"Blame Helen," Amanda said as she sat beside him. "I had to wait for her. But I also got you some info."
Matthew dropped the playful tone. "Is Britney coming today?"
Amanda nodded. "For sure. She should be here around nine."
"What's my slot? Did Helen mention?"
"You're second. First up is James Blunt, and Michael Sheen is last."
She gave him a knowing look. All the time Matthew had invested into building rapport with Amanda had clearly paid off. "According to Helen's sources, James Blunt doesn't stand a chance. It'll come down to you and Michael."
Matthew nodded, "Thanks, Amanda. You've helped me a lot."
She smiled sweetly. "We're friends, aren't we? And I'd rather you get the part. That Michael guy gives me the creeps."
"Oh?" Matthew raised an eyebrow.
Amanda scoffed. "He thought he was some big shot. Tried to flirt with me last week!"
Seriously? Matthew figured Michael was trying to pull the same strings he wasâbut clearly used the wrong approach with Amanda.
Where he came from, unless you were rich and super handsome, acting too forward with a girl only ended badly.
Matthew never had plans to chase any of the girls here. Compared to Michael, his intentions were hidden far deeper.
Seeing Amanda still upset, he leaned in and whispered, "Let me tell you somethingâbut don't breathe a word to anyoneâŠ"
He whispered in her ear. Amanda's eyes widened, mouth dropped open, and then she quickly covered it with her hand, shocked.
"Seriously?!" she gasped.
Matthew nodded. "Have I ever lied to you?"
Amanda burst into laughter, completely forgetting her earlier frustration. "That guy is shameless! But waitâwhat if the director still supports him? Won't that mess things up for you?"
"That's whyâŠ" Matthew gave her a hopeful look. "I really need your help."
Amanda slapped his arm. "Don't worry! I'll totally back you. No way I'm letting that creep win."
Matthew gave her a thumbs up. "I knew you were the best!"
If she was helping him earlier out of courtesy, now she was truly on his side.
Soon, the hallway got busier. Not long after, the other two actors arrived. Matthew gave a quick wave to Michael Sheen, who was still walking with a bit of a limp.
Michael nodded back but looked awkward when he saw Amanda. He didn't come over and just stood alone.
"I'm going to wait at the entrance," Amanda said, noticing how Michael avoided them. "When Britney arrives, I'll let you know."
"Cool." Matthew checked the time. "We should be going for makeup soon. You know where to find me, right?"
They spoke in hushed tones, barely audible to anyone else. Amanda waved it off. "Relax. I know this place better than you."
After she left, the three of them waited another twenty minutes. Then Helen Herman came in with a production assistant and took them to the makeup room.
They all shared the same room. James Blunt, being first, got his makeup done first. Matthew and Michael went to try on their outfitsâlight-colored athletic wear, quite comfortable.
The makeup was simple, just some basic foundation. Nothing like the heavy prosthetics Matthew had experienced on the "Gladiator" set. By 9 a.m., all three were ready. The stylists had also finished with their looks, and they were told to stand still to avoid creasing their clothes.
The auditions wouldn't start till 9:30, so they had to wait.
Soon, there was a knock. A makeup artist opened the door, then turned to Matthew. "Your agent is looking for you."
Matthew stepped out, the stylist reminding him, "Be careful with the makeup and outfit!"
"I will!" he promised.
Watching Matthew walk out, Michael grew nervous. Why was Helen calling for him now? Could something have happened?
No way. He shook his head. He'd spoken with Director Martin Jackson just yesterday. The man had already recommended him to both Britney and the record label, and neither had objected. He was sure he had the part.
In the hallway, Matthew walked beside Amanda towards the actor lounge.
Amanda glanced around and whispered, "Britney's here. She'll be over in two minutes."
"Good." Matthew nodded. "Let's head to the lounge first. We'll come back in a bit."
They quickly entered the empty lounge. Matthew waited inside while Amanda kept watch by the door.
"Where's Helen?" he asked. "She doesn't seem interested in the audition."
"She's with the record label big shots," Amanda replied casually. "She told me yesterday, doesn't matter who gets pickedâeither way, they're her client. So what's the difference?"
Matthew thought about it. Made sense.
"She's here!" Amanda suddenly whispered. "Britney's coming!"