Aim High, Never Rest

When I got to the lobby, I saw a whole commotion going on in the pool. I wasn't even in the pool and I could totally feel that tension in there. Talk about Hollywood drama.

But the sight of Carley and James caught my eyes. They were in the lobby, near the entrance of the pool. James was trying to talk to her but she's just pushing him away for some reason. What happened? A fight already? 

Well whatever it is, I frowned. Carley's one of my new friends and it sucks to see her this upset. James is going to get a piece of my mind when Carley leaves. 

I watched Carley as she accidentally bumped into a obvious bleach blonde. The stuck-up blonde said something mean and brushed past Carley as if she wasn't worth her time. Shaking her head in obvious anger and impatience, she stormed out of Palm Woods. 

Now is my time to intervene in other people's business. 

I found James in the same exact spot Carley left him.

"James, what did you do?" I asked, gritting my teeth slightly. 

"I don't know!" he yelled helplessly.

"What do you mean you don't know?" I shouted, almost wanting to slap him. 

Is he really that stupid and clueless?

"It's like she thinks I'm going to play around with her!" 

"Isn't that what your reputation says about you?" I questioned, crossing my arms.

James opened his mouth for a few seconds before closing it.

"Yeah, that's what I thought" I scoffed at his stupidity.

"That's not fair! She didn't even get a chance to know me!" 

"I don't think she wants a chance to know you after what she just found out"

He had a bothered look on his face which displayed his uneasiness. 

"James, relax. She'll come around. Just give her space?"

He nodded, pulling me into a hug.

"Thank you, thank you!" and then he ran back into the pool to take his spot on the bench.

I decided, due to my mother's request, to talk to Bitters about schooling at Palm Woods. So I turned toward the counter. 

But before I got to the counter, a figure sped to Mr. Bitters' counter, nearly knocking the computer over. 

I studied the figure and laughed at the realization that Carlos decided to chill at Bitters' counter. 

"Hey Carlos!" I walked over to stand beside him. 

"Hi!" Carlos grinned widely, waving his signature peppy wave.

"What do you losers want?" Bitters asked, in a monotone. The complete opposite of Carlos.

"I want to talk to you about Palm Woods school"

"I want to inform you about the water leak in 2J"

Bitters sighed harshly, turning to me first.

"You can't register unless you have a talent contract stating that you are signed for fame. Or you need to be in a commercial or advertisement. You can't join because I don't see any contract on you and you are not famous" 

I groaned, slamming my head against his counter.

"And you! What did you do to the pipe?" Bitters turned to Carlos.

"I might have accidentally slammed into it while playing hockey" Carlos gave a nervous, innocent smile which caused me to laugh. 

"Come with me" Bitters groaned, leading Carlos into the elevator.

Prior to my discovery, I sighed and neared the bulletins. The bulletins contained fliers, seeking talent. 

One of them were looking for a singer for a band. I can't sing. 

Another one were asking for roles in some summer blockbuster that I really wouldn't give crap about. Plus, I can't act.

This is frustrating. I really want to get into the Palm Woods school because I already know most of the people here. Going to some public high school in Hollywood would suck. So I need to find a talent real fast.

"Hey, what's a pretty girl like yourself doing by a talent bulletin?" a middle aged lady interrupted my thoughts. 

She was wearing a dress shirt with a skirt. Totally professional.

"Just who are you?" I asked, not meaning to sound rude.

"I'm a agent for models and by looking at you, I see potential" she pushed her glasses up slightly and looked at me more carefully.

"You see potential in me being a model?" I shook my head furiously. No way. It was Cassie's dream to be a super model. That's a career made for her. Definitely not me.

"Yes, you have the face, the body, and lacking the attitude" 

"I really need a gig soon so I can sign up for school here. Are you willing to offer me a contract?" I asked, bringing this to the point.

The lady laughed and shook her head. Evil lady. Brought my confidence up just to bring it down again.

"As much as I see a model in you, I can't. You need a breakthrough first before I will. I usually don't pick up anyone unless they prove to me that they are model material. You just need to find the spark in yourself and the confidence to work harder. When you managed to get there, I'll consider signing you" and with that the evil lady turned around and walked toward the door, clicking her heels annoyingly.

"Wait, where the hell am I supposed to find a talent agent who's willing to sign me?" I screamed across the lobby to her retreating figure.

She didn't respond or look back.

A few seconds later, Katie Knight, Kendall's ten year old sister, appeared by my side; clad in a black suit, sunglasses, and a contract in hand.

"Is someone looking for an agent?" 

"Katie, I appreciate it but you're only ten. I can't have a ten year old manager!" I said, being as nice as possible. Katie's really sweet for trying though.

"How much do you want to be a model?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.

I bit my lips a took a second to think about it. 

Cassie was the one dreaming to have her face in billboards and magazines. Thinking she might have a shot, we moved here. But what if she doesn't? We would lose all purpose of being here. Dad will have to work even harder to get enough to fend for us. I don't want that for my family.

I really want to move forward and test the waters. Even if I don't get the hang of being a model, I'm going to go for it.

I will do it for my family, and hopefully for myself. Maybe I'd benefit from this. Maybe I'll find my confidence somewhere along the way. 

"Really badly" I replied.

"Sign this contract" she held a contract and pen to me.

Well, I'm just going to trust Katie on this one.

Holding my breath, I signed the contract to Knight Management. 

I'm going to be a super model.