Memoirs of Elizabeth Montecarlo

SERENA anxiously paced back and forth across the room while she was looking at her phone. She's been waiting for this one important call that can change her life forever as a Musical Actress...Well,as a newbie Stage Actress.

She bit on her lower lip as nervousness suddenly came over her. She kept on telling herself she won't be able to get the Principal role in this stage play and she even told herself she shouldn't let her hopes up so it won't hurt that much once she gets rejected.

But she can still proudly say to herself that she tried,even if she won't make it at the end.

"Oh,for goodness' sake,Serena! Can you please just sit down and chill? You're giving me a headache!" Britanny complained,who was sitting at the couch.

Serena stopped pacing as she heard Britanny's voice.She flopped herself at the couch and scoots closer to her bestfriend.

Britanny has been her BFF since their College days at the Performing Arts Academy. They became roomies right after their graduation and they've been together through thick and thin

They were the only ones who kept on chasing their dreams to become Musical Actresses.Most of their batch from the Musical Theater Arts group took different kind of jobs that are totally unrelated to their courses.

She and Britanny have attended thousands of auditions and while they're waiting for their big break,they are also doing many part time jobs. They wait tables,they work as babysitters and they do many other part time jobs as well...She doesn't want to say this to her,but lately,she's been thinking about quitting on becoming a theater actress,and focus more on having a serious working career like in an office or in a broadcasting network...

"Brit,I don't think I'm gonna get the role." she stated.

Britanny looked at her straight in the eye,after hearing what she said.

"And how can you be sure of that?I mean you said it yourself,you were in good form,you did great at the auditions so what's are you talking about now?"

"We've been in countless auditions and everytime I get rejected,I'm losing hope and reality suddenly hits me.So,I guess this is the end for me." Serena said,in a serious tone.

There was a moment of silence between them.Britanny was the first one to break the silence.

"I know you've been through a lot,girlfriend. And I know you've given it a lot of thought. You're the type of person who seriously thinks about everything,so I'll support you in anyway that I can."

Serena felt a lump on her throat as she was trying her best not to cry and get too emotional.She doesn't need any drama now.She reached for her bestfriend's hand to thank her.

"I really appreciate it,Brit.Thank you."

Britanny was about to say something when the phone suddenly rang.

Serena and Britanny looked at each other. They can see on each other's faces that they're both panicking.

"Answer the phone,Brit,please." Serena nervously pleaded.

"Wait,why would I answer it? You're supposed to do it! It's the call you've been waiting for." replied Britanny.

"Oh,stupid of me.Yeah,you're right.Wish me luck,girl."

Serena forced herself to stand up and she dragger her feet to work towards the telephone stand.She took a deep calming breath and with a shaking hand,she decided to pick up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Is this Serena Diaz?" the woman on the other line asked.

"This is she."

"Hello there,this is Amy from Hollywood Glimmer Productions. I'm calling to tell you that you've been picked as the Principal actress for "This is Me,Elizabeth" musical play. Please come to the office for a script reading on Monday,at 9 am-----"

Serena wasn't able to fully understand the rest of the call. What she only understood was the time for script reading and that----SHE GOT THE LEADING PART OF A MUSICAL PLAY.

Her thoughts suddenly stopped in a halt when she heard the dial tone.She doesn't have any idea on how many minutes did Amy talk before ending the call.She was still holding the phone receiver when she suddenly heard Britanny's voice.

"What was the call all about? Was it a prank call?"

Serena finally returned to phone back to it's cradle and walked towards Britanny like a zombie.

"What?What's with that look?"

"Brit...I-I got the part." Serena's voice trembled.

Britanny's eyes widened because of shock.She couldn't speak at first,but she quickly recovered after a few seconds.

"Goodness gracious,Sere! You did it! You finally did it!" she screamed as if there's no tomorrow.

They hugged each other tightly,while crying and laughing at the same time...

**********

Serena nervously looked at the people inside the meeting room.There were more than twenty people inside the room and they all looked so chic and professional. She had this "starstruck moment" when she met the other actors because they are famous and already made a mark in the musical theater industry. She suddenly felt intimidated because she's a newbie actress,and being in a lead role is giving her a lot of pressure right now.

The Producer of Hollywood Glimmer Productions was the first one to break the ice by introducing herself. Then the Director,the musical directors,the stage directors were the next ones,and then the actors and the actresses started introducing themselves as well.

Serena gave her full attention to Chelsea Torres,the understudy for the role of Elizabeth Montecarlo. They're both a newbie actress and she's silently hoping that they can get along with each other.

"Now,let's welcome our main lead for the musical play---Serena Diaz!"

She was welcomed with a warm applause.Serena forced herself to stand up and smile,eventhough she's trembling.

"Hello everyone,I'm Serena Diaz,and I can't thank you all enough for giving me this opportunity. It's such a great honor to relive the life of Elizabeth Montecarlo,greatest musical actress of all time." she tried to remain calm,but her legs felt like jelly.

The people started clapping again after her introduction. She was about to sit down when the door suddenly opened and there was this guy who's standing at the door while he was catching his breath.

"I'm sorry,I'm late.The traffic so terrible but I know it's not an excuse,but I promise it won't happen again." the man said it all in one breath.

Anastasia,the producer laughed and invited the man to sit down. The man shyly sat on an empty seat.

"So,let's give a big hand to our writer,Mr. Gale Montecarlo!"

They all welcomed the latecomer with an enthusiastic applause.

"I think some of you are not yet familiar with him,especially the newbies. Well,Gale here is the one and only great great great grandson of Elizabeth Montecarlo,and he's the one who wrote the musical play." Anastasia announced.

SHE secretly surveyed the man that is known as Elizabeth Montecarlo's grand grand grand granchild. He didn't get any physical feature from his great great great grandmother,but boy,he's pretty cute even with his nerdy glasses.His shy demeanor also added something into his charm...

"Whoa,you need to stop daydreaming,Serena. You're supposed to focus all of your attention to the musical play! Stop checking this guy out!" she silently reprimanded herself.

"Now that we've properly introduced ourselves,let's go down to business and start with the script reading."

Serena took a big gulp of water from the bottle just to moisten her mouth and throat. She then flipped her script booklet to the first page just like the others.

And after a few minutes,they started practicing their lines...

*************

When the Director called for a fifteen-minute break,Serena decided to go outside of the room to find a vending machine.She only had one small toast and tea,and now she's feeling a bit hungry. She was planning to get a granola bar as a light snack.

She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw a vending machine. She quickly got some coins and dropped it at the vending machine.

As she was about to open the granola bar,she suddenly heard a familiar voice voice from her back.

She turned her head,and there was Chelsea giving her a smile.It was a kind of polite,civil kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Hi there." she greeted her.

Serena stood up straight and smiled at Chelsea.

"Hello...Would you care for some granola?"

Chelsea raised her right hand in the air as if she was trying to dismiss her.

"Oh,thanks but no thanks.I only eat organic veggies."

Serena secretly counted from one to ten to calm herself. She needs to have a full control for herself even if this woman is bitching at her.She wouldn't want to ruin everything she has worked for just because of Chelsea.

"Anyway,I just wanted to see you without the others. I wanted to see it for myself on why they choose you as the Principal instead of me.I can't really fathom on why you got the lead role.Did you do something to win their favor?" Chelsea suspiciously said.

Now this girl is trying to agitate her. And of course,she's ready to fight her.

She was about to open her mouth to say something when they suddenly heard someone's voice.

"I was the one who picked Miss Diaz."

Serena and Chelsea both turned to look at Gale Reid,also known as the great great great grandson of Elizabeth Montecarlo.

He walked towards them while smiling.

"I remembered her walking at the auditions. She was not wearing any make up,and that's what my grandmother looks like without the lights and behind the stage."

Chelsea raised her eyebrows Gale.

"May I know the reason why I was picked?"

"Oh that... The other members of the production team.They said you had this resemblance to my Nana especially witb your make up on." Gale responded.

Chelsea looked taken back and she wasn't able to speak for a few seconds.Then,her face turned red,and she was clearly embarrassed.

"Let's just see how you perform well,Serena.Don't be too sure of your position yet.Now,if you'll excuse." she quickly walked away from Gale and Chelsea,without even looking back.

"Wow,I didn't know she this---gutsy." Gale stated,while shrugging his shoulders.

Serena forced an airy smile.

"That girl is on fire.By the way,I didn't notice you were in the audition room."

"Yeah,but I'm almost invisible.I wasn't sitting at the judges' seat,but instead,I was the one behind the camera,recording everything that day." Gale responded,and he obviously looked amused.

"Oh.You're good at hiding,huh."

Their laughter finally broke the ice between them.

"Just a piece of advice.Chelsea is a good musical actress.She's been on different theater productions as an understudy,so I also understand on why she's showing a bit of an attitude.She's been a substitute actress for a long time,and she has this thirst to become the lead actress.But don't let her get you. You just have to show what you've got and we'll see it from there."

Serena felt a lot better after she heard his advice.All of her nervousness suddenly went "poof!" and she's now more relaxed.

"That's fair enough. Thanks."

"---Hey guys,our fifteen-minute break is over.Let's go back to work,shall we?" on of the staff called them.

Serena and Gale smiled at each other before they walked back to the meeting room...

When the Director called for a fifteen-minute break,Serena decided to go outside of the room to find a vending machine.She only had one small toast and tea,and now she's feeling a bit hungry. She was planning to get a granola bar as a light snack.

She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw a vending machine. She quickly got some coins and dropped it at the vending machine.

As she was about to open the granola bar,she suddenly heard a familiar voice voice from her back.

She turned her head,and there was Chelsea giving her a smile.It was a kind of polite,civil kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Hi there." she greeted her.

Serena stood up straight and smiled at Chelsea.

"Hello...Would you care for some granola?"

Chelsea raised her right hand in the air as if she was trying to dismiss her.

"Oh,thanks but no thanks.I only eat organic veggies."

Serena secretly counted from one to ten to calm herself. She needs to have a full control for herself even if this woman is bitching at her.She wouldn't want to ruin everything she has worked for just because of Chelsea.

"Anyway,I just wanted to see you without the others. I wanted to see it for myself on why they choose you as the Principal instead of me.I can't really fathom on why you got the lead role.Did you do something to win their favor?" Chelsea suspiciously said.

Now this girl is trying to agitate her. And of course,she's ready to fight her.

She was about to open her mouth to say something when they suddenly heard someone's voice.

"I was the one who picked Miss Diaz."

Serena and Chelsea both turned to look at Gale Reid,also known as the great great great grandson of Elizabeth Montecarlo.

He walked towards them while smiling.

"I remembered her walking at the auditions. She was not wearing any make up,and that's what my grandmother looks like without the lights and behind the stage."

Chelsea raised her eyebrows Gale.

"May I know the reason why I was picked?"

"Oh that... The other members of the production team.They said you had this resemblance to my Nana especially witb your make up on." Gale responded.

Chelsea looked taken back and she wasn't able to speak for a few seconds.Then,her face turned red,and she was clearly embarrassed.

"Let's just see how you perform well,Serena.Don't be too sure of your position yet.Now,if you'll excuse." she quickly walked away from Gale and Chelsea,without even looking back.

"Wow,I didn't know she this---gutsy." Gale stated,while shrugging his shoulders.

Serena forced an airy smile.

"That girl is on fire.By the way,I didn't notice you were in the audition room."

"Yeah,but I'm almost invisible.I wasn't sitting at the judges' seat,but instead,I was the one behind the camera,recording everything that day." Gale responded,and he obviously looked amused.

"Oh.You're good at hiding,huh."

Their laughter finally broke the ice between them.

"Just a piece of advice.Chelsea is a good musical actress.She's been on different theater productions as an understudy,so I also understand on why she's showing a bit of an attitude.She's been a substitute actress for a long time,and she has this thirst to become the lead actress.But don't let her get you. You just have to show what you've got and we'll see it from there."

Serena felt a lot better after she heard his advice.All of her nervousness suddenly went "poof!" and she's now more relaxed.

"That's fair enough. Thanks."

"---Hey guys,our fifteen-minute break is over.Let's go back to work,shall we?" on of the staff called them.

Serena and Gale smiled at each other before they walked back to the meeting room...

**********************

"Wow,that girl got some attitude with a capital "A" huh!" Britanny said,while shaking her head in amusement.

Serena and Britanny are having a Girls' nightout party in the apartment.They're having champagne and wine right now to celebrate.

Serena told her BFF what happened at the scriptreading session.Britanny was listening to everything that she was saying and her reaction was hilarious.

"But hey,I already like this Gale guy.He have you a meaningful advice,and I can't help but to agree with him.Tell me,is he cute or drop-dead gorgeous?" Britanny excitedly asked her.

Serena took a sip from her wine glass before she speaks.

"Hmmm...He's a cute nerdy type of guy He got this old-fashioned glasses and he needs to work a little bit on his fashion sense but he's an attractive guy."

Britanny giggled like a highschool girl after she heard Serena's remark.

"Oohhh,that's interesting! Maybe I'll drop by your workplace and check him out myself."

"Sure. By the way,I'll be very busy for the next few months,and I'm sorry if I won't be around most of the time." Serena seriously announced.

Britanny tapped Serena's shoulder.

"Being busy is a great thing for a music a ctress,Sere.Just remember,you've waited for this for a long time,so you have to do your best even if you felt like dying."

Serena raised her glass towards Britanny.

"I couldn't agree more. Cheers to that,Brit!"

They clinked their glasses and they enjoyed the rest of the night...

Today is the first day of their rehearsals.

Serena never felt this good because she had long and deep sleep last night. She was able to wake up early in the morning,feeling refreshed.

With a light heart and positive minds,she went to commute to the Centrum Theater. It's where they are going to have their rehearsals for 2 months,and that's where the shows are going to be held.

Once she reached her destination,she found out that the doors are still close.She talked to the guard nearby and he said that the doors will be opened at exactly 8 in the morning. Serena looked at her wristwatch and it was only 7. She still have to wait for an hour.

She thanked the guard and she decided that she will sit in the corner to practice her lines again. Few minutes have passed and she was already concentrating on her lines when she suddenly heard that "too familiar" baritone voice again...

"Morning."

She looked up and just like what she thought,it was Gale.

And there he goes with his cute smile and dimples again.

Serena smiled back at Gale and greeted him.

"Hello."

"As I remember,the call time's supposed to be at 9,right? Why are you here so early in the morning?" Gale curiously asked her.

"Oh,I was thinking that I should familiriaze myself first to this place....And I'm actually an early bird,so yeah.How about you?" Serena threw the same question back to Gale.

"Well,you can say that I'm an early bird as well."

"Really,huh."

"Anyway,would you care for a cup of coffee while waiting?We can also discuss something about the script,if you want." the man suddenly suggested.

Serena was trying to hold back her smile.If she smiles too much,Gale might think that she's like an awkward high school girl who gets all mushy just because of a cute guy.

"Uh,sure. Be prepared because I'm gonna ask you lots of questions."

"I'm ready when you are.Let's go."

***************

"You must be thinking why I don't look like my Nana."

Serena puts back the cup of black coffee on the table and looked at Gale. Maybe she was staring at him too much,but yes,he's right. She was really wondering why he doesn't have any resemblance to Dame Elizabeth Montecarlo.

"Sorry for staring at you like that and being too obvious.Anyway,if you don't feel comfortable talking about it,you don't have to."

Gale just shrugged his shoulders as he smiled widely.

"Oh no,I don't mind. Well,I got all my physical features on my great great great grandfather's. I guess I can say that he got stronger genes than Nana."

"Why did you decide to create a Musical Play about your Nana?" Serena's curiosity went deeper.

"Since I was a child,Nana has been telling me her life as a Musical Actress.Whenever I visit her back home,she would always bring out her vintage jade box and she would show me the almost faded black and white pictures of her youthful days.And she's and boy,she was an exquisite woman back in 1945.She would also tell me wonderful stories and well,there's some bad stories,too.But overall,she said that she had a wonderful life adventure...Sorry,I might be boring you with my story----!"

"No,please,continue talking. I want to know her better." she encouraged Gale to go on.

"I really appreciate your curiousity,Serena...Anyway,I was already in College when she passed away,and it broke my heart because I was never home on her final day.I was able to come to the funeral,and after all the formal ceremonies,my Mom talked to me and she said that Nana left something for me." Gale continued.

"I assume it was the old jade box?" guessed Serena.

Gale nodded as an answer.

"That,and there's something else."

Serena stayed silent as she eagerly waited for Gale to speak again.

"Hey,early birds."

The moment of suspense suddenly disappeared when their Musical Director,Michael came over to their table.

"Oh,hello,Mike." Gale greeted him.

"Good morning..." Serena greeted him as well,as she was trying her best to hide her disappointment. She was really looking forward on what Gale was about to reveal.

"Do you guys mind if I join you?" Michael asked.

"Not at all please have a seat."

"Of course now,have a seat,please."

Gale and Serena realized that they talked at the same time.

She started giggling,while Gale started chuckling.

"I'm so glad our team members are finally opening up to each other." Michael suddenly commented,while giving them knowing looks.

"Yeah...You could say that,Mike." Gale responded.

****************

The First Night of "This is Me,Elizabeth," the Musical Play has finally arrived.

Everyone are busy as a bee backstage as they were all getting ready. Meanwhile,Serena was in her own dressing room,while looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her make up,her hair and her costume are all perfect. She's going to open the first show,and now trying to calm herself,mentally and emotionally. She waited for this moment for more than 7 years,and now,she's going to face the theater world as a musical actress.

"This is it,Serena." she whispered to herself,as she closed her eyes.

Her eyes suddenly flew open when she heard someone knocking at the door.Maybe it was their Director and Producer outside,and they're just dropping by to say Hello and to wish her goodluck.

"Come in." she called out.

When the door opened,she was surprised to see Gale entering the room.She automatically smiled and all of her worries magically vanished.

"Hey...Are you ready to start the show?"

he asked.

"I've waited for this moment for seven years,so I'm more than ready." Serena chirped.

"Before you go onstage,I just dropped by to give you something."

Serena's eyes sparkled in excitement after she heard Gale.

"What is it?"

Gale walked towards her and he showed her a large-sized velvet box.

Serena gasped in awe when she saw the sparkling necklace. The blue sapphire pendant adorned with small diamonds literally took her breath away.

"I-I think I've seen this necklace somewhere..." she breathed out in disbelief.

"Yes. This is my Nana's favorite necklace, and it was given to her by my great great grandfather. She always wears this in her after-party performances."

"I never thought I'd see this with my own two eyes.. For real. Can I touch it?"

"No."

Serena tried her best to hide her disappointment after Gale's reply.

"Oh. I'm sorry,it was your Nana's prized possession,I shouldn't have asked."

Gale's eyes twinkled while looking at her.

"What I'm about to say is----you can't just touch it. You're going to wear this tonight."

Serena's eyes widened in utter shock. She felt like she won a million bucks and she felt like everything is just a dream. It will be a big honor for her to wear Elizabeth Montecarlo's necklace.

"A-Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure as I am standing here. Now,look at the mirror and sit up straight. Let me put this on you."

Serena followed Gale's instructions. She softly gasped when she felt the cold diamond on her neck and her collarbone. She can also feel the weight of the necklace...

But what made her senses go haywire is the fact that Gale's face is just a few inches from her face and if she moves a bit,then they could've kissed-----

"There. You were already beautiful awhile ago but now you look...Ethereal." Serena's fantasy world suddenly made a pause when she heard Gale's voice.

"I can't believe this! Everything is just so perfect. I can't thank you enough,Gale."

"Well,I'll guess I have to talk to a psychic so that I can relay your message to Nana...Anyway,the play is about to start and just what we all say---break a leg,okay?" Gale finally wished her well.

"I will."

Gale gave her one last look and he left the room afterwards. She looked at her reflection in the mirror while touching the delicate diamonds with her fingers...

"I'll never forget this night..." she whispered to herself.

"----It's time,Serena. Let's go." one of the Assistants finally called her.

Serena closed her eyes and whispered a little prayer and she wished for the success of the opening night...Then she stood up and prepared herself for the first show....