Bette had originally planned on taking the N train downtown to the rehearsal studio but after her meeting with Jackie she decided to walk. She needed the air and the time to think. Her head spun as she tried to figure out if she had made the right decision.

Tina: Melanie, I need you to say that last line with as much emotion as you humanly can.

Melanie took a seat on the edge of the stage, frustrated. She was listening to everything Tina had told her and still she couldnt quite grasp it. She brushed a blonde strand of hair out of her face and drew a deep breath.

Melanie: Im sorry. Im trying. I just cant FEEL it.

Tina: OK, have you ever been in love?

Melanie was quick to answer.

Melanie: Of course.

Tina: Have you ever had your heart broken?

Melanie nodded.

Tina: Go to that time in your life. Think about it. Feel that moment. Then, give me that line.

Melanie closed her eyes as tight as she could.

Melanie: I dont mind that you put your career first. Really I dont. But could you at least put me second?

Tina dropped her head in her hands. This wasnt working.

Melanie looked hopeful.

Melanie: Did I get it?

Tina: Um, youre getting closer.

That couldnt be farther from the truth.

Alex, Alice and Daphne sat still in the back of the room watching Melanie fall apart.

Daphne: Where did she find this girl?

Alex: Shes improving.

Alice: Yeah, shes getting much better.

Daphne: One lies and the other swears to it. Its amazing.

Alex: No one asked you Daphne.

Daphne: The truth is that she isnt bad, she just isnt good. Do you know what I mean?

Alice rolled her eyes in Daphnes direction. She never liked Daphne. Something about her was always suspicious.

Alice: Dont you have lines to learn or something like that?

Daphne: While you four were away I did my job and learned my lines.

Tina spun in her chair to see what the commotion was about. Alice noticed and quickly shut her mouth.

Tina: Can we keep it down please?

Daphne: Of course Tina. So sorry.

Daphne flashed Tina her brightest smile and Alex could have sworn her saw her wink too. She was up to no good and he knew it.

Daphne turned to Alex and Alice and gave them a smug grin.

Daphne: Looks like your friend could use my help.

With that Daphne stood and made her way down the aisle to Tina.

Alice: I REALLY dont like her.

Alex: I dont know what shes trying to do, but whatever it is, its major.

Alice: Look at her, in her tight little true religion jeans. Its absurd! And she HAS to sit right next to Tina? Shes practically sitting on her lap!

Alex contorted his face in disgust.

Alex: Someone should tell her that she didnt get the part. The audition is over and no casting couch is needed.

Alice: God I hate her!

Alex: Ugh I know! Me too! Hate her!

Alice was silent for a moment. She looked over at Alex who also had his mouth shut. A small smile spread across Alices face.

Alice: Shes really hot though!

Alex: Right?

Alice: Id hit that.

Alex: I think girls have cooties and Id still hit that.

Alice: But after I tapped that ass, Id kick her to the curb!

Alex: Thats my girl!

Alex: Amen sister.

Tina inhaled deeply trying to keep her cool.

Tina: I need you to really get into who this character is. You need to be her. Acting LIKE her just isnt enough.

Daphne perked up in her chair.

Daphne: Melanie, try this

She looked at Tina to let her know she wasnt trying to step on her toes.

Daphne: Look at the way I deliver that line to Tina.

She turned to Tina and took her hands. She looked deep into her eyes as if she were searching for the meaning of life.

Daphne: I dont mind that you put your career first. Really I dont. But could you at least put me second?

Tina was stuck in Daphnes hypnotic gaze. The line poured from the young actress as if she were really there. As if she were speaking her own words. It was perfect.

Daphne had finished the line but continued to hold Tinas hands, and focus. They starred at each other for what seemed like a minute. The stare would have probably continued longer if Melanie hadnt chimed in.

Melanie: So thats the way you want me to say it?

Tina: Huh?

She was slowly coming out of Daphnes trance.

Melanie: You want me to say it like that?

Tina: Oh.

Tina looked down and her hands and quickly pulled them from Daphnes.