A Josh Hutcherson Love Story

CHAPTER 5

I looked at myself once more in the mirror. The audition was in 35 minutes and I tried to look my best. Casual but dressed up. I put on my baby-doll spaghetti strap top with polka dots and my tight jeans and boots. I had my hair half up half down and neutral but easy to see makeup.

I turned to Josh and said, “Maybe it’s to much. I don’t like my hair.”

Josh rolled his eyes and replied, “Maddie! You’ve changed your outfit 7 times and your hair 4. You look beautiful.” He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. “C’mon. Lets go.”

“Ok. Let me just re-apply my lip gloss really fast.” I gave him my puppy dog eyes and he gave in.

***

In the car, Josh and I reviewed our lines. The scene we were doing was the one where we’re in my room and True Friend by Hannah Montana comes on the radio. I sing it to him and he videotapes it.

“Ok, ready?” Josh asked. I nodded my head and he started saying his lines, “So I was wond-”

“Oh My Gosh!!” I yelled and startled my mom, “I love this song!!”

“What song is it?” Josh asked.

“How do you not know what song this is!? It’s Hannah Montana’s True Friend!” Then I stopped and started to sing, “We signed are cards and letters BFF. You’ve got a million ways to make me laugh. You're looking out for me, you've got my back. It's so good to have you around.”

Josh looked surprised. I gave him the ‘What?’ expression and he stammered, “Oh…wow. You’re really…really…wow!” I gave him a confused look and he continued, “I never knew you could sing like that!” I smiled as we turned into the lot.

***

The bodyguards ushered me into a room with the director, casting director, producer and Josh. The casting director held out her hand and said, “Pleasure to have you here Madeline. My name is Liza Dellas.” I extended my hand out and shook it. Then she continued pointing to the director then the producer. “This is the director Hank Ralls and the producer Tanya Loros. Now, what I want you to do is stand over there with Josh. Look into the camera and say your name, age and character you’re auditioning for. Then I’ll count down from five. At zero, start the scene. Are you ready?”

I nodded my head, took a deep breath and started. “Hello. My name is Madeline ‘Maddie’ Bramford. I’m 13 years old and I’m auditioning for the role of Vanessa Malso.” I paused and waited for Liza to get to zero then started.

***

In the waiting room, Josh hugged me and told me I did amazing. The next 10 minutes were the slowest 10 minutes of my life. I got called back to the room. When I entered,

Liza, Hank & Tanya shook my hand again. Then Liza handed me a piece of paper and…