B.A.F.: Best at Faking

Dana and Jada were best friends since the 5^th grade. They’d shared everything from socks to secrets. As roommates and college sophomores, not much had changed. As usual, Dana called on her lawyer parents to get whatever she wanted. She’d always had the latest of what every girl wanted. There isn’t a day when her clothes, accessories, nails, makeup, and lace front were out of place. Wherever she went, she turned heads or broke necks. Despite her ice queen appearance, she had a heart of gold. She decided to major in Fashion against her parents’ wishes. She was confident that she could become the world’s leading fashion designer and stylist. At the end of the day, staying in college was the only way to keep funds flowing into the account her parents set up for her when she became a junior high school student.

Jada, on the other hand, lost both her parents, her father as a child and mother as soon as she reached adulthood. She was low-key, didn’t like much attention, kept her head in the books and though her personality and style often stood out, she did the bare minimum with her appearance. Her goal was to be comfortable, with little regard to popular trends. She chose to study Communication and minor in Performing Arts. She was full of surprises on stage. She would get lost in a crowd, but given a stage, she was always ready to stop a show. She’s always told herself that her hard work would one day pay off, allowing her to pull herself out of poverty.

These young ladies admired the differences between them. Dana always wished she had Jada’s strength and guts to be herself, and not feel pulled in all types of directions to keep the top spot. Jada was constantly inspired by Dana’s self-confidence and her ability to stand tall and stand out in any environment and situation. They formed an unlikely friendship, given their backgrounds. They knew everything about each other, and despite how different they were, they loved each other and was certain their friendship would last a lifetime.

Jada got an unexpected call. A reputable talent agency invited her to audition for an upcoming television series that would be featured on HBO. Jada was so excited and couldn’t wait to tell her best friend. Upon learning the news, Dana insisted on styling and dressing her for her audition. Jada agreed and even invited her along to the audition.

An assistant directed them to a small space where they waited.

“Are you excited? Dana asked.

“I aaaam. I can’t believe they invited me.”

“Girl, you are amazing and so hard-working, why wouldn’t you believe it?” Dana responds.

“Well, I’m not you.” Jada said. Dana looked at her with disappointment and continued smoothing her hair and straightening her clothing.

“You’re right. You’re not. But you’re YOU, and there is no other like YOU.” Dana smiled. “Now go get’em tiger.

Jada followed the assistant to take center stage before three serious-faced individuals.

“I understand that you brought a very interesting friend along with you.” The centered woman said. Jada isn’t sure how this is a part of her audition, but she responded.

“Yes, she is my friend and stylist.” Jada smiled.

“Bring her out.” The woman hand-signaled the assistant. Jada wondered how they knew about Dana. After a moment, Dana appeared shame-faced and glaring at Jada, wondering what was going on. “Hello, and your name is?” The woman asked.

“Dana… Dana Major.” The three individuals began to whisper among each other. Jada stood, feeling invisible.

“Read the lines for “Chloe” as if you were in this situation, Ms. D. Major.” Dana looked at Jada, not knowing how to respond. Jada looked confused. The assistant rushed over to Dana and handed her a few sheets of paper. Dana is quiet for a moment while silently reading the contents of the page. She delivered the lines and received praise from the three.
“Congratulations. You’ve got the part.” Jada, looking horrified, ran off stage in disbelief that she didn’t even get the opportunity show what she could do. Dana remained on stage, stuck, and giving her best fake smile, also in disbelief and trying her best to decipher what had just happened.

A couple years pass. After the infamous audition, Dana immediately dropped out of college when filming started. She hadn’t been in her room much prior to then and not many words were exchanged between the two. Jada felt betrayed. Deep down, she was happy for Dana, but disappointed that her friend didn’t turn down the opportunity, knowing how much it meant to her. Dana didn’t know what to feel. She’d never backed down from any opportunity given to her. After knowing that she was cut off by her parents, she knew she had to fully commit to the role to maintain her lifestyle. It turns out the show was a big hit. Dana was thrust into the limelight as Hollywood’s newest star. Meanwhile, Jada remained diligent in her studies, avoiding television and social media, though she continued auditioning. She excelled in the arts, graduating at the top of her class, catching the eyes of many throughout the industry, but the roles she got were not as big as the first one she had the brief opportunity to claim.

After only a year out of college, Jada gained her buzz, having worked on a dozen sets, offering up her skills in both acting and production. Her impeccable work ethic made her popular among groups she’d worked with. She finally landed a supporting role of a major Marvel film. When she thought of living her dream years back, this is what she imagined. She realized that many would consider her journey to be long, but she was convinced that it was strong.

Dana became so addicted to the limelight that nothing else mattered. Eventually, she became the face for scandal. Her money troubles, drug addiction and entanglements became a hotter story than the years of work she’d put in on the popular television show. She faced legal troubles that her parents were constantly dragged into. At times it seemed their firm existed solely to provide legal representation to their daughter. Dana was booted for constantly being late, showing up intoxicated or not showing up at all. She often regretted her choice to go through with that audition knowing it was truly her best friend’s dream. Being an actress was never her dream, but getting the role was more proof that she could have whatever she wanted. It didn’t take long for her to realize that nothing was worth losing her friend and everything else that meant so much to her. Dana stood in the center of her room in her parents’ house accepting defeat. Jada may not have looked the part, but she was the best woman for the job.

THE END