As I walked down the streets of New York City toward my latest audition, I felt my cell phone buzz from the depths of my wool coat.

"Hey, dad!"

"How's my girl?"

"Great. Headed to an audition."

"Is this the one for the touring company of 'White Christmas'?"

It always made me smile the way my dad always remembered exactly what I had going. Since his wife Sue got them their new laptop last year, the man had become an email fiend, which I loved, because we spoke more now than we ever had. I am pretty sure he had a legal pad keeping track of all my auditions, shows, etc. He was probably more reliable than the calendar on my phone when it came to my schedule.

"Yes! I am really hoping I get this one. Now, I don't want you to get your hopes up, but if I do get this, then I will be in Seattle around Christmas time."

"That would be great, Bells!"

"Well, I'm here, so I better get inside."

"Good luck, or break a leg, or whatever it is you do."

"Thanks, dad," I laughed. "I'll call you when I know something."

"Bye, babe."

I hung up, and slipped my phone back into my pocket as I opened the door to the theater where the auditions were happening. Once I got signed in, I stripped out of my outwear, and began to stretch. I recognized a few of the other faces in the crowd, and exchanged smiles with a few of them. In my last year in New York, I was slowly making some friends in the dance community. I had moved here after college to pursue my dreams of dancing. My mom encouraged me to dream big and go where big dreams come true. So, with a little financial help from my parents, I was set up in a tiny apartment and auditioning for every dance job that came along.

After a string of chorus roles in small revivals, I was finally starting to build up a bit of a resume. This would be the first time I had applied for a national touring company, but when I saw that it would take them close to home at Christmas, and it was a staging of one of my favorite Christmas stories, I couldn't resist. I knew I didn't have much of a shot with my experience, but I figured I had nothing to lose.

Just then, the stage door opened and a man with dark hair walked in introducing himself as Riley was to be our dance captain and run us through our audition steps. Our group was the fifth that was to be seen. I was happy to be getting it out of the way. The anxiety that builds up when I get stuck in a later group, watching all the other dancers go before me, wrecks my nerves. Also, I often wonder if they are still even looking at that point. There is a lot of tap in this routine, which I am excited about, because that is my strong suit.

I step on stage when my group is called about a half an hour later. The music starts, and I just feel this is going to be the one for me. I hit every step, and the smile on my face can't be helped as I finish the last steps. We exit, and I find a quiet row in the auditorium to set up shop until the rest of the dance auditions are done. The director has asked us to stick around, because they want to get the chorus cast today. I opt out of listening to my iPod and pull my book out of my bag instead. I like hearing the music and the chatter, plus I don't want to accidently miss when the announcements come.

It doesn't take long after the last group of dancers finishes that the director returns to the stage announcing who is moving onto the singing portion of the audition. I can't help the smile that lights my face when my name is called. There are a dozen spots, and 40 of us have been asked to stay and sing, 20 guys and 20 girls. I'm almost the last girl to sing, because they are going in alphabetical order by last name. Bending over to get my sheet music out of my bag, and I feel myself bump into someone. Jerking into a standing position, I turn around to immidately apologize, when I am met with a glare from the guy I bumped.

"I am so sorry," I say through an embarrassed laugh.

"Not surprising you don't run into more things with that ass," he said brushing past me.

Oh. No. He. Didn't!

"I can't believe he said that," I said quietly to myself.

"You don't want to get on his bad side," a girl to my right sewing sequins onto a dress whispers.

"Who is he?" I asked looking as the man walks over towards where the casting committee is siting.

"That is Edward Masen-Cullen. He is playing Phil. Also, he is the son of the director and choreographer of this production."

"Must be nice for daddies to get you a job," I muttered.

"Oh no!" Angela whispers. "Edward doesn't need their help. He just finished his run as Bud Frump in 'How to Succeed in Business', as in the Broadway production. He doesn't need neopotism. He does a touring company with his dads every year for the holidays. It's their family bonding time."

"Great. Well, he doesn't have to be a jerk," I say, pulling out my sheet music.

"I'm Angela, by the way, seamstress."

"Bella Swan, hopefully chorus member."

"Well, break a leg, Bella! I hope you get it."

"Thanks!"

I headed to the front with it almost being my turn to go. As my name is called I hurrily hand the pianist my music, and relax as the music starts to "Good Morning, Heartache." I thought a jazzier piece from the time would be a suiting audition piece. Also, I love the "Love You Didn't Do Right By Me" number, so I wanted to capture that mood without doing that song. Also, people always assume a suprano due to my stature, and are often surprised by my alto. Surprising, I almost got to do all 16 bars of my song before they said 'Thank-you', and I hurried off stage.

My stomach was just starting to grumble as the chorus cast was announced around five o'clock. The director, Ed Masen, read the names as I held my breath...Isabella Swan. I was in! I gave a squeak of excitement, and looked up to see Angela giving me a thumbs up from backstage. The choreographer, Carlile Cullen, joined Ed on stage to start to discuss the rehersal schedule. We were all given a sheet with the schedule, and the tour information. We were all set to start rehersals in the morning.

After gathering up my things, I headed outside, and immidiately called my dad letting him know I got the part. He said that he was going to request the days off right now for those days we would be in Seattle, so we could spend as much time as possible together while I was in town. My stomach gave a growl as I heard him yell to Sue, who must have just walked in the room about my news. Spotting a hot dog cart down by the street, I walked over as I tried to wrap up the phone call. I barely got in my good-bye before I was placing a celebratory order of a loaded hot dog.

I was examining the best way to take my first bite, when I heard a huff as someone brushed by me.

"Explains the ass."

My eyes widened at the sound of Edward Cullen. I was feeling too good for his pompus comments to get me down. He glanced at me once again as he hailed a taxi. I just stared right at him as I took a huge bite of my hot dog moaning and letting my eyes roll closed as I did. When I opened my eyes, I found him slack jaw with eyes wide. I winked at him as I swallowed my bite and turned, walking away while putting a little extra sway in my glorious ass.