I Didn't Get In

No matter how prepared they were for what was to come, the thought of failure filled Della with dread

- Elizabeth Dale

Della sat and watched with silent pride as her daughter, Felicity, practised both her audition pieces. Her interpretation of Juliet always moved her to tears.

‘Was I OK?’ Felicity asked, anxiously, when she’d finished.

‘You were perfect, darling!’ Della told her.

‘These drama schools want more than perfection!’ Felicity said. ‘There are thousands of applicants. You have to have the right look, the right attitude and you have to stand out.’

‘You do!’ Della said. ‘You have to say that,’ Felicity laughed. ‘You’re my mum.’

‘But I mean it!’ ‘I know,’ Felicity said, hugging her. ‘Well, I guess we should put our coats on and go.’

The drama school foyer was very busy with other hopeful candidates waiting nervously. Then someone came out and announced that they were running an hour late. Della sighed, but Felicity seemed to take it in her stride.

Each time someone came out, Della listened to what they had to say. Eventually, the waiting area emptied and it was just Della, Felicity and Pauline, the mum of Jules, the young girl who’d just gone in to audition.

‘Are you all right?’ Della asked Felicity, as she fidgeted.

‘Yeah, I’m fine’ she smiled.

‘You know you’ve got absolutely nothing to lose, have you?’ Della asked her. ‘No-one will feel you’ve done badly or aren’t really talented if you don’t make it.’