Gretchen's World

Chapter 1:

Jennifer Brigand had enjoyed a healthy acting career. It had started early for her, getting discovered for a cereal commercial when she was 12. Her beaming smile had been noticed, and she got many more jobs. First more commercials, then slowly getting small movie parts. When she was 15 she got cast on a T.V. show, "Brianna's World". She played Gretchen, the main actresses nerdy best friend. For the role she had to keep her hair short, dyed a mousy reddish blonde, and wear square rimmed glasses. She had gotten a fair amount of acclaim, enjoying the success of a young adult actress.

But, that was a long time ago. Now, Jennifer was 24. She had not had a job in two years. She was running out of money quickly. This was in part due to the lifestyle she enjoyed: Her own large house with a staff of maids, designer clothes and all the trendiest things. Also, she owed money to a lot of people. She desperately needed work, but was having a hard time landing anything. This too was her own fault. She was only remembered as Gretchen, the cute and shy high school nerd with self esteem issues. Everyone wanted her to play similar roles. Jennifer hated the role she was type cast in, and turned it down again and again.

For one, she wanted to be a leading role, not a supporting character. She felt she had what it took. For another she refused to play a high school student any longer. She had always been cast for roles younger then herself. Everyone looked at her and thought of a young girl, not a woman. This drove Gretchen insane. She hated how youthful she looked. She hated her round face, her doe eyes, her freckled cheeks. She couldn't stand her baby fat love handles, her small feet and hands, thin legs and narrow waist. Most of all she hated her small chest. She had spent her life in Hollywood, land of tall, athletic blondes with bodacious bodies and tans to match. She had always felt looked down on, a petite, fair skinned with little curves.

So, since her role on "Brianna's World" she had worked hard to change her appearance. She had worked off every inch of fat on her body. Unfortunately, this made her look even smaller. She tried and tried to tan, but her body just shrugged it off. So she had adapted a spray on tan. She grew her hair long and dyed it black rather then it's natural red. She wore the most sophisticated clothing she could, normally a tight suit and skirt. And, unknown to anyone, she began wearing padded bras. She started subtly, barely adding a cup size. Then, over the last four years, she had slowly increased it. Now she appeared to be a 36 inch D cup, when in fact she was a 32 inch AA. No one new about this, she made sure to order her Wonderbra’s in secret. It had been a hard secret to keep, including limiting her public appearances that involved

Despite everything she was doing everyone still remembered her as nerdy little Gretchen no matter what she did. People even called her Gretchen on the street!

So, in the midst of dwindling funds and a need for work, Jennifer received A visit from Frank, her agent.

"Do you have work for me?" She asked excitedly.

"Yes, I've found something." Frank said calmly. "Jennifer: This is your last chance. If you don't take this role you're probably going to never get a major role again."

"Frank, what is it?" She asked urgently.

"It's a sequel to Brianna's World" Frank said a little reluctantly.

"No." Jennifer said instantly.

"I thought you might say that." Frank said, taking a seat on the couch in Jennifer's spacious living room.

"But hear me out. This is exactly the role you've always wanted."

"Frank, I said no more Gretchen roles" Jennifer responded.

"No, you said no more high school roles." Frank corrected. "This show is about Gretchen's life in college. Also you'd be the leading role."

"Hmm..." Jennifer pursed her lips in thought. "Tell me more."

"Well, it's not on basic cable: It's on a major satellite network. They promised me it will be a much more adult themed show then Brianna's world. You're character is struggling to get a PHD in Biochemistry while balancing her social life."

Well, Jennifer thought, that's much more adult then playing a high school nerd. Playing a scientist might get her out of her type cast.

"I don't know..." She said, still . "I really want to get away from that character."

"Jennifer, let me play you straight." Frank said, looking her in the eyes. "You need this role. You're bills are piling up. You haven't paid me in three months." He dug through his bag and pulled out a stack of papers. "This is the contract."

"Already?! Frank I have to think this over."

"Jennifer, If you don't take this role I quit." Frank said firmly. "I need to get paid and I need you to take this job."

Jennifer thought for a moment. Frank had been her only agent ever, and had always done right by her. She doubted she could make it in Hollywood without him.

"Alright Frank." She agreed. Frank pulled out a pen. Jennifer leaned over and signed the contract.

"Great!" Frank said excitedly, picking up the documents and throwing them into his bag. "I've got to get these right back to the studio to get things moving. You've made the right choice Jennifer."

"Sure..." Jennifer said, a little confused. She hadn't even gotten a chance to go over the contract. Oh well, she thought. She could trust Frank.

Later that Jennifer awoke with a start. She ripped her sleeping mask off, gasping for air. She had been having a nightmare, one she couldn't quite remember. Whatever it was it must have been a doozy. She was pouring sweat, her nightgown was soaked. What could have been so terrifying? She had no idea. Then, subconsciously she grabbed a pillow and held it to her chest. She suddenly felt a longing for her bra, for the protection and coverage it provided.