Libra

Never had the house been as full as it was today.

It had always been Mom, Dad and I, and Avi, who came along when I was 13. We did have a big house, sure, but we always found ourselves sitting in the same room all the time. I always did my homework in the living room where I could talk to everyone in spite of the massive library upstairs existing. Dad never worked in his office-he was only ever in there to take important calls-and Mom had even had her at-home workspace designed so it opened up into the living room. The whole family loved to stay together, which was why we found Scorpio's initial behaviour strange.

Scorpio favoured keeping to himself, spending long hours studying in the library or in his room. He was nearly never around and it had taken a lot to get him to warm up to the family. Even though he wasn't as reserved as he used to be, Scorpio did have a habit of keeping to himself. Of course, we didn't mind, least of all myself. We were just glad he'd found his place in the house.

Will's behaviour was both similar and different to Scorpio. He was distant, yes, but at the same time, he was curious. He showed an avid interest in Aquarius' life, wanting to know how she was doing, never leaving her side at school. there was also something about the way he acted with Scorpio that seemed incredibly suspicious. I would often catch him frowning at Scorpio or simply staring at him for long periods of time, seeming lost in his thoughts. Maybe he knew about the letter. Maybe he knew a lot more than he was letting on, in fact.

"What on Earth is running through your mind?" Sarge asked, looking incredibly bored. "You told me you'd keep me entertained if I came with you to this... what is this again?"

"The Young Writer's and Director's Association. I told you I was meeting the executive director of Blood Runs Free today-you know, that new supernatural drama Dad approved last week. She's going to be speaking at the conference-you know she's only 27?"

"Right. This is, as you put it, your..."

"My hit or miss. I said it was my hit or miss."

"Wouldn't calling it your big shot make more sense?"

"I liked hit or miss."

"I dunno, it sounds a bit... out of place."

I sighed, kicking my best friend in the shin, when Raven Carter finally came backstage, smiling at me. "I'd really appreciate some water, sweetheart, and make sure you answer all my calls from corporate while I'm on a break here. I don't need any disturbances."

I frowned, lookign around for Ms Carter's secretary, when I realised she was talking to me. I stood there, rooted to the spot, surprised she hadn't recognised me as her client's daughter. "Please, go outside, and take the bodyguard with you. You both look like you could do with some fresh air."

On this comment, Sarge and I turned to look at each other and burst out laughing. "Him? A bodyguard?" I wheezed.

"Yes, I presumed the black getup and the muscles... I'm sorry, you're not the backstage assistant, are you?"

I shook my head, extending my hand. "Actually, I'm Libra Cole. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Ms Carter's eyes widened as she hastily rushed to take my hand, looking incredibly apologetic. "Oh, I am so sorry, Libra!"

"It's all right."

"And... your friend... he's clearly not a bodyguard either, is he?"

"No, ma'am. I'm Sagittarius. Nice to meet you." Sagittarius shook Ms Carter's hand, who smiled at the two of us.

"Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked.

"Ms Carter, I actually heard that you were looking for interns and I wanted to apply for the program," I stuttered nervously, wondering if coming to her event and visiting her backstage was the best idea.

"Well, a Cole wanting to be my intern! That's a new one!" Ms Carter laughed. I bit my lip anxiously when she handed me a form, grinning.

"Fill it out and give it to your dad once you're done. I'll definitely consider you for the opportunity."

I grinned, throwing my arms around Ms Carter. Directing was my dream. It was all I wanted to do. To create something that touched millions, to be able to use film and television to portray my thoughts and feeling and to be able to use the power of the media to send a message-that was what I wanted to do. That was who I wanted to be.

Young, rich and spoiled. That was what the tabloids said about me. And even though that was a petty attempt, even though the tabloids couldn't really tear me down, they gave me this fresh vengeance, this new thirst to prove myself to the world and to take no crap from anyone about my climb to the top.

This was Libra-new and improved. This version of me wasn't scared of trying new things. This version of me was happier, more confident, more aware. This version of me wanted to make a difference, and this version of me wanted to start a revolution on her own terms.

As I left the backstage area, Sagittarius at my side, I smiled to myself, ready for what tomorrow would bring.