AN: It's been far too long since I updated this story. I wrote this chapter, then decided I wasn't happy with it. Still, I wanted it finished, so here is the final chapter. Enjoy.

Instead of the jeering she'd been mentally prepared for, Caitlin received a standing ovation that night. The theatre, only part-full the night before, was completely sold out, and they'd actually enjoyed the show. She knew that many of them were only there because of the article in the paper, but she didn't care. It clearly hadn't had the effect Jessica had been hoping for, and that was more than good enough.

Mel hadn't been able to get a ticket that night – the show had sold out while she'd been arguing with her parents. However, since she'd been thrown out of the house, she was, for the time being, living with Caitlin.

"I should be doing the responsible parenting bit and making the two of you sleep in different rooms."

"Dad, you know there's no point doing that."

"True."

As usual, the two girls were sharing Caitlin's room. This time, however, there was no uncertainty on Caitlin's part – it felt right to be wrapped in Melina's arms, falling asleep. Not that Caitlin was going to be allowed to sleep for quite a while – Mel had other ideas, it seemed.

"Lyn?"

"Yes?"

Melina didn't answer, well, not in words. Instead, she pressed a soft kiss to the side of Caitlin's neck, just below her ear, then started moving slowly downwards. Caitlin's shirt was swiftly removed, as Mel continued, ignoring the quiet protest, admittedly only a token gesture, from Caitlin. As she moved lower, she looked Caitlin in the eyes and smirked, before sliding the underwear off, leaving the older girl completely nude. Once again, Caitlin tried to cover herself, but Melina was having none of it. Carefully parting her thighs, Mel looked back at Caitlin one last time.

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

"Would I be doing it if I didn't?"

"No… I guess not."

………………….

Melina had been right about the job offers. Over the next few days, letters and phonecalls had driven Caitlin almost insane.

"If they phone, make a note of it and ask them to post me the details. If it's a letter, throw it in that box."

"Shouldn't you actually read some of them?"

"Dad, I'm going to. After this play has finished – I can't concentrate on both. It's only another week anyway."

"It's up to you. What are you going to do about drama school?"

"Go to it in September, of course."

"That won't leave you much time for all of this." Paul Tyler indicated the already overflowing box.

"I'm not exactly worried about it. Who would have thought that such a vindictive article in the press would have resulted in this?"

"It got people into the theatre to see the play, whatever their reasons were."

"Suppose that's true."

…………………

Since there were too many letters for Caitlin to deal with by herself, Melina and Dan volunteered to help. They'd taken over Caitlin's lounge, spreading the letters out to read, then putting them in one of three piles – "yes", "no" and "maybe".

"Cait?"

"Yes, Dan?"

"Do you have a pile for the offers that you wouldn't ever consider in a million years?" He was sniggering, presumably at whatever he'd just read.

"Just throw it in the bin, if it's really that bad. What, exactly, is it?"

"An offer of a part in a porn film. Which I'm guessing you don't want to do."

"Whatever gave them the impression I'd be interested in something like that? Throw it out."

"I think you can probably guess, Lyn."

Caitlin flicked through a few more job offers, before coming across one that almost sent her completely into a state of shock. The piece of paper dangled from her fingers as she tried to speak, but found herself unable to get any words out. Melina leaned across, reading it over Caitlin's shoulder.

"Oh wow. That's…"

"Must be incredible if it's managed to stun both of you into silence. Let's have a look." Dan read the offer, and joined the two girls in a state of amazement.

……………….

22nd August.

Even now, I still don't believe it. I didn't believe it when I first read the letter, and it almost seems more outrageous now. I've been offered a minor role in a film, based on my performance onstage. I've spoken to the relevant person, and he confirmed it. In a few months time, I could be on an actual film set.

In a few weeks, I should be starting drama school. They won't allow me the time off to do this – the policy is that you can only be in something if the school have agreed to it. Which they haven't. And I doubt they will. What do I do? Give up a dream I've had for years for the chance of a lifetime? Or the other way around? Dad says it's up to me. Mel says she'd do the film but it's my choice. Dan told me to do whatever feels right. Problem is, I don't know what would be best. I want to do both, but I can't. I'm going to have to choose. Either way, I'm both getting and missing out on a great opportunity. I need to think about this.

…………………

23rd August.

I seem to be changing my mind about what to do every five minutes. Right now, the sensible part of my brain is saying go to drama school, because you'll be able to build up a career later. I'd have more acting experience and all the rest of it. But I have a chance now. Would I miss out by not daring to take that chance? Of course I would. Help. I still don't know what to do.

……………….

24th August.

I called the casting director of the film today. My hands were shaking so much I could barely hold the phone, and I'm convinced my voice was just as wobbly. Not that it really matters. I accepted the role – I'm going to be a film actress. Now I need to see if I can defer my drama school place for a year. If not, I'm going to turn it down. Mel said it was a brave move and very uncharacteristic of me, but I have to start taking charge of my life. This is what I want to do – nobody's been trying to persuade me either way.

I never thought I'd be grateful to the high school bitch Jessica Reynard, but I owe her my already flourishing career. Her and Mel, for getting me that part in the summer holidays. Mel has another year at school, and Dan's going to our local university on a sports scholarship. She's living in his spare bedroom since her parents threw her out of the house, and she's much happier than she ever was before. When she finishes school, I'm planning to ask her to move in with me. I want to buy a place in London, somewhere for the two of us to live. Domestic, maybe. But it's what I want.

AN: To read more about these characters, please go check out "Director's Cut" and "Confidentiality".