It was almost time for the movie to air. Deloise spent her time window shopping until she got tired and made a head start to the theater. Time slowed at the theater hall, she picked up her phone and scrolled through a microblogging app.
She hadn't been on her phone for a while and being there only reminded her of things she wanted to forget. As she scrolled through, it became easy to convince herself that she could be a fan of the art.
A sneak peak into the entertainment world wouldn't hurt, it couldn't get her back to desiring and needing to fulfill her dreams, it couldn't pull her into the sweet abyss she created herself.
Messages flooded in and she felt nostalgic. Familiar handles and mutuals she used to engage reminded her of the life she meticulously built over the years. Now washed down the drain.
Barely glancing at the notifications, she switched into what's trending and busied herself reading about controversial topics.
Surprisingly, the movie she was about to see made the list. With little research, she found out the captivating person she saw on screen was the lead actress of the movie; who had some buzz for being young and talented.
It was Stella Davis.
There was a lot to find about previous movies, and anticipation for the first airing of the movie was off charts. She even had a group of fans who made it their duty to promote her person.
While Deloise informed herself of the new and thriving face in the entertainment industry, she couldn't help the hurt she felt. This was her dream, an unattainable one, but a dream nonetheless.
Soon, the movie began, giving her an opportunity to forget her sorry state and enjoy the craft. At the end of the movie, the audience erupted in applause, satisfied by the awesome movie that entranced them for hours.
Deloise realized she was late on getting out and meeting the dark. A glimpse at the time - that read 9 pm - and a waiting message from her mom was all it took for her to sprint down the expressway in search of a cab.
No doubt, she'd outdone herself by not informing her mother of her possible late entry. She dashed into the house upon getting home and noticed the front door open with light streaming through the kitchen.
Esther was baking when she heard her come in, she heaved in relief, confirming she was a bit too dramatic in her thoughts.
" I'm so sorry. I got caught up in the movies and didn't remember to-"
" It's alright." Esther couldn't wait for her to finish, " you're here." She said, more to herself than her daughter.
Deloise was stunned but she didn't push it. Instead, she freshened up, ate and went to bed.
*******
Royal Arts Academy, New York.
The school buzzed with new students arriving. Other than that, the premiere of Stella's movie was another hot topic in Royal Arts Academy.
With the box office sales it garnered on its first showing and the genuinely great reviews, safe to say the movie was on a path of success and Stella couldn't be happier.
As a newbie in the industry, it wasn't a small feat to pull such an amount of attention and publicity - a fact that everyone respected. Many commented on her exceptional talent and compared her to A-list actresses, and accordingly, she became the rising star of the movie world.
Stella sat in Aaron's kitchen aisle and watched him prepare a sumptuous meal of fried rice and chicken. She leisurely scrolled through the comments about her on the internet with a smile.
Her countenance flourished as she consumed the praises thrown at her, while waiting for her special dish. Aaron took it upon himself to treat her for her movie's success and she couldn't be happier.
Despite how strongly she felt for him, Aaron made clear how platonic their relationship was - so much that they got comfortable in each other's presence and almost related as siblings.
Stella remained relentless with her pursuit, deluding herself to believing it was a matter of time before Aaron realized his true feelings for her. Her restarted thoughts were sponsored by a belief there wasn't anyone capable of matching up with him.
" Out of the kitchen, Stells!" Aaron spoke from the living room, alerting her of the fact she was alone." Your food is on the table."
Stella got up, and straight to the meal prepared for her. Before she got a bite of it, Aaron dragged it out of reach.
" Did you say something?" He asked with raised eyebrows.
" But my movie did well." She whined, unhappy at his denying her food, but loving the attention.
" Yeah. So before you scarf the whole food, let me formally congratulate you on your new movie." He said, thoroughly proud of her. " Would you let me do that at least?"
Stella grew red at Aaron's words. Who wouldn't? " You know I put you to shame, Ron."
" You almost put me to shame. Don't forget. Almost. " He corrected, then patted her head like a little child. " Now eat, before I change my mind."
Stella rolled her eyes, and proceeded to eat her meal. She felt so comfortable and ate in the most hearty and unladylike manner. Aaron didn't seem to mind, so she didn't care either.
Shortly after, she remembered the project the director spoke about, and decided to inquire about what he felt about it. Stella yearned to get on a project with Aaron, and with a script like that, she was confident it could be the start of something between them.
What better way to cross the invisible lines if not their profession? The script was a dark romance and she was ready to convince him to see sense in taking it up.
" Let's do a joint reading for the script Mr. Austin gave us." She declared, testing the waters.
Aaron flared, " Not today, maybe some other time, " that was code for never.
" I'll hold on to that." Stella knew nothing would come out of dragging the talk so she decided to leave it for the time. She'd definitely take it up some other time.
****
" I can't believe I'll be resuming with my best friend," Anna said excitedly.
" I'm glad that you feel that way Ann," Deloise muttered, clearly not as excited. " Help me zip this up." She said, struggling with her bag.
" Last time I checked you didn't help me when I was getting packed so why should I?" She sassed, having way too much fun seeing Deloise sitting on a clearly overpacked luggage.
" P-please Anna, I don't want this to-"
RIPPPP!!
The horrible sound of her luggage tearing apart filled the air, and Anna looked like a deer in headlights.
" Maybe I stretched that a little bit.." She cringed at her friend's deranged look.
" This is so fucked up! We leave tomorrow, what am I going to do? Where do I start?" She growled, her hand combed through her hair and she took in the damage.
Anna saw the turmoil in her eyes and immediately sourced out another option. Her eyes caught a box deep inside the closet and before Deloise could protest, she dragged it out.
" Anna, don't open-"
" It's alright. This should do, I'll just swap whatever's inside with this one-" she opened the box and felt worse, " I'm sorry. I didn't know-"
" I've had enough! I need some air." Deloise pushed past Anna and her mom, picked up her phone and sprinted out the house.
Esther witnessed the scene and moments later she walked into the room- where Anna stood, looking confused.
" She's been like that for two days." She placed a palm on her shoulder, " I think she's trying to get used to the idea of leaving. She just needs some time, okay?"
" I don't know why she's so pissed, I thought she got over it." Anna remarked, hurt at the way things panned out.
" I know. I'm the mom, remember? Give it sometime and she'll be back with an apology. Don't take it to heart, okay?" Ms. Esther requested and Ann nodded.
" Great! Let's get her prepared for tomorrow, then?" She clasped her hands, " you know she'll worry if things aren't packed up by nightfall."
" I know right." Anna shook off her mood, " she probably pulled that stunt to avoid packing up herself!"
Esther laughed, happy they were on the same page. " Where do we begin?" She stated, and together, they packed up, and prepared for dinner.
Deloise sat in the park, beating herself over her nasty attitude towards Anna. No doubt, her accumulated frustration on what was fast becoming her life influenced her decision.
In a moment of self reflection, she realized her childishness and determined to let go of everything. She was leaving tomorrow, and it was about time she embraced her new life.
With newfound strength, Deloise walked home, she met them having dinner, apologized and joined in. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonades.
******
The girls were finally leaving for school. Esther drove them to the station while Karen accompanied the ride.
" I'm so excited!" Anna said as they sped past the community sign.
" Feels liberating to finally get out, huh?" Deloise smiled, " I'm looking forward to a new experience."
" I can't believe my girls are finally all grown up," Karen cooed, sporting a glum look. " My favorite girls are going off to College."
Throughout the ride, Karen wasn't herself. She was unusually quiet and overly emotional. She hadn't been separated from Anna, and they could tell she wasn't handling it well.
" Mummy… we aren't at the bus station yet." Anna whined, " Don't be so gloomy."
Deloise and Esther connected eyes via the mirror, withholding the laughter that threatened to expose their inside joke.
" What's funny?'' Anna and Karen chorused and the floodgates were opened.
After a fit of laughter, Deloise spoke, " I'm sorry, okay? Let's not get all grumpy and enjoy the ride."
" Let's get to the darned place before the waterworks, Karen." Esther chided playfully.
" Silly." She chided, and they all laughed. Soon, they were in the station.
" Stay here while we get your tickets, okay?" Esther instructed the girls, then left with Karen.
" The station's filled with young people. Maybe we can meet someone that attends with us." Anna remarked, " ouuu, take a look at him. He's so cute!" She fawned over a guy standing a few meters away.
Deloise deadpanned." You think everyone is cute, Anna."
" Nope, I do not think every boy is cute," she corrected, " I could actually pursue a relationship with him. I mean, have you seen those arms?!" She scanned him shamelessly.
Anna was very unfiltered. Most especially with her thoughts on the opposite gender. She was most likely to ask a man out or walk up to said person to profess how hot he looked.
" I think he's interested! He just checked me out." Deloise suppressed an eye roll.
" Probably to check who's behind the stare. Anna, we don't have time for this."
" You're such a kill-joy." She murmured, watching him walk away. " I can't wait to see your first relationship, so I can pick on it."
" Yeah, right. Unlike you, I have a peculiar taste. I doubt there'll be anything to pick on, meanwhile, our mothers are here, so get ready for the waterworks."
The mother's duo bought the tickets, and handed them over. On cue, the system goes off, calling passengers to board.
" This is it, Darlings," Esther said with a smile, and Deloise groaned, sensing the waterworks.
" We love you both so much, and we believe you'll make us proud." Karen started with a sniff, " I can't believe it's time."
" We love you too, mum. Group hug!" Anna said and they got into a hug.
After a while,
" Okay, we're going to be late..." Deloise said, warmed up from the tight embrace.
They dispersed with a laugh and in no time, the ladies were on their way to board.
" Deloise!" Esther called and she stilled. " Make me proud." She mouthed to her.
Deloise nodded, and swallowed a lump. She wasn't allowed to cry. Not now. Not ever. Instead, she smiled, hoping to alleviate whatever doubts her mother had.
*****
Daniel was in a luxury car, headed to see a childhood friend- Elvis. He ran a multi-million dollar business in transportation and Daniel was determined to surprise him at work.
Elvis and Daniel were friends who knew each other from the roots and despite their different life paths, their relationship flourished despite being continents apart.
Daniel's decision to visit him at work turned to be a hassle due to his public personality- causing him to place a call across for assistance in his transition.
" Are you really here or are you joking around?" Elvis asked him over the phone,
" What do you think? " His tone was smug, " I'm at the station. You've done quite well with yourself," Daniel couldn't deny, his friend was doing great.
" Thanks. Come in through the back, I notified the security, there wouldn't be a problem." He directed with a smile.
" Go in through the back." Daniel instructed his driver. " I'll be there soon." He added, and ended the call.
His eyes crossed the windows and he crossed eyes with a woman. Shocked, he blinked and couldn't believe his eyes. The next moment, she was gone! Vanished to thin air.
" Stop the car!" He roared and immediately got out with his shades. Determined to get to the root of it, he wore his coat, trying as much to shield his face while he sought her out.
He scavenged the area, hoping for more time before the people recognized him but no such luck. It didn't take long before whispers began, fingers pointed in his direction with cameras and the like.
It was only a matter of time before they approached him and all hell could break loose. Begrudgingly, he returned to the car, giving up on his search for the time. As he proceeded to his destination, the wide blue eyes of a certain someone burned in his consciousness.
The eyes of a woman that haunted his dreams for eighteen years.
*****
Daniel walked into the office of his long-time friend Elvis and was enveloped into a bro hug.
" Is this you, man?" Elvis said, eyeing him from top to bottom.
" One and only. " He replied with an equal smile.
" Acting did you good, remember those times you were in rickety jeans, now you're some hot shot." Elvis said, and elbowed his friend.
" Oh please," Daniel waved his hand, then took a seat. Elvis sat across from him.
" Tell me, how's your search going? any breakthrough so far? " He asked and got a pointed look from Daniel. " I think you should give up on her, get another lady and settle the fuck down, you aren't getting any younger." He spat, unfazed by his gaze.
" I need a drink." Daniel demanded, ignoring his friends' opinions.
" A hangout is long overdue at this point." He stood up, " might as well hear what you have to say over a drink."
" Lead the way." Daniel got up and straightened his fit. Together, they exited the building.
Elvis drove to a nearby hotel using one of his luxury vehicles. They were at the city's central, which held a lot of cool hangout spots. It didn't take long before they were settled in a five star hotel, ordering lunch.
" Didn't know you had such taste. A huge turn from the boy you used to be." Daniel didn't miss an opportunity to get at him. It was their routine. Always been.
" Far from it." He explained, " it's just too much a hassle to bring you to the good old places with your fans littered around."
Their order finally arrived and they dug in. Both realized how hungry they were after the meal. " What exactly are your plans?" Elvis asked over a drink, " why leave the hot lifestyle of a successful actor to work behind the scenes?"
" Didn't know you were a fan." He smirked, " I bet you're dying to get a picture." Elvis couldn't suppress his eye roll.
" I'm dying to find out why you aren't married at forty, man." He dissed, " look at you, successful, famous and good looking. I can't wrap my head around what's hindering you from getting your arms full with a wife and kids."
" Of course, you found a way to get back to this topic," Daniel muttered, refusing to speak any more on the matter.
" I can't let you waste away. I know the security and peace of marriage. I want that for you too." He preached, " listen, you aren't a pretty boy anymore. You need to take this seriously."
" Since you won't let this go, I'll be honest with you." Elvis listened in rapt attention. " I came back to give back. To help raise stars greater than myself, to put people who don't have the opportunity I had on the map. Pursuing my dreams cost me everything, including the love of my life, and I'm here to take that back."
" I get that." Elvis stated, " You had a whirlwind romance with someone but at this point, you must move on. The chick that's got you pining is probably underneath her husband as we speak. How's that fair to you? I can't believe you're still holding onto this shit, I thought we were past this."
" I'm done with this topic." Daniel gulped the content of his glass.
" It's been eighteen years!" Elvis hit the table, " surely, you know it's been eighteen years since you saw her. This is crazy."
" I said enough! I am done with his topic." He reiterated, at the brim of his tolerance.
" Okay, fine." Elvis surrendered, " but one last question. Do you have any leads on her? Maybe on how to find her? I'm trying to help here." He defended.
Daniel gauged him for a moment, " I've set eyes on her." Elvis was baffled.
" And? Did you speak to her? When was that?"
" I saw her today at the station. Didn't speak to her and I have no idea where she is right now. All I know is she either left the city or is in the city." Daniel swirled the content of his cup, " I feel like I'm losing my mind thinking if I saw her."
" Just great.."
By the look on his friend's face, Elvis knew he had his work cut out.
*****
College of Law.
Deloise and Anna couldn't hide their amazement as they walked through the college gates. The school was filled with people tugging luggages in various directions. An organized chaos.
" Where do we go?" Deloise asked, after a while.
" Admin silly, we need to get our schedules, accommodations, and stuff." Ann said, looking around.
After hopelessly touring the compound, the duo ran out of strength.
" It's about time we asked questions." Deloise walked towards a set of people, had a brief exchange and they pointed out a building.
Anna rolled her eyes at Deloise' antics and together, they went on their way. Casually bumping into the guy they met at the station. Things were about to get interesting.
*****
Royal Arts Academy.
" You both would make a great on-screen couple. " Flora - Stella's roommate, gushed after hearing about her prospective project.
Stella felt great at her approval, " I know right, we just need his approval." Her voice held her unhappiness at Aaron's indecisiveness.
" Don't be grumpy about it, all you need to do is work your magic on him and he'll do your bidding," Flora advised,
Stella wasn't happy at the development of events, Aaron hadn't responded in regards to the project and she felt anxious. She didn't want some unknown person snagging the role.
After all, no one could match their level of artistry, and the role was tailor-made for them!
" How do I get him interested in this casting? " She thought, wrecking her head for Answers. On looking up, she sights Flora smiling sheepishly, and looking at her phone. " What are you looking at?"
" Nothing." Flora said with a sing-song voice, apparently in a good mood.
She raised her eyebrows, " is that tony?" She asked, carefully observing her roommate. Flora broke into a smile.
" N-no. "
Stella rolled her eyes, " and the Atlantic ocean emptied into my bathtub." Sarcasm dripped from her tone.
" He just posted some gym pics." She gushed, " He's so fine, and he doesn't even try!"
" Ask him out already." Stella said with a wave, " at this point, it's pathetic not to."
Inasmuch Tony was a playboy, Stella couldn't fathom why she relegated to pining over him, without taking a shot. Flora was an impressive girl, one of the reasons Stella felt the need to keep her close.
With her strong background in the industry, and her gullible nature, Stella found it fitting to keep her, and use her when the matter arises. Her family was stinking rich and in this industry, having connections and sponsors were crucial.
A light bulb went off Stella's head, " let me help you." She spoke out of the blue, and Flora did a double take.
" What?"
" Let me help you with getting Tony." She reiterated, this time, with a crooked smile.
" Y-you can do that? How?"
" Just trust me." A cynic smile broke on her face and Flora felt confused, " I just need one thing."
" Anything."
" Remember how we found
out your dad sponsored the other production?" She mused, " I want you to work your magic. I need to know the one behind this project, if Aaron would be convinced, I need to prove it won't be a flop. Can you do that?" Stella meant business.
" O-of course, a-anything." Flora replied, " I'll get to it."
" Then we have a deal."