Catherine's refusal wasn't because she didn't like the role. After all, she had written the character of Emily herself and had seen the movie countless times in her past life. But it was precisely this familiarity that made her anxious—what if she ruined it? The entire film centered around Emily and David, and there were comments in her past life that "Hide and Seek" would have been a disaster without Dakota Fanning or Robert De Niro. While this spoke to their acting skills, it also highlighted the importance of these characters. Catherine felt her acting skills weren't up to Dakota's level, even though dear Dakota hadn't been born yet—and might never be born. So while playing in a romantic comedy like "The Parent Trap" was fine, a thriller was a different story.
Of course, she couldn't say that directly. Instead, after refusing, she shrugged and gave an apologetic smile. "Filming 'The Parent Trap' made me fall behind in my studies. Even though my parents didn't say anything, I think it's better for me to focus on my main priorities."
This was a blatant lie, and Tucker didn't believe it for a second. But he couldn't verify it with her parents, and even if he could, what parents wouldn't side with their child? Still, he wanted to try again. "Miss Mason, as the screenwriter, we haven't made any changes to your script. The role of Emily is perfect for someone your age. No one could interpret this role better than you. Please reconsider."
Catherine was in a tough spot. She knew Tucker was right, and she genuinely wanted to try the role. Plus, Warner Bros. had respected her work by not altering the script, which meant her name would be the sole one under 'Screenwriter.' This situation was rare, and traditional thinking dictated reciprocating respect. Additionally, Catherine rarely said no, making her feel even more conflicted.
She picked up the script again and flipped through it. Her eyes suddenly landed on the name of the actor playing her father. She pieced together the name after several tries—Al... Pac... Pacino? Al Pacino?! Catherine abruptly put down the script, eyes wide as she looked at Paul Tucker. "Mr. Al Pacino is playing the role of David?"
Tucker found it odd. In his memory, although Al Pacino was a highly skilled actor, known for his role in "The Godfather," he didn't expect a little girl to be so excited and enthusiastic about him. Nonetheless, he quickly replied, "Yes, that's our plan."
"Our plan?"
"Yes, we've already spoken with Mr. Pacino. He has verbally agreed to take on the role but hasn't signed the contract yet. He's adjusting his schedule," Tucker explained.
Catherine pondered for a moment. Her excitement stemmed from her admiration for Al Pacino. He had risen to fame with "The Godfather" and was an outstanding actor. Although his brilliance in "The Godfather" series was shared with Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, everyone acknowledged his exceptional acting. He could be the blind lieutenant colonel in "Scent of a Woman," the lone cop in "Heat," and the devil in "The Devil's Advocate." His natural acting skills made him a role model for young Hollywood actors. For Catherine, he was her favorite male actor!
"Alright, if Mr. Al Pacino officially takes on the role of David, I'll agree to play Emily." Catherine's tone was firm and unequivocal.
Tucker mentally sighed but nodded. "Okay, I'll convey this message back to them."
***************************************
"And then what happened?" Jessica mumbled, her mouth stuffed with a lollipop.
"A week later, he came back. Mr. Al Pacino had officially agreed to play the father, so naturally, I agreed too," Catherine shrugged, looking at the bustling amusement park. "But due to scheduling issues, filming won't start until the end of next month."
"You just said you were afraid of not doing well. Why did you agree then?" Jessica asked again.
"Because I've always wanted to act alongside Mr. Al Pacino. I love his movies. Since he's willing to perform, I don't mind challenging myself," Catherine's eyes sparkled as she spoke. There was another reason she didn't mention: if fate could replace Robert De Niro's role with Al Pacino, then she could definitely replace Dakota.
"I really don't understand you. Mr. Al Pacino doesn't seem to have done many movies, right?" Jessica shook her head.
Catherine rolled her eyes. How could she explain this to ten-year-old Jessica? Talking about "The Godfather"? No way. As for other movies, "Scent of a Woman," which would win Al the Best Actor award, wasn't even filmed yet—it was almost 1992. And "Heat," one of the top ten movies of the nineties, wouldn't come out until 1994. None of these were suitable topics for Jessica.
Catherine sighed inwardly and looked at Jessica, who was savoring her lollipop, her little tongue swirling around it. A strong, indescribable urge surged within Catherine, making her heart race as if something was about to break free from her chest.
"Why aren't you talking?" Jessica turned to look at Catherine, who quickly turned her head to look elsewhere.
"Cathy?" Jessica called curiously.
"Uh, Jessie, how about we go play that?" Catherine pointed at something randomly. Although it wasn't cold in Los Angeles, her cheeks were still flushed.
"That?" Jessica hesitated, still sucking on her lollipop. "Isn't that too big for us?"
"What?" Catherine looked back and realized she had pointed to a roller coaster. How embarrassing! She cleared her throat and said, "Then let's find something else. There's got to be something we can play."
"Cathy~" Jessica drew out her name. "Daddy told us to wait here for him."
"Oh, right, I forgot," Catherine said quickly, feeling annoyed at her scattered thoughts.
"By the way, I ran into Lindsay yesterday. She still wants your phone number," Jessica said, still sucking on her lollipop.
Although Catherine wanted to tell her to stop eating the lollipop, what came out instead was, "Next time you see her, you can tell her to come to my house for it. She knows the address anyway."
"Honestly, Cathy, if I tell her that, she might really come to your house," Jessica said with a mischievous grin.
"Let her try," Catherine replied bluntly.
"Why? Still mad about losing to her on Halloween?"
"No!"
"Then is it because she French-kissed you?"
"French… French-kissed?!" Catherine turned sharply, glaring at Jessica, whose eyes were twinkling with mischief.
"Jessie, do you even know what a French kiss is?!" Catherine asked through gritted teeth, feeling a bit helpless.
"According to Lindsay, it's a step beyond a regular kiss, like sticking your tongue into the other person's mouth. She said she used to do that with other girls during Halloween kissing contests, so you don't need to take it to heart," Jessica shrugged.
In the past? With other girls? Is she naturally inclined to be a lesbian?! Catherine was furious. And what made her even angrier was that Jessica, who didn't understand, was fanning the flames!
"Alright, Jessie, do you want to try a French kiss too?" Catherine asked fiercely, moving closer.
Jessica blinked, sensing the danger, and leaned back, feeling a bit scared. "Ca… Cathy, what are you doing?"
"Aren't you talking about French kissing? I think you should try it yourself. Then you'll know what it is," Catherine said lowly, her green eyes shining as she stared at Jessica. She seemed to be gripped by a strange emotion, oblivious to their surroundings, just staring intently at Jessica.
Jessica felt weak but her body was tense. As Catherine moved closer, she didn't move away, her breathing quickened, and the hand holding the lollipop trembled slightly, showing both resistance and anticipation.
At that moment, a steady male voice called out, "Jessie, Cathy, we can go now!"
The sudden voice snapped the two girls out of their trance. They quickly turned, their faces flushed, breathing heavily.
"Did something happen?" asked the tall, sturdy middle-aged man who had walked over.
"Nothing!" the two girls said in unison, then quickly looked away from each other.
Mr. Alba didn't seem to notice and smiled. "Alright, let's head over to the carousel."
Catherine finally breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. Alba hadn't seen anything. What was wrong with her? This was a public place! She couldn't imagine what would have happened if she had kissed Jessica just now. Damn Lindsay Lohan! Damn lesbians!
She sneaked a glance at Jessica, who had her head down, her flushed cheeks still visible. She wouldn't overthink this, right? She wouldn't overthink it!