Just plain acting - chapter 1 (revised) By Henra HenraM@tuxedomask.com PG rated Hey, everyone! Yes, I am actually working on Just Plain Acting again!! Yay for me! ^___^ When I was looking at what I had already written the other day for chapter three, I realized that I did not know how the heck I was supposed to continue. It’s been such a long time, I forget… *sighs* So, I decided to give it a shot and revised it! Note: I made both Serena and Darien older--her, older for one year, him--older for two years. So she would be 20, and he would be 23. And since it IS a revised version, I’ve changed more than just the ages of the characters, including the “movie” of the story’s plot. Heee, heee. And still, I need to say that I don’t know a lot about lives of celebrities. So if something seems a little off in a way that the characters’ lives are presented here, pardon me. =) And noowwwwww…ladies and gentlemen, heeeerreeee’s the revised chapter one of Just Plain Acting! ^__^ Chapter one (revised) ************** “Mark!” Serena Junelin called out, glancing around blindly over the crowd of reporters and fans that were surrounding her, suffocating her. “Will you people please give her some space to pass through?” Mark Daniels, Serena’s personal assistant shouted out to the reporters. “God!” Serena pushed through the crowd, concentrating on the limousine that was parked some distance away. Right now, to her, it seemed as if there was an entire ocean between them. She bit her lip, trying to ignore the camera flashes and reporter pads and microphones that were shooting her way. Whoever said fame was all good? There hardly was privacy anymore. And that, to her, wasn’t worth it. She wanted to quit show business. She just didn’t have the guts to tell anyone yet. Except her best friend, Mina. But that was different--she told Mina everything. Finally, Mark reached the limousine door, and held it open for her. He pushed aside other reporters, and Serena climbed in the car, sighing in relieve. She leaned against the comfortable leather seat, and closed her eyes, her head dizzy from the camera flashes. She pulled off her sunglasses and placed it inside her purse. Mark climbed in also, shutting the door after him, blocking out all the commotion from outside. He took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. “Man, I hate those goddamned reporters.” Serena couldn’t help but smile. “So does everyone else. Well,” she exhaled deeply, “what’s next?” “Mr. Duane Kustle’s office, at 1:30, for the, um,” he snapped his fingers, trying to remember, “the new movie that he wants you to star in.” He turned around and told the driver, “Kustle Office, fast.” The car immediately jerked forward. She nodded, the memory finding itself in her mind. “I remember now…he called me the other day. The movie’s called ‘Anything for you’. It’s a romance/drama movie.” She looked at him through tired eyes. “Yes. You read the script already, right?” he asked, while looking at his watch for time. “Yeah. It’s a very nice plot…I like it. I like the role that I’m going to be starring in,” she replied, fishing out a hand mirror from her purse. “Oh…my makeup is smudged…” “Did you meet your co-stars?” “Not yet. Mr. Kustle said he still wasn’t sure about everything. I’m the only one that’s determined for a role so far.” She cast her gaze downward. *And it’s probably my last time starring in any movie.* “You should be flattered.” Serena looked up again, and then managed a small smile. “Yeah, well, I’m not all that excited. I just want to know who my main co-star is…you know, the hero of the whole romance? Who knows,” her small smile grew into a teasing grin, “maybe I’ll meet my Prince Charming.” She put on another layer of lipstick. Mark snorted. “Right. And I’ll marry Alicia tomorrow.” Alicia was Mark’s off-and-on girlfriend. It seemed like they were in love, but it was never definite as to whether or not they really would be with each other in the end. She hit him softly in the arm. “You never know, Mark, you never know. Lots of famous couples met this way, you know--starring in the same movie.” “Don’t fantasize too much, Serena, otherwise you’ll mix it with reality.” She rolled her eyes, and then went back to fixing her makeup. No, she could never mix those two together. Fantasy was something that she enjoyed, it was something that she liked, and she liked fantasizing about the future. But reality was the truth, was the plain, ugly, dull truth. Her life was getting less and less interesting. The calls were always there, ringing for her to star in one movie after another, but she was tired of it all. At first she had thought that she was just bored of starring in movies, and wanted to try to get a role on TV. Then, she realized that she was actually tired of this entire show business thing. It wasn’t something that she liked doing anymore…nothing interesting ever happened. When she first got into it, she thought her life was going to be a blast, having endless money to spend, meeting all those famous stars…but she had no idea how hard it actually was. There was too much competition, too much reporters and photographers around, just waiting for the perfect chance to make up something about her less-than-interesting life. She couldn’t stand it all. Sure, the fame was great, being recognized when she walked down the streets, and being asked to give autographs every time she went out, made her feel good about herself--she was only twenty after all. But after a while, after she got used to it, there wasn’t a point to it anymore. What was she getting out of it, except money and fame? There wasn’t love--she couldn’t find love. Sure, she had had a few movie star boyfriends, but not one of those relationships lasted. Those damn reporters always had to find some private moment to pop up and take pictures, and then post them on all magazines and newspapers the next day. The guys she had dated were used to it all, but she sure wasn’t. Now, she was used to be alone. There was one guy, though, way at the beginning of her star career…who she had fallen so madly in love with, and also he with her. But both of them, at the time, were young and wanted to just become famous. And the fact that some reporters busily tried to dig up dirt about the two did not help. In the end, because they were too close, they had to break up--in order not to be tied to each other on the road to fame. Now…she regretted it. She had loved him so much… She definitely achieved her goal…and from what she read and heard, he had also. The most popular young star, he was called in celebrity magazines. She shook her head clear of him. Now wasn’t the time to think about a mistake she had made a long time ago. She also hated having to get wigs and big sunglasses when she went out in public for a chance to be normal; she hated denying that she was Serena Junelin when people asked her on the streets, at times when she didn’t want to be recognized. She sighed, and put the mirror into her purse, and then threw the lipstick, mascara, blush, and eyeshadow into her makeup bag. She closed her eyes and slid down in the seat to be more comfortable. She was tired of it all. ‘Anything for you’ was going to be the last movie, the last ANYTHING, that she was going to be starring in. *And since it is my last movie, I won’t do anything less than the best.* “So! What do you think?” Duane Kustle asked, his warm brown eyes looking at Darien Gormen. The handsome young star smiled back. “I like it. I’m willing to do it.” “Ha ha!” Duane laughed, and patted Darien on the back. “I knew you would! All right, all right, follow me, we’ll get the paperwork, and have you sign everything to determine your decision!” Darien grinned, his dark blue eyes showing off a warm glint. He walked with Duane into another room, where a stack of contracts was awaiting them. He was used to all this. He was only twenty-three years old, but he was already too famous and popular for words. It wasn’t hard to see why; with his good looks and terrific skills at acting, he was the object of most girls’ desires. Duane handed the contracts to him. “I’m sure you don’t need to read them anymore, since you’ve done this so many times. ‘Anything for you’ will be a great movie, hopefully it’s going to be a smash.” Darien chuckled, and sat down by a desk with a pen in his hand. He started to sign the papers. “Yes. I like the story. So, uh, who’s the director?” “And that’s the surprise there. ME!” Darien looked up from the papers, shocked. “Seriously? No way! You’re doing the casting AND the directing?” His eyes were suspicious, but his lips were turned up with a smile. Duane nodded. “Yeah. I had been the destined director of this movie since the start, but when James Handson had to go to Europe, the casting became my responsibility, too, along with Diane Jones, of course.” “Wow.” Darien turned back to signing the papers. “So uh, did you take your time in casting the other characters?” “Of course I did. And I must say, I’m proud of my selections. I think, and also a bit hope, that every single one of the actors and actresses that I picked for the roles will play his or her parts well. I know all of them very well.” “Just three more…and…that’s it.” Darien smiled, and handed the papers to Duane. “Well, now it’s for definite. The papers are here to prove it.” He shook hands with Duane. Duane grinned, showing a row of a bit yellow-stained teeth. “Until the film day, Darien.” “Yes, of course,” he replied, smiling back. “So, uh, who’s the heroine of the movie going to be played by?” “I don’t know if you know her or not, but I’m sure that you know OF her. She’s, no questions about it, the most popular young actress right now, and the hottest, too--Serena Junelin.” Darien’s eyes widened. For a few seconds his mouth hanged open, no words coming out. Then, in a horrified voice, “Oh my god.” Duane frowned slightly. “Is there something wrong? Why do you seem so pale all of a sudden?” Darien did not answer. He looked away, his eyes landing on the contracts Duane held in his hands. He muttered a curse under his breath. *Dammit. Must it be Serena? Serena Junelin? Does Duane even know of the history between me and her? How the hell are we supposed to work together?* “Darien? Are you all right?” Duane asked, alarmed, and placed a hand on Darien’s shoulder. He looked up into Duane’s brown eyes. He sighed, knowing that once he signed a contract, he couldn’t back out. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that…I’m a little bit stunned that it’s going to be Serena Junelin, that’s all. I mean,” he forced a laugh, “she’s pretty good.” “Yeah…she is.” Duane eyed him suspiciously, then decided to forget about it. “Well, my work here as a casting crew is done. You can go now, Darien, your manager must be waiting anxiously outside.” Darien nodded, and smiled again. “Until the film day, director.” “It is so not fair that you get to be a famous movie star, and I’m stuck doing a television role on a boring show.” Mina Wilkins was Serena’s best friend. Although she wasn’t as well known as Serena, she was a pretty good actress on a high-rated TV show. They practically called each other everyday, even on days that they got to spend with each other, which definitely weren’t much. But today, they decided to go shopping at a mall…with disguises. They didn’t want to risk the chance that anyone would go up to them and recognize them. “Well, don’t worry, Mina, my fame is going to end soon,” Serena answered, examining her newly colored ruby nails. Mina sighed, and shook her head. “I really do not get you, Serena. I mean, come on, you’re barely at the beginning of your long, famous career! How can you just want to let it go at this important point?” “I already explained it to you, Mina, I’m tired of all this. I want to be normal!” Serena looked out the window of the car, and watched all the people inside the cars that passed by them. “I want to be a normal twenty year old girl…worrying over exams at college, spending time at burger places after classes, meeting guys, actually having the chance to flirt with guys without everyone in the country knowing about it…” she trailed off, saddening. Mina put a hand on Serena’s. In a soft voice, she told her friend, “But…I just think that it’s not worth it if you just suddenly back out of show business during the time that you don’t even know what the future has in store for you. I mean, I KNOW you didn’t all of a sudden stop liking what you’re doing.” Serena stared at her friend, realizing the truth. Her gaze cast down, she sighed, as if clearing out her soul. “I don’t know, Mina. But my decision is made. After ‘Anything for you’, I’m out.” Mina opened her mouth, about to say something more, but held back after taking another glance at her friend’s face. When Serena looked as determined as that, there was no use arguing. Forcing a brighter look on her face, Mina said in an excited tone, “I can’t wait until we get there! And with professional disguises like these,” She motioned to the wig on her head, “no one will be able to recognize us. Think of all the fun we’ll have!” That worked. A smile formed on Serena’s face, and her eyes were sparkling again. She fingered the big-feathered earrings dangling from her earlobes, and asked in a doubtful voice, “Do you really think no one will know it’s us? I mean, come on--we’ve got caught so many times before.” “Yeah, but all those times before we never considered carefully how we were dressed!” Mina looked down at the denim skirt she was wearing, and smiled. “The real question is how we’re supposed to look NORMAL, to look like we totally belong there, and not grab any attention.” She slid an arm around Serena’s shoulder, “And believe me, after many experiences, I guarantee you that this time, we won’t get caught.” Serena rolled her eyes. “Now where have I heard that before?” Mina punched Serena lightly on her arm, “Hey!” Then, unable to help herself, she started to laugh. Serena shook her head, and laughed herself. The car came to a stop. They climbed out of the black Camry, and with anxious smiles on their faces, started toward the entrance of the mall. “Miss Junelin!” Serena screeched to a stop, and her heart almost stopped beating. She wheeled around, and carefully looked about, thankful that no one else had heard it. She walked back toward where the car was, and hissed at Jordan, “What?” Jordan Gilmore, the assigned bodyguard of Serena, stared at her with a serious expression on her face. “You said you didn’t want me to come along, but what if something happens to you?” Serena softened, and sighed, willing her sudden anger to go away. “Look, Jordan, I’m going to be in a normal mall with PEOPLE, and Mina’s going to be right there with me. Nothing is going to happen in a crowded mall, okay?” “I’m not so sure about that, Miss Junelin. It’s my job to look after you.” “And you’ve done great so far. But Jordan--you know me; I want to be able to do things that everyone else my age does. Please, it’s definitely going to attract attention if you trail after us, and I don’t want people to recognize us.” Serena looked at Jordan with pleading eyes, hoping her voice sounded convincing. There was a moment of hesitation, then Jordan sighed. “All right, but I’m still going in after you.” Before Serena could protest, he immediately continued, “I will stay at least 20 feet away from you, and I promise you it won’t look like I’m with you two.” Serena considered it for a moment, then gave up. “Okay, fine. Thank you.” She flashed him a smile, and then walked back to where Mina was standing. She linked her arm through Mina’s, and happily strolled into the mall. “Oh look at this jacket!” Mina exclaimed, nudging Serena with her elbow. She held up a white jacket with orange flowers embroidered around the sleeves and the bottom. “This’ll go perfectly with that black and orange dress that I just bought! What do you think?” Serena looked at it up and down, then nodded in agreement. “Yep, that is cute. Put it in the cart.” She stepped away to look at more clothes. “Don’t you just love the feeling of buying new clothes for your wardrobe?” Mina asked, pulling the cart so it was right next to her. “Of course I do. And nothing beats buying stuff with your best friend and a wallet full of credit cards.” Serena grinned at Mina, then went back to picking clothes. She suddenly gasped, and pulled out a black tank top with sparkling red letters “I rule” written across the center. “Isn’t this just so adorable? ‘I rule.’” She tossed the top into the cart, smiling. Mina stared at the shirts and jeans in the cart, and recalled something. “Hey, Sere…do you remember when we were in middle school, you used to wish that one day you’ll be able to go shopping and buy anything you want, without worrying about the price?” Serena put down the skirt she was looking at, and smiled at the memory. “Of course. That was my number one wish back then.” “Well, your wish is reality--you never look at the tags when you shop now.” “Yeah…that’s one thing I enjoy about having lots of money.” Serena examined the skirt some more, then shook her head to herself, putting it back. “You can have almost everything.” “Except love.” Serena went still, then looked at her friend, wondering if that was directed at her. Seeing that Mina wasn’t even looking at her, she glanced away. With a more serious voice, she remarked, “Don’t worry--we’re still young. There’s plenty of time to find that special someone.” “No, I still need to find that special someone. YOU already found him--but you let him go.” Serena glanced up again, and found Mina’s pale blue eyes staring right into hers. She bit her lip, and then forced a smile onto her face, “Oh come on, Min! That was like, a century ago, all right? I don’t even remember the times he and I spent together now.” “Why did you give him up, Serena? I swear, I have never seen you as happy as you were with him--even until now.” Mina’s voice grew soft, and sounded so rational. “Mina--please, we’re shopping, remember? Not to remember old loves.” Serena gave her friend a come-on look, then walked off to the jeans section of the store. Truthfully, her heart was pounding just at the memory of him…of that special someone who, once upon a time, was hers. *But I let him go. For a future that right now I’m about to give up.* Serena thought bitterly, fighting back the tears that were suddenly welling up in her eyes. “Hey Sere! Come here! This jacket will look perfect with that dark blue jeans you just picked out!” Serena took a deep breath, and then turned around, managing a bright smile on her face. “Oh yeah? Let me see.” “This’ll do.” Serena smiled confidently as she slipped on a pair of designer jeans and a simple red spaghetti strap top. She pulled her hair into a loose ponytail, dabbed on her favorite pink lipgloss, and then went out her bedroom down the stairs. Mark was already waiting there, along with Jordan. Serena smiled, and went over to them. “Ah, my favorite two men in the whole world.” Mark rolled his eyes, but smiled back at her. “I need to go over something with you about ‘Anything for you’. Duane Kustle just called me a couple of minutes ago.” He took out a paper from his pocket, and started to unfold it. “Sure. I’m going to the studio right now, to meet co-stars and go over some last minute stuff. Tell me about it in the car.” Serena grabbed her purse, and put on her sunglasses. Seeing that Mark wasn’t moving, she stared at him through the dark lenses, and tilted her head. “What?” Mark glanced up from the paper, and shook his head. “Nothing. I was just looking to see if Duane asked me to tell you to bring anything to the studio. Never mind that. Come on.” Serena nodded and then opened the double doors of her house. She walked over to the limousine, which was already started, and climbed in, with Mark and Jordan following her. On the ride, Mark went over what he had gotten down from the phone call with Duane Kustle. Serena listened carefully, and nodded her head each time Mark paused and looked at her. She remembered the promise she made to herself. This was her last movie, and she was going to do her very best to make it a hit. Besides, she wanted to “retire” with a bang. Of course, she always gave each role her all for every movie and commercial she had done before, but this time, she was going to go out of her way to get to know the character she was going to be playing and get it real. “What are you thinking about?” Mark’s voice interrupted her train of thoughts, and she smiled nonchalantly, waving a hand in the air briefly. “Nothing, don’t worry.” He looked away, out the window. Serena looked at him, and suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Mark was not only her personal assistant; he was a friend. A friend she trusted with all her heart. And she knew that it wasn’t right, the fact that he didn’t know that she was going to quit show biz after this movie was filmed. She glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, and bit her lip. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t tell him. She knew he was going to think of every possible way to make her change her mind, and somehow, she got a feeling she would succumb once he did that. And she couldn’t afford that; she knew that quitting was what she really wanted. She apologized to him in her mind, knowing that it was the only thing she could do at the moment. “Whoa. Looks like I’m the first one to arrive,” Darien commented as he walked in the studio, a handsome grin flashing on his face. He took off his jacket, and put it on a chair nearby. Duane Kustle laughed, and walked toward him. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but unfortunately you’re not. Felicia Davidson and Steven Gilbert, the parents in the movie, are here already. Along with your sister.” Darien wrinkled his nose, not understanding. “My sister?” “Your character’s sister, of course.” Darien laughed, and shook his head. “Didn’t quite think of it that way.” “Come on, they’re in the back.” Duane put a hand on Darien’s arm, guiding him the way. “So, uh, how many characters are there in this movie, anyway?” Darien asked, looking at Duane as they walked. “Well, two main characters, one supporting, two parents… friends…basically, a lot.” “Are we gonna have to pull out people to do background commotion?” “Yeah. But we don’t need a lot. And that’s easy to do.” “So when do we actually start filming?” “Right now, I’m not sure. I still need the supporting actress--uh, Jennifer Lette, who plays Joanna, to determine whether or not she can really do it.” Darien frowned. “What do you mean?” “She has just been in a car accident. The injuries are sort of minor, but it does get in the way of her starring in this role. I’m still waiting for her; if she can’t recover completely before next week, which is the latest that we can start on filming, we’ll have to pick a replacement.” Duane broke into a smile when his eyes landed on someone. “Felicia!” Felicia turned around, and looked at the two men before her, smiling. “Hey!” She kissed Duane’s cheek, and then grinned at Darien. “So, this is the guy who’s going to steal my daughter away from me, huh?” Realizing that she meant the script, Darien smiled back at her. “Yeah, I am. Sorry that I have to be so irresistible that your daughter can’t stay away.” Felicia laughed, looking at Darien with a glint in her eyes. Serena stepped into the studio, and glanced around. No one she knew was in sight. There were some workers, but she didn’t see any actors or Duane. “Duane?” She called out, walking farther in to check. “He’s out in the back,” an unfamiliar voice told her. Serena looked at the worker who had just spoke, and smiled appreciatively. “Thank you.” She made her way around the flashing lights and refreshments table, then walked in the corridor. She heard faint talking noise, and turned that way. She spotted a woman facing Duane, and recognized Duane’s back. There was a young man standing next to Duane, who also had his back to her. He didn’t seem familiar to her. “Oh Mr. Kustle, I’m here!” She called out, a smile making its way across her face. The woman glanced at her, and then flashed her a gentle smile. Serena remembered her name--Felicia Davidson, who had starred in several movies, but who also hadn’t appeared in the spotlight for a while. She walked closer to them, eyes on Duane. He turned around, and a smile was on his face as he extended his arms. “Ah, there she is! The other main character of the story!” She laughed, and stepped into his arms for a small hug. “Mark already went over those stuff that you told him over the phone.” “Good, good.” Duane nodded, and then noticed Darien and Felicia. “You know them already, but let me just introduce you guys personally again. Serena, this is Felicia Davidson, who’s going to be your mom, and Darien Gormen, who’s going to be playing opposite you.” As soon as the words fell out of his mouth, Serena felt herself go rigid. Somehow, she was frozen, and couldn’t bring herself to look at Darien’s face. She was surprised she didn’t recognize him earlier. “Serena, how are you?” His deep voice caused her to finally glance up at him. *Oh…HELL.* She knew her face was getting paler by the second. Her hand started to shake. It was him. The one she had let go because of a desperately wanted future, the one that she knew deep in her heart was the love of her life…the one she was looking at, face-to-face, at this very second. “Darien.” She wondered whether Duane knew about the history between Darien and her. He probably didn’t, because the time when she and Darien were together, they weren’t famous, just barely starting the whole show biz thing. And so only a few tabloids talked about the news here and there, but not many people knew or cared. She always thought that she wouldn’t be able to see him again unless she personally called and asked him, but it looked like she was wrong. He smiled at her, although she could detect the faintest hesitation on his face. “It’s going to be a pleasure working with you on this movie.” She took control of herself, and managed a smile back. “Yes. I haven’t yet starred with the most famous male star in this country.” “And I haven’t with the hottest female.” They looked at each other, their faces masked. “Well! I guess we all know each other now,” Duane said, in a bright tone, “now come on out to the front; grab something to eat, and we’ll get right down to work.” He led the way first, with Felicia following him quickly. Serena swallowed a slight lump in her throat, took a deep breath, and turned her heels to go. “Wait.” Darien put a hand softly on her arm, stopping her. She looked at him, her eyes focused. “Is something wrong?” He didn’t reply for a moment, then he half-smiled and shook his head. “No, I was just thinking--it’s good seeing you again.” She breathed out deeply, and ran her tongue over her lips before speaking, “You too, Darien. And, I hope that--what happened between us before wouldn’t interfere with our working together.” He glanced down at the ground, then looked up to her again, after a few seconds of silence. “You know it will, Serena.” She was caught off guard. She cast her gaze away, “No. We have to make sure it doesn’t.” She heard him blow out a huge breath, and felt her heart pound for just a second. “You’re right.” She shifted her eyes back to him again, and smiled. “Now come on, let’s go. Duane and them must be waiting.” She walked out of the corridor, feeling drained. ___________________________________________________________________ Go on to the next revised part! =D http://www6.brinkster.com/moonieround