After the encounter with Aaron and Mr Austin, Deloise relegated to her shell to nurse her wounds. As a result, she wasn't as outspoken or outgoing except when needed. She also began classes the following day and made deliberate steps to avoid any sort of mishaps in her life moving forward.Later that day, she surprisingly came across a message bearing the filming schedule for the production and wondered if it was from the director. Her ponder was cut short when she realized that it was from the same number which had called and requested she go to the administrative building.She couldn't help but wonder his reason behind the oh so generous gesture. It was either he finally realized he was in the wrong and did it as some sort of apology or it was directed by Mr Austin.Whichever it was, Deloise couldn't care less. Aaron was the most evil jerk she was unfortunate to meet in her lifetime and nothing could change her perception of him. Not even a filming schedule she needed and was ecst
The next day, Deloise woke up with a headache she described as demonic. Her head pounded while she attempted opening her eyes properly.A blinding streak of sunlight made her deck underneath her pillow. She sat up and memories of the previous night poured into her consciousness - reminding her of the very reason her head was in a terrible state.Of course it was the drink! She was such a deadbeat when it came to drinking and always found the morning after horrific.Again, she promised never to get drunk again, this time around, hoping she actually lived up to it. Feeling the urge to ease herself, Deloise attempted getting up on her feet but was brought back to bed by the sudden dizziness she felt. Due to the unexpected give away of her feet, she felt queasy and the urge to puke was uncontrollable. Before she could get to the toilet area, she emptied the content of her stomach on the floors and Layla walked in." Oh my goodness! Are you alright?! " The worried voice of Layla asked upo
" I won't stop until you talk to me.""Don't make this harder than it needs to be.""Esther!""That's it! I'm coming over."" You still aren't going to respond? "Esther was seated in her study while her phone beeps continuously. She occasionally stopped taking her records to update herself on the next string of messages from Daniel.Somehow, he got hold of her number and made it a habit to torture her with multiple strings of messages all demanding for her to talk.At some point, the whole thing became funny, she couldn't deny that the attention was something and she unconsciously found herself looking forward to the next string of messages.Today, she wasn't in the mood. She was having some setbacks in business which made her wound up in her little study, calculating the profits and losses of the past month. So far, results proved she's been slacking and it wasn't good news.Daniel's unrelenting messages weren't helping either. At least at the moment.She read the last batch of mess
Deloise got up with a broad smile. she somehow managed to beat time in itself and woke up before her alarm could do its job.It was surprising as she wasn't a morning person, but at the same time, it was expected. Today was the last get together before the filming of the movie and she was determined not to show up late.The meeting was scheduled for nine but she took it upon herself to be up at least two hours before. She wasn't taking chances. With happy steps, Deloise got to preparing for the day.As usual, Layla wasn't her biggest fan and grumbled ceaselessly of how she needed some quiet as it was still too early in the morning. Deloise dulled her humming, something she didn't realize she was doing at the time.One would think she hit the lottery with how good she was feeling. She wondered if it was a dopamine rush and took intentional steps to control herself in order to avoid getting moody in the later times.She learned the hard way that too much of everything wasn't good.Soon
Aaron returned to campus seething. The fact that his grandma didn't give him the time of the day brought a bitter taste to his mouth.The worst part was he couldn't seem to get his brother's words out of his head. The words of Moses kept ringing in his head while he navigated the way to his apartment.On getting inside, he shut the door and after two seconds of standing aloofly, all hell broke loose. He pushed down the lamp stand in his living room.Still not pacified, Aaron walked through the chards of glass and threw down the television, he used his legs to finish up the Job, grunting and panting all the way.After about thirty minutes of venting his anger on his properties, the entire living room was in Chaos. The entire floor was covered in broken glasses and his palm dripped blood.Aaron didn't seem to notice he was hurt. The pain he felt in his heart overpowered every other feeling. No matter how much he tried to block out the words from his head, or how much he talked to himsel
" I believe you're not deaf, girl. I asked you to leave." Stella reiterated while Deloise stared in confusion." Uh– sorry but last I checked, this is my allocated–"" I don't want to hear it! I came in here first so you can head over to the communal area to finish up whatever you have going." Stella interrupted, snapping her feet as she ordered." This pod was designated for the female lead. Which happens to be me. I don't have an issue with you, take it up with the manager if there's a problem." Deloise snapped. There was only so much she could tolerate so early in the job." You must be feeling like some queen. Let me burst your bubble hunny, in this game, I'm your senior. Hell, I'm your mother in this industry, so you better watch your tone when speaking with me because I sure as hell could end you before you even begin." She threatened, her eyes shooting daggers.Deloise got on her feet, unable to play the role of a bigger person anymore. This witch was asking for it this time ar
The atmosphere was tense as the barking of a man filled the air." Why did you go near my things?! Did I not warn you to stay away from this room?!"The little voice of a scared woman followed. " I'm s-so sorry, I just wanted to h-help wash t-them."" Wash?! For what? You suddenly want to play the role of the maid, right? So be it! You'll be assigned some domestic duties around the house. After all, you need to earn your keep for living here." The man said in a cynical tone." N-no that's n-not it. I'm your wife, Hughes. It's my duty to c-care for your needs."In response to that, a huge breathy laughter ensued. " W-wife? " He laughed again, this time around, much longer. " Don't joke around, woman. You lost that right the moment you choose to frolic with my brother." He said Icily. " If you want to be a wife, you can head over to him like you've always done. Leave my stuff alone!" He bellowed, grabbed the shirt in her hand and stormed out of the room.The woman, visibly hurt, headed
Deloise headed back to Royal Arts with a dark cloud over her head. She was unusually quiet and her colleagues felt an odd aura around her.Some people interpreted it as pride resulting from her successful filming and snuck disdainful looks at her while others couldn't be bothered to care. Deloise was part of the crew who couldn't be botheredAs the van drove out of the area, her mind returned to the moment she felt the soft lips of Aaron covering hers in a dominating kiss. No matter how many times she replayed the scene in her head, she managed to feel a flutter in her navel which gave her sensations she was apprehensive to figure out.The interesting thing was that every single time, she would replay the events after the kiss and she would feel tears threatening to break out of her eyes. After countlessly going through the unending ritual, one thing was clear to Deloise.She was not okay.She wanted to scream, claw, and wreak havoc on everything around her. She needed to let out the
It was finally the WBA Awards show. People from various parts of the world expressed their excitement to see their favorite celebrities on the red carpet and eventually on the stage - hopefully with an award. The World Best Acts award show was an event that was held once in four years. It was the most anticipated event of the entertainment world and year after year, people- celebrities and fans alike - worked towards being on the stage or being a part of the show. The WBA’s was a prestigious event that was star-studded, well attended and publicized worldwide. Its stage was every star’s dream, and a WBA award was something remarkable to say the least. For Deloise, she was lucky to be invited for such an event, a feat directly credited to her debut movie that managed to break records in its time, emerging as one of the best movies created at that time. Deloise was seated in front of a mirror while they prepared her for the appearance. Doris was nowhere to be found, busy with ensuri
Two weeks later, the Magazine issue with Deloise went out. The first few days were a bit slow, but as time proceeded, more people got hold of the latest Focus Magazine starring a retired actress. Soon enough, the magazine became the most talked about on the internet. Albeit, most of the conversations around the issue weren’t the most favorable, but publicity was publicity. In the entertainment world, getting spoken about in a bad light was better than nothing. Not that she cared anyway. It was the weekend and Doris relaxed home with Deloise. “Tony is requesting dinner,” She said from the couch and Deloise sighed. “Why the hell is he bombarding me with messages and not you?” “Because I may have ignored him.”“Get him off my back, will you?” she asked, exasperated, “And just so you know, that guy never gives up. Better to get things over with now than later.” “Tell me about it.” Deloise grumbled, shooting off a text back at Tony. Later that evening, in a cozy restaurant, Deloise
Safe to say her first day at work wasn’t ideal. Doris couldn’t make it back to pick her but sent a driver to do the job. Deloise sulked all the way back, trying and failing to contain the fury that brimmed within her. Stella had won for the day, but it was just the beginning. If there was one thing she learned from her stay back in France, it was to never let anyone trample upon her. She was a way different person and if it took a lesson from her to make that clear, then she will dish out one. Lets see how well she does with a taste of her own medicine. Deloise dropped down the car and made her way into the house determined to find every dirty detail she could on Stella. With the coding skills she acquired, she could almost hack into anything. A plan hatched in her heart and without a second thought, she headed for her room and shut the door behind her. Deloise took out her laptop with a cynic look on her face. “Senior huh? let’s see what other skills you have up your sleeve.”Her
Doris saw to her promise because the next day, very early in the day, she woke up Deloise, urging her to get prepared for their day out. Sluggishly, Deloise got out of bed and worked around getting ready for an audition she was yet to know a word of. They got into the car and a script was passed along to her. “Finally.” She muttered, “Couldn’t have given me any sooner?” Doris laughed, “You are in a mood. Just so you know, the audition isn’t until-” she glanced at her watch, “One hour.” she finished with a shrug, “Surely that’s enough time to get into the height of things.” “How long is the drive?”“Thirty minutes?” “Great. You expect me to ace this audition or are you trying to test how rusty I am?”“So whiny,” she tutted, and pulled out of the driveway, “Who is this and where is the Deloise who aced her audition on the first day of resumption?” “Rusty as hell.” “Definitely in need of some breaking in.” Doris stepped on it.They proceeded on the journey and Deloise went through
THREE YEARS LATER.A lady with fair skin and long wavy hair stepped out of the Airplane with black shades on. The nostalgic feel of the country hit her in the face with memories she’s rather left unsaid. Dragging along her luggage, she walked out of the airport, checking the time for her designated driver. She might have to call a cab if they took any longer. She held that thought and like magic, a Mercedes appeared in front of her. The car revved and its windows rolled down, revealing a smiling and barely aged Doris who unlocked the door. “I can’t believe my eyes. Is that really you?” She gasped and got out of the car.“Doris Gates. You haven’t aged a day.” Deloise remarked with an equal smile on her face. “You look way too good on that ride.”“Hard work pays off, get into the car.” she said as she stored her luggage in the boots, “We have a lot to talk about.” “It’s good that I’m not in a hurry.” Doris got into the car and they sped off the road. As she drove, they conversed abou
“Just this morning, Evolve Talent Management has put out a statement regarding their newest intake's retirement from the movie industry. In a PR release, they expressed their surprise at her actions, citing how she has refused to retract her decision despite every effort, and as a result breaking the managerial contract signed with the company.”“Hours after the Press conference, an emergency board meeting was called and they came to the conclusion that the now-retired actress would be made to pay a fine (undisclosed) for breaking the contract, and shall be added to the company’s blacklist, effective immediately...”The television was turned off by Doris after the last statement, she watched Deloise stare into the blank screen, worrying at the state of her mind. “I’m sorry...I tried all I could to prevent this but-”“How much am I required to pay?” Deloise asked, “What’s the fine?”“There’s no fine. We settled that using your payments from the appearance at Chicago. What is your next
“How do you feel?” Doris asked Deloise as they got prepared for her conference, “I don’t know.” She muttered, “I just want things to go smoothly.” Deloise felt a hand sweep her back, “Stick with the script and we’ll be done in no time.” “That’s the easy part.” She muttered, spraying a minimum amount of perfume, “I’m worried about what comes after. The people were almost done with judging me, this will reopen that door.”“Unfortunately, this is a world of constant judgment. Even the best actresses get a bit of it too.” She hands over the script, “You’ll get through this.”Deloise goes through her statement in silence, she was supposed to tender an apology, formally announce her separation with Aaron and affirm Daniel’s identity as her father. It seemed like she was accepting every allegations meted against her. She couldn’t find it in her to care anymore, and nodded through the tips Doris gave her on public speaking and answering questions. “You’ll be on in five.” Doris said at the
Deloise woke up to a gloomy cloud. It was time to face everything. She had a press conference later today but before that, she had to meet her mother. It wasn’t news that since that dreaded morning, they hadn’t spoken a word to each other. Matter of fact, she made it a point to avoid her, and any related conversation. Three days ago, that streak was broken by the visit of Ms. Karen who showed up unannounced. That very day, she remembered getting into it with the woman who thought it right to defend the evils of her mother and expose her in one breath. She was prepared to pay her no heed until she went her way but at the mention of the sorry state of her mother, she reconsidered.At the end of that meeting, she had an appointment with her mother, which happened to fall on the same day she was to formally address the world. As a result, she got up early and prepared to leave the house, pondering the future of the meeting with her mother. She didn’t know if she was ready to look her i
Deloise and Amanda were finally having a video call after many failed attempts.“How are you doing? Where are you?” Amanda asked, the worry on her face couldn’t be hidden. Deloise pushed back a hair loft as she replied. “I’m alright.”“I feel so terrible being unable to help. I’ve replied to a tonne of hate comments on the internet but that’s barely enough.” She sulked, “You don’t deserve this. How were you meant to know he was your dad if your mom didn’t say a thing about it? I can’t believe how stupid people are, believing anything they see.”“I’m alright.” Deloise reassured her with a smile. “I appreciate your efforts, but that’s not necessary.”“Still. I can’t look past anyone badmouthing you when they don’t even know you.” She hissed, “If I can defend Anna- who isn’t my biggest fan at the moment, best believe anyone who breathes wrongly about you will be getting a lot more than a few stitches.” That brought a laugh out of Deloise. More so because she meant every word. “Don’t ge