Karen and Esther arrived just in time. Elvis saw them first, handing over slices of cake to the waiters who took them round to interested persons. “I hope they like it..” Esther wrapped her arms around her body, “There’s enough desert to last a lifetime.” she observed, looking around. “There you are! Esther I presume." Elvis said when he got to earshot.“Yeah...?” she answered, unsure of what was going on. “Good to see you, come along now, we’ve been waiting for quite a long time.” Elvis dragged her towards the VIP area with a smug on his face. He couldn’t wait to see the look on his friend’s face after seeing them together. Daniel and his family were seated together, waiting for him to get the ‘drink’ he needed. “We’re here.” He announced to them, then to Esther, he urged, “Don’t be shy, have a seat.” Daniel’s eyes connected with Esther and he couldn’t make out words to describe what he saw. His eyes roamed through her form, looking for signs of imperfection to no avail. She wa
“She isn’t picking up,” Esther groaned, having called Karen a total hundred times. “She was my ride here, how could she do this?” “Maybe she had a little bit of an emergency.” Daniel suggested, “How do I get home? It’s already late, I can’t believe she did this.”“If it’s any consolation, I was abandoned here too.” he shrugged, “Let's get a taxi and we’ll go from there.”Esther nodded and he got to work on it. Within thirty minutes, they were behind a taxi headed to her place. Throughout the ride, Esther’s mind was all over the place. She couldn’t un-see how broken Elvis seemed when his wife walked away. How Karen bowed her head in shame, looking like a deer in headlights. She ached to know the story behind it but with miles separating them, she couldn’t get home fast enough. Weird sounds erupted from the engine and the car slowed to a stop.“Not again..” she muttered, and they watched the driver walk out the car to check his vehicle. All said and done, they were stranded with no
“Gran?!” Aaron put off his shoes at the door, Deloise did the same. “I’m here! And I brought a guest!” “Keep your voice down, will you? Are you trying to make me deaf, boy?” Mrs. Black came out of the hallway, clad in a Grey dress, white socks and supporting her steps with a walking stick. “Ma!” Deloise watched his smile transform into a grin. He rushed towards her and enveloped her in a hug. “Easy,” Mrs Black said between laughs, “Who do we have here?” her eyes narrowed at Deloise.“Meet Deloise, My girlfriend.” His voice was smooth and succulent. “She got a deal so I brought her here to celebrate.” “Good day ma’am,” she greeted politely, “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, I hope you are doing well.” “Nonsense! We hug in this family, don’t be shy, bring it in.” Deloise smiled at the warm welcome and joined what could best be described as a group hug. It got a bit too tight, but she wasn't complaining.The thrio disengaged, and went into the kitchen at Mrs Blacks’ instruction.
Esther was worried about Karen. For the past week, she hadn’t set eyes or spoken to her. It seemed like she disappeared off the face of the earth - herself and her daughter. As a result, she couldn’t find it within herself to pick the calls of her daughter for fear she might have questions she didn’t have answers to.The entire week was a torment. Living alone and void of human contact, she naturally gravitated towards the only available option. This time around, Daniel was persistent. He showed up time and time again despite her outright hostility towards him. After that night, they came to a silent agreement never to dig into the matters of their past. Nothing good seemed to come out of it. Today, she was worried for an entire other reason. Daniel had returned to his role as a friend and in that position, demanded for what he described as a friendly day out. Something they both knew was an act to cover the real deal but no one cared enough to point that out. Or they didn’t wan
Mr. Austin was seated in his office, addressing Aaron and Deloise. “So far, your job has been impressive,” he looked between them, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you are the best couple I’ve come across in my 40 years of life.” Aaron took Deloise hand in plain sight, “I’m glad we exceeded your expectations,”“Wipe that smug off your face, boy. Great or not, it’s all an act.” Mr. Austin took a sip from his mug. “A very convincing act.”“Sometimes, I forget that’s what it is.” Deloise mumbled, eyes fixed on their interlocked hands. “Whatever, let’s get to the business of the day.” Mr. Austin said and brought out a file from his drawer. He placed it on the desk when a sound came from the door. “ Who’s there?” he asked aloud, and headed towards the door when he got no reply. “Are you expecting someone?” Deloise asked as he made his way back to his seat. “None that I’m aware of.” He replied with a huff, “Where was I?” Mr Austin continued the conversation on the business that broug
It was finally the first showing of the movie. Over the span of time, intense marketing efforts were made to promote the film; ranging from media adverts, to billboard placements and promotional appearances. With everything else going on regarding the authenticity of Aaron and Deloise’s relationship, ample publicity and anticipation for the movie was garnered. “It’s your first movie, how do you feel right now?” Doris asked with a big grin, holding out her phone as she recorded the moment.Deloise was clad in a robe with her hair and make-up done to perfection. She managed a smile as she said, “It feels so unreal,” her eyes watered, “I can’t believe it’s happening, I’m getting ready to watch my own film after-”“Don’t cry! You’ll ruin your make-up. This is supposed to be a happy day.” Doris dropped the phone and covered her in an embrace, “I’m so proud of you.” That was enough to set the waterworks flowing. She didn’t realize how much she was pining to hear those words. With the cur
The journey back to Esther’s place was silent and riddled in tension. They got inside the house and the door was snapped shut. One look and they were pressed against the hard wall, wrapped in a breathtaking kiss. Daniel groaned, overwhelmed by the feeling of her hotly pressed against him. They battled with their tongues and soon realized they might not make it to the room. “Jump.” he whispered and she did just that. “Good girl,” he appraised and supported her weight with his arms.With her legs wrapped around his torso, their intimacy brushed and he gritted, feeling so close, yet not close enough. Esther felt his bulge and a gasp escaped her, she shuddered at the thought of how huge he was and how long it’s been.Reading her thought, Daniel grunted, “You can handle it... I just need to get you prepared.”Without a second thought, he walked them to the dining and sets her up on the table. Esther held her breath as he peppered kisses from her neck downwards. He knew her weak points, h
Aaron arrived the burial of Mrs. Black, clad in a black suit. Other than the pain that gripped his heart, and the dark circles underneath his eyes, he looked breathtaking. Having arrived late, he slipped in the midst of the crowd and watched his grandma’s corpse get lowered to the ground. His eyes watered as they covered her with earth until he couldn’t see her anymore.Just like that, she was gone. Forever. Aaron turned around, hoping to slip away before they caught sight of him but was a second too late. His father’s voice stops him.“Have lunch with me.” It wasn’t a request. “I have to go.” He gritted, in no mood to get into another squabble with his father or his delightful family.“News reporters are everywhere. Except you don’t want to leave this place, I’m your best shot.” Aaron couldn’t believe the nerve of his father. “You set me up?” He let out an icy laugh, “Why am I not surprised?”“I didn’t need to, boy. You did it yourself.” One of the guards whispered to the Elder S
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