CHAPTER 9

Royal Arts Academy.

It's a resumption day, and senior students of the academy trooped into the school compound. Some were brought in by their parent(s) in vehicles while the rest were dropped off by chauffeurs.

The compound was rowdy with the majority of the people stylishly dressed and pulling on their belongings, headed towards the school's hostels and accommodations area.

Some people were caught up in conversations and situated at various sects of the school compound. The summer events remained a topic in the conversation of students.

" I heard he's as beautiful as he was when he started!"

" Not just beautiful Darlene. He is the most outstanding and talented actor in the entire state! " Another girl gushed with a swoon.

" The whole state?! He's a recognized international actor, at this point, he's a world-class top star! "

The girl group chatted excitedly on the topic that buzzed the entire school and entertainment world at large.

Amid the chaos, a luxury car drove into the school compound. The vehicle- being one that students were familiar with- caused a new wave of gossip. Seated inside the car were the top stars in the academy whose acting skills were on another level.

They were known for their ability to thoroughly portray a character's conflict and misbelief in such a way that one was unable to tell the difference between their on-screen acting and reality.

The duo were perceived geniuses when it came to the acting field, and were coming into the school compound, resuming alongside the others. With their skills, If they decided not to continue with the Royal Arts Academy and go directly into the industry, their future in the acting field seemed secured.

Not only were they top-tier geniuses in their skills and work ethics, but they also had top-tier genetics which made their skin flawless. Their body structure made proof of the existence of angels and heavenly bodies in human form!

To crown it all, the duo happened to be best of friends. Students adored and felt eager to identify with the mini fan base they ruled. They were regarded as the ruling couple of Royal Arts Academy, only that they weren't a couple much to the people's dissatisfaction.

Aaron Steele and Stella Davis were friends bound by the love of acting, who worked their way with determination to get to the top of the acting industry. Aaron Steele was the senior of the duo, as he came into the academy a year before the arrival of Stella.

With their competence, they became the only work-study students permitted in the history of Royal Arts. The school director figured it a waste of time keeping them from the world until their three-year course was over; and after a year of studying, Decided to let them audition for roles distinctively sorted out himself.

This was an attempt to give them a head-start in their career, different from their colleagues who were not up to par with their skill level. As a result, Aaron starred in various sets with supporting roles and other not-so-little roles.

Not only did he have a growing popularity, but gained momentum in the industry, which sent many talent-developing companies after him for a managerial deal. All pending his graduation from Royal Arts.

The future indeed was bright for Aaron, having snagged a main character role in a just concluded movie set he worked on during the summer break. The movie trailer was currently garnering huge anticipation.

Stella on the other hand was an acting Queen, and a gem to the Royal art academy and film industry. She was deemed a princess who would in time take over the reins from the veteran and star actresses of the moment, to rule over the entertainment and movie world.

Her exceptional beauty and fairness made her appear docile, but her skill and mastery of the dramatic art made others with even more experience and passion pale in comparison to her.

Her first movie debut was one of a mermaid princess who fell in love with a human prince and deceptively snags him from his family into her world as a prisoner of love.

Her role was one of expert deception. The contrast of a fairy, the beautiful nature of a mermaid and the deceptive, selfish, and heartless soul of one who can go to hell in pursuit of her desires. The expert display of the role shot her to the limelight as a beginner in the industry, starring alongside other big faces.

Inside the car, Aaron and Stella were both discussing their experiences with their just concluded production.

" You know the most challenging part of my plot? The moment when the character figures out that she's been in love with the male lead. Flowing from feeling pure hatred to ripping his clothes off." Stella chatted excitedly, walking Aaron through her recent experiences.

" I look forward to seeing the smut, " Aaron remarked with a smirk.

" You won't change now, will you? " She reeled at the thought of him seeing the smut scene she acted in her last project.

With how much effort she put into the scene, it was flawless, and maybe, just maybe, Aaron would finally see her as a woman. The duo got down from the car while the driver came down and got out their suitcases as perfunctory.

Oblivious to the people's stare, Aaron walked with his phone ringing. It was the school director, and he'd requested they report to his office as soon as possible.

The duo of Aaron and Stella headed straight for the Director's office, knocking on the door as soon as they arrived,

" Come in!" A voice yelled from within and the duo walked into the office.

" How are my favorite people?" Mr. Austin asked with a smile, motioning them towards the sofa in his office.

" We are good, and ready for another academic session," Stella replied on their behalf.

" That's great to hear," Mr. Austin nodded in contentment, " I'm sure you killed the roles you handled over the break." He said with a smile.

" Yes sir," they replied in unison.

" Alright, I called you in here because I have news," Mr. Austin resumed a serious outlook, " There's a new development, an instant hit, and the director of this project is in need of new faces. In simple terms, he doesn't want experienced people."

" That's weird." Stella remarked, " why would anyone want that?"

" That's where you both come in. With your skills, less amount of popularity, and real experience. You both are more than capable of getting those roles, trust me, you would become the next top star before you know what's happening." Mr. Austin delivered a convincing standpoint, " this production is an award winner, I can sense it."

The director handed over two copies of a script from his drawer. " These are both male and female lead scripts, familiarize yourself with them and come up with an audition video for application, then I'll take it up from there."

Aaron, went through the content of the script, and found the character quite fascinating. The fact that they wanted new faces irked him, he committed to building himself a strong profile in the film industry, and just wasn't interested in pursuing a role without real competition.

He needed a strong portfolio and to ascertain his ability and growth in the field, he needed to par with more experienced people. In his books, more experienced people translated to senior partners in the business, stronger competition, higher profit and visibility.

The idea of competing in an audition with people in his category or lower sprouted no iota of interest from him- regardless of the future predictions for the said production. He was ready to reject the script but decided to play nicely. Just for the sake of the director who carefully sorted out a project he believed was tailor-made for them.

" I'll do it. It seems very challenging." Stella spoke up, after a brief study of the script. " What do you think, Aaron?" She asked with a blinding smile.

" Thank you so much director, you'll hear from me soon, " He answered.

The director could tell he wasn't thrilled about it, and encouraged in hopes that he turns up a positive answer. " Trust me in this, Aaron. Just trust me."

Aaron stood up, " Thank you, Mr Austin." He said, and they shook hands.