CHAPTER 1 - ISSUES AND TEA

Stacy’s Point of View

“Team, in fifteen minutes I need Stacy to be in the set already, get her ready and done!” Amielle, my road manager, just announced in her loud voice while clapping her hands to get everybody’s attention.

I opened my eyes the moment I heard Amielle. I saw myself in my vanity mirror with the beaming lights. I smiled and let out a big sigh. I am already glammed up though, I was just waiting for Amielle's call for me to go to the set.

I am wearing a tight red minidress and my killer heels. I really love how my stylist, Adrianne, styles me, it’s just so me, so STACY.

As I was about to get up, my makeup artist stopped me.

“Hold on just a bit”

He then brushed a bit of loose powder on my face, making sure everything’s perfect.

“Jakey can you please do it a bit faster? It’s almost time” I said

“Yes ma’am... and done! Perfect!” He said with a smile

I looked myself at the mirror again and flashed a smile.

“Thanks, jakey! You’re the best!”

I stood up, looked at myself at the large mirror, posed and

“I’m readyyy!!”

As soon as I stepped out of my dressing room, Amielle and my bodyguards were right there behind me. Yes, my guards are necessary even if I’m just in the studio. I once had an experience where a fan came up to me out of nowhere, screaming and grabbing my hand, and within 5 minutes, a swarm of people swarmed all over me, which was both a hassle and traumatizing.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my supporters, but, as Amielle said, my safety is the top priority.

This is actually my last agenda for today, an interview for my latest movie. Thankfully, it is just a 20-minute sit-down interview, an easy task for me and my favorite.

I’ve been doing interviews since I was young. I’ve learned the tactics of answering questions, when to be truthful and not, how to dodge controversial issues, and even how to tell white lies.

Show business has been my world for almost ten years. It gets a bit disgusting in so many ways, but it also gets exciting in different ways. Acting and singing are my passions, and I know this is where I belong, in the limelight.

I am now at the backstage waiting for the host to call me in. I don’t feel nervous at all. These things are pretty normal to me.

“Okay folks, I know you’ve all been waiting for her appearance in my show and I’m not gonna make you all waiting. Please welcome Stacy Miracle!”

Upon hearing my name, I entered the studio and the audience cheered and roared. As usual the studio was filled with my supporters. I smiled at the audience and waved my hand to greet them.

“Hi everyone! I’m so glad to be here tonight, thank you so much for being here to show your unending support”

And once again, the audience roared out of joy and admiration.

“Okay guys let’s calm down for a bit hahaha or else we won’t hear a single thing in this interview” Martin, the host said

The audience then tried their best to calm down for the interview to start.

“Miss Miracle I am so honoured that you accepted my invitation for this interview. This is so unbelievable, I am personally a fan, and this is such a dream come true I’d say” Martin said with sincerity and sparkle in his eyes.

Well, I knew his staff really did everything they could to make this interview happen. I can’t blame them though; not to brag or anything, setting appointments and interviews with me is quite hard.

My schedule for the following weeks is jam-packed, so, better yet, you’ll have to arrange an interview weeks or even months in advance.

“Pleased to be here” I simply replied

“Miss Miracle this latest movie of yours is superb, from the trailer itself it was amazing, your acting is a chef’s kiss and I can’t wait to see the full movie.” He even did the flying kiss action.

"First of all, thank you for that compliment it really means a lot as an actress. Everybody knows I really put my heart and soul in every project I have. I hope you guys can see it. And the movie, I promise it is worth the wait and the money. This is not to brag but we have the best director, best co-actors, the best team I'd say" I said with confidence

The interview went smoothly. We just talked about the movie, some scenes, my bond with my co-actors in the set, and pretty much everything about my experience while shooting the film.

It was on the last 5 minutes of the interview, at least it was what the teleprompter says.

I thought Martin's gonna wrap up everything, however...

"You know we're down to our last few minutes, but this question, which I'm sure everybody is curious about, is at the very tip of tongue right now"

He stuck out his tongue to make the audience laugh. I find it gross but I had to make a fake laugh.

I know where this is going... the juicy questions.

"hahaha well I guess you'll just have to fire it out"

I know very well this is about some rumors about me dating someone. I have no choice but to hear and answer this question about that dumbass Clark.

He is my co-actor in the film, by the way. He's also my friend, but he just gets on my nerves all the time. I don’t know, but he just loves teasing, annoying, and playing pranks on me here and there, and he does it when I'm not in the mood, every time!

Now, people are thinking we're a thing and that we're dating. Uhmm... heck no? Heavens knows I don't see the man in that way, period.

"Well.. Uhmm you know Clark Paterson... someone told me the both of you are going out dating? How true is this?" Martin asked with this teasing face.

The audience then went wild with mixed reactions. Some people were preoccupied with their imagined love story.

Ughhh the heck's wrong with Clark and this spreading rumours? I know his personal assistant started this. He really knows how to get on my nerves!

I let out a small laugh before answering his question. I can’t wait to debunk this issue right now.

“I know this rumour is spreading like fire for the past few days, Clark is my co-actor in this movie and we’ve done some projects before. He is a bright man…”

Before I could even finish my sentence, Martin cut me off

“We all know that yadayadayada... hahaha but the real question is, are you dating?”

Gosh this man can’t wait his ass off! He’s missing the fun.

“Then, NO. We are not dating. The rumours are baseless and he is just a co-actor and a friend. I am single and not ready to mingle” I said firmly to convince them.

The audience went silent for a while… well, I guess that’s what you get when you’re expecting too much from such delusional stories.

“I aahh uhmmm speechless... Anyway that was a revelation you made tonight, Miss Miracle! At least you made it clear now. Everybody, Stacy Miracle is still single! Hahahaha! What a great night! Thank you so much Miss Miracle and to everybody who gave time to watch our episode every night and most especially tonight with THE Stacy Miracle!”

And just like that the interview is done. Well, I know my manager’s gonna call me after this for sure. Who cares? At least I made myself clear there. Straight to the point.

Honestly, controversies like this are just little things for any actress out there, but not for me. I really don't like being linked up and paired up with someone in the industry. It will just add more headaches for me.

Having relationships with co-actors is so chaotic and messed up. I've seen it with some other actresses, and just the thought of me dealing with it freaks me out.

Also, I don't think I'll ever fall in love. For me, love is just a temporary feeling. It's all happiness and butterflies in the stomach at first, but pain and regrets in the end. My time is precious, and I don't want to waste it on that.

So, when it comes to matters like this, I would rather spit out the truth than make up a story just to please people. This is my way of keeping myself clean and free from nasty issues.

On my way back to the dressing room, Amielle just can’t help nagging me about the interview.

“Stace, I know you hate this, but I think you could have just dodged the question. I mean you are so good with that”

“Mielly, I was about to do that but Martin cut me off and it pissed me. Second, you know I'm really not amused with Paterson and his little pranks, and third, I hate being linked with somebody I'm not even seeing. I was just telling the truth, and that is on period.”

I really hate explaining myself especially with topics like this.

“I know but…”

Goddamn I am exhausted with today's work. Heavens, please spare me my road manager.

“Mielly that was on PE-RIOD”

She knows when I’m annoyed, and this is it. Thank God she stopped talking.

When I got to my dressing room, I just changed into something more comfortable. I am so tired, and the least the world could do is bring me peacefully to my house and give me a good night's sleep.

“Amielle, is the car ready? I don’t want to wait any longer. I am so tired” I said with my eyes closed.

“Yeah, I called him minutes ago”

I am now with Amielle and we are at the elevator on our way to the building’s private parking lot.

*ting*

When the elevator signaled that we had arrived at the parking lot floor, I opened my eyes, but they were still on the floor. I am just so tired right now.

Thank heavens the lobby on this floor doesn't smell like old tires. It's actually very soothing and has a pleasant aroma. It has a distinctly manly vibe. This certainly does not smell like room freshener; it smells like a high-end perfume...

I was about to tilt my head up and

*boogsh*

I suddenly felt a hot splash of water running down my body, and it is not just hot, it is HOT!

Oh God, all I asked for was a peaceful way back to my house, and now I am soaked in hot water that just smells like… TEA?

“What the heck!” I squealed

“I am sorry but that was absolutely NOT my fault”

the man who stood right in front of me who is holding a paper cup just told me that. Who the heck drinks tea this late in a paper cup?

“Now you’re telling it’s my fault I got myself wet in YOUR tea or whatever? Are you joking?!”

This man is getting into my nerves in just split seconds. A simple 'sorry' could have been better!

“Yes, it is not my fault I'm 100% sure, and no I’m not joking. You know Miss, I kind of not have time for this, if you could just let this pass. It’s just a tea on your cheap dress. I could pay for that… wait”

I looked at his face intently, and I was a bit shocked. His face does not fit his personality. He is wearing a sleek business suit and tie that perfectly fit his body and Prada leather shoes. He is actually a handsome and fine man, but he reeks of arrogance.

He was about to reach out for his wallet...

“Cheap? After blaming your fault to me? How dare you! I don’t need your money old man. Amielle!!”

He doesn't actually look like an old man in all honesty. His mint tea and arrogance made me call him that. I just want to piss him off for being so mean.

Amielle hurriedly ran to me.

“Ohmyghad! What happened here?” clueless Amielle asked.

Really? Where was she?

“Where were you? This old man just bumped and spilled his mint tea all over me” I hissed

“Can you please stop calling me old man? If you don't want my money, I'll have to go then.” And with that he left.

Arrogant! I just followed him with my angry gaze. Some rich people really thought they could pay for everything with their money. Kindness is really rare these days.

“I was just calling the driver because he was still not here” Amielle explained to me.

I did not respond, instead I started walking out the lobby. I am so not in the mood right now; the driver better be here now. Thank heavens, I heard the car honk just minutes after.

“Don’t worry we’ve got some towels in the car”

I just let out a big sigh and went inside the car.

When we arrived home, my dress is now damp dry. The smell of the mint tea still annoys me but at least I finally felt peace.

I actually let Amielle stay at my place, having her around is so much better. I feel less lonely than before. Even if she is just my road manager, I treat her like family.

“Amielle, remember the face of that guy. Our paths better not cross again or else, I’ll have to bring bitch Stacy out and get my apologies from him”

“Yeah... about that he kind of looked familiar. I must have seen him before. I just don’t know where and when” she said while scratching her head.

“Just say his face is pretty much common and go, it’s not a big deal” I said as I walked up the stairs.

“No, he’s actually cute you know and from his looks he is quite an expensive man” she said and then went on displaying a grin in her face

“He’s arrogant. PERIOD! Good night!”

Well, honestly, he is actually cute… no he is handsome, very handsome, and he smells nice and clean. The tea is a minus though, tsk...old man.

But he is still arrogant, his arrogance makes him ugly. PERIOD!

--- End of Chapter 1 ---