THE RULES OF FAME

Chaapter 4 - Except One...

Vanessa Louvier

It was the most painful moment of my life. I have never been so broken, and yet so hopeful of what was to come. That scholarship was a huge break in my career, and I would have things happening differently, maybe have been willing to have a long-distance relationship, but he was so determined, he told me to leave and to have a good life.

Not having him around will make my life a bit sad, but the only thing I can do is push forward and make the most out of this opportunity; otherwise, this sacrifice would have been for nothing.

I took a deep breath and left the studio. I cried the entire night, and after that, I focused on packing and getting everything ready for my upcoming trip. At least being busy kept me from thinking about what I had lost.

Days passed, and I stood before Gaate 87 heading to Heathrow. That was it; I was leaving New York and settling in London. I bit my lower lip and wiped a silent tear. I squared my shoulders, and when the woman at the gate called my group for boarding, I took slow steps down the ramp. I settled myself in my first class seat, buckled up, and braced myself for a new start.

The plane landed six hours later, and when I stepped out of there, I knew I was at a new beginning. Mom and Dad insisted I had my own place, and they even went ahead and purchased an apartment near the Academy. I had the keys and the address.

After getting my luggage, I called a cab and headed to the address. The little things I got to see from my window invited me to want to explore the entire city. This was my life, a new beginning, a path I had to walk by myself...

The cab stopped before a fancy building, and after I paid him, I realized that even if this was a new start for me, my family would never leave me alone to struggle. I opened the door with the digital card, which allowed me entrance. At the desk was a manager who checked my identity and then cleared all my cards and access passes to the common areas. I climbed into the elevator and entered the place. It was a beautiful place with a gorgeous view. I am sure this place must have cost my parents big bucks, and yet, they did it without thinking twice about it.

I unpacked and then googled the nearest supermarket, stores, and all. It was late at night, and I just wanted to go to sleep, but tomorrow, I would need to go shopping for groceries and all the things I didn't bring with me. I also need to check the Academy and sign into my classes.

I took my phone and texted my mother: "I am at home, thanks for everything, the place is beautiful."

Mom: "I'm glad you like it. We love you, Honey," she texted back.

I checked my phone and saw a message from Amanda and Thomas. Both of them worried about me, wanting to know if I had arrived safely and wondering how I was doing overall.

I texted Tom-Tom first, "I'm home now, love you, Big Brother." I smiled at my text,

Then I texted Amanda, "I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. Thanks for allowing me to spread my wings,"

I wanted to ask her, after all, he was her brother, but asking would have been opening the wound, and I couldn't afford to be weak, to cry over and over him. So, instead, I didn't ask; I pretended he was never part of my life, and I pretended that he was not supposed to be part of my future.

The following day, I went to the Academy, signed up for my classes, bought some food, and started getting the hang of my new routine, my new life, my new city.

Days merged into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years... I finished my career with high honors and with a special mention, because during my four-year academic trajectory, I participated in several projects. I starred in a theater production and a movie. A small role, but they called me a promising talent.

I kept myself busy, trying to focus on what was before me in London, instead of wondering what Peyton was doing around New York.

Of course, being one of the hit music producers in New York, I ran into gossip news about him from time to time.

Some of them were about heavy partying, and then the last one I saw broke me into a million pieces. It was Peyton and Shanty walking out of a fancy hotel, holding hands. The headline, "Not only Rumors!" It was a headline that confirmed that Shanty and Peyton were together.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I would have thought that after all these years, it wouldn't have hurt as much as it did, and yet, here we are.

A soft knock on the door broke my moment. "Nessa, you are needed for hair and makeup," One of the production assistants informed me.

I took a deep breath, wiped my tears, and smiled at myself in the mirror. "Coming," I said,

After I graduated, I was asked to perform in a drama movie. This time, I was offered the leading role, and according to my agent, this was the project we had been waiting for, my big break, and I needed to be focused on it. I was there to show the world who I could be, who I was, and who I had become.

I went to the hair and makeup station, and beside me was my male co-star, Tate Porter. "Hey, Ness..." he smirked at me, and I smiled.

"Good Morning, Tate," I smiled and sat down, so the hairstylist could start working on me.

"So, are you ready for today's scenes?" Tate asked, and I nodded.

"Yep..." I sighed, and he nodded.

"You look sad," he pointed out, and I nodded.

"Just homesick, I guess," I said, and he smiled.

"Maybe you would want to have dinner with me? I mean, if you are free?" he said, and I locked my gaze with his in the mirror.

Tate Porter was a bit older than me. I was now 23 years old, while he was 27. Tate was super talented and handsome. He had chocolate brown hair and deep green eyes. Squared jaw, and a perfect body. He was the leading male, and according to half the female staff on this movie, we were lucky to have him on the project.

By all means, he was a great actor. We have been working together for about a week now, and he is professional, always comes prepared, and is respectful. "I am free, I guess..." I mumbled, and he nodded.

The makeup artists giggled among themselves, and I sighed.

"So, how does your schedule look on Friday?" Tate asked, and I took my phone in my hand,

"I have early shooting, and then I am free..." I said, and he nodded.

"Alright, then, dinner, Friday night..." Tate said confidently, and I nodded. He nodded my way and then left the hair and makeup station.

"Wow, I have heard he never gets involved with his co-stars; he must really like you," my makeup artist said, while the one who was working on Tate nodded.

"We are going out for dinner as friends, there is nothing between us," I said, and they laughed.

"Yeah, right..." My makeup artist laughed, and I shook my head.

"I don't think I am ready for anything right now," I said, and she smiled.

"You always say that, but this time you said yes... Maybe you are starting to be ready..." She said, and I bit my lower lip. This particular makeup artist has worked with me on several projects, and she has been a firsthand witness to how I didn't like to blur the lines between personal and professional with my co-stars.

Did I really agree to have a dinner date with Tate Porter? Was I ready, or was I doing it out of pettiness? Whatever the answer was, Peyton has moved on, and I shouldn't put my life on hold for longer. I am young, pretty, talented, and thriving professionally. My dreams were on their way to becoming a reality, all of them except one...

Maybe if that dream with Peyton is no longer available, I should try to build it with someone else, someone like Tate. Who knows? Maybe I am before another new beginning.