Quirky Actress Is A Murderer

TWO

Lara POV

“Cut!” The director yelled from afar as I paused from taking that jump, “Lara, you keep forgetting your lines when you are supposed to jump, jump!” He complained as Isaiah rushed to me with a bottle of water. I thanked him silently. “Let’s take a break,” the director said before everyone grumbled.

“I think I f****d up the lines again,” I said to Isaiah while Nia, my make up artist, dap the sweat and fixed up my make up. “He seems very angry.”

“You have nothing to worry about; you did good.” Isaiah uplifted my mood as I took in his words. I have been trying my best after all; this isn't as easy as it looks.

“Jennifer!” I screamed as I saw my best friend, as if I do not see her every other single day, “You don’t have a scene today; what are you doing here?”

“Yeah, the director called me a while back that I should come over; there was something he needed me to do,” she replied.

“Jennifer,” The assistant director approached us, and I stared at both of them confused as to what was going on as he said, “We would like you to come in as Lara’s stunt double; the director will like to see you.”

“What do you mean stunt double?” I asked utterly out of it; I wasn’t informed, and then this happened. “Did you know about this?”

Jennifer tilted her head quizzically as a look of puzzlement spread across her face. I guess she didn’t know about this as well.

“Hurry up,” the assistant director urged, motioning for Jennifer to join him. She looked behind me, still puzzled as to what was going on. I gestured for her to keep going.

I went under the umbrella to avoid the scorching as I watched Jennifer speak to the director for a while, "What do you think they are talking about?" I asked Isaiah as he said that I shouldn't worry about it.

"One minute before shooting begins!" The assistant director yelled out.

I practiced my lines till it was time to shoot the scene, and as I got up to take my position, I saw Jennifer come up to me. "What did they say?" I inquired.

"Oh, Jack said that I will take the jump scene; wish me luck," Jennifer said with a nervous smile. She felt giddy as she ran to the director.

I was supposed to be happy for my friend, but it just didn't settle well with me. This was supposed to be my role and part. I practiced for months for this, but since it is Jennifer, I guess I should let it go.

I saw as Jennifer tried it out for the first time and hit a perfect landing, something I struggled to do for the past three hours. I jerked up and cheered just as everyone did. I was happy it all worked out well in the end.

"How did I do?" Jennifer asked her breatherless with excitement.

"You were amazing; I can't believe I battled it out there for long; Jack was after my head," I chuckled as I cheered my friend on.

"Did you ask to get me added to the other role? At least for supporting leads, I am tired of doing side characters," Jennifer eagerly inquired. She threw her back as she tied up a bun. "Did you?"

"Yeah, I put in word with the movie director; I haven't gotten word from him since then; I will check in after this," I assured Jennifer.

"Thanks; hadn't I asked Jack for another part in this movie, I would not have gotten it," Jennifer revealed as I frowned. "You asked Jack to offer you my role?"

"No, I just asked him if he can offer me a spot on the next movie he might shoot; you know quite well, I really need that big break; I want to do well just like you; I am tired of being cast in the shadows, and then he gave me this for a tryout; he praised my performance, saying that I did good, better than you even; do you know what that means to me?" Jennifer beamed with pride as she explained.

I was happy for my friend and wanted the best for her, but I felt a certain way. Not jealousy, just something I was yet to wrap my mind around.

"I think that is it for today; we should get going for your award dress fitting; we don't want an issue like last time," Isaiah informed.

I looked by my side and said, "Jennifer, would you like to come along? Do you have anything going on?"

"Nothing," Jennifer answered with a wave of hand.

We drove to the boutique, as I couldn't keep my mouth shut about how excited I was for finally getting nominated for best actress of the year, and of course others too, but this meant the most to me.

"You are up against top contenders; Annalise is on there too, and you know she battles you out with the last one, even though you won the voting," Jennifer reminded.

I rolled my eyes. I know Annalise was only getting this fame because of her rivalry with me; everyone feels like she is the better actress, but we all know the truth. "That was the best new actress; this is much better," I replied confidently, brushing off Jennifer's attempt to rile me up.

As we entered, my face squeezed in contempt at the sight before me. "Talk of the devil," I muttered as I spotted Annalise standing with one of the attendees at the boutique.

"Just ignore her," Jennifer whispered as she pulled me away before Annalise could see me.

I managed to go to my VIP changing room unnoticed as I tried out my black sequined dress; it hugged my body perfectly, just the way I would want it too, as it brought out my figure. "Uhm, can you please make an adjustment over here?" I said to the stylist.

"I need to use the bathroom; do hold on for me," Jennifer excused.

"Okay, we will meet outside," I said to her before the stylist helped me take off the dress, and I went out only to bump into Annalise on the way. I rolled my eyes and quickly made my way past her, as I was in no mood for any drama that she would create.

"Lara, have you grown so big that you can't even say hi?" Annalise calls out my attitude with her screeching voice that made my ear bleed. I stopped in my tracks as I forced out a smile before turning to her. "You know you can always be the first hello, Annalise," my smile widens even more. "Please let's try not to cause a scene here."

Annalise folded her arms and gave me a sly grin. "Since when have you been afraid of a little confrontation? Now that you have gotten that nomination, which is paid by the way," she mumbled before continuing, "I think now you want to keep up a good image."

"I have always had a good image; it is not my fault nobody seems to like you; you are just favored because you have stayed longer in this industry than I have. Trust me, everyone knows your career is fading." I retorted, trying to keep my voice low.

Annalise's smile faltered in that moment. She tried to regain composure as she shot back, "We will actually see whose career is on the brink of decline when the votes come in." She took a step forward towards me as she added, "I promise you, the only way you will be winning that award will be over my dead body." Tension rippled through the air as I could sense the determination in her tone; this rivalry was definitely far from over.

I closed the gap between us, unwilling to let her intimidate me. "Over your dead body then, I shall also be the first to throw the sand on that grave," I said with a steely gaze. We stared at each other for much longer; the tension in the room was palpable as all of the workers eyes were on us, watching closely what would happen next.

"That is enough, you two." Jennifer came to drag me out before things got worse.

"Oh look, the one with great potential having to sit on the sidelines for her beloved best friend," Annalise mocked; her words were quite taunting, and I hoped Jennifer didn't listen to her. "You are far better to be standing behind her, anyways. What is my problem, young girls like you would like to lick ass rather than stand up for yourself? Excuse me," Annalise put on her glasses as she brushed my shoulders off as she walked past.

I wanted to react, but Jennifer held me back. "Don't; she is trying to rattle you."

"Where is Isaiah when you need him?" I groaned deeply, feeling frustrated. Annalise has gotten to me. "That old hag that has refused to leave the spotlight for anybody, such a greedy old... " I thought of another word to use, "hag!" I screamed after her. "I hate her so much; I wish she could just die; if not, I am going to kill her myself."

"Don't say that."

"No, Jennifer, what is left of her? She is pushing forty and still hungry for more fame; her mate should be out there getting married or on their fourth child; I wish I could just... ugh!" I took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself down.

Jennifer was able to hold me down before Isaiah returned. I went home because there was no way I was appearing to be reading a script looking like a hot mess.