Selfies With Stars

Rey Johnson couldn’t believe her luck.  She’d won the contest--not just for her but for all her students.  It was so incredibly exciting.  When her principal, Jannah Foster, had put her name in the for Hollywood Honors Teachers Award, Rey never thought she’d win.  But she did and she was off to the Oscars to receive their much-coveted service award.  She travelled to Hollywood with Jannah--who was so pleased with Rey’s award that she could barely contain herself.  It was going to be amazing.  The two were going to be pampered and prepped for the Red Carpet walk and the cameras.   But Rey had a secret plan. In the hotel, as the educators were prepped and primed by makeup artists and stylists, Rey shifted her eyes to Jannah who was sitting next to her in a straight-backed chair. “I have an idea.” Jannah turned her head. “Miss Foster, please.” Freddie, the stylist working on Jannah’s makeup, stopped with his blush brush in hand. “Oop,” Jannah said.  “I’ll be still.” Rey laughed.  “Good luck with that.  Anyway, I have an idea.  At the reception, I want to take selfies with stars.  Actually, not just selfies.  I want to ask the Hollywood stars in attendance to say a few words to our kids about life, school, or anything really.” “Hmm,” Jannah murmured.  “Think they’ll talk to you?” “Dunno,” Rey answered.  “I can try, though.” Freddie snorted.  “I’m not really supposed to comment, ladies, but since you’re not the usual Hollywood types, I’ll just say it.  Some of these celebs are attention hogs and they’ll do it.  Some are too high in the f*****g in-step, if you know what I mean.  Standoffish shits.” Mina, the other stylist, exchanged a look with Freddie.  “That’s for sure,” she muttered. “Don’t expect goodness of the heart, though,” Freddie added.  “Not from these stars.  They pretend to be regular people, but they usually are not--not even close.  Not after being in the Hollywood machine for a while.” “And sometimes the newbies are worse than the old guard,” Mina offered. “You thinking of who I’m thinking of?” Freddie asked Mina with a grin. “Yes, I am,” Mina said cheerfully. Freddie sighed.  “The biggest grouch of all time.  Handsome but grumpy.  Tall but dour.  Sexy but sullen.” “Piece of advice, Miss Johnson,” Mina said.  “Don’t ask the new guy, Ben Solo, for s**t.  He is one who bites.” “Does not want to be handled,” Freddie said.  He whistled.  “Paparazzi run from him.” “Does not like reporters or interviews,” Mina added.   “Or anything, really,” Freddie said. “Haven’t seen him smile once at any event.  Have you, Fred?” Freddie shook his head.  “Uh, no.  He almost smiled that one time, but…” Mina laughed.  “Probably a stomach ache.  He has no time for anyone.  So don’t even ask.  He won’t give you the time of day.” Rey straightened her shoulders.  “That’s ridiculous.  I don’t care how famous they are, they can say hi to some high school kids.” “You’d think that, wouldn’t you?” Freddie answered. “You really would,” Mina finished, still shaking her head. Rey and Jannah floated along with the official representative who had been assigned to them.  Rey’s bright red dress may not have been an entirely appropriate color to wear for a teacher award but it was so floaty and bright, she had to wear it.  It had fit her athletic figure, too, unlike some of the more demure dresses.  What the hell?  She was attending the biggest night in Hollywood.  She wanted some glam. Jannah also looked amazing in black and white gown and silver heels, her hair pinned up in an elegant chinon.  Rey linked her arm with Jannah’s.  They walked the Red Carpet together and greeted famous people, some of whom looked at them and some of whom looked through them.  After all, they were “nobodies.”  Rey was too excited to let snooty attitudes get to her.   She and Jannah were taken to a Green Room where people waited to present awards.  Rey pulled her phone out and checked the battery.  Then, she turned on the camera. “Hey, kids, it’s me, Ms. Johnson.  I’m backstage here at the Oscars and it’s been interesting…”  She described the scene and filmed a tour of the Green Room.  She pulled Jannah in to say hi and then clicked the camera off. Soon, it was her turn to go onstage and receive the award she’d come to Hollywood for. The lights were blinding, the crowd was huge, and the cameras looked so intimidating.  Rey stood up at the podium, swallowed her nerves, and spoke to the audience about the importance of education and how she was so grateful that Hollywood chose to recognize the hard work teachers put in all over the country.  She thanked other teachers for their service to the kids and the future.  Then she planted the seed. “Everyone, I’m planning to go to the after-Oscar party, and while I’d love to talk about education with you and hear what you have to say, I’m more interested in having you talk to our kids.”  She held up her cell phone.  “I’m hoping to film as many of you as I can speaking to our kids, speaking to our future.  If you are willing to do a selfie video with me, find me at the party and we can film it.  Won’t take long and the kids would love it.  Thank you.” She got a huge round of applause and a standing ovation along with her big chunky award. Rey and Jannah walked into the after-party early.  The reception room was huge, glittering with chandeliers, tall tables with bar stools, and couches in corners for intimate conversations.  It was deserted.  Caterers and serving people were scattered around putting finishing touches on food tables, filling trays of champagne glasses, and tweaking the decorations.  Jannah excused herself to hit the restroom. A tall, dark-haired man in an expensive tux walked in with great purpose, took one look around the room, spotted Rey, and stopped dead. She recognized him immediately.  Ben Solo, the standoffish newbie of Hollywood.  In the last couple of years, his career had skyrocketed and he had become an increasingly hot commodity.  Rey noted how handsome and polished he looked, not a wavy hair out of place, mustache and short beard clipped neat.  His face was expressionless, eyes wary, full lips tight. He gave her a crisp nod and walked away, frowning.  He stood over by the bar with a hand in his pocket. Rey watched him for a second--he fished out his phone and looked at it, scrolling with an extra-large thumb.  His broad back and shoulders gave off “don’t talk to me” vibes. Rey ignored those.  She was used to dealing with sullen teenagers who would chew their own arms off rather than talk to a teacher. Now or never. She took a deep breath and pasted a parent-soothing smile on. “Mr. Solo,” she said and waited until he reluctantly turned around.  She caught a whiff of soap and spicy cologne. She held out her hand.  “Rey Johnson.  I’m so glad I caught you.” He looked startled, but he put out a large paw and shook her hand.  “Nice to meet you,” he murmured.  He made eye contact for a moment, then slid his gaze away quickly. “I’m such a huge fan of yours,” Rey said.  “I’m a teacher and many of the kids in my classes adore your role in Galactic Battles.  Would it be possible--” His eyes took on a rather hunted look.  Rey stopped and pressed her lips together. “No?” she asked. “Uh, what?”  He stared at her.  “I’m sorry.  I don’t know…” “I was hoping that you would talk to my kids, send a message, you know.”  Rey looked up into his frozen expression.  He didn’t seem to be listening to her. “Yeah,” he said. “You would?” Rey asked. “Who are you?” he asked suddenly, sounding decidedly testy.  He was looking over her shoulder. Rey blinked at him.  “Rey Johnson, teacher.  I teach school.”  Had he missed the award? “Oh, okay,” he said.  “You want me to do what?”  He gazed down at her. Rey took a deep breath.  “Talk to my kids.  On camera.” A woman walked up behind Rey and stood next to Ben.  “I’m sorry, Mr. Solo isn’t available for interviews about Galactic Battles at this time.  Thank you for asking.”  She widened her eyes at Rey who stood with her mouth hanging open. “It’s not an interview,” she began. “He’s simply not available,” the woman stated firmly. Ben stepped away from the two of them and snagged a drink from the bartender.  He walked off purposefully. Rey snorted. Jannah walked up.  “What’s going on?” “Yeah,” Rey said.  “They were right about him.”  She shot a glare at his publicist--or whoever was shielding him. “Pardon?” Jannah asked. “Ben Solo.” Rey looked directly at the publicist.  “He doesn’t want to be filmed giving a bit of advice to high school kids--to the teacher who won an award.”  She put on her best teacher voice.  “That might sully his career--or something.  Good evening to you, ma’am.”  She swished her skirt and stalked off. She spared a look at the tall man’s broad back as he put the heavy glass up to his lips and took a sip.  She snorted again.  He turned around at the sound and caught her eye.  She glared back at him with her best teenager-melting look of teacher disappointment. Ben Solo’s brows shot up.  He swallowed and had the minimal grace to look a little guilty.  Rey seared him with a final steely-eyed look and went to find more willing celebrities. Others were more amenable and Rey had a great time shaking hands and making videos. Everyone’s dad, Tom Hanks, had words of wisdom about a strong work ethic.  Joaquin Phoenix told the kids to eat healthy food.  Laura Dern suggested they read some poetry.  Spike Lee said to hold fast to dreams and don’t be a knucklehead on the street.  Michael B. Jordan showed his Wakanda Forever keychain and told them to believe in themselves.  Even grumpy old Harrison Ford advised the kids to find a job they loved and stick with it. Rey eventually had to switch to Jannah’s phone when she filled up the extra storage chip she had inside her own. The celebrities really got into sharing wisdom with the youth of America.   Except for Ben Solo. He had found a place to sit in the corner with his small entourage. Every now and then, Rey took a peek his way.  She usually found him watching. He reminded her of that kid who stomped off refusing to do something that was “stupid” and now had regrets because it turned out to be fun.  He reminded her of the kid who was scared to be taken advantage of because he didn’t know the rules--and had been burned before.  The kid who was the misfit, the shy one, the weirdo.  Who put up a big front and had nothing behind it except anxiety. And so, before Jannah’s phone was completely full, Rey excused herself and slowly made her way over to the corner where he sat. She knew kids like this.  She knew they could grow into introverted adults.  There was nothing wrong with them.  They just didn’t know the rules sometimes and were out of their element. Rey would ask him again.  He’d been watching.  Maybe he knew the rules now and would feel more comfortable.  Or maybe not. She walked up to him.  He gazed at her.  The publicist opened her mouth--but Ben put a hand on her arm. “It’s all right,” he murmured. “Mr. Solo--” Rey began. “Ben is fine,” he interrupted.  “Would you like to sit?” “I would,” Rey said.  “I’ve been on my feet this entire time.  I’m tired.”   She sat next to him on the couch. She smiled at him and saw the wary highschooler looking out from behind his polished actor facade. “This was a bigger project than I anticipated,” she said with a laugh.  “I’m exhausted and I used up the storage on my phone and I’m almost out on my principal’s phone, too.  The response has been incredible.  Did you see I even got Harrison Ford?”   Ben reached into his jacket pocket.  “Do you need my phone?  I could let you borrow it?” Rey’s heart melted on the spot.  He shouldn’t do that--hand over his phone to a total stranger.  And yet his action did fit his personality.  Interest and participation in a project came in many different forms. He smiled at her slightly as he handed the phone over. “You shouldn’t,” Rey said, regretfully.  She didn’t take it.  “Thank you so much, but you can’t do that with your phone.  You don’t know me.” “Sorry I was an asshole earlier,” he murmured softly.  “I missed the part where you were given the award.  I got here late and I was still on the Red Carpet.” He rolled his eyes.  “They won’t let you short-cut that experience.” Rey laughed.  “I guess not.  My walk was pretty short, though.  Everyone was scratching their heads, wondering who in the hell is this person?” “They were probably wondering which up-and-coming star you are,” he said.  His gaze met hers for a moment longer than necessary. “I’m not a star of any sort,” Rey demurred.  She felt a blush rising on her cheeks. “Yes, you are,” he argued.  “You’re a teacher.  That’s much more important than being a movie star, whatever the f**k that means.” “Thank you,” Rey said, softly.  She paused.  “If you could say something to the kids, what would it be.” He chuckled.  “I’d say, get off the internet and go outside.  Don’t live online.  Live in the world.” Rey raised the phone.  “Care to say it here?” He pulled out his.  “How about on here and then I send it to you?” “Fair enough,” Rey said.  “Can I introduce you?  That’s how we’ve been doing it?” “I saw that,” he said.  “Yeah, sure.  I saw you put your face in the shot first.” “With you, so they know I’m with you and it’s not a trick.” He nodded and scooted over.  “Where the f**k is the camera?  Oh, here.  I don’t use it that much.”  He glanced at her.  “Mostly use this as, you know, a phone.” Rey had to laugh.  “Luddite,” she teased. “Damn right,” he answered and turned on the camera. Rey leaned in and felt his soft hair brush her cheek.  Her stomach dropped a little and she swallowed.  The flush crept over her entire body.  He put one big arm around her and leaned closer so their faces were close together. “That button,” Rey said, pointing, a little breathless at his proximity. “Right,” he said and pressed it.   “Hi, kids, this is Mr. Ben Solo here to give you an important message.  Mr. Solo, what would you like to tell our kids?”  Rey leaned out of frame. He looked into the camera and all his insecurity melted away.  “Hey, kids, I know you like your socials and games, but I’m here to tell you that you could be missing out on life if you stick your face in a computer all day.  Trust me.  I don’t have social media and I don’t miss it because I’m out doing things every day and taking it all in.  Go out and live!  Don’t waste your time online.  Hang out with friends, take a walk, chop some wood, or ride your bike.  Move.  Talk.  Be in the world.  Take care, everyone.” And he clicked the button. Rey gave him a round of applause. The man literally blushed and laughed.  He looked like he’d just won the academy award. Rey shouldn’t have done it.  She didn’t know this guy.   But she couldn’t help herself.  He was completely adorable and so obviously proud of himself. She leaned over and gave him a quick hug--and kissed his cheek.  “Thank you,” she whispered.  She wanted to tell him she understood.  That she wasn’t angry at him.  That she appreciated his participation. He grinned at her full on and his dimples showed.  His face brightened, the anxiety lifted.  Rey could tell he truly enjoyed giving that bit of advice. Then his eyes, his eyes, lit up and stared into hers.  “Can I send this video to you, Ms. Johnson.” “Rey,” she said quietly.  “R-E-Y.” “Rey of Sunshine,” he said. She blushed and told him her email address. “I might need the phone number to check and see if the video came through,” he said.  And looked at her intently.  “Would that be all right with you?” “Sure,” Rey said.  “Sure.”  Her cheeks felt warm.  She was not immune to this man’s good looks, and though she thought him cold and standoffish at first, she’d been wrong.  He had been shy and uncomfortable--he hadn’t known what she wanted.  She guessed he’d been caught off-guard before and had perhaps said or done things that blew up in his face.  So he’d clamped down and brought a publicist with him (which didn’t seem unusual--lots of the stars had an entourage). Ben’s hand slipped into Rey’s and he gave it a squeeze.  “Nice to meet you, Rey.  Thank you for your service to the future.  Thank you for being a teacher.” Her phone pinged as he sent the video as well as a text message. “Dinner sometime?” Rey’s smile got wider. “Absolutely.  I’d love to.”  She melted a little more under his admiring gaze.  His return smile told her everything she needed to know. Epilogue Mina looked up from washing makeup brushes as Freddie came through the door of their little studio. “Guess what?  Guess what?” Freddie hooted.  “No, you’ll never guess.” Mina gave him a strange look.  “What?” Freddie handed over his phone, which he had opened to the Page One gossip site.  “Was looking this over to see what’s what and who’s who.  Look what I found.” Mina looked at the headline. Ben Solo’s New Squeeze. Underneath the headline was a photo of Ben Solo, actually smiling for a change.  He was walking hand-in-hand with a woman.  The copy read: Ben Solo has a new love in his life and she’s a teacher! Mina stopped reading and gazed at Freddie, who laughed out loud.  “That’s her, isn’t it?” Mina said. “Yes,” Freddie crowed.  “It is.  Rey Johnson, the teacher who was honored at the Oscars.  I never would have believed it.  She got grumpy Ben Solo to talk to her.” “Looks like they’re doing more than talking.  Good for her.  She said she was going to get selfies with all the stars.  Looks like she got her wish,” Mina commented.   “And a whole lot more.  A whole lot more.”  Freddie high-fived Mina.  “I wish them all the happiness in the world.”