Schemes and Dreams

"Oh, like they were victims here. Uh uh. They invaded our home and they're gonna play the victim? Nope. Don't go thinking you off the hook either Thorne Bailey."
https://i.imgur.com/UcvxSGh.png

"Hey, what did I do?"

"I told you Thorne, you wanna pose for pictures, you take it outside."
https://i.imgur.com/eFjExra.png

"I was outside. In case you missed it, our pool is outside. Look through that window right there. What do you see. You see the pool and it is definitely outside."

"You know what I mean Thorne! Don't gimme that nonsense 'bout the pool is outside. Outside the gate! I told you, you walk your happy backside out there if you wanna pose for those vultures. The only fools coming in here to take pictures are gonna be proper media people, not paparazzi" Octavia said. She hadn't said it yet but she was feeling hurt by the man she loves. He had ignored her wishes like her opinion didn't matter.

"You're overreacting again. They only wanted to take a few pictures. You're the one that flew off the handle. This whole thing is your fault."
https://i.imgur.com/zXDgda4.png

"I'm not overreacting and don't you dare lay all of this at my feet!" Octavia said, pointing her finger in Thorne's face. "Yes I was wrong for yelling at them like I did, but you were wrong for allowing them on our property. We discussed this, they were to remain outside the gate. Do you know who they are? Do you know the first thing about them? I don't want them anywhere near Orange. He's a child, he isn't a celebrity.
https://i.imgur.com/tJ6dlex.png

"Oh, you're worried about Orange now are you? You told me you were planning to go skinny dipping."

"Orange wasn't home. He was at school."

"You just said it, he was at school." Thorne's voice had an air of condescension in it. "If he's at school, he's not at home, so why were you worried about them being here?"
https://i.imgur.com/EB9cO4Y.png

"It's about respect Thorne!" She was somewhere between wanting to smack him and wanting to just curl up in a ball and cry. "We discussed this before, and you agreed, no paparazzi inside the fence. You keep lettin' them in even after we had this discussion!! I'm not being unreasonable! They got the idea that it's okay to just come up in here anytime they want now, because you keep lettin' them in. And it hurts that you totally ignored me like I ain't a person that means a thing to you. Like I'm just some decoration on legs that walks around your house lookin' pretty. It isn't your house, it's our house, and I am not an object for you to admire and show off."

"You're being irrational Octavia. Is it that time again?" Thorne stuck that knife in and gave it a twist.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't slap the taste outta your mouth" she said. She could feel the tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes. "I'm out. I can't deal with you right now. I'm going for a run to clear my head and then hopefully I can remember why it is I love you. Maybe you can take that time to figure out if I mean anything to you or am I just some plaything that you can ignore until I can give you something you want. Get outta my way." With that Octavia was out of the door and she could cry it out as she ran.
https://i.imgur.com/5NJBuUT.png

She picked a path where she could let it out and hopefully no one else would see or hear her anguish. She knew she had been partly at fault, but at the heart of all of this mess was his lack of respect for her and her feelings and wishes. And it was far from the first time he had treated her like this. She had been home when this happened and he could easily have found her and talked to her before letting the paparazzi in. Now she wondered where she actually stood with him. Thorne was the love of her life, but does he see her the same way? He says he does, but how can you treat someone who is supposedly so special to you like this? Like their opinions, desires, and wishes don't matter. She was willing to compromise in certain circumstances, but how can you compromise if the other party doesn't ask to talk, they just go and do what they want. She had known Thorne had narcissistic tendencies when they met, and that Del Sol Valley was not a place that was likely to cure them. Had she been persuaded to ignore those traits by his charm or his other attributes? Or did she secretly think she could change him? She had no doubt that she still loved him, but she wasn't at all sure anymore if the feelings were truly reciprocal.
https://i.imgur.com/jCDrCMx.png

Rayvn closed her eyes and did some deep breathing exercises to calm and center herself. While she did she remembered her conversations with her mom. Her mother had once been a personal assistant to several celebrities including the grand dame herself. She told Rayvn how to deal with Judith. "There are two ways to get on Judith's good side, and for all of her flaws she is someone you want on your side as you're breaking into the business. She can make you or break you if she chooses. Most often she'll totally ignore newcomers" her mother had said. "You could kiss her backside, but there is a better way if you have the skill and the nerve, which my girl you have. Stand up to her when she tries to back you down and then act your backside off. Give it everything you've got. You pull that off and she will take an interest in making a protege out of you. Make no mistake it's risky, because if you don't pull it off she will make life hard for you. I tell you all this because I believe in you baby girl. You have what it takes to make it big."
https://i.imgur.com/xZng7zB.png

"Rayvn Nash? Right this way please. If you would please take your spot in front of the large screen."

"There she is Rayvn" she thought to herself as she spotted the legend seated in the middle chair, flanked by the casting director and his assistant. "You've got this. This is your destiny."

"Excuse me, did you say something miss?" Judith asked frostily.

"Just psyching myself up, ma'am. Sorry." Rayvn flinched inwardly as that 'sorry' slipped off her tongue. She said to herself, "This is what mom was talking about, now don't blow it."

"Do not apologize. I would strongly advise anyone who thinks they're going to be in one of my movies to be at their absolute best. Do what you must to get there."

"I'm ready for this moment. I was born for this."

"Oh, is that so? Well Miss Nash since you're so full of yourself this morning let's see if you have the talent to back up that mouth" Judith said.

"I have it. My talent is bigger than my mouth, Judith."

There was a glimmer in Judith's eyes, subtle, but it was there, while a sneer formed on her face. Here was someone who has the belief that they were meant for greatness. And the temerity to stand her ground. Clearly this child could never be as great as she is, but there may be something here that she can work with and claim as another of her creations. There were a few highly acclaimed actresses who owe their stature to Judith Ward. "Very well. I want you to read the part of the Lady Desdemonia. Make me feel like you are a vampire goddess! It should be easy if you're half as good as you seem to think you are."

Rayvn was ready, with one last deep breath she was off and running.
https://i.imgur.com/nsPQ9Uq.png
https://i.imgur.com/FKqZz6O.png
https://i.imgur.com/3BQaaKh.png
https://i.imgur.com/CSRbiIR.png

In her mind she was no longer Rayvn Nash, or Ava Thomas, her real name. Instead, she was Lady Desdemonia. She was no longer in an audition room in modern day Del Sol Valley, she was in a crypt beneath an ancient Transimvanian castle, her coffin beside her. See could see the cobwebs in the corners. She could see herself in a pouffy, ruffled, victorian gown, the pale skin of her arms and chest showing.
https://i.imgur.com/l4JMc6O.png

In her imagination she could feel fangs and she could taste plasma on them and on her ruby red lips courtesy of her latest victim. Rayvn has always been blessed with a very vivid imagination and her mother helped her nurture that gift. Now it was all paying off as she threw herself into the moment and she became Lady Desdemonia, if only in her imagination.
https://i.imgur.com/ti0WUpX.png

The casting director was on the edge of his seat. His assistant was still sitting back in her seat mesmerized by the scene in front of her. As Rayvn pressed on, Judith who had been reading the part of Lord Draculis from her seat joined Rayvn.
https://i.imgur.com/Iv7vazD.png
https://i.imgur.com/VRrQRrV.png?1
https://i.imgur.com/FiflgD4.png
https://i.imgur.com/jQFnLdW.png

They were both caught up in the moment. "Hey! Knock it off!" Judith said as she recoiled.
https://i.imgur.com/5tEWvTl.png

"Oops. I got carried away there."

"You think?" Judith said sarcastically. "I have to say that's the first time I've ever had someone try to bite my neck. Well, at least while we were both vertical anyway." Judith glanced around the room and saw the raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. The stories about her love life had made the rounds over the years. She cleared her throat and adjusted her blouse before continuing. "Anyway, Miss Rayvn Nash, I do believe your were right. You do possess talent. I'm not going to say you have the part, but you made a strong case for it. Even if you don't get the part, I would urge you to continue pursuing your acting career. We will be in contact soon. Thank you for coming."

With that Rayvn left the room, leaving Judith and the casting agents alone. "Before we give that girl the part I need to reread the script to make sure there aren't any scenes where her teeth are going to be anywhere near my neck. I swear if I hadn't said something she might have done it."

"Are you sure she's worth the risk? I don't need her ripping your throat out because she forgot she isn't actually a vampire."
https://i.imgur.com/BF6W1aH.png?1

"You don't need that? Your concern for the wellbeing of my throat is touching Zackary" Judith said, sarcasm dripping from every syllable.
https://i.imgur.com/O37ZJQh.png

"Yes she is totally worth the risk. She has the talent, the confidence, and I don't doubt she has drive. Those are qualities I admire. I want to see more, but she just might be my next project. I could do wondrous things with her. I'm sure I could make her the next Chloe Devereaux or Brianna Sinclair, maybe even better than they are."
https://i.imgur.com/1uWVjfb.png

"High praise. I hope you're right because if she is that good the studio will stand to make a fortune like we have with those two" said the casting director who was already dreaming of a new Porsche.

"You'll learn, that look is just Judith being Judith. She isn't impressed by much. So, what else happened?"
https://i.imgur.com/P2gxzUr.png

"The part I was reading for is a vampire. You know how much I love vampire stories."

"That I do girl. You take after me when it comes to that obsession."

"So I imagined that I was a vampire and I poured everything I had into it. I had a bit of fun with Judith though. At the end I faked a lunge at her neck like I was so into the part that I actually thought I was a vampire. Her reaction was priceless."
https://i.imgur.com/ZAdAAis.png

"I can imagine. Well I won't keep you. Go enjoy the day, be careful baby girl, Del Sol Valley is just as dangerous as it is glamorous."

"I know mom. San Myshuno is just as dangerous and you taught me well how to look out for myself and how to stay safe" Rayvn said as she rolled her eyes. "Moms, they're all the same. Comes with job" she thought to herself.

"It's not just on the streets Ava, sorry, Rayvn. Things can get ugly and scary behind the closed doors in a movie studio office. Powerful men in a white collar office can be as predatory as any mugger. Look, I'm sorry baby, I don't mean to ruin your happy day. Good luck and I know you're going to get that part! I love you baby girl!"

"You're not ruining anything mom. I'm touched that you're worried about me but like I said you taught me well. I love you mom." She hung up and paused to look up at the sky before letting out a scream of happiness. Her head was still tilted back and she put her arms out and just spun in circles, doing a little dance all by herself. Any place other than Del Sol Valley or San Myshuno, and that display would have had passersby looking at her like she had six heads and all of them were foaming at the mouth. It was easy to see who were the newcomers and tourists, they were the only ones who turned to look. "This is a girls night out at The Orchid" Rayvn thought to herself. She texted her friends Tianna and Harley...
https://i.imgur.com/3rydF18.png

Rayvn:
wyd 2nite? wanna do the orchid?

Tianna:
def gf! queens?

Rayvn:
mimi & ximena afaik

Harley:
mimi is ??? cu!

Rayvn:
we gonna set that roof on ??? cul!

"Let me look at you!" Mimi said. "Oh my God, girl you are breathtakingly gorgeous!"
https://i.imgur.com/aZksroV.png

"Thank you Meem. I'm scared, God I'm so scared. I'm no stranger to being on stage but I've never been the headliner! It's taking everything I have not to run away."
https://i.imgur.com/UxMeqrv.png

"Look at me Ximena. Everything is okay hun. Give me a hug please" Mimi said.
https://i.imgur.com/Uixk7aI.png

As Mimi and Ximena held their embrace Mimi said, "I was in your stilettos once. It's always hard being the headliner. You're expected to deliver the goods every single time. Trust me though, you have everything it takes to be a superstar. Sweetie, if there was ever anybody who was born to do this it's you! You will be fabulous. You will be magnificent. You, my little glamazon, will have the crowd eating out of the palm of your hand."

"What would I ever do without you" Ximena said as she planted a kiss on Mimi's cheek.

"You'd slay in exactly the same way you will tonight. You don't need me to be who you were meant to be. You have a gift. All I am is a sister, a cheerleader, and a fellow traveler. You were born fabulous. That fabulous, beautiful human being" Mimi said as they tapped a long nail over Ximena's heart, "has always, always, been in here. It has been in you all along. She is you and you are her."
https://i.imgur.com/N4t4f3z.png

"What do you have planned for your finale?"

"Dua Lipa's 'Levitating' and Adele's 'Rolling In the Deep'"

"I love it, my superstar!"

While Mimi and Ximena were getting ready, the party was already getting off the ground. The night shift, staff and clientele alike, were piling in. When the sun sets the vibe and the beats from The Orchid transform into a seismic force. When The Orchid is on, and it's rare when it isn't, the earth moves under partygoers feet. The beats come alive.
https://i.imgur.com/8vRFvVX.png
https://i.imgur.com/xCcB3uL.png
https://i.imgur.com/QAeZ4iX.png

It wasn't long before the sun gave up the fight and made way for the moon. With it the party really took off. And just like that it was time for Ximena's star turn.

"My lovelies, it is my sincere pleasure to introduce you to the star of tonight's show. She's no stranger. You know her, you love her, now welcome her as the star of the show she deserves to be, Ximena Rivera!
https://i.imgur.com/OWyEgDi.png


Levitating - Dua Lipa
https://youtu.be/WHuBW3qKm9g
https://i.imgur.com/DUbUOIm.png
https://i.imgur.com/OFahmyp.png
https://i.imgur.com/9U2Pyvg.png

Rolling In the Deep - Adele
https://youtu.be/fbmI-z_mIpk
https://i.imgur.com/1K0p9Tx.png
https://i.imgur.com/WUQQhKj.png
https://i.imgur.com/BaonIm0.png

"Thank you for everything you've done for me. If it wasn't for you I don't know if tonight would have turned out like it did."

"You're welcome, and yes it would have. The power isn't in me, it's in you. All I did was let you know it was there. You did all the hard work. I don't know about you, but I'm starving, let's go get something to eat shall we?"
https://i.imgur.com/XtZXXLe.png

Haha the head chef quote, “I mean someone could have told me. I suppose you learn something new everyday” You’re the head chef? Hard to find a reason to be on Thorne’s side. He clearly went against Octavia's wishes. Lmao on his comment, “the pool is outside” Thorne ?‍♀️?‍♀️Wow, Octavia should’ve slapped him after that comment. Interested in seeing what's to come next between these 2.
Wow the receptionist? Break a leg, Ravyn! Haha she almost bit Judith, great acting. Looks like Judith is convinced. Love that Ravyn called her mother right after the audition. Very sweet, and her word of advice helped so much.
Mimi and Ximena look stunning! Great performance Ximena? Lovely words at the end Mimi, the powers in you Ximena❤️

Mimi was more involved than I had originally planned, but I have so much fun writing their/her part that it's easy to get carried away. Thorne is really self centered and he doesn't consider Octavia's feelings. She still loves him but she's right to wonder if he loves himself more than he loves her. My impression of him is, he knew exactly what Octavia meant but he doesn't like it. So he intentionally played 'dumb' and took the most literal interpretation possible hoping he could get away with it. He learned Octavia isn't falling for it. I thought it would be fun to have Rayvn really get into her character in her imagination. I suppose that would qualify as 'method acting'. Having her call her mom was something that just sort of happened. I hadn't been planning it, but somehow it just fit. Rayvn is in for some ups and downs. Especially when she starts getting involved with Judith as her protege. Back to Mimi and Ximena. I plan to have most chapters end with an evening at The Orchid with Mimi and one or more of the other queens. Except for the part one finale, unless that takes place there.? I almost forgot to mention Ximena's new look. The more I looked at the hairstyle I originally picked out for the drag persona the less I liked it. I tried a few others and fell in love with that one. It does make Ximena less androgynous and more feminine, but off stage Joaquin maintains that slightly androgynous look.

In a surprise upset - The Studio Receptionist!

It took longer to get Rayvn into the story then I had planned so even I needed to go back and double check.? The whole story has gone in a different direction, but all I really had was a rough outline. It was meant to have leeway to follow interesting storylines.

As soon as I started writing Mimi I knew I wanted them/her to be a feel good character. Watching Thorne I knew he wasn't going to be a lovable character, he's going to be trouble. I had to do some research to learn text abbreviations. I knew young adults like Rayvn, Tianna, and really a huge chunk of the cast would text in abbreviations and emojis. If I wanted to make it believable I needed to learn.

The incompetent head chef came about because I was thinking, how do I explain the fact that I was late doing the auditions. I mentioned it in the very first paragraph of chapter one and then did nothing. So I decided to play it off as having been delayed. But why? That's when I came up with the idea that the staff had food poisoning. I decided to make it funny and that's how Plumbob Studios staff was poisoned by their incompetent chef. Who by the way is the incompetent ex-chef.

The idea for the receptionist came to me from stories you hear about the odd jobs wannabe actors take in hopes of being discovered while they're on the job. So I figured, ok, she answered the ad for a receptionist at the studio. Now she imagined that by the time the first coffee break rolled around on day one she would already have been discovered, which she wasn't. A month later, she still hasn't been discovered and she watches all these other beautiful young women and men coming in and out, every day. Now she's angry, disillusioned, and jaded. So I pictured her as the type that's going to be uber snarky.

I can't say for sure, but I feel like Thorne is going to really separate himself from the field and emerge as the sole front runner for worst spouse. Octavia does have work to do about her temper, but I feel like a lot of that stems from Thorne's behavior. She loves him, or she thinks she does, but he makes it difficult. I feel that way deep down she's conflicted and it bubbles over. We'll see how their relationship evolves.