Cigarette Stained Lies

chapter 3: Learning the Ways

FINALLY I’M IN CALIFORNIA! The cab ride there to our apartment was a blur. I only remember seeing the Hollywood sign, and the traffic. I was hoping to see Taylor Lautner (yes I love Twilight, but only the books) or another famous celebrity during the car ride, but of course that didn’t happen.

About three hours later (there was A LOT of traffic) my mother and I finally reached the apartment that Mr. Collins rented for us. Once we entered it, my jaw almost reached the floor. It was AMAZING! When I first walked in the living room, the first thing I noticed was the 30-inch flat screen television, the comfortable-looking beige furniture, and the white carpet. The walls were decorated with exotic paintings I’ve never seen before.

After walking through the living room, I went to the room that would be considered as my bedroom. It was a decent size room with green walls, a queen-sized bed in the middle (which had a pale blue comforter), a desk on the side, paintings on the wall, and a large window with a great view of the nice neighborhood. As I rested my suitcase on the bed, my mother knocked on the door.

“I seriously can’t believe we’re going to be living here for a couple of months.” I told her as I looked out the window taking in the sight.

“Well believe it because for a couple of months, this is our new home.” She said

After a couple moments of silence, I heard my mother’s ringtone. She picked it up as I kept gazing.

“Hello? ... Yes we are at the apartment… Yes we can make it right now… It’s already outside? … Okay, thank you very much Danielle.” She then clicked her phone to end the conversation.

“Jess, that was Danielle, Mr. Collin’s assistant, and she wants you at the studio so he can create the scheduled for you. Come on the cab is waiting downstairs.”

“Fine lets go.” I replied as I sprung up to walk out the door.

Before I left my room, I looked at the window one more time. The sun was about to set, and I couldn’t take my gaze away from it.

“Jessica! Let’s go!” My mother yelled from the front door.

“Okay! Okay! I’m coming!” I said as I left the room.

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When we got to the studio, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. As I was walking into the lobby, the same woman I saw at the audition came up to me.

“Hi Jess, my name is Danielle Gonzalez, and I am Mr. Collins’s assistant. You can call me Danielle by the way.” She said.

“Hi Danielle, you have no idea how happy I am to be here. So where is Mr. Collins?”

“ Oh, he’s in his office. Follow me please,” She pleasantly said as she directed my mother and me to the elevator. As we rode up the elevator, I couldn’t help but be slightly nervous because the last time I saw Mr. Collins, he looked mad, annoyed, and stressed out.

Once the elevator came to a stop, Danielle got out before me to direct me to the office. As we reached the office, Danielle opened the door and led me to a huge room with large windows and paintings. As I was admiring the room, I did not notice the man sitting at the desk until he got up and spoke.

“Jessica, it is really nice to see you again. Hello Mrs. Monet, it is a pleasure to finally meeting you in person. I’m sorry we only spoke on the phone, I was just getting ready for Jessica’s arrival,” Mr. Collins told us.

“Don’t worry it’s fine, it’s our pleasure to be here,” my mother spoke.

“Okay Jessica, why don’t you sit down, and we’ll set up the schedule for you.”

 “Sure,” I said pleasantly walking to the chair from across Mr. Collins’s desk. I was too nervous to speak more than one or two words.

Once we finished the schedule, it looked like Mr. Collins had something on his mind.

“Now that’s finished, I need to talk to you. Jessica, as you know I am famously known for the music artists I produce for. And since you will be recording with me, I think I should tell you how to present yourself because there is a high chance you might become famous,” Mr. Collins said with a serious face.

“What do you mean? I think I present myself really well. I’m not rude in public, I dress appropriately, and I have manners. So I don’t think you need to tell me-“

“Yes, I do know that, but what I mean is how to act during the toughest times, what to say at the right times, how to handle the paparazzi, and how to choose the right people to hang out with. Listen to me, Hollywood can make or break you, and I’m just trying to help you out.”

“… Okay, fine tell me what I need to know,” I said with the slightest attitude. I knew he was looking out for me, but I couldn’t help but to have an attitude.

“Good, oh and before I forget, we need to make you an image so you will be getting a make over by professional stylists. And also, you will have your own P.R to keep your new image, and will take care of everything when it goes wrong.” Mr. Collins told me.

“Wait, I don’t want to have a new image! Why can’t I be the way I am, but also be a singer? I don’t want to change the way I look.” I complained. I looked at my mother for back up, but she just looked at the desk in front of us while Mr. Collins and me were conversing.

“Jessica, we’re not going to make you into a totally new person. Just umm…. How should I put this? Make you attractive than you already are so you can stand out more.”

“But-“

“Danielle can you please take Jessica and her mother to the styling room to start her makeover, and also tell her all the rules.” Mr. Collins interrupted me before I spoke again.

“Yes, Mr. Collins, please come follow me.” Danielle guided us out of the room as Mr. Collins waved, then went back to his work.

“Don’t worry Jess, I will not allow them to change you completely. Just try to be yourself no matter what and you’ll make it,” Danielle said loud enough for only me to hear.

“Thanks Danielle.” I said. It was my first day in California, and I know I already made a true friend.