The Girl Behind the Scenes - KNJ X OC FF

Chapter 1

I got up as my alarm blared next to me. I groaned looking out the window and seeing the sun still down. The clock read 5:30 and I rolled out of bed and into my bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror which is something I immediately regretted. My purple and blue hair had matted itself in something that resembled a bird's nest and my mascara and some of the glittery eyeshadow from the previous day has formed dark rings that mixed with my natural eye bags making me look like a deranged glittery raccoon. I sighed and brushed out my hair the best I could and stepped into the shower. The hot water was very much welcomed and it rinsed all the grime from the previous day off. After I got out of the shower, I curled my hair in natural beach waves, braided the longer pieces near my face, and tied them back so it was out of my way. I did some light eyeliner and mascara and did a light eye look that just a little bit of glitter eyeshadow that in some lights looked purple but was overall not too showy. I threw on a sky blue blouse and white pants, at least giving the impression that my life is somehow put together.

After I got ready I went into the kitchen started a pot of coffee, cooked two Eggo waffles, threw some bacon in the microwave, cut up some apples, and put some Nutella on a plate. I cut everything into bite-sized pieces and looked at the clock again, which read 6:45. I grabbed my computer and checked my email, nothing super interesting except one that was forwarded to me by my assistant. This subject line read.

"New Project partnered with Hybe Labels" 

I clicked on it and read the email. The CEO and chairman of Hybe Labels, the biggest music label in the world, wants me to do a documentary on one of their artists, BTS. I was intrigued but I had done my best to stay out of the music industry. I found it horribly toxic when I was working as a music video assistant director when I was 16. I know it is hypocritical because I have solidified my place in the Hollywood movie industry, which is arguably worse, but I have still drawn my line. I read further and the more I read the more that I was intrigued at the possibility but I am not sold on anything yet.

 I looked at the clock and it read 7:00 am and I walked into the room next to mine which belonged to my little girl. "Come on, Maia, it is time to get up," I said, looking at the mop of auburn hair that was peeking out of a bright green comforter covered in white daisies. I walked over lifted the banket and lightly tickled her and her eyes opened. She let out a whine and tried to cover herself with her comforter again. I pulled her comforter back and picked her up. "Let's go, my little duckling," I said, swinging her around a little bit which caused her to giggle. That is my favorite sound in the world. I set her down in her little toddler chair and pour myself a cup of much-needed caffeine.

"Mommy?" Maia asked.

"Yeah?" I asked, drinking the coffee.

"There is a daddy-daughter dinner on Friday, can you come," Maia asked, hesitantly.

"Of course, ducky. Can you ask your teacher to send me the details?" I asked and Maia nodded excitedly. I made her some lunch of chicken nuggets, veggies, goldfish, gummies, and berries.

"Can I have some?" she asked pointing to my coffee.

"Coffee? Ma'am, you are four years old. Coffee is for adults" I said, knowing her that will not deter her one bit.

"Please!" Maia begged. I laughed and shrugged giving her a sip. Her face contoured from excitement to pure disgust. I couldn't help but start laughing. I poured her a glass of milk and she grabbed it immediately and drank it as fast as she could. I smiled and grabbed a napkin wiping off the milk on her chin.

"I told you," I said smugly. "Ok, I am going to grab your outfit. Please eat slowly." I said and Maia nodded. I went to her room and picked out her favorite green dress, black modesty shorts, and white sandals. I walked back out to the kitchen and Maia was poking at her food, letting me know she was done. "Ok, go get dressed," I said and she nodded and jumped off of the chair and ran into her room. I ate all the remaining food on her plate and cleaned up. I sat down for a second and closed my eyes but my moment was stopped as a four-year-old jumped on me.

"Wake up, mommy." She said.

"I am up. Do you want me to braid your hair?" I asked and she nodded excitedly. I put on some music and we had a Disney sing-a-long while I did her hair but we were interrupted by a knock. The door soon opened and my best friend and assistant, Rosilee walked in.

"You know that knocking is useless if you let yourself in right?" I said.

"You gave me a key for a reason," Rosi said walking over to us. Maia sees her and runs over to hug her and she gives her a piece of chocolate.

"Really?" I said.

"What, you know I have to spoil my niece," Rosi said. I rolled my eyes and put a little green hair clip into Maia's hair and went to my bedroom to grab my computer and notebooks for work. I walked back out into the living room and Rosi was helping Maia pack her bag. I noticed the time which read 7:45 and knew we needed to go.

"Let's go everyone, we are going to be late!" I said. I grabbed my keys and we all left. I drove and Rosi was in the front seat with me and Maia was in the back. We sang Disney songs all the way to her kindergarten. I pulled up to the drop-off zone, Rosi helped her out of her car seat and she waved goodbye and ran in to join her friends.

"You ok, Kai?" Rosi asked.

"There is a daddy-daughter dinner that the school is hosting on Friday," I said, trying to focus on the road.

"and Maia mentioned Mark?" Rosi asked and I shook my head.

"Not at all, she asked me to go," I said.

"Ok, I don't see the problem," Rosi said.

"I don't know. I just feel bad. Maia will never know her dad and it is entirely my fault." I said.

"Kiya, how many times do I have to tell you that it was Mark's choice to text and drive. You were in labor and wanted him there. There is no way you could have known." Rosi scolded me. I nodded, I know in my head that it isn't my fault but in my heart I blame myself.

"I know. Can we just talk about something else?" I asked.

"Yeah...umm... ok so today we are meeting with the representative from Hype Labels. I know that you don't do music but I thought it could be cool so I set up a meeting. How are you feeling about it?" Rosi asked.

"I am not totally against the idea but I am leaning towards no. After I was the runner-up for the academy award last year, everyone wants a thousand things from me, and to be honest, I don't think concert film is what they had in mind" I said.

"You were saying that you want to branch out a little more. I think that this could be a great opportunity to do that. You shouldn't give a shit about other people, or their expectations. Please all I ask is that you keep an open mind." Rosi said. There was something behind her eyes that I couldn't place but I agreed.

"Fine, I will sit on the meeting but if I have to follow around some arrogant singer for a year I am going to be pissed," I said and Rosi laughed.

"Who knows this meeting could change your life," Rosi said.

"Anything is possible, I guess," I said.