Eden's Eve

Chapter 23

"Beautiful job, sweetheart, that was sensational." Asher applauded as Eden exited the stage, he put an arm around her and began to usher her back towards the dressing room.

He shook his head, and ran a hand through his silver and black hair. Gold rings adorned each finger. He then said, "I have a script for you to review when you get a chance, sweetie."

"Oh, how intimately I know this story." Eden bitterly laughed, "This must mean you have intention on canceling my tickets, to that I would strongly caution you against proceeding."

"That was like a year ago! How long are you going to be mad at me for that?" Asher huffed. He could never forget the fire and fury he got from Eden after forcing her to stay in South Carolina after filming ended at Cedar's Eve. Asher did not even dream of repeating such a decision.

He clasped his hands together, "My boy Ricky reached out to me, babe. His team is working on a piece, they want you to audition for the lead role."

Eden scoffed. "I don't care what 'Ricardo' said, I am not audi–"

"I know, I said the same thing too. Your reputation precedes you, I think so too. But..."

"But what?"

"I saw a little of the script, I think you might like it." Asher said optimistically, a tone he often used to be convincing.

Eden waved her manicured finger no. "Asher, you know I am taking a break from work."

"And when you told me, I said it was a great idea. Didn't I say it was a great idea?" Asher turned to his daughter Audrey for help.

"Yes! He said it was a great idea." Audrey chimed in, earning a doubtful look from Eden.

"Baby, you know me, all I care about in this cruel world is that My Eden is alright. Hell, I like Levi. I think it is good for your image that you are settling down with the guy. Though I think it might be better to go for someone, you know, more in the know..."

"And who would that someone be? Someone like you?" Eden questioned harshly, now standing in the front of her dressing room. She put her back against the door and looked at Asher and Audrey. "I do not need your sweet talk, Asher, I do not. I told you that I am tired. What other actress is on back to back bookings like me? I have toiled like a dog since nineteen and have never once complained to you, oftentimes getting only two or three weeks off before working three months straight again. Now when I say I am done for now, I mean it. Give the script to one of the other girls that you manage, let them have their moment. As for me, the answer is no."

Asher pouted. "They don't want to see the other girls, sweetheart! The other girls don't have what you have. Pure, raw, talent! Look what you just did! You spoke on stage for five minutes. maybe only four and are getting paid $50,000! For five minutes! All of world only wants to see y—"

Eden scoffed. "And after I pay taxes and give you 30% how much does that leave me?"

"A whole lot more than what the others are pocketing, I'll tell you that much." Asher answered quickly.

"I. Don't. Care." Eden firmly retorted, clapping in between each word. "The same that want to see me will be the same who make memes about my decline, when it inevitably happens if I continue working at this rate."

"Filming does not start for two years, production is at an early stage. Just think about it, okay?"

"I am not going back and forth with you anymore."

Asher sighed, clearing his throat. He took a step back, both of his hands up in surrender. Audrey nervously shifted on her feet, ever uncomfortable whenever she saw her father and her boss fight.

Eden put her hand on the dressing room door, "I need to get on. I will see you both later."

"Just like that? No hug?" Asher feigned offense, then opened his arms to Eden. "Give Big Daddy Olstein a hug."

Audrey grimaced. Eden's hands went on her hips. "I hope you aren't making expensive jokes like this with your other clients. You are fiend for a lawsuit that will far surpass your bank account."

"And when that happens, I will call Mr. Moore for some financial assistance." Asher cackled dryly.

"Ah, a comedian. Maybe that can be your side job after getting sued into 2027 for sexual harassment." Eden sarcastically suggested. "Why haven't I fired you yet?"

"During Shabbat I prayed you wouldn't, God heard my prayer." Asher replied, still laughing.

"How they even allow you into any Temple is a mystery to me, so vile." Eden shook her head, slightly amused. She hid back her smile. As annoying as he may be, they had spent the last seven years working together and there was a weird, unspoken bond. "Asher, find yourself somewhere else to be. Audrey, take care of yourself, I will talk to you tomorrow."

"Bye Miss. Hydari!" Audrey waved, a grateful smile on her face to not be on the receiving end of the frustration.

Eden retreated into the dressing room, gathered her belongings and was on her way after security got her to her car.

Back at home, Eden spent the next few hours working with the moving team. Levi had hired them to make the process as seamless as possible for Eden, the caveat being, Eden wanted to handle her bedroom by herself. Partially to prevent theft but also because she was enjoying the meticulous process.

As Eden packed away her jewelry sets into their respective boxes, she was listening to an older episode of Wellness Whispers by Melissa. The podcast played in the background as Eden focused on the task at hand.

"Welcome to another episode of 'Wellness Whispers by Melissa' where I, your host Melissa, delve into all things wellness. Today, we're shining a light on postpartum depression, a silent struggle that affects many new mothers. Our guest expert is Graciella Ayad, a renowned mental health therapist who specializes in life stage transition, postpartum depression, PMDD and womens overall mental health."

"Please just call me Gracie, I haven't gone by Graciella in years." The therapist chuckled as she spoke. Her voice was bubbly, charismatic and somehow familiar.

Eden's head snapped towards the screen. Why does that sound like Gracie? Like...Gracie Gracie from elementary?

The smile was heard in Melissa's voice, "Gracie. First of all, thank you so much for joining us. Could you help our listeners understand what postpartum depression really is? We hear about it so often, but I think it is still widely misunderstood."

"Mm, absolutely. So postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. It's characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in life. It's crucial to recognize that it's more than just the "baby blues" – it's a serious condition that requires attention and support."

"Ahh. Certainly, it's important to differentiate between the common mood swings and something more serious. What are some signs that someone might be experiencing postpartum depression?"

Gracie gasped. "Such a great question! Girl, I love it! Signs include extreme fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping even when the baby is asleep, and overwhelming feelings of guilt or inadequacy. If these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, it's essential to seek professional help."

It is her.

Eden switched off the screen and snatched up her phone, quickly dialing Audrey.

"Miss. Hydari."

"Audrey, find me where Graciella...Gracie Ayad practices out of."