NEPO BBY

22

As I stepped into the opulent penthouse in the heart of Los Angeles, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Life in Hollywood turned out to be even better than I had imagined.

My two closest confidants, Gabriel and François, practically became permanent residents of my luxurious abode. Together, we embarked on a whirlwind of extravagance, hosting lavish parties within the penthouse's grand walls and gracing the guest lists of exclusive events in the exclusive hills.

My career in modeling, which had brought me to this glamorous city, proved to be effortless. I spent countless hours in front of the camera, my smile illuminating the lens. The world's insatiable obsession with me was both intoxicating and overwhelming. Soon, I could not step foot in a grocery store without being accosted for a photograph or an autograph. The constant attention was exhilarating but also deeply unsettling.

Amidst this whirlwind, Anna and I quickly formed an unbreakable bond fueled by our shared desire for fame. Together, we became the darlings of the paparazzi, gracing the covers of countless magazines as a glamorous and desirable couple. Our partnership brought me immense recognition and adoration. Yet, beneath the glittering façade, I couldn't shake the feeling that this relentless pursuit of fame was both intoxicating and terrifying. The line between my true self and the persona I portrayed for the public began to blur, leaving me uneasy. As the spotlight shone brighter, I yearned for a moment of respite where I could shed the mask and simply be myself. But in the relentless pursuit of fame, such moments seemed like a distant dream.

In the glamorous world of Hollywood, where dreams are made and shattered, parties are a staple of the entertainment industry. While these gatherings can provide an escape from the pressures of the limelight, they can also present a minefield of temptations for those not adequately prepared. Anna and her circle of friends epitomized the allure and peril of Hollywood's party scene. As a young and impressionable newcomer to the industry, I was surrounded by a group of individuals who embraced a hedonistic lifestyle. College parties, with their youthful exuberance and relatively tame atmosphere, were a far cry from Hollywood's extravagant and drug-fueled events. I found myself immersed in a world where women openly offered themselves up and where the temptation to indulge in alcohol and substances was overwhelming. Caught off guard by this unfamiliar environment, I initially struggled to navigate its complexities. I was not equipped with the maturity or experience to resist the allure of the moment. As a result, I succumbed to the temptations presented to me.

As the smoke curled lazily from my lips, a familiar voice spoke from behind me, stirring emotions that had long been dormant.

"Hey, Jack," the voice said softly and hesitantly. "How have you been?"

I turned, my heart pounding in my chest. Marie stood before me as if frozen in time. Her piercing blue eyes held the same enigmatic allure that once captivated me, but time had wrought subtle changes upon me. The once-scrawny teenager had transformed into a self-assured man. I wore a leather jacket that exuded confidence; my hair slicked back in a style that hinted at a rebellious streak. The cigarette in my hand completed the picture, symbolizing my newfound independence.

"I'm doing good," I replied. "I'm back home visiting my parents for the weekend. What are you doing back in France?"

"I'm just visiting my parents too," she replied. "I heard the news..about your parents...I'm sure you're happy."

"We're one big happy family again." I half-joked. She half smiled in return.

"You're so different...I just can't believe this is you now.." her voice and eyes trailed off as she took me in.

"This is me," I smirked, tossing the cigarette down onto the asphalt and stomping on it.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I'm sorry for...you know...if I broke your heart...I'm sorry..." she said, resisting eye contact with me.