Gem's Unwanted Everlasting Fame

Derek's Café

I spend quite a bit of my time in "Derek's Café" just around the corner from where I live. Unfortunately I can't tell you exactly where I live because I don't want any unwelcome visitors. I hope you understand. Derek's Café is my favorite place in the world for a few reasons. One: it's cold and rainy a lot of the time here in England and it's nice to come in and sit in the maroon oversized chair by the warm fire, drink a nice hot chocolate, and either read a good book or just look out the window and watch the world leave me behind for just an hour or so. Two: It's rare to find more than five other people in the place on a daily basis. It's a small shop and the residents of this town prefer larger shops with more on the menu.

Here I can escape, if only for a few hours. And Derek is the nicest guy I know. We've become good friends since I've started hanging around here every day. However, not good enough for him to understand why I don't like the fame. I've explained it to him at least five times and each time he just becomes more confused.

Sitting here now makes me think of my mother. She passed away two years ago and I still haven't gotten over it. In fact she's the reason I'm famus. Most celebrities get their fame from being a singer or being in a movie. Not me. My fame was passed down from my mother. She was in 200 movies total. All of them very popular and classic movies. She took me to every awards show, every red carpet event, and every charity event she went to. After two trips down the red carpet with cameras flashing and reporters shouting questions at me the world knew me. They knew everything. My age, my height, my relationship status, even though I was only nine at the time, favorite color, food, movie. They knew more about me in a month than I did in nine years.

"Your hot chocolate, ma'am."

I look up from twirling my fingers in my lap to see that gorgeous smile, bright blue eyes, and sandy blond hair with a warm mug in his hands. I smile and accept the hot chocolate. "Thanks." I say.

"Absolutely no problem." Derek replies, still smiling.

Too bad he has a girlfriend. I think to myself as he walks away.

I finish my drink and go to grab my coat. As I reach up to the coat rack my hand brushes another. It's Derek's. I quickly take hold of my coat, fling it on my shoulders, give him my regards and push the door open.

Why didn't I drive here? I ask myself when I realize it's so cold the wind is stinging my nose and cheeks. I pull my scarf tighter around my face and continue to walk faster until I arrive at my doorstep. I pull out the key and enter the warmth and comfort of my own home.