Avoiding The Paparazzi

Chapter 1

 Riks P.O.V: (news reporter)

 it was around seven in the morning when Victoria was caught stepping out of the black Mercedes, Alyssa ducked into the nearest Starbucks, and sat down at a table, towards the corner of the cafe. Taking out a large Mac computer, she placed it in such a position that it obstructed others from seeing her face, but allowed her to see outside the window which she was seated near. Moments later, a crazed photographer rushed in, and excitedly asked the barista- "Did ya see her? Is Alyssa here??". The bored reply came moments later, after she had prepared a drink for an old couple seated away from the mysterious stranger. The answer seemed rehearsed, as if she'd said it before. "Sir, there is no photography allowed of this vicinity. I am going to have to call security if you do not leave" Displeased, the photographer stomped out of the cafe, and out into the street. The girl, at this moment chose to look in his direction, and was blinded by an awkward and unprofessional camera flash. Caught, she packed her stuff up and rushed out the door, going the opposite way. Jumping into her car, she sped away, running three red lights.

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Josh: (Photographer) What a stupid rule. I should be able to photograph whomever I please. And banned from Starbucks. Why is it so hard for people to understand- I'm trying to make money. The public loves this stuff. Last week, I sold a picture of Victoria shopping at Vogue for nearly $4,000! The fans love it to. Never have I seen a little girl so happy. I wasn't being invasive- and had taken care to stand 200 feet away. Unfortunately, the picture was blurry- and I was not allowed inside that particular starbucks ever again. Damn.

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Alexandria's P.O.V: (most successful CPP agent and works at the same place as Victoria, is not as famous)

I walked into the office, quite late- I might add. But, nevertheless, I had arrived. Placing my personal belongings into an assigned locker, I headed towards my dressing room, for some needed rest. Last night was rough- and hadn't gone by quickly. I'd received calls after calls, until finally my manager told me my shift was over. Never had I been so relieved to go to my morning job. Trudging towards my room, I let out a sigh. God, I was exhausted... my night shift was from eight p.m. to five a.m., and after that I went home- and returned around nine a.m.- and worked until six p.m.. so being tired was expected. After all, it was a Monday. many celebrities were out and had carelessly forgotten their disguises... or whatever they used to stay out of the paparazzi's camera shot. And on top of that- my other manager was relentless, giving us loads of assignments, and only a few hours to prepare for performance. I work at Celebrity Protection Inc. My job is to keep celebrities out of the public eye. Unwanted attention is never welcome, no matter who you are. Especially if you're famous. Bad hair day? Out with someone whom you don't want to be photographed with? Or perhaps you need to sneak out of a public place without getting noticed. Whatever it was- We were supposed to cater their needs. My other job is at Prevolia's Acting and Singing Corp. It's a very prestigious academy- kind of like a mini broadway establishment. We have great success- and are traveling to London for our movie premier next week. I had a lead role- naturally, and spent hours on set with Victoria- one of the biggest stars of the century. I love what I do. My thoughts, unfortunately, were cut off by a phone call. Work has begun.

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Daniel:(new agent for CPP) I wandered the streets, hopelessly asking people around me for directions. Everyone seemed too busy- or perhaps just too ignorant to stop and help me. 14535 Shiefon Lane... that was the correct address. I called the place twice to confirm. Walking into the nearest Chick-Fil-A, I sat down to take a breather. It was my first time in Charlotte. I had only lived in North Carolina for a month, and most of my time had been taken up by the scramble to find a sustainable job. And then, only last week, a lady with dark sunglasses- I estimated her to be about 29- approached me with this offer. "It's a company that helps celebrities avoid camera's". That's all she told me before slipping me their business card, and hopping into a yellow taxi. Again, I tried getting the attention of a stranger.

"Hello- Excuse me?"

The person looked up from her cell phone, and I saw it was a girl... I'm guessing she was maybe fifteen or sixteen. Clearly annoyed, she huffed angrily...

"May I help you?"

"Yes, actually. I'm trying to find this address..."

Snatching the business card from my hands, she read it hastily, and then upon shoving it back in my hand, said-

"Come with me. I know exactly what you're looking for."

Reluctantly I began to follow her through the maze of people, winding through the crowd. This complete stranger insisted she knew where I wanted to be going. Perhaps she was a thief- luring me into a corner? Still, a small part of me trusted her, and I followed her silently for about fifteen minutes. Eventually we reached a building, with nine floors- (I counted them) and here she spoke.

"I'm Alexandria."

The introduction was sudden, I expected nothing less than a thorough job description. Alexandria did not seem friendly...

"Uh, I'm Daniel." I answered awkwardly.

The two of us were off to a fabulous start.

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