Publicity: The Dangers of Fame [ON HOLD]

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Even Jacob had to admit this was one of his worst mornings ever.

Waking up next to a girl drooling all over him, her blonde tips irritating his nose and the cold touch of fresh air hitting his naked body was enough to make the actor quickly annoyed.

Untangling his cramped legs from last night’s girl, he made his way over to the bathroom, where he swiftly turned on the shower and stepped in. Allowing the cold water to wash away the memories of the night before, he scrubbed hard at his skin, as if trying to scrub away all the disgusting habits he’d gotten himself into.

His phone resonated, and he reluctantly switched off the torrent of water. Wrapping a towel low on his hips, he dragged himself into the living room. As Jacob looked around the room, he knew that the modern furniture, famous pieces of art and decorative ornaments showed the comforts of his rich lifestyle, and he relished it.

Locating his phone, shoved between the couch, he shut his eyes and released an exasperated sigh when he saw who the text was from. Unlocking his phone, he scanned the message.

How was last night? Don’t get up too late, because you’ve got the TV series shoot at ten. Sorry, but I can’t attend- got lots of work to do. Make sure you look presentable. Oh, and please, try and act nicely? It’d do us all a favour. Good luck, kiddo.

Dean

Jacob scoffed. It was just like him. He probably didn’t have work, but just couldn’t be bothered getting himself out of bed and driving over to the site.

Throwing his phone down onto the couch in the most controlled manner possible, he jammed on some jeans, pulled his most presentable collared shirt over his arms, before scribbling a hasty note to the girl in his bed, whose name he did not know. It was short, curt and to the point.

Let yourself out.

And with that, he left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The first thing he noticed as he walked into the back garden was the singing. The purest, loveliest, most heartfelt singing he had ever heard, and it tugged at him. Tugged at him in a way nothing- not anyone or anything- had ever before. Frowning, unused to this odd feeling, he saw the mass of people crowded around something- or someone, and headed towards it, shoving his hands in his pockets for something to do.

Intent on locating the source of the beautiful sound, he easily peered over the mob of heads. Right in the centre stood a girl, dressed in plain jeans and a blue top, but it wasn’t her unusually casual choice of clothes that struck him. It was her passion. Her voice rang with emotion, completely stuck in her own world where she captivated all those around her. The words rolled off her tongue so naturally, the melodic sounds swirling around Jacob, like a river rushing by, cleansing him of all anger and frustration. He relaxed, taking in her sweet, soothing voice.  

And then, she looked at him, her eyes wide with curiosity, and he saw a spark of sadness hidden beneath those depths.

And suddenly, her voice broke off, and they stared at each other. Time stopped. The only thing Jacob saw was the light, light brown of her eyes. The world faded away, but the silence engulfed them both in another realm. Another place. Another land.  His heart beat rapidly against his chest, threatening to break free of its cage.