Stupid Dreamers

Chapter 7: The Premiere

Movie premieres.  They can be fun for both the stars who take hours to get ready for this event and the fans that camp out for weeks waiting for their favorite celebrities to walk down the red carpet.  And I’ll admit it too, these premieres can be quite extravagant. It’s also fun to see your co-stars, producers, directors, and even the composer for the music walking around and greeting the various fans. Plus, no OCD interruptions and not one urge of cutting will be involved. I was actually getting excited and that’s a good thing for me, because I usually don’t get excited for these events. I get nervous instead. But who wouldn’t be? You’re standing in front of over a thousand people and those who are at home watching you get interviewed and look up your pictures online.  I don’t know how singers do it at concerts.    

Powell, Parker, and Carter would be over soon to get me ready since we only had about four hours until I had to be at the premiere.  I sat in my living room, wearing sweats, a tank top, and a messy bun with a glass of champagne in my hand.  I take another sip, letting the bubbles and faint taste of white grape mixed with a small touch of bitterness to somehow sooth my stomach.  Even though I was getting excited for the premiere, I was starting to feel nervous as the minutes started counting down, so I drank a little alcohol to keep me relaxed.  

As I start to click my nails on the edge of my side table, I hear a knock at my door. Finally, I don’t think I can keep still anymore, either though I’ll be sitting in front of a makeup table for about an hour.  I immediately jump up to answer it and let them in, carrying various different sized bags.

The most spectacular things at movie premieres are the dresses that the girls wear. Sure, you’ve got your guys who dress up in the tuxes and such, but us girls had the fun part of an excuse to look extra pretty and special.  And I wanted to look as pretty as possible since in the movie I’m the nasty villain who gets caked with blood, dust, and burned alive in the end. Spoiler alert: I die.

“You are absolutely going to love the gown Erin; your designer created it just for you,” Parker says, walking up the stairs to my dressing room. It was always where I got ready. When we entered, I watch as they all set the bags down in various places. This was probably my most favorite room in the entire house. It looked like something in a bridal shop, where there’s a short pedestal for me to stand on and surrounded by mirrors, counters, and cabinets that held my various outfits, makeup, shoes, and other clothing items.

“Now Erin,” Powell begins, making me look at him as I sit down in front of one of the mirrors. Nails, makeup, and hair were always first. Then the gown, then the jewelry and shoes.

“Ashes has become way more popular than you think, so remember no matter what to greet the fans, answer any questions, talk to the people there, and-“

“Smile consistently and constantly for everyone and the cameras, got it,” I finish for him. He nods.

“Great, so let’s get you ready,” And the madness of preparation begins.

I scroll through my social media on my phone as my hair gets curled. Carter does my makeup and my nails as Powell pulls my dress out from the garment bag.

“You ready to see yourself?” Parker asks me with a smile. I nod eagerly and can’t believe my eyes when I turn around to face myself in the mirror.

This couldn’t possibly be me. This girl was flawless and beautiful-looking, none of which I am. Her hair was pulled into a side-bun and a few of the curls stuck out to frame my face. Her brown and black smoky eyes made them pop and show their lustrous green color. Her cheeks were highlighted with a soft pink blush and her lips had a touch of shiny lip gloss. It really was me, and these were one of those special occasions that I really looked beautiful but still me.