La Pantera

Ch.4 A World Of Insight

Song for Chapter: City of Stars from La La Land Soundtrack

Later that evening, Francis had the cast sit down together in the high school . "To help you all become familiar with this film and how I want it to be shown, we're going to watch some films together so we're all on the same page.", he explained . This caused Stevie to cock her brow and scoff in confusion. The fuck kinda drugs is he on? , she mused to herself . Was this some acting method they used ? Whatever it was, she looked displeased. Her familiar scowl rested on her face as Francis began to play Decision by Dawn by the famous filmmaker Anatole Litvak. Matt sat near her on the bleachers, his foot tapping impatiently. Even he was confused at first . They really expect me to sit here and watch this shit? , he thought to himself . He'd been introduced to weird methods from Francis in The Outsiders filming but this was a bit more out there in his taste.

The war film played on the screen , the story of the spies during World War 2 actually catching Stevie's attention. Maybe they're playing this because of the conflict or somethin...I'm probably wrong but whatever . , she thought. The one prisoner of war turned spy named Happy actually made her think of Matt's character Rusty James . Matt actually caught on as well, since he leaned in to pay more attention. They're both idealists....he thought to himself. Maybe this is to help me understand the plot of what my character is goin' through., Matt smiled while thinking , feeling smart for once. He wouldn't admit it to anyone , but he felt stupid all the damn time. Couldn't sit still, always having to do something, which caused him frustration in the end and to give up anything he tried . Acting was something he had found comfort in , and now he had built himself a reputation for being a charming , young actor who could catch the viewer's attention.

Stevie couldn't help but envy the young man next to her . She had asked some people about her co-star and it turned out the kid could act. She had even asked Francis and he had played a tape for her showing her co-star's natural abilities. His purpose for this was to see if she could rise up to the occasion, knowing full well this young girl was sizing Matt up and fighting for her role . So now , she gave him some side glances , unbeknownst to him, that said nothing but envy and annoyance .

When the film ended, Francis asked the cast to reflect on what they'd watch and to come back the next day with answers as to how it tied to their movie. Stevie walked off casually before bumping into Nick Cage. "Sorry.", she said shortly but he stopped her with a gentle step back so he was still in her face . "No need to apologize, I'm Nick. I hear you're the new girl for Patty.", he said outstretching his hand. Nick didn't think the girl would be tall but here he was standing face to face practically with her. Stevie eyed him with a smirk, shaking his hand loosely. "I'm Stevie , and you've assumed right.", she was already annoyed at how he'd stepped in front of her and was now keeping her from sleep in the new trailer on set. "Cool name ...you born with it or is it a nickname?", he asked , now leaning on the wall near them. "Nickname , and you're only calling me that.", she warned. "Hey it's cool...no need to get worked up baby.", his hand went to touch her hip, but her quick reflexes kicked in, smacking his hand away harshly. "Don't touch me.", she growled before walking off to her trailer. Nick watched her walk away, a bit taken aback but amused .

In her trailer, Stevie laid in the bed tiredly staring up at her ceiling. She was a bit weary of what the future held ...but she was focused on reaching legendary status and proving herself worthy of respect. She'd always wanted to be an actress, something her parents had hated. They'd wanted her to settle down and start a family . Yous thought wrong...dumbasses., Stevie mused to herself with a dark chuckle. She grabbed a cigarette before heading outside of her trailer for an evening walk, before glancing at the high school. Smirking to herself, she climbed up one of the tall trees next to it before leaping onto the roof. There, she lit up her smoke and blew smoke rings into the dark sky.