Ch. 18 Movie Night

21 2 2
                                    

Between March and April 1983

Song for Chapter: What a Feeling by Irene Cara

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Song for Chapter: What a Feeling by Irene Cara

Stevie had just turned 17 years old a week ago, and what better way to become "The Dancing Queen" than a world premiere for Flashdance. She was nervous, hoping she didn't mess up her first public appearance for acting. She also hoped that the people attending would like the movie , praying that since she was the main character she at least caught someone's attention. At the moment, her stylists were trying to negotiate on dresses with the feisty teenager. Stevie simply refused most of them. "They're too frilly!", she groaned. "But you'd look good in half of these!", one stylist named Luann retorted. "No I wouldn't!", Stevie snarled back. Her makeup artist Sydney walked over and grabbed a white dress that had diamond studs on it. "How about this one?", she offered with a coy smirk. Stevie noticed that the diamonds appeared rather punk like, and that they showed status. She was one with the industry now. "Yes please.", she grabbed it and pulled it on , smiling widely. For the first time, she didn't feel silly in one of these. She felt confident and like herself. Sydney pulled Stevie's hair back after sitting her down in a makeup chair. "What would you like?", she asked the younger girl. "Somethin' bold. Like funky eyeshadow.", she said. "Would this work?", Sydney asked, holding up an orange color. "Let's try it.", Stevie stated.
After being dressed, Stevie smiled at herself in the mirror. Her hair had been straightened and the eyeshadow brought out her spunky personality and her blue eyes. "Thank yous so much!", she grinned at them. "It's time for you to head off.", the hair stylist Brianna said kindly. "Wish me luck.", she chuckled.

The limousine pulled up to the large event center where the premiere was being held. Stevie held her black clutch anxiously, grinding her jaws slightly. Her heart beat quickly as she watched someone open the door for her. "Thank you.", she said softly. She got out and walked inside being escorted by security. Camera lights flashed everywhere as she walked off to the red carpet. It was overwhelming for someone like her who was young and new to this lifestyle. The lights blinded her eyes causing her to not see as well whilst walking with the security guard. "I can't fucking see!", she yelled in distress. "Keep walking straight , you're alright.", the tall guard assured her. She was led to a spot on the carpet to stand and pose on. Stevie grew nervous not wanting to pose in a cheesy way or look stupid. She placed a hand on her hip, the other holding her black clutch as she smiled for the paparazzis. "Excellent! Hold that!", some called out to her. "Look this way miss!", another shouted. Stevie glanced his way grinning widely. "Stevie, did you do all the dancing in the film?!", one photographer asked. "Yes I did.", she replied with a smirk, growing more comfortable now. She blew some kisses for photos before heading off to where the movie would be shown. Other celebrities were here , which meant introductions and making connections.

Her agent had told her to go meet as many celebrities as possible and other casting directors so she could get good exposure, and if all else failed, sleep with them for the job. Stevie growled at the thought of that instruction ; she'd rather get the job for talent, not for her pussy. Her eyes widened in shock seeing Matt there. 'I thought he wanted nothin' to do with me...' , she thought to herself in shock. She headed over to him with furrowed brows, tapping his shoulder. "What brings ya here?", she asked him suspiciously. "Just wanted to see a movie...maybe try and patch things up with ya. I couldn't find a way to contact ya so I had to wait a while.", he explained sheepishly at the end, but otherwise he seemed fine. "I thought I was on my own though... remember? Or is it now that I've found success you're crawling back to me?", Stevie cocked her brow and smirked cockily at him. "Don't flatter yourself Costa.", Matt snickered. "As far as I see, you're the one who tapped my shoulder...remember?", he grinned having used her phrase against her. Stevie glared in annoyance but knew Matt was right. "Truce?", she playfully asked, offering a hand. "Yes.", he chuckled, shaking her hand firmly. "Now let's go watch your movie.", he linked his arm with hers and allowed her to find a spot to sit, wanting her to be comfortable.

Whilst watching the movie, Matt was amazed seeing Stevie dance for the first time. He waited to be amazed after she told him but now, he was awestruck seeing how she moved with power and grace at the same time. When the movie ended , the audience stood up and clapped for the entire cast. Stevie laughed excitedly, not thinking ever in her life she'd have a moment like this. "Oh my gosh.", she gasped aloud to herself. She stood up and received the applause with her movie cast, biting her lip a bit before grinning widely. "It's all for me.", she whispered to herself, trying to process everything still.

She soon left the viewing area and headed out to her limo wanting to go to the after party. She posed near a dock for paps, blowing a kiss before hopping on in, ready for what the night had in store. Before the limo took off , someone knocked on her window. "Hold on.", Stevie said to the driver before opening her door. "What?", she asked Matt. "I was gonna ask if ya wanted to head to that after party together.", he offered her. "I was on my way there actually, hop on in.", she made room for him and he shut the door. "Did you like the movie?", Stevie asked him after a few moments. "It was good..your dancing is what stole the show man.", Matt smiled in disbelief and shook his head. "Where'd ya learn to dance like that?", he asked her. "My mother made me do all sorts of dance classes before I quit at 13. I wanted to dance on my own terms by then....so I learned break dancing from some friends of mine back home. It's easy when you're already agile.", she chuckled at the end. Matt giggled as well, seeing her point. "Yeah...those classes paid off though. You moved like gravity didn't exist.", he looked at her now directly. Stevie looked back at him as well, a little confused by the sudden change in the atmosphere of the ride. "Yep I did....not even gravity can stop me from doin' what I want.", she smirked. "I guess not even God himself too?", Matt smirked at her. "Not even God...he ain't real anyways so why would he stop me?", Stevie laughed darkly. "That shit's all fairytales.", she added. "Try telling that to my Catholic family.", Matt laughed as well. "Same here , but moreso my mother. My father only believed because she did, he could care less about a god or no god.", she laughed bittersweetly at the memory of him arguing with her mother. "My brothers ....I don't know where they stand belief wise. Last I checked Nicky was full on Atheist and so was Tony.", she continued. "Bruce is in the middle." "They older than ya?", Matt asked. "Mhm, I'm the youngest.", Stevie sighed.

Matt noticed her change in demeanor seeing her look sad in the eyes. "I'll change the subject if that bothers ya.", he offered. "Thanks.", Stevie chuckled. "I'm not really sure if something exists or not, but I still wear this under my clothes.", Matt revealed a St. Christopher pendant from under his tuxedo. "Ahh I see...just to make sure you're safe?", Stevie chuckled. "Yes ma'am." He mused. Regardless of whether God existed or not, the night had gone wonderfully and Stevie was happy to have Matt back as a friend, whether she'd admit it or not.

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