The Ex Factor

Chapter 1

Raven's Pov

In the three years that Aubrey and I have been separated, so much has changed for me. For one I'm a mother of a very adorable three-year-old who happens to be my world. I don't know what I would do without him, he keeps me grounded whenever he's not running circles around my head. Like now, it's so hard trying to keep up with him, especially when I'm working which is always. In these last few years, I've really come into my own. I've stared in five films which all did extremely well at the box office. My production company is up and running and we're currently working on our second film under my collaboration with Paramount, and on top of all that I've managed to open another dance school in Los Angeles. Like I said, I've really come into my own.

As far as my personal life, that couldn't be more stale. With my son and my career being my top priority that doesn't leave much time for a man. I've been in one semi relationship since Aubrey and that only lasted about two months. I've become extremely picky about the men I choose to bring around because I don't want Cam to see guys coming in and out of my life. I know some people in my life who will remain nameless... Alex likes to think that my personal life or lack thereof is because of Aubrey. He seems to think that I still have feelings for him and that I compare other men to him, but I don't see it. Alex is just another one of those persons who won't let me escape Mr. Aubrey Drake Graham. It seems like every time I do an interview his name pops up.

Like now, I'm sitting in hair in makeup at this Vogue magazine shoot getting ready to wrap up my last set of shots for my spread, and in the midst of it all, I'm being interviewed by someone from the magazine who keeps dropping Aubrey's name in between questions.

Q. Do you ever see yourself returning to the stage as a dancer?

A. I try to never say never. Dancing has always been a passion of mine, that's why I opened up my schools so that I could help nurture young talent. Although I don't see myself choreographing or stepping on a stage anytime soon, if the right offer comes along it may just grab my attention.

Q. And when did acting come into the picture?

A. Acting came hand in hand with dancing, it's just that my career as a dancer took off before my career as an actress. Dancing was paying the bills so I had to give it my all while still trying to squeeze in auditions, but once I secured my first major role I was able to focus wholeheartedly on acting and I've been on a roll since then.

Q. Yes you have, and I would like to congratulate you on your Golden Globe nomination for best actress last year. How did it feel getting your first nomination?

A. It felt great, especially for it to be the first film that I produced on my own, so that was huge for me. Even though we didn't win, we all felt like winners that day.

Q. And there's always this year's Academy Awards. I hear your film with Steve McQueen is garnering a few nods and is favored for best picture.

A. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but my fingers are crossed. Working with Steve was an experience in itself and I hope we get the chance to do it again soon.

Q. So What does a day in the life of, Raven Perry consist of?

A. Constant headaches and coffee. I'm always reading scripts looking for my next project, and just being a mom and hanging out with my son.

Q. How do you juggle being an executive and being a mother?

A. It's hard work, but my son comes first above everything. I don't have a nanny, so he's always with me even when I'm working. My trailers are always filled with toys because he just takes over.

Q. It must be difficult raising a child when both parents are celebrities on the go.

A. Well like I said before, we make time for our son. He's our number one priority. I'm not doing his alone. My son has a great father and he's an awesome co-parent. It gets frustrating sometimes because there's always a camera in our face which is something that Cameron has become used to because it's been like that his whole life, but we try our best to give him as much of a normal life as we can.