The Real War

Prequel: Meeting Chris

It had been only about 15 minutes after I had wrapped my scenes for the day when I heard a knock on my trailer door. Praying that it isn't a PA asking me to return to set as I had already taken half of my make up off I approach the door. I am pleasantly surprised to see that it is not a member of the crew but it is Chris Pratt. "Hey Rach! Just double checking that you can make it to Chris's birthday party tonight?" He asked cheerfully. I nodded hesitantly, "Yeah I'll be there... 80s party right?" I shifted my weight to lean against the door frame to pretend as through I am not anxious about my first Hollywood party but since Chris and I have gotten pretty close he can read me. "Yeah it is!" he starts in a more forceful cheery tone and then switches to a more caring one, "Listen, I bet you're bricking it right now but I promise you as intimidating Hollywood parties sound they're much more relaxed." I nod and give him a half-hearted smile, "Thanks."

Chris wasn't fully convinced that I was feeling better because he put both his hands on either of my shoulders to shake me out of my head. "I have an idea. How about you come to the venue right now and help me set up a little so you at least have the party setting under your control so when you actually arrive and everyone else is there you have less to digest." I took a deep breath and considered his proposal. He shook me once more making me feel small but breaking me out of my head once more, "Yeah that sounds great." I answered him and he clapped his hands together in approval. "Great! You have the address, yeah? Meet you there in like a half hour." And just like that he was off and I got ready to leave.

I took an uber to work that morning as mine was in the shop so I gave the driver the address to the pub the party was to be at and on my way I went. It was about an hour long drive with California traffic but as we got closer I recognized that it was much closer to my temporary apartment. When we pulled up and I stepped out of the uber I was shocked to realize that the venue wasn't a pub like Pratt had suggested it was. It was the infamous Viper club! This was the club known for crazy Hollywood parties and haunting encounters. I definitely started to question whether I was in the right place so I texted Chris that I thought I was in the right place. Moments later he opened the front door and allowed me inside. I was in the right place after all.

It was a surprisingly small location but was already looking perfect for the guest that were bound to come. Not everyone from the MCU could make it to this party but I good handful was coming so Pratt and I had a great deal of work on our hands. It was myself, Chris and his team putting up 80s memorabilia. Well really it was myself and his team putting up decorations while Chris curated the playlist for the night. About an hour went by and the party was set to start in about 3 hours so I told Chris I was calling myself an uber so I could go get ready. His response, "Nonsense! I have two drivers here right now. Take one back to your place and return it tonight. Thanks for your help." He walked me out and hugged me at the door, "Don't worry about tonight, I got your back" I thanked him again for all of his kindness before getting into the car and heading to my apartment.

I walked into my temporary apartment as I was still hunting for a permanent place and rushed to my bathroom to freshen up. One musical shower concert later and I facetimed my now good friend Zendaya for outfit help. Together we looked through my closet and my makeup collection and formulated the best 80s theme outfit for the night. We decided that since she was going fully Whiney Houston glam that I needed to go full Madonna fashionista. I threw on a plain white tee that had some distressed holes at the collar and put on a black skirt with suspenders on over it. Paired it with a bowler hat and piled an abundance of chunky bracelets on my wrists. When I moved on to the makeup portion Zen talked me through how to get the eye shadow and eyeliner just right. And to top the look all off I used my old crimper to style my hair.

I bid my friend goodbye and checked the time; I had a few minutes to spare so I walked to my bathroom to check my appearance one last time before calling up Chris's driver to come pick me up. I looked at myself in the mirror and tried to talk myself down from a panic attack. "Just take it moment by moment. If everyone is half as kind as RDJ, Zendaya, or Pratt this evening will be easy. You already know a good portion of people going anyway. Tom Holland and Chris Harmsworth will be there too.... Well duh, its his birthday but that's something you can focus on if things get rocky. It's a celebration so have fun and nothing will go wrong." I talked to myself and took in a deep breath. It was now or never so I called the driver and before I knew it I was on my way back to The Viper Room.