Fame

By Jules Cissé

An up-and-coming Hollywood actress who is trying to run away from it all falls in love with a veiled woman who holds a terrible secret.

This modern take on the typical love story that you all know of, opposes characters with different perspectives on life with the common denominator of not having any control over theirs.

A quick read. A good read. Enjoy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jules Cissé
• Release date: Feb 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393818458

Jules Cissé

Jules Cissé is an author who specializes in writing short but unique stories.

Book preview

Kate is being interrogated by a man in uniform. They are alone in a closed and dark room. She is weeping.

Agent Dickens

So can you explain to me how it all happened once again, Kate?

She has a hard time answering the question. She looks confused.

Kate

It was self-defence.

Agent Dickens

Self-defence?

The police agent does not seem to believe her.

Agent Dickens

I had a look at your declaration, and it says that you are an actress. Is that so?

Kate seems to have doubts.

Kate

Yes…

He takes his time to examine her face.

Agent Dickens

I don’t remember having seen you before. Heard, it’s quite a lot of broken dreams. Very few lucky souls get to have their big breaks. Do you have another job?

She tries to wipe up her tears.

Kate

I guess not…

Agent Dickens

Well, that’s quite the dedication. Are you sure that you’ve got it in you? I mean, what about in ten years? Will you still be an actress?

Kate remains silent while trying to hold it all together. He has a quick look toward the security camera mounted on the wall.

Agent Dickens

Don’t tell me you are camera shy…

Kate is not feeling him.

Agent Dickens

You can talk. No one is hearing you in here.

He unplugs the camera.

Agent Dickens

At least, not anymore. No one is watching you now. You never know with all those cameras. Anyways, what about in ten years? What will you do?

Kate

What does it have to do with the case?

He chuckles, takes a pause and scrutinizes her face. This time making sure to visualize all the subtle details.

Agent Dickens

Just like your mother…

Kate

What can you possibly know about my mother?

Agent Dickens

Don’t act like you’re surprised. She has quite the reputation around here.

Kate has a knee-jerk reaction.

Kate

I am nothing like my mother…

Agent Dickens

Whoa! Such a big reaction coming out of a little birdie like you. All right. You’re not like your mother. So you say. So you say…

He makes sure the door is locked. It is.

Agent Dickens

So you maintain that it was all of his fault.

Kate is becoming anxious. She slightly raises her voice.

Kate

Yes… Can I go now?

He chuckles again. He’s not impressed. He’s seen many others before. He walks around the table and comes closer to her. While staring down at her, he passes his hand into her fine hair and visibly invades her personal space. Yet, she does not move.

Agent Dickens

Is that the best you’ve got? Did you really think it would be that easy? You would walk in and out and get away with it. With your good looks?

Kate, now visibly anxious, stays mute. He, on the other hand, seems to enjoy the moment.

Agent Dickens

I’m afraid the world does not work this way. Do you know how many untalented and fame hungry actresses I get to see in here?

He does not let her the time to answer.

Agent Dickens

What? You think that you are different, that you are special?

She remains silent. He smiles.

Agent Dickens

You have the right to remain silent, but I guess that you already knew it. Truth to be told, I don’t mind that actually.

He unties his belt buckle. Kate knows what’s coming. It’s visible on her face.

Kate

What are you doing?

Agent Dickens

You may want to call it a favour.

He unbuttons his pants before dropping them off.

Agent Dickens

Anyways, the only thing that matters to you right now is what you can do with a dick.

Kate is on a red carpet, full-on makeup and dressed in a silky red gown revealing her thin silhouette. Her attire is scintillating at the rhythm of the camera flashes through the night.

Reporters

Kate! Kate! Look over here!

Kate looks.

Reporters

Look over here Kate!

Kate plays the game, so does her mother who is also on the red carpet a couple of feet away. Like her mother, she is smiling at the cameras and the spectators but amid all the effervescence, something grabs her attention. While she is still smiling like nothing happened, her eyes betray her true feelings. She looks empty inside. Something is bothering her but it is not the time nor the moment to show it. It’s the premiere of her new movie. While there are other actors on the red carpet, she is the star of the night. Kate slams the door as she blazes out of a room while mumbling to herself.

Kate

Are you kidding me? I don’t