The Island

By Aaron Abilene

The cast and crew of a major motion picture crash on a strange island.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: Jul 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223704638

Book preview

The Island

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE ISLAND

First edition. July 4, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223704638

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

The Island

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Further Reading: 505

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The Island

Written by Aaron Abilene

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The sun beat down on the jungle island set as JR swaggered onto the makeshift stage, flashing his trademark dazzling smile. His chiseled jaw and rippling biceps strained against the tight fabric of his safari outfit, tailored to accentuate his muscular physique.

Places everyone, the star has arrived! he announced loudly. The crew rolled their eyes at his arrogance but scrambled to prepare the set.

In her trailer, Jessica was struggling through her lines again. Help me, heroic stranger! Save me from this dreadful fate! She sighed, tossing the script aside. Was this really the best Hollywood could offer a talented actress these days?

As JR took his place for the scene, he caught a glimpse of Jessica in her cleavage-baring jungle garb. His grin widened. Maybe this B-grade adventure flick wouldn't be so bad after all, if it gave him a chance to cozy up to that fine dame.

The director yelled Action! and JR burst onto the set, firing his prop gun.  Halt, evildoers! Your reign of terror ends today!

Jessica shrieked unconvincingly. Please sir, help me! These awful villains have captured me and plan to sacrifice me to the dinosaurs!

JR scooped her up into his arms, relishing the feel of her body against his chest. Fear not, fair maiden, I shall save you from these fiends!

Jessica fumed internally at the clichéd dialogue and the feeling of JR's wandering hands. This movie was turning into a nightmare. But she plastered a dazzling smile on her face—after all, the cameras were rolling. The scene might be dreadful, but at least the paycheck would make it worthwhile. She sighed again, preparing herself for a long day of playing the damsel. What's an actress to do?

––––––––

The director yelled Cut! and the actors relaxed, the scene finished.

JR strode over to his folding chair, plopping down and grabbing a protein bar from the snack table. Great job, Jess, you really sold that whole 'helpless damsel' thing. The camera loves you!

Jessica gritted her teeth behind her smile. Why thank you, JR. You were quite heroic yourself.

The rest of the cast and crew bustled around, preparing for the next scene.

Dave, the jockish action star, clapped JR on the back. Nice one, bro! This movie is gonna be epic.

Darlene, the tomboyish survival expert, checked the prop machete on her belt. Do we need more fake blood for the sacrifice scene?

Jim, the perpetually frazzled director, scratched his head. I don't know, get some extra just in case. Now, where did I put the dinosaur puppets for this shot?

Rich, the gruff safari guide, snorted. Probably left 'em out by the fake volcano set again. I'll go grab 'em.

Meloni, the spoiled starlet, examined her nails and complained about chipping the polish. Chelsea, her friend, consoled her with a doughnut.

James, the nerdy scientist character, fiddled with his prop glasses and reviewed the technical jargon for his next line.

Mitch, the screenwriter, looked on anxiously. Would his nonsensical B-movie script actually come together?

Jackson, the black guy, hung out in the background, waiting for his single line of dialogue in the entire movie. What a waste of his talents.

The cast and crew were as mismatched as the ridiculous plot, but together they would make cinematic magic. Or at least a cult classic. JR chuckled, imagining the over-the-top action and cheesy dinosaurs. Maybe this crazy film would turn out fun after all.

JR strode onto the set, flexing his biceps in his tight t-shirt. Alright everyone, let's get this show on the road! Where are those dinosaur puppets?

The crew scrambled into action, hauling the cheesy reptilian animatronics into place. JR examined the mechanical T. rex, nodding in approval. This would make for a killer action sequence.

Cameras rolling in 5...4...3...2...action! Jim yelled.

JR leapt onto a large boulder, brandishing a prop spear. He let out a mighty roar, facing off against the looming T. rex. It snapped its jagged teeth, lunging towards him.

With superhuman agility, JR dodled and leapt over the dinosaur, landing behind it. He jabbed the spear into its mechanical hind leg, causing the creature to stumble and collapse.

Cut! Perfect! Jim exclaimed. The crew cheered, impressed by JR's daring stunt work.

JR flashed his signature grin and a thumbs up. That scene would dazzle audiences and cement his status as the ultimate action hero. If only his co-star was as enthusiastic about her role.

Jessica sat under the shade of a palm tree, fanning herself in the jungle heat. She frowned at her pink, frilly costume and simpering lines in the script. When would she get a role with some real depth?

She sighed, preparing for yet another take of her screaming for JR to save her. If she had to play one more stereotypical damsel in distress, she might just retire from acting altogether. There had to be more to her career than being eye candy in B-movies!

JR strolled over, dripping with sweat from the action sequence. Aren't you excited for our next scene together? He grinned. The chemistry between us is really starting to spark.

Jessica forced a smile. Oh yes, absolutely. She couldn't tell him the truth: that she found his arrogance and one-dimensional action hero schtick unbearable. This shoot couldn't end soon enough!

The next day, Jessica arrived on set with renewed determination. She was going to prove she could do more than just fill a pink dress.

When the director explained the next scene, Jessica interrupted. I was thinking we could add more depth to my character. Perhaps she uses her scientific knowledge to help JR disable the creatures?

The director sputtered. But you're supposed to be a love interest, not a scientist!

Why can't I be both? Jessica challenged. It would make the story more interesting and give my character an actual purpose.

JR scoffed. Don't be ridiculous! No one cares about the love interest's backstory. They just want to see me defeat the monsters and get the girl.

Jessica glared at him. Is that how you view all female roles in your movies? As prizes to be 'gotten'?

Come on now, JR said with an eyeroll. You're overreacting as always.

I won't play a character that's only motivation is to be rescued by you! Jessica said hotly.

Then quit! JR shouted. No one will miss you!

The crew gasped. An awkward silence fell over the set as JR and Jessica stared each other down, tension crackling between them.

To be continued...?

Jessica's face flushed with anger. How dare he threaten to replace her! She wasn't going to back down from this sexist jerk.

Maybe I will quit! she shot back. At least then I won't have to put up with your ego and misogyny anymore!

JR scoffed again. Good luck finding work after this. No one will want to hire someone as difficult as you.

Jessica opened her mouth to issue a scathing retort, but a loud roar interrupted her. One of the robotic dinosaurs had gotten loose and was charging straight at them, jaws snapping.

Panic erupted on the set. People screamed and fled, scrambling to get out of the dinosaur's path.

JR grabbed Jessica's arm. Come on! he yelled, pulling her along as he ran behind a large boulder for cover.

The dinosaur stomped by, letting out an angry bellow. Jessica and JR peered around the boulder, eyes wide as they took in the chaos.

We have to stop that thing before it hurts someone! Jessica said. She looked at JR meaningfully. Are you going to help me disable it or not?

JR hesitated, then nodded. Alright, let's do this. Together.

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