Pulp Core: Pulp Core, #1

By Kylie Jensen

People aren't always as they seem and getting to see sides of them that can't be seen by just taking a glance is what these three stories revolve around. These stories toy with the idea that things aren't always as they seem. This notion being common with every human will leave you curious about the characters in each of these stories and make you root for them even though your view of them might have been different from the beginning.

 

A makeup artist on a porn set takes the idea of waiting in stride as she watches everything going on backstage. A male stripper who brings balance into every aspect of his life experiences major setbacks in one night that threatens his career. The unlikely, but blooming love story between a waitress and a divorced producer who know nothing about each other besides what they think of each other. Three stories explore the different personalities of people and leave you wanting more of these individuals.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seagull Editions
• Release date: May 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223511557

Book preview

BACKSTAGE

Ophelia was trying her best to bring out the look that she felt suited the actress’s face. She was the amateur on set and the teen-looking, perky woman they had just included, but she looked so excited to get out there. This wasn’t the first time she was witnessing fresh blood on set with such a wide smile and giddy movements. Even though it wasn’t her turn yet, she looked almost ready to get on there with them. She smiled as she adjusted the curly rings in her hair to give it a natural look, helping her to make it look better.

Are you excited to go out there? It’s good to be patient enough to enjoy your time on stage without feeling someone wanting to get on after you.

She chuckled, checking out herself in the vanity. I really love my hair and makeup.

Ophelia nodded. Of course you do. I have magical hands here, enough to do wonders on anyone’s face.

The lady laughed again, looking at her hands while Ophelia resumed doing the hair and removing the curling rings in her hair. She took her time and paid extra attention to it. Not that she wasn’t sure of what to do, but it was enough to give an actress the confidence she needed to get her work done rather and look good while at it. She looked away from the actress and looked out of the door where the backstage was. She could hear the actors as they spoke and acted their lines, moving with grace, but she couldn’t see what they were doing.

As much as she wanted to, she knew how hard it was for the pornstars to perfect their roles and how many trials it took for them to perfect a scene as well. It was quite tiring for her to think about all of it at once, but she understood her role and it wouldn’t take her too long to perfect it if she worked as hard as she did. Ophelia appreciated how easy the actresses made it for her to work. They were always so open about what they wanted, but she, Kori, had insisted that she did what she thought was best.

When she was finally done with the hair, she exhaled, taking a step to admire her work. She smiled as the new addition to the set smiled, bouncing her curls and expressing her satisfaction. That was something she lived for anyway. Her eyes moved away from the mirror and they walked away from the dressing room. The two of them got closer to the backstage where they could hear things clearly. Ophelia knew she had to head back to her station, but she soaked herself in some moments of relaxation. Afterward, she waved at Kori, wishing her luck on her part right before heading back to her station, where another actress was seated and waiting for her.

This one was fresh out of the shower and had obviously filmed a scene before. She sighed, looking back at her as she stood there, waiting.

Well? Won’t you get on with it?

Ophelia cleared her throat, taking a step closer. What would you like me to do with your hair and makeup? Natural or bold? Your hair as well, do you want it curly or straight or any other specifics because I might need a hair stylist here if you want something bigger?

She scoffed, but only waved the stylist to get on with her job while she tapped away on her phone. It wasn’t odd for some of them to leave the stage with sour moods in place of the ones they acted with and she knew better than to keep bothering her. She resumed her work but started with the makeup as usual. Since she didn’t know what the woman had in mind to get done, she had to follow her heart. Soon enough, she let out a low laugh alongside everyone backstage when Kori began her scene. She could hear the woman mumbling as she spoke which could have fit her role, but as she couldn’t see, she left her imagination running wild. As the director cut the scene again, letting out instructions, Ophelia asked the woman seated to look at her makeup.

Do you like it?

Mm. She shrugged, not batting an eyelash before going back to her phone which made Ophelia roll her eyes.

This was the part of her job that didn’t make her as excited, but getting to do something so impressive to their faces made her forget about the attitude she got. It came with the job description, whether it was documented or not. She expected that she wouldn’t be the last actress that would brush her off or treat her in that manner, so she didn’t really care about how she was acting toward her. Ophelia held her stand as they remained side by side, and she stared at the makeup, wondering if there was anything more she could do or adjust. However, the more she stared, the more it looked better in her eyes. She exhaled again, watching with bated breath as the actress stared at her reflection, waiting for her judgment or her remarks.

This is okay. She said, brushing her hands off her face and getting up from the chair before she got the chance to retouch anything.

The act itself probably suited whatever character she would portray, and Ophelia had dealt with enough people like her not to be bothered by the way she treated her. Her eyes found her reflection in the mirror and staring only made the exhaustion hidden in her eyes come to light. She instantly looked away from it. Now wasn’t the time for her to remember this wasn’t where she wanted to spend the rest of her life and that there was so much she could do with her experience. For people around her that wondered why she was a makeup artist for the adult film industry, she had nothing to say in response.

‘The pay is good,’ was her usual response, but she occasionally wondered if there was anything more about it that interested her. There was nothing there that intrigued