Jasmine POV, 1 month earlier
A burst of summer joy and laughter cocooned me.
I was sprawled on a golden bed, with shimmering rays coming from the window. I was in my favorite black lingerie. The colors of cream white and golden honey cast the tone of the hotel room I was currently staying in.
The air seemed kind here. My senses embraced every kiss from the fabric.
Life can be pretty hectic for me. I savor these rare moments where I'm alone. Though I felt warm from the beachfront view, I felt something holding me back. Joy was mixed with this sense of sadness that I can't understand.
I sat up a bit on the bed. I should be happy. I have everything I could have ever desired. Chocolate-covered strawberries to my right and a view of paradise to my left. I am young, beautiful, successful, and rich. Why am I not fully happy?
I grabbed a chocolate fruit. Maybe this would cheer me up. Chocolate and sweet strawberry burst in my mouth, creating a fiesta of flavor.
"Mm!" I moan with a slight giggle. Amazing. I can't get over these sweets. The chocolate was imported from my favorite special chocolate craft store in France. While these strawberries were picked from the highest farm, alongside a mountain in California.
California. The place that I call home. The place where lushes fruits grow to be their very best. The land where my favorite beaches create unforgettable sunsets. I wish my best friend Dahlia was here to share it with me.
But, sadly, Dahlia was out there performing a concert on her first-ever tour. I'm sure she's very busy right now.
My phone tinged. I reached for it, wondering if Dahlia had texted me while I was thinking of her. That tends to happen a lot.
But... not this time.
It was Jafar, my manager, letting me know my stylist and make-up artists are heading to my room right now. I wiped the chocolate from my lips.
I wasn't on vacation just for the hell of it. I may only be 17 but I'm very busy than most teenagers. I wasn't just an actress, I was one of the top actresses in the world starring in a hit teen tv-show on Disney. And tonight, I was headed to the Emmys. I was sure I was finally gonna win something!
My team dressed me in a bold neon pink dress. I had golden strips across my chest with highlights of teal. It was stunning. They paired it with teal earrings and necklaces that had real gold borders.
Waiting for me in the limo was my "boyfriend" Anders Prince.
He was another Disney star. We met filming another Cinderella-type movie where I was the underdog girl and he was the popular guy who finally noticed me. Both our fanbases felt the chemistry so much during the movie, that they practically declared us a couple. Like literally, demanded we be together. Jafar and my team thought it was good for my image to finally have a boyfriend my friends loved.
When we first got together, I was grateful Anders wasn't as stuck-up as most actors could be. He was a bit ditzy that came off as charming. Tolerable. But, ever since he started putting out music and traveling, he's changed. He's more angry and snobbish now. I simply don't know how to end this relationship when we're Hollywoods 'It' couple... so I just deal with it.
They don't call me one of the best actresses for nothing.
We've been waiting in a line of exotic cars and limos for almost an hour now. Anders big hands ended up on my thighs, rubbing circles while, on the other hand, he held a glass of champagne. Spiked with vodka. He was now criticizing all the looney fans outside the window.
I drank a sip of my Jadot Le Montrachet wine, "Yeah," I mindlessly agreed with him. Smacking my lips, savoring the fine wine.
Suddenly my phone chimed off with a text. Anders glared at me. My body lights up with stress at his stare.
"It's just Dahlia!" I snapped.
"Cool." He nodded with no expression and turned back to look out the window. I wiped his paws off me as I responded to my friend.
Another beep came from my phone. It was from my Jafar, reminding me of the things I should talk about during red carpet interviews. He sent me another text of information about fellow actors/actresses' recent projects and accomplishments. I quickly memorized the information, ready for any small talk inside the building.
I sensed that Anders was staring at me.
His eyes roamed my body until they met my questioning eyes.
His hand went to cup my cheek "You're the most beautiful girl in the whole world. You're so cute," He murmured. I swallowed the feeling of disgust away "I love that you're mine. Life would be so hard without you by my side," He brought my face over to his and planted a kiss on my lips.
I wish kissing him felt as magical as it appeared in our movie. I pulled away "Mm, careful now!"
"I know, I know," his mouth set in a straight line. "Makeup."
Flashes came from the window, like a starry night sky, letting us know we finally made it to the red carpet entrance.
"Let's rock and roll!" Anders said, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
An employee opened our limo door. As soon as Anders came out, screams followed. Let's rock and roll. He smiled at the crowd before turning around to grab my small hand to help me out of the vehicle. Suddenly, the screams were deafening. Jacob held my hand for support.
Flashes of lights engulfed us. Reality felt unreal. I held my breath as the world flashed with fireworks.
When I was younger, cameras flashing at me felt like they were grabbing a part of my soul. It's a degrading experience, even though my skin is tougher now, the cameras were a reminder of how alien I felt.
Our names echoed over the shouts and instructions.
The red carpet was always intimating. My whole persona went into its usual numb, comfort zone. I had grown up with these flashing lights. My bulletproof skin fell into place as a mob of photographers flashed their lights towards me.
"Jasmine! Jasmine, look over here!"
I waved hello to the crowd.
~*~ Aladdin in Hollywood ~*~
When I look back on that faithful night, I can only remember one performance, a few winners, but most importantly, I remember how different I felt.
My cast and I won an Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program. I remember feeling like a peaked in my career after finally having my name behind an Emmy! The Emmys are the most famous award ceremony for television and winning felt like a dream. My smile was so wide and genuine.
Only for that smile to be wiped permanently from my face a few hours later.
My team let me hold onto the Emmy since I was the main character of our show. When I found Jafar, I thought he'd be very pleased with my accomplishment but he held a distant tone with his congratulations. Jafar was wearing a dark blue suit that held a mysterious cape. His eyes held a secret that matched his peculiar appearance.
My eyes narrowed "Is everything alright?"
"We'll discuss that later," his eyes shifted around the room "For now, go wrap up those final interviews."
I sent Dahlia a selfie with my wide smile and my shimmering award before facing the hungry lions with microphones.
The main question I was asked was how did it feel to win my first Emmy. I couldn't hold back my excitement as I gushed over how great it feels to be recognized for all my hard work. Our Emmy was a golden girl holding a sphere. The image felt dear to my heart. I saw myself in the trophy.
Some people don't like it when the spotlight is on them. I was lucky to be a natural in front of the camera and I'm able to loosen up, laugh, and dance with interviewers. I was having a blast... until another actress with a light brown dress came from behind me and put her hand on my shoulder and whispered "I'm sorry for your loss,"
My whole world tilted.
I didn't even know this woman's name. She just gracefully walked away with a man on her arm.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Her words haunt my mind. I walked to my limo with a fierce stride and a pumping heart that throbbed throughout my body. My name was called out but I was officially done with interviews for the night. When my limo arrived, Jafar was sitting in the front corner with a drink in his hand.
The door was slammed shut. I took a few collected breathes, remembering how distracted Jafar seemed. "What happened?" I asked. My voice sounded small.
Jafar placed his drink down "I'm sorry, my princess," He said, "I'm afraid that your dear friend, Dahlia, has passed away."
Now, my whole world crashed around me
"What?!" I choked. I just couldn't believe it."
"She was shot by a crazy fan after her performance in Florida," he continued
My heart was pounding "Was the killer caught?" I needed to know if there is at least some justice.
Jafar picked up his drink "No," he said "The gunman killed himself right after,"
That's when the tears started flowing. Dripping onto my gorgeous dress and collecting on the Emmy on my lap.
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