Thank you all for the reviews and alerts. I didn't know many people would read my story...but it looks like I stand to be corrected.
~ Mar
Chapter Two: The Beauty Gets A Once in a Lifetime Mission
New York University, 10:00 am. Manhattan, New York.
"…I'm so excited for our first project! Are you, Sam?" I turned in my seat to face my best friend only to find him reclined on his desk chair, his eyes closed, and his mouth hanging wide open. The one I'm talking to has fallen asleep. Rude much?
"Hey Sam! Are you listening to me?"
My loud and high pitched voice brought the attention of my fellow students my way as it attempted to wake the only sleeping figure in the class. The fatigued due to dancing and drinking all night Sam rubbed his eyes tiredly, yawning as he stared up at me with interest from his desk.
"I'm sorry, were you saying something?"
I sighed, using my index finger to gently rub my temples. Another example that Sam and I are opposite; I act like my age while the twenty-three year old Sam acts like a hopeless child.
I tried my best to hide the frustration I felt for my best friend. I repeated what I said before. "What I said before you fell asleep on me was, aren't you excited for your first project?" I questioned, placing so much passion into the sentence. If you ask me, I'm fucking excited about our project. "Dr. Donaughey said we'll be set out to interview someone in the entertainment industry to improve our journalism skills. How awesome is that?"
Wearing a fake coat of enthusiasm, he replied to me. "Ya-hoo! We are luckiest bitches and bastards in the friggin' world! Hooray for us!" He remarked with fake optimism. Then, as if without fail, he collapsed onto his desk and fell into a deep slumber within seconds.
I sighed yet again, rolling my eyes at the twenty-two year old baby lost in his sleep. Recently, Sam was constantly falling asleep in this class, even if the class had not yet started. I wish he should have at least some priorities for himself, and realize what's important to him and what's not.
I should take that advice to myself.
I really need to stop fantasizing about Blaine Anderson like a hopeless fan-girl and discover my true motives in life. This obsession is seriously getting out of hand.
The small groups of students chattering about rapidly returned to their usual seats as the elderly professor entered the dim classroom. The old man appeared to be sixty years of age, with thick glasses and hair aged with white. He set his pile of books on the podium and glanced across the body of students. His eyes carried seriousness to provide the class with one last warning that the lecture had finally begun.
Poking Sam with my pen, cautioning him to wake up and pay attention to the professor's lecture. But, as usual, his hangover got the best of him and his body rebelled. He refused to awake and concentrate of Dr. Donaughey's instructions.
"As you may all know, today you will be receiving your first project out of class." Our professor began. "Each one of you will be paired up with an important figure of today's entertainment industry. You are to live with them for one month, and to write an article based on your observations. The winner with the best article will be awarded with a position in the New York Times." As my class reacted to the prize, he looked around the class with a pleased expression. Apparently, the university has quite outdone themselves with the stakes.
"Also, you will be awarded with prize money for your determination and perseverance." Dr. Donaughey added.
Okay. The stakes are DEFINITELY high. Talk about the pressure!
This caused majority of the class to react rather loudly among themselves. If only I was to win such a prestigious award, then my future would be laid out evidently right before my eyes. Being in the New York Times is such a big deal and such an honour. You really have to be an amazing writer to have your work published there. With an accomplishment as successful as that, many different doors may open up for me.
I got to win that award.
Sam stirred in his sleep as the professor continued with his instructions and announcements. I rolled my eyes at him again. It's becoming a reflex for me when I'm with Sam.
"We will now be assigning everyone with an entertainer to interview." Dr. Donaughey proclaimed, sending the class into a heap of frenzy and anxiousness. "Please listen attentively as I call out your names."
Unwavering silence replaced the noise in a matter of seconds. I kept my eyes and ears aware as Dr. Donaughey began reading off a list on his clipboard. My thoughts required a famous writer or director, one who accomplished many goals along their career. Those were the simplest subjects to write about, and also the most appealing.
But a small part of me, hoped that I get a famous movie star like Angelina Jolie or Ewan McGregor.
Our professor began. "Ms. Christy Jacobs, you will be paired up with the acclaimed actress, Jennifer Lawrence, who is currently shooting her new movie in Italy at the moment." He remarked. "You will fly to Florence this Thursday to write about her upcoming film, do I make myself clear?"
My eyes, along with the other students', flew open immediately and stared blankly at Christy. Jennifer Lawrence is one of the best actresses of our generation whom gained worldwide recognition as Katniss Everdeen from the movie "Hunger Games" three years ago. I admired the book and the movie when I was younger, and Christy was exceptionally fortunate to receive such an opportunity.
The professor continued as the chatter in the room died down.
"Mr. Sean O'Malley, your role will be to interview renowned director Tim Burton." Dr. Lee stated. "He's currently residing in England to film his new movie, so you will be arriving on the set of his film tomorrow."
The young student nodded his head contentedly; satisfied for the fact that he would be interviewing such a highly-renowned director.
Damn! I should've been the one to receive such an assignment. I let my face fall indolently. I hoped I would not be arranged with an impossible assignment.
"Mr. Samuel Evans, you will be paired up with Mercedes Jones, the critically acclaimed songbird of Chicago." Dr. Donaughey read off the clipboard despite Sam's lack of attention. "She is currently doing her workshop for her upcoming musical in Chicago, so you will have to travel there to finish your assignment." The professor frowned as he heard no response from Sam. "Mr. Evans?"
I eyed my roommate sympathetically. He was still deep in slumber.
"Mr. Samuel Evans?"
Without hesitation, I cajoled the sleeping figure aggressively until his eyes had no choice but to fly open. Waking up rapidly, Sam stared up at the professor, his face in confusion and his mind unfocused.
"Yes? Were you saying something?" He asked, his words completely flippant.
The professor eyed Sam with an aggravated glare and helplessly repeated himself. Sam's eyes were wide open, but I doubt that he was really listening to the professor as he spoke.
"Listen well, Mr. Evans. The songbird of Chicago is a very respected and known woman. Your project is far beyond easy, and I want you to take every last bit of it seriously if you wish to pass this course." The professor warned, his eyes completely nailed to Sam.
"Yes sir!" Sam saluted, a palpable fake grin upon his lips. After saluting to the professor, he fell back onto the desk and continued resting in his peaceful slumber.
The students in the room giggled towards my roommate's typical behavior and mimicked his mindless salute. All thoughts of trying to wake him up escaped my mind. Instead, I transferred my attention to professor, who was still conveying us with crucial assignments.
"Mr. Kurt Hummel,"
My heart rattled in my ribcage as my name was called. I crossed my fingers, hoping for a famous director or writer to interview.
"Your task will be to interview actor and Broadway singer Blaine Anderson about his rumoured love interests." The professor announced grandly. "You will travel to Los Angeles, California to interview him on the set of his new movie."
If my heart was rattling before, then it was certainly dancing now. I felt as if air had been cut off from my lungs as soon I heard his name, now echoing in my mind like a mantra.
Blaine Anderson, Blaine Anderson, BLAINE ANDERSON…
And what's worse is that I'd have to interview him about his love interests! What if those rumours stated on the tabloids were true? I wouldn't want to be the one to deliver the news. I was already as envious of those gorgeous actresses as it was!
Dr. Donaughey frowned as he saw the traumatized expression appear on my features. "Mr. Hummel…" His voice shook. "Are you all right?" He asked. "You can always trade in your assignment for another if you wish. You're not obliged to this assignment if you are able to trade with someone else."
The many females in the classroom stared at me desperately, their fingers entwined together, pleading me to trade in my assignment with theirs. My mind went blank, my body petrified. And for the first time in my life, I was absolutely clueless on how to make a decision.
Wasn't this the opportunity I was looking for? I knew without a doubt that I admire Blaine (admired being a close neighbour to love). Ever since I laid eyes on the gorgeous man, I couldn't describe the obscure feeling I had towards him. Whenever I saw him in movies or TV shows, my heart skipped a beat, its melody completely out of rhythm. Could it be that I feel something towards him? Could it be that I actually fell in love with this actor, whom I've never even met before?
The professor along with the whole class stared at me in silence, not moving a muscle. My answer could change everything: my future, my emotions my…
"Mr. Hummel, do you plan on taking this assignment or not?" Dr. Donaughey asked, a hint of impatience within his voice. "If so, please answer now."
I took a deep breath and exhaled to clear away the unnecessary tension in my body. "I agree to take the assignment." I replied with a smile, causing the many females in the classroom to sigh in dismay. "It would be an honor to meet Blaine Anderson." I declared without hesitation, my face beaming with confidence but my heart screaming with anxiety.
The old man grinned. "Good." He remarked, taking another look at his clipboard. "You will be flying into Los Angeles tomorrow at noon, are we clear?"
"Tomorrow?" I repeated, dazed.
"Yes, tomorrow." He answered, and then turned to gaze at me in doubt. "It sounds as if you're not ready for the trip. Do you need extra time to prepare something?" He asked skeptically, his glare piercing through mine.
My mind froze. "Oh, no, no! I'm just surprised, that's all!" I covered up my tracks, trying to sound as natural as I could.
"Mr. Blaine Anderson has a tight schedule, so don't you dare be late." Our professor explained further in depth, escalating my spirits and making my bones jiggle. "I will be sending everyone an email based on their plane tickets and instructions for arriving at their destinations." He proposed, his directions clear and obvious. I nodded, understanding him completely.
I held a large grin upon my face through the whole lecture, overjoyed for the events of the upcoming day.
After class ended, Sam and I returned to our small apartment while we discussed school over a meal which I had assmbled. He chuckled at my absurdity as I told him of my project to interview Blaine, and made a vicious face as I mentioned his upcoming project with the songbird of Chicago. The two of us got along exceptionally well, especially when we were arguing over such inadequate topics.
After dinner, I helped him brush up on his dense journalism skills and offered him a few tips on interviewing a successful singer. I immediately went to my room and began packing after I finished, putting every necessity I would need during the trip into my only suitcase.
I grabbed a glossy picture of Blaine which I received from an outdated magazine, and packed it into my luggage as well. I was resolute to bring back an autograph from Blaine once my assignment had ended.
I changed into a t-shirt and sweatpants as I went to bed, my mind still wide awake and my heart frantically beating. I would need all the rest I could get to make through tomorrow, and I didn't wish to be half-awake for such a critical event.
But before completely falling asleep I had an urge to do one more thing:
"I'm going to meet Blaine Anderson!" I squealed, stripping myself of my masculinity completely. And for a second there, I could swear that a part of me had desperately wanted to become an attractive woman.
Four Seasons Hotel, 8:45pm. Los Angeles, California
Blaine glanced into the large hallway with interest.
"This will be your hotel room until we leave for Paris, two days from now." The taller man led the attractive actor through the corridor and into his hotel room. "It's quite too large for one person to stay in, but we tried to book the best room for you."
Blaine smiled at his manager and friend graciously. "Thank you, Wes." He remarked. "You didn't have to do that."
The tall and slim Asian man named Wesley Montgomery grinned and walked Blaine into the lavish suite. The two of them glanced throughout the room curiously, letting their eyes explore the luxurious setting. The room appeared to be simply designed, with a bed in the center and a lavish carpet surrounding it. The ceilings rose up as high as the windows while a large flat screen LCD television presented itself before the bed. The hotel room was obviously too roomy for one person, and Blaine felt a bit intimidated knowing that he would be staying there for the next few months.
Wesley snorted as the actor collapsed onto the bed, his body filled with fatigue and jetlag. "I think I'm just going to crash." Blaine informed Wes. "I'm really tired, and I don't want to do badly at tomorrow's filming."
"As you wish," The taller man nodded, preparing himself to leave the extravagant room.
"One more thing," Wes stopped in his tracks, his thoughts unfinished. "A student from NYU will be flying in tomorrow. He's going to stick with us for a month or so to interview you." Wes smiled at Blaine, who had already closed his weary eyes. "Are you okay with that?"
The award-winning actor smirked, his eyes still tightly shut. "Of course." He replied. "As long as he's not digging into the rumours, then everything will be okay." He explained.
The Asian man laughed and shook his head sympathetically. "Ah yes… all those rumours that are going around these days." He remarked. "Those reporters… they really have nothing else to do but to make up ridiculous stories about you."
The star nodded, opening his eyes to give his close friend an exaggerated grin. "Exactly."
Wes momentarily departed the room, leaving Blaine to his own thoughts. The actor was tired of living extravagantly, and yearned for a chance to live the normal life. But with a career as ridiculous as his, the chance was completely futile.
He sighed deeply, shutting his eyes and trying to block out the entire world. He immediately began to dream as he slept (not a surprise, considering his wild imagination was quite prolific). He pictured a beautiful angel with light hair and rosy lips who had a caring heart to compare to her beauty. He hoped to meet this beauty someday, and to love the angel like he'd never loved before.
Little did the merciless monster know that the angel was making his way straight into his life…in the most unexpected way possible.
Hope you like it and I appreciate your thoughts. TBC.
~ Mar
