A/N: This may not actually be true as I have deleted many of my stories from this platform. I noticed after I posted the first chapter of this little gem that this was my 100th story. so I am celebrating it. I may give you two chapters of this today. I am really looking forward to reading your reviews. I miss them. This story is a wildfire that was set in my mind last week and I really want to know what you think, because the story has truly captured me as evidence that I actually have another chapter waiting to post. Thank you so much to my loyal readers, whom I actually know about because you give me the feedback that I crave. And thank you so much to the readers that I don't know about because I hope my story Touches you. All of my stories are a gift to you from my soul. I hope you continue to like this. ~S.K.
Chapter 2: You don't know me
As Jade West walked home from her shift at the local coffee shop in Echo Park, her thoughts churned like a turbulent sea. The cool evening breeze ruffled her hair, and she felt the weight of her reality pressing down on her. Her apartment, which she called home, was a far cry from the dazzling sets and luxurious accommodations she had grown accustomed to during her earlier years in the limelight.
Echo Park, with its worn-out buildings and faded graffiti, was a stark contrast to the glamorous world she had known. She had contemplated moving to a more affordable neighborhood, a place where she could breathe more freely and escape the constant reminders of her past. Thoughts of middle America had even crossed her mind, a place where her past celebrity status might not overshadow her every move.
The streets were quiet as she trudged along, her footsteps echoing with each step. The city, with its twinkling lights in the distance, seemed to mock her with its hollow promises. She had been held captive by her own fame, unable to sever the ties that bound her to Los Angeles.
Jade's mind was a tempest of emotions. She had always loved her work, the thrill of performing and captivating an audience, but it was the actions of her parents and a certain sinister producer that had left her reputation in tatters. The thoughts of what they had done to her, and the mistakes she had made in turn, weighed on her like a heavy chain.
As she approached her apartment building, the one place she could truly call her own, she couldn't help but wonder about her future.
As Jade unlocked the door to her compact apartment, a rush of memories flooded her mind. Her gaze swept across the small living room that held traces of a brighter past. A movie poster, here and there. Merchandise from various TV ventures. Her Emmies, and the One Grammy for a single she did when she was 15. Her heart, heavy with the weight of years, was a tangle of emotions. She still had love of the craft, it was the only thing she had ever known. the intoxicating thrill of performing and capturing an audience's attention. She was an Artist, and though the adults around her dictated what roles she played, Their mishandling of her sent her spiraling into a dark abyss.
Jade put her keys down on the dish by the door and sighed. She headed to the fridge and hesitated. She had eaten today, and she tried to remember exactly what it had been. Her relationship with food was complicated. The fridge always gave her pause, She opened it and settled on a dinner of Chobani Flips in the most decadent flavor she had.
Seven years ago, she wouldn't have even opened it up. This has been a thing for as far back as she could remember. Her first memory of work. She had been a mere four years old, Though Jade was already an old pro at this. Her petite stature had convinced the casting directors that she could pass for a two-year-old. She vividly recalled the day of the shoot, a day filled with laughter and mischief.
She had been told to pretend she was a baby, and she had embraced the role with an eagerness that was truly childlike. Her acting, even at that young age, was so convincing that the crew marveled at her ability. As she reminisced, she remembered how she had pulled it off.
There was a crew member on set. She was A PA. She would sometimes be assigned to be a kid wrangler. She was the nicest person on that set. She used to play pretend with Jade. Merryl indulged her. She used to bring her cookies and milkshakes. Jade loved being around her. One day, Jade couldn't fit the wardrobe. She'd had A growth spurt during the filming had taken her from being petite to being well-fed.
All Jade could remember was how The director had made a fuzz about wardrobe, How Mamma had been so angry, and how Merryl had gotten fired. "That PA has been giving Jade food behind my back!" Mamma screamed. "Jade is allergic to gluten! I want her fired."
It turned out Merryl had been watching Jade and her Mamma very closely. So she decided to indulge Jade with snacks behind her mother's back.
The memory served as a stark contrast to the rest of her childhood. Her mother had always maintained a restrictive diet, believing that it would keep Jade small and cute for her roles. Those limitations had made her feel like a fragile doll, controlled by her Mamma's whims and the industry's expectations. But in that one fleeting moment on set, Jade had experienced a taste of freedom and the joy of being herself.
Restrictive diet aside, The child actor could only remember the hours of play. Where she got to pretend she was a baby, and that she got a New Mamma that gave her hugs and kisses and cookies and tickles. And a Daddy that blue raspberries on her tummy and tossed her up high and played with her in the park.
At night she would go home to her house, where her parents would turn on loud music, smoke a funny-smelling smoke, and invite their friends that made her feel funny.
They would look at her and tell her she was beautiful. Caress her on her face hold her and caress her on her thighs. Hug her too tightly. Take pictures of her and tell her to smile pretty.
Mamma and Daddy would forget to give her dinner, and send her to bed, and threatened that if she didn't she wouldn't be able to go back on set and play pretend anymore.
The studio was her escape. Her escape from being Jade, where she could be anyone else. Jade's love for the craft and the purity with which she had once approached it was a matter of survival. It was a reminder that, despite the darkness that had followed, her passion for acting still burned brightly within her.
She looked at the time, and her thoughts turned to her peculiar roommate, Sinjin. He was an enigma to many, a man of quirks and idiosyncrasies that often tested the patience of those around him. His behavior might have seemed strange or eccentric to others, but Jade recognized that Sinjin was on the autism spectrum. This understanding had cultivated a sense of empathy in her, which tempered her reactions to his unusual habits.
Jade knew that accommodating Sinjin's special interests was an essential part of cohabitating with him. His fascination with particular subjects, including herself, was something she had learned to accept and navigate. While it could be exasperating at times, Jade had come to appreciate Sinjin's unique view of the world. In her own way, she had become a source of fascination for him, a living character study.
This evening was a rare respite for Jade. It was Sinjin's Dungeons & Dragons night, a weekly ritual that absorbed his attention and energy. With the apartment to herself for a few precious hours, Jade saw an opportunity to seize a moment of relaxation and solitude.
She decided to draw a bath, finding solace in the warm water that enveloped her body. The bathroom was a sanctuary, a place where she could briefly escape the chaos of her life. As she reclined in the tub, her thoughts drifted, and the familiar contours of the tub cradled her like a comforting embrace.
The soothing water and the dim lighting created a tranquil atmosphere, providing a reprieve from the challenges she faced daily. It was a brief interlude of calm in the storm of her life, a moment to reflect and reset. Jade let the warmth wash over her, embracing the solitude of the evening and the peaceful solitude of the bathtub.
With her phone precariously perched on a nearby stool, Jade ventured into the depths of YouTube, an online realm she rarely explored. Theorists and commentators occupied this peculiar corner of the internet, dissecting her life and experiences as a former child star. To them, she had become a tragic figure from their youth, a puzzle they couldn't help but unravel. Channels like "Nostalgia TV" and countless others delved into her past with a heady mix of fascination and nostalgia.
As she scrolled through video after video, Jade's name and her history played out in front of her. Each click brought forth fresh perspectives and interpretations, and she couldn't help but be intrigued. The comments section buzzed with impassioned discussions, some rekindling fond memories, while others speculated about the darker aspects of her past.
Some theorists pointed fingers at Sikowitz, the eccentric director who had guided her during her early career, as the source of the bizarre experiences she had endured. They analyzed his unorthodox teaching methods and the peculiar assignments he'd given her. But deep down, Jade knew that Sikowitz, eccentric as he was, wasn't the true cause of her hardships.
In her heart, she held the painful knowledge that the true culprits were her own parents. They had mismanaged her earnings and subjected her to their addictions, leaving her with scars that ran deep. They had exploited her innocence and taken advantage of her from her infancy.
And then, there was Ben "The producer", a figure she shuddered to think about. He had preyed on young talent, including herself, in the most heinous of ways. The revelation of his crimes had led to his imprisonment, and for that, Jade was grateful. But deep down, she couldn't help but wish for a punishment more severe, one that would bring a sense of closure to the haunting memories that still clung to her.
As she continued to explore this digital landscape, Jade found herself oscillating between nostalgia and pain, fascination and sorrow. The world had seen her as a star, but her experiences behind the scenes had made her a survivor.
The water began to cool around her, and Jade's thoughts became a sanctuary, a place of reflection and contemplation. She allowed herself to drift into the depths of her own mind, where dreams and memories intertwined.
She still held fast to a glimmer of hope for her future. The entertainment industry had been her home, and it was a place where her talent had once shone brightly. Despite her scars, she couldn't let her body of work fade into obscurity.
The roles she had portrayed, the characters she had breathed life into, were etched in the hearts of those who had watched her on screen. The thought of abandoning that legacy was inconceivable. Instead, she clung to the belief that there was still a path to redemption, a chance to return to the spotlight and share her talent with the world once more. Her story was far from over. However, she feared that the determination that had fueled her rise in the first place was gone. She doesn't know she could survive the fight for a second chance, for a return to the world that had been both her sanctuary and her stage.
Her past was extensive, and the tales she had woven were too captivating to allow them to die in silence. The world needed to hear her voice again, to see her talent shine once more. It was a dream worth pursuing, and she would hold onto it as she sought solace in the quiet moments of the evening.
Jade had been drifting into a relaxed state in the cooling waters of her bathtub, on the verge of almost falling asleep, when she heard the familiar sound of Sinjin's voice. He had returned home, and, as usual, he was deep in conversation with his friend Burf. To nobody's surprise, the topic was her – her numerous awards, how fortunate Sinjin felt to be living with her, and his endless list of things he couldn't wait to tell her.
Jade groaned. She had meant to get out of His tub before he had gotten home. She understood that Sinjin's admiration was well-intentioned, and she appreciated his support in his own peculiar way. He usually needed to talk to her, and she allowed him maybe fifteen minutes, to catch up and decompress with her. But there was a line she had always drawn when it came to Sinjin. She never allowed him around her while she was undressed, a boundary she was steadfast in maintaining.
Sinjin's affection for Jade was no secret. He found her attractive and often expressed his desire for her. But there was a fundamental disconnect he struggled to accept. Jade was not attracted to men. She had tried to explain this to him countless times, and he had claimed to understand, But then he would said. "That girl said in that interview that you hated lesbians and had called her names."
"You can't believe everything you hear Sinjin." Jade would say.
"But you date Beck sometimes," Sinjin said "And I know he's not your boyfriend because he never stays over."
"I'm not out Sinjin." She would counter. "He is just helping me keep my cover when I have to do work things so no one bothers me."
"Fine, but One day Jade, You're gonna come for me." He would say and walk away from the conversation.
Jade and her private life was a puzzle she wasn't ready to lay bare for the world to dissect. The truth was far more complex than she could express, and she couldn't allow it to shatter the facade she had carefully crafted.
Jade managed to slip out of the bathroom as quietly as possible, her steps hushed on the floor. She had the master bedroom, a small luxury in their modest apartment. However, her master bath only featured a shower, and the allure of a soothing bath had led her to use Sinjin's bathroom, much to her embarrassment.
She hoped to go unnoticed, to retreat to her room without causing a stir. But her efforts were in vain. "Jade!" Sinjin's voice was filled with excitement, calling her name as though she were a beacon of light in his world.
Jade didn't respond. Instead, she hurriedly made her way to her bedroom, focused on the task of dressing herself. She needed to regain her composure and maintain the boundaries she had set, even if it meant sacrificing a moment of relaxation in the bathtub. Time was of the essence, and she was determined to be back in control of her own space, away from the prying eyes of her adoring roommate.
After swiftly dressing, Jade emerged from her room and joined Sinjin in the living room, ready to hear what he had to say. "What are you up to, Sinj?" she inquired, taking a seat beside him on the couch.
"I'm watching 'Genius High,'" Sinjin replied with an enthusiastic gleam in his eyes. Jade couldn't help but smile as she settled in next to him. It was one of her most cherished memories from her acting career. In the show, she portrayed a character named Emma, a young girl gifted with an eidetic memory.
Little did the world know that her own memory had been her savior during her own career. She had the remarkable ability to recall lines, cues, and entire scripts with an ease that had astounded her colleagues. It was a skill that allowed her to shine even when she was struggling with personal challenges.
In "Genius High," she portrayed a twelve-year-old character named Emma, despite being fourteen herself at the time. The memories of her youth were marked by a constant hunger as she had been struggling to maintain her petite appearance as her mother had always demanded.
Now, as she sat beside Sinjin, watching the show that had allowed her to be herself, albeit in a less "Jaded" manner, Jade couldn't help but reflect on the ironic twists and turns of her life. The couch provided a comfortable haven, a brief escape from the complexities of her world, as she watched her younger self on the screen, playing a character that had a touch of her own exceptional memory.
As they watched "Genius High" together, Sinjin's excitement was palpable. "You remember this episode, Jade? The one where Emma solves that impossible math problem and saves the day?" he asked, his eyes shining with admiration.
Jade nodded a trace of nostalgia in her voice. "Yeah, that was a fun one. Emma was a genius, just like you." She said complementing her biggest fan. Her characters were so relatable, and she wanted to make sure her fans felt themselves part of what she brought to them. Yes, you can be Jade's friend. Yes, you can date Jade. Yes you can be just like Jade.
Sinjin beamed at the comparison. "Thanks, Jade. You know, you were amazing in this role. I mean, you're amazing in everything you do."
Jade smiled, genuinely touched by his words. "Thanks, Sinj. It means a lot coming from you."
They continued to watch, each lost in their own thoughts. The show was a comforting presence, a reminder of the times when she had been just a young actress with her whole career ahead of her, free from the burdens of her past and the weight of her secrets.
The evening was drawing to a close, and Sinjin had finally wrapped up his enthusiastic discussion about "Genius High." He looked at Jade with his usual wide-eyed admiration. "Good night, Jade. Thanks for watching with me."
"Good night, Sinj," Jade replied, patting him gently on the shoulder. She appreciated their moments together, even if they tested her patience at times.
With a sigh, Jade made her way to her room, ready to settle in for the night. She flicked on her phone and began scrolling through various apps, idly browsing the digital world. Her eyes caught an Instagram Live notification, and she tapped it to see what was happening.
As the stream loaded, she heard the tail end of a comment from the person broadcasting, a girl who seemed to be talking about someone. "Haha, yeah right, could you imagine? She's probably locked herself up in a house in the hills with a really handsome boyfriend." The statement was lighthearted and playful, and it captured Jade's attention.
She didn't know who the girl was talking about, but her gaze was inexplicably drawn to the screen. The girl was captivating, the most beautiful person Jade had ever seen. Her face was etched into Jade's memory, and she was certain that she wouldn't forget it.
The brief encounter left her with a sense of curiosity and intrigue, a feeling she couldn't quite shake. Jade wondered who this girl was and why she had made such a lasting impression on her. It was a moment that would linger in her thoughts as she prepared to end her day.