Chapter 14: Cameo
As she drove home that night when she left Tori to her plans, Jade's phone buzzed, and she saw Eliza's name on the screen. Taking a deep breath, she answered the call, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
"Hey, Eliza," Jade greeted.
"Jade, babe, you won't believe what just came up!" Eliza's excitement radiated through the phone.
"What's going on?" Jade asked, her curiosity tinged with apprehension.
"You remember that reboot meeting we talked about a while back? Well, they're really into the idea, and they want you to come in for a meeting. They're even thinking about a cameo for you!" Eliza's words spilled out in a rush.
Jade's hands tightened on the steering wheel. A mix of anxiety and surprise surged within her. "A cameo? Just like that?"
"Yeah! They think it'll be a fantastic nod to the original series and give the fans something special. What do you think?" Eliza's voice held a note of encouragement.
Jade pondered the proposition. The idea of a cameo stirred a complex array of emotions. "I... I didn't expect this. Are they serious?"
"Absolutely serious. It's a chance to test the waters, and see how it feels. Plus, they genuinely want you involved. It's like a reunion, Jade!" Eliza's optimism was palpable.
Jade hesitated, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. "I'll have to think about it."
"Of course, take your time. But, girl, don't let this opportunity slip away. It could be a game-changer for you," Eliza advised before ending the call.
As the car rolled forward, Jade grappled with conflicting emotions. The looming reboot meeting now carried the weight of unexpected possibilities.
Once she was at home, she noticed Tori had gone live. Concerned, she turned it on. She didn't think Tori was in any mental state to talk to an audience right now. The soft glow of the computer screen cast a pale light across Jade's features as she watched Tori's live performance. Sinjin, her faithful friend, leaned in beside her, curiosity evident in his eyes.
"What is she doing?" Sinjin asked, peering over Jade's shoulder.
"She's about to sing," Jade replied, her attention fully absorbed by the screen as Tori prepared to showcase her singing skills.
As Tori sang "You Don't Know Me," a song Jade had penned during a time when her parents had attempted to exploit her singing voice, Jade couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The melody carried memories, a testament to her resilience.
"What a voice!" Sinjin chimed in, joining Tori in the singing, adding his own unique flair to the experience.
Jade, captivated by Tori's performance, decided to record the live, capturing the beauty of Tori's rendition. She mouthed the lyrics silently, appreciating the magic of the moment. "Yep, Girlfriend Karaoke is happening," Jade mumbled to herself as Tori concluded the song.
The fans, aware of Jade's presence, eagerly awaited her response. Jade, ever enigmatic, typed a simple message, "Sing it with me next time." The fans erupted in excitement, and Tori, seemingly oblivious to Jade's silent participation, gasped in surprise.
"Babe, you didn't think it was bad?" Tori asked, seeking validation.
"You have a beautiful voice, Baby," Jade replied, offering her sincere admiration.
"Okay, we'll sing together next time," Tori declared with enthusiasm.
"I've got some work to do, but I'll catch you tomorrow," Jade informed Tori before gracefully exiting the live session.
With the musical interlude behind her, Jade turned her attention to the awaiting email. The meeting was set for two days—a mere pitch for a cameo. As the thrill of anticipation mingled with anxiety, Jade resolved to be ready. It wasn't an audition, just a pitch, and she should be fine. The prospect of the reboot meeting now loomed on the horizon, promising both uncertainty and potential.
The next day, Jade found herself engrossed in preparations for the upcoming meeting. As she delved into the details, her phone chimed with a message from Eliza. "Hey, Jade! Excited for tomorrow? You're gonna rock it, I know it!"
Jade smiled at the encouraging words but couldn't shake the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. Anxieties about the past resurfaced, mixing with the anticipation of what the future could hold.
She decided to take a break and tuned into Tori's live. Tori was discussing random topics with her fans, seemingly carefree. Jade watched, appreciating the genuine connection Tori had with her audience.
After the live, Tori noticed Jade's presence. "Hey, you're here!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, just taking a break. How was the rest of your day?" Jade asked.
Tori grinned. "Good! Did some vocal warm-ups. Getting ready for our girlfriend karaoke."
Jade chuckled, "Looking forward to it."
The night passed in a whirlwind of emotions, a mix of excitement and trepidation. The morning of the meeting arrived, and Jade found herself standing in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her jacket. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that it was just a cameo—a brief venture into the past.
Sinjin, noticing her nervous energy, patted her shoulder. "You got this, Jade. It's gonna be legendary."
With a determined nod, Jade left for the meeting, her mind a storm of memories and hopes. Little did she know, this encounter could be the key to unlocking new chapters in her career and personal life.
Jade navigated the streets, the looming meeting ahead weighing heavily on her mind. Her car cut through the city's maze of roads, each turn amplifying her unease. The building housing the meeting remained on the horizon, an ominous marker of her impending confrontation.
As she drove closer, thoughts swirled through her mind like leaves caught in a tempest. Memories of past encounters, industry betrayals, and the shadowy presence of her history intermingled with the nerves swirling in her stomach. The uncertainty gnawed at her, yet she pressed forward, determined to face whatever awaited her.
The radio played softly in the background, a feeble attempt to drown out the cacophony of thoughts echoing within. Jade's grip tightened on the steering wheel, a visible manifestation of her rising anxiety. She knew this meeting held the potential for both redemption and turmoil, a tightrope she had to navigate delicately.
With each passing street sign, the building loomed larger, a foreboding monolith representing both her past and an uncertain future. Jade's knuckles whitened as she approached the meeting point, steeling herself for what lay ahead, the weight of her decisions heavy in the air.
Jade's history in the entertainment industry was marked by her rebellious and controversial nature. Her decision to publicly expose Ben's exploitation of her and other vulnerable children had made her a figure that many networks considered dangerous. The revelations disrupted the status quo and brought attention to the darker side of the industry.
However, the landscape had shifted for Jade. Her relationship with Tori and her open embrace of her sexuality had shifted public perception. No longer confined by the stigma of being perceived as homophobic, she found herself deemed more acceptable by society at large.
Walking into the Kidtopia offices, Jade felt the weight of her tumultuous past encounters with networks. The memories of being seen as a troublemaker lingered, creating a nervous vibration in her gut. The industry didn't exactly love her, but the recent change in public perception had opened new doors.
Meeting Eliza, her agent, in the lobby provided a comforting anchor. Eliza, aware of Jade's history and the challenges she faced, offered a reassuring presence. "You ready for this, Jade?" she asked, her eyes reflecting a blend of confidence and understanding.
Jade nodded, appreciating the support. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."
Eliza gave her a pat on the back. "You've got this. Remember, it's just a cameo pitch. No need to stress too much."
Entering the elevator together, Jade took a deep breath. The journey to the designated floor felt like a slow ascent, the anticipation building with each passing moment. Eliza's encouraging words and steady presence helped quell Jade's nerves.
As they stepped into the Kidtopia offices, Jade steeled herself for whatever awaited. The room held the potential for a new chapter, an opportunity to redefine her narrative within the industry. The pitch, though daunting, was a chance for Jade to showcase her talent and reclaim a space that had once tried to silence her.
The pitch meeting room was well-lit, with a large table at the center surrounded by executives and creatives eager to lay out their vision. Jade took a seat, her gaze scanning the faces around her. Eliza sat beside her, offering a supportive nod. The air was charged with anticipation.
A charismatic producer, Mark Thompson, stood up and began the presentation. "Jade, we're thrilled to have you here. We've been brainstorming ways to inject some fresh energy into Genius High, and we believe we've found the perfect angle."
Jade arched an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Do tell."
Mark grinned. "Picture this: Genius High has evolved into a haven for super-smart kids using their skills to combat villains. But here's the twist — there's a former student who's taken a different path. A genius turned evil mastermind."
Jade smirked, intrigued by the concept. "So, you want me to be the bad guy? I can work with that."
Eliza chimed in, "It's a recurring role, Jade. Your character would be this enigmatic figure, always one step ahead of the brilliant minds at Genius High. It's a role with depth, and it could bring a whole new dynamic to the show."
Mark continued, "Exactly! You'd be the antagonist, the one they can't quite catch. You'll be using your genius for all sorts of mischief and schemes. And the best part? This could be an ongoing thing. If the audience loves it, your character could keep coming back, keeping the tension high."
The pitch resonated through the room, and Jade listened intently. The prospect of playing an enigmatic antagonist intrigued her, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed her features. Eliza sensed Jade's hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on her arm.
Mark noticed the subtle shift in Jade's demeanor. "Jade, we understand this is a departure from your usual roles. But consider the possibilities. This character could be a game-changer, and the audience will see you in a whole new light."
Jade leaned forward, her sharp eyes meeting Mark's. "I get that, Mark. And it's a compelling concept, no doubt. But I've been working hard to diversify my roles, you know? I don't want to get stuck in the 'kid show actor' category."
Eliza nodded, understanding Jade's concerns. "We appreciate the offer, Mark. Let us take some time to mull it over. Jade has been exploring different genres, and we want to make sure this aligns with her evolving career."
Mark smiled, recognizing the need for careful consideration. "Absolutely, Jade. Take your time. We believe in the potential of this character, but it's crucial that you're on board with the direction it takes your career."
The meeting continued, but Jade's mind was divided. The allure of the role battled with her desire for versatility in her acting career. As discussions progressed, she found herself wrestling with the decision that lay ahead. The room buzzed with creative energy, but Jade knew she needed some solitude to weigh the impact of this potential role on her artistic journey.
The cool air outside the Kidtopia offices felt refreshing, but Jade couldn't shake the lingering uncertainty about the direction her career might take. Eliza caught up with her, concern etched on her face.
"Jade, we need to talk," Eliza said, pulling her aside.
Jade sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "What's on your mind, Eliza?"
Eliza looked at her intently. "You do realize that right now, those Instagram Lives with your girlfriend are all you've got going for you, right?"
Jade nodded slowly, acknowledging the reality of her current situation. "I know, but... can you promise me I won't get stuck in the kid network for the rest of my life?"
Eliza sighed, understanding Jade's reservations. "Look, this is a temporary thing. It's a paycheck, and it keeps you in the public eye. We'll find other opportunities, Jade. I promise."
Jade considered Eliza's words, the weight of the decision settling on her shoulders. "Okay, but you have to find me something else. I can't be pigeonholed into this kid show image forever."
"Pilot season is right around the corner," Eliza reassured her. "I'll talk to the major networks. If Kidtopia is willing to give you a chance, maybe others will too."
A sense of relief washed over Jade. She had a job, a new role to explore, and a promise of more diverse opportunities in the future. As she walked back to her car, a subtle smile played on her lips. The path ahead was uncertain, but at least it was still unfolding.