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Booked volume 10
Consolation Prize | Short Story
Fame and Ecstasy by Mary Pauline Santos
"And cut! That's a wrap for today," the director said as the clapper signaled the end of the shoot. It's half past three in the morning in Fairview Avenue but the set is still awake while everyone is fixing up things to be able to go home as soon as possible. Julia, the star actress of the night waits for her assistant, Tina, to tidy up what's needed so they can head out too. "By the way, Julia. You did well. I hope we can work again soon," the director approached the actress while offering his hand for a handshake. "You flatter me too much, Direk. It's my pleasure to work with you," Julia accepted the director"s hand and flashed him the sweetest smile she has. "Ma'am, the car's ready," her assistant says to her. Julia just nods and follows her out of the set. On the way out, she thanks and bids goodbye to the people on set. "She's indeed an angel. That actress is one of the rare gems of the industry," Julia smiles as she indirectly hears the whispered compliment about her. However, as soon as she stepped inside her car, her smile disappeared in a blink. "Alcohol, Tina. Alcohol," she irritatingly tells her assistant while reaching out her hand impatiently. "Here ma'am," her assistant quickly pours the rubbing alcohol on her hands. "That director even had the guts to shake hands. Does he hope we can work again soon? In his stupid dreams," Julia rants continuously as she rubs her hand dripping of rubbing alcohol. "What's my next schedule?" "You have to be on set for a morning show at six-thirty in the morning, ma'am. I will be at your doorstep around six," her assistant answered. It was already 4 a.m. when Julia arrived at her place. "So much for hoping to go home and to have a good sleep," Julia mutters under her breath.
