The Other Side - Chapter 19

"The Other Side - Chapter 18" 

"Okay, so what do you think?" Lynn was standing in her apartment in front of a full length mirror, holding a shirt in one hand and a dress in the other. On the floor was a cluttered mess of shoes and sandals. Becky was lying on the bed, practically drowned by the tall piles of clothes that were next to her. She was looking up from a magazine; an amused smile graced her lips.

"Lynn, I think you need to get a new hobby." She gestured around the room. "I don't understand how you can afford college with the amount of money you must spend on clothes."

Lynn turned back to her friend, a calm look on her face. "I buy them when they're on sale." She turned back to the mirror. "And, I don't eat!"

Becky shook her head and turned back to her magazine, disinterested but amused. In a few moments, a shadow had fallen across the page and there Lynn stood, arms crossed, foot tapping, towering over her. Becky winced.

"Ahem!" Lynn said, giving Becky a look of supreme exasperation. "You're supposed to be helping me!" She turned back to her closet, although most of the clothes were on the bed. "I feel like this still isn't right." One hand was on her hip, the other was caressing her chin. "Hmm… let's see." Becky rolled her eyes. "Aha!" Lynn exclaimed. "Okay, it's going to be hot tomorrow, so this tank top. And…" She paused, contemplating. "I'll bring a jacket just in case."

Lynn tossed a tank top and jean jacket at Becky and started rummaging in her drawers for jeans. "You know, Becks. It's impossible to find a good outfit when we don't even know what we're going to be doing!" She shook her head and made a clicking sound with her tongue. Becky just rolled her eyes. Lynn could be a little obsessive when it came to clothes.

"So, did that radio station ever tell you what 'huge,' Hollywood movie star we're going to be meeting?" Becky asked as she dug through a pile of shoes that were sitting on the bedside table, trying to find some nail polish to occupy her time while Lynn dug through her dresser.

Lynn shook her head. "Nope, we won't find out until we get there. But I'm pretty sure it's a big star, not some unknown, unsuccessful dork or anything." She turned away from her mission of finding the perfect outfit for a moment to give Becky a grin. "Maybe it's some hunk like Jacob Jones." Lynn winked.

Becky lost control of the brush she was using to paint her toenails and drew a line across her foot. "No, no. It couldn't be. He's filming in New York." She said, more to herself than to Lynn, she tried to keep the panic out of her voice.

"How do you know? I didn't know you kept up on these things." Lynn commented as she brought some paper towels from the bathroom.

"Um… I… er… magazine." Becky tried not to meet Lynn's eyes. "Besides, why do you care? Please, don't tell me you're another one of his fans."

Lynn put her head down and Becky could see her blush. She got up and opened the door to the tiny bathroom across from the bed. Lynn motioned her over and Becky stepped into the bathroom. On the inside of the door, Becky could see movie poster, and Jacob smiling back at her.

Lynn was gazing at it, starry-eyed. "I kiss it every morning after I brush my teeth." As startled as she was to see Jacob's eyes staring into hers, Becky couldn't hold back her laugh.

Lynn winked and went back to fluttering around the room. Becky took her spot on the bed again, carefully wiping away the smudged polish. Although she couldn't deny the panic at seeing his picture, she had to admit that there was a lot of comedy in her situation. It seemed the harder she ran from Jacob the more he caught up her to.

Becky pondered her situation as she dabbed paint on her littlest toe. Maybe I should stop running so hard. She thought, looking toward Lynn's bathroom. Reflected off the mirror, she could just make out the top of Jacob's head. Maybe it's time to make amends. It was approaching at least two weeks since she had last seen him. It was easy to say she was mad at him - that she felt betrayed by what happened at the harbor - but she was certain she and him both knew the truth. Did that mean she couldn't even keep in friendly contact with him? It would be hard - that was for sure... but if she were really the bigger person, she would reach out to him. Clear the air.

Becky wasn't completely sure where this act of kindness was coming from, but the idea felt nice in her head. It put her at ease.

Maybe whoever we're meeting with tomorrow will know him and can give me his phone number. Becky smirked and twisted the nail polish cap on tightly. She was prepared to make her own little network of celebrity friends.



-----

Becky was waiting outside the radio station for Lynn at 9:45 in the morning on a Saturday. Lynn had merged her closet and Becky's to pick out what she declared the "perfect" outfit for Becky. A long, almost-sheer ivory tank top layered over a burnt orange tank that Lynn had loaned her and a yello and orange wrap-around skirt that Becky brought in Africa. Becky didn't want to wear it. It reminded her too much of Jacob, but Lynn had insisted and she hadn't had the courage to explain exactly why she didn't want to wear it. It had giraffes printed on it.

Lynn finally came out of the station. She was smiling. "The limo will pick us up promptly at 10 o'clock. And guess what?" Her smile was ear to ear. "We also get a shopping spree!" She jumped up and down, squealing with delight. Lynn was wearing white linen pants, a black tank top, and sunglasses. Becky had to make a last minute mall trip with Lynn the night before to get them because all Hollywood movie stars had sunglasses, so she needed them too.

She twirled around, modeling for Becky. "Isn't it perfect?"

Becky rolled her eyes, yet again.

----

Melissa walked out to the limo, exhausted. She couldn't sleep the night before on the plane, remembering what Jacob had said to her. But it didn't hurt as much as knowing that he loved someone else. Melissa just had to have him back. It wasn't even a matter of feelings anymore. Not even a matter of publicity. Jacob belonged with Melissa. They were meant to be together. Besides, Lissa thought. Jacob's practically my property. Half of Hollywood knows that. No one gets to steal him away from me.

Bernice, Lissa's manager, was waiting outside the limo for Melissa. When she got there, Bernice handed her a latte. "Bernice, you're a life-saver." She took a sip and then spit it out over the pavement. "This is chocolate!! You know I only drink vanilla!" Melissa shoved the drink back at Bernice, whose hands were shaking.

"I'm sorry, but they ran out of vanilla, and—" She trailed off nervously, afraid to meet Melissa's gaze.

Melissa rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She stepped into the limo, slamming the door that Bernice had been holding open. Bernice hurried to the other side. Once she was inside, they were off.

Bernice started telling Melissa what was on the agenda for the day. She kept glancing up making sure everything was okay with Melissa. Bernice was scared to death of her. She tried her best to keep onto her good side, but Melissa had a short temper, especially with Bernice, whom she blamed for everything that went wrong.

Bernice explained, in her nervous way, that Melissa was spending a day with some fans who won a contest. They were going to get a tour around a set and have lunch with Melissa. After lunch, she would take them to the mall for their shopping spree. Lissa groaned. The last thing she wanted was to pretend to be happy to be spending a day with a couple of crazed fans.

The limo stopped in front of the radio station. Melissa looked out the tinted windows and saw two girls standing outside, staring. One of them was jumping up and down, whispering excitedly to the other. That must be them. The driver opened the door and Lissa stepped out.

She pasted a wide smile on her face as she stepped out of the car. One of the girls gasped aloud and, unashamed, let out a high pitched squeal. Melissa wasn't faking the smile anymore. She couldn't help but love when she heard that reaction.

That's right, it's Melissa Ettingson. Be impressed. She thought with a smirk and hurried over to meet the girls. Maybe this would actually be fun. It would be nice to schmooze a little and, she had to admit, it looked like the girls had put some effort into their appearance.

"Melissa Ettingson! The blonde said, her voice bubbling with laughter. "You are, easily, one of the people I've wanted to meet most in this world! I can't believe our luck!" She held her out her, which Melissa shook warmly. "My name is Lynn!"

"Lynn, you're such a doll," Melissa said, her smile broadening. "I'm Melissa. I'm so happy we'll be spending the day together."

"Oh! Me too!" Lynn gushed, she turned toward her friend. "And this is my best friend - Becky Edwards!"

Melissa dropped Lynn's hand as if it had turned to ice. Isn't that - ? She turned to look at the girl next to Lynn. Her friend had a queasy smile on her face and her hand was jutted out in an awkward handshake. Melissa took it quickly, uncertain if she had heard the name right.

"Becky is perfectly fine. It's a pleasure to meet you." Becky said quickly, her eyes darting away from Melissa's.

Melissa let go of Becky's hand and motioned the girls toward the limo. "Let's go have a tour!" She said quickly, doing her best to keep her smile on her face. Surely she had misheard - or maybe she was remembering the name incorrectly? Becky was so common and, frankly, so was Edwards. Was that even what Lynn said? Surely it could have been Edmond, or Eaton or something. Besides, Jacob said she was in Africa. Although she's from Pennsylvania...

Melissa looked at Becky curiously. Surely, the world can't be that small...

----

This is not happening. How was it that he entire life she didn't even think about celebrities, especially Jacob Jones, and now his legacy was following her everywhere? She was cursed.

Becky felt sick as the limo started moving. She wondered, if she did get sick, if she could ask to go home. How was she going to spend the whole day with someone who knew Jacob as well as she did - better even?

Becky was never one for secrets, and now she knew why. Lynn was literally bouncing her in seat, jabbering continuously. Becky was happy that she didn't have to help with small talk, but it would be helpful for Lynn to understand where Becky's feelings were at the moment. She also needed Lynn to tell her that there was no way Melissa was looking at her strangely...

"I cannot wait for this shopping trip!" Lynn said enthusiastically, looking around the inside of the limo. "Shopping is one of my number one favorite activites - surely you love it too, right Melissa?"

"Absolutely." Melissa grinned brightly.

"Good - then we can convert Becky. She doesn't like clothes or something crazy like that."

Becky shrugged. "I like having the clothes, just not finding them."

Do I sound as stupid as I feel? she wondered. She was distracted. She watched Melissa carefully. Her long, chocolate brown hair fell in perfect waves around her shoulders, making Becky self-conscious of her slightly-frizzy and more mouse-y color of brown hair. Her eyes were lightly lines in black and her full lips naturally pouted under her layer of classy red lipstick.

I cannot start comparing her to me - I'm definitely going to lose. Becky's took a deep breath. She needed to relax, or she was going to explode. Jacob had always told her how terrible her acting skills were - how was she going to fake her way through this day?

"I just love your outfit!" said Lynn, pointing at Melissa. "We almost match!"

Becky smiled, thankful that Lynn was so comfortable being the center of attention. She focused her eyes on her friend - maybe she could feed off some of her excitement.

Melissa laughed. "Why thank you." She glanced down at her black pants and black overcoat and white button-down shirt. She was wearing sunglasses.

"Maybe when we go shopping we could all pick matching outfits. Oooh, that would be so much fun!" Becky giggled along with Lynn's full-blown laugh. "I should probably stop talking, shouldn't I?"

No, Lynn, whatever you do, keep talking. Becky though with a smile.

Lissa laughed. "Oh, no. That's perfectly all right. I understand. I get nervous with these meetings too."

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief.

"Actually, you're clothes are very nice too. This is a very interesting skirt. I wonder where I could find one like that."

It took Becky a moment to realize that Melissa was talking to her. Becky opened her mouth to answer, but, thankfully, Lynn cut in.

"Oh, don't you love it?! I picked it out for her to wear." Becky could see Lynn sit up straighter, proud to show off her skills. "Becky didn't get it from around here though. She brought it back from her vacation in Africa. You wouldn't believe the great stuff you can get there - and so cheap...!"

Melissa's jaw dropped. Not even her amazing acting skills could cover up her shock.

Becky's heart sped up. Okay, maybe it was time for Lynn to shut up, or at least keep the conversation on her. She didn't like Melissa's reaction. Becky's eyes connected with Melissa's and quickly she looked away. Was it possible that she knew? Becky had no idea how, but Melissa might actually know who she was. What would that mean? That Jacob had told Melissa about Becky? Was she just a big joke - what kind of perso told their ex about, well, their ex?

How hurt would I be if I jumped out of the car right now? She wondered. She wasn't sure he had the tuck and roll down. Whatever physical pain occurred, she was sure it would be less than the mental.

"Well I can tell, the skirt just screams African adventure." Melissa said, her lips pulling back into a thin smile. "You know, a good friend of mine just got back from Africa, actually."

Becky widened her eyes and titled her head, doing to best to look curious.

"Surely you've heard of Jacob Jones?"

"Of course we have!" Lynn piped up. "How cool to call him your good friend! You're making another movie with him, aren't you? Are you going to fall in love with him again? In the movie, I mean."

Melissa chuckled at Lynn's question. "Oh, I love working with Jake..."

Lynn squealed and poked Becky in the ribs, whispering, "Jake... Jake, she calls him Jake!"

Becky poked back at Lynn. "Lynn, you're such a school girl. Don't you think everything calls him Jake? It's a pretty common nickname."

Lynn stuck her tongue out. "I can't help it if I get nervous around celebrities! You would act as if this is totally normal. Gosh - if I knew Jacob Jones well enough to call him Jacob... he's just brilliant isn't he, Melissa? Why do you love working with him"

Melissa gave a lighthearted laugh over Lynn's giddiness, keeping her eyes away from Becky. "Jacob is an absolutely wonderful actor..." she began.

Becky's heart was pounding in her chest. She felt Lynn glance over at her. Becky wished she could explain everything to Lynn through her eyes.

"... He's so talented and such a sweetie. Unfortunately this time, our movie isn't a romance. It's a thriller... a psychological thriller. I play Jacob's sister."

Lynn became disappointed and slouched over. "Oh, well that sucks. So are you and Jake— er, Jacob ever going to get back together? You two made sure a great couple, so cute and all."

Melissa smiled, flashing her perfect, Hollywood set of pearly whites. Her slender hands clenched her little purse. "Thank you, Lynn. Um, just between you and me..."

Becky's heart fluttered, she kept her eyes glued to her hands, clasped in her lap.

Melissa leaned forward, her voice smooth as she whispered, "Jake and I have been going back out again for a little while. We just haven't gone public with anything yet, you see."

Becky's stomach lurched. Lynn glowed as if a timeless treasure had been placed in her hands. "Wow. You're really trusting me with that kind of information?"

The actress winked. "I know who to go to if something leaks."

Becky held her lips together tightly. They needed to get off the topic of Jacob, or she was going to hurl. What did that mean, a little while? She felt a shiver run down her spine. She had believed him completely in Africa - but what if...

"So Becky..." Melissa turned to her and Becky snapped into attention, "tell me a little more about Africa. How was it?" She asked.

Becky took a deep breath. Melissa's body looked casual, but her eyes locked on her with such an intensity. "Unique."

"Oh, I'm sure!" Melissa nodded and began messing with her nails. Not that they needed to be messed with. "Meet anyone interesting?" She looked up and stared Becky straight in the eyes. "You know, you can meet some of the most unlikely people in the darndest of places."

Becky swallowed hard.

"The Other Side - Chapter 20" 

Zz, Kiryan