8 Cecilia and Chloe
1133 Words
It was clear that there were some people trying to cause trouble for Cosette. This wasn’t difficult to figure out. Maybe this woman was part of the plot and she had come to deliberately sabotage Cosette’s make up. Thinking of this, Cosette turned to the woman and replied, "Thanks, but I can handle it myself."
The woman didn’t even glimpse at Cosettte but simply sat down and said, "Okay, but remember that this is your choice."
Cosette ignored her and began to apply her makeup, while the woman watched her with a look of contempt.
Leyla’s makeup artist was famous and Leyla’s make up was often highly praised by film goers.
Caroline, the woman who had turned up to do Cosette’s makeup was indeed an arrogant woman. She observed in disdain, believing Cosette could never come near to equaling Leyla.
As she watched, she thought of ways to discredit Cosette amongst the crew and how to make sure Cosette would lose face with the public. If she succeeded, maybe Leyla would be grateful and select her as one of her assistants. She smiled to herself as she thought about what an honor it would be to work for Leyla!
Caroline was still deep in thought when Cosette abruptly stood up. She wore a very light, almost inconspicuous covering of makeup.
Seeing this, Caroline was surprised and asked, "Have you finished?"
"Do you think everyone needs to spend ages applying makeup?" Cosette replied coldly and immediately left for the set.
Cosette was due to play opposite Leyla in the next scene.
Chloe, played by Leyla, was Eric's new girlfriend upon whom Eric doted. Cosette’s character, Cecilia, was the best friend of Eric’s ex-girlfriend, Louise, who was distraught at having lost Eric.
Unable to bear seeing her friend so upset, Cecilia decides to get even with Chloe and they quarrel when she goes to see her. The quarrel develops into a tussle, and because Cecilia is stronger than the delicate Chloe, and has a background in martial arts, Chloe is soon pushed to the ground.
Cosette had studied the script carefully to learn her lines and familiarize herself with the plot.
There was no sign of Leyla when Cosette arrived at the set.
"Are you ready?" Elliot asked.
"Don't worry. I am fully prepared," Cosette replied, sounding professional.
Relieved by Cosette’s words, Elliot told her, "Cosette, you are a talented actress and I really hope your film career blossoms."
Cosette could tell that Elliot meant this and gave him a gentle smile.
At that moment, Leyla arrived, attracting the admiration of all there.
"Wow, she is so beautiful."
"It’s no wonder everyone always speaks so highly of Leyla."
"You’re right. She looks like a fairy princess."
As they whispered, Leyla reveled in their praise.
Elliot called out some matters that needed attention, then announced that shooting was about to begin.
"Action!" Elliot’s voice boomed out.
Cosette and Leyla began their performance.
Cecilia rushed to Chloe’s bedroom in a rage, but was stopped by Chloe’s housekeepers.
"Sorry Miss, you can't go in there. Chloe is resting."
"Get out of my way," yelled Cecilia.
The staff was clearly uncomfortable. They were well aware of Cecilia’s volatile temper and didn’t know what to do next.
Cecilia was arrogant and didn’t seem to warm to anyone except for Louise.
"Judith, Rosy, it’s okay, let Cecilia come in," Chloe called out in a sweet voice.
Judith and Rosy both stepped back, relieved.
Cecilia stared at Chloe. This slim, pretty, young girl was dressed in an expensive, well-tailored skirt and blouse. It was no wonder that Eric had fallen for her.
Thinking of Eric, anger flickered in Cecilia's eyes but she soon calmed down and gazed at Chloe coldly.
Elliot watched their performance from behind the camera.
Leyla was a good actress but it was Cosette who impressed him. Her eyes were filled with a myriad of complicated emotions, including forbidden affection for Eric, and yet she held back her feelings, hiding them deep in her heart. Cosette’s insight and portrayal of Cecilia were breathtaking.
Everyone on set was transfixed as they watched the two rival actresses perform.
"Darling, I am afraid there must be a misunderstanding," Chloe purred.
"A misunderstanding? I certainly hope so. Also, I hardly know you, so please stop trying to be overly familiar with me. Don't call me darling. It is really creepy and annoying," Cecilia replied in a cold voice.
"I...." Chloe mumbled. She hadn’t expected Cecilia to be so hostile and tears welled in her eyes.
Cecilia was reluctant to argue but still needed to make her point.
"Why did you stop Eric going to meet Louise yesterday? He had promised to see her," she asked in an aggressive tone.
Eric had begun to drift apart from Louise after he had got to know Chloe, but Cecilia and Louise had both been shocked that Chloe had even managed to stop him meeting Louise secretly.
Louise’s spirits had hit rock bottom yesterday when she realized that Eric was not going to turn up to see her.
"I was unwell yesterday, so I asked Eric to keep me company. I was totally unaware that he had promised to meet up with Louise," Chloe explained.
"You didn't know? I think you did it deliberately."
"Cecilia, please don't accuse me of something I didn’t do!"
"You were sick yesterday? Well, you seem fine today," Cecilia replied, stepping closer to Chloe.
Chloe turned pale at Cecilia’s words….
Rosy was anxious and hastily stepped forward to explain, "Cecilia, she is telling the truth. Please don't get mad at Chloe."
Cecilia suddenly grabbed Chloe's shoulder, "Are you really that much of a coward that you need your household staff to lie for you?"
Cecilia had practiced martial arts since childhood, so was stronger than Chloe. However, despite her anger she didn’t lose her temper and didn’t direct any violence towards Chloe, yet Chloe suddenly fell the ground.
"Chloe..." Rosy cried out in alarm.
Judith angrily pointed at Cecilia, "Cecilia, how dare you come here and attack Chloe? If anything happens to her it will be you who is called to account!"
"Cut! Perfect!" Elliot pronounced in a loud voice.
"An excellent performance from both of you," he added with a satisfied smile.
Everybody heaved a sigh of relief. Having to repeat filming scenes was both time-consuming and tiring.
"Leyla, are you okay?" Neveah rushed over to Leyla, her eyes filled with concern.
However, Leyla lay motionless on the ground.
- Writer
