Sweet Bomb

Chapter 4. A night to remember

Leaving the party for a while,Coco slides into garden for some fresh air, all Tanya’s friends has gone and so did Troye,Coco began to feel a little boring so she just walk around the garden and watch the beautiful scenery.The air was electric in the dimly lit garden, where fairy lights twinkled like stars against the backdrop of the night sky. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the scent of blooming jasmine hung in the air, mingling with the savory aroma wafting from the nearby buffet. It was an exclusive gathering, a night party thrown by one of the top film agencies in the city, and Coco found herself caught in the spell of the evening.

Changed into a flowing emerald green dress that accentuated her every move, Coco felt a surge of confidence as she navigated through the crowd, her laughter ringing out like music. She had come to know many faces in the industry, but tonight felt different. Tonight, the atmosphere was charged with possibility, and she couldn’t help but feel it was a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.

As she mingled with guests, her gaze was drawn to a figure near the edge of the garden—a man with an air of sophistication, his dark hair slightly tousled, and his tailored suit fitting him impeccably. It was Adrian, a prominent agent at her film agency, known for his keen eye for talent and an uncanny ability to spot the next big star. They had only met a few times before, but each encounter left her eager to learn more.

“Coco!” Adrian’s warm voice cut through the chatter. He approached her, a genuine smile lighting up his face. “I’m glad to see you here. You look stunning tonight.”

“Thank you, Adrian!” Coco replied, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. “It’s a beautiful evening.”

“Indeed it is. Mind if I steal you away for a moment? I’d love to talk about your future plans.” He gestured toward a quieter corner of the garden, where an ornate wrought-iron table was partially hidden by blooming vines.

“Of course! I’d love to,” Coco said, her heart racing with anticipation.

As they settled into their seats, the noise of the party faded into the background. Adrian leaned forward, his expression serious yet encouraging. “I’ve been reviewing your recent auditions and the feedback from directors.You’re making quite an impression, Coco.” “Really?” She felt a surge of excitement. “I’ve been working so hard, and it’s nice to know it’s paying off.” Adrian nodded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “You have a natural talent that can’t be taught. However, there’s always room for growth. I want to discuss some training opportunities that could elevate your game.” Coco leaned in, completely engaged. “What do you have in mind?” “Acting workshops with some of the best coaches in the industry, voice modulation classes to enhance your range, and even physical training to help you prepare for action roles. This is a demanding field, and I want you to be ready for everything it throws at you.” His tone was firm, laced with an undercurrent of urgency. Coco felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. “It sounds intense, but I’m up for it. I want to be the best I can be.” “Great! There’s a film project coming up that I think is perfect for you. It’s a challenging role, but I believe you can handle it. It requires a lot of emotional depth and physicality,” Adrian continued, his voice steady and encouraging. “What’s the film about?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. “It’s a psychological thriller. You’ll play a character who is both a victim and a fighter, battling her own demons while being pursued by a relentless antagonist. It’s a complex role that requires a lot of preparation,” he explained, his eyes narrowing as he gauged her reaction. Coco’s heart raced at the thought. “Wow, that sounds amazing! But also... terrifying.” “Exactly.” He smiled knowingly. “But that’s what makes it exciting. You’ll have to dig deep, confront your fears, and push your boundaries. It won’t be easy, but think of the rewards.”

Coco nodded, envisioning the character’s struggles, the emotional rollercoaster she would have to navigate. “I want to do it. I want to challenge myself.”

“Good. I’ll arrange for you to meet with the director and discuss the role in more detail. But first, let’s talk about the training schedule,” Adrian said,pulling out a sleek tablet. “I’ve outlined a plan that will keep you engaged and on track.” As he talked, Coco felt a rush of exhilaration. The future seemed bright and full of potential, but the weight of the expectations pressed down on her. “What if I can’t handle it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “Everyone feels that way at some point,” Adrian replied, his voice reassuring. “The key is to embrace the discomfort. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.” Coco took a deep breath, allowing his words to sink in. Theconcept of stepping outside her comfort zone had always resonated with her, but now it felt more tangible than ever. “You’re right,” she said, her confidence slowly building. “I’ve always believed in pushing myself. I just want to make sure I do justice to the role.” Adrian smiled, clearly pleased with her determination. “I have no doubt you will. Just remember, this is a journey. There will be ups and downs, but each experience will shape you into the actress you aspire to be.” Coco leaned back in her chair, letting the night’s ambiance wash over her. The garden was alive with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft melodies of a live band playing in the background. It felt surreal to be here, discussing her future with someone who believed in her potential so strongly. “Tell me more about the character,” Coco urged, her mind racing with possibilities. “What’s her backstory?” Adrian’s expression shifted, his gaze becoming more intense. “Her name is Elara. She’s been through a traumatic experience that leaves her haunted. Throughout the film, she grapples with her past while trying to escape a man who represents everything she fears. But Elara isn’t just a victim; she’s a survivor. The strength she uncovers within herself is what makes her journey compelling.”

Coco could feel the weight of the character’s story tugging at her heartstrings. “I can relate to that feeling of fighting against something that seems insurmountable. It’s what drew me to acting in the first place—being ble to express those complex emotions.” “Exactly,” Adrian said, his eyes brightening. “That’s why I think you’ll excel in this role. You have that ability to connect with the audience on a deep emotional level. But to portray Elara authentically, you’ll need to immerse yourself in her world. That means doing your research, understanding the psychology of trauma, and exploring the resilience that comes from it.” Coco nodded, feeling the excitement bubbling inside her. “I’ll dive deep into the research. I want to bring Elara to life in a way that resonates with people.” “Good to hear,” Adrian replied, his expression softening. “And remember, you’re not alone in this. I’ll be here to guide you, and I’ll connect you with professionals who can help you prepare. You’ll have a support system.” As they continued to talk, the romantic atmosphere of the night enveloped them. The soft glow of the fairy lights cast a warm hue around them, and Coco could hear snippets of laughter from the partygoers, yet she felt as if they were in their own little world. “Coco,” Adrian said, his tone suddenly shifting to something more personal. “I know this industry can be brutal, and it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But I want you to remember why you started. What’s your passion?” She paused for a moment, reflecting on the journey that had brought her here. “Acting has always been my escape. It allows me to explore different sides of myself, to connect with others in ways I never could in real life. It’s like living a thousand lives in one.” “Beautifully said,” Adrian replied, nodding appreciatively. “Hold onto that passion. It’s what will sustain you through the tough times. And trust me, there will be tough times.” Coco chuckled lightly, imagining the challenges ahead. “I’m ready for it. I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles already. I can handle whatever comes my way.” “That’s the spirit,” he said, raising his glass slightly in a toast. “To new beginnings and brave journeys.” “To new beginnings,” Coco echoed, clinking her glass against his, feeling a surge of camaraderie and shared ambition. As they sipped their drinks, Coco’s thoughts drifted to the future. She envisioned the rigorous training, the long hours on set, the emotional scenes that would push her to her limits. But beneath that anticipation lay an undercurrent of fear—fear of failure, fear of not living up to expectations. She quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself of Adrian’s words. “You know, Adrian,” she said thoughtfully, “I can’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by everything. What if I can’t meet the expectations?” Adrian leaned back, contemplating her words. “It’s completely natural to feel that way. But remember, every actor has been in your shoes. The key is to embrace that vulnerability and use it to fuel your performance. Authenticity resonates with audiences more than perfection ever could.” Coco nodded, absorbing his wisdom. “I’ll try to keep that in mind. I’ve always struggled with the idea of being perfect.” “Don’t strive for perfection; strive for growth,” he advised. “Every mistake is a stepping stone. Each experience will teach you something invaluable. The journey is as important as the destination.”