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Raven

"Asshole!"

Raven groaned in frustration as she held the phone to her ear and ran her fingers through her hair, a nervous habit she had developed when she was young. As tensions heightened, Ivory nestled deeper into her lap, her anxious expression mirrored in her wide eyes.

"I get it," she said. "Mario's my agent, but he cannot control my choices. No one on my team can."

Vivian, her publicist and college best friend, answered with a steady, uncertain voice. "He insists you reconsider after I explained why you're so adamant about this film."

"Why?" Raven shot back as she jumped up from her seat and paced the small space of her dressing room with quick, measured breaths.

"Because Mario and the agency believes it could jeopardize your career."

She stopped mid-step, staring in the mirror in disbelief.

"That's a load of crap!" The sound of her heavy inhalation hung in the air as she spun around, her agitated stride betraying her feelings. "So, am I going to have to start looking for a new agent now? Does this mean he is done with me?"

Vivian's laughter was sharp and humorless, echoing in the silence that followed. It was a laugh that held the weight of unspoken truths─Raven was their star, the shining jewel in the agency's crown, and deep down, both of them knew they'd never let her slip away.

"Mario keeps his clients," Vivian said. "But he has a good point. You have to... you know."

Raven's hands balled into fists as she shook her head vehemently. "Don't. Viv, don't even think about finishing that sentence."

Tension boomed through the air as Raven's contained anger heaved from her chest.

Vivian took a deep breath as she continued her speech. "Rae, please understand something. The main point both of us are trying to make is that your image is centered on the concept of a happily ever after. That's with a man."

Raven's face burned with rage and desperation. "That's a bunch of crap! I have to be in this movie!" She tugged at her hair, the strands flowing through her fingers like a gentle stream of water. "Two people who identify as the same gender, or no gender at all, should represent the norm. This role has a happy ending."

Vivian groaned, her tone low. "No need to go over that again."

"I think I should." Raven spun, her boots clattering on the floor. Her heart pounded, the weight of their heated conversation pressing down on her. "You disrupted an important screen test by demanding that I leave production. Do you even know what would happen if I did that?"

Vivian let out a soft moan. "I do, Raven, but you should think about this." Her tone softened, but her words were sharp. "Your career is about to go to hell in a handbasket."

"Are you kidding me?" Raven sneered as she stared in the mirror, her brows wrinkled. "Why would things not go well for my upcoming projects?"

Vivian took a moment before responding. "If you're not gay, playing a gay character can cost you everything," she explained. Raven sat on her dressing room couch, chuckling as she tossed her hair back and listened to her friend. "That's queer-baiting. I mean, it's not like you've ever kissed a girl."

Raven gave a mischievous chuckle. "You're wrong, Vivian. Because I have. I kissed a girl, and I liked it."

"Would you stop sounding like Katy Perry?"

With a devilish smirk, Raven turned to the mirror, examining her reflection as if the answer to their debate lay hidden in her own eyes. "You know I have because that girl was you. Remember?"

An electric silence filled the air, memories flickering in her mind like an old film reel. She could hear Vivian's soft breathing through the phone.

"Yes, I remember." She sighed, the car's engine idling in the background. "But we were in college and drank a lot. That kiss doesn't count."

Raven shook her head, her expression earnest. "No, Viv, it wasn't a drunk kiss. We felt something between us." Her voice dropped, vulnerability seeping in as she continued, "We just never got to find out what it meant because I moved to Los Angeles. Since then, I've always known I liked men and women. I assumed you knew by now that I'm bisexual."

With Raven absorbed in her thoughts and the hum of Vivian's engine serving as a subtle reminder of their present situation, the air became thick with tension. She took a deep breath and started to spin a lock of hair, her fingers running along its length.

"Look. I don't want to talk about the past anymore, okay? I understand that there may be issues with the production of this film. But a lonely high school student may feel better knowing that someone is advocating for them." Raven's eyes shone with passion, the seriousness of her mission cutting through the reasons for making this film. "It could help someone confused about their sexuality and give them a better understanding of how they feel. Many people could relate to the plot."

A rare moment of agreement illuminated Vivian's words. "I agree."

"Good. Please do me a favor and don't ever ask that I stop playing LGBTQ characters. Especially with this one." Raven leaned against the wall as she spoke. "I'd like to see a film like this produced. Do you understand?"

"Okay. I won't argue about it anymore."

"I've already invested so much into this movie," Raven added, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Just wait until you read it; it's a great script." The confidence in her voice was palpable, as if the words themselves danced eagerly to be shared.

"I read it and like it, too." Vivian breathed in. "Can I ask a favor of you tonight?"

"Sure."

"Is it possible for you and Xavier to have a date? Maybe eat at a restaurant or see a movie? Anywhere with cameras to promote your new movie with him. While you two are doing that, I will figure out how to prevent Kismet from backfiring on you."

"No! Let the entire world gossip about the movie!"

Vivian chuckled. "I honestly believed that working for you would be a breeze."

"Only on occasion."

Raven hung up and tried not to scream. Inside, a storm of frustration and defiance raged. The whispered gossip from her advertising agency echoed in her ears; they disapproved of her decision to take on a role that challenged societal norms. She landed this role after auditioning for it without their help.

Her thoughts drifted back to Mya, her best friend who had faced a relentless barrage of cruelty for daring to love freely. Raven clenched her fists, recalling Mya's cruel taunts and how she wore her bravery like armor. Who cared who someone loved? The thought that loving the same gender could result in such violence fustrated her. She encountered betrayal and treachery on her journey to stardom, yet she could always count on Mya, the one person she trusted when the dazzling illusion of fame fell apart around her.

When the film's script landed in her hands, it sparked a furious determination within her. Raven could see the character, hear the lines resonate with truth, and she knew she had to be the one to bring it to life. The thought of a kiss with another woman ignited a blend of excitement and resolve─it felt bold, liberating even.

Two months after a heartbreak that had left her reeling, Raven refused to allow fear dictate her choices. She would fight to keep this story alive, no matter the cost.

As she stroked Ivory's soft fur, the rabbit flicked her tail and gazed up at Raven with knowing eyes, as if sensing the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

"What do you think?" she murmured, her tone light, as if seeking counsel from her furry confidant. A flicker of determination ignited in Ivory's emerald eyes, a silent vow that she would protect this film and the message it carried─come what may.

She whispered, "Ivy, how am I going to keep from falling in love? You know how I can be. I'm easily influenced and become infatuated with people. My heart cannot take the possibility of being broken again."

Her laughter bubbled up as she leaned down, pressing a soft kiss onto Ivory's velvety head. The tiny creature's ears twitched, and for a moment, the world felt lighter. Yet, as she straightened, a tight knot formed in her stomach, the weight of grief settling on her chest. Thoughts of losing her beloved pet haunted her, and the realization that Ivory had missed her medication sent a shiver of despair through her. What if Alicia hadn't stumbled upon the precious rabbit in time? Raven feared the alternative.

She felt grateful and noted that Alicia was a lifesaver. After all, they would be sharing the spotlight in this film, and Raven owed it to the woman who had unknowingly helped her carry a heavy burden.

Raven unscrewed a bottle of water and poured a small amount into Ivory's bowl before placing a white pill among her green kale. She enjoyed the earthy smell and watched Ivory crunch the food in silence.

The day she found her, Raven's heart sank as she approached a weathered old farm, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and hay. A small, wet rabbit with a protective curl huddled against the cold. She sniffled, reaching over to the creature's trembling back. Memories of the vibrant photoshoot that day danced in her mind, yet the joy of capturing beauty dimmed in the shadow of the animal's delicate life. "Please be okay," she whispered, her heart filled with hope as she cradled the soaked bundle against her chest, determined to bring this precious soul home.

Raven took a deep breath and shook her head, pulling herself away from her thoughts. As she continued to pet Ivory, a cheerful smile spread across her lips, her eyes twinkling with joy. "I hope I didn't disrupt your feast, Ivy," she teased, her voice light."Comer hasta," she added, and her laugh echoed through the room, as if the rabbit understood Spanish.

Ivory always had trouble being alone. Whenever Raven was away, food lay untouched in the corner─a bowl of fresh greens that had once been a feast for the little rabbit. Now, they wilted in the stillness, a testament to her unease. The Skymotion Films crew had welcomed the unexpected by allowing her to bring her beloved companion along. She breathed a sigh of relief; choosing between the movie set's bright lights and her little friend seemed impossible. With Ivory by her side, she no longer had to choose.

She climbed to her feet. With a flick of her wrist, she grabbed her phone and instinctively scrolled, the screen illuminating her face in the dim room. A constant stream of images and headlines highlights the public's unwavering attention. It had been a week since she and Xavier were seen together, and the thought of gossip circulating about their rumored split gnawed at her stomach.

Ha! If only they knew, Raven mused.

The relationship between both of them was part of a marketing strategy for their upcoming romance movie, set to release before the end of the year. Fans enjoyed the nonsense in the plot, believing all characters' dialogues to be real, leading filmmakers to create their façade for them.

Xavier Hartley was a talented actor who excelled in fake dinner dates, although he and Raven likely would have been friends regardless of their circumstances. However, their personal relationships often ruined their films and hurt their careers. Knowing they had to keep up appearances, they both put on this act.

While she collapsed onto her bed, Raven quickly texted him to see if he wanted to grab some food. He answered right away.

Xavier: Gettin' grilled again by Vivian, babe?

Babe.

Although she disliked being called that, which was an expression of endearment from him, Raven recognized that she needed him as much as he needed her. To avoid his parents trying to set him up with their friend's daughter, Xavier persuaded her to step in and pass for his girlfriend. Since their first public appearance, people have been following their every move.

Raven: Always. Can't escape from her that easily.

Xavier: Where should we meet this time?

While she was texting him, another call came in. It was her aunt calling again. Raven chewed her lip in irritation before acting as if the phone hadn't buzzed. Her conservative aunt Camilla wouldn't stop harping about her niece's Lesbian movie. She didn't want that kind of talk to ruin her night.

Raven: Wear all black and meet me at Café Le Rouge at 7 p.m. The paparazzi will have a field day with my red dress.

Xavier: Ooh là là. Okay. See ya, Lady In Red.

She leaned against the wall, her eyes flickering to the ceiling, a playful grin on her lips. Raven laughed as she sent a message to her friend. "Hey Mya! Want to come over and hang out with Ivory?" Almost immediately, her phone beeped with a response.

"ALWAYS!" was Mya's enthusiastic response, and reading it made her smile even more.

Once the plans were set in motion, Raven gazed out the window, feeling the gentle sunlight caress her skin as her fingers traced over the manuscript. She reminisced about kissing Alicia, where their laughter and the cool air blended together, creating a lasting impression. The kiss ignited a thrill within her, making her words pour out with an intensity she had never felt before. Alicia's presence filled the audition room with the sweet scent of strawberries, while her lips offered the delightful flavor of a crisp apple, hinting at a touch of caramel.

When Ivory nuzzled against Raven's chest, warmth spread through her, dissolving her thoughts of seducing her future co-star into a soft, blissful cloud.

Raven placed her phone on her vanity and entered the costumes and props area. She liked being in a dark, quiet room. She knew she could take just a little nap before heading out with Xavier, even if it wasn't six yet.

She sifted through the cascade of long skirts, her fingers brushing against the fabric, until she came across a handful of bulky sweaters, ready to adorn the dusty sofa. It was early in her acting career that she learned this nifty trick. She'd find solace in nestling among the boxes, with the gentle aroma of cardboard enveloping her like a comforting blanket, and drift off into a peaceful slumber, far from the mayhem outside. Wrapped in gentle, warm shadows, the world outside became muted as she lay there. This was her safe space, where no one could find her.

While she leaned to one side, Ivory slipped into the recess beneath her chin. Raven moved closer. There were times when she relied on her pet more than the animal did. She took a deep breath to relax her mind and fell asleep.

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Things will pick up as the storyline progresses and more character development will unravel. Thank you all for reading this story. :)