Hollywood Secret Garden

Chapter 33: Stepping Into the Spotlight

Summer vacation can feel both long and short. Despite lasting for 11 weeks in the United States, time steadily marches on toward the start of the new school year. Angela is now on the verge of stepping into the spotlight for the first time, a first-time experience for her in two lifetimes.

"Hey, kiddos, we've reached the school. Hurry up and get off, or you'll be late," Dorothy tapped the steering wheel and called out.

"We know, Miss Baker. We're getting off right away." The girls who had been causing a commotion on the school bus quickly exited through the door.

"Angela, Jessica, aren't you heading to class?" After everyone had disembarked, Dorothy glanced at the rearview mirror and asked.

Angela, who had remained seated the entire time, let out a helpless sigh before slowly rising to her feet. She slung her backpack over her shoulder and made her way to the front of the bus at a sluggish pace.

"Well, Angela, even though I made an exception for you today, I'm not scolding you, so there's no need to look so downcast," Dorothy turned her head with a smile and popped a piece of gum into her mouth.

"Dorothy, can't you offer some words of comfort?" the little girl said with a hint of melancholy.

"Like this?" Dorothy contemplated for a moment, then adopted a serious expression and said, "Congratulations, Angela, you did an outstanding job!"

"Can you please not bring that up?" Angela sighed.

"Oh, Angela, if you can't handle these few people, how will you handle the entire school's attention later on? Think about it," Jessica chimed in from behind.

Angela's anger flared up upon hearing this. She swiftly turned around, giving Jessica a hostile glare. "You always say such insensitive things, Jessica! Would you find it amusing if you were bombarded with questions like this as soon as you stepped onto the bus?"

"Let me think," Jessica tilted her head, pretending to ponder earnestly, before delivering her response, "Yes."

"In that case, when they come to me again and start bombarding me with questions, I'll mention that you were also involved in the performance. How does that sound?" Angela narrowed her eyes and leaned closer to Jessica, inquiring.

"With pleasure," Jessica responded, humming and showing no signs of backing down. She leaned in closer as well. The two girls were so near that they could almost catch each other's subtle scent. Angela's mind started to wander, unaware of the perplexed expression on Jessica's face.

Just then, Dorothy's voice interrupted them, "Hey, you two, if you don't get off now, you'll really be late."

The sudden voice startled both girls, abruptly breaking the strange ambiguous atmosphere. They blushed, one after the other, and hurriedly exited the school bus, rushing into the school building.

...

"...And then, in 1984, Los Angeles successfully hosted the Olympics, further elevating our city's reputation. However, this specific Olympic Games also marked the beginning of its commercialization," Mrs. Green concluded reading the passage just as the dismissal bell rang.

"Alright, children, that concludes our class," Mrs. Green closed her book and signaled the end of the lesson. However, her subtle remark implied, "I hope any concerns can be addressed during break time instead of passing notes in class."

As Mrs. Green gave a faint smile and left the room, Angela could only sigh helplessly, anticipating the approaching swarm of curious classmates.

"Angela, are you playing both roles by yourself, or do you actually have a twin sister?"

"Angela, did you really have to go naked for the lake scene?"

"Angela, who do you think is prettier, Julia Roberts or Meg Ryan?"

Although Angela had anticipated the buzz at school after the premiere of "The Parent Trap" the constant phone calls from her family had already given her a glimpse of what awaited her. The noise and attention overwhelmed her, especially with the boys expressing both adoration and jealousy. Feeling overwhelmed, the little girl raised her hand and spoke up, "Alright, everyone, please quiet down!"

The chatter gradually subsided, but the crowd of girls surrounding her remained unchanged. They stared at her intently, awaiting her words.
 

Angela cleared her throat and addressed the crowd, "Dear everyone, there's not much I can share regarding the film shooting. However, if any of you are interested in pursuing acting, there are opportunities for child actors in various productions. You can explore that avenue if you wish. As for comparing Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan, it's subjective, and each of you can form your own opinion based on their performances. As for my personal experiences, I'm sorry, but there's nothing specific to share at the moment."

The brief silence was quickly shattered as the voices erupted once again, echoing throughout the room. It was clear that Angela's answers didn't satisfy their curiosity. She forced a smile, but deep down, she questioned whether continuing acting was the right path for her.

...

Jessica looked at Angela with surprise and asked, "Does this mean you have a new idea for a script?"

"No, not yet. I haven't even finished the script for "Sleepless in Seattle." How could I have a new idea?" Angela shrugged, occasionally peering out to survey their surroundings.

This secluded spot between two tall Platanus trees on the school grounds was a secret hideaway for Angela and Jessica. 

Despite growing against the wall, there was a small gap between the trees and the wall, providing enough space for two people to conceal themselves. 

It had become Angela's personal refuge, and luckily, only the two of them knew about this little corner. Otherwise, she would truly have nowhere to escape.

"If you don't have any ideas, why worry so much?" Jessica scoffed, dismissing Angela's unfounded concerns.

"To be honest, Jessica, it's quite simple for me to write a script for myself," Angela proudly stated. She knew she had a collection of scripts in the drawers of her bedside table, and surely there would be one that suited her perfectly.

Unaware of Angela's secret stash, Jessica continued her disdainful remarks, undeterred. "Empty words won't make you grow taller, dear Angela."

A smug expression appeared on Angela's face as she raised an eyebrow. "Well, even if I don't have my own script at the moment, there might be other film crews with suitable roles who could invite me to join, right?"

"That's for them to invite you," Jessica chuckled, extending a finger to playfully pinch Angela's chin. "I really don't understand why you constantly overthink everything, Angela. Can you handle all those thoughts? Being a celebrity means being prepared to be observed. Of course, there will be kissing scenes and such in movies. If you enjoy it, continue; if you don't, then don't act. It's that simple. Why make it so complicated?"

Angela rolled her eyes, feeling exasperated. If she were a typical girl, maybe she would find Jessica's comment endearing, but she wasn't. 

She gently removed Jessica's hand from her chin. "Jessica, that's not something a good child would do."

"But, Angela, you're my girl. Isn't it normal for me to do this?" Jessica said with a mischievous smile.

"What?! I am your girl!" At that moment, Angela felt extremely frustrated. She couldn't believe she was being referred to as Jessica's woman! Is there no justice in the world?

"Jessica! I will tell your dad!" Angela exclaimed, her forehead pressed against Jessica's, her eyes burning with determination.

Jessica's expression shifted, a flicker of fear appearing in her eyes. Despite her defiant words, she couldn't deny the strict upbringing she had received from her family.

Angela noticed the flicker of fear in Jessica's eyes, and a mischievous smile spread across her face. She lunged forward, attempting to tickle Jessica's waist. Jessica, well aware of her ticklishness, swiftly dodged, but the confined space behind the Platanus tree left her with no room to escape. 

In no time, Angela had captured her, causing Jessica to let out a startled scream. She tried to fight back, but she knew she was no match for Angela in this playful battle. 

She squirmed and giggled, a mix of laughter and tears escaping her as Angela's playful scratches tickled her relentlessly.

"Angela, enough! If you don't stop, I'll call everyone over!" Jessica warned, attempting to regain control of the situation. However, her threat fell on deaf ears as Angela continued her playful assault, teasing and tickling Jessica's sensitive spots with mischievous delight. Jessica squirmed and wriggled, feeling increasingly "miserable" as the tickling persisted.

At that moment, Jessica resorted to her last resort, catching Angela completely off guard. Swiftly evading Angela's hands, she leaned forward and encircled her arms around Angela's neck, surprising her with a soft kiss on the lips. 

Angela, taken aback by the unexpected move, momentarily forgot about everything else and instinctively wrapped her arms around Jessica, returning the tight embrace. Their lips interlocked, their connection intensifying in the heat of the moment.

From a distance, it was certainly an affectionate scene. Two adorable and charming little girls, their golden locks glistening in the sunlight, embraced closely against the tall Platanus tree. 

Their innocent and tender kiss evoked a sense of warmth and sweetness. It was a scene that would make any Yuri and Loli fan bleed profoundly from their nose.

Both girls locked eyes, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief. Jessica's eyes reflected a mixture of shyness, excitement, and confusion, while Angela's eyes revealed nervousness and shame. 

In the brief moment when their lips met, they both seemed to be caught in a trance, unaware of their surroundings. Angela's heart skipped a beat as she realized her mistake just in time. 

With a sudden realization, she quickly retracted her little tongue upon making contact with Jessica's teeth.

The weather in September was still hot, and thin clothes offered no resistance to the heat at all. The sound of their intense heartbeats was transmitted through their clothes, but they had no intention of separating. 

They still maintained that intimate posture under the tree, and their lips remained locked together. The strange and ambiguous atmosphere grew even stronger. The little girl felt like she couldn't hold back anymore, as if she instinctively wanted to do something.

Just then, the bell for class suddenly rang, snapping them out of their trance. They swiftly separated, taking a moment to catch their breaths and exchange a glance filled with mixed emotions. 

Without uttering a single word, they hastily made their way back to their respective classrooms, leaving behind the unspoken intensity of the moment.