Chapter 262:  (Patreon)

[Edward POV]

Inside the jet, Selena sat next to me as I watched the show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire!” on the plasma screen, sitting together at the long couch next to where the dance pole was. 

[For 200 dollars, Which toys have been marketed with the phrase “robots in disguise”?] The host of the show asked.

Turning to Selena, I said, “By the way, I still don't know yet. Why did you come?” 

A bit startled, she replied with a nervous chuckle, “Right place at the right time I guess. I know about the launch, but I didn’t know it was in San Francisco. I don’t have any schedule today, so I just followed along when Pepper asked me to come.”

“Oh. Alright. Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it.” Smiling kindly, my expression made Selena blushed and turned to the screen to avoid my eyes.

“The answer is Transformer!” I rolled my eyes at the screen as I saw the contestant struggling with the question. Selena chuckled and spoke after remembering something, “Do you remember the wizards show?”

“Kinda hard to forget since I acted there, and you’re the main lead. Why?” I asked with some confusion and joking about her ways of questioning. Elated, Selena said, “There’s thousands of fans who wrote to the show, asking about if you’re going to return.”

“Really, thousands?” I asked sceptically.

“Hundreds! Whatever! It’s a lot.” She said defensively. “Do you want a drink?” She asked as she stood up, but there was turbulence in the air, which made the entire plane shake. Selena flopped onto my lap, and I had to hold on to her tight to prevent her from rolling off and crash into the ground.

“Sorry folk. A duck flew into a windshield from out of nowhere. We didn’t hit it though.” The pilot spoke using the intercom. 

Pepper scoffed with displeasure and stood up from his seat to get some wine. His eyes widened as he saw the position Selena and I were in. Luckily, he was the only one who turned his sight to the back of the plane while everyone else was still restless about the turbulence. 

“Edward! Buckle up!” My dad suddenly shouted from his seat– which was in front of the plane.

“What?! No! I didn’t take off his belt!” Selena suddenly shouted, which made everyone confused and turned towards us. I rolled my eyes and said, “The seatbelts.”

“What the hell are you guys doing back there?” Maggie asked teasingly as she tried to stand up from her seat, face full of excitement. But Pepper held her shoulder down and said, “The seatbelt sign is on. Buckle up.”

“But you’re standing?!” Maggie retorted in confusion. Pepper said, “I’m going to sit now. Just need a glass of wine.”

Pepper gazed at me scrutinizingly and mouthed as he reached for the wine bottle, ‘Don’t! She’s her bestie! What are you thinking?!’

I mouthed back, ‘Turbulence. She fell. Not on purpose!’

‘Keep it in your pants!’ He mouthed angrily, not believing my excuse. 

“You guys know I can see you right?” Selena muttered with disbelief. Pepper smirked and said vaguely “Good.” He wanted to remind her too so that’s why he did it so obviously. 

Before he got back to his seat, he whispered, “I mean, it’s not like it cannot happen. I’m just saying, maybe after a few months? Give yourself time to heal first.”

“Again, nothing happened.” I replied to Pepper with disbelief. 

[In a failed assassination attempt, what U.S. president was shot at twice at point-blank range, but survived because both guns misfired?]

Our attention shifted back to the show after Pepper went back to his seat. Selena widened her eyes and said, “Wait, is the answer Obama?”

“He got shot by a rocket, so I don’t think they’ll focus on the guns.” I replied. “It’s Andrew Jackson. He got assassination attempts too.”

“Who?” Selena was confused. I sipped the grape soda Selena had gotten me, and replied, “He is the 7th US President. He’s kinda controversial too. People want to assassinate him because of his populist and anti-establishment persona.”

“I don’t get it.” Selena said before she smirked and asked, “Explain?”

“Well, he started as a courier, then a lawyer, then he became a politician. So his idea of governing advantaged the people. Um, Populism refers to a political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people. So he was deemed anti-elitist. Anti-establishment refers to his works that disrupt the established power structure of the government. That’s one of the reasons people want him dead.”

“Like, the current President, right?” Selena asked with some realisation. 

I nodded and chuckled, “Well, it’s not like he’s a saint anyway. He introduced the spoils system, where he hired people based on those who supported him, instead of merits.”

After thinking for a while, Selena giggled and said, “I still don’t get it.”

“Well, I don’t want to get into a full blown lecture mode, but if you want to hear, I’ll tell you.”

“No no. I specifically become an actress to stop studying. So…” She joked. I laughed out loud, which earned me a ‘checking-up-on-what-the-kids’-are-doing’ gaze from my dad. 

The seat belt signs were off, so Vanessa and Maggie decided to join us. However, before Maggie could sit, I stopped her, “Sorry, the seats are for the half-bloods only.”

“Half bloods?” Maggie muttered with confusion. She pointed to Selena and said, “She’s latina.”

“Half– Mexican.” Selena replied awkwardly. Maggie turned to Vanessa who said, “Half-Filipinos.” Then she sat next to Selena with a teasing smile on her face.

I pointed at myself and said, “Half-Cuban.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that.” Selena muttered with some excitement. I looked at her with disbelief and said, “I already told you about it before.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t believe you at the time.” Selena joked then she said sternly, “Don’t be mean to your cousin.”

Maggie stuck out her tongue at me, sitting gleefully at the long couch with Vanessa. “Your white ancestors will be disappointed in you.” I said to Maggie.

“You’re white too! And we have the same ancestors!” She shouted angrily. Suddenly, Maggie’s eyes lit up and she whispered something to Selena.

“He did?” Selena replied with some disbelief.

“Wait, what did you say to her?” I asked with some alarm. Maggie stuck her tongue teasingly at me again, and then whispered something to Selena one more time. 

I assumed she was talking shit about my past, so I ignored the giggling girls. There were only 5 more minutes before the plane landed, so whatever it was she told them, it wouldn’t be that detrimental to my image…I hope. 

…

The next day came quickly. The impact of the game launch has thoroughly assimilated into the mainstream, as the once obscure industry has now permeated across the country, thanks to the large amount of money I invested in setting the world championship prize.

Old ladies in programs such as The View were talking negatively about the game and making fun of the concept of a world championship. The media were split on supporting and insulting the game championship – even refusing to label it as a 'world championship' because they think it would devalue the Super Bowl title… even though it's a game… played by only one country… and in a whole other different sport category.

“Ed… I have just realised this.. This country is full of weird people.” My dad muttered with disbelief as he watched the news on the tv. 

His sentence made me burst into laughter as I was going to the kitchen to grab some wet food for Vader. He asked, “I saw you were up late last night playing the game.”

“Yeah, I was fighting some korean guy named ‘Faker’. It was a great match.” I replied with a smile. “As long as you’re enjoying it, son.” My dad replied casually, not really understanding the hobby.

“Oh yeah, Pepper wanted you at the company today.” My dad reminded me as he changed the channel to ESPN. It’s almost Thanksgiving, so there were a lot of football matches being held all over the country. 

“Yeah I know. Vader, do you want to come with me?” I crouched and petted the cat. Vader purred affectionately before she went to devour her food. “It seems that she’s not interested.” My dad saw it and teased.

“She’s been playing with a white raven that usually comes around the house.” Robin suddenly chimed in. “Do I need to implement the lockdown protocol to avoid her leaving the house?” She asked.

“There’s no need. Vader is a smart girl. She won’t venture off outside the gate.” I rubbed Vader’s fur lovingly and said, “Isn’t that right girl?”

“Meow.” 

While I was preparing to leave the house, I suddenly thought of something. After ruminating on it for a while, I decided to proceed with the idea. Carrying my laptop bag with me, I walked to the living room again where my dad was still watching the news.

“Dad, can you help me with something?” I asked.

“Sure. As long as it’s not illegal.” He replied. I paused and replied, “That’s kinda the thing…It’s not…”

“...”

I leave behind my speechless dad after telling him what I want, and then drive to the company using the Ford convertible. “I really should go to school one of these days.” I mumbled while stopping at the red light.

Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel as I listened to the songs on the radio, a red Ferrari pulled over on the next lane, waiting for the traffic light to turn green right next to me.

I glanced over, and saw Charlie Sheen, wearing sunglasses, grinned as he looked at me. “What’chu looking kid? Never seen a famous person before?” The light turned green, and he pressed the accelerator pedal instantly, darting off into the freeway before I could even reply. “Later sucker~!” He waved at me cheekily as he left. 

I was baffled a bit before I laughed with disbelief at the weird situation. “It seems that he doesn’t recognize me…Wonder if he’s on something…” As I resumed driving carefully, I saw that the red Ferrari was getting pulled over by the cops, and Charlie Sheen groaned as he got the ticket.

“Really, this is going to be a good story to tell someday.” I mumbled as I waved politely at the fuming Charlie as I drove past him. Why else would I stop at the red light and not use Robin’s services if I didn’t know that there were speed traps on the road today. 

…

In Pepper’s office. 

“Edward, you’re finally here! Look who it is!” Pepper jumped from his seat and rushed towards me hurriedly in order to pull me into the office. Inside was a man in his 40s, nervously laughing as he turned to look at me.

“Hmm, Mr Apatow?” I greeted in confusion as I reached my hand to shake his. Judd Apatow, the distinguished director of many comedy films, stood up slowly and grabbed the hand I offered him.

“Hi, my god, Pepper, you’re right. His face…It’s like he is made for the big screen.” Judd said as he scrutinised my image. I grinned as I posed a little bit, “I don’t know what you guys have talked about, but I get the feeling that you’re complimenting me, so I’ll take it.”

“He’s funny too.” Judd smiled in satisfaction before he laughed. The kinda neurotic director who’s prone to panic attacks when in a large group, started talking about his visit to the company after we all sat at the office couch.

“Don’t worry, I’m not here to press on about the script– Although, it wouldn’t be bad if I can peek at it a little.” Judd asked, slightly agitated and impatient to get the material. He was shaking his legs and fiddling with his thumb as he waited for the answer.

I replied, “It’s not that I don’t want you to see it. It has been barely 2 days since the writer started working on it. I promised to give her more time.” 

Judd shook his head as he chuckled, “I’m not trying to get a full script now. I just want to know, the direction the movie is taking. Directors and studios usually have quite the opposite views on the story, so I’d like to get all of us on the same page starting from the beginning. Can you call the scriptwriter here so we can all discuss it together?”

Excited to see the progress of the movie he wanted  to see, Pepper clapped his hand and said, “Nice idea. She’s here today to borrow an office, so this all works out quite well. Edward is also here, I’m also here, we can all work on it together!”

I turned to Pepper and said, “I have something I want to talk to you about–”

“Why, you can’t be here, am I right? Oh lord.” Pepper asked with concern and slight depression. “I thought you’re free today.”

“Seems like you were planning things.” I chuckled and explained, “I actually… have an idea to record a music video. I have a song that is in a tight spot for release. If I miss the window of opportunity, then I can’t release it, ever!”

Judd was a bit excited, “Music video huh? I never saw how that was made. Can I join in? Just watching, I promise I won’t interfere.”

“Sure.” I replied casually to him, not believing him in the slightest. From the brief interaction I had with him, I was 99% sure this man is a control freak. 

“Music video for what song– A new song?” Pepper asked excitedly.

“The song I told you about before.” I replied. “Anyway, dad is ‘kidnapping’ the cast members I want for the music video, so we’ll see if he can do that.”

“Kidnap?” Both Pepper and Judd were confused. I smirked and said, “Not important.”

Pepper thought about it for a while and asked, “Do you already know how to record it?”

“Yeah.” I replied casually. “Just need to set things up and hire a few extras. I think I can start recording it tomorrow.” I added.

Pepper exclaimed in realisation and said, “If you’re recording it tomorrow, maybe you can spend some time discussing the movie?”

I sighed and said, “Sure. But promise me something.”

“What is it?” Judd asked as I suddenly turned serious. 

“No matter what happens, I’m not going to hear anything about the conclusion of the movie.” I said seriously. Pepper was a bit taken aback as he rarely saw me being serious in anything. “Yeah, we can do that.” He replied.

I smiled again and said casually, “Good, we can start now then.”

…

We walked to the office where Paige Swanson was writing in, and she was startled as Pepper knocked on the office door. After a short explanation by Pepper, Paige, albeit reluctant, allowed all of us to enter.

“Paige, this is Director Judd Apatow.” Pepper introduced.

“Please, just call me Judd. Both of you.” He said to Paige before including me too. 

“Paige Swanson. Newbie screenwriter.”  Paige introduced herself. Judd said, “Oh, I don’t think you’re a newbie at all. You have the air of a veteran writer around you.”

“Especially those eyebags. Hun, did you even sleep in the last few days?” Pepper asked with disbelief.

“A little bit.” Paige replied. “I have to tell you, the script isn’t finished yet.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m serious. You really don’t. We didn’t give you that much time after all.” Pepper comforted her.

I nodded as I asked, “Can we take a look at what you have right now?”

“It’s pretty rough, but I did write it until the third act.” Paige replied. I whistled and said, “That’s pretty impressive. As expected of a child genius.”

“Never bring that up again.” Paige glared at me before asking the director, “Should I print out what I have right now?”

“That’s just a waste of papers. Do you guys have any whiteboards? We can just use that to plan out the storyboard.” The director said. Before Pepper could stand up, I said, “Don’t worry Peps. I got it.”

“Okay then. Thank you Edward.” Pepper sat back in relief. Then, everyone became confused as I kept sitting there without even showing any signs that I was getting up.

“Aren’t you going to get it?” Paige broke the silence after a while. Suddenly, the door was opened by Randall and Renaldo, both of them pushing one whiteboard through the door and placing it near the wall in the room.

“Thank you guys.” I smiled at the duo.

“You’re welcome Edward. This is our job.” Randall replied before he left with Renaldo. Pepper, Judd and Paige looked at me with a confused expression. As I saw they were waiting for me to explain, I sighed and said casually, “I asked them to bring the boards here when we were getting out of Pepper’s office.”

“You’re really something else aren’t you.” Paige muttered with disbelief. I chuckled and folded my sleeves before picking up a whiteboard marker. “So Paige, can you tell us what happens in act 1 of the story?”

An hour later, all of the details and storyline were already mapped out on 5 whiteboards. We had to change our room into a bigger meeting room just to make sure that the whole whiteboards could be set up side by side. There was a huge line starting from the left side of the whiteboards stretching to the far right side of the whiteboard, with rooms for the final act on the last board. 

I capped the marker back after I finished writing all of the details of the movie.

“So I guess, we all agree.” I muttered as I turned towards the trio.

Judd and Pepper nodded at the same time. Paige sighed and said, “The movie…”

“...Is really bad.” I finished her thoughts.