August 19.
Avril watched the interview and couldn't deny that, perhaps—very possibly it was a brilliant reminder that the arrogant boy always did what he wanted, exactly how he wanted.
She punched her pillow hard, frustration and resentment fueling each blow… a mix of distrust and defiance with a singular purpose. She broke down in tears. Regret washed over her, and now she found herself sinking into depression, a deep sadness that etched itself onto her face—how could someone make her feel as if the world were ending?
-So, in the end, you did everything you weren't supposed to do,- her mother remarked. She didn't protest when Avril ruined her beautiful blonde hair, dyeing it jet black, far from the soft golden hue she once cherished.
-I don't want to talk to anyone.-
-Your producer says you need to get out of bed. The world isn't ending… we've all had our hearts broken, and nobody has died from it.-
-Just leave me alone! I don't want anyone at my door!- Avril snapped, her voice laced with irritation. With fierce determination, she stormed out of her room, tears streaming down her face, her swollen eyes betraying the pain she couldn't contain. Without another word, she shut the door. Her mother sighed, choosing not to press further—privacy would be her refuge now.
From the other side of the door, her mother reminded her that her agent needed her. But now, Avril was stepping into the machine—the album that screamed of Billy was selling like wildfire. With a heavy heart, she tried to say yes, but she wasn't in the right headspace to sing or do anything else. She raised her eyes and decided to take the call. Maybe focusing would be the best way to pull herself together.
A space of doubt loomed before her as her manager, advisor, and team pushed her into a U.S. tour, followed by another in England—her fame was in demand. The money was flowing, and the results were coming in as expected, like a well-oiled machine fulfilling its purpose.
Later, that whole façade made Billy realize how confusing women's actions could be. The messages were getting more frequent. Amanda Seyfried, for instance, had reached out, asking about his return and if they could grab a coffee. It was almost amusing—she wasn't the only one on his long list.
Merche had responded, too. She was there… but it left him uncertain. Her feelings had been laid bare, completely exposed.
-The movie they sent us is for kids. I told them the supporting role wasn't worth it, that tossing us scraps like that was an insult. I demanded a lead role and three solid supporting ones—something that would make the sacrifice worthwhile for you as an actor. That's why I agreed to let you take the part. It might not seem grand or groundbreaking, but it'll help,- Michael Ocklars explained, going over the details of Zathura: A Space Adventure—a film that could contribute to Billy's growing résumé of secondary roles.
-You told them to go to hell!-
Michael nodded, continuing with his explanation. Planning these things was never easy.
-You just need to take the role seriously. It's a two-day express shoot, all in one set—no traveling, no distractions. You'll need to develop your skills, and getting into character is about practice and learning. That's why you need to listen to Jerry—he's got a lot of experience in acting, and you need to focus on refining your abilities. You'll have a tutor to guide you, someone who'll teach you how to absorb the role. With this performance, you'll sharpen yourself in the right way so that in future projects, you can perform at a higher level. Reading isn't enough—acting demands a certain level of sacrifice,- Michael emphasized.
-Is this before or after the tour?- Billy asked, unsure of the shooting schedule. His calendar was already packed—an international tour where music would be his main focus for the next several months.
-After the tour. But there's another surprise you don't know about yet—a role I'll hand you once it's ready. Warner itself secured it and agreed to give it to you… as long as you behave. If you can manage that, you'll gain a lot of experience. They're putting together a movie with an incredible cast.- Michael's tone carried weight, underscoring the importance of Billy proving himself. Until he was certain Billy was committed, he wouldn't say more. Disappointment wasn't a familiar concept for a rockstar, but for Billy, it was an unusual and foreign feeling.
-Thanks, Michael. You can leave me to my workout now,- Billy said, focusing back on his routine. He powered through a set of pull-ups, his strength evident with every motion, one rep after another. His body was his temple, and he treated it as such. It was a principle he held onto, a way to ward off negativity.
But the party life was tempting, so alluring. The thought of staying completely focused, avoiding all indulgences, was a challenge.
-Youth is meant to be enjoyed,-Billy thought, with a fleeting, slightly reckless grin. But going through a tour without a little attention? That wasn't something he wanted, especially not in the cold, Nordic streets ahead.
-No—focus on things that matter.-
He completed three more sets, reinforcing his physical and mental discipline.
Mrs. G arrived with an energy shake—Billy eyed it warily. It was made with peanut butter, blueberries, two eggs, milk, and oats, accompanied by a bowl of freshly cut fruit.
-Thanks, Mrs. G,- Billy said, his eyes lighting up like stars.
-Mr. Ocklars is waiting for you to finish your workout. She informed him that he wanted to have a quick chat about your role.
Billy would be playing an astronaut burdened with sorrow and loneliness, haunted by the regret of once wishing his brother would disappear, a childish fight now looming over him as the worst decision he had ever made.
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