Act 1; Sunday Scrip Briefing, Movie Run-through
Susan Alexandra first noticed the young actress after the script briefing for her newest production. Sitting in the back corner, shoulders hunched, brown curls framing an oval face. Her brow was furrowed and her foot tapped a nervous rhythm on the floor. As Susan approached, she saw the girl’s hands shaking as she clutched her script.
“Are you alright?” Susan asked kindly once within speaking distance of the huddled figure. The girl jumped and her head snapped up, brilliant blue eyes meeting Susan’s deep brown.
“Oh wow,” the girl gasped, taking in Susan’s towering form and soft eyes. Her heart began to beat faster but her leg ceased its restless movement and her hands steadied.
“It’s you, I mean, you’re Her, I mean, um, hi,” she stuttered breathlessly, her mouth gaping slightly.
“Susan Alexandra,” she leaned down, presenting her hand to the awestruck girl and flashing a soft smile.
“Daisy Paxton,” the girl regained her wits enough to take the proffered hand and give it a firm shake.
“It’s an honor, I mean you, um wow, I’m making a fool of myself in front of my idol, but wow, I mean you’re like so amazing, and so beautiful, and, I mean, uhh,” Daisy paused, attempting to gather herself as Susan sat gracefully in the chair beside her, a slightly bemused expression gracing her features.
“It’s just,” Daisy tried again, “you’re my idol and, well of course I knew you’d be on set but, well, I didn’t know if I’d get to meet you, on the first day too, and” She trailed off apologetically, “Sorry I’ll shut up,” a hot blush rose to her cheeks.
“Hey don’t worry about it,” Susan laughed kindly, “You should have seen me when I met Tom Cruise,”
“Ms. Alexandra! We need you on set!” a crewman yelled.
“Coming!” she responded, “nice to meet you, Daisy,” she squeezed the girl’s shoulder reassuringly.
“Jesus Greg, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Susan,” she smiled at the crewman as she walked off with him, glancing over her shoulder once more at Daisy. Her eyes were wide but her shoulders had a determined, confidant set to them.
“Bye, Ms. Alexandra,” she whispered to herself belatedly, turning to look in awe after the graceful redhead, her strides long and purposeful as she strode towards the filming site.
