Feeling Cool (Open)

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria walked down Rodeo drive, listening to the click of her stilettos on the pavement. She always wore heels shopping, because it made her feel more refined. And because it kept her looking sophisticated.

She caught a glimpse of large sunglasses and heard the classic Southern drawl, and then she felt a hand on her arm.

"Aria, dear, how are you?" She received a kiss on both cheeks from Julia Roberts.

"I'm fine, thanks," said Aria, smiling and removing her own sunglasses so that she could see Julia better. They spoke for another moment, then parted with Aria promising to say hello to her mother on behalf of Julia. Then she continued on her way, window shopping, not thinking anything of speaking to Julia Roberts.

Ok, that's a lie. She was thinking about it, but only because she had to remember to tell Mom. Mom had done a couple of photoshoots for Julia over the years, etc, and the two had become friends. But it was still an honor to be spoken to by the A-lister when she was out shopping. It made Aria feel like just maybe she was a little bit in the in-crowd.

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

Fashion can be disgusting.

Honestly, would you go out of your house wearing what that anorexic model in there was wearing? Would you? It looked like a giant bandana. Or that. It looked like a burlap sack! You just can't find good clothes here anymore.

Well that's a lie. She was sure the clothes are good. And it's not like she'd ever been here before. She was content with picking something up from Old Navy or something. But, Lorelei had a meeting with an agent today, and she wanted to look... hip. Lame as that sounded. So here she was, in jeans and an aqua top, with ballet flats, feeling just about as out of place as can be. she was just a little kid, after all. She was only nineteen. And that sometimes didn't fly just as well as you might hope.

Don't think she didn't notice the store keepers keeping an "extra special" eye on her. She knew what they were up to. But aparently they didn't know what she was up to. Or wasn't up to. Or....

Oh my word. She stopped at a window, letting out a bemused chuckle at this particular piece of clothing. It was mustard yellow, and it had "strategically placed" rips in it. It was too funny. She pushed into the store, picking up the offending article, and holding it for a moment, just staring at it with amusement.

Should she buy it? She considered it for a minute. But no, that would not be a wise way to spend her money. And it was over one hundred dollars. All for a destroyed piece of mustard.

She moved away from it, moving towards the skirts, taking interest in a peasant-style one while other shoppers bustled around her.

[/center]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria had made her way into one of the boutiques, and was currently browsing to find a top to wear to a party later that week. She wanted something fresh, something new, something that screamed "I am eighteen, and I'm coming," which of course meant that soon she would be at the top. If her agent had her way, she would, at least. And this party was just the first step.

Apparently, if Aria attended this party she would be starting to publicize herself. In 2007, probably late spring if all went well, she would be shooting a movie, and she had to start getting her name out there now. And then hopefully more parts would come her way, and she would slowly, meticulously ascend to the cloud that hovered over the blessed place called Hollywood. Or at least that was the image that her agent had painted in her mind.

Aria glanced over and noticed a girl around her age looking at a horrible yellow top. Even though it was horrible, it would be a good move for the girl to buy, because it would allow people to remember her. And in Hollywood, that was what you wanted. Any publicity was good publicity.

"You should get it," said Aria to the girl, smiling encouragingly. She wasn't one of those girls who wanted all of the attention for herself, and she loved talking to strangers. But hopefully she wouldn't startle this girl.

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

This? Lorelei nearly choked in surprise. She hadn't noticed the other girl-- well, no, that was a lie. She had. But she hadn't though anything of it. She was shy that way.

She smiled at the girl, who looked about her age, and considered where she'd seen her. She couldn't quite remember. But she knew she had. Somewhere.

I was considering it. I'm going to meet a possible agent. I'm not sure I want our first impression so-- she paused, and chuckled, mustardy.

She hung the hanger on her arm, and extended her hand. Lorelei Carlson. Singer Wanna-be, she said with a grin. She'd straightened her hair that day. She thought that if she left it curly, this prospective agent might find her... childish. She was, true, a child at heart, but she had to give off the air of a sophisticated young lady. Either that or a wild porn star, but she wasn't exactly comfortable with either image, especially the latter.

The sun outside was bright, streaming light in through the fabulous glass windows. The sparkles on a delightful pair of shoes glinted in it, but she ignored them. Socialize, Lorelei, socialize.

[ ooc. thinking of applying for something in aria's biography. hope that would be alright x] ]

[/center]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria grinned at the girl, dimples forming in her cheeks. "No? Well, what are you looking for?"

She looked quickly around, then handed the girl a white peasant top; trendy, but not too young, or seductive. "This might work," but she really didn't know, because she didn't know what the girl was trying to accomplish.

Aria brushed the auburn curls from her face, focusing her attention on the girl in front of her. Straight dark hair framed the girl's face, and she had pretty brown eyes. She looked nice, and uncomplicated. That was always a plus.

Aria shook the girl's hand when it was offered. "Great to meet you, Lorelai," she said sincerely. "I'm Aria Jamison, actress-to-be." As she referenced the movie she would soon be shooting, she couldn't keep the contagious smile off of her face. She was so excited that she thought she might burst.

((Go ahead and apply; that would be great!))

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

She took the top, holding it at an arm's distance and examining it. It was nice, she gathered. She put the mustard-coloured article back onto the rack, and lay this one instead over her arm. She shook the girl's hand firmly, and smiled. She was earnest, and it was a good thing to find in someone. No hidden agenda. It was nice.

Lorelei felt rather short standing next to Aria, but she brushed the fact aside. She always felt short. Always.

She nonchalantly threw a skirt onto her pile, and inquired something that she'd been wondering. So, actress to be? What movie? Or play? She smiled, grabbing a pair of boots as well.

[ooc. thanks^^]

[/center]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria watched the girl inspect the top, then nodded. It would suit Lorelei well. "It's good," she said earnestly, her eyes wide and open. She wasn't keeping any secrets, and she wasn't trying to sabotage somebody who might be considered "Competition." It was so sad, the way people refused to be friends with others who might one day damage their careers. Besides, if this girl was a singer, then she was probably on a whole different career track from Aria.

The girl was so small, and pretty, and it made Aria feel awkward. Sure, she wasn't necessarily tall, but she was above average height, and she was horribly conscious of it. Not tall enough to be a model, but tall enough to get the long, skinny jeans. Just her luck. And tall enough so that if she joined the long ranks of girls dating Tom Cruise, she would also be taller than him. Not that she would date anybody old enough to be her father...that was just disturbing.

"Singin' in the Rain. They're filming a revival, and I'm going to be Kathy Selden," Aria reached out and touched the girl's arm. "I am so excited, you can't even imagine." Her eyes sparkled, and she bit her lip. So her dreams were finally coming true.

"But what about you? What type of music? And if this agent falls through, just let me know. I might be able to hook you up." Aria shrugged, not realizing that she sounded like a drug dealer. But unlike most of the teenagers around Hollywood, Aria wasn't into drugs...or alcohol...or massive orgies. Maybe she was just boring.

((No, thank you!))

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

She grinned, thankful to be talking to her friend again. That's amazing! she exclaimed when told of the part. She fixed her eyes onto Aria's, listening intently.

She was lucky, if you thought about it. Most people here probably didn't know anyone at all. But, here she was, with someone she knew well. Half the people here on Rodeo Drive had no idea what they were missing. Seriously. It was kind of awesome, if you thought about it.

Mostly acoustic, but I've heard it called ambient, she said, feeling quite invigorated. She loved talking about her music. It was quite dear to her. Give her a piano, and she was content. Some woman named Regina Coffland. She sounds sort of like a prick she told her doubtfully. She had a feeling the meeting wouldn't go well. But, she was usually overly picky, finding faults that, when you thougth about it, were quite ridiculous.

If you could find someone decent, I would love you forever! she exclaimed, putting a hand over her heart dramatically. Most agents here are so greedy. It's awful. But, you know how they can be She shrugged, but her heart was pounding. She tried to sound so, er, nonchalant about the whole thing, but really she had no idea. She was just a teenager. The world of Hollywood was vast and scary. And she had no idea of just how far this whole ordeal would take her...

Hear a song?

[/center]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria nodded, it really was amazing. "I feel so fortunate. They were looking for somebody to play the part who was unknown, and had a youthful air. And I fit that description!" After all, she had only done commercials and movies that had gone straight to video; nothing big. The mass population had no idea who Aria Jamison was. That was all set up to change, though.

Aria listened to Lorelei, her smile growing. "I'm so psyched, I would love to hear you sometime. I remember...you were good." Suddenly Aria sobered, realizing that she had brought up a sticky subject. She bit the corner of her lip, looking apologetically at Lorelei.

"I just wanted to say that...I mean...I'm sorry-about the past. I want to just forget about it. I'm so glad that I've run into you again," she said, dancing around the real subject at hand. She didn't want to say what had actually happened, because she felt guilty for getting a part that they had both wanted. She was sure that deep down Lorelei must hate her, and being hated was one of Aria's least favorite things.

"Sure, if this lady doesn't work out, I'll fix you up with an agent. I remember your voice, it is so beautiful. It isn't a question of your talent, but rather of finding an agent who won't try to take advantage of you." Aria had been dealing with those people for years, or watching her mother deal with them. She knew how hard it was to find a good agent. She loved hers to death, because he let her make her own decisions, instead of just going for what looked like the fastest track to fame.

Aria didn't tell Lorelei that she had heard things about Regina Coffland; not good things. Maybe Lorelei would be one of the lucky ones who would get on Regina's good side, and she would get a contract. It was always possible. And she didn't want to discourage her friend.

((So Lorelei Carlson is a real person? I really liked that song))

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

[ ooc. yeh. i stumbled across her music myspace and loved it. if you want to hear more you can click here, but only if you want to x] ]

She listened to Aria, watching her eyes sparkle as she spoke of the part. She felt so happy for her friend. She was living her dream, and that was all she could ever ask for. She didn't flinch at the mention of where they met. Their past try-outs. She had really gotten over it. She hadn't been right for the part anyway.

She shrugged it off, smiling. You were right for the part. It doesn't really matter anymore. We're different, but in good ways. She nodded in agreement, saying, I'm glad we ran into each other too. It could be pretty lonely if you're in Los Angeles not knowing anyone.

She handed the woman who was checking out her things a silver credit card, fresh out of the mail. But, other than this new movie, how have things been? How have you been getting along? I feel so-- out of it! She chuckled, throwing her hands in the air dramatically.

She tried her best to push all of her doubts about this meeting out of her mind. She didn't know what to expect. When in doubt, aim for the lowest possible. It could only get better from there, right? Well, at least that was her frame of mind. Maybe at some point she'd find a manager or agent as good as Aria's. Finally get herself out there. But, she had time. No point in turning herself into Lindsay Lohan.

[/center]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria was thankful that Lorelei was being so understanding. She would have really hated for Lorelei to be sore over the past. She had even considered giving up the part, so that there wouldn't be discrepency, but she had realized that it wouldn't really change things, since she had been the one to get the part in the first place.

"Yeah, we are different types. I normally play the innocent ingenue. That is, that's what I play when I'm type cast." Aria could handle the seductress without a problem, but right now she looked a little bit to...wholesome, maybe, for that. If she wore enough make up and little clothing she would probably be able to handle it.

"Yeah, I imagine that it would be difficult to be in L.A. and not know anybody. My parents live in Anaheim, and my brother and I live in an apartment together, so you know more people than you think, probably." She waited while Lorelei paid, then led the way back outside.

"Oh, I've just been doing plays and stuff around here, nothing terribly big," said Aria, shrugging. "And my brother got published, he was even on the New York Times Best Seller list. So we're proud of him." She smiled as she mentioned her big brother; he was really a great writer, and terribly funny.

"What about you? What made you decide to come here?" She figured that it was to find an agent and make it in Hollywood, because Lorelei had mentioned seeing an agent. Most people came to L.A. for that very reason.

"

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

She grinned, but then paused, putting a hand over her heart. What, so I'm the slut? she asked, feigning hurt. She laughed and shook her head. I'm kidding, she added, to make herself clear. She didn't mind the roles she was given in plays, whatever they may be. Usually they were the bold but oblivious idiot who got herself into trouble, but was saved by a dashing young lad, blah, blah blah. She didn't mind them, though. Occasionally things were shaken up and she got something different. At this point she took what she got.

Yeah, my brother and my mother live across town, but I visit Thomas every Thursday. She smiled, thinking of the things they did on their weekly visits. She listened about Aria's brother, and realized she'd never met him. Oh, well, she'd leave that for later.

When asked about why she came here, Lorelei felt slightly uncomfortable, but she tried her best not to show it. She shuffled her feet slightly, but her shoes were a little to tight, so perhaps she could just pretend...

My dad left, and my mother wanted to "start somewhere new." So we headed across the country, and stayed. I always thought, hey, Hollywood means agents. So to me this was the greatest move ever. But, you know, it takes time. I had to finish school and such. She decided not to mention that public high school was just about the worst experience she'd ever had. No, no need to share that fact. It was a given. I just don't know about college. I want to sing, not go to school again. But, you know, I can always wait.

She moved her bags around, trying to evenly distribute the weight. No, she had no idea about college. It seemed so, oh she didn't know, predictable. Plus, that was what her mother wanted. And she would never agree with anything her mother said. No matter what. Unless it was point blank obvious, such as "Lorelei is a girl," but that was another matter, and she would really rather not get into that. She sighed, but smiled.

[/size]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria laughed. "No, you're not a slut. At least, you never played slut roles when I knew you," she smiled to herself, relieved that she and Lorelei were joking again. It felt good to just mess around with her friend. Some people would have been offended by their joking, and Aria was glad that Lorelei wasn't one of them. But Lorelei had never been the type to get upset over silly things like that.

"You only visit your brother? What about your mother?" Aria didn't remember Lorelei talking much about her mother, so maybe there was something wrong in that area of her life. And of course it had been a while since they had seen each other, so maybe something had happened. Something had obviously happened with her father.

Aria bit her lip, looking at Lorelei sympathetically. "Your father left? That's horrible. I can see why you'd want to move. And I'm so glad that you moved here." Aria reached out and grabbed Lorelei's hand as she said it, proving her point. "I missed you terribly after you left." She shrugged, "Some actresses are so hard to get along with. I mean, a lot of them are prima donnas," she said, stating the obvious. But Aria had gone through some bad experiences with other actresses sabotaging her and just ganging up on her. There was definitely a nasty side to acting.

"I'm in college at University of Southern California; I'm a sophomore," said Aria helpfully. "It's really a lot of fun. Of course, that may be because I'm a musical theatre major, and we have a blast learning new techniques, but same difference." She smiled and released Lorelei's hand as she said this, shifting her hand bag to her other shoulder.

[.x. lorelei carlson;]

She felt relief as they laughed, like a cinderblock was being lifted from her back. She grinned, just enjoying the freedom of friendship. A businessman walked past, muttering under his breath. In his opinion, they were obviously "taking up too much room." She giggled at him, trying her best to stifle it. She felt like a kid, a teenager at best.

She took a deep breath, gritting her teeth and this next question. My mother and I have differences, she said plainly, sighing. She hates the theater. My father performed on Broadway a few times, and she hated it. He was always gone, and bringing in no pay until the show's opening night. So, she told him to get lost. It was strange, just relaying all this information, but she knew Aria was trustworthy. If anyone, she was probably the only person she could tell. And whenever I told her I wanted to sing, I guess she... thought of him. So she said no, never. So we moved here, and I rebelled a little. I wanted to sing! Lorelei laughed bitterly, shaking her head. So when I was eighteen and out of highschool, I left. I said "Siyonara." I was going to sing, no matter what she said. But poor little Thomas, she softened, thinking of her brother. They had a bond, the two of them, and she was glad they had it. I could never leave him alone with her. I don't know what sort of whacked out ideas She'd put into his head. Probably the whole "be sensible" spiel. She doesn't support anything that's not practical!

She let out her breath, amazed at her long rant about her mother. She felt embarrassed, and her cheeks flushed. She felt her face grow hotter and hotter as she thought of her words. She had never told anyone all of that, she usually stuck to the basics. Silly Lorelei, what have you gotten yourself into?

She gave her friend a weak smile and a shrug, biting her lip.

[/blockquote]

[♫Aria Jamison♫]

Aria realized that they were still standing in the middle of the sidewalk, so she led the way to a bench nearby, sitting down and immediately crossing her legs, smoothing her mini skirt. She listened to what Lorelei was saying, her expression impassive as she listened. Being an actress had made Aria a people watcher, so she observed how Lorelei said it, and she could tell that Lorelei was really upset about it. These were things that Lorelei had never told Aria about. She couldn't imagine having parents who didn't support her in her endeavors. Her mother had been the one to deal with agents when she had been little.

Aria decided to act before Lorelei began to regret all that had been said. "Wow, Lorelei, I had no idea. It's obviously made you a strong, more determined person, though. It means that you'll succeed, if even just to show your mother that you can." Aria offered Lorelei a half smile, hoping that Lorelei wouldn't regret confiding in her. But a lot of people confided in Aria; it was just a part of who she was, and the fact that she actually cared enough to listen.

"It must have been hard to not have a mother who supported you. It makes me want to take you to meet my mother. She would smother you with hugs and goodies, then beg you to sing for her for hours on end." Aria smiled and stared into the distance as she said that. Her Mom only lived a little over half an hour away, because Dad had moved outside of the city, but she hadn't seen her Mom in two weeks. It was time to make the trip out to Anaheim.