"Hello, sweetheart, wouldn't you like to catch a few more winks?" Shelley greeted her daughter as Natalie bounced down the stairs, her tone soft.
"No, Mom, you know, in two days I'm going to France with Mr. Besson for promotional activities. Before that, I have to return the books I borrowed from the Oliver Library." Natalie sat down at the dining table with a bright smile, her eyes sweeping the room. "Has Dad left yet?"
Shelley nodded, then hesitated before continuing, "Darling, your father may not be able to join you on the trip to France."
Natalie's hand, about to reach for the spoon, froze in mid-air. "Is something wrong, Mom?"
"There's a medical conference, and he just got an invitation yesterday." Shelley looked at her daughter apologetically.
A sigh escaped Natalie's lips. "Okay, I understand. It's okay, Mom, we can reschedule."
After breakfast, Natalie packed the borrowed books into her backpack and double-checked her preparations. She grabbed her bike and headed out. Her pedaling was leisurely, considering that Halloween was approaching and the chill of winter was beginning to seep into New York. Snow might even be on the horizon.
"Hey, Nat!"
"Hello, Mr. Smith."
"How are you, Natalie?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Smith, I'm fine."
As Natalie exchanged pleasantries with her neighbors along the street, she continued to pedal. In this neighborhood known for its warmth, Natalie's vibrant nature, outgoing demeanor and passion for performing made her incredibly popular. After the release of《Leon: The Professional》her popularity only increased. In retrospect, perhaps she should be grateful that she did not turn down Angela's proposal.
Remembering the night of the film's premiere, Angela was the first to call to offer her congratulations. After a brief exchange, there was an unexpected silence, broken by Angela's rapid-fire words, as if fired from a machine gun: "I miss you, Nat! I miss you so much! I think about you all the time! I want to hold you, hug you, kiss you!"
The call ended abruptly with a click. Natalie had been stunned by Angela's words at the time, struggling to make sense of them. But remembering them now brought a mild warmth to her cheeks, a strange joy hidden in her heart.
After traversing several blocks, more than twenty minutes had passed before Natalie finally arrived at the Oliver Library. She secured her bike and stepped inside.
Although the spacious library accommodated several visitors, it maintained an air of quiet. The soft rustle of turning pages was the only sound, encouraging visitors to tread lightly.
Approaching the desk, Natalie pulled three books from her backpack and placed them neatly on the counter. She handed over her library card and announced, "Hello, Mrs. Maria, I've returned the books."
"Ah, Miss Natalie, nice to see you." Behind the counter sat a friendly middle-aged woman engrossed in a newspaper. When she saw Natalie, she showed a brief moment of embarrassment before covering it with a smile. "Returning books, I suppose? Give me a moment."
Taking Natalie's card, she quickly began the process. Within minutes, the task was done.
"Here's your library card, Miss Natalie." Ms. Maria offered the card back, but couldn't resist inquiring, "If you don't mind me asking, did Miss Angela Mason recommend you to Mr. Luc Besson for your role in《Leon: The Professional》?"
Natalie was momentarily taken aback by the question, but decided not to dwell on it. She simply nodded. "Yes."
Mrs. Maria opened her mouth as if to elaborate, but ultimately refrained. She offered a knowing smile and returned to her seat. Just then, another employee, a young woman in her twenties, approached. "Mrs. Maria, are the last three books on the second row of the G shelf checked out?"
"Please wait a moment." The woman scanned her computer screen for a moment. "Ah, yes, Mr. Bernard has checked out the books from Montred Street."
"Thank you." The young woman nodded and prepared to leave. However, her attention was soon drawn to Natalie, who was packing her backpack. An intrigued smile appeared on her face. "Are you Miss Natalie Hershlag?"
"Yes, I am." Natalie confirmed.
"Wow, I saw《Leon: The Professional》a few days ago. Your performance was remarkable, almost on par with Miss Angela Mason. I never expected to see you here." The young lady's enthusiasm was infectious and lifted Natalie's spirits. But the conversation took an unexpected turn.
"I have to admit, I'm jealous of you. Having a brilliant friend like Angela Mason must open a lot of doors in Hollywood. I wish I had such an opportunity." Her excitement was tinged with a hint of jealousy, and her gaze held a hint of envy as she looked at Natalie.
"Maggie, that's enough!" Mrs. Maria intervened sternly. "Get back to work."
"Fine, fine." Maggie rolled her eyes playfully and walked away, muttering, "But it's true, isn't it?"
"Natalie, I'm sorry for what she said..." Mrs. Maria tried to comfort her, but Natalie interrupted and insisted, "Please, Mrs. Maria, tell me what she said."
"It's really nothing, dear. Don't let it bother you." Mrs. Maria repeated.
"Please, I want to know!" Natalie leaned closer to the counter and met Mrs. Maria's eyes intently.
With a sigh, Mrs. Maria hesitated before reluctantly handing over the newspaper she had been reading. Without much explanation, Natalie took it and quickly turned to the entertainment section. On the second page, she found the article she was interested in. Accompanied by a half-length picture of herself, the headline was glaring: "In Hollywood, having a Genius Friend is a necessity."
"On Friday night, moviegoers were treated to《Leon: The Professional》the fourth creation of Hollywood Genius Girl Angela Mason. This tale revolves around an assassin, but what really grabs your attention is the young protagonist. Surprisingly, Miss Mason herself does not grace the screen as she has in her previous endeavors. Instead, the role is played by an unfamiliar face, Miss Natalie Hershlag. A puzzling choice, considering Miss Mason's own acting skills, which were on display in《Hide and Seek.》
We contacted director Luc Besson for insight. He confirmed that Miss Hershlag's involvement was at Miss Mason's insistence. Reports even suggest that Miss Mason threatened to withdraw the script if her request was denied.
The question remains - why did Miss Mason get involved in casting and supporting a relatively inexperienced actress? Our interview at Rosewood Girls' Private High School brought Miss Mason's answer: Natalie is my friend, we share a close bond, and I stand by my decision to recommend her.
Obviously, Miss Mason had the lead actress in mind when she presented the script to Mr. Besson. In light of this, 14-year-old audition participant Fanny Gray expressed her disappointment, stating that she would not have auditioned had she known. The sentiment is shared by others - it is undeniably disheartening.
In the realm of Hollywood stardom, it appears that more than just skill and hard work is required. A genius friend seems to hold the key to easier success."
Natalie's hand trembled as if her heart had an iron grip. Despite this inner turmoil, she managed to maintain a veneer of composure. She quietly handed the newspaper back to Mrs. Maria, secured her backpack, took a few steps toward the exit, and then turned abruptly. "Do you share this view, Mrs. Maria?"
"Miss Natalie..." Mrs. Maria's gestures became awkward, her voice faltering, "I saw the movie at the theater. I thought your performance was excellent. Please disregard this speculation."
The unspoken sentiment lingered, suggesting that Mrs. Maria felt similarly. Natalie refrained from voicing her thoughts but left the library in silence. It all made sense now-why two girls were whispering and pointing at her car as she parked, why a group of teenagers were exchanging furtive glances at the entrance.
Do they even realize that Angela's recommendation didn't get her the part after the first rejection?
Natalie pedaled her bike home in a hurry. Her mother was out, and only Miss Burlat was cleaning up. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Natalie retreated to her room. She collapsed on her bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. Intellectually advanced and slightly more mature than her years, she found it difficult to quell the turmoil within. The reports were unfounded, yes, but the unease and sense of injustice remained.
She drifted through the morning, her thoughts far from packing for the upcoming trip to France. By noon, she was still lost in her thoughts. Miss Burlat's worried expression accompanied the lunch tray she had brought. She had contacted Mrs. Hershalg about Natalie's behavior, prompting her to request Miss Burlat's assistance.
"Nat, are you okay?" Miss Burlat inquired, putting down the tray. She hadn't been able to return during lunch, so Mrs. Hershalg had asked her to look after Natalie.
"I'm fine, Annie. Please don't worry about me. I'm just... a little tired." Natalie managed a faint smile, nibbled at her food, then pushed the plate away. "I'm done."
Without waiting for further questioning, she picked up her plate and headed for the kitchen, leaving Annie a little unsettled. Just then the phone rang. Miss Burlat answered it and soon called out to Natalie, who had come down from the kitchen. "Nat, it's Miss Angela calling."
Natalie hesitated for a moment, a range of emotions crossing her features. She took the phone from Miss Burlat's hand. "Hi, Angela."
"Nat! Did you see the... the article?" Angela's voice trembled with uncertainty and urgency on the other end.
Natalie clenched her lip. "Are you talking about the article in the 'Los Angeles Evening News'?"
"You saw it?! Damn it! Nat, they twisted my words. Believe me, I never said any of that!" Angela's frustration radiated through the phone.
"Yeah, I know. Journalists often manipulate things, amplifying whatever suits their narrative." Natalie kept her composure.
There was a pause on the other end. "No, Nat, it's not about amplification, it's about fabrication. We both know the truth. I gave you an opportunity and you worked tirelessly, tremendously. That's undeniable! They've slandered you and me!"
After a moment, Angela's tone softened. "You feel wronged, Natalie."
"No, Angela, I'm just..."
"Stop pretending, Nat. I can read you. I feel it- your...pain. I wish I could be there to hold you, to comfort you."
Natalie was at a loss for words. A sudden warmth spread through her. Then Angela's voice returned, edged with determination. "I'm going to get them to clarify things, not just for my sake, but for yours."
"Clarify? Angela, what are you going to..." Natalie began, but before she could finish, the line clicked and the call ended abruptly, leaving her holding the receiver in confusion.
What are you up to, Angela?
"Hello, sweetheart, wouldn't you like to catch a few more winks?" Shelley greeted her daughter as Natalie bounced down the stairs, her tone soft.
"No, Mom, you know, in two days I'm going to France with Mr. Besson for promotional activities. Before that, I have to return the books I borrowed from the Oliver Library." Natalie sat down at the dining table with a bright smile, her eyes sweeping the room. "Has Dad left yet?"
Shelley nodded, then hesitated before continuing, "Darling, your father may not be able to join you on the trip to France."
Natalie's hand, about to reach for the spoon, froze in mid-air. "Is something wrong, Mom?"
"There's a medical conference, and he just got an invitation yesterday." Shelley looked at her daughter apologetically.
A sigh escaped Natalie's lips. "Okay, I understand. It's okay, Mom, we can reschedule."
After breakfast, Natalie packed the borrowed books into her backpack and double-checked her preparations. She grabbed her bike and headed out. Her pedaling was leisurely, considering that Halloween was approaching and the chill of winter was beginning to seep into New York. Snow might even be on the horizon.
"Hey, Nat!"
"Hello, Mr. Smith."
"How are you, Natalie?"
"Thank you, Mrs. Smith, I'm fine."
As Natalie exchanged pleasantries with her neighbors along the street, she continued to pedal. In this neighborhood known for its warmth, Natalie's vibrant nature, outgoing demeanor and passion for performing made her incredibly popular. After the release of《Leon: The Professional》her popularity only increased. In retrospect, perhaps she should be grateful that she did not turn down Angela's proposal.
Remembering the night of the film's premiere, Angela was the first to call to offer her congratulations. After a brief exchange, there was an unexpected silence, broken by Angela's rapid-fire words, as if fired from a machine gun: "I miss you, Nat! I miss you so much! I think about you all the time! I want to hold you, hug you, kiss you!"
The call ended abruptly with a click. Natalie had been stunned by Angela's words at the time, struggling to make sense of them. But remembering them now brought a mild warmth to her cheeks, a strange joy hidden in her heart.
After traversing several blocks, more than twenty minutes had passed before Natalie finally arrived at the Oliver Library. She secured her bike and stepped inside.
Although the spacious library accommodated several visitors, it maintained an air of quiet. The soft rustle of turning pages was the only sound, encouraging visitors to tread lightly.
Approaching the desk, Natalie pulled three books from her backpack and placed them neatly on the counter. She handed over her library card and announced, "Hello, Mrs. Maria, I've returned the books."
"Ah, Miss Natalie, nice to see you." Behind the counter sat a friendly middle-aged woman engrossed in a newspaper. When she saw Natalie, she showed a brief moment of embarrassment before covering it with a smile. "Returning books, I suppose? Give me a moment."
Taking Natalie's card, she quickly began the process. Within minutes, the task was done.
"Here's your library card, Miss Natalie." Ms. Maria offered the card back, but couldn't resist inquiring, "If you don't mind me asking, did Miss Angela Mason recommend you to Mr. Luc Besson for your role in《Leon: The Professional》?"
Natalie was momentarily taken aback by the question, but decided not to dwell on it. She simply nodded. "Yes."
Mrs. Maria opened her mouth as if to elaborate, but ultimately refrained. She offered a knowing smile and returned to her seat. Just then, another employee, a young woman in her twenties, approached. "Mrs. Maria, are the last three books on the second row of the G shelf checked out?"
"Please wait a moment." The woman scanned her computer screen for a moment. "Ah, yes, Mr. Bernard has checked out the books from Montred Street."
"Thank you." The young woman nodded and prepared to leave. However, her attention was soon drawn to Natalie, who was packing her backpack. An intrigued smile appeared on her face. "Are you Miss Natalie Hershlag?"
"Yes, I am." Natalie confirmed.
"Wow, I saw《Leon: The Professional》a few days ago. Your performance was remarkable, almost on par with Miss Angela Mason. I never expected to see you here." The young lady's enthusiasm was infectious and lifted Natalie's spirits. But the conversation took an unexpected turn.
"I have to admit, I'm jealous of you. Having a brilliant friend like Angela Mason must open a lot of doors in Hollywood. I wish I had such an opportunity." Her excitement was tinged with a hint of jealousy, and her gaze held a hint of envy as she looked at Natalie.
"Maggie, that's enough!" Mrs. Maria intervened sternly. "Get back to work."
"Fine, fine." Maggie rolled her eyes playfully and walked away, muttering, "But it's true, isn't it?"
"Natalie, I'm sorry for what she said..." Mrs. Maria tried to comfort her, but Natalie interrupted and insisted, "Please, Mrs. Maria, tell me what she said."
"It's really nothing, dear. Don't let it bother you." Mrs. Maria repeated.
"Please, I want to know!" Natalie leaned closer to the counter and met Mrs. Maria's eyes intently.
With a sigh, Mrs. Maria hesitated before reluctantly handing over the newspaper she had been reading. Without much explanation, Natalie took it and quickly turned to the entertainment section. On the second page, she found the article she was interested in. Accompanied by a half-length picture of herself, the headline was glaring: "In Hollywood, having a Genius Friend is a necessity."
"On Friday night, moviegoers were treated to《Leon: The Professional》the fourth creation of Hollywood Genius Girl Angela Mason. This tale revolves around an assassin, but what really grabs your attention is the young protagonist. Surprisingly, Miss Mason herself does not grace the screen as she has in her previous endeavors. Instead, the role is played by an unfamiliar face, Miss Natalie Hershlag. A puzzling choice, considering Miss Mason's own acting skills, which were on display in《Hide and Seek.》
We contacted director Luc Besson for insight. He confirmed that Miss Hershlag's involvement was at Miss Mason's insistence. Reports even suggest that Miss Mason threatened to withdraw the script if her request was denied.
The question remains - why did Miss Mason get involved in casting and supporting a relatively inexperienced actress? Our interview at Rosewood Girls' Private High School brought Miss Mason's answer: Natalie is my friend, we share a close bond, and I stand by my decision to recommend her.
Obviously, Miss Mason had the lead actress in mind when she presented the script to Mr. Besson. In light of this, 14-year-old audition participant Fanny Gray expressed her disappointment, stating that she would not have auditioned had she known. The sentiment is shared by others - it is undeniably disheartening.
In the realm of Hollywood stardom, it appears that more than just skill and hard work is required. A genius friend seems to hold the key to easier success."
Natalie's hand trembled as if her heart had an iron grip. Despite this inner turmoil, she managed to maintain a veneer of composure. She quietly handed the newspaper back to Mrs. Maria, secured her backpack, took a few steps toward the exit, and then turned abruptly. "Do you share this view, Mrs. Maria?"
"Miss Natalie..." Mrs. Maria's gestures became awkward, her voice faltering, "I saw the movie at the theater. I thought your performance was excellent. Please disregard this speculation."
The unspoken sentiment lingered, suggesting that Mrs. Maria felt similarly. Natalie refrained from voicing her thoughts but left the library in silence. It all made sense now-why two girls were whispering and pointing at her car as she parked, why a group of teenagers were exchanging furtive glances at the entrance.
Do they even realize that Angela's recommendation didn't get her the part after the first rejection?
Natalie pedaled her bike home in a hurry. Her mother was out, and only Miss Burlat was cleaning up. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Natalie retreated to her room. She collapsed on her bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. Intellectually advanced and slightly more mature than her years, she found it difficult to quell the turmoil within. The reports were unfounded, yes, but the unease and sense of injustice remained.
She drifted through the morning, her thoughts far from packing for the upcoming trip to France. By noon, she was still lost in her thoughts. Miss Burlat's worried expression accompanied the lunch tray she had brought. She had contacted Mrs. Hershalg about Natalie's behavior, prompting her to request Miss Burlat's assistance.
"Nat, are you okay?" Miss Burlat inquired, putting down the tray. She hadn't been able to return during lunch, so Mrs. Hershalg had asked her to look after Natalie.
"I'm fine, Annie. Please don't worry about me. I'm just... a little tired." Natalie managed a faint smile, nibbled at her food, then pushed the plate away. "I'm done."
Without waiting for further questioning, she picked up her plate and headed for the kitchen, leaving Annie a little unsettled. Just then the phone rang. Miss Burlat answered it and soon called out to Natalie, who had come down from the kitchen. "Nat, it's Miss Angela calling."
Natalie hesitated for a moment, a range of emotions crossing her features. She took the phone from Miss Burlat's hand. "Hi, Angela."
"Nat! Did you see the... the article?" Angela's voice trembled with uncertainty and urgency on the other end.
Natalie clenched her lip. "Are you talking about the article in the 'Los Angeles Evening News'?"
"You saw it?! Damn it! Nat, they twisted my words. Believe me, I never said any of that!" Angela's frustration radiated through the phone.
"Yeah, I know. Journalists often manipulate things, amplifying whatever suits their narrative." Natalie kept her composure.
There was a pause on the other end. "No, Nat, it's not about amplification, it's about fabrication. We both know the truth. I gave you an opportunity and you worked tirelessly, tremendously. That's undeniable! They've slandered you and me!"
After a moment, Angela's tone softened. "You feel wronged, Natalie."
"No, Angela, I'm just..."
"Stop pretending, Nat. I can read you. I feel it- your...pain. I wish I could be there to hold you, to comfort you."
Natalie was at a loss for words. A sudden warmth spread through her. Then Angela's voice returned, edged with determination. "I'm going to get them to clarify things, not just for my sake, but for yours."
"Clarify? Angela, what are you going to..." Natalie began, but before she could finish, the line clicked and the call ended abruptly, leaving her holding the receiver in confusion.
What are you up to, Angela?
