Chapter 25: Pride and Prejudice
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"Ring Ring Ring..."
At six o'clock in the morning, Charlize Theron awoke to the sound of a harsh alarm clock.
"Another challenging day has begun"
The young woman's grey-green eyes appeared somewhat blurry as if she hadn't fully emerged from her dreams. Her gaze shifted to the glass bottle on her bedside table, where a group of tiny ants had already awakened and were scurrying about.
"No, I have to report to the film crew today, so I can't afford to be late"
After a considerable pause, Charlize's consciousness finally transitioned from her dream world to reality. As she contemplated her plans for the day, she suddenly sprang out of bed.
"Ouch"
Experience had taught her that in an untidy room, the likelihood of a clumsy exit from the bed was high. Embarrassed and hopping on one leg, she discovered a chicken bone embedded in the sole of her foot.
This was the remainder of her dinner from the Cheesecake Factory where she worked the previous night.
"I really should tidy up this room"
For the thirtieth time this week, she resolved to clean her room. However, remembering the consequences of the previous twenty-nine resolutions, Charlize abandoned the idea.
"Let's focus on the role at hand"
Conscious of their journey into the acting world and approaching the peak of their life, young women often omitted the part about the "road beneath their feet." It did not encompass the messy floor in her bedroom.
"Mirror, mirror on the wall,"
Standing barefoot in the bathroom, gazing at her reflection in the mirror, clad only in her underwear with traces of water droplets from cleansing on her cheeks, Charlize muttered to herself.
"Who's the fairest of them all?"
'Evil, how foolish'
As the words left her lips, the blonde girl realized the silliness of her actions. Fortunately, there was no one else in the bathroom at the time.
Yet, through this playful moment, she managed to ease her nerves, weighed down by the thought of her upcoming work.
Her method, except for a touch of narcissism, is quite clever. At least it appears more intelligent and engaging than the standard mirror mantra of 'I can do it.'
'However, I prefer the wicked queen to Snow White. Is it Woody Allen? Forget it, at least one day, if I ever play the role of the stepmother, after ample practice, I'll confidently deliver that line with authority.'
Offering self-comfort, Charlize patted her cheek, recently invigorated by the cold water.
"The audition went smoother than before. Despite the intimidating appearance of the casting director, Richard, with his Viking-like red beard, he's a decent guy"
Unintentionally, she awarded him a "good person" card in her thoughts. Charlize adjusted her appearance like any beauty-loving girl and, at the same time, felt a hint of disappointment.
"However, even though this role has more lines than before, it's still a far cry from being the lead. When will I ever get the chance to be the leading lady? It's like..."
Gazing at the enchanting blue-grey eyes in the mirror, Charlize couldn't help but feel a tinge of melancholy.
"But to reach that point, it won't be achievable through my efforts alone"
Thinking of the enigmatic man capable of exorcising demons and ghosts, Charlize felt a sense of guilt.
If the supernatural events around Christmas were part of a movie, Charlize believed she should be the heroine in need of rescue. According to the typical movie ending, the heroine would be saved, they would share a cup of coffee, and then the sky would burst into flames. However, life isn't a movie. It only continues, never-ending, except through death. When Christian silently left that night, Charlize couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, despite some lingering regrets.
Her pride and self-respect prevented her from using her body to gain opportunities or to express gratitude, even under the sway of the suspension bridge effect.
"Could it be said that pride is the original sin?"
Dressed and ready to leave, Charlize took one last look at her reflection in the mirror. She felt a twinge of disgust with her pride and stubbornness.
"If I weren't so stubborn, I might have had better opportunities long ago, and I wouldn't feel guilty facing Christian every time, would I?"
But what if she were in Christian's shoes?
"Ultimately, it comes down to not being handsome enough and not being wealthy enough"
Recalling the peculiar man's insights on poor men pretending to be rich in courtship and rich men pretending to be poor, Charlize considered using those words to explain her circumstances.
"It's true more often than not. Even though it seems that women are very practical, don't men also judge based on looks and figures? Besides, it feels like..."
The blonde girl mumbled to herself as she left, her thoughts still occupied by Christian.
Her second encounter with Christian had been purely accidental. Charlize couldn't fathom how an exorcist master, who should have been more like Constantine, ended up working as a crew member in a third-rate film production. It was akin to witnessing Audrey Hepburn cashiering at a convenience store, an experience that tempted people to question their reality. However, once acquainted with Christian, Charlize realized that the exorcist master was nothing like her initial expectations. She was reminded of the classic phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover."
"I always feel that there's an aura of secrecy around him as if one layer of falsehood is wrapped in another."
Charlize sighed.
She owed her current role to Christian's recommendation, which made her grateful. However, she couldn't deny that her closeness to Christian wasn't entirely without purpose.
"If I can learn some exorcism skills from him, maybe I'll be able to..."
But before she could delve into those thoughts further, the door to the world of performing arts swung open.
"Let's focus on completing the film for now. After all, this is my first significant role, and it comes with more lines than just a sentence or two"
With a hint of confusion, Charlize reached the predetermined meeting point. Since the film was primarily shot in Vinales Valley, most crew members had to assemble and head to the location together. Of course, many production staff needed to arrive earlier to make preparations, but that didn't apply to actors like Charlize.
"You are now promoted to the leading lady"
These were the first words Christian uttered upon seeing Charlize again.
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