
Popcorn at the Ready
For as long as I can remember I’d had a dream, a secret wish. Secret, because my parents would have laughed in my face if I’d voiced it. I’d learned long ago that I never really mattered.
Even when I was given the lead part in our school play, they couldn’t be bothered to come and watch me. I envied the kids in my class whose parents did attend, encouraging and supporting them. The movie channel and a bowl of popcorn had meant more to mine.
That said, I couldn’t get enough of the movies on the silver screen. Week after week, I’d buy a ticket at the cinema just to disappear into this magical world.
Leaving school, I couldn’t believe my luck when I was offered a job as a trainee receptionist at a small independent film studio. My wishful dream had suddenly become just a little bit closer.
I was in awe of the actors, producers and directors that came through the door. Some just nodded and walked by but there were one or two who stopped for a chat. One of which was a celebrated director who seemed to take a shine to me. And it was he who gave me my big break.
A jobbing actress had been taken ill and he wanted me to replace her! Apparently, I had just the look for the part which, thankfully, consisted only of two lines, because I was petrified! Somehow the studio managed to arrange an Equity card and, before I knew it, I was in front of the camera.
What can I say? That part changed my life. The camera loved me, as did the audience. Within a year, I was being offered leading roles. My star was ascending. When Hollywood beckoned… I never looked back.
I’m relating this lounging beside the pool in the grounds of my Beverly Hills mansion, having just read that my latest blockbuster movie is showing on the movie channel.
It isn’t without some gratification that I find myself imagining my parents watching it… lounging on their sofa… popcorn at the ready.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWow! A lovely story of a wish come true but she shouldn’t forget that fame has its tears.
That’s very true, Thompson. Hopefully, because she experienced such an unhappy childhood, she will be spared too many tears! Thank you for your lovely comments which I always appreciate.
Lovely story Linda. A good example of how these ‘flash’ stories can have an upward curve and a happy ending. I confess I was waiting for the needle to penetrate the balloon. Thank you for not letting that happen.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI try to give my stories a happy ending, Allan, although not always possible! I’m glad you appreciated this one! Thanks so much for your comments which you know I always appreciate.
I love this, Linda, such a nice light-hearted take on the prompt. Yes, at least your protagonist’s parents will finally get to see her performance. Fun read, well done
Thanks so much, Carrie. Yes, better late than never, although now regretting they missed the school one!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleShameful that a youngster never mattered to her parents. Linda, I like how the theme of popcorn filters through your story. It is a treat, an escape and revenge.
I agree, Margarida, a sad fact of life. I’m glad you enjoyed the theme.
Keep dreaming… and dream big! That’s how things start. I enjoyed the read.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks, Henry. Words to live by! I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Wow, what a turn of events, Linda! I particularly liked the ending where the protagonist was imagining her parents (finally) watching her perform! Well done.
Thanks so much, Marianna! Yes, funny how things can turn out!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleReduced to a shadow by indifference, finally vindicated as time did tell!
I loved the story of a wish coming through for this person. Thank you, Linda, for reminding us of the possibilities, great story!
She certainly was! I’m so glad her story resonated with you, Greene! Thanks for reading and your kind comments, much appreciated.
Linda, what a wonderful story! I like that there are some sad undertones but end sweetly. I find it interesting that the main character took the approach of how if their parents wouldn’t show up for them, they would make movies so their parents can still see them perform. Great work, just like your other stories!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat lovely comments, thank you so much Bella! I really appreciate them.
Great story, Linda! I guess it has happened quite a few times that big movie stars have found their way into the movie business like this. It’s nice to experience that secret wishes sometimes come true and lead to a total change of things, like in the fairy tales.
Thank you, Christer! Yes, this one is something of a Cinderella story. I’m glad you liked it!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’m happy that the protagonist’s parents will finally see the performance. I also agree with Margarida… awfully sad that the youngster never mattered to her parents. Happy and sad can be both found in this story, great work! You are very talented Linda!
You are too kind, Melissa! I guess my story reflects life, we all have our sad and happy times. Your comments mean a lot to me, thank you so much.
A lovely journey of a wish coming true, not only success in acting but finally being noticed by her parents and seemingly forgiving of their past neglect and simply grateful that it eventually happened. Well done, Linda!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Sandra! And I’m sure her parents regretted their lack of interest in the past!
Hello, Linda. Such a relatable read of bad childhood experiences with their parents showing a lack of interest during her/his youngster’s age. I am glad that the youngster never stops dreaming and chasing high until he/she reaches the top. Nice work. Well done, Linda.
Hello Lotchie, thank you so much for your comments. I’m glad you found the story relatable and I fully agree that youngsters should never stop dreaming and always chase their dreams.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re always welcome, Linda.
This is great Linda I love that her wish came true and she got her happy ending
Thanks so much, Sandra. Yes, I think she deserved her happy ending!
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