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.

    5 3 votes
    Post Rating
    27 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    1 year ago

    Wow! A lovely story of a wish come true but she shouldn’t forget that fame has its tears.

    Allan Neil
    Allan Neil(@allan-neil)
    1 year ago

    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.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    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

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    Shameful 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.

    Henry Vinicio Valerio Madriz
    Henry Vinicio Valerio Madriz(@henry-vinicio-valerio-madriz)
    1 year ago

    Keep dreaming… and dream big! That’s how things start. I enjoyed the read.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    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.

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    1 year ago

    Reduced 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!

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    1 year ago

    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!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    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.

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    1 year ago

    I’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!

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    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!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    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.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Linda Rock
    1 year ago

    You’re always welcome, Linda.

    Sandra OReilly
    Sandra OReilly(@sandra-oreilly)
    1 year ago

    This is great Linda I love that her wish came true and she got her happy ending

    Recent Comments

    27
    0
    Selected Authors may submit comments (5 Credits)x
    ()
    x
    Scroll to Top

    Sharing a Post

    Why do my friends need to SignIn to read the post I shared?

    Actually, this is a voting security feature. During public voting, only club members can read posts submitted for that contest. Since anyone reading the story is able to vote (click the Like button), we reserve these capabilities to members who SignIn. Before we implemented this security feature, people were voting multiple times and making the public voting process unfair and out of balance. To fix this, our staff finally decided to allow only members who SignIn to read the stories. Membership is free and easy, and ensures our club is safe, secure, and family-friendly!