How to be Famous

by Alison Bond

  They stayed like that a while, brother and sister, and although she knew she must not cry, inside she was grieving the end of her dreams.

  ‘Do you feel like seeing anyone else?’ said Bobby.

  ‘Like who?’

  ‘Justice people, that Fabien guy. He’s outside.’

  ‘Just tell them no,’ said Serena. ‘And tell them I’m fine.’ Her hand reached up to her face. ‘And tell them it’s not so bad.’

  ‘Serena, you’re still beautiful.’

  She tried to laugh but her voice cracked and it sounded hollow.

  ‘You’d better go,’ she said. ‘I need to rest.’

  He tried to find a place to kiss her and ended up kissing the bandage on her forehead.

  Fabien was waiting for Bobby in the reception area. He looked up as soon as he saw him, anxious for news.

  ‘She’s okay,’ said Bobby. ‘It’s not too bad.’

  ‘Can I see her?’ said Fabien.

  ‘She doesn’t want to see anyone.’

  ‘Did she get my flowers?’ asked Fabien.

  ‘I don’t know. Yes, I think so.’

  Fabien stayed frozen in his hard hospital chair. He looked up at the boy. He had the same soulful eyes as his sister. ‘What about you, kid? You okay? What are you, fourteen?’

  ‘I can take care of myself.’

  Melanie knew that Lynsey wouldn’t have crashed her car on purpose but at the same time she couldn’t help resenting all the inconvenience that it had caused.

  She’d heard about the accident involving Serena on the radio. It surprised her that Serena had made the news. Anyone would think the girl was some kind of superstar. When the hospital had called because someone had given her name as Lynsey’s employer she’d realized they must have been in the car together. The girl on the phone had somehow coerced her into agreeing to visit and now here she was.

  She hadn’t brought anything with her, grapes or chocolates, and she hoped that Lynsey would understand. She just hadn’t had the time. She’d had to arrange a babysitter and everything. It was all such a rush that she’d broken a fingernail fastening her seatbelt.

  The worst and most inconvenient part of all was that Mary Ann was in this exact hospital and she kept looking around her, constantly afraid of bumping into Davey and coming across like some crazed stalker, which wouldn’t do at all since she’d decided to keep a gracefully cool distance until he got in touch. She’d had one brief phone call and that was all. Since then she had been anxiously hoping to hear from him in what she liked to think was a gracefully cool manner.

  In the reception area they seemed to have been expecting her and asked her to wait on a very uncomfortable plastic chair while the babysitter’s clock ticked on and on. She’d been hoping for a quick in/out visit but they seemed determined to keep her hanging around.

  ‘Miss Chaplin?’

  She turned at the sound of her name and faced an extremely good-looking man with warm brown eyes that reminded her of Davey.

  She looked down at his left hand. Married, naturally.

  ‘Lynsey’s fine,’ he said. ‘I just wanted to check with you about her employment status. You don’t have a health plan for her?’

  ‘No, not at all. I’m not really her employer, I think someone has made a mistake.’

  ‘She doesn’t work for you?’

  ‘She does a bit. But it’s very casual.’

  ‘And you, Miss Chaplin. What is it that you do for a living?’

  ‘I’m an actress,’ she said, slightly miffed that he hadn’t recognized her. Maybe he was just being tactful.

  He nodded and didn’t look impressed at all. ‘What worries me, Miss Chaplin, is the question of status. Now, as an emergency patient we’re obliged to provide Lynsey with medical care. However, if Lynsey is working for you as an illegal alien then we’re also obliged to make a note of that and immigration may want to get involved.’

  ‘My agent took care of all of that. I have a visa and everything,’ said Melanie.

  ‘I see. And Lynsey?’

  ‘I have no idea. Like I said, she doesn’t really work for me.’

  ‘That’s right. “She does a bit… very casual”.’

  ‘You’re talking to me like I’ve done something wrong.’

  ‘You may have done, Miss Chaplin. Employing illegals can carry considerable fines and possible imprisonment.’

  ‘I see. Would I be able to see my friend now?’

  ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘If you’ll follow me.’

  It was some distance to Lynsey’s room and Melanie tried to calm the storm of anger raging inside her. How dare Lynsey put her in that kind of position? She was grateful for the help that Lynsey had given her, particularly in these last few awful months, but she hadn’t anticipated for a moment that she might have been breaking the law. Why on earth hadn’t Lynsey told her? She must have known the sort of trouble this would cause. And who had given her name as an employer? As if booking a few hotel rooms and answering the odd bit of mail could be considered a job. Serena Simon, that was who should be answering as Lynsey’s main source of income. By the time she reached the room she hated them both.

  It was all she could do not to run in there screaming.

  ‘Melanie!’ said Lynsey. ‘You didn’t have to come.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ said Melanie, bending over to kiss her cheek and thinking how hospital rooms all over the world smell the same. The lingering hint of disinfectant masking the scent of sickness. ‘I came as soon as I heard.’

  Lynsey told the story of the crash. It was the second time she’d told it now, the first being to Toby, and she knew how to make it sound funny in all the right places. Melanie stopped her as she was describing where on the road they’d gone over.

  ‘What were you doing up there?’ she asked.

  ‘Serena called me. She needed a ride.’

  ‘From Fabien’s?’

  ‘Nothing happened,’ said Lynsey, seeing the look of distaste on Melanie’s face. ‘I think Serena got the wrong end of the stick. She was upset.’

  Melanie raised a sceptical eyebrow but Lynsey moved on, rushing to get to the dramatic part where she’d faced death.

  Melanie was only half listening. She smiled politely at the end and told Lynsey she was very lucky. Finally, she couldn’t wait any longer.

  ‘Hey,’ she said. ‘Do you have a work visa?’

  ‘What is it with hospitals?’ said Lynsey ‘They bring out the bureaucrat in everyone.’

  ‘So you don’t?’

  ‘No. Go on, tell me how irresponsible that is and what kind of trouble I can get into.’

  ‘Not just you. Anyone who employs you.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Yeah, “Oh”. Honestly, don’t you think?’

  ‘I’m sorry, really. It’s one of those things, you know. I keep meaning to deal with it but I never seem to have the time.’

  ‘Well, the next time you’re driving around in the middle of the night playing taxi cab for a little girl pretending to be a woman maybe you could think, “This would be a good time.” I swear, if I get into trouble because of this you’ll be paying all my legal costs.’

  ‘Melanie, I’m sorry. I don’t even know how they got your name.’

  Toby coughed discreedy in the doorway. ‘Hi,’

  Melanie span around.

  ‘Melanie, Toby. Toby, Melanie,’ said Lynsey, wearily. ‘I think you two should have lots in common.’

  ‘I doubt it,’ said Melanie. She actually tossed her head as she walked out of the room, and she slammed the door behind her as hard as she dared in a hospital with some very scary-looking nurses.

  Back in the sprawling reception area Melanie was temporarily lost and studying a floor plan so that she could find her way back out to the car park.

  The main doors crashed open and Melanie heard a voice she would recognize anywhere.

  ‘Melly! What’s the news on the patient?’

  It was Douglas Mullraine. ‘
What are you doing here?’ said Melanie.

  ‘Don’t give me a hard time. I’m here to see Serena. You know she’s a friend of mine.’

  ‘Really? And how does my sister feel about you visiting your girlfriend in hospital?’

  ‘You can ask her in a minute, she’s just gone to the gift shop.’

  ‘She’s here?’ said Melanie. ‘Amanda’s here?’

  ‘See for yourself.’

  Melanie looked to where Douglas was pointing and there was Amanda. A box of chocolates in one hand and a selection of magazines in the other. She ran to Melanie and embraced her.

  ‘Hello!’

  The two sisters kissed. Melanie was completely dumbfounded.

  ‘I know she’s just a teenager but she’s probably more Cosmo than Miss Cosmo, don’t you think?’ Amanda held up her magazines for a second opinion.

  ‘What are you…’

  ‘I know,’ said Amanda. ‘But Douglas was so worried about his little friend that we switched our flights.’

  Melanie looked at Douglas in disbelief. ‘You really are something else,’ she said.

  ‘What?’ said Douglas. ‘Oh for God’s sake, Melly, it doesn’t matter how many times I tell you, does it?’

  Douglas waved at someone on the other side of the room and they began to make their way across.

  ‘Tell her what?’ asked Amanda.

  ‘Your sister still seems to think that Serena is my bit on the side.’

  ‘Really?’ said Amanda. ‘Why?’

  ‘Yes, Melanie, do tell us. Why? Why after all this time are you the only person in Hollywood who thinks that Serena Simon and I are more than friends?’

  Melanie opened her mouth but nothing came out and Douglas pounced. ‘You see? You can’t think of any reason apart from the fact that you don’t like her and you don’t like me. You ought to be careful, that’s how rumours get started.’

  ‘She’s been lying to my face. She even told me she was a virgin.’

  ‘Melanie!’ said Fabien. ‘Will you shut up? Her brother’s standing right here.’

  Melanie hadn’t noticed that they’d been walking straight over to where Fabien Stewart sat hunched on one of the plastic chairs looking like he hadn’t slept for days. She avoided his accusing stare.

  Bobby, who’d been overwhelmed by famous faces from a television show acting out a scene that looked as if it was, well, from a television show, struggled to appear indifferent.

  ‘You’re Bobby?’ said Douglas. Bobby nodded and Douglas held out his hand. ‘How do you do, son? Serena talks about you all the time.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘She’s crazy about you,’ said Douglas. ‘So, how is she?’

  ‘She’s okay. She doesn’t want to see anyone, though.’

  Melanie tried to catch Amanda’s eye and smile but Amanda ignored her.

  ‘Maybe if you told her it was me?’ said Douglas.

  Melanie laughed out loud.

  Amanda turned on her. ‘What? What is it? He’s told you and I’ve told you. Nothing’s going on.’

  ‘Amanda, you’re my sister and I love you, but you must be stupid to believe –’

  ‘To believe what? My husband’s word? Let me tell you something, Melanie. Douglas may be many things but he’s not a liar. Not about the big stuff. And before you start, yes, I know he’s had affairs. We talk about things, we deal with it and move on. That’s what a marriage means. Why is it you always think you know better than anyone else? That’s so typical…’

  In the middle of what looked like a family argument Fabien slipped away.

  *

  Serena was asleep when Fabien crept into her room. He sat by the side of her bed and watched her chest rise and fall with each breath. Her eyes opened almost as if she felt the weight of his stare.

  ‘Hi,’ he whispered.

  She looked at him without speaking. It took a second to realize it wasn’t a dream. As soon as she did her hands flew to her face. ‘Oh God, don’t look at me.’

  ‘Shhhh.’ Fabien sat on the edge of the bed and gently pulled her hands away.

  ‘I said no visitors,’ said Serena.

  ‘Yeah, we know. But you look great for someone who wrapped themselves around a car. How you feeling?’

  Serena shrugged and attempted a smile. ‘Pretty messed up.’ She turned away and stared out of the window, ignoring him.

  Fabien took the hint and got up to go. ‘You need anything?’

  She didn’t reply. She was waiting for him to leave, to hear the door close behind him, so that she didn’t have to think about him.

  She felt humiliated and ashamed. Because of the way she looked and because she remembered all too clearly the last time she saw him. The night of the accident when she had been foolish enough to believe that he might feel for her the same heart-stopping, mouth-watering attraction that she felt for him. She felt his presence behind her and willed him to go.

  Finally, she heard the sound of his footsteps leaving.

  *

  Melanie was sitting on her own in reception. She wanted to be there when Fabien came back. Maybe they could talk. She didn’t like the atmosphere between them on set. It could be damaging to her career. He needed to forgive her. Accidents often had a way of making people more compassionate.

  ‘Where is everyone?’ said Fabien.

  ‘Douglas and Amanda gave Bobby a ride back.’

  They walked out to the car park. ‘Did you see her?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘And what?’ said Fabien. ‘She’s been in a massive car crash. She’s lucky to be alive.’

  ‘Lynsey told me what happened. It’s not your fault, you know,’ said Melanie. ‘You didn’t promise her anything. She’s just a silly kid who got a wild idea into her head.’

  Fabien stopped walking. ‘You’re unbelievable.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You heard me. Don’t you get it? She’s just a girl. A nice young girl having a terrible time. You know, she reminds me of you sometimes. I don’t know why you dislike her so much.’

  ‘Are you mad? I’m nothing like her.’

  ‘What are you, jealous?’

  ‘Of her? No way.’

  You’re sure? Because you seem real mean when she’s around and you sort of sneer every time her name is mentioned.’

  ‘I’m not jealous of Serena.’

  ‘Then stop being such a bitch, take this and go and buy her some decent stuff to wear in here. I’m staying.’

  Fabien gave Melanie his credit card. ‘Come on, Melanie. They have her in regulation greens.’

  ‘I can’t. What about Joseph?’

  ‘Joseph’s fine. You don’t have to be home yet. Stop making excuses and go and do your bit for a friend.’

  He turned round and marched back to the hospital entrance, leaving Melanie clutching a platinum Amex and wondering if he was right.

  She walked back to her car and made plans. She’d surprise Fabien. She’d rush to the nearest mall and have a personal shopper pick out a complete hospital wardrobe for Serena while she had her broken nail retouched. She’d bring the clothes back in an hour or so and Fabien would think she had chosen it all herself. That would show Fabien what a nice person she was and then maybe he’d start treating her with a little more respect.

  She checked her face in the rear-view mirror, noting with pleasure that her stayfast lipstick lived up to its promises, and that’s when she saw him.

  Davey Black was walking past her car carrying a huge bouquet of blood-red roses.

  Melanie sank down into her seat, willing Davey to walk past her. And he did. His eyes rested on Melanie for a second but he completely ignored her.

  Melanie felt like she’d been slapped. Game over.

  She put her key in the ignition and her vision blurred with unshed tears. She waited a few minutes for them to disperse before she dared to start the engine. One tear slipped out unchecked and rolled down her perfectly made-up cheek.
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  A few deep breaths and she felt ready to go. But the passenger side door flew open.

  And there was Davey.

  He was sitting in the passenger seat next to her. He’d at least had the good grace to ditch the roses.

  ‘What are you doing?’ said Melanie, trying to stop him closing the door.

  ‘I have to talk to you, I want to explain.’ He put his hands on her shoulders. ‘God, you look amazing.’

  ‘There’s nothing to explain. Let go of me,’ said Melanie. ‘I get it.’

  ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you,’ he said. ‘She needs me, she’s messed up, Mel. You have to understand that.’

  ‘I do.’

  ‘But soon, when she’s sorted her head out, we can pick up where we left off, be together. They’re admitting her. It will be at least a week, and then I think she’ll try rehab again, so maybe…’ His sentence lingered like a question.

  ‘Maybe what? Maybe we could get together for sex? Maybe we could sneak around so that we don’t hurt your wife’s feelings?’

  ‘I’m her husband.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘She tried to kill herself.’

  ‘Are you sure she didn’t just mix her drugs?’

  ‘We can’t talk now. Let me come and see you later. I’ll be an hour, two at the most.’

  Melanie shoved past him and pushed open his door. ‘Stay away from me.’

  She turned the key in the engine and waited for him to leave. She faced straight ahead, knowing that if she looked into his eyes her resolve would weaken. She deserved more than this, surely?

  ‘Get out, Davey,’ said Melanie. Still she refused to look at him.

  He stayed a moment longer but in the end he left.

  She watched him walk away. She wanted more. This had to be the end.

  Lynsey was discharged from the hospital just as her bruises were starting to fade. Toby was on hand to give her a ride home. Come to think of it, Toby had been on hand a lot these last few days. Always happy to run off and find her a glass of water or some change for the phone. She was surprised to find quite how much assistance was needed during the whole business of hospitalization. You felt quite helpless. That was probably the attraction for Toby. One of these days he’d make someone a wonderful wife.