YOUNG KNIVES

Chapter 1

Sandy Moore

"Sandy, have some bread and butter before you leave baby", mom said looking at all the mess I'd created around the shoe drawer, finding the yellow vans mom had gifted me for the most special day of my life, that is today. Everyone was hyped up, chaos and murmur filling the entire room since I got off call from Mr. Dean Lawrence, the head of acting committee of our school's trust. He wanted to interview me, after he saw my performance in the short film our school filmed last month.

It was huge, because Mr. Lawrence is a big guy!! Having worked with Netflix was such a huge flex..something I am hoping to do in a few years' time!!

Mr. Lawrence had told me to meet him at his office just near Camden Town for 'work and stuff', I didn't know what that mean.

All I could think about since last night was...WHY ME!? WHY THE HELL ME!?

I'm terrible at acting, though mom and Lara wouldn't say the same!! Or maybe it's just me overthinking!? Anyway, I wouldn't miss this opportunity, never in a million years!!

Just as I checked my bag again, I got a text from him. again. Like last night, I chose to ignore it and grabbed the leather boots that were perfect for this event. I didn't want to let him in my life anymore. Period. Though my heart didn't agree to this. But I had to deal with the fact that I don't want to be with Damon anymore, not after what he did in our relationship for the past 2 years. It was hard. But I don't have bitter feelings for him, we agreed to be good friends at the end, but I don't know why he has been texting me and asking to get back. Not so friendly.

All I wanted to do was think about-

"Young knives!! Mom look, it's young-" yelled Lara at the top of her lungs. "Lara, we're trying to work here, put off the tv and- oh my- are they shooting a documentary? On their band life? No way, are they doing that? said mom, smiling a bit in sarcasm, knowing their reputation.

" I don't get why the younger generation worship them so much? I mean, look at them- they look like mafia men, and isn't this like the 3rd time this week that guy is going to jail", I said, pointing at the guy on the tv in the red flannel that my sister loved to death. I was old-fashioned, I agree. I never felt like I could agree with the people of my generation, I always wished I could live in the 20s with Picasso and the Fitzgeralds, dancing to jazz music. only if.

Finally, I got myself out of the mess mom had created around the shoe box, and got myself near the entrance door. I looked at myself for a minute in the mirror near the door, looking at my denim dungarees with a yellow crop top inside, with yellow shoes that matched my top. I stroked my short, dark black hair from my face, feeling pretty for once in my life,

I looked at myself, telling myself only one thing-
You can do this, baby!!

I knew mom wanted me to eat and everything, but I really wanted to make it on time. I started my car as I got to the basement, checking myself in the mirror of the car again, to check if I didn't have any sudden pimple or something. I was finally read to go, ignoring yet another message from Damon.

30 minutes and I reached the Mr. Lawrence's office. Camden Town was quite crowded today, assuming it was Friday, they were selling some good quality booze and all the teenagers were there just to get wasted. Reminds me, I want a cigarette!! I walked to the guy selling some champagne in the little stall.

I sat in my car back again, giving myself the pep talk I needed and putting the cig between my dry lips. This was all I fucking needed.

I put my cig aside and walked to the office. It was a 10 minute walk from the market. Getting rid of the chaos outside, his office was sophisticated and quiet. The wall contained frames showcasing him in a Netflix movie. show off.
I sat there for 5 minutes until I heard the guy who called me inside.

"Ms.Moore?" said the tall, dark haired man, who could only be perceived as Mr. Lawrence. I might have done some research on him last night.
I said, "yes, sandy Moore here. Mr. Lawrence? ". He nodded and lifted his hand in a gesture for me to sit. He was hot.

" I've heard a lot about you from your school, perfect grades and a good portfolio. Your drama teacher says you want to work in movies as well, ah you remind me of myself. I had dreams and I've made them come true. and so will you, kid."

I hated when he said kid.

"-and coming straight to the point, I might have some work for you. I know you don't have an agent, and I just started my new talent management company. I would love to give talented and beautiful children like you, an opportunity"

He was giving me weird vibes. Like, I know he's trying to help but...you never know. This industry is ruthless and I knew it. It's gonna be hard. And I know it. But this was a huge thing and I had no option but to say-

"Yes, that's such a huge opportunity coming from you, sir. I would love to be in your company and have you as an agent. I am up to working for anyone and with anybody, unless it's something I'm not uncomfortable with, in which case I'll inform you. But yeah, I'm up for anyth-"

"Young knives"
"they're looking for extras for their new-"

no fucking way

"Documentary?" I asked, knowing the answer because literally every single media channel has been going on about it. He immediately nodded and smiled.

"Yeah, they're making a movie about all the shit they've done in the past. 5 years of their career and stuff, it's gonna be a huge thing. Lotta money at stake, kid. A lot. And there's a few extras that they need, you know just to fill in the places."

I had questions, many of them.

"$1,500 dollars, is what they'll pay you. And all you do is dance and act and do what ever the shit is that they want you to do"

well shit. That's big bucks. it could change my life but-

"You'll be in a full contract, working with the boys. You fancy them boys, hmm?" he grinned at me.

well no.
But then I had remembered something-

"Wait, aren't they like, really terrible towards others. I mean, I don't want to come out as a really rude person. But like I watched the news last nig-" I questioned because what if they come for me, and staying in such close counters with the boys wasn't something I imagine. Like ever!!

"kid, lemme tell ya one thing" he cut me off again.

"this industry is filled with fucked up people, but you can't be scared of them all your life, can ya"? He asked in all genuineness. period mista!

"And they're not so bad after all, you'll enjoy and add this to your portfolio for university, voila" he said, sitting down on his chair and taking a sip of his coffee.

well, I mean-

for a minute there, I sat just looking at the contracts. I wanted to call mom and ask her if I should do it. I know she wouldn't mind it. But did I want to do this!? I am impulsive. I'm only 18 , I don't know anything about this stuff, and before he could say anything-

"Yes"

"I- I think, I'll do it" I said, stammering at my own decision thinking of all the possible cons right there.

well shit.

Well well, what do we think about it!? Will Sandy survive?
Is she ready?
And young knives, huh?

thank you so much for reading my first everrr book guys!!
I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!
It's gonna be such a wild ride, I'm tellin' you all!!