Lock Up ⏐Charles Leclerc

Chapter 21

Happy 5k!!

Enjoy!

*****

I love my fans. I absolutely adore them and would stop for pictures and autographs whenever I can. If there's just a small group, I'd sit down and ask them questions about where they're from and there have even been a few that I've seen twice in different premieres.

As the plane landed, Olivia and I were one of the first people who got out of the plane. Fans were only able to approach me while we were still in LAX but when we boarded the plane, they were no longer allowed to pass through the curtains leading to first class.

Sunglasses were perched on my face as we walked to the carousel. I'd feel the whispers of people around me, most likely because of the two giant security guards standing behind me. I've instructed them to only interfere when things get out of hand or when the paparazzi gets too close.

Olivia and I stood by the side while waiting for the luggage. I sent a quick text to my parents, the groupchat I had with Navi and Aurora, and Charles saying that my plane has already landed. My phone began vibrating with replies from them but I wasn't able to reply since a fan had approached to ask for a picture.

"Have a good trip." I said as she waved her hand goodbye. She had asked for a photo as well as a video greeting for her friend that's about to celebrate his birthday. There were a few who saw her and thought that it'd be okay to ask for some photos as well. Thankfully, there weren't that many of them so when our luggages arrived, no one was left without a photo.

"Bye Valentine!" They cheered as I waved back and headed for the exit of the airport. The smile on my face dropped when I saw the cameras waiting for me outside and I fixed the sunglasses on my face to cover my eyes properly. As they spotted me, the security guards got to working and paved a path for me and Olivia as we headed to the car waiting for us.

"I hate the paparazzi." I groaned as I leaned my head back into the seat and Olivia closed the door behind her.

"They're the cancer of Hollywood." She said, giving me a sad smile and patting my arm. No matter how long I've been doing this, heck I grew up as a kid being educated about the people with cameras, I never really got used to it. There's just something scary about them because I've seen tons of videos of paparazzi going beyond the ethical line just to get some photos.

We arrived at the set in half an hour, a girl waiting for us by the entrance. She was petite just like Olivia, wearing a dark blue hoodie while a walkie talkie hung on her waist. "It's great to finally meet you. My name is Daisy and I'm the production assistant." I shook hands with her as Daisy led us inside the venue, walking through the trailers first before the set itself. She was telling us about the setup when I felt a body crash into mine.

Elliana's hands wrapped around me for a bone crushing hug despite her small figure and I laughed before returning it. "Finally!" Elliana said as she pulled away with a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, Elle." I smiled back. Her brown hair was now cut until her shoulders, blue eyes filled with joy.

"Thank god you've arrived because—"

"Complaining about me already?" A voice said from behind us and I turned around to see Milo walking towards our direction. He was already dressed for his first scene, an all black ensemble to match the dystopian theme. Some would say that Milo Ford was the typical Hollywood actor— tan skin, fluffy brown hair, and bright smile. At first glance, he does look like that but as soon as he's in front of the camera, it's obvious he's an actor who's capable of having a great range. "Hey, babe." He greeted me, kissing my cheek.