Ａ ＮＩＧＨＴ ＩＮ ＰＡＲＡＤＩＳＥ
Wᴇᴅɴᴇsᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ was a tumultuous affair for Lou Miller. She had been embroiled in an endless stream of paperwork for the past few months. The thought of abandoning her plans, staying put in Australia, and seeking out a school of her choice crossed her mind. She yearned for a simpler life, but Lou had always known that she was never one to shy away from hard work. It was never a matter of her family's wealth and status that made her resistant to attending college. Lou had always harbored a desire to earn her own keep and create a legacy that wasn't merely associated with her parents' reputation.
Los Angeles was a city that piqued her interest. It offered an escape from the clutches of her parents, and the idea of chasing the Hollywood dream seemed almost too alluring to ignore. Besides, Tammy had already set up camp in the city of angels, and Lou couldn't imagine being anywhere else. It might seem cliché, but the allure of Tinseltown was too strong to resist.
5:39 a.m.
Thursday arrived like a fleeting moment, barely noticeable.
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐬.
𝙰𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙵𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 (𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚜 𝙼𝚊𝚕𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚜) 𝚘𝚗 𝙰𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚕 𝟸, 𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟸, 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙵𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚆𝚊𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙰𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙵𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚎𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝟷𝟿𝟾𝟸.
The headline that caught Lou's attention stated that the Argentine troops had seized the Falkland Islands, which immediately ignited the flames of war with Britain. Lou read the article. The frown that formed on her forehead was a mix of curiosity and concern, as the conflict had already claimed lives and caused massive destruction. She bit her tongue, intrigued by the news.
As she flipped the pages, Lou reflected on the gravity of the situation. The Falkland Islands had long been a contentious issue between Argentina and Britain, but now the matter has escalated into a full-blown military conflict. News like this is what keeps her buying the newspapers that are circulating around the town.
She stopped thinking about the news when the pilot finally made the announcement that, within 30 minutes, they would arrive at their destination. As the plane descended towards the airport, Lou gazed out the window at the sprawling city of Los Angeles beneath her. The endless stretch of roads and buildings seemed to go on forever, a sight that both fascinated and overwhelmed her. As they landed, the plane's wheels screeched against the tarmac. This was her first time in Los Angeles, and the moment seemed to both excite and scare her. For one, she was leaving her old life behind and moving to a new city, a new environment, and a new adventure. She knew that she was going to be living her own life now, without her parents, although technically not alone, as she was going to be staying with Tammy and Tammy's friend, whom she had heard so much about. But despite the comfort of having friends to stay with, Lou couldn't help but feel a sense of fright. Pacing in thoughts clouding her mind — whether this is the right thing; more, can she stand to this decision? After all, she was only 17, and flying to Los Angeles was such a big step. Although in a few months, she'll be turning 18, the thought of being finally independent frightened her. She had always been used to relying on her parents for everything, but now she would have to learn to navigate the world on her own.
She stepped out of the plane and into the terminal, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling airport. By the time the clock struck 7, the warm California sun greeted her as she stepped outside, and Lou couldn't help but smile at the thought of exploring this city that she had only ever seen on TV.
As she made her way to her hotel, Lou couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure stirring within her. This was a new beginning for her—a chance to leave behind the past and carve out a new path for herself. And she was determined to make the most of it. Here I am, Hollywood.
Her back seemed to ache after the 15-hour flight, but it didn't stop Lou from exploring the city. Only then, when Friday came and it was time to move into Tammy's apartment, Lou Miller, together with her baggage, stood in front of the three-story building. She isn't entirely sure if the cab took her to the right place, but she trusted her gut anyway. When she entered, the place was kind of a mess. Wow, Tammara, really? Is this your way of welcoming me?
"Lou!!! You're here!!!" Just as the voice she's certainly very familiar with, boosted from somewhere. Tammy, running from the kitchen hall, jumped and hugged her so tight that she almost couldn't breathe.
"Easy, Timtam. I've missed you, too!" She smiled.
"Your hair grew back!" Tammy exclaimed. Four years ago, before Tammy fled to LA, she remembered Lou shaving her hair. The woman couldn't understand why Lou did it, only to be replied to with, "I think I look cool." But it was years ago, and they were grownups now; slowly driving towards adulthood.
"I wouldn't want to be bald forever, anyway." Tammy laughed.
"Yeah. I cooked something for you! I missed you so much, Miller, but I have somewhere important to attend. Are you going to be fine here?"
"I guess so?"
"Great! See you later, sweetheart! Love you!"
Tammy left. Lou examined the apartment. She just rolled her eyes, shook her head, and began cleaning the place. By the time afternoon approached, she had met Debbie Ocean. She was Tammy's friend. Tammy used to talk about Debbie so much throughout those late-night talks they shared over the telephone. But one thing that Tammy didn't mention is how Debbie Ocean is exactly Lou Miller's type. Lou smiled at the thought. Why keep a secret from me, Tammara?
"Sᴇᴇᴍs ʟɪᴋᴇ ʏᴏᴜ two are now getting along."
The door swung open, and it threw Tammy in. On her face, she flashed a big smile. Debbie and Lou were comfortably sitting on the couch, with a few snacks and drinks lying on the coffee table. It was a blustery night in Los Angeles, with the wind howling through the streets and rattling windows. The crisp of the October sky outside the glass window of the apartment was quiet and imperceptible from the inside. Leaves and debris were swirling in the air.
Debbie and Lou were snuggled up on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening at the apartment. The TV was on, and they were engrossed in a show, laughing at the funny moments and gasping at the suspenseful ones.
"Hi, timtam. You can join us here!" Lou shouted, not withdrawing her eyes away from the screen, munching a chip in her mouth. Debbie smiled at Tammy.
"Timtam? What kind of name is that?" Tammy approached the two women, her gaze fixed on them as she walked toward them. They sat side by side, engaged in a close position as if they had known each other for years. As Tammy drew closer, she could see the warm smile on their faces, and the ease with which they talked. It was clear that they were enjoying each other's company. A smile crept into her lips. I know what you're doing, Miller. She spoke in her head.
"It's just a name I gave her when we were six." Lou laughed. Debbie had a bowl of popcorn on her lap, and she occasionally reached in to grab a handful. Lou had a can of Coca-Cola on the coffee table, which she sipped from every so often.
"Don't tell me you're gonna call me that too?" Debbie grinned.
"I like it." She smiled, and Lou winked at her.
"Thanks."
"How's your day, Tams?" Tammy sat down between Lou and Debbie, separating them with a playful grin. She could sense the warmth and affection between the two, and she found it endearing.
"I know what you're thinking, Miller. Not my friend!" She said this to Lou, who was smiling from ear to ear. As she settled in, she couldn't help but hide her smile, feeling the comfort of the couch and the warmth of their bodies. It was clear that Lou was up to something, and Tammy should only shake her head. Debbie's brows were furrowed, completely not taking anything in, confused at Tammy's statement.
"What do you mean?" Debbie finally asked.
"Yeah, Timtam, what do you mean?" Lou repeated, grinning at Tammy.
"Never mind." Tammy's words were emphasized; she did not look away from Lou, giving her a meaningful smile, and Lou turned to look at her, her shoulders shrugging in response to her comment, but that grin showing up on her face was enough for Tammy to roll her eyes at her.
Tammy reached over to grab a handful of popcorn from Debbie, feeling a sudden burst of excitement as she spoke up. "Anyway, Vanessa's inviting me to her party this Sunday; she told me I could bring my plus, and I've decided I'm bringing you two with me," she said, beaming.
Debbie raised an eyebrow, looking skeptical. "Who says I agree?" she asked, taking a sip of her drink. The noise of the TV blaring in competition with the rain.
"Why? You don't wanna come?" Lou chimed in, looking genuinely curious. Her eyes darted towards Debbie; the woman returned the gaze.
"Debbie's not fond of partying," Tammy explained, taking another bite of the popcorn.
"I see. Are you coming?" Lou asked, still not taking her eyes off Debbie. Tammy leaned forward, grabbing Lou's drink.
"Hey! That's mine!" Lou interjected, Tammy did not mind her, and continued munching the food, as she looked at Debbie and said, "So, are you coming?"
"No," Debbie simply said, shaking her head.
"C'mon, Deborah! Don't be a killjoy this time," Tammy rolled her eyes but was still persistent in convincing her friend. Debbie needed this. She's been drowning herself with school works the whole week. The last time they went to a party was a week ago. And Tammy, being the reveler that she is, couldn't stay still not attending a shindig once a week.
"Excuse me? The last time you dragged me to a party, I entered school with an unfocused mind the following day," Debbie retorted, remembering the last time Tammy had convinced her to go out.
"Lou's coming, so you are joining us. Right, Louise?" Tammy said grinning at Lou, signaling her to do and say something.
"Well, it's my first party in America, and it sounds fun," The blonde replied, shrugging her shoulders.
"What do you say, Ocean?" Tammy asked, She and Lou turned their heads to Debbie with a hopeful expression.
"God. You guys are annoying!" Debbie said with a laugh, unable to resist their enthusiasm.
"That's a yes!!!" Tammy exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
As they settled back into their comfortable positions on the couch, they discussed their plans for the upcoming party, excited to spend the weekend together. Tammy was relieved for the connection Lou and Debbie had and knew at that moment that their friendship would only continue to grow stronger with each passing day.
As the rain poured outside, Tammy, Lou, and Debbie settled into the cozy living room, their attention split between the television and each other's company. The sound of the rain tapping against the windows created a soothing background noise, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the room. Tammy leaned back against the couch, her eyes flitting between the TV and her friends. She had always loved this kind of weather; it made her feel calm and content like everything was okay in the world.
As they watched the movie, they chatted about their favorite scenes and characters. Tammy felt a sense of comfort at this moment—the sound of the rain, the warmth of the living room, and the familiarity of her friends' company.
"Can you believe Audrey Hepburn was only 31 when she made this movie?" Lou remarked, looking at the screen in awe.
"I know, she looks so young and fresh-faced," Debbie replied, sipping on her hot tea.
Tammy nodded in agreement, floored at the movie's ability to transport them to another time and place. It was as if they were all living in the era of the film, experiencing the glamour and intrigue of New York City in the 1960s. Lou, on the other hand, couldn't help but steal glances at Debbie Ocean, whose eyes never left the TV. Lou noticed how long her lashes were, how her perfect set of teeth shows whenever she laughs, and how her button nose just compliments her overall facial features. A smile crept onto her lips. I guess, It's nice to finally meet you, new friend.
.