Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash
The autumn leaves fall onto the rocky trail way, emitting a soft glow in the distance. It’s late afternoon and the hot winds have shifted to a cool breeze. There are no cars, no buildings, no streetlights, nothing but nature's serenity, and Frank Rivera.
He walks quietly through the trail, kicking away scattered branches. His appearance is rugged, like that of a man with no home, no family, and no purpose in life, which holds untrue for the man before us.
He stops for a moment to watch the sun set behind the trees. He takes in a heavy breath and let's it out slowly. Usually he enjoys the long hike from town, but today gives new meaning. He has a lot on his mind and the reality of what’s to come is hard to grasp, because until that moment, he had never felt free.
Then, her voice echoes.
“Acting means becoming...”
Frank Rivera is the most popular actor in town. He has been for fifteen years, and has Aunt Millie to thank for that. When he was eleven-years-old, she enrolled him in the school play. The play wasn’t anything grand, as a matter of fact, it wasn’t a play at all, merely a fun activity for the fifth grade class to partake in. No one took it serious, no one but Aunt Millie that is.
“Acting means becoming” is what she told him.
Every day, Aunt Millie had Frank spend hours rehearsing after school. Yet, with all the time and energy she put into preparing Frank, he continued to stumble. He would forget his lines, giggle when he shouldn’t, and grow exhausted of the same thing. Eventually Aunt Millie had had enough, and her persistence soon grew to abuse. Anytime Frank performed poorly, she hit him.
"I will NOT be embarrass in front of everyone!” she said.
On the day of the play, Frank delivered one of the most memorable and inspiring performances of any fifth grader in his school. While other kids laughed and goofed off, Frank brought life to the scene. At the end, Frank received a standing ovation and a future in theater. Aunt Millie was pleased.
The sun rays reflect off the tree. Frank stops dead in his tracks. He watches the beautiful scenery in front of him fade away. Then, a distant memory he long buried suddenly flashes to life.
“Kiss me.”
Frank, now sixteen, turns away from the script and looks up at Aunt Millie.
“What do you mean kiss you?”
“The role calls for a teenager who is sexually active. You must be believable.” she says.
Frank’s breathing stops.
“You want me to…no, no I won’t do that.”
Aunt Millie rises from her chair and walks around the table to his side. She slowly caresses his neck. Then, unexpectedly, pulls his hair back violently.
“I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. This audition is a great opportunity. You’re not gonna ruin it for us.”
With that, she leans in and kisses him. She forces his hands on her body and mounts him.
The details of that night are a blur, purposely forgotten. The only memory remaining in his head, are the rays of sunset bouncing off the ceiling, as he lays naked beside her, a virgin no longer.
Frank closes his eyes. He begins shaking. His heart races and his breathing increases. He soon realizes he’s due for another fix. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a bottle of painkillers. Popping two into his mouth, Frank falls to the ground. He chews quickly and swallows. The sky dims around him. He takes in deep breaths, trying desperately to slow his heart rate. Then, he's reminded again of Aunt Millie.
“Acting means becoming”
Frank sits at the dining table, a bottle of painkillers in front of him. Aunt Millie hovers behind him.
“You’re an addict, a man whose lost his way. This is a very dark role. It must be perfect.”
Frank stays fixed on the bottle. Aunt Millie leans in closer.
“Open the bottle, take 2 pills, and swallow them.”
Frank does so obediently. There will be no argument on his part this time. He swallows the pills. Afterwards, he sits quietly and waits.
"Good boy. When the effects take control, you will feel different, you will feel peaceful, and nothing else will exist. Let it be part of you."
As the drug begins to numb his existence, he never thought that at twenty-four, he would eventually become a victim of addiction. He played the role flawless.
Frank opens his eyes, the pills in full effect. Just then, yesterday’s events come rushing to his head.
His agent talks to him over the phone.
"I just spoke with producers at Hillside Entertainment. They want you to be their leading man in their new film franchise!"
Frank looks confused.
"What does that mean?"
His agent chuckles.
"Are you serious? It means you caught your big break. No more auditions kid, you're an A-list actor now!"
Frank glances at two girls smiling at him. He looks away nervously. His agent continues talking.
"Okay we discussed briefly what your deal looks like. They want you to play the antagonist, which is a guaranteed lead for three features, and, because of the content of your character, it could lead to a potential Oscar if you knock it out the park. Best part though is they're willing to pay 1.5 million for the first feature plus gross profits! You did it Frank! You're in with the elites now buddy!"
Frank doesn't respond.
"Hello? You there?"
"Tell me about the character."
"That's what I love about you. Straight to the job. Okay you will be playing Jesse Dill, a psychotic serial killer who tells his life story about how he became the most prolific murderer."
"And that is?"
"Well I don't have all the details yet, but it basically all started with him murdering his mom."
Frank falls silent. His agent continues.
"I'll send you the script. Hey listen, this is huge. You worked so hard for this and now it's here, but you're gonna have to stay on your A-game. So do whatever it is you do to prep and I'll get back to you in a couple of days."
It’s near dark now and the crickets have begun chirping. The effects of the drug have worn down. Frank looks around and realizes he is standing in the driveway. He sees the kitchen light go on and knows she’s home.
“Acting means becoming...”
The door locks behind him.