#aisla roberts

[zosa95]

[zosa95]

[zosa95]

Aisla: I don’t think I like the tabloids much.

Gemma: Unflattering picture, or I’m the worst actress and ruined the movie?

Aisla: (hesitating) Neither. You look fabulous in the pictures. And the critics are praising your performance.

Gemma: There’s a shock, but I’ll take it. So why do you dislike them?

Aisla: "Could Gemma Wilde’s marriage be over before it began? Her husband was conspicuously absent at his wife’s movie premiere. But she did look very cozy with her co-star Shane Wheeler. Their onscreen chemistry is off the charts. One has to wonder what went on behind the scenes."

Gemma: Wow. But I can’t say I’m surprised.

Aisla: Do you think this will bother Markus?

Gemma: (wearily) Probably. But I told him this might happen. So he’ll just have to suck it up and not bitch about it.

Aisla wanted to defend her brother but decided she’d best stay out of it.

[zosa95]

Alfred: I have enjoyed our afternoon, ladies.

Aisla: So have I, Al-- What should I call you?

Alfred: My grandfather was called “Pops.” How about that?

Aisla: Perfect, Pops.

Edith: Yoohoo, Gemma! Can I talk to you?

Gemma: I’ll be back shortly.

Alfred: She will not be back shortly. Edith could talk the hind legs off a donkey.

Aisla: (laughing) Who is the man with Edith?

Alfred: That is her latest gentleman caller. There’s a betting pool to see how long he’ll last. There’s something different about him, or I should say that Edith acts differently around him. I think he might stick around.

[zosa95]

Gemma: Did you find something to read on the plane?

Aisla: (sheepishly) I bought some newspapers and magazines with celebrity gossip. Maybe there will be a picture of me to show Geetha when I get home.

Gemma smiled, wrinkling her nose.

Gemma: There's nothing wrong with that. I've done the same.

Aisla: Did you Facetime Carrie? Is that her name?

Gemma: Corey, Corey Heywood. Corey said her grandmother, Mrs. Potter, left a large sealed envelope. The envelope label said - Do not open. Give only to Gemma - but Corey didn't know who that was. So she kept it in a box in case the mysterious Gemma called, wanting it. But Corey never expected it to be "a movie star."

Aisla: And she will give it to you?

Gemma: Yes. The envelope is in a storage unit. Corey will search for it this week and expedite it for me.

Aisla: Are you nervous?

Gemma offered a half-hearted smile.

Gemma: (quietly) Honestly? I’m more worried about being disappointed. It’ll probably be silly articles of me winning baby or toddler beauty pageants rather than anything helpful.

[zosa95]

Gemma: I understand. I greatly appreciate what you've found. Yes, I'll contact her tomorrow.

Gemma ended the call absentmindedly.

Aisla: Is everything okay?

Gemma: The private investigator found Mrs. Potter's daughter. She's in a home and she has dementia.

Aisla: Oh, Gemma, I'm so sorry. I know you were counting on information from her.

Gemma: All is not lost. Mrs. Potter's granddaughter, Corey, would like to speak to me. She suspects the P.I. of being the tabloids and doesn't trust him. However, she did tell the P.I. that she might have info for me.

Aisla: That's great! I hope you find family and they are as fantastic as Alfred. I can't wait to meet him.

Gemma: He is so special. I adore him to bits.

Aisla: So what's next?

Gemma: Hair and makeup.

Aisla: The star treatment! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.

Gemma: Same, girl, same.

[zosa95]

Aisla: I’m nervous about walking in front of the cameras.

Gemma: Same. All the bright flashes can be disorienting. I’ll hang on to you to avoid face-planting on the red carpet.

Aisla: Do you miss it? Acting, I mean.

Gemma: Sometimes. But I never chose this. My mother did. Despite that, I enjoyed being part of the creative process. The energy of your co-stars and directors on a project can be out of this world. However, they can also be assholes that make your life miserable.

Gemma: Luckily, I experienced more of the former as opposed to the latter. But the tabloids are something I’ll never miss. Luckily, I was never a dig-through-my-trash level of famous. I don’t regret walking away from acting. And I’m only attending this movie premiere out of contractual obligation.

Aisla: It’ll be over soon, and then you can return to ordinary life.

[zosa95]

Markus: I love your new place, sis.

Karl: (grumbling) They wouldn’t let us buy a more spacious place for them.

Aisla: We don’t need more space. We'll spend most of our time at the university and the library. Besides, you’ve done so much already.

Linda: We want you both to feel safe and happy. I love Britechester. I’m ready to move back here. And we will once I can convince your father to retire.

Karl: I’m not ready to be put out to pasture.

Linda: You’re too old to burn the candle at both ends.

Karl huffed while his children exchanged looks and grinned at each other.

Gemma: It would be nice to be closer to your grandson.

Linda: Agreed!

Karl: (chuckling) I think I need a new hobby before I retire. Otherwise, I’ll drive your mother crazy.

Linda: He is getting into his fidgety old-man years. He can’t sit still for anything.

Karl threw up his hands in mock offense while everyone laughed.