Author's Note: This story is completely fictional and did not happen. All characters and names are fictional and were made up.
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Los Angeles, California
Cameras flashed, capturing everything in front view among various pixels in a still second. The lights were blinding as they created flashes through the darkness. Today was the third day in an event for a film festival. Various reporters and journalists had gathered earlier during the week to discuss the various films presented and do interviews with directors and actors. The event began during Thursday morning and would proceed to run through until Saturday evening. For critics and reporters, such an event was a good place to get an early screening of such films and write reviews before the release dates had come through. The event itself would last for three whole days. The first day was for press, the second day featured screenings for several films and the final day was when the stars moved down the carpet.
Independent films had become their own niche genre for quite some time now. While some big names in Hollywood had gained a start from appearing in such films, there was also the flip side of actors who preferred to do the style of films off to the side. Ellen Page was an actress with a reputation for the genre, even though she didn't get her start from it. She had accumulated a fan following over the years, going back to her critically praised performance in the film Juno. The film was a breakthrough for her over a decade ago by now and sealed her spot genre of strong performances in indie films. Today was her day for a media press conference to talk about her latest film: My Days of Mercy.
Kate Mara starred alongside Ellen in the specific movie. While she had been a struggling actress at times with her only claim of fame being a few small parts in big budget films, that began to change in recent years after her performance on the show House of Cards. She had been good friends with Ellen Page for several years now, as their friendship had been documented briefly in various gossip and tabloid websites. They were photographed shopping on multiple occasions together a few years ago. When offered the opportunity to make a film with her dear friend, Kate jumped at the chance. She and Ellen both signed as producers to help fund the movie and work with a new up and coming director.
The screen play had been the main reason Ellen wanted to get involved in the film, as she had a desire for playing more lesbian roles in movies. The film plot revolved around two women caught on opposing sides with a death row inmate's scheduled execution. Ellen played Lucy, who falls in love with Kate's character of Mercy who is on the other side of her political cause. Due to the film being independent, much of the details remained sparse to the media. With a production company set to pick up the film, they spent a few months during the year traveling in a few cities across the U.S. where the film was shot.
As the event days proceeded, Kate Mara was joined by her newly wed husband Jamie Bell. The two stood holding hands as photographs were snapped outside the theater on the first day. Inside the theater, the initial screening of Mercy played to a number of critics during the second afternoon. Jamie had come to see the media with his wife, but that was only on the first two days. By the third day, Jamie seemed to have disappeared as Ellen noticed when she spent the day with Kate. They had to prepare for the red carpet event, making the time when they would finally be dressing up in their special outfits for the multiple photographs. This was the moment any actress had to prepare for, to look good on any film festival's red carpet in front of the fans and media.
Kate stepped out first, greeted by the sounds of several screaming fans. She walked down the red carpet dressed in a dark red double breasted suit and matching red pants. Her hair was fixed in a ponytail, dazzling in it's natural dark red color after getting rid of the faded blonde look she had in the film. Only the ends of Kate's hair still had a bit of the blonde streaks remaining. Over her lips was a hue of crimson red lipstick matching the color of her fingernails while her heels where the only non-red color, standing out in silver and white. Kate stood and softly smiled as she tucked her hands near the pockets of her pants. The large engagement ring over her finger sparked as dozens of photos were snapped in a few seconds. The suit stood out, as other actresses paced down the red carpet in dresses. Kate owed the idea to her friend Ellen, who also was stepping out wearing a suit that matched in the same dark color.
A tie dangled across Ellen's suit as she stepped out over the blinding flashes of lights. This wasn't the first time she had worn a suit on the red carpet. She was out and proud with her sexuality, never once ashamed over enjoying men's fashion styles. A number of five buttons ran up the long sleeve of her suit. Under her jacket was a matching black shirt, going for the all black look with the same colored pants and a pair of black boots. Ellen's brunette hair was neatly split down the middle and she wore a small bit of eyeliner around her eyes. As she glanced around, more actors walked past her while the various sounds of voices from the crowd could be heard. Ellen soon spotted her friend Kate, off to the distance signing autographs for fans that were in the front row guarded by a fence.
She waited until Kate was stepping back to the red carpet and then their eyes met. Ellen smiled at her, flashing her teeth as she approached her friend to embrace in a hug. They both smiled as Ellen wrapped her left arm around Kate as the other woman turned to wrap her own arms around her friend. They hugged as Ellen's left hand clutched over Kate's shoulder, turning to look into the cameras to offer photographers and the media a chance to see the two 'Mercy' stars together. When Kate leaned her face down to touch Ellen's cheek, the brown haired Canadian actress couldn't help but close her eyes and laugh. Such thoughts ran through her mind, as they almost appeared like a couple together. Ellen leaned forward to whisper in Kate's ear.
"They probably think we look like a married couple right now."
Kate leaned forward and looked back into Ellen's face, only to bust out giggling. It was difficult for Ellen to hear her strong New York voice, as the sound of the cameras and crowd close by were a loud ambiance. Ellen grabbed a hold of her hand, walking to the red carpet as if they truly were a power couple of married stars. When they reached the red carpet, they looked into each other's eyes for a moment while Ellen patted her friend on the back. They stepped back over the red carpet where they were joined by another actress and the barrage of media photographers continued to snap photos. The two actresses of 'Mercy' were soon joined by their director for a few photos as the trio of them stood together. As the photos snapped, Ellen flashed her teeth in all smiles. Kate on the other hand, rarely would show her pearly white teeth when smiling for photos. People had to make her laugh to see such beauty unfold.
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1 HOUR LATER
The rush of the festival was coming to an end as many stars were gathered at the after party. Kate Mara found herself leaving early, just to beat the mad house of press and take the early exit back to her hotel. She had a room booked on one of the upper floors, nice and safely away from any paparazzi who may be lurking in the near distance. As she had slipped away and made the return back to the hotel, she noticed someone who appeared to be waiting for her towards the elevator. A woman stood with her arms crossed, trying to hold back a smile. It was none other than her friend and co-star, Ellen Page herself. Both women were still wearing their suits from the event.
"Looking sharp, you look like you're about to go out for a date."
Kate giggled at Ellen's words.
"I could say the same for you."
"Nah, I'd rather ask you out instead."
Ellen smirked, studying Kate's expression as the red headed woman laughed. Her teeth flashed as she shook her head. There was an undeniable attraction between them, such a desire that had already moved it's boundaries in the past few months. Such moments were proven with Kate's reply back.
"Is that what you're about to ask me, Ellen?"
"Well, I don't know if I can yet..."
Looking down, she tried to play the innocent look before her eyes gazed back up at Kate. Ellen bit her lower lip, knowing she had a chance with one of her closest friends.
"Where's your husband at? I haven't seen him all day."
