Chapter 38: Ten Things I Hate About Shrews, Part 7

But my body would eventually almost give in to the stress of having to film scene after scene, with almost no breaks in between.

And of course, I would hide that nasty career from my parents, and thus I had to perform under a stage name.

Then one day, I had a really wet cough; and I found out later from the doctor that I had bronchitis.

And even with that ailment, the director and producer still wanted me to push through with the filming, even if I said no.

But then, I got used to earning thousands, and so I decided to push on with the filming.

After the filming wrapped up, I went on a temporary hiatus to treat my bronchitis.

Once that was cured, I went back to being used over and over again.

I asked the producers and directors…

"Is there any way I can appear in a mainstream movie?"

They all said a common answer…

"Not until you've proven yourself. Look, you're barely a year in this industry. Give it some time."

My patience was running low.

I knew I wasn't going anywhere in this industry, and I've heard of so many horror stories where fellow porn stars were forced to do acts against their will, drugged, threatened, and were done other nasty things.

And I also learned that having sexual relations with people whom I hardly know is not good for my mental health.

Therefore, on my own free will, I packed up everything and left San Fernando Valley for Coquitlam, my one and only hometown, without saying a word.

Once I went back, I realized how I had a one-track mind, and how that actually ruined my life.

I realized that breaking into Hollywood is not necessary to consider myself as a serious actress.

I could just support Metro Vancouver's home-grown film industry and establish myself there.

And I attempted to do exactly just that…

...but a creepy man, who reminds me of another creepy man who gave me that "awakening", wanted me to go back to my old, shameful ways.

I've also heard from my friends that he even targeted a woman who looks so much like me, but is actually of Scandinavian descent.

Thus, my mind is resolute.

This nightmare of mine… and hers… needs to be ended by my own two hands.

Last I've heard of that woman, she moved to Atlanta to get rid of that creep, but the creep was as persistent as ever, and even followed her there.

I'll also head to the Big A… to finally settle the score.

***

Another afternoon passes, and another night of performance at the bar also passes.

We're about to just chill ourselves after our performance when..

...we three come across a woman who looks so much like Lavian.

The same blonde semi-long hair, the same delicate baby-lights on her straight lob, and the same aqua eyes.

But what's different about her is her exaggerated cowlick that points towards the back.

She just sits on a table in the second row.

We simply ask her, "Good evening. How was our performance?"

She gaily answers, "It was awesome. I can really feel the energy coming from you two. Aaaand… who is the girl accompanying you?"

Aurora wastes no time introducing herself, as well as Fred and Leigh, to the woman.

"I see. I'm pretty sure she is safe with you two. But me… I'm now all alone, and he might pounce on me any time…"

It isn't too hard to connect the dots.

The woman we're talking to is none other than Alexa Holmes, the former porn star who looks so much like Lavian, but with the additional cowlick in her.

I take the initiative.

"We'll keep you safe the same way we keep the woman who looks like you safe."

"Thank you! I… I just don't know how much I am thanking you in advance!"

"No sweat."

No sooner do we accompany Alexa towards our unit, once again leaving the establishment earlier than usual.

Our greatest fear tonight has something to do with Lavian getting harassed again, or even worse…

Well, what are we waiting for?

Let's huff ourselves back home!

Once we get to the apartment, our greatest fear has thankfully never materialized.

Lavian just stands near the door leading to her unit, carrying a grocery bag in tow.

And she recognizes us three… as well as the spitting image of her… or the other way around.

"Oh hey, good evening, Fred, Leigh, Aurora… and Alexa, too."

Lavian just hands over her grocery bag to us three before she hugs her dead-ringer tight, and the other does the same.

Both shed their own tears of happiness and sympathy.

"Thank goodness you're safe," Lavian whispers to Alexa.

"And so are you," Alexa does the same.

"Good thing that creep hasn't made his move yet. Maybe he knows he miscalculated and now has three protectors getting in the way."

"I simply want to close this chapter of my life and move forward."

"I know, I know. Your dreams can't remain dreams forever."

"And that is why…"

They whisper in unison… "That creep, Juan Miguel Juvama, deserves to be tamed once and for all!"

Minutes later…

After we arrange all of Lavian's groceries, we three, Lavian, and Alexa gather in the Swedish-Canadian's apartment unit, discussing important points on how to stop Juan Miguel's reign of terror once and for all.

Alexa makes the first strike.

"Lavian, I know you've divulged ten things you hate about him, right? In a private message?"

Lavian replies, "Yes. And these three have only learned of four so far."

"Very well. Everyone… It's time for me to stand up and tell the fifth thing Lavian… and I… hate about him."

***

The thing I loathe about him… is related to the second thing.

His overly dramatic personality – especially his lashing out when things don't go his way, is related to… yes, the degradation of his mental health.

It's as if a weird structure grew inside him that is slowly unhinging him.