PRT 357- “Venus vs. Saturn”

 

“I don’t care what my family thinks. I love you.” I said.

“I know, but I don’t want to be responsible for coming between you and your family.”

“If my uncle really cared about me he’d want to see me happy. You make me happy Damien. Besides, Uncle Holden has bigger things to worry about right now.”

“I know, but still.”

“Are you trying to push me away? Do you want to end thing?”

“Of course not. You know how I feel about you.”

“I thought I did but maybe I was wrong.”

“I’ve always been here for you JoAnn, and I always will.” He said as he took me in his arms and kissed me.

 

“AND CUT! Good job.” The director said.

 

I smiled, “That was fun. I forget how much I like acting.”

“You’re amazing Michelle, it’s an honor to work with you.” Paolo said.

 

Yes, it’s me…Michelle Morris…your friendly neighborhood actress/super heroine. I was on the set of my new show and filming scenes with my hot Italian co-star, Paolo. I totally loved my character. He name is JoAnn Snyder and she’s a farm girl turned debutante that had fallen in love with Damien. He’s an older man that was once married to her uncle’s current wife. Needless to say JoAnn’s family isn’t happen about her and Damien. She doesn’t care. It’s a great storyline and I loved playing it.

 

“Thanks so much for helping me getting settled Paolo. The whole cast has just been so welcoming.” I said.

“Not a problem. You really are amazing to work with. Some of us are going out for coffee after work. You want to join us?” he asked in his beautiful Italian accent.

I nodded, “I would love to.”

 

 

Mina

~~~~

“I am sick of reporters! Why is everyone so fixated on if I’m leaving the show or not?!” I cried.

“Mina, hun, calm down.” Adam said as he reached for my arm.

“I am calm! Reporters are driving me insane. ‘Are you leaving the show?’, ‘Are you getting a new record deal?’, ‘Can you ever forgive Michelle?’. It’s enough to drive a woman mad. Mad, I tell you, MAD!”

“Ooook. You’re losing it Mina.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. Why don’t you call Serena and go shopping?”

“Because she’s busy promoting her new album on the press tour *I* scheduled.”

“You need something to do.”

“You?”

Adam drew in a breath, “As good as that sounds…I have a class I really need to get to then I have a class at the dojo to teach. There’s an idea. You could go hang at the dojo.”

“With Rocky? He’s practically the president of the ‘I love Michelle’ fan club. Why would I want to be around him?”

“He’s your friend too.”

“Yeah, but he’s Michelle’s biggest fan. I’m sure he hates me for fighting with her.”

“OK, fine. What would you like to do?”

“I told you.”

“Other than me. Don’t you have a new movie coming out that you need to promote?”

“Soon, not yet.”

“You could call Michelle and try to fix this before you go insane.”

“Not a chance.”

“Why don’t you go to Lita’s bakery and hang out?”

“I guess that could work. OK.”

“Good. Now I love you but I really need to get to class.”

“OK, love you too.” I said kissing him before he left. I grabbed my keys and headed to Lita’s.

 

 

Michelle

~~~~~~~

After work about five of us went to a Starbucks near the studio. It was so great to hang out with some new people and they were so nice to me. I was having a great time.

“How long you think you’ll stick around?” Van asked. He played my on-screen cousin.

“Not sure. My contract is similar to Paolo’s. Ever three months we re-visit the storyline and see where we go from there.” I said.

“So is your contract tied with Paolo’s?”

“I don’t think so. I mean, if they keep JoAnn and Damien together and Paolo leaves then I’ll probably go as well…but I don’t like the looks of their relationship. I think Damien is about to cheat on her.”

“You really think so?” Paolo asked.

“Oh come on, you read the scripts. Damien is getting really close to Meg.” I said.

“This is true.”

“And you know how these drama play out.”

Paolo laughed, “You’re probably right.”

“How are you finding time to do the show anyway? Aren’t you working on a new album and running a record label?” Van asked.

“Yeah. I haven’t found the right balance yet. I’ll figure it out.” I said.

“Well, I gotta get back to the studio. Some of us have more scenes to film today.”

The other two cast members nodded in agreement.

“See you guys tomorrow.” I said as they left, “I guess I should go too. So much work to do, so little time.”

“You need to relax more bella.” Paolo said.

I laughed, “Bella?”

“It’s Italiano for beautiful.”

I blushed, “What’s ‘thank you’ in Italian?”

“Grazie.”

“OK, well, grazie.”

“Prego.”

I looked at him.

He laughed, “You’re welcome.”

I smiled, “Great language.”

“Oh, wow, look at the time. I should get home. My wife and I have some things we need to do today.” Paolo said.

“Your wife?”

“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow bella?”

“Si.”

He laughed, “Very good. I will see you then. Ciao.”

“Ciao.” I said as he left. What a great guy. He really was very sweet. Quite possibly a potential friend.

 

I left the coffee shop and headed home. I had work to do but nothing that couldn’t be done from my home computer…and I did need to relax. I was exhausted.

 

 

Mina

~~~~

I walked into Lita’s.

“Mina, hey!” she said.

“Hey.” I replied.

“Want a cookie? Or maybe a donut?”

“One of each?”

“Help yourself. You look like you could use some free snacks.”

“Yeah.” I said as I walked behind the counter and started to raid her display.

“You miss Michelle don’t you?”

I turned around to face her, “I do not miss that train wreak, backstabbing, two-faced, emotionally unstable bitch!”

“OK! OK! Sorry!” Lita replied holding her hand up.

I sighed, “Sorry Lita.”

“It’s ok. We won’t talk about her anymore.”

“Thank you.”

“How’s Adam?”

“Fine. He’s busy with school and the dojo but I think he likes it that way.”

Lita laughed, “Probably. Have you set a wedding date yet?”

“Who has the time to plan a wedding? I’m too busy with Seren…wait…I’m not busy. Other than promoting a movie I have nothing to do for a couple of months. I can plan my wedding!”

“Yes you can.”

“You’ll do the cake, right?”

“Of course. What did you have in mind?”

“Something huge. 5 tier with white butter cream icing and some orange flowers.”

“I think I know just what you want.” Lita said as she took out a laminated picture of a basic 5 tier cake and an orange marker. She started to draw on it. “Something like this?”

I nodded, “Exactly like that! Can you make the cake with orange flavor?”

“Yes. Orange crème cake with white butter cream frosting?”

“Exactly.”

“Will do.”

“Oh you’re the best. I need a place to have the wedding.”

“Well, I close in 30 minutes. We can work on that then if you want.”

“Perfect! You’re the best Li, thanks!”

Lita smiled, “Anything for you. Your wedding day has to be perfect.”

 

After Lita closed up shop we headed out to her apartment. On the way we noticed Mistress 9 lurking about a jewelry shop.

“Is Nemesis so desperate to get the Amethyst she’s willing to buy a fake?” I asked.

“Ugh, Sailors. Just leave me be.” Mistress 9 said.

“Not likely Hotaru.” Lita said.

“We can help you. Come with us. Nemesis has played with your mind. We can help.” I said.

“There is nothing to help…besides, I think you should be worried about helping yourselves!” she cried as she attacked us.

“Fine, have it your way. Venus Spirit Power!”

“Jupiter Spirit Power!” Lita cried.

“We don’t want to hurt you Hotaru.” I said.

“Don’t worry, you won’t.” she said as she shot a beam at us. We jumped out of the way.

“This is getting old quick. We could use some back up.” Jupiter said.

“On it.” I pulled out my communicator, “Serena, Amy, Raye…need some help here.” I said as I went back to fighting.

 

 

Michelle

~~~~~~~

“Due to the timing of the photo shoot I believe it best to push back the release date of Serena’s album to July, rather than June, to give us enough time for final pressings. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Michelle Morris-James”

 

I finished the email and clicked ‘send’ just as my phone rang.

“Hello?”

Mich, it’s Amara. There’s an attack in town.”

“On my way.” I hung up, “Saturn Spirit Power!”

 

I rushed to town and met up with the other Outers…however all the Inners were already on the scene.

“Let’s show these wannabes how it’s done.” I said.

“Are you sure you want to get in their way?” Neptune asked.

“They are in our way. Let’s move.” Uranus said.

 

We jumped into battle.

“Step aside, let the real Soldiers take this.” I said.

“Oh please. Stay out of our way.” Venus said.

“I believe Hotaru is an Outer, which makes this my team’s fight.”

“Oh, and since Nemesis is supposed to be an Outer I suppose you want us to stay out of that too.”

“It would be nice.”

“Fine. You hear that Inners? We’re done. No mission for us. The Outers are going to take out Nemesis all on their own.”

“Venus, Saturn, this isn’t the time.” Moon said.

“For once Sailor Moon and I agree. Your childish banter is going to get us all killed.” Mars said.

“Then tell Venus to stay away from me.” I said.

“Sorry Saturn, lord knows I wouldn’t want to offend you. Heaven forbid I do something to anger Ms. High and Mighty.” Venus said.

“I think you got that backwards Princess Venus. You’re the one that looks down on me!”

“OK, you really wanna take me on? Take this! Venus Love and Beauty Shock!”

“Saturn Ice Crystals, CHARGE!”

“Oh beautiful. Not only are we not working together, we’re actually going to fight now.” Mars sighed.

“Saturn, maybe this isn’t the best tactic.” Neptune said.

Neptune is right, this isn’t helping anything.” Pluto said.

“Someone needs to teach Venus a lesson! Saturn Lightning Rings, Electrify!”

“Venus Love Chain, Encircle!”

 

“ENOUGH!” two male voices yelled as the Black and Wolf Rangers showed up.

“Venus, what are you doing?” Black Ranger (Adam) asked as he grabbed Venus.

“Saturn, what are you thinking?” Wolf Ranger (RJ) echoed as he restrained me.

“Let me go RJ!” I cried.

“Adam, I’m warning you.” Mina echoed as we both struggled.

“Sailors, Mistress 9 went down 7th Street, you guys need to go catch her…altogether.” Adam commanded.

“And you’re leader now?” Uranus asked.

“NOW!”

“Fine. Let’s go.”

 

Once the other Sailors were gone Adam and RJ sighed.

“What do you think you two are doing? You’re going to kill each other.” RJ said.

“Like the world would suffer without her.” Venus said.

“Oh that’s it. I’ve had it with your elitist attitude towards me…like you’re somehow so much better. Well guess what, you’re not. Your life hasn’t been that different from mine you hypocritical brat.” I said.

“We’re nothing alike you emotionally unstable Britney wannabe.”

“That’s enough. You two are going to start a Sailor Soldier war if you don’t watch it. Nemesis is bad enough; we don’t need Inners vs. Outers too.” Adam said.

“Adam is right. Saturn, let’s go home.” RJ said.

“You too Venus.”

“But what about Hotaru?” I asked.

“Let the others handle it.” RJ said as he dragged me away.

 

 

Mina

~~~~

When Adam and I walked into the apartment, I could tell from the look on his face he was not happy.

“What were you thinking?!” he cried, “You could have killed Michelle, or worse, gotten yourself killed!”

“Michelle isn’t powerful enough to kill me.” I scoffed.

“OK, listen and listen good, I know you don’t want to hear this, but Michelle is more powerful that you. You know that! I don’t know what you were thinking in taking her on but you couldn’t have done anything more irresponsible and stupid if you tried!”

I rolled my eyes, “Save it. I’m not in the mood.”

“Mina, do you have any idea how lost I would be if anything happened to you? I love you.”

“I know you do. I love you too…but I hate her Adam. I can’t stand her!” I was so angry I started to cry.

Adam pulled me into his arms and held me, “Mina, what caused all of this? You used to be Michelle’s best friend. You’ve been through so much together. You’ve always know who she was and accepted her. What happened?”

“I’m just tired of it Adam. The drama and stress and…she’s not a good person.”

“She is a good person and you know that.”

“I can’t be around her.”

“I saw that. You better figure something out because she could kill you…and even if she didn’t, the last thing this city needs is a Soldier war.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

I  know. Come on, I’ve already missed my class and Rock is going to cover for me at the dojo. Let’s go take a nap.”

I nodded and he led me to our room.

 

 

Michelle

~~~~~~~

“MJ, what were you thinking?!” RJ cried as we got back to the apartment.

“She’s such a self-righteous twit. Someone needed to put her in her place.” I said as I fell on the sofa.

“She was your best friend…and you know you could have killed her.”

“Whatever. We’re not friends anymore. She’s dead to me.”

“MJ…”

“Don’t. I’m not in the mood. Come on, can we forget about that brat and focus on us?”

RJ sighed, “Fine…but you have to learn to co-exist with Mina. The city doesn’t need a Sailor Soldier civil war.”

“Fine. I’ll work on it. Come here and hold me.”

RJ sat next to me and I curled up in his arms.

“I love you so much RJ.” I said as I snuggled against him.

“I love you too.” He replied as he kissed my head.

 

I closed my eyes in contentment. Even if Mina was a thorn in my side, life was pretty great.