Page 17 of Christmas at the Movies
‘I’ve got huge news!’ announced Holly dramatically. She slid her backpack off her shoulder and dropped it on thefloor. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold outside and her blue eyes flashed with excitement.
‘Taylor Swift is doing a gig in Plumdale?’ teased James.
‘No,’ said Holly. ‘It’s even more exciting than that. Noa Drakos is making a movie right here in Plumdale!’
James and Sarah exchanged surprised looks. Now thatwasbig news.
‘Who on earth is that?’ asked Geraldine.
‘He’s a famous director, Grandma,’ explained Holly.
‘A veryhandsomefamous director,’ added Roger.
‘You know the one, Mum,’ prompted Sarah. ‘He won an Oscar forANZAC, about the two soldiers who fall in love while fighting in the Battle of Gallipoli?’
‘Oh, yes,’ said Geraldine. ‘I didn’t care for the battle scenes – too gory for me.’
‘It’s a masterpiece,’ said Roger. ‘He used thousands of extras to recreate those battles.’
‘It’s a great film,’ agreed James. He’d followed the Australian film-maker’s career with interest, ever since seeing his debut, a low-budget indie inspired by his mixed Greek and Polynesian heritage.
‘He hasn’t made anything recently, has he?’ asked Roger.
‘No,’ replied James. ‘His last few movies haven’t done as well.’
Holly bit her lip. ‘Speaking of extras … They’re doing an open casting for small parts next week. Can I go?’
‘When is it?’ asked Sarah.
Holly tugged at her skirt nervously, avoiding her parents’ eyes. ‘Well, that’s the thing … It’s on Tuesday morning, so I’d have to miss school – and then a few more days for the shoot if I get chosen.’
James and Sarah exchanged concerned looks. They both knew that Holly couldn’t afford to miss any more lessons. Not if she wanted to pass maths and science.
‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,’ said James. ‘This is your GCSE year.’
Sarah nodded. ‘You’ve got mocks after Christmas. You can’t miss school unless it’s something important.’
‘Thisisimportant,’ insisted Holly. ‘It could be my big break. Mocks aren’t real exams – the clue’s in the name. Besides, why do I even need to study subjects like chemistry and maths? I know I want to act.’
James’s daughter had always loved performing – ever since a scene-stealing turn as a sheep in her nursery nativity. When she’d realised her bleating had made the audience laugh, she’d milked it for all it was worth.
‘Yes, but even actors need to get their GCSEs,’ said Sarah. ‘It’s a tough profession, so it’s good to have qualifications to fall back on.’
‘Oh, wow, thanks,’ said Holly sarcastically. ‘So you’re saying you don’t think I’m good enough?’
‘That’s not what I meant—’
‘Yes, it is!’ exploded Holly. ‘That’s literally what you mean.’
‘Holly, calm down,’ said James, trying to keep the peace.
‘Don’t tell me what to do! I’m nearly sixteen!’ shouted Holly. ‘I’m practically an adult. I should be able to make my own decisions!’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Sarah. ‘But the answer is still no.’
‘I hate you!’ Holly glowered at her mother. ‘Just because you regret giving up on your dream doesn’t mean I’m going to give up on mine!’ Picking up her backpack, she stormed out of the lobby.
Sarah looked stricken, as if Holly had slapped her in the face.
