Chapter 216: Valentine’s Day

I picked Scarlett up at the airport.

The number of paparazzi had dropped significantly after a few serial maniacs melted or glued camera parts onto their bodies. They woke up naked in busy public areas.

To make it worse (or better, depending on who you ask), tabloids even published those photos. Karma at its finest.

The public loves a freak show. Celebrities, for the most part, despised them. So basically, no one came to their defense.

Police had always considered paparazzi a nuisance — blocking roads, causing minor accidents, invading privacy, often bothering others as well, especially hotels and restaurants. The effort to catch the culprits didn’t seem all that strong... especially since mainstream media barely touched the subject (which meant no sympathy from jurists and politicians — a bunch of hypocrites).

And a bunch of nobodies (paparazzi) can’t go up against the media giants behind those tabloids — especially when those same giants are paying everyone’s bills.

Some paparazzi sued and even won in court.
Five hundred dollars in damages — a compensation that felt more like a slap in the face than justice.

So the ones that remained focused on large public places and crowds, which made it easier to avoid being photographed when we didn’t want to be seen.

Speaking of tabloids, almost none of them talked about JD's celebrities (unless said celebrity consented). Harvey, Louis, and Jessica did a great job with coercive legal action.

The only one who didn’t bend was David Pecker’s National Enquirer. He printed nasty stuff about Britney and Timberlake.

But karma is persistent.

His kids got bullied at school. His mother beaten badly by an angry nurse at the care home. His wife punched hard by a drunk man in a parking lot.

And him?

Stabbed in the back — literally. Then kicked so many times a soccer player would’ve been jealous. The "suspect," apparently, fled the country. Or so the media said.

After that… The Enquirer got mellow.

---

We were in my car, Sarah driving, and the two of us in the back seat (with the privacy glass up).

"I missed you, Scarlett," I said, kissing her hand.

"I’m sure you do," she replied, playfully narrowing her eyes at me.

"Hey, and you? You even chose to rent a place in Santa Monica," I joked.

"That’s because the filming will be nearby. Nothing to do with you," she teased.

I gasped, but continued, "Yeah, the school where it’s going to be filmed is close to mine."

I vetoed having it filmed at my school. With all the commotion, how would I take a nap? Besides, it would disrupt studies… (not mine)

About the movie, Freaky Friday — we’re doing it with Disney (we’re the ones producing it). They see us as an independent production company, so they agreed to the deal. (When we buy Universal, we’re going to give everyone a wake-up call).

Scarlett looked at me. "And what did you plan for today?"

"We’ll watch The Pianist at my place, since I know you still haven’t seen it. I got it from Pepper."

Another change in this universe, a good one: Roman Polanski isn’t a degenerate MF here. At least there are no accusations involving a 13-year-old girl, and he can be in the U.S. without risk of arrest. JD is extremely careful with its choice of directors and executives.

"Wow, Virginia really dotes on you," Scarlett teased.

Since the movie was still showing in theaters, it wasn’t so easy to get it at home.

"Of course, it all started with me — Paranormal Activity," I said proudly.

She laughed. "I’m pretty sure Marshmello came first. But you really did contribute a lot."

"It’s amazing how much JD has grown, right?" she added warmly.

"Do you like working for them?" I asked.

"I love it. I think they’re the best on the market, and not just because I’m in one of their movies. There’s zero tolerance for harassment, and they have something they call an anti-toxic environment policy," Scarlett replied

Yeah, we adopted that concept from the future. But not in the overly sensitive way where people get offended by everything (those types won’t get hired here). It’s possible to create a workplace that people enjoy, while still keeping control and discipline.

"And back to our Valentine’s Day, I also got us tickets to a masquerade party in a shopping mall," I said. "It’s a way for no one to recognize you. We can dance in peace"

"And then we’ll have dinner in that same mall — I reserved a private area," I added.

"Wow, you really prepared well," Scarlett smiled.

"Don’t I deserve a reward?" I joked, leaning closer to her.

We kissed.

---

We watched The Pianist in my mini home theater. Paige joined us (Mom was out on some date — she hasn’t introduced any woman to us yet).

By the final part of the movie, Paige and Scarlett were already holding me, both with slightly red eyes.

"Crap, I should have chosen a romantic comedy. My mistake..." I murmured.

I chose it mostly because Scarlett is an actress and the movie is being highly acclaimed.

Scarlett didn’t hear my comment. She pointed out, while wiping her tears "Roman Polanski sure is an incredible director. He might win next year’s Oscar."

I nodded, hoping he’s really not like his counterpart in my last life...

---

After the movie, Scarlett went to her place (which is very close) to change, and we headed to the mall.

Along with us, Sarah and Jimmy (Jackie) joined in for the dancing part. I had a wide grin seeing the two together and said I would definitely watch the premiere of Rush Hour (my second mistake, since I had to say the same about Scarlett’s Freaky Friday).

After some good moments dancing, we were walking to dinner when I saw familiar faces (who would imagine?).

"Phil, Claire!" I said, taking off my mask.