Chapter 226: Teen Celebrity Party

Later that day

"Okay guys, we have a party tonight," I said, looking at my friends. Already at my house were Carly, Sam, Freddie, Cara, Paige, Scarlett, Regina, and Cher.

"Wow, this is going to be our first party organized for several teen celebs," Cher pondered.

"Yeah, our dream coming true. And to think that at the beginning we fought with our parents for not letting us go to Beverly Hills High School," Regina commented melancholically.

"You're welcome," I joked and lightly bowed, receiving a light smile from both. "Me too. My family advised me to go to Harvard-Westlake School. But I refused."

"The most prestigious school in LA?" Scarlett asked, holding my hand.

"Yep. I went there and didn’t like it. A bunch of dandy people."

They all looked at me. I turned to Scarlett and she was raising an eyebrow with a knowing face.

"Hey, I’m not dandy, I’m just well-groomed."

"You literally have your own beauty salon at home," Carly pointed out.

"It is for my mom. And all of you are using it," I protested. "And since I’m already there for a haircut, nothing wrong with letting them cut my nails too. Especially my toenails—I hate to do them on my own."

Only Cher has her own salon at home (Regina’s dad was against it). But even she uses mine, since everyone gathers here.

"I have to agree with Jake. I thought it was weird at first. But that warm water, the cream, and the included foot massage—I started to love it," Freddie defended me.

"And I support it," Cara intervened. "Having a boyfriend who is all clean and well-groomed is much better than some disgusting ogres."

My phone rang. "Looks like the guests are arriving. Hilary Duff, Mikayla, and a bunch more," I said. 

Most of them headed into the mini club, while Cher went to greet Hilary personally (it was her who invited the beer Simpsons girl).

Scarlett decided to stay by my side, since I had to help with the reception too.

"Why so pensive, Jake?" Lettie turned to me.

"I just hope this bunch of kids don’t make trouble at my party," I answered. They’re famous now, but most of them will become flops in the future…

"You’re one of the youngest here, baby boy," Scarlett teased, bumping her shoulder against mine.

"Yet you’re the one doing Freaky Friday," I jabbed back.

She narrowed her eyes at me but laughed. "Okay, that was fair. But I really wanted to do at least one teen comedy before going fully into serious roles. 

I talked with my agent, and we decided it was worth the risk. Not getting too typecast, and showing versatility," she concluded.

"That’s well thought out. And in the future, who knows, you might be the lead in my new scripts," I smiled at her.

"Oh? Can I know what they are?" she asked curiously. She knew I wouldn’t offer her a horror role (not her style, even if she wanted to diversify).

"I’m working on three of them: La La Land, Black Swan, and Frozen."

"What are they about? How far along are they?"

"They’re moving forward. Black Swan and La La Land, as you can see, I already have the titles," I joked.

She snorted but laughed. "And Frozen?"

"It’s in development. It was Pepper’s request. She wanted to try at least one animated feature." Not totally a lie—Pepper liked the idea but thought it was better to work with a studio (Pixar or DreamWorks) later this year, especially since it would require good negotiations, as they don’t usually accept ‘commissions.’ It would probably be a partnership.

"Animation?" Scarlett said, astonished.

"Yep, and the story is aimed at young girls, but I think we can attract a wider audience too. The idea is to use Britney as the main character’s voice, since she’ll also have singing parts," I explained. 

I might even do Olaf’s voice—I’m still thinking about it. I think there’s a big chance we’ll be able to repeat the success, especially with Britney at an even bigger peak than in my past life.

"As for the other two, I was thinking the protagonists could be around 23 in one and 27 in the other. I’m not in a hurry to release them," I added. 

Both won Oscars for their leading actresses (and I’ll actually meet one of them soon). But I don’t know if I should give the roles to a friend (Let’s decide in the future).

Seeing Scarlett thoughtful, I gently squeezed her hand. "Let’s go, I already see the guests."

---

"Hello, Mikayla, glad you came," I greeted her.

"How could I miss this? I love your parties," she said with a light smile.

Scarlett introduced herself (though everyone already seemed to know her). The rest who came with Mikayla did the same.

"Amanda Bynes," one of the girls introduced herself.

Wow, isn’t she the one who got really screwed in the future? (Don’t know the reason though…)

"Drake" & "Josh"—they didn’t introduce themselves together, but I heard it as if they did.

And a few others introduced themselves too.

"Jake Harper," I said finally. "Welcome and make yourselves at home. I know the NDAs might seem scary (and they’re meant to), but it’s just to ensure everyone’s privacy."

"And if any of you came with parents, we have a separate space for them," I finished.

"Thank God no, I somehow convinced them not to come," Amanda joked, though clearly relieved.

I gestured for everyone to go inside.

As Mikayla was about to enter, she remembered something. "Jesus, I almost forgot. Congrats on your nomination, Jake," she gave me a light hug and smiled.

"Thanks."

"Guys, Jake here was nominated for the Oscar—Original Screenplay, Lost in Translation," Mikayla explained.

Some "What???" and "Wow" were heard, along with wide eyes. Then came the congratulations.