Post by April Madrox on Jul 29, 2024 0:42:09 GMT
{The scene opens in a small, cozy common area of a hostel in Yokohama, Japan. The room is filled with the chatter of tourists, some playing board games, others sharing stories of their travels. April sits at a small wooden table, writing in a notebook. Her expression is one of deep concentration mixed with underlying sadness.}
April: {whispering to herself as she writes} Dear Brooklyn, I know you need space right now, and I’m trying my best to give it to you. I don’t know if you’re still in Japan or if you’ve already left. I wish you’d at least leave me a message. I hope you’re okay. I’m sorry for everything. I never wanted to hurt you, and I’m so sorry for pushing you towards Dean. I just wanted us to be a family again. Please, Brooklyn, give me a chance to make this right. Love, April.
{April closes the notebook, a deep sigh escaping her lips. As she looks up, a girl in her mid-twenties with short, blonde hair and a friendly smile approaches. Her name tag reads "Hannah." She sits down across from April, holding a cup of tea.}
Hannah: Hey, April. Mind if I join you?
April: {forcing a smile} Sure, Hannah. How’s it going?
Hannah: Not too bad. Just enjoying the last few days here before I head off to Kyoto. How about you? What brings you to Japan?
April: {hesitant} Oh, you know, just some work stuff and a bit of sightseeing.
Hannah: {curious} Work stuff? What kind of work do you do?
April: {dodging} It’s...complicated. Mostly involves traveling a lot and, uh, some physical activity.
Hannah: {not pressing} Got it. Sounds interesting. You seem a bit down though. Everything okay?
April: {sighing} It’s just...family stuff. My sister and I had a big falling out, and it’s been really hard. I’ve been trying to reach out to her, but she’s not responding.
Hannah: {sympathetic} I’m sorry to hear that. Family stuff can be really tough. Do you mind if I ask what happened?
April: {hesitant} It’s a long story. Basically, I trusted someone I shouldn’t have, and it blew up in my face and ended up hurting her really badly. Now she won’t talk to me, and I don’t even know if she’s still here in Japan.
Hannah: {thoughtful} She was here traveling with you and might have left? Oh, that sounds rough. I know you said you’ve left her voice messages, but have you tried going to see her? At least you’d know if she was still in the country right?
April: {nodding} Yeah, I tried that - well, last week I tried that. I … I’ve just been trying to give her some space and trying to not let this eat me up. So, I’ve been writing letters. I don’t know if she’ll even read them, but I have to try and get this off my heart.
Hannah: {gentle} That’s good. Just keep trying. Sometimes people need more time than we expect to come around. You can’t force it, but you can show that you care and that you’re there when she’s ready.
April: {softly} I just feel so alone. Something really great happened to me last week and made it to the finals of this big tournament thing at work, but there was no one to share it with. It’s like I’ve lost everything.
Hannah: {reassuring} You haven’t lost everything, April. You’re still here, and you’re still fighting. That says a lot about your strength. And even if your sister isn’t ready to talk yet, it doesn’t mean she never will be. Just be patient and keep showing her that you care.
April: {smiling weakly} Thanks, Hannah. I needed to hear that.
Hannah: {smiling back} Anytime. Just remember, you’re not alone. Even if it feels that way, there are people who care about you and want to see you succeed. Don’t give up on yourself or your sister.
{April nods, a sense of resolve slowly replacing the sadness in her eyes. She takes a deep breath and looks at Hannah with gratitude.}
April: I’ll keep trying. Thank you, Hannah. Really.
Hannah: {getting up} No problem, April. If you ever need to talk, I’m here until next Thursday. Here, I’ll give you my number so if you need anything even after we’ve headed off to our next stop you can get ahold of me. Oh, and good luck with everything at work. I’m sure you’ll do great.
{Hannah gives April a reassuring pat on the shoulder before walking away. April watches her go, feeling a small glimmer of hope. She opens her notebook again, beginning another letter to Brooklyn.}
April: {writing} Dear Brooklyn, I know I’ve said this before, but I need you to know how much I love you and how sorry I am. I’ll keep trying to reach you, and I won’t give up. We’re family, and that means everything to me. I hope you’ll give me a chance to make things right. Love, April.
{The scene fades out as April continues to write, her expression one of quiet resolve.}
------------------------------------
{The scene opens in a dimly lit hostel room in Yokohama, Japan. April sits on the edge of her bed, holding her phone with a contemplative expression. She places the phone down on the small table beside her, straightens her posture, and faces the camera. The camera zooms in and out for a moment before focusing on her face, capturing the intensity in her eyes as she begins to speak directly to the camera.}
“Charlotte, first off, let me say congratulations. Seriously, making it to the finals of the Heiress to the Throne is no small feat. You've beaten the odds and defied expectations, and for that, you deserve all the praise you've been getting. This is a first for both of us, standing here on the brink of something incredible. And I’ve got to say, your Cinderella story has been one for the books.”
{April's expression softens for a moment, a hint of a smile crossing her lips.}
“Look around you, girlie, you've got the entire company singing your praises, and for good reason. You've shown heart, determination, and skill. You’ve proven that the sky is the limit for you, and that’s something to be proud of. You've inspired a lot of people, Charlotte, and you've earned their respect.”
{She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. The smile fades, replaced by a more serious expression.}
“But here’s the thing, Charlotte. Cinderella stories are beautiful, they capture our hearts, but they all have one thing in common—they end. Midnight comes, the magic fades, and reality sets in. This time, nobody is going to be filling that glass slipper.”
{April's tone shifts, becoming more intense as she locks eyes with the camera.}
“You see, Charlotte, while your story has been all about defying the odds, mine has been about surviving the worst. I've been through hell and back. Betrayal, heartbreak, isolation—I've faced it all, and I'm still standing. You’ve had the luxury of support, of friends and family rallying behind you.
Me?
I’ve had to do this alone.”
{She clenches her fists, her knuckles turning white.}
“That’s what makes me the more worthy of us to become the Heiress to the Throne. I've learned to thrive in the darkness, to find strength in my solitude. While you’ve been the company’s darling, I’ve been the leftover, the spare Madrox … the one everyone counted out, especially after … the incident. But I’ve fought my way to get here, clawed my way back up from the bottom, and I’m not about to let this slip through my fingers.”
{April’s voice grows colder, more calculating.}
“Only one of us can be the Heiress to the Throne, which as we both know is a throne currently occupied by Ms. Jennie Fenix, our reigning champion and apparent boss. The same champion, who if memory serves me, has already shown you that you’re not worthy to wear the crown. She’s exposed your weaknesses, your vulnerabilities. And that’s where I come in, Charlotte. I’m going to do more than just expose you—I’m going to break you.”
{She takes a step closer to the camera, her eyes narrowing.}
“You see, Charlotte, I know how to play this game. I know how to get inside your head, to make you doubt yourself. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Because when we step into that ring, it’s not just about skill or strength—it’s about who wants it more. And believe me, I want this more than anything.”
{April’s voice drops to a whisper, adding an eerie quality to her words.}
“I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire career. I’ve faced monsters, I’ve faced demons, and I’ve faced my own worst fears. There’s nothing you can throw at me that I haven’t already faced a hundred times over. And that’s why, when the dust settles, it will be me standing tall, the new Heiress to the Throne.”
{She straightens up, her expression hardening once more.}
“You’ve got a lot of heart, Charlotte, but heart alone isn’t going to win you this match. You need to be ruthless, you need to be relentless, and most importantly, you need to be willing to do whatever it takes to win. And I don’t think you have that in you.”
{April pauses, letting her words sink in before delivering the final blow.}
“So, when all is said and done, when the final bell rings and I’m standing there with my hand raised in victory, you’ll have your friends and family to commiserate with. They’ll be there to pick you up, to tell you it’s okay, that you did your best. But deep down, you’ll know the truth. You’ll know that you weren’t good enough, that you didn’t have what it takes. And that, Charlotte, will be the hardest pill to swallow.”
{She takes a step back, her eyes still locked on the camera.}
“I wish you the best of luck, Charlotte. You’re going to need it. Because when midnight strikes, the fairytale ends. And the reality is, no amount of bibbity bobbity boo’ing can stop me. This is my time, my moment, and I’m not letting anyone take it away from me.”
{The camera slowly zooms out as April stands tall, her expression a mix of determination and resolve. April leans forward and snatches at the phone as the scene fades to black.}
April: {whispering to herself as she writes} Dear Brooklyn, I know you need space right now, and I’m trying my best to give it to you. I don’t know if you’re still in Japan or if you’ve already left. I wish you’d at least leave me a message. I hope you’re okay. I’m sorry for everything. I never wanted to hurt you, and I’m so sorry for pushing you towards Dean. I just wanted us to be a family again. Please, Brooklyn, give me a chance to make this right. Love, April.
{April closes the notebook, a deep sigh escaping her lips. As she looks up, a girl in her mid-twenties with short, blonde hair and a friendly smile approaches. Her name tag reads "Hannah." She sits down across from April, holding a cup of tea.}
Hannah: Hey, April. Mind if I join you?
April: {forcing a smile} Sure, Hannah. How’s it going?
Hannah: Not too bad. Just enjoying the last few days here before I head off to Kyoto. How about you? What brings you to Japan?
April: {hesitant} Oh, you know, just some work stuff and a bit of sightseeing.
Hannah: {curious} Work stuff? What kind of work do you do?
April: {dodging} It’s...complicated. Mostly involves traveling a lot and, uh, some physical activity.
Hannah: {not pressing} Got it. Sounds interesting. You seem a bit down though. Everything okay?
April: {sighing} It’s just...family stuff. My sister and I had a big falling out, and it’s been really hard. I’ve been trying to reach out to her, but she’s not responding.
Hannah: {sympathetic} I’m sorry to hear that. Family stuff can be really tough. Do you mind if I ask what happened?
April: {hesitant} It’s a long story. Basically, I trusted someone I shouldn’t have, and it blew up in my face and ended up hurting her really badly. Now she won’t talk to me, and I don’t even know if she’s still here in Japan.
Hannah: {thoughtful} She was here traveling with you and might have left? Oh, that sounds rough. I know you said you’ve left her voice messages, but have you tried going to see her? At least you’d know if she was still in the country right?
April: {nodding} Yeah, I tried that - well, last week I tried that. I … I’ve just been trying to give her some space and trying to not let this eat me up. So, I’ve been writing letters. I don’t know if she’ll even read them, but I have to try and get this off my heart.
Hannah: {gentle} That’s good. Just keep trying. Sometimes people need more time than we expect to come around. You can’t force it, but you can show that you care and that you’re there when she’s ready.
April: {softly} I just feel so alone. Something really great happened to me last week and made it to the finals of this big tournament thing at work, but there was no one to share it with. It’s like I’ve lost everything.
Hannah: {reassuring} You haven’t lost everything, April. You’re still here, and you’re still fighting. That says a lot about your strength. And even if your sister isn’t ready to talk yet, it doesn’t mean she never will be. Just be patient and keep showing her that you care.
April: {smiling weakly} Thanks, Hannah. I needed to hear that.
Hannah: {smiling back} Anytime. Just remember, you’re not alone. Even if it feels that way, there are people who care about you and want to see you succeed. Don’t give up on yourself or your sister.
{April nods, a sense of resolve slowly replacing the sadness in her eyes. She takes a deep breath and looks at Hannah with gratitude.}
April: I’ll keep trying. Thank you, Hannah. Really.
Hannah: {getting up} No problem, April. If you ever need to talk, I’m here until next Thursday. Here, I’ll give you my number so if you need anything even after we’ve headed off to our next stop you can get ahold of me. Oh, and good luck with everything at work. I’m sure you’ll do great.
{Hannah gives April a reassuring pat on the shoulder before walking away. April watches her go, feeling a small glimmer of hope. She opens her notebook again, beginning another letter to Brooklyn.}
April: {writing} Dear Brooklyn, I know I’ve said this before, but I need you to know how much I love you and how sorry I am. I’ll keep trying to reach you, and I won’t give up. We’re family, and that means everything to me. I hope you’ll give me a chance to make things right. Love, April.
{The scene fades out as April continues to write, her expression one of quiet resolve.}
------------------------------------
{The scene opens in a dimly lit hostel room in Yokohama, Japan. April sits on the edge of her bed, holding her phone with a contemplative expression. She places the phone down on the small table beside her, straightens her posture, and faces the camera. The camera zooms in and out for a moment before focusing on her face, capturing the intensity in her eyes as she begins to speak directly to the camera.}
“Charlotte, first off, let me say congratulations. Seriously, making it to the finals of the Heiress to the Throne is no small feat. You've beaten the odds and defied expectations, and for that, you deserve all the praise you've been getting. This is a first for both of us, standing here on the brink of something incredible. And I’ve got to say, your Cinderella story has been one for the books.”
{April's expression softens for a moment, a hint of a smile crossing her lips.}
“Look around you, girlie, you've got the entire company singing your praises, and for good reason. You've shown heart, determination, and skill. You’ve proven that the sky is the limit for you, and that’s something to be proud of. You've inspired a lot of people, Charlotte, and you've earned their respect.”
{She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. The smile fades, replaced by a more serious expression.}
“But here’s the thing, Charlotte. Cinderella stories are beautiful, they capture our hearts, but they all have one thing in common—they end. Midnight comes, the magic fades, and reality sets in. This time, nobody is going to be filling that glass slipper.”
{April's tone shifts, becoming more intense as she locks eyes with the camera.}
“You see, Charlotte, while your story has been all about defying the odds, mine has been about surviving the worst. I've been through hell and back. Betrayal, heartbreak, isolation—I've faced it all, and I'm still standing. You’ve had the luxury of support, of friends and family rallying behind you.
Me?
I’ve had to do this alone.”
{She clenches her fists, her knuckles turning white.}
“That’s what makes me the more worthy of us to become the Heiress to the Throne. I've learned to thrive in the darkness, to find strength in my solitude. While you’ve been the company’s darling, I’ve been the leftover, the spare Madrox … the one everyone counted out, especially after … the incident. But I’ve fought my way to get here, clawed my way back up from the bottom, and I’m not about to let this slip through my fingers.”
{April’s voice grows colder, more calculating.}
“Only one of us can be the Heiress to the Throne, which as we both know is a throne currently occupied by Ms. Jennie Fenix, our reigning champion and apparent boss. The same champion, who if memory serves me, has already shown you that you’re not worthy to wear the crown. She’s exposed your weaknesses, your vulnerabilities. And that’s where I come in, Charlotte. I’m going to do more than just expose you—I’m going to break you.”
{She takes a step closer to the camera, her eyes narrowing.}
“You see, Charlotte, I know how to play this game. I know how to get inside your head, to make you doubt yourself. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Because when we step into that ring, it’s not just about skill or strength—it’s about who wants it more. And believe me, I want this more than anything.”
{April’s voice drops to a whisper, adding an eerie quality to her words.}
“I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire career. I’ve faced monsters, I’ve faced demons, and I’ve faced my own worst fears. There’s nothing you can throw at me that I haven’t already faced a hundred times over. And that’s why, when the dust settles, it will be me standing tall, the new Heiress to the Throne.”
{She straightens up, her expression hardening once more.}
“You’ve got a lot of heart, Charlotte, but heart alone isn’t going to win you this match. You need to be ruthless, you need to be relentless, and most importantly, you need to be willing to do whatever it takes to win. And I don’t think you have that in you.”
{April pauses, letting her words sink in before delivering the final blow.}
“So, when all is said and done, when the final bell rings and I’m standing there with my hand raised in victory, you’ll have your friends and family to commiserate with. They’ll be there to pick you up, to tell you it’s okay, that you did your best. But deep down, you’ll know the truth. You’ll know that you weren’t good enough, that you didn’t have what it takes. And that, Charlotte, will be the hardest pill to swallow.”
{She takes a step back, her eyes still locked on the camera.}
“I wish you the best of luck, Charlotte. You’re going to need it. Because when midnight strikes, the fairytale ends. And the reality is, no amount of bibbity bobbity boo’ing can stop me. This is my time, my moment, and I’m not letting anyone take it away from me.”
{The camera slowly zooms out as April stands tall, her expression a mix of determination and resolve. April leans forward and snatches at the phone as the scene fades to black.}
Well howdy there pardner.