A Change of Heart, A Story Pt.2

“Well, let’s get a few things out of the way before we begin.” Bill starts. “I’ve never been the best to my fans or critics…Jeff changed that for sure”, He finishes with a laugh. “I was an ass, demanding prostration and praise where it was not warranted .Thinking myself a God among men, better than the masses…Oh, how I was wrong.”

“Now, let us begin.” The thespian says a twinkle in his eye as he sips his wine.

“I was on the set of a flop of a movie The Homeward Bound Vagabond, the plot was trite .It was a feel good card company cut out plot, not going to bore you with the details. That’s not why we’re here. The important thing to remember is this was the turning part of my life, the death of the megalomaniac in me; the fall of the False God.
I remember the day; I woke annoyed as every other day on this project. I didn’t want to be there. However, I owed some people favors, after this was over all debts were paid. I just wanted it over, wanted my check, and to start on the next Oscar worthy roll. Having just come off of my role as Cesar (I know somewhat ironic) the year before and being nominated for a golden idol. I wanted another to adorn my shelf… And soon.

Anyway, the day was like another there in Wyoming during winter: cold, wet and busy. I had to be up before the snow was dirtied and mush. To damn early for me I needed my morning caffeine. I remember stepping out of the dressing trailer at a quarter till dawn. I grab the nearest serf looking person and the exchange was something along these lines:
Looking the lady in the eye, ‘you know who I am, right?’ She nodded so violently her glasses fell to the bridge of her nose.

‘Good, I’ll have a 5 shot venti, two-fifths decaf, ristretto shot, one pump vanilla, one pump Hazelnut, breve,1 sugar in the raw, with whip cream and caramel drizzle on top, free poured, 4 pump mocha.’ Her large eyes grow wider as she tries to process this. ‘NOW, WOMAN!’

A grip boy, who at the time was an unknown to me, walked over as the poor woman scuttled off.

‘Oy, ‘er a right git, ya know!’ he says with a hateful look, rolling use some cord as he did.

‘Oh, piss off ginger man!’ I reply, lighting a cigarette, not thinking anymore of it.

He just shook his head as he walked away.”





“So, that was the first time you spoke to Jeff?” I ask, flipping the tape over(yes, dear readers, this reporter can hardly afford cheese and crackers. Let alone a digital recorder)

“Indeed, Miss Molly. My actions were not very laudable, I think.” Our dear Bill replies as he tops off my wine glass.

“Thank you,” I say, taken aback. “But please, continue.”

“Ahhh,” he sighs, “To the meat of the feast, huh? Well, a short while later the poor woman comes back with my coffee. I was not happy.” the once spiteful man says, remorsefully.



“She comes walking in about ten minutes until shoot time, I was irked, eyes still crusty and vision blurred.

‘About damn time, better be right.’ I say as I snatch the drink out of her hand and sip it. ‘Holy Hell, was it really that hard?’ I spit out with the coffee (Which was really just fine in hindsight, I was just a bit of a “Neap” as Jeff likes to say).
The poor girl sobbed as she wiped away the liquid from her glasses and uselessly tried to rub it out of her sweater. I just waved her on.

Five minutes till film’s in the gate people

‘Comm’er, ya bas, let’s have a blether afore we get ta work,ya?’ I hear behind me as a meaty hand digs in my shoulder.

‘Jeffe,no boy, drop it.’ I hear an older voice say

‘Yes, Jeff, don’t want to miss out on those potatoes and whiskey, now do ye?’ I was honestly that bad.
He grips a bit tighter as we lock eyes.

‘Hold now, let’s see ‘eer. how bad ‘id tha quine feck up.’ The grip said boldly taking my cup and taking a deep gulp. He winced as it went down.

‘Oy, not to my taste.’ Jeff said , with all seriousness, popping the lid and throwing the liquid in my pompous face.

I was taken aback.

Two minutes till roll time, folks.

‘Jeffe, let it be lad…you’ve done enough.’

‘I cannae let it go Pa, no’ yet.’

As I wipe the last bit of lukewarm drink out of my eyes I hear the people around me gasp.

‘Jeff, wait please.’ I try to stop him but I know it’s no use, I pissed the wrong person off.

I see stars then blackness, next thing I know I’m in the back of an ambulance right eye swollen shut

‘Hell’ I say, turning my head and seeing Jeff.

‘No need ta fret,Bill. I got ye here, I’ll get ye home safe.’”




“So, yes, Miss Molly, I think I’ve changed.” The new Mr. Krien says showing me the door and waving as I walk to my car.