Inroads to Making Sense

CHAPTER EIGHT

Jayne drove her lime Green Audi into the Paramount Studio Gates. Max, the guard waved her through as the gates opened. The usual plethora of activities gave her a grateful sense of belonging. This had been her home for almost fifteen years. She felt a hallowed sense of satisfaction pulling into her designated parking place, and turning to Jessie said, “Well, kiddo, let’s get this year’s adventure wrapped up.”

A Billboard along the entire wall of lot 27 boasted in bold letters: MAKING SENSE a new film from Paramount Studios starring Emma Stone, Emily Blunt and Simon Baker as Jerome. Nominated for seven awards. Wining Best Story at the Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for Best Actor Oscar 2022.

Ted, Marc, Jake and Genevieve were gathered together in Jayne’s office awaiting their arrival. Ted held an open bottle of Dom Pérignon ready to pour a celebratory glass to toast their success. Both Jane and Jessie were already high on how much the movie was getting such positive acclaim, the champagne was almost superfluous. 

“You girls must feel magnificent now.” Said Marc, lifting his glass.

“Propitiously delicious, is a closer summary, “ said Jessie, ever the writer. Everyone laughed, agreeably, relieved the film was finally completed and set free to live out its beatific destiny. A plausible resolution to bring light to a miserable, unhappy world. Wrapped and tied with a collective bow of love from the entire cast and crew. It was to be distributed later this month in seven languages all over the world. A new paradigm was about to be born. They were happy with their accomplishment.

“Now we wait.” Said Ted. “If we did our jobs well, it’s only a matter of watching the course of humanity change and take hold! Say goodbye to the destructive brute force rage. How good it will feel to be free of it.” He raised his glass “Down with divisive paranoia and black-hearted hatred, Now Dystopia will be damned forever.” They declared in unison, “HERE HERE” 

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of interviews, testing a variety of audiences, and promotional events. The public’s response was even greater than anticipated, but the best news was how popular it was registering with teenagers. They seemed to gravitate away from the alternative doldrums they were lobbed into. All around it was a win for everyone.

There was some talk about turning it into a video game where the players after completing layers become themselves superhero’s in control of their own destiny with the goal of healing the planet.

Ted held up his plastic champagne glass again and said, “I have an announcement. It was texted to me yesterday that after we entered MAKING SENSE at the Venice Film Festival, it has been accepted - we leave in three weeks. The whole gang is going. September in Venice. How does that sound? Loud cheering from the group declared it sounded pretty damn good. “Is the cast going as well?” asked Jayne.

Ted responded, “Emma and Emily are, but Simon has a film in Australia he’s directing, so it is his priority right now. He was really sorry when I called him this morning but was happy to hear we had it entered and sent all of us his best. He wanted us to know how much he enjoyed working with everyone. He said he would definitely be here in February, to attend the Oscars. He also emphasized that he would be happy to sponsor a premier opening in Sydney, when we were ready.”

“Wow, that's excellent news,” smiled Jessie. “He’s so much fun to be with.” She had developed a major crush on him during the filming. Simon looked at Jessie like a kid sister. This was fine with Jessie she lapped it up. “Five minutes with Simon is better than a lifetime with anyone else.” She’d say admitting she was a die-hard fan.

Jayne shook Jessie’s arm…” Venice… Italy!” Was all she said. They looked at each other and as if they were about to parachute jump again quietly squealed in unison.  ” Ahhhhhhhhhhyeeeee.... ” 

Tonight’s festivities included a showing of the film and a catered banquet for all the invited distribution dignitaries and spouses. Tri-tips and scalloped potatoes were on the menu. Grilled salmon and Saffron rice; a variety of salads and side dishes. On the accompanying table, were golden pyramid trays filled with heavenly desserts. No expense was spared, a Testament of Paramount's appreciation. They had high hopes for a new kind of blockbuster. In fact, there was a rumor that it could possibly be used as a training source for academia’s multiple tiers.

The intimate theater — conveniently housed on the lot, was also filled with the cast and crew, friends, and their families. Jerome brought Renee, whom they later found out was his daughter. It would be his first time viewing the film, having mostly been utilized as a consultant, and host of the Ashram and gardens. He was noticeably excited. Jayne sat two rows behind him on the aisle, so she had a clear view of his reactions.

There was a giddiness in the air, the stories around the film were sketchy and not many knew what to expect except for something different in filmmaking. Jessie and Jayne were already peaking. They knew it could go either way. It was a revolutionary vision, and they were concerned it would be presented in a universally accepting and agreeable way.

Next to Jessie were Maggie and Ted. Maggie leaned over Jessie’s lap, and picked up Jayne's hand giving it a squeeze of congratulations and good luck. It was also her first view of their baby. Ted looked over Maggie’s head at Jayne and winked his good wishes, making both girls smile. They were intimate comrades on a journey towards a mystical awakening that would hopefully change humanity. The lights dimmed, signaling the guests to be seated. The movie theme song written by Jeff Lynne had been unanimously chosen by Jayne and Ted to create the original soundtrack for the heavenly tone of the film. They were both enormous fans of the Electric Light Orchestra. When Jeff agreed to be the musical director to score and compose, they were both ecstatic. The theme was closely attuned to the story’s message and was also nominated.

Emma Stone was the perfect Jayne. The opening scene of her being heartbroken and dejected over the package was spot on. She was every bit compatible with Emily Blunt‘s characterization of Jessie, a definite visible bond was formed.

Simon Baker was Jerome in every aspect. It was impossible not to fall in love with him. The dream sequences were boldly replicated and enhanced on the screen. Every emotion was felt. the cinematography was also nominated for a Golden Globe award. The combination of actors, musical score, and photography, witnessed a new level of cinema excellence being born.

Jayne frequently glanced at Jerome during the dream sequences. He swiped his forehead when he was embarrassed and rubbed his chin, smiling when Jayne thought it was him who delivered the fish. All together, Jayne was pleased with his reactions. The romantic scene was coming next, and she was particularly interested in his thoughts. The scene was pretty much the way she dreamt it, leaving the actors to play it out. When it was revealed she didn't know how to love him when her passionate lust was replaced with worship. Jerome turned around and looked directly at her inquisitively. As if to ask ’Why?’

Jayne flushed and instantly the original desire was reawakened. All she needed was the acknowledgment of his feelings towards her. She was in love again. Smiling at him, she put both hands over her heart, as if to say 'I never want to be more than five minutes away from you ever again.' From the way he smiled at her, she knew he felt the same. She just wasn't sure how to break the news to Jessie.

Jessie witnessed the entire episode and saw how joyful the two were. She could only feel happy for them. It would appear Jessie had been transformed as well. Her demeanor of late has been the definitive progress of surrendering to her God-self and transcending her mind. She was worried that this flux would interfere with her writing but soon discovered it only improved it. She couldn't have been happier to let go of all the garbage she surreptitiously clung to.  

When the movie ended, the audience was hushed. ‘Uh Oh’ thought Jayne, but when the lights came up the crowd stood in unison and applauded. It wasn’t planned. It was felt en mass to be the right thing to do. Jessie and Jayne remained seated as the entire audience faced them with ovations.

After the show, the group gathered at the buffet standing in line for the banquet. Catchphrases were overheard. Like KUDOS, and it’s ABOUT TIME! And ‘I can't wait for my kids to see it’ and, ‘my mother has said this very thing for years. We often wondered what made her so happy.’ A big fellow in front of Jessie served himself a double portion of Tri-tips and gravy and said to nobody. “Who’s gonna believe this baloney. It's too far fetched to be true.”

Jessie spoke up. “Listening to your mind will only lead you astray. Look to your heart for answers.” He turned his ruddy face toward her with a look of fixed disdain and articulated a grunt akin to a pig. Jessie said to herself, ‘well there’s one mind that likely won't be changed, he'll probably die first.’

Looking around, she couldn't see either Jayne or Jerome. They had disappeared into an empty office to talk. Jerome spoke first “Why haven't you said anything to me about your feelings before? Are those dreams accurate? You poor darling, what you must have been going through.

This knowledge is complex enough without so many deep feelings about me. You don't need the extra interference. But now that I know how you feel, and seeing the way we interacted in your dreams, I would be a fool not to acknowledge that bond.” He took her in his arms and tenderly held her close. It felt so right, they melted into that single flame that only she had known until now.

For Jayne the cycle was complete, she had gone from a life of misery and mental disturbances, often on the verge of suicide. To a world autonomous with the knowledge that she is now and forever entirely free from pain and suffering while learning how to just be a human be-ing. And with Jerome at her side, all she felt was endless possibilities and a great deal of blissful love. She was at last her completely radiant self.

The end

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Thank you for reading my story.

To read It from the beginning start here:

Chapters: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven