Dreams of Stardom (Hollywood SI)

Emily was the one to reach the trailer first, mistaking it for a port-a-potty arranged by the event organizers for concert-goers. Meanwhile, Troy, delayed by an enthusiastic crowd of mostly female fans who clung to him comically, arrived a little late. Back in his trailer, he attempted to open the bathroom door, unaware that someone else was using it. He struggled with it, applying all his strength.

The audience burst into laughter at the cartoonish scene when the door didn't budge despite Troy's tremendous efforts. The comedic timing peaked when the door swung open on its own after he had let go of the handle.

Emily's character, Bailey, stood on the other side. The instant their eyes met, there was an undeniable spark between the two. But as they say, sometimes, egos come in between people. Bailey, who had been very vocal about her dislike for Troy, didn't want to accept that connection and even went as far as to feign nonchalance about his name.

What followed was a lively debate about his music, with clear enjoyment beneath their banter. Bailey criticized EDM and Troy's shirtless appearance, while Troy teased her refusal to give her name.

"Damn!" Ashley remarked beside Benji. "I had no idea this Emily was so good."

Benji didn't either. Though he and Emily were long-distance friends, he'd never been certain whether she was truly talented or if Troy had cast her as a favor. Her limited role in [Brick] hadn't revealed much.

The scene transitioned to Troy on stage, now wearing a long robe that reached his feet, but it was open at the front, showing his sculpted abs in the middle.

"Guys," he addressed the crowd with a mic in hand, "I met someone just now who told me, in no uncertain terms, how much they dislike my songs."

The audience booed the unseen critic.

"I agree with your sentiment," Troy continued, "but they also challenged me to sing a better song, free of anything EDM. So here's a little surprise for you. I planned to release this with my next album, but I figure a sneak peek won't hurt."

The crowd erupted, their excitement mirrored by the little girl Dana, though her sister Bailey remained aloof.

Troy began strumming his guitar, his band accompanying with traditional instruments. The absence of electronic music gave the performance a timeless quality. As Troy sang, Benji felt as though he were in a live concert hall. The cinematography heightened the experience, with fast cuts shifting between Troy, Bailey, and the audience, creating an electric atmosphere.

Though the movie's audience couldn't sing along to the unfamiliar lyrics, the song's infectious melody had them humming the chorus in no time.

[What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction]

~: Baby you light up my world like nobody else

The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed

But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell

You don't know

Oh, oh

You don't know you're beautiful :~

When the song and the concert ended, Troy was backstage in his trailer when his manager entered, followed by the little girl Dana and, unsurprisingly, Bailey. As part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's arrangement to fulfill Dana's dream, she was granted a personal meeting with Troy. Dana was ecstatic, practically glowing with excitement, and Troy was the perfect gentleman. However, his eyes kept straying to her older sister, who stood silently in the background.

"So, you still think my music is trash?" Troy finally asked Bailey, unable to hold back.

"Oh my God!" Dana exclaimed in shock, turning to her sister. "That was you?!"

Bailey shrugged casually while ignoring her sister. "It was okay-ish, I guess. Still not my type. It's not your fault—I'm old school. I like retro songs. They don't make music like that anymore."

As the meeting was wrapping up, Troy stopped the girls from leaving. "Wait! At least tell me your name before you go."

Bailey raised an eyebrow, her expression cool. "We won't ever meet again."

"You never know," he said cryptically.

Bailey tilted her head in deliberation before finally responding, "Georgia. My middle name. That's all you'll get today." Then she left the room with her sister.

"Georgia, huh?" Troy murmured thoughtfully.

"Don't even think about it," his manager, played by Paul Rudd, interjected before Troy could say another word. "Need I remind you of what happened the last time you dated a fan?"

"She's different," Troy insisted.

The manager chuckled. "They're all different. At least at first. And let's not forget—your luck with women isn't exactly as good as your luck with music."

The movie then transitioned into a flashback, accompanied by a beautiful melody playing in the background. The scene showed Troy escorting a stunning woman in a red dress through a backdoor, just like the iconic long take in [Goodfellas]. The staff greeted him warmly, clearly familiar with him.

[Night Changes - One Direction]

~: Going out tonight

Changes into something red

Her mother doesn't like that kind of dress

Everything she never had she's showing off :~

In the following montage, Troy is shown going out with different women, each wearing a different colored dress—blue, green, yellow, and black. Their faces remain obscured, but the diversity of their skin tones, body shapes and styles makes it clear they're all different people. The dates are varied: the first at a high-class restaurant, the second at a theme park, the third at a skating rink, the fourth at his home, and the fifth on a long drive in the countryside.

At first, everything seems perfect. Troy gets along well with each woman, but eventually, disaster strikes every time. The first date ends when the girl's furious boyfriend appears, throwing water and food at Troy. On the second date, Troy becomes sick on a roller coaster and vomits on the girl's dress. During the skating rink date, both he and the girl fall, resulting in broken legs. At home, Troy accidentally sets himself on fire, and during the countryside drive, he's pulled over and arrested for driving without a license.

Benji couldn't hold back his laughter as he watched the hilariously chaotic montage. Yet, the song accompanying the scenes was undeniably perfect for the situation.

Abruptly, the flashback ended, and Troy was shown back in his trailer, sitting alone.

"I just know she's different," he murmured to himself.

The next scene cut to Bailey walking home from school with a few of her friends. As they approached her house, Bailey froze, stunned by the sight in front of her.

"Wait," her female friend exclaimed, equally shocked. "Is that Troy?"

That was all the cue Troy needed. Standing in front of Bailey's house, he launched into an "old-school" song, his voice carrying across the quiet street.

[Until I Found You - Stephen Sanchez]

~: Georgia, wrap me up in all your...

I want you, in my arms

Oh, let me hold you

I'll never let you go again, like I did

Oh, I used to say

"I would never fall in love again, until I found her" :~

Bailey was more than a little surprised when she heard a superstar like Troy belt out a song written just for her, perfectly tailored to the retro genre she loved. It was flawless in every sense, the kind of grand romantic gesture that would sweep any girl off her feet. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.

"Hey, asshole!" Another boy stepped beside Bailey, wrapping her in a casual side-hug. "Sing that song for someone else. Bailey's mine." The boy was none other than Robert Pattinson, Emily's current boyfriend in real life.

Troy was momentarily taken aback, as was the audience. No one had suspected that Bailey was already in a relationship with someone as handsome as Rob.

"It wasn't a love song meant for her," Troy defended, his tone measured. "It's part of my next album. I just wanted my new friend Bailey to hear it before anyone else." With that statement, he revealed he now knew her first name, thanks to Rob.

Rob looked skeptical, but he missed the significance of the gesture entirely. The fact that he didn't connect Bailey's middle name, Georgia, to the song showed how little he truly understood her.

With that realization, Troy walked away from the scene. Bailey appeared visibly conflicted, torn between the two men vying for her attention. But in the moment, she chose the devil she was familiar with, holding her current boyfriend's hand—a gesture that Troy noticed clearly.

Despite this, Troy began texting Bailey occasionally, framing their exchanges as friendly. Surprisingly, she reciprocated.

Soft guitar melodies started playing as the scene shifted to Troy alone in his hotel room for the night. He stood in front of the mirror, gazing at his reflection before breaking into a song.

[Treat You Better - Shawn Mendez]

~: I won't lie to you

I know he's just not right for you

And you can tell me if I'm off

But I see it on your face

When you say that he's the one that you want

And you're spending all your time

In this wrong situation

And anytime you want it to stop :~

The song continued to play during a scene showing Bailey and Rob locked in a heated argument about Troy. The argument abruptly shifted as they abandoned their words and began kissing passionately. Watching the entire exchange from a few feet away, Troy's expression was filled with heartbreak, and his ongoing song captured the pain of the moment perfectly.

As the song progressed, Rob and Bailey's relationship grew increasingly turbulent. Rob's behavior turned possessive—grabbing her face or hand tightly, and on one occasion, even pushing her against the wall. Bailey didn't resist or protest; she silently endured it, not knowing any better. At home, she witnessed a similar dynamic between her parents, who often fought over the stress caused by their younger daughter's illness. For Bailey, such relationships seemed normal, shaping her acceptance of Rob's actions.

By the end of the song, Troy made a decision: he would start touring the U.S. to distance himself from Bailey and sort out his feelings. However, before leaving, he resolved to meet her one last time.

What Troy saw during that meeting made his blood boil. Rob and Bailey were arguing yet again, but this time Rob slapped her. Furious, Troy intervened, delivering a punch to Rob's cheek before unleashing a flurry of blows that left the other boy on the ground.

"Troy!" Bailey cried out helplessly. "Stop. He's not worth it."

"He's not worth you," Troy retorted, his voice filled with anger. "Can't you see, Bailey? He's not good for you."

Bailey hesitated, but only for a moment. Then, stepping forward, she kissed Troy right in front of Rob, unconcerned about the other boy's reaction. Their first kiss was breathtakingly cinematic, with the camera rotating a full 360 degrees around them, capturing every emotional beat.

When they pulled apart, small smiles lingered on their lips, speaking volumes about how much they had both enjoyed the moment. Without looking away from Troy, Bailey declared, "I'm breaking up with you, Rob. I'm with Troy now."

Rob stood, glaring at them before walking away, leaving Troy and Bailey behind. The two exchanged warm smiles, their foreheads resting together in a tender gesture of newfound intimacy.

Ordinarily, a film might end on such a high note, but this was only the beginning of their journey. In the upcoming scenes, Troy and Bailey faced their first hurdle as a couple—his career.

"Are you sure you want to come to this shoot?" Troy asked hesitantly. "It's a little racy, and the video might have scenes you won't like."

"Now I have to come," Bailey insisted with a determined look.

Reluctantly, Troy agreed. What followed was the shoot for a new song, 'Closer', featuring Rihanna. The track's catchy chorus set the tone for a bold and daring sequence.

[Closer - Chainsmokers, Halsey]

~:So, baby, pull me closer

In the back seat of your Rover

That I know you can't afford

Bite that tattoo on your shoulder

Pull the sheets right off the corner

Of that mattress that you stole

From your roommate back in Boulder

We ain't ever getting older :~

The video for the song featured Troy and Rihanna getting rather close to each other. (Pun intended.) Beginning with a steamy bedroom scene, the shoot transitioned to a luxurious Range Rover cruising through the picturesque English countryside. Troy and Rihanna found every excuse to share passionate kisses, their chemistry undeniable.

Bailey didn't like the video for obvious reasons, but she chose not to voice her concerns aloud.

After the shooting wrapped, something unprecedented happened: Troy and Bailey's relationship was exposed to the public. A photograph of their kiss made its way into a prominent UK tabloid, and soon it was shared worldwide.

Bailey, a simple girl unaccustomed to such scrutiny, found herself the target of relentless attention. At school, classmates mocked her with crude jokes, often sexual in nature, about her and Troy. She disliked the comments but endured them silently because of Troy's kindness.

Troy had done so much for her family—helping her sister switch to the country's best doctor and even easing tensions between her parents. For these reasons, Bailey felt deeply indebted to him.

One evening, while on a date, Troy shared the story of his first music video, 'Count on Me', which he had released at the tender age of 11. The video had catapulted him to international fame. Bailey watched it on a handheld camcorder when two of Troy's fans approached them. The couple, set to marry in a few days, were eager to talk to him. However, Troy dismissed them, unwilling to share his time with anyone else while he was with Bailey.

Bailey didn't appreciate his attitude and rebuked him for treating his fans so poorly. The disagreement turned into a heated argument. Eventually, Troy felt guilty and decided to make amends. As a surprise, he attended the couple's wedding, and not just theirs—he began crashing other weddings too, capturing the joy on video. The compilation was later posted on YouTube, where it went viral within days.

In the next scene, Bailey's insecurities surfaced again.

"Why did you have to shoot that video for that bimbo?" she asked bitterly, referring to Rihanna. "You don't even have a singing part in that song."

"It's a give-and-take relationship in songs like these," Troy explained. "When she agreed to sing 'Closer' with me, I promised to feature in her video. Plus, she's a good friend."

Bailey hugged him tighter. "I just don't like you kissing someone else."

Troy gently patted her back. "Don't worry, love. My heart belongs to you and you only."

[We Found Love - Rihanna, Calvin Harris]

The next video, 'We Found Love', was entirely sung by Rihanna, with Troy playing her love interest. The storyline depicted the couple as drug addicts living recklessly—indulging in passion, booze, and narcotics. The tragic ending saw Rihanna's character leaving Troy due to his overindulgence, leading him to overdose in despair. The screen faded to black before the message appeared: Say No to Drugs. A poignant message for a movie within a movie.

Ironically, during the shoot of 'We Found Love', someone offered Troy drugs. He declined but accepted a free sample and the contact information the dealer provided, pocketing them with no intention of ever using them.

The shoot was in the U.S., and Troy returned to the UK via private jet. Upon landing, he was met with devastating news: Bailey's sister Dana had suffered a cancer relapse and was in the ICU.

Bailey shut herself off, refusing to speak with Troy, wanting to deal with the situation alone. Respecting her need for space, Troy stepped back. There was little he could do—Dana was already receiving care from the nation's best doctors.

Meanwhile, Troy's manager pressed him about his professional obligations. Reluctantly, he agreed to record a new song.

[Lovely - Billie Eilish, Khalid]

~:Oh, I hope some day I'll make it out of here

Even if it takes all night or a hundred years

Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near

Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear

Isn't it lovely, all alone?

Heart made of glass, my mind of stone

Tear me to pieces, skin to bone

Hello, welcome home :~

As Troy's beautiful vocals carried the next song, the story unfolded in the background. Bailey remained steadfastly by her sister Dana's side, while Troy made repeated attempts to reach out to her. Each time, Bailey rebuffed him.

During the last, poignant line of the song, Dana's heart monitor flatlined. The sound echoed through the hospital room, and more than a few audience members in the theater wiped away tears at the devastating scene.

Losing her sister pushed Bailey into deep depression. Struggling to cope, she made the painful decision to break up with Troy. She couldn't even face him in person, delivering the heartbreaking news over the phone.

For Troy, the breakup was a shattering blow. Desperate to numb the pain, he reached for the cocaine he had received during the U.S. shoot of 'We Found Love'. At first, it was a coping mechanism—a way to silence the ache in his chest. But soon, the drug became the only thing he cared about, dominating his every waking moment.

His manager grew increasingly concerned. Hoping to steer Troy away from his downward spiral, he arranged a meeting with a prominent film director who wanted Troy for the lead role in his next project. He thought trying new things, like acting, might make Troy better.

The young star reluctantly agreed, but chose to drive himself to the meeting. Just before leaving, he snorted a large amount of cocaine, which sent him into a hallucinatory haze.

[Blinding Light - The Weeknd]

The hauntingly rhythmic 'Blinding Lights' played as Troy sped through the city streets, his vision blurring and reality distorting. The scene was both mesmerizing and terrifying as he drove erratically, narrowly avoiding collisions—until he didn't.

The song crescendoed to a shocking climax as Troy's car smashed into another vehicle. The screen cut to black, leaving the audience in stunned silence.

"Please tell me he doesn't die," a girl in the theater asked out loud, voicing the shared sentiment of many viewers.

Thankfully, Troy survived the crash, though barely. He was rushed to the emergency room in critical condition. The news that the global teen icon had been driving under the influence spread like wildfire, sparking both outrage and concern.

Bailey, watching the news from home, was overcome with worry and guilt. She rushed to the hospital to see Troy but was stopped by his manager.

"You're not good for him," Paul Rudd's character said firmly. "Before you, he was just a normal teenager. He hadn't even tried alcohol, let alone drugs. But now…" He shook his head, his voice filled with frustration. "I won't stop you from seeing him, but ask yourself this—do you want to see him dead? Because if you trigger him again, that's exactly where this will lead."

Bailey broke down in tears but decided to honor his words for Troy's sake. Running out of the hospital, she crossed paths with Rihanna, who had come to visit Troy. The two exchanged a long look before walking in opposite directions without saying a single word.

Troy eventually pulled through, but the accident marked a turning point. Once he was stable, he was admitted to a rehab facility. However, the pain of Bailey's absence haunted him. He couldn't understand why she hadn't visited, even after such a life-threatening ordeal.

In one of the rehab's group sessions, Troy sang a heartfelt song for his fellow patients to show how much it has affected him.

[Someone You Love - Lewis Capaldi]

~: Now the day bleeds

Into nightfall

And you're not here

To get me through it all

I let my guard down

And then you pulled the rug

I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved :~

It went without saying—more than a few audience members wiped away tears as Troy's emotionally charged song filled the theater. Each note filled with raw pain, captivating everyone who heard it.

After that first day, it became a ritual of sorts where Troy would sing the song for his fellow patients. One day, during one such performance, Rihanna visited Troy. She was visibly moved by the depth of his song.

"You have to release this," she urged afterwards, her voice soft yet insistent.

Troy shook his head firmly. "It's too personal. This isn't for the world."

Rihanna, understanding his reluctance, offered an alternative. "Then let's make something new. Together."

After a moment's hesitation, Troy agreed. With only a week left in rehab, he started planning the collaboration with Rihanna. The result was nothing short of magic. It was the same song they eventually performed at her concert which was released on YouTube by a fan.

[We Don't Talk Anymore - Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez]

~: Don't wanna know

What kinda dress you're wearin' tonight

If he's holdin' onto you so tight

The way I did before

I overdosed

Should've known your love was a game

Now I can't get you outta my brain

Ooh, it's such a shame

That we don't talk anymore :~

As the music video for their duet unfolded, the audience was given glimpses into the lives of both Troy and Bailey.

Troy, immersed in creating the song, was slowly piecing his life back together. Meanwhile, Bailey was far from happy. Her parents, already on shaky ground, filed for divorce after Dana's death. She is hounded by everyone around for breaking Troy's heart, and causing his accident indirectly. She is just sick of everything, and wants to escape. Desperate for a fresh start, she applied to a university in France, determined to leave the UK behind.

When the song was complete, the narrative shifted back to Troy and Rihanna. During a quiet moment, Rihanna leaned forward and kissed him.

To Rihanna's surprise, Troy didn't kiss her back.

"You still love her, don't you?" Rihanna said softly. She didn't need an answer—his eyes gave him away. "Go after her."

But when Troy sought Bailey, he learned she had already left for France. Her mother refused to share which university she'd chosen. Though heartbroken, this time Troy didn't spiral.

Life moved forward. Professionally, Troy's career soared, but he stayed single for a year, unable to forget Bailey.

One day, during a stop in London on his world tour, just as he was about to go on stage, someone stopped him backstage.

It was Bailey's mother.

"Bailey's back in London," she said urgently. "But she's just about to leave. She's at the train station. If you hurry, you can stop her."

Troy's expression hardened. "Why now? Why didn't you tell me where she was last year?"

"She forbade me to," her voice trembled. "Until today, I didn't realize how miserable she was without you. You have to help her, Troy."

"I'm sorry," Troy said quietly, bitterness creeping into his tone. "I've moved on. She should, too."

He turned and walked onto the stage.

As he strummed his guitar, his mind wandered. The notes faltered. Frustrated, he closed his eyes, dropped the instrument, and stormed off the stage.

The crowd gasped as Troy left the stage, but he didn't care. Out on the street, he borrowed a fan's car and sped to the train station.

There, amidst the chaos of departing passengers, dodging security checks and mobilizing his fans to raise all homeland alarms on the station, he found her. Bailey.

"Troy?" she whispered, stunned.

Their reunion was emotional and heartwarming at the same time. When he finally pulled her in for a passionate kiss, the final song of the film began to play.

The camera panned out, showing the reunited couple framed against the departing train.

[All of Me - John Legend]

~: Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you :~

A final video played of Troy and Bailey enjoying their time together as the beautiful melody played in the background. Slowly, the song kept building until it was over on a sweet spot.

The screen faded to black, and the credits rolled.

The theater erupted in thunderous applause. The audience knew they had witnessed cinematic perfection. They don't make movies like these anymore, so it was a treat for the fans of original musicals.

___________________________________

AN: Enjoy this extra-long chapter today. If you want YouTube Links to these songs embedded in the story then read this on RR or SH.

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