fandomhigh | How to Be a Really Famous Actor (And Other Acting Tips), Friday, Period 1

"Now that we're back in class, it's time to move on to our next session," Lucas said, kicking off the class. "Yeah yeah, no more action stuff, and probably no stuntmen being thrown around for a while, either."

"So now we're focusing on drama. Or, let's be honest, award bait. Because really, that's why people make dramas. There are other minor reasons, I guess. They're not funny or they look funny holding a gun. But if they're like me - and most actors are - they broke into drama for the awards and award shows. Nobody gave me an invite to Sundance until I made Let's Hope There's a Heaven and that baby scored some prizes. And all I did was kiss some chick and die for a couple hours! And that's the reason why LHTH did so well," Lucas said, and yes, he did say 'LHTH.' "It's because I hit the three biggest parts of drama. I cried, I gave a big monologue, and I died. We're going to start with that first one today."

"Crying in movies is shorthand for 'Hey. I can act.' If you can pull off a crying scene, people are going to give you a lot of credit. You don't even have to be great! You can just be pretty good and people will give you extra credit. But if you're terrible at it, everyone's going to laugh at you. And then you'll learn how to cry more realistically."

"Step one is to figure out how to force yourself to cry. Try to think of something sad, like a breakup or a parent dying or, I don't know, someone kicking your puppy. The more personal it is, the more realistic it is. If that doesn't work, try violence. Stub your toe or pinch yourself or have somebody punch you really hard. Or just be like me and be a really good actor."

"Okay, that's enough talking for me. I want everyone to cry today. I don't care how you do it, just cry. And then write up a quick explanation for how you made yourself cry and turn it in."

Because he hadn't done anything evil yet this class period, but demanding potential emotional blackmail made up for that.

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Nathan shrugged and then, just to try and get the assignment done, he sniffled a few times and shook his head like he was trying to cry or something.

"My phone broke." That's what tended to happen when someone drops it in a glass of water. Caroline sucked. "That fucking sucked."

"I'm sure," she replied wryly, absently rubbing at his back. "How oh how will you text anyone now?"

"I'll find a way." He actually had no fucking idea. He didn't think he could afford a new goddamn phone. He had no idea. "Even if it means I just yell out the window to get your attention, I'll find a way."

"Well, you better not be craving my attention over the weekend, then."

Or he'd have to develop some pretty strong lungs, to be yelling halfway across the country.

"Ew." Now, he really felt like crying since he knew what her leaving the island meant. It meant time with her douche. Such a complete douche. "ell, you have fun with that. I think I can do without you for a weekend."

"It's not what you think," she claimed, sounding like she wanted to roll her eyes. "My parents are having an open house in the house next door and they need my help."

No, it was totally what he thought.

"Yeah, sure it is," Nathan said skeptically, stepping out of the hug and shaking his head. "Just use a condom, okay? Safe sex means no herpes and no herpes means no fucking ugly cold sores on those pretty lips of yours."

And Nathan didn't want the douchiness to be contagious.

Kate did actually roll her eyes now that her arms fell to her sides again. "You are so classy, Nathan."

She was ignoring the minor compliment in there.

"I know," he said, shrugging innocently, "but I always appreciate being reassured of that fact. But I mean it. Condoms. It's the only safe way to go, Kate."

"Please get your mind off my sex life," she requested, shaking her head. "Unless that's helping you cry, in which case go ahead."

"I'm just being a good friend," Nathan laughed, shrugging. "But yeah, whatever. See you later, yeah?"

They'd both fake cried so things were about done. Nathan though so, at least.

Kate was in agreement enough. They'd been successful fakes, and all that remained was lying on the tiny written assignment. She gave him a vague, halfassed salute. "'Til next week, dear."

How to Be a Really Famous Actor (And Other Acting Tips), Friday, Period 1

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