‘The Gilded Age’ Stars Reveal the Social Battlefronts of Season 2 (PHOTOS)
[These interviews were conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike authorization.]
Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) finally has her foot in the door of 1883 Manhattan society in HBO‘s The Gilded Age Season 2, but the door to the coveted Academy of Music remains closed. No matter. She’ll make the fledgling Metropolitan Opera the place to be instead! And that’s just one intrigue for The Gilded Age’s second season.
TV Insider was on set of Julian Fellowes‘ glamorous period drama in September 2022. There, we spoke with Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Louisa Jacobson, Fellowes, and the team behind the camera as they filmed a pivotal garden party scene on the lush grounds of Long Island’s Old Westbury estate. The former home to an heir of the Phipps family fortune, this was a perfect locale to host the series’ fictional steel magnates and their families.
George (Morgan Spector) and Bertha Russell are as hellbent to get to the top as ever in the new episodes, premiering October 29 on HBO and streaming on Max, and last season’s setbacks and victories will make them even more cutthroat. While George handles the money (and union troubles at his railroad), Bertha handles their social rise.
“George wants to be the richest and most powerful man in the country. That is his motivation,” Fellowes told journalists on set. “I personally don’t think he cares much about society, but he cares about his wife. And because she wants to be the dominating factor in New York society, he will support her in that and anything he can do to support her, he will do. That’s why I don’t think he cares if he knows a duchess or he’s having dinner with a princess. He could give a monkey’s toss about that. He just wants people to shake in the knee when he comes in the room, because he can break them just like that.”
“What I hope I’ve created in Bertha and George are one of those marriages where they both have quite separate fields of endeavor and each one of them is 100 percent supportive of the other one’s ambitions,” Fellowes continues, “so any way they can help, they will.”
The Russells aren’t the only well-off family with their eyes on the social prize. Below, the stars of The Gilded Age reveal the social battlefronts of Season 2.
Instead of Vying for a Seat, Bertha Makes Her Own Table
Bertha (Coon, above, with Nathan Lane) “thrives” on the bitterness her friendship with Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy) stirs up in town, Coon says, adding, “It’s not just the other ladies who get ruffled. Mrs. Astor herself is in for a few surprises if she thinks she’s pacified Bertha by allowing her to enter society.”
When it comes to her and George’s children, Larry (Harry Richardson) and Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), Bertha has her sights set on a noteworthy marriage for her newly out daughter.
“Gladys is developing a mind of her own, much to Bertha’s chagrin. [Gladys] doesn’t always go along with what Bertha wants for her, and so we’ll see a lot of butting heads between the two of them,” Coon explains. “Larry, she doesn’t worry about. The world’s set up for Larry, but he makes some bad decisions, and it wouldn’t be like Bertha to keep her nose out of that business. She’s going to insert herself wherever she can to make sure her kids are on the right track.”
George's Past May Come Back to Haunt Him
Bertha and railroad baron husband George “are very much working in concert,” Coon says, to secure their rise, but the firing of gold-digging lady’s maid Turner (Kelley Curran) is the “monkey wrench” in their best-laid plans.
“Turner’s been dismissed, but we’ll see,” Coon warns. “That may not be the last of that lie. Bertha and George are going to have to deal with some personal issues in their marriage while they’re trying to complete this rise in society.”
Marian Searches for a Husband on Her Own Terms
Despite her money problems, Marian Brook (Jacobson) was the bright-eyed lovebird of Season 1. But being jilted by would-be husband Tom Raikes (Thomas Cocquerel) may have cast a love match out of her mind in Season 2. Nevertheless, Jacobson told us on set that Marian’s “shining this season.”
“I think she’s really stepping into herself. Having a bit of heartbreak has made her not necessarily cynical, but have a little bit of spice and edge. She’s not so timid,” she says. Timid, she’s not, but blind she may be.
Dashing neighbor Larry (Richardson) showed romantic interest in the Season 1 ender, and Jacobson says they will “continue to deepen their friendship” in Season 2 as Marian “feels relief when she’s around him.” But this former romantic may be shirking love for pragmatism like her Aunt Agnes (Baranski), much to Aunt Ada’s (Nixon) displeasure.
Agnes van Rhijn Wants Marian Married
Agnes van Rhijn experiences a tectonic shift in her relationship with sister Ada Brook.
“You’ll see a level of depth and feeling there that’s going to be quite rich,” Baranski tells TV Insider. Adds Nixon: “The power skirmishes that have been subtextual come out.”
As Marian searches for her life partner, Agnes will continue to urge her to be pragmatic, as her pragmatism saved their family from destitution after Marian’s late father squandered their family fortune.
Ada Brook Asserts Her Independence
While Nixon says that “Ada is not a rule-breaker,” the spinster will be outspoken about niece Marian not following in Agnes’ strategic footsteps when choosing a husband. Still, Ada fears Marian becoming the next Mrs. Chamberlain should she only follow her heart.
“I think [Ada’s] a person who likes to push it and try to push the envelope and sort of see what she can get,” Nixon says, “but for herself and also for her niece, she doesn’t want her to speak to Mrs. Chamberlain because there’s such a price to pay.”
As for her personal life, Ada won’t be as meek and meager this season. Her newfound independence and insistence that she can live a life separate from her sister may be what brings on that tectonic shift. Or could it be political differences as social issues, especially women’s right to vote, start to come to the surface?
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gate & garden: eight
jake kiszka x fem!reader (childhood best friends to lovers...)
MASTERLIST
4.7k words
A/N: I do not claim to, nor do I know Greta Van Fleet; they are all real people with real lives, this is an entirely fictional work.
The three of them had an agreement: to spend the last night of their childhood together. Yes, there was a bonfire across town happening that the senior class has organized. And yes, their parents wanted to spend time with them, make them a dinner, celebrate as a family. Their parents understood how important this night was to them. So they let them go.
Jake drove them from the school. Their last graduation practice. Each of them held onto their envelopes, unopened. Josh absentmindedly drummed his fingers on the armrest of his seat. Y/N leaned her head against the window, the one across from her turned down a bit to let in some of the fresh summer air. The sun was still shining, there was a cool breeze, but it was warm. It was nice. It reminded her of the days when they’d used to play by the creek after kindergarten.
Back when Ronnie hated her nickname. And Sammy was still just a baby. And the average person couldn’t tell the twins apart. She always could. Back when their only worry was how many hours of daylight there was for playtime, not about how to spend the rest of their daylight not hating their lives.
The radio played quietly as they drove through their small town, that hopefully they wouldn’t have to call “home” for too much longer.
When they arrived home, to the decorated home, Y/N cracked a smile. Karen had gone all-out, decking out the front of the house in balloons, garland, and various CONGRATS GRAD decor to celebrate her kids accomplishments.
Inside, they parted ways, making quick work of packing their supplies for the rest of their day. Changing into swim clothes, bringing snacks, towels, weed (Josh), a bottle of cheap vodka (a secret graduation gift from Kelley), and their envelopes.
The three teens made their trek through the woods behind their house, Y/N looking longingly as they walked through the creek. The creek once rose above their waists, but now barely passed their ankles. It was still as quiet and beautiful as she’d remembered it being her entire childhood.
Nobody said a word until they reached their spot. The swimming hole. It was still as sacred a place as it had been their entire lives. None of them had ever told another soul about it, besides their own families of course.
Jake laid a blanket down, the three of them settling themselves and the contents of their bags onto it too. Josh was the first to speak: “I don’t know about you two, but I’m going swimming.” He didn’t even wait for either of them to respond before he removed his shirt and shoes and jumped into the water.
Y/N smiled to herself. Josh was always the first in the water. “You going next?” She looked up at Jake, who was standing above her, staring down at his twin.
He took a moment, turning his head slowly. “You wanna race?” His eyes lit up playfully, scanning her face for any sign of a reaction.
She nodded, standing up. “You can’t say go until we’re both undressed, okay? It’s not fair when you do that.” She scolded him as they both quickly rushed to undress themselves.
She pretended not to notice when she saw Jake’s eyes lingering on her body.
“You ready now princess?” He teased, elbowing her playfully.
She swatted back at him. “Always.”
“You want me to count you in?” Josh shouted from the water.
“Yeah Joshy, count us in!” Jake replied, nodding at his brother. “You’re going down.” He squinted at her in the sunlight, pausing just to get one last good look at her. Before the rest of their lives changed.
“3-“ Josh began counting. Jake noticed a few new freckles on her nose.
“2-“ When did she get that piercing on her ear?
“1-“ Her eyes met his in the last second before they ran. “Go!”
The sound of her laughter was the only thing Jake heard as she stepped out of view. He came tumbling back to reality, remembering the task at hand and chasing after her. He was only a foot or so behind her, but it was a foot too far. She hit the water just a moment before he did, careful not to jump on top of her.
The water was cool against his burning skin. He didn’t even think it was that hot, but it felt nice. He stayed under for a spell, taking in the peaceful quiet of his surroundings. On either side of him, his brother and Y/N’s legs kicked through the water, keeping them afloat. Just ahead of him the waterfall tumbled into the pool, creating a plethora of bubbles.
After a few more seconds, he felt the burning in his lungs, he propelled himself upwards, breaking through the surface, filling his lungs with air. “Shit, I thought you drowned on us.” Y/N teased, flicking a few specks of water at him.
He splashed back, using his hand to push his long hair from in front of his eyes. Jake smiled, watching his brother and best friend engage in quite the aggressive splash-battle.
The three of them swam for awhile, taking turns diving to look for rocks, doing tricks and silly jumps. Josh and Y/N were challenging each other to see who could hold their breath longer, Jake swam his way over to the waterfall, ducking under the stream and into the little cove.
The cove, which now was almost too little for them to fit inside anymore- there was barely an inch between the top of the rock and his head when he sat on the “bench”. A few minutes of silence came before Y/N did, a cheesy grin on her face as she approached him.
“What can I do for you?” He asked, faking annoyance as she floated right beside his head.
“Wanna go open our letters?” She whispered, reaching out to gently brush a piece of wet hair away from his forehead.
He froze for a moment, trying to process the alarmingly intimate action. He hoped she didn’t notice. “Yeah, I could go for a snack too.” Jake nodded, sitting up as far as he could in the tiny space they shared. “I’ll follow you out.”
She nodded, swimming first, he followed. “Josh we’re gonna read our letters now, c’mon!” She called to his twin, who had busied himself by painting with water on a dry rock.
Y/N climbed out first, Jake tried his best not to be a typical man but his eyes followed what was in front of him. “Jake!” Josh whispered from behind him.
Jake whipped around, glaring at his twin. “Her eyes are up-“ Josh pointed to the sky, teasing his brother. He knew exactly what Jake was doing.
Jake clenched his jaw, flipping Josh the middle finger before following Y/N to the blanket. She had curled herself up in her towel, sitting in the sun. Jake grabbed his own towel, then his brother’s, tossing it to him, before drying his hands off and sitting down.
Y/N dug through her bag, searching for the envelopes she’d collected from them when they got home. She handed Josh his, then Jake his, and held her own in her hand. “Do we want to take turns?” She asked, but it was too late, both Jake and his brother had already ripped open their envelopes.
Printed on the front, in their old kindergarten teacher’s handwriting was the simple question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Inside the envelope were three things:
1. A tiny copy of their Kindergarten school photo
2. A small hand-written note from their teacher
3. A paper star with their own handwriting on it
Jake smiled sadly as he unfolded his star. “roxstar”, written in green crayon was scribbled onto the paper. He’d had the same dream his entire life, and even now he didn’t know if it would come true.
Beside him, Josh let out a belly laugh. “What’s it say?” Jake asked, leaning towards his brother. Josh smiled, turning the paper star to his twin. In faded red crayon, was the word “Movies”. “That’s not very specific bro.” Jake laughed. Apparently Josh too, had always had his sights set on the same dream.
“What’s your’s say Jakey?” Josh asked, placing his paper back in his envelope.
Jake handed his star to Josh. “Rockstar.” Jake replied. “So glad I eventually learned how to spell it correctly.”
Josh smiled at his twin, handing him his paper back. Jake tucked it away into the envelope carefully. Y/N had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the twin’s entire exchange. “You okay over there?” Jake asked, breaking the silence.
She was sitting, her legs crossed, staring solemnly down at the star in her hands. “What does it say?” Josh asked, still trying to get her attention.
She looked up a them, eyes glassed over with tears. A wave of sadness washed over Jake. It probably said “dancer”, or “ballerina”, or some other inkling of a memory that no longer was tangible for her.
She sniffled, leaning forward to place the star in Jake’s palm. “Happy”, was written neatly in blue crayon, a tiny pink heart beside the “y”. It wasn’t anything that reminded her of dance, or her parents, or anything else she’d lost in her life. So why was she so upset?
“Happy?” Josh chuckled from beside them. “How cute- You know you were quite the enlightened child sis.” He shook his head, standing up from his spot. Josh pulled on his shoes and shirt. “I’m gonna run back home and get some waters, I realize we forgot those. I’ll be back soon.”
Jake’s eyes widened in fear at his brother’s sudden urge to abandon them. As he walked away, Josh turned, flashing his twin a thumbs up before rushing through the trees.
“What’s wrong?” Jake frowned, genuinely finding it cute that five-year-old Y/N wrote that on her paper. She was always a mature and wise soul for being a child. He looked back up at her. No tears had fallen, but the sad look was still on her face. “You’re not happy?”
She shook her head, a few tears falling onto her cheeks. “No-“ She sighed, angrily wiping her skin. “Why did I write that!”
She jumped up from her spot on the blanket and began pacing through the grass. Jake’s eyes widened in confusion. “Hey, calm down-“ Jake set the star down on the blanket. “Just sit down, take a breath, we can figure out what’s wrong.”
“I don’t know what’s wrong Jake! I don’t know why I wrote that, I don’t know why I’m upset-“ She paused, holding her arms out to stop him from approaching her. “I don’t know how to explain what I want to say.”
Jake shrugged. “You know how stupid these are Y/N, we were five years old when we wrote these.” He tried to calm her down.
“It’s not stupid.” She huffed, sitting back down on the blanket. “Why did I have to be so wise?” She whispered, leaning across the blanket to snatch the paper star back. “Forget it, I don’t wanna talk about it anymore. It’s silly.”
Jake shook his head. “No Y/N your feelings aren’t silly. We can talk about it-“
“Are you happy Jake?” She snapped, shoving her envelope back into her bag. “Are you genuinely happy right now? With the path you’ve paved yourself, your future, what lies ahead? Because I’m not! My parents disowned me, I live in your basement. When we graduate tomorrow, what happens? I can’t stay there forever, I can’t stay here forever. I can’t be safe and happy here, when I don’t know what’s going to happen when I go to bed tomorrow night!”
Oh.
“I was supposed to be successful, carry on the Doctor title in my family’s name. Instead I stupidly am putting all of my faith in this band we have that may or may not ever get us anywhere in life.” She gasped, catching her breath from her outburst. “This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done.”
Jake swallowed, giving her a moment to calm herself before he spoke. He took a moment to ponder, to really think about her question. Was he happy? He didn’t have much to complain about. He had a loving family, a house and food to eat, and the best friend in the entire world.
He thought back on his life, all the memories he had, good and bad. And the happiest of them. They all involved her. “Do you remember in Kindergarten when they separated you from Josh and I? Josh took one for the team and spent our first year of school alone just so you wouldn’t have to.”
“You held my hand the entire time our moms talked to the administration.” She nodded, wiping a few more stray tears. “After that they knew not to separate all three of us- And they never did.”
Jake chuckled. “And remember when my dad pitted us against each other to see who could get better at guitar faster?”
“You cried when played Jingle Bells for our families on Christmas Eve.” She laughed, her eyes finally drying themselves of tears. “I still feel bad about that.”
“I’m still a better guitar player.” Jake said jokingly, nudging her with his foot.
“We learned from the best.” She nodded. A few beats of silence passed between them. “You were my first kiss, Jake.”
Jake’s throat tightened as she spoke, his cheeks burning hot. “What? How-“ He tried to play it off.
“It’s not something a girl just forgets.” She shrugged. “Plus, I remember it tasted very faintly of spearmint, and I-“
“You hate spearmint gum.” Jake sighed, suddenly growing nervous. “And so does Josh.”
“But you love it. Just to spite us.” She laughed, looking down nervously.
“More gum for me.” He shrugged back, playing with a stray string on the blanket. “Not my fault your favorite gum is cinnamon- weirdo!”
She rolled her eyes at him, looking up at the sky. “You were the first person I called when I had my accident.” She sighed, looking back down to him. “You were the first person there, the first person I saw when I woke up. You were the only one that helped me heal.” She placed her hand over her heart.
“Well you were the first one there when I broke my arm.” He replied, finally finding the courage to look into her eyes. “You didn’t even hesitate to destroy your new shoes.”
“Shoes are replaceable Jake, you only have two arms.” She laughed. “Why wouldn’t I come help you?”
“I guess you can ask yourself the same question.” He raised his eyebrows at her. “Every time I’ve been happy in life, you’ve been there.” He swore he could hear her stop breathing. “So you ask me if I’m happy? My answer is yes. And especially when I’m with you.”
“Jake-“
“Alrighty you two I’ve brought back provisions!” Josh’s voice interrupted what she was about to say. The tension felt so thick, a saw would’ve been needed to cut it. Jake internally groaned at his brother’s awful timing. “What, did I interrupt something?”
“No Josh!” Jake snapped, trying and failing to hide his agitation.
“You feeling better princess?” Josh dropped a water into Y/N’s lap, then one into Jake’s.
“Yeah, Josh.” She said softly, uncapping the bottle. “I’ve calmed down a bit.”
“Alright, that’s what I like to hear! Ready to really start the party?” Josh pulled the bottle of vodka from his bag, and the lingering situation that was brewing between Jake and Y/N dissipated as soon as it began.
The trio took turns taking sips of alcohol from the bottle. The day faded away Josh rolled them a blunt. They smoked it, plus another, then ran through all of their snacks, and as the sun finally set, they packed up their things, as well as three drunk and high teenagers could.
“Wait, before we go-“ Y/N stopped them, digging through Jake’s bag for something.
She pulled out the lighter, then from her bag, her envelope. “What are you doing?” Jake questioned, trying not to alarm her. He was confused, and a little worried.
“I’m letting go.” She whispered. “I can’t be scared of my future. I can’t welcome whatever’s to come if I refuse to let go of my past.” Jake frowned, watching as she used the lighter to ignite her envelope, contents and all, on fire.
She held it in her hand until the flames grew too close, to which she then dropped it to the ground, and stomped the remaining embers out. She turned, holding the lighter out. “Anyone else?”
Josh, without a second of doubt, grabbed it, and lit his envelope. “Josh!” Jake scolded his brother. “Mom’s gonna be pissed!”
“She’s saved every single art project from our entire lives Jake, she’s not going to miss one little envelope. We don’t have to tell her anyway.” Josh scoffed, holding the lighter out to him now.
Jake took it, sighing as he contemplated following their lead. “If you’re the only one that goes home with one, then she’ll be suspicious. But if none of us do…” Y/N teased. “What mama doesn’t know, won’t hurt her.”
Jake shook his head, rolling his finger along the lighter, and catching the flint alight. “You two suck.” He mumbled, lighting his paper on fire.
He stuck the lighter in his pocket, watching in silent awe as the paper burnt up in his hand, before dropping it to the ground and stomping it out, just as his brother and best friend had done before. “Happy now?” He grumbled. “Let’s go now, it’s getting late.”
Josh and Y/N giggled, turning, as Josh lead them through the trees.
When they arrived home, Sam and Ronnie were already in bed. Dad was too, but Mom waited up with them in the kitchen as they took turns getting showers. Josh went right to bed after his, Y/N helped Karen with laundry as Jake got his, and then it was Y/N's turn.
Karen sent them both to bed with a hug, thanking them for letting her spend some of their last night as kids with her. And they went to sleep.
Except they didn't. They couldn't. Jake laid awake, tossing and turning for well into the midnight hours, thinking about what he and Y/N had discussed. Thinking about the past, the future. Every moment, big and small they'd shared together. He didn't want graduating high school to change that.
Y/N was the same, laying awake in the pullout in the basement, staring at the ceiling. Thinking of Jake. About their lives. How it seemed like no matter what they did, they were always there for each other.
It was past two in the morning when her phone buzzed. She rolled over, seeing the time, then the cause of the disturbance: a text from Jake.
Are you awake?
Please say yes
Yes. Can't sleep
Want to smoke?
Yeah. Come downstairs, I'll open the door
Cuddled comfortably in her pajamas, she rolled over, sliding out of bed and walking across the room to open the door that lead to the backyard. She stepped outside, seating herself on the ground, back against the house, waiting for Jake to join her.
It wasn't long before he appeared, a joint in one hand and a lighter in the other. Without a word he sat beside her, lighting the joint. He took a hit, then she did. They shared a few hits just like that, without a word, until Jake finally spoke.
"Do you ever wonder what our lives would've been like if we'd never met?" Jake asked quietly, blowing smoke from the joint into the cool night air. "If our parents never met." He corrected himself.
Y/N shook her head. "I think we would've found a way to each other." She replied, taking the joint between her fingers. "I think we were meant to be friends."
"You believe in that stuff? Divine timing, manifestation, shit like that?"
"Course I do. Everything happens for a reason. We're supposed to be here. We're supposed to be friends." She inhaled, holding her breath for a moment before breathing out, smoke flowing into the air.
Jake nodded softly, taking the joint from her, but before he could take another hit, he stopped and turned his head to look at her. He thought about what was keeping him up.
Why he got angry whenever she stayed behind at a party with another guy.
Why he couldn't help but always look at her.
Why she was always the first person he texted when he had news, good or bad.
She was the only person he told his deepest secrets to, some Josh didn't even know.
She had been there for him wholly and fully, for his entire eighteen years of life.
He never wanted to live a moment without her.
"I love you." He whispered, eyes silently pleading for her to look at him.
Beside him, she stiffened, eyes closing.
"Y/N-"
"Jake." She sighed, turning to face him finally. "You're high. You don't mean that."
He shook his head. "You know getting high really only helps me sleep, Y/N. I am thinking as clearly as I always am, I know what I'm saying- I love you."
"Jake, I can't." She shook her head, shuffling herself to stand up.
"No, please." He begged, grabbing her hand before she could go. "I mean it. I'm not just saying it because we're about to graduate and our lives about to change. I'm saying it because we're about to graduate and I don't want our lives to change."
Jake stood too, looking desperately into her eyes. "When I look back on my life, you've always been there. Through the good, the bad, big moments, small moments. Everything. And I don't want that to change just because we won't be kids anymore. I want to be with you forever. I want to keep having moments, good, bad- Everything. I want to have all the moments with you- Please. Please believe me."
They stood in silence, staring at each other. When finally she spoke: "I think we should go to bed Jake, it's been a long day."
"Y/N please don't- Just give me a chance." Jake sounded desperate, completely and fully. But he was going crazy, he had finally realized the truth, placed every little piece of the puzzle together. He couldn't let her go.
"Jake I can't-" He didn't let her get another word out before he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her closely to him and pressing his lips against her's.
They stood for a minute, Jake's heart felt like it was about to jump out of his throat, his stomach erupted in butterflies. He never wanted this moment to end.
When he pulled away however, he didn't get the reciprocation he'd hoped for.
"Y/N-"
"Jake-" She exhaled shakily. "I'm going to bed now. Goodnight." She whispered, turning away from him and going back into the house.
Jake cursed himself mentally, angrily stomping out the remaining piece of the joint they had shared. He headed back inside too, careful not to slam the door even though that's exactly what he felt like doing. Y/N had already buried herself into her blanket cocoon.
He walked across the room, then stopped at the bottom of the steps"Y/N, I'm sorry-"
"Goodnight Jake." She whispered, no longer entertaining his antics.
Defeated, he shuffled himself up the stairs, and to his room, eventually letting the anger subside into slumber.
Y/N cried herself to sleep that night. She mourned the loss of the comfortable life she loved, the joy of childhood, and most detrimentally, the loss of her best friend. She didn't know what the morning would bring, but she knew that things would never be the same between her and Jake. That is why she cried.
The next morning was quiet in the house. Sam and Ronnie still had to attend school, Josh had gone to another friend's house, and both the Kiszka parents had gone to work.
Jake and Y/N avoided each other all day. Eating at different times, getting ready separately. As the day went on, Sam and Ronnie came home, as did Josh and their parents.
Ronnie and Y/N spent time looking through the yearbook, and Ronnie helped her get ready for the ceremony.
They suffered through the endless amount of photos Karen made the trip pose for.
Soon they were being put in alphabetical order, ready to begin the graduation procession.
The ceremony was ridiculously long, a monotonous cacophony of falsely optimistic and existential monologues. It gave Y/N time to think though.
Why was she so upset about Jake kissing her?
The whole reason she was awake the night before was because she couldn't stop thinking about him. About how it was always him, despite everything.
And she certainly didn't dislike the kiss. In fact, it set off a million tiny fireworks in her chest. She never wanted it to end .
Everything he said was true. No matter where they went in life, the other was always there by their side. And she would be damned if something like graduating high school would change that.
She was happy. She didn't need success; or a good job, fancy house, nice car, she just needed Jake.
The presentation of diplomas began. They each stood proudly and walked across the stage, now holding the piece of paper that held the key to the rest of their lives.
The superintendent provided a closing speech, and all graduates were instructed to turn their tassels; right to left, signifying the end of this chapter in their lives.
When the ceremony ended the auditorium turned into an ocean of people, graduates and their loved ones swarming the room.
Y/N was grateful for everyone that stopped to say hi to her, for her friends and family for supporting her, but in that moment she didn't care about a single one of them. She only wanted Jake.
Across the auditorium Jake was on the hunt for his family. He wanted to see Y/N too, but knew she would eventually turn up.
Suddenly, like the sun on the horizon, shining with the brightest smile he'd ever see , Y/N came into view, the crowd of people seemingly parting like the red sea for her to maneuver through.
"Y/N!" He shouted, waving her over, diploma in-hand.
She caught his eye, nodding frantically and pushing through the people. Jake was slightly surprised she was voluntarily looking for him after the way things ended the night before.
Just a few more feet! She told herself, shoving through the people. If she didn't do this now, she feared she never would.
She all but fell into his arms, fumbling her diploma as his free hand instinctively caught her by the waist. Her empty arm wrapping around his shoulders for stability. Their faces were inches apart. "Congrats grad." Jake beamed, nudging her diploma with his.
She nodded, blushing, suddenly bashful. "Jake, I have to say something." She leaned towards his ear, speaking louder than normal due to the volume in the room.
He nodded, patiently waiting for her to speak.
Y/N gripped her diploma to stop her hands from shaking. Her heart felt like it was about to beat right out of her chest. There's no time like the present- "I love you too."
She could feel him tense under her touch. Closing her eyes in panic as she waited for a response.
But he never spoke.
He moved his hand from her waist to the back of her neck, gently pulling her face away from his.
They stared into each other's eyes, enormous grins on their faces. Jake leaned forward, crashing his lips onto her's with such a force she swore he knocked her front teeth out.
Her whole body felt electric, like all the love inside of her was finally able to burst out.
She was happy. As long as she had Jake, she was truly and wholly happy.
After what felt like eternity, the separated, breaths heavy from the lack of oxygen. "How did you know?" He whispered, keeping his face close to her's.
She shrugged, another mischievous grin on her face. "It's always been you."
fin.
•
@jakesgrapejuice @writingcold @sunshineonkennasshoulders @jmkiszka @sweet1peach @fictional-duchess @positivegvfthings @of-infinite-wonders @jordierama
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Norma Jeane to Marilyn Monroe 1926 - 1962. (Scroll down for 1926 - 1962)💋
1926
June 1: Birth at Los Angeles General Hospital.
June 13: Taken to live with the foster family, the Bolenders.
1933💋
Fall: Mother Gladys Baker takes Norma Jeane to live with her.
1934💋
February: Gladys Baker taken to an institution.
1935💋
June 1: Grace McKee becomes legal guardian.
September 13: Norma Jeane is left at the orphanage.
1937💋
June 26: Grace McKee takes her away from the orphanage.
1938💋
November: Goes to live with 'Aunt' Ana Lower.
1942💋
June 19: Marries James E. Dougherty.
1944💋
April: Norma Jeane starts work at the Radio Plane Munitions Factory.
1946💋
April: First National Magazine cover, in 'Family Circle'.
June 26: Photographed by David Conover for 'Yank' magazine.
July 19: First Screen-Test, for 20th Century Fox.
July 23: First Six Months studio contract, renewed in January.
July 29: First mention in a Hollywood gossip Column (Hedda Hopper).
August 2: Norma Jeane Dougherty applies to join the 'Blue Book Modeling Agency'.
September 13: Divorce granted from James E. Dougherty.
1947💋
August 25: Fox Contract not renewed for a second time.
1948💋
February: Marilyn befriends mogul Joseph M. Schenck.
March 9: Contract with Columbia Pictures.
September 8: Dropped by Columbia.
December 31: Meets agent Johnny Hyde, who indicates himself to promote her.
1949💋
May 27: Poses for photographer Tom Kelley - the nude Calendar shots.
July 24: First interview with Earl Wilson.
August 15: Starts shooting 'A Ticket To Tomahawk'.
October: Sings contract with MGM for the breakthrough role in 'The Asphalt Jungle'.
1950💋
January 5: Starts shooting 'The Fireball'.
April: Lands small but perfectly formed part in 'All About Eve'.
December 18: Johnny Hyde dies.
1951💋
March 29: Presents an Oscar at the Academy Awards ceremony.
April 18: Shooting starts on 'Love Nest'.
May 11: Latest six months contract and Fox converted to seven-year deal.
September 8: First full length national magazine feature in 'Colliers'.
1952💋
March: Marilyn and Joe DiMaggio go out on a first date.
March 13: Nude calendar story broken to public.
April 7: First 'Life' cover snapped by Phillipe Halsman.
June 1: On her birthday leans she is to be Lorelei Lee in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
August 31: Live radio debut.
September 2: Grand marshal at the Miss America pageant.
1953💋
January, 21: She becomes a star when 'Niagara' is released.
January, 26: Marilyn and Jane Russell put their hand and feet prints in wet cement. At Graumann's Chinese Theater.
September, 13: TV debut at the 'Jack Benny Show'.
November, 4: Premier of 'How To Marry a Millionaire'.
December 15: Doesn't appear for shooting of 'The Girl in Pink Tights'.
1954💋
January, 4: Suspended by Fox.
January, 14: Marriage with Joe Dimaggio in San Francisco.
February, 2: They arrive at Tokyo Airport.
February, 16: Marilyn gives 10 concert's for the American soldiers in Korea.
September, 15: The shooting for the blowing skirt scene, included in the movie 'The Seven Year Itch'.
October, 5: Marilyn divorces Joe DiMaggio.
November, 6: Hollywood party in honor of Marilyn.
1955💋
January, 7: Press conference for 'Marilyn Monroe Productions Inc.'.
January, 15: Marilyn moves to the East coast, she is also suspended by Fox.
February: She met Lee Strasberg, and joins 'The Actor Studio'.
March, 31: She appears on a pink elephant on a benefit evening in 'Madison Square Garden'.
April, 8: Live in TV program of 'Person2Person' with Edward R. Murrow.
June, 1: Premier of 'The Seven Year Itch'.
1956💋
January, 4: A new contract between Fox and MM Productions.
February, 9: Marilyn and Sir Laurence Olivier announce that they will work together in 'The Sleeping Prince'.
June, 29: She marries Arthur Miller.
July, 14: She travels to London to begin with the shooting of 'The Prince And The Showgirl'.
August: Her first miscarriage.
October, 29: She meets Queen Elizabeth.
1957💋
June, 13: Premier of 'TPATS'.
August, 1: Another miscarriage.
1958💋
August, 4: The shooting of 'Some Like It Hot' begins, until November.
December, 17: Another miscarriage.
1959💋
March, 29: Premier of 'Some Like It Hot'.
1960💋
March, 8: Golden Globe award for 'Best Actress in a Comedy', in 'Some Like It Hot'.
June, 18: The shooting of 'The Misfits' begins.
August, 26: Marilyn is admitted in the hospital, some say in was a suicide attempt.
November, 11: Marilyn announce she divorces Arthur Miller.
November, 16: Clark Gable (who worked with in 'The Misfits') died of an heart attack.
1961💋
January, 20: Divorce of Arthur Miller.
January, 31: Premier 'The Misfits'.
February, 7: She is admitted to the 'Payne Whitney Clinic' in New York.
February, 11: She is admitted to 'Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center'.
October: Meets Robert Kennedy.
November: Meets John. F. Kennedy.
1962💋
February: Moves back to Los Angeles, in Brentwood.
March, 5: She get's a Gold Globe Award for 'World Film Favorite'.
April, 23: Shooting begins for 'Something's Got To Give'.
May, 19: Sings 'Happy Birthday' to JFK in 'Madison Square Garden'.
June, 1: Last workday at Fox.
June, 7: fired by Fox.
June, 23: Rehired by Fox.
July, 20: Admitted to the 'Cedars of Lebanon Hospital'.
August, 3: She appears on the cover of 'Life'.
August, 4: The last day Marilyn Monroe was alive.
August, 5: Marilyn Monroe is found dead in bed, autopsy reveals suicide. (possible)
August, 8: Funeral in 'Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery' 🙏💐🌸⚘️💐🌸⚘️
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