The private jet descended and landed smoothly on a private airfield in Los Angeles. As the engines quieted, the actors who had shared the journey from Manila began to gather their belongings. Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger all bid Alex farewell, exchanging handshakes and promises to catch up soon. But Alex knew that with their diverging paths and busy schedules, they never really knew when they would all meet again.
As he stepped off the plane onto the tarmac, Alex immediately saw his family, including his father, John, his stepmother, Martha, his half-sister, Sofia, his Aunt Nancy, and Nancy's daughter Janet. His girlfriend, Mia Sara, was also there. He was welcomed warmly with hugs. The familiar embrace of his family and the warm greeting from Mia made the return to Los Angeles feel truly like coming home.
That night, Alex was surrounded by loved ones at a warm, welcoming dinner. Adding to the joyous reunion, Robert Downey Jr. and Diane Lane also came over to greet him. The house was filled with laughter and stories, a comforting return to normalcy after the intense experience of filming in the Philippines.
As the evening drew to a close and the house quieted after Diane and Robert's departure, Alex found his father, John, sitting by the swimming pool, the soft glow of the underwater lights reflecting in his thoughtful gaze. Alex pulled up a chair beside him, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the jungle humidity he had so recently left behind.
"How was the experience, son?" John asked, his voice calm and carrying a hint of concern.
Alex sighed, the weight of the past few months settling upon him again. "Exhausting, Dad. And...disturbing, to be honest. How did you ever move on from...that experience?" He hesitated, searching for the right words. "Just filming a movie made me feel so disturbed. I can't imagine what it was like to actually..."
John looked out at the still water of the pool, his expression unreadable for a moment. "I never said I moved on, Alex. You don't really. You just...you keep it in the back of your mind and you...live your life."
A thought struck Alex, something he'd always wondered but never voiced. "Is that why you left the Service?"
John nodded slowly. "One of the reasons, yes."
Alex looked at him, his gaze questioning.
John turned to face his son, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "You, Alex. You came into this world, and you became our world, your mother's and mine. A world I wanted to be fully present for."
He offered his father a wobbly smile, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thanks, Dad. For...for raising me so well."
John chuckled softly. "Most of that credit goes to your mother, Katherine. She laid the real foundation."
They both laughed softly at that, with affection filling the quiet space between them. For a while, neither spoke, the comfortable silence punctuated only by the gentle sounds of the night and the distant chirping of crickets. They simply sat side-by-side, father and son, bathed in the soft glow of the pool and the silent majesty of the star-filled sky above Los Angeles.
********
Back in Los Angeles, as Alex settled into his routine and began preparing for the upcoming Academy Awards, news from the box office continued to circulate. *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*, the beloved high school comedy that had captured the hearts of audiences, officially ended its run in theaters after five months. The film resonated strongly with viewers, culminating in a domestic gross of $134 million and an additional $69 million from international markets, bringing its total global box office to $203 million.
Michael Eisner at Disney was thrilled with the phenomenal success of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. With a modest budget of $8 million, the film raked in a global box office of $203 million, grossing over 25 times its initial investment.
Furthermore, with a reported 13 percent of the $134 million domestic box office as his salary, Alex would earn a substantial paycheck of $17.4 million from that film alone. Industry insiders speculated that his earnings would easily surpass $20 million once his percentage from the lucrative video cassette sales were factored in,
In March, the annual "Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll" for the year 1985 were released. For the second consecutive year, Alex Hayes topped the prestigious list, proving his consistent draw with audiences. He was followed closely by Sylvester Stallone in second place, riding high on the success of his action-packed films, and the comedic powerhouse Eddie Murphy, who secured the third position.
The rest of the coveted top ten included cinematic heavyweights and rising stars alike: Clint Eastwood, Michael J. Fox, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, Chevy Chase, Chuck Norris, and Michael Douglas, showcasing the diverse talent that dominated the box office that year.
*****
Friday, March 21st dawned bright and sunny in Los Angeles. As the city geared up for the approaching Academy Awards ceremony, Alex Hayes and Mia Sara found themselves at the Armani boutique on Rodeo Drive. Alex had recently been announced as a brand ambassador for the iconic Italian designer. Their visit to the store was primarily to select the perfect ensembles for the upcoming Oscars.
The store owner, a distinguished gentleman with a warm smile, greeted them with utmost respect and attentiveness. Knowing Alex was a significant representative for the brand, he personally oversaw their consultation, ensuring they had everything they needed.
For Alex, the suit selection process was relatively smooth. Armani's classic elegance resonated with his personal style, and he quickly gravitated towards a sophisticated, tailored design that exuded confidence and understated charm.
However, the task of finding the ideal gown for Mia proved to be a more involved affair. Alex watched patiently as Mia tried on dress after exquisite dress. Each one seemed to drape perfectly on her, highlighting her natural grace and beauty. In his eyes, she looked stunning in every option, from flowing silk to intricately beaded designs, but he understood that the final decision was hers, and she had a specific vision in mind for her Oscar night look.
Hours seemed to melt away as Mia meticulously considered each detail: the fabric, the cut, the color. Alex offered his opinions when asked, always careful to support her choices while allowing her to ultimately decide. Finally, after nearly three hours of careful consideration and numerous trips to the dressing room, a radiant smile lit up Mia's face. She had found the one – a breathtaking blue sleeveless gown adorned with shimmering sequins that caught the light with every movement.
"So, how do I look?" Mia asked, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation and excitement as she twirled slightly in the blue sequin dress.
Alex leaned against the doorway of the dressing room, a wide grin spreading across his face. He let out a low whistle, the sound filled with genuine admiration. That was all the answer Mia needed. Her face beamed, radiating pure joy and satisfaction.
Content with their selections, they left the Armani store. The carefully chosen tuxedo and gown were now in garment bags, and as they stepped out onto the bustling sidewalk, the store attendants respectfully placed the outfits into the back of Alex's sleek sports car.
Two discreet men, their presence professional yet unobtrusive, stood near the shop. They were Alex's security detail. While Michael Eisner had initially suggested a large, chauffeur-driven sedan that could accommodate both the bodyguards and a driver, Alex had politely declined. He enjoyed driving himself and preferred his bodyguards to follow in their own separate vehicle. This arrangement provided the necessary security when he was in public while still allowing him the freedom he cherished. With the precious cargo safely stowed, Alex opened the car door for Mia.
As she settled into the passenger seat, Mia turned to Alex, a playful curiosity in her eyes. "So, where to next?"
"Straight home?" Alex replied.
Mia's brow furrowed slightly. "Why? It's just noon, and we thought we would have lunch outside."
"Well, yes... but..." Alex trailed off, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes.
"But what?" Mia asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well," Alex began, his gaze lingering on her, "seeing you try on all those beautiful dresses... I suddenly find myself hungry for something else entirely," he finished with a suggestive grin.
A soft blush crept up Mia's cheeks, and she held his gaze, a playful smile forming on her lips. "Well then, what are you waiting for?"
Alex laughed loudly and pressed down on the accelerator, the powerful car quickly pulling away from the curb, heading towards home.