𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 | 𝐁𝗼𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝𝐲/𝗥𝗙𝗞

I: "The H of the Hollywood sign"

[Summer, 1953]

Evelyn Bellamy, a 23-year-old fresh graduate of Harvard University, finds herself seated beside her mother in the dining room. Her gaze is fixated on the untouched steak growing cold on her plate. She lifts the knife to slice into the meat, but her hand falters as the tension in the room becomes palpable.

The Kennedys were invited to the Bellamy household for an intimate dinner in honor of Evelyn's graduation, which also translates into her long-awaited return to Hollywood — it is thanks to Joe Kennedy that she had her silver screen debut at the age of twenty one. Though it was a success, and Joe reaped more financial rewards than he had bargained for as her manager, she refused to take on another role. Not until she received her bachelor's degree in political science — a serious decision that shocked the entire nation upon its revelation. But a deal's a deal, and there was barely any coercion from Joe; partly due to their prior agreement, and that his son, Bobby, would never forgive him if he'd treated her like any other starlets.

"I appreciate everything you've done for me..." Evelyn's voice trembles as she speaks up, gratitude heavy in her words, "But I should do this on my own."

The Kennedys' blue eyes pierce into her like arrows, a myriad of emotions flickering across their faces – surprise, disappointment, and a subtle trace of relief on some. Her nerves are on edge, the experience reminiscent of her early days at Warner Bros. Studio, where the executives' pale irises dissected her like a Rembrandt masterpiece.

"Does this mean you're declining my offer?" This question by Joe Kennedy, her de facto manager among other things, has Evelyn swallowing a lump in her throat.

Just a moment ago, the room had been filled with the sounds of silverware scraping against fine china. But now, poignant silence fills the space with an almost tangible presence, its weight suffocating as the room transitions from a lively dinner to a hushed tableau.

"No, Joe!" The woman's attempt to chuckle was strained due to the growing frustration within her. "I'm absolutely grateful. But what will people think? That I'm some sort of a carpetbagger to the Kennedys?" Her forced smile betrayed her words of gratitude as she addressed Joe.

The old man abruptly sets his utensils on the plate, garnering attention from everyone. "I know what's best for you. You were nominated for an Oscar for A Streetcar Named Desire, didn't you?"

Evelyn half-heartedly nods. Joe did know which string to pull to put her in the film. When she looks at her father, who couldn't be more happier with her decision to finish her degree, his defeated expression clashes with her expectation. It's unfathomable to her as to why he would not take her side. Did they strike another deal?

Evelyn's childhood unfolded in the embrace of a luxurious home, situated just a stone's throw away from the Kennedys. Her family's journey from France to the United States took place when she was only five years old, owing to her father, Maurice's, new job. It was made possible through his friendship with Joe Kennedy, who had extended a helping hand to secure them a new life in the land of freedom.

The Kennedy patriarch chews on his medium-rare meat before pushing his slipping glasses back up on the bridge of his nose. The matriarch, who's sitting next to the grim man, seems unmoved by the situation. She is Rose Kennedy, a woman of few words. The kind of mother who would spank her children for merely spilling water on the floor. Nevertheless, she raised her children better than others could — except for one who went against her request, whose defiance led to a 'rightly deserved' punishment from God.

"I can't accept your offer, Joe," says Evelyn with a defiant gleam in her green eyes. Though, she is unable to hide her worry when her left hand begins to fidget with a wine glass.