“Altered Beginning” that groundbreaking Fem/Slash in which allegations (If you call records of a location in Vancouver, illegally hacking into a supposedly secure online site an “allegation”) that ultimately resulted in in the character of Marina Ferrer returning to the L Word, then you will remember the character: Cristiana Malapena, the heiress/Brazilian fashion model, lover of Francesca and romantic rival to Philipa Martin (Francesca Wolff’s trainer/physical therapist).
Attention to detail was the hallmark of my work which read like a Spanish “Novela” in periodical format I added photos of the main characters. Of course I initially cast German Actress Chantal de Frietas in the role of Cristiana Malapena:
I wish I had know then of Jessica Clark who looks more fitting for the role of the self absorbed manipulative model that was also a malignant narcissist..
Jessica Clark as Cristiana Malapena:
Today as I was checking my email, I went to the “Sent” folder and lo and behold there was the original manuscript from season 2 of Altered Beginning that I had thought was lost forever. I am giving you a glimpse into a story that not only led to the return of Marina Ferrer, but also provided a template based on my character: Therapist Philipa Martin that ultimately became the prototype for the veterinarian that Jenny was trying to seduce.
From the Original Archives:
All copyrighted materials belong the respective owners of literature, art, music and film. The copyrights for all materials belong to the original owner. .
(All Rights Reserved)
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
Altered Beginning © 2005, 2006
Season Two written by A.L.LaVera
Chapter 18
"Not Enough"
Conclusion Part Il
Saturday Morning
Philipa lay on her bed, eyes wide open, she had a fitful sleep the night before. Cristiana had arrived around 9 PM, after having the driver drop her brother Mario off at the Four Seasons Hotel. Making the driver wait as she visited with her brother discussing the next phase of her career.
Mario Malapena, tall handsome, rugged a former Brazilian soccer player forced into early retirement due to a leg injury proved to be quite adept as Cristiana's manager, and although he had no problem with his sister's omni-sexuality he often clashed with Francesca because he felt that Francesca held too much influence in Cristiana's life.
Philipa decided to get out of bed, she certainly didn't want to waste the morning mulling Francesca and Cristiana's relationship. She went downstairs to the kitchen. Philipa had been deposed from Francesca's bed the moment Cristiana breezed through the front door. As she waited for the coffee to finish percolating again she relived the moment:
"Baby" Cristiana said as she placed her bag at Philipa's feet. Philipa stood at the front door she just opened for Cristiana, she looked at Francesca who's expression hid the words that she had spoken privately to Philipa.
Philipa closed the front door and leaving Cristiana's bag exactly where she placed it and announced: "Goodnight" as she stepped over the bag to leave the lower lever of the house.
Now it was morning and Philipa stood in the kitchen drinking coffee. She didn't hear as Cristiana approached.
"Good Morning Philipa" Cristiana said as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Morning"....Philipa answered as she placed the empty coffee cup in the dishwasher.
Francesca Wolfe entered the kitchen a few moments behind Cristiana, and appeared slightly shaken to find Philipa and Cristiana face to face.
"Morning Everyone" Francesca said as she proceeded to pour herself a cup of coffee..."Coffee's ready?"
"Darling maybe you should save that cup of coffee for tonight" Cristiana said her tone barely masking sarcasm.."Wouldn't want you falling asleep on me again like you did last night."
Cristiana's revelation did not go unheard by Philipa who secretly hoped that nothing happened between the two women after Cristiana arrived.
Having been satisfied that nothing happened she interrupted.
"Well, I guess I'll be heading out, looks like things are under control" Philipa said looking at Francesca.
"Philipa before you go, I'd like to speak to you, to go over instructions, and settle some loose ends." Francesca said her eyes seeking.
"Of course" Philipa agreed.
Francesca looked at Cristiana: "Will you excuse me for a moment?" she asked.
"Certainly darling." Cristiana and as she turned she said: "Nice seeing you again Philipa" Cristiana kissed Francesca on the cheek and headed upstairs up to the bedroom.
Alone together in the kitchen, Francesca made sure that Cristiana was out of ear range before asking softly: "You're Leaving? Where are you going?"
"Not sure, museum, shopping"
Francesca breathed a sigh of relief: "Oh you're not moving out."
Philipa looked at Francesca: "I don't want to be around you and Cristiana, it's too much, I said I will step aside."
"I don't want you to step aside" Francesca said.
"What do you want?" Philipa asked.
"I want some time, at least until the movie premier is over, then I will tell her about us." Francesca explained.
Philipa looked at Francesca wanting to believe her, but finding it difficult.
Francesca continued: "I worked on this film Philipa, it's important that I be at the premier also, my reputation..."
Well there you have it: The initial shaky writings that would lead to the development of my latest project: Just Tell Me [Working title].