SF Chapter 129: Tragedy
The family was gathered at Jay's house when they received news of a tragedy.
"She died so young," Cam was in complete tears, with Mitchell by his side, consoling him.
Haley was also sitting on the couch, visibly sad.
Even Daniel didn't have his usual light expression.
On the television, the news broadcast - being shown all over the world - reported:
"Pop singer Britney Spears has died at the age of 21, just days before turning 22."
"It is the greatest paparazzi-related tragedy since Princess Diana," the reporter added, in mourning.
Shortly after, a report aired showing the singer's fans attacking any paparazzi they could find, creating even greater chaos.
"Okay everyone, let's go eat," Gloria called out to everyone.
And most of them went.
It was a tragedy, but one that didn't affect the family much overall.
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A few days after the singer's tragic death.
Daniel was at his house, together with Lexi and Mischa.
"Well, at least this tragedy was not in vain," Dani commented, reading the newspaper. "With the Britney Act being rushed through, the wave of paparazzi will be heavily restrained."
With all the public outrage surrounding the singer's death, a strong popular movement had risen, pushing politicians to create stricter laws regarding invasion of privacy.
"Yes, but it's sad that someone had to die for that to happen," Mischa said, angry at the situation.
Dani hugged her from behind and kissed her on the cheek.
She was the most affected, since she was also the one who suffered the most from paparazzi due to the explosive success of The O.C.
Lexi moved closer as well and rested her head on Dani's shoulder. They stayed quiet for a moment, until his phone rang.
"Hey, Dad - yeah, I already signed it," he replied.
Dani talked a bit more, then ended the call.
He soon revealed the content. "Basically, all the studios - especially the Big Six - are coordinating a joint action against invasive tabloids."
"Not only because of the public outcry and the stricter laws, but also out of fear."
"It's one thing to have gossip that drives engagement, even at the cost of celebrities' reputations. It's another when it leads to a fatal incident," he explained.
Dani wasn't talking only about the fear of an artist's death. There were political, reputational, legal, and especially financial risks for the companies.
"Now, I don't like this gloomy mood. Let's watch a movie - some new 35mm reels just arrived," Dani remarked, but it was Lexi who pulled the two of them toward the screening room.
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Life goes on. The next morning, Dani was having breakfast with Charlie, Alan, and Mitchell at Charlie's house.
"Wow, the bro quartet reunited," Dani grinned.
Mitchell took a sip of his coffee and looked at Alan. "So, we need to go through everything Judith could use against you."
Charlie made a face as realization hit him. "You're using Mitchell as your lawyer?"
"Yes," Alan confirmed. "I was going to hire a very reputable lawyer from Beverly Hills. But then I saw her... too beautiful."
"My brother would sleep with her and screw me over," he predicted making a face.
Charlie glared at him, but Dani pointed out: "Besides, Mitch will charge almost nothing."
"There it is," Charlie said, pointing at his younger brother. "That's the real reason."
"By the way, Dani, I just love the new car you gave me," Mitchell said, thanking his brother.
Alan snapped his head. "You gave Mitchell a car?"
"Of course, bro. Mitch is a lawyer. Besides suits, a nice and expensive car is a must!" Dani nodded.
"And it was a joint wish with Cam," he added, which didn't really justify much, since the Mercedes-Benz S500 was the most expensive of the gifts.
[Dani commentary]
"Yeah, I bought a nice car for my bro," Daniel said with a happy expression.
"But Dad also asked to be included, paying for part of the car," he revealed. "He asked me not to tell Mitch."
"Heh, Dad can be a piece of work sometimes," he chuckled.
[Commentary ends]
Mitchell tried to make his cousin understand. "Alan, you would lose the car to Judith if Dani gave you one," he almost repeated what Daniel had said the other day.
But he quickly realized he had sabotaged himself. "But not with me here. We are not losing anything to Judith!" Mitchell tried to sound confident.
Alan made a face, already regretting his idea.
Mitchell shifted the conversation to a more professional tone. "The thing we should talk about now is that the custody of Jake might become an issue."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, "Really? Why?"
"Because Jake stays here part-time. Alan lives with you, and in Judith's words, you're a 'sleazeball.'"
"Her words, not mine," Mitchell reaffirmed.
[Mitchell commentary]
"For once, I might not disagree with Judith…" Mitch muttered.
[Commentary ends]
"Yeah. So?"
"So she might try to take Jake out of your home." Then he turned to his brother. "Which makes me wonder… she didn't say anything about you, Dani."
"Well, I'm a very respectful young man," Dani replied, then added, "...and Mom already threatened her. If she slanders me, we'll hit her with a ton of lawyers."
The Britney Act would also help their case.
"That's Aunt Evelyn for you," Mitchell said, understanding the situation.
He went on, "Anyway, what could be used against you, Charlie, would be an excessive sex life, with many girls coming and going, drinking, gambling, smoking, partying..."
"Well, partying is no problem. It's been a while since we've had a party here," Daniel pointed out.
Charlie agreed, "He's right."
Mitchell just glanced to the side, realizing he was going to have a very complicated case.
[Daniel commentary]
Dani was sitting on the couch in Charlie's living room.
"If everything comes to worst, and Alan actually has a chance of losing shared custody of Jake..."
"I'll just rent a nice house for Alan, so he won't lose it," he stated.
[Commentary ends]
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Author's Note: Britney's death was just me being sloppy, and also a way to explain why paparazzi will be much less common in this world, as will tabloids.
Also, this is a sitcom fic, as you can see, it's not my intention to be realistic or to go into the darker side of Hollywood and the like.
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