Alex was amused at the sight of their shocked expressions. He smiled and said "I don't want  to sell my script."

  Steven recovered and asked, "Why? Do you think I can't direct it?"

  Alex shook his head and said, "No, you misunderstood me Mr. Spielberg. If anyone can do it it's definitely you."

  Steven confused asked " Then why are you not selling it?"

  "I won't sell it because I want to invest in the film"

  "You want to invest in it?" this time it's Frank who spoke. Frank doesn't believe that a 11-year-old boy can invest anything. "How much?"

  Alex looked at Ethan, his lawyer. Ethan took his cue and said, " We estimate the production cost gonna be $10 million and we are going to invest $3 mil. "

  Frank was somewhat taken back with surprise and then remembered that Alex was a successful writer, but he never imagined that he was that successful. And he was also amazed that they are spot on estimation on budget.

  "What's your conditions then?" this time it is Kathleen as the other two are still in shock.

  "18 % share in profit and 20% share in the profits of peripheral prodducts. That's our final offer." Alex replied

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Frank was suprised as he thought they were gonna ask more share in profits. Script is free in exchange for the right to invest $3 million for 18% share in profits.

  "It's a deal" Steven replied without any hesitation.

   Frank was about to say something when Steven said " But you have to take the role of the boy in this film."

   This time it was Alex's turn to be shocked. He always imagined himself as director but never as an actor. There is no specific reason as it just never entered his mind. Alex thought about it and found it interesting as he can see a legendary director work in close quarters.

  Alex offered his hand and said " Deal."

  They both shook on it.

***************************

  Kim was surprised after hearing this and was happy. "Alex it's great. You are going to be an actor. We are going to celebrate."

  "Well Kim, there is another reason to celebrate. First hear it." Alex said curbing her excitement with a smile." You are going to participate in audition for the role of my mother."

   "What..?" it's too sudden for her to hear it. She ws silent for a few minutes and said "What if I screwed up?" she said with a face of worry.

    "Don't be so pessemistic. It's just an audition and you have to strive for the role." He comforted.

   The audition went great as she had to read her lines with Alex and it came very naturally as she care for him very much. She got the role.

   Alex remembered that actually  Steven's next film should be INDIANA JONES: Raiders of the Lost Ark , and E.T. should be released in 1982. But because of his butterfly effect it all changed.

   But the main character's sister is still DREW BARRYMORE, the trouble child of Hollywood ,though she cleaned up her act later.

   In February 3rd, 1980  E.T. The Extra terrestrial  started shooting.

[http://www.impawards.com/1982/posters/e_t_the_extra_terrestrial_ver3.jpg]