It's been a few days since I moved into my new place. I'm getting ready for my scene at the studio when Claire, who has been visiting me (for work of course), approaches me. She sits down on a chair beside me. For whatever reason, whenever it's time for an interview, Leah refuses to tag along which is weird since she's hanging around me pretty much all the time. Does she really hate her that much?
Claire: Is your scene coming up?
Ashton: Yeah, in a while.
Claire: About the schedule next to next week, on Friday, we'll have to shift it.
That's the day of the reunion.
Ashton: Hmm, I actually have a day off on the next day, so we can accommodate the interview in that.
Claire: Oh, that's good.....
Ashton:.....
Yeah, it's been awkward between us when there's nothing to talk about. I mentally sigh when someone taps on my shoulder from behind.
???: Got a minute?
That voice is... I turn around to see...
Ashton: Neha! What are you doing here?
Neha: Aw, you're not happy to see me?
She pouts.
Ashton: How could that be? I was just surprised.
Neha: You nev'a read the scripts do ya?
Ashton: What?
She picks up my copy of the script, flips through the cast page and points to a name. 'Neha Kumar as Female Lead 2'.
Ashton: Ah, I see.
Neha: By the way, where's your cousin? I'd like to meet her. Is that her?
Neha glances towards Claire. What does she want to do? She knows who Claire is all too well; I told her her identity at the party when she asked me. Maybe she hadn't looked at her face then.
Ashton: This is-
Claire: Hello, I'm Claire Blanche from Fuchsia. Publishings.
She flashes a professional smile at Neha and hands her her business card. Neha takes it looks back at Claire again.
Neha: YOU'RE Claire?
Claire: Yes...?
Then she looks back and forth between me and Claire.
Neha: You're the one I saw at the party last week! I'm sorry, I totally didn't recognize ya, you had so much make-up on yer face that day.
Claire:... Is that so? I only apply a little make-up for parties as compared to actresses nowadays.
Neha: Haha, maybe that's true, after all, we need to stand out.
Claire: Right? I think cosmetic companies are making more profit from one actress than they ever were from 100 people before.
Neha: Haha....
Claire:...
... Why do I feel like they both said something very rude to each other with a straight face? And speaking of 'straight', Neha is totally checking her out while chatting with her. Come to think of it, she was always 'observing' the female students during our acting and dance classes back then. Is she... A-Anyhow, I need to ease the mood here; the tension between them is so thick, you could slice it with a knife.
Ashton: Um, how did you know my sister is here?
Neha: Y'know how Director Kal won't shut up about ya? 'Ashton this', 'Ashton that'; that's when he told me that your cousin was yer manager.
Ashton: He runs his mouth too much, doesn't he?
We both heave a sigh.
???: Ash, there's something I wanted to confirm with you.
Someone calls from behind in a familiar tone.
Claire: Y-You...
Claire responds in a small voice, her expression showing hints of horror. Neha and I follow her line of sight to see...
Ashton: Leah?