"FROM THE TOP!"
I shouted for the nth time today, and a string of groans arose. We were struggling with an intense fight scene, and there was full camera coverage; the lighting was excellent, yet something was amiss. I was unsatisfied with the shot, regardless of my efforts to figure out what was wrong.
The actors have returned to their positions, and the make-up artists have hurried to their respective positions, retouching their faces and everything. I groaned and studied the script again as the production staff checked for continuity. The morning's incident was long forgotten, and I didn't get enough time to think about anything other than work.
"Think about how you want it exactly. Don't look at the surroundings now. Close your eyes and just imagine."
Nathaniel was on the phone, playing Candy Crush, and he couldn't care less. He said nothing while I continued to reshoot the sequence, and now that he'd suggested it, I sat down and pictured myself writing the story on the computer.
I remained in that posture for over five minutes, envisioning myself at the moment and comparing my expectations with those of the audience at the movie theater. I opened my eyes and grinned at Nathaniel, who was still engrossed in his game.
"Thank you, old man."
I said, and he simply laughed and stuck out his tongue playfully. More than a great director, he was a great teacher.
"Kim, I want you to walk in an arc before the stuntmen appear. Varun, do you think we can do a Banana?"
Varun, our cameraman, was on the crane and gave me a thumbs up while smiling broadly.
"Keep the boom close to Aiden and do not shift it."
"Eugene, double-check the continuity script and tell me where the sun was."
"Aye aye," he responded, and he hurried to his crew members.
"And Varun, at the end, the crane shot should be taken from the highest angle, dropping to the lowest, not the other way around. And I guess we will use the Dollies."
Varun was enthusiastic about the new adjustments, and everyone scurried around, following the instructions.
"Scene seven fight, take four. Mark!"
The scene began to take shape as the second AC shouted before hitting the clapper board. Nathaniel was hovering next to me while I gazed at the small monitor. The acting was all on point, and I held my breath while the sequence played out.
"CUT!"
I yelled again, and this time I was beaming. I felt a pat on the back and turned to see Nathaniel still staring at the screen with a proud expression on his face.
"That was fantastic, kiddo."
The performers and crew members gathered around the monitors as the scene unfolded on the screen. Despite the fact that just modest alterations were made, the angles looked so much better that I couldn't believe I had accomplished it.
"That's an art, River. It's amazing. You made me look like an Alpha male."
Aiden, our male lead, remarked and gave me a high five. Varun, too, said that he loved it, while I kept giggling like a fool. I did it!
...
"Thank you so much, Nathaniel."
I told him once it was time for the wrap-up in the afternoon, and he ruffled my hair.
"You did it all by yourself, child. I knew you had the potential the moment I saw your script."
I wasn't certain if I deserved his praise or if I was just incredibly lucky today, but I wasn't going to overthink it and ruin my happiness.
"You were so cool, River. Barking out orders and controlling all these men. You looked like a boss bitch."
Carla commented as I finally sat down next to her, the exhaustion of the morning catching up with me.
"Thank you, but what are you having?"
She was holding a bowl of vegetables that appeared to have been brought from her home.
"Caesar salad. You want?"
I turned down her offer and soon left the place when her boyfriend called. I did not wish to hear the lovey-dovey stuff again. It was too sweet for my liking.
I headed to the pantry and grabbed a box of meals before walking to the river's base. The marketing department has decided to take a break here and capture some behind-the-scenes footage. Furthermore, everyone earned this free time, and those who were not interested returned to the village.
I sat on a huge boulder and buried my legs in the cool, running water, with no one in sight. My lethargy vanished as the cold liquid splashed on my skin, making me shudder. It was exhilarating.
I was away from the bustling people, and I removed the lid of my lunch box, which included rice and curry. Since I was too tired to carry it all, I didn't bother getting water or dessert. I fiddled around with the spoon briefly before digging in and reveling in Thailand's beauty. The roar of the stream flowing drowned out any other sounds, which was probably why I failed to notice the footsteps approaching.
"What is River doing next to a river?"
I choked on my food and coughed violently as I was unexpectedly interrupted, and Eugene crouched next to me, his expression becoming worried. He passed me a bottle of water, and I thanked him amid coughing. The universe is really trying to be a matchmaker right now.
"Are you okay?"
Eugene inquired, as he made himself comfortable next to me and immersed his legs in the water as well.
"Shit, it's freezing."
We both had our pants rolled up, but still, the droplets were soaking the cloth.
"I am fine, thank you. What are you doing here?"
I asked, hoping I didn't sound rude. However, it wasn't an option, as my voice was hoarse and my natural attitude was bossy. But Eugene didn't appear to mind. In fact, he looked like he was in a cheerful mood, and his smile unintentionally made my lips curve upward.
"To eat, of course. I was trying to find an empty spot nearby, but it looks like they were all taken. And then I saw you."
I glanced around to see what he meant, and indeed there were individuals on different rocks, each with adequate distance from the others. It was apparent that many people, like myself, desired some personal time.
As Eugene removed the cover of his container and began munching on the rice, we fell into a comfortable silence.
"Earlier, you were pretty good."
He broke the peace after a while, and I smiled at him in response. Though I have heard it from several people today, it sounded special when it came from Eugene's mouth. I thought I would burst with glee, and I couldn't even blame my hormones for these strange feelings anymore.
"You all worked really hard today." I said, modestly.
"Of course we did."
His words came out confidently, and I nudged him in the shoulders. He looked somewhat startled by my abrupt display of friendliness, yet he grinned broadly at me. What can I say? I was feeling energetic.
We spoke about random topics, and even though my weak heart was concerned about our physical proximity, I was at ease with him. I didn't feel the need to be tough during my time with Eugene.
His phone rang, interrupting our conversation, and he answered it right away.
"Hey, Betty."
...
"Now?"
...
"What happened to your hand?"
...
"Oh, I am so sorry. Did you visit the hospital?"
.....
"Don't worry about the purchase. You just take some rest. I will handle that."
....
"Its alright. Call me if you need anything else. Bye."
.....
I shook my head, frustrated. The interaction made it obvious that someone had just asked him to do another favor.
"I have been noticing this for a while, but what are you, an errand boy? Don't you think some of them are actually taking advantage of you?"
I have had enough of it. It wasn't my place to say anything, but this was ridiculous.
"Betty is really sick, and all she wants is for me to go to town and get some costumes."
"I really don't get you, dude. Is it seriously that hard to say no?"
I was fuming. I was angry at the others for exploiting him, and I was angry at him for allowing them to use him. He remained silent for a few seconds while I tossed small rocks into the river after placing the half eaten lunch by my side. I was no longer hungry.
"I know I am being a fool. But I can't help it. It must have something to do with my upbringing, but I have always been a people-pleaser. My mood was influenced by how the other person felt. I tried to change, but it only made me more apprehensive."
I remained mute. He was telling me something really personal, and I had no response, as I wasn't used to hearing about people's personal problems. Instead, I placed my hand on his shoulder and patted him twice on the back. I, myself, was a victim of childhood trauma, so I knew what it did to a person.
"I am sorry."
I apologized sincerely. I should not have criticized him for something he did not do wrong.
"Don't worry. Usually, people don't tell me that I am being taken advantage of. I appreciate your honesty with me. Friends?"
Eugene reached out his hand and gazed at me intently. It had to be the weather, or the river swaying my body, or the cold air that made me daring, or his brown eyes probing new depths in my heart, or our freaking closeness. Whatever the reason, it snapped something inside me.
I grasped Eugene's hand in a vice-like hold and drew him closer, stunning both him and myself with my strength. His face was only a few inches away from mine, and his eyes were as big as saucers. Gone was his playful smile. Instead, his lips were slightly parted, and his quick, heavy breath fanned on my temple.
"Eugene?"
I whispered out his name, tasting it on my lips, and he visibly shuddered.
"Yeah?"
His voice was barely audible, and I liked the control I had over him. I clasped his hands again, if that was even possible, and stared him in the eyes with determination.
"Sleep with me."
......