Over the span of another twelve exciting days, the rhythm of our lives grew increasingly chaotic as we tirelessly tiptoed through both the sunlit hours and the inky darkness. By now, Eugene has become a master of inventing fresh excuses for each night spent with me, skillfully handling the questions and concerns posed by his acquaintances. Fortuitously, his roommates chose to respect his privacy, casting no inquisitive glances his way and raising minimal suspicions, which further eased our covert endeavors.
The shooting of the film was nearing completion, with just about a month left before we could move on to the post-production phase. While the film was only halfway through, there were still several tasks to be accomplished, such as editing, creating teasers, composing the end music, managing marketing and distribution, and handling a lot of other hectic work. However, the silver lining was that we no longer had to go around different locations and delay the actual shooting process. This meant that I wouldn't be as overwhelmed, especially since we had the support of a highly skilled professional editor. Additionally, Nathaniel would also need to assist me more, as I am just an assistant and still relatively new to the industry.
As the cameras rolled and the director shouted "cut," a wave of relief washed over the entire crew. We had conquered the most challenging scenes, leaving only the simpler ones behind. The tension that once filled the air seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of ease and relaxation. We even bid temporary goodbyes to some of our actors, knowing their parts were complete. With each scene we wrapped, the location became less and less crowded, as if breathing a collective sigh of relief alongside us. The journey was far from over, but the weight on our shoulders had lightened, paving the way for smooth sailing ahead.
"I am planning on flying down to Los Angeles tomorrow. I will be returning in three days."
Carla stated while she and I strolled back to our respective cottages, her voice laced with a mix of relief and satisfaction. She only had two more scenes to shoot, and those too weren't scheduled consecutively. So she had a lot of spare time in hand for a short while, which I was glad for. Observing her closely, it was easy to notice how her skin had acquired a radiant tan, acting as proof of the hours spent under the scorching sun, immersed in her job. Not only that, she seemed to have shed a few pounds, a substantial indication of the immense dedication she had poured into portraying this demanding role. Truly, Carla had gone above and beyond, fully drowning herself in her character's psyche. And sometimes, even long after the director yelled "cut," she often remained in the fantasy world, which was quite common for experienced actors.
In the world of acting, the process of transforming into a character can be a double-edged sword. While it lends authenticity and depth to their portrayal, it can also leave a lasting imprint on the actors themselves, sticking around long after the production. Witnessing Carla's drained countenance, bearing the undeniable burden of her tireless dedication, I find myself fervently praying that her immense efforts will earn the praise she deserves. As both an assistant director and a writer, this was an unsettling fear that gnawed at me. Actors are consistently placed under the harshest scrutiny when a movie fails to meet expectations, often facing blame for their choices in scripts or any other factor leading to disappointment. As the visible face of a film, they bear the weight of its success or failure, driving the increasing demand for them to cater to fans' needs. Such a responsibility is by no means a walk in the park. Being a writer, my paramount duty was to exercise the utmost caution, refrain from discrediting their efforts, and understand the delicate nature of their role.
"For just three days? Why? Are there any issues?"
I questioned, diverting my focus from my ever-present musings.
"Naah, it's the special occasion of our six-month anniversary, and I want to celebrate it with him together. Xander has always been so thoughtful and surprises me with his gestures, while I realize that I haven't done much in return. It's important for me to reciprocate and show my emotions and appreciation in order to maintain the dynamism of our relationship. Besides, I simply love seeing his wide eyes when he sees me first thing in the morning. I swear he's going to freak out."
Carla expressed her love for her boyfriend in such a way that words were unnecessary to convey the depth of her feelings. The fatigue evident in her sunken eyes couldn't overshadow the twinkle that appeared as she spoke, revealing her genuine excitement. Witnessing her happiness, I felt joyous for her, while my curiosity was also piqued.
"You need to do something like that in order to strengthen your relationship?"
Despite my constant reassurances that Eugene and I weren't in a romantic relationship, my thoughts continued to drift toward him. Surprisingly, it was Carla, with her extensive dating experience, whom I turned to for guidance. Time and again, I sought her advice under the pretense of writing a new romance novel. I know she had taken a substantial hiatus from dating after her notorious celebrity ex-boyfriend betrayed her by sleeping with another model. It was only after this heartbreak that she eventually began an affair with Xander. After the breakup, the ex-boyfriend relentlessly pleaded for her to give their relationship another chance, and word on the street was that it was all because she possessed an unparalleled expertise between the sheets. However, to me, it appears that his sudden change of heart wasn't solely due to her sexual aptitude but rather the realization of her angelic nature. Judging by her relentless efforts, it is evident that she is pouring her heart and soul into this relationship, and I can see how much she values the other person. I really hope Xander deserves her.
"Yeah, you don't just have sex or constantly say "I love you" if you don't want a temporary fling. That's not how the long-term ones work. They require an infusion of excitement and surprise elements to truly flourish. Throughout my romantic life, I have always diligently maintained this. Unfortunately, my previous partners failed to recognize or appreciate these efforts. However, Xander is an exception. He not only appreciates but reciprocates my struggles, valuing every action I take for him. His appreciation serves as a driving force, motivating me to do more for him."
Carla's eyes gleamed with a dreamy expression, and I couldn't help but feel absolutely cheerful for her. Carla was such a wonderful person, and it was only fitting that she found someone equally supportive of her. Curious, I asked her,
"So, what activities are included in these surprise elements?"
I half-expected Carla to be suspicious of my sudden interest in her love life, but to my relief, she seemed intrigued and willing to share her insights with me.
"There are plenty of aspects to focus on, such as sex, sex, and more sex, but not all the time. You need to be inventive, catering to both partners' needs. It's important to keep things interesting and push boundaries. It's a common frustration for women that men often don't realize their need for more. Therefore, it's necessary to introduce passion and encourage them to step outside their comfort zones. Whether it's through trying new things in the bedroom or planning surprise dates, gifts, and spontaneous getaways, the possibilities are endless. Every guy is different, so the dynamics may vary. Nonetheless, one thing that remains consistent is that a confident and alluring woman can captivate any man, regardless of their strength or demeanor."
Carla completed her lecture, and I watched her with admiration, almost as if she were my new favorite teacher. While the subject of sex didn't hold much appeal to me before, the mere thought of the possibilities with Eugene arouses my enthusiasm. Despite being a virgin and feeling apprehensive, I possess a creative mind as a woman. Many of my fantasies exist within the pages of the books I write, and they entertain the minds of young people. The realization that I could experience all of those fantasies with Eugene fills me with excitement, as long as I summon the courage to make it happen.
Despite the thrill and contentment that enveloped our current relationship, after what Carla said, I was nudged by the possibility that he might get tired of me. It had been over a month, and while we had explored countless areas of intimacy, I had never completely surrendered my body to him. We have done most of the stuff except penetration and a few others, but I am still bothered, especially since I am certain that he is not seeing anyone behind my back. We might not be an exclusive couple, but we were more than just fuck-buddies. We were loyal to each other. I wanted to surprise him with something special, as it only seemed fair to repay the abundance of tenderness, care, and affection he had lavished upon me.
With determination pulsating through my veins, I resolved to take action. I refused to let my reservations hold me back any longer. It was time to shatter the boundaries I had set for myself and unveil a new level of expression. After all, appreciation is best conveyed through sincere actions. I could envision his face, filled with joy and shock, once he understood the depth of my commitment to our relationship.
After I bid farewell to Carla, I was hanging in my bedroom and thinking of a plan when Lorraine barged into my space with her iPad in her hand.
"Guess what?" she shouted, even though we were in the same freaking room. "We have tomorrow off!"
It was like a sweet, melodic symphony to my tired ears. Grinning from ear to ear, I wasted no time in deciding any further. The opportunity has been handed to me on a silver platter, and I would be a fool not to make use of it.
"You're free to do whatever you want tomorrow, Lorraine," I told her with a mischievous twinkle in my eye. "Hang out with Brenda, go to parks, or just relax. It's your call."
Her round eyes became two slits as she raised one brow at me in question. Even I knew I was acting weird by smiling like a psychopath. The moment I revealed my intention to her, Lorraine's excitement skyrocketed.
"A date?!" she squealed, unable to contain her delight. I quickly quenched her bubbling enthusiasm, clarifying that it was merely an outing and nothing more. Nevertheless, she wasted no time in rallying her troops, dialing April's and Matt's numbers as if her life depended on it. Soon enough, the three of them were showering me with an hour's worth of advice, bombarding me with tips and 'what not to dos'.
The rest of the day was bustling with activities, and Eugene was caught up with some late-night work. But strangely enough, I found myself secretly glad that he couldn't make it. It was as if fate had intervened to give me the space to orchestrate and plan everything just the way I wanted. After thorough research and a few calls, I dialed his number around midnight, my mind buzzing with plans. As soon as his voice filled the line, I inquired with a sense of urgency if he was free the following day. He explained that while his evening was booked, he could spare a few hours in the morning, which was more than enough for me. I asked if it was possible for him to meet me at dawn and come with me somewhere. Without hesitation, Eugene agreed, and my heart skipped a beat, realizing that he didn't even ask me where the destination was. These were small actions that proved his confidence in me.
With Eugene's promise to accompany me, I couldn't contain the bubbling excitement within me. With a newfound sense of purpose, I began to weave together the necessary arrangements, ensuring that every detail was meticulously thought through. From the location to the timing, everything had to be just right.
I was being weird. Acting all cringe. It was like I had suddenly forgotten how to act like a normal human being. But deep down, beneath all the embarrassment, there was a spark of excitement that refused to be extinguished. It was my very first time asking a guy out, and the mixture of anxiety and anticipation had my heart pounding in my chest. The butterflies in my stomach were relentless, fluttering about with reckless abandon. What if he finds it childish? What if I made a fool of myself? These thoughts invaded my mind, causing my anxiety to rear its ugly head. Yet buried within the fear was a flicker of hope. It was Eugene, and he will never take me for granted.
Despite all the awkwardness and unease, I simply couldn't wait for tomorrow. And as I lay in bed, counting down the minutes until the sun would rise, I couldn't help but feel a surge of optimism. Tomorrow was my moment to step outside my comfort zone and take a leap of faith.
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