It is cold and damp where I lay. I instantly sit up bewildered and quickly investigate my surroundings to notice I am no longer in my comfy queen size bed at home.
'How in the world did I get outside?'
Brushing the dirt off myself, I slowly stand up to take a look around me once more.
'Where am I exactly? How do I get back home from here?'
I groan as I look down at my muddy bare feet.
'Why would I even walk all the way out here in the first place?'
Scanning my surroundings again confused, I realize the only place I can possibly be at is in the dark woods behind my house.
'Wait, how did I even get past the fence?'
I laugh to myself as I think about the tall wooden oak fence my mother had put up years ago to keep me out of these forbidden dangerous woods.
'There is no way a wooden fence can keep me out now that I am older. I can simply walk around the whole thing if I want to, but I just never have thought to do so. So then why did I come here now? I haven't been here since that incident when I was young. So why come now after all this time? Hmmm, I'm not sure why but I should probably get back to the house before anyone notices that I am missing; not that Kyle will notice anything I really do anyways.'
Having my eyes finally used to the unexpected darkness, I begin to walk forward hoping I am going the right way.
'Ugh, this would have been so much easier to find my way back during the day.'
Tripping a little here and there over broken branches a couple times, I try to do my best and keep on going. After a while my energy gives up on me and I sit back down on a pile of crunchy reddish orange leaves to catch my breath before continuing ahead.
Exhausted, I frown, "this is taking forever. I am never going to make it back home in time before the early meeting."
I listen as my echo carries off into the dark, shadowy trees.
'What am I going to do now?'
I jump as a rustling noise comes out of nowhere to the right of me.
"Wh...Who is there," I ask as I wrap my arms around myself trying to calm my nerves down.
The rustling and crunching of twigs start getting closer as my breath comes heavier and faster. My heart is beating so fast I think it will jump right out of my chest at any moment soon. All of a sudden the noise stops and everything becomes silent once more. I wearily look around for any sign of movement within the shadows, my head turning all around in every which way.
"Hello? Is anyone there," I ask, my voice shaking.
I wrap my arms tighter around myself and pull my legs to my chest as the breeze picks up a little.
A snapping sound catches my attention as I look up straight from the ground, not prepared for what I am seeing. Two icy crystal blue eyes shine in front of me.
My eyes widen as I gasp.
"Wh…Whoever you are, p…please don't hurt me."
Tears begin to fill my blue eyes as the fear of being in danger finally kicks in. The stranger begins to move toward me. I reach up to cover my mouth with my hand, to silence the scream I have building up deep inside of me. The stranger's form becomes more defined as it keeps wandering toward me in the dimly lit trees. My fear gets the best of me and my body begins to shake uncontrollable as the sun begins to rise, shining limited light within the shady trees.
I certainly know now that the piercing blue eyes do not belong to just anyone. I know I have seen these captivating eyes once before. These were the same exact eyes I had seen when I was a little girl and tried to come to the woods the first time. Being younger then, I had just assumed the blue eyes had belonged to an innocent creature like a fox or coyote but now I see that I was completely wrong. The icy blue eyes do not belong to just any little creature, they belong to a wolf. My thoughts begin constantly running as I sit frozen.
'Oh no, what if it is hungry? How am I possibly going to survive this? I can't outrun a wolf. Even if I try, I don't know where I am.'
The darkness starts depleting as the sun begins to rise for the morning. My eyes focus back on the scary wolf standing in front of my face staring at me. I cannot help as I sit in fear to admire his coarse grayish fur as the sunlight lightly shines on it.
"Are you going to hurt me," I cryingly whisper, praying he will not eat me.
'What am I doing? Of course a wolf won't be able to understand what I am saying. I must be out of my mind.'
I keep chastising myself as the wolf shakes his head from left to right. My eyes widen in wonder.
'Wait, is that supposed to be the answer to my question? He cannot understand me, can he?'
"Um… can you understand me," I ask questionably.
My fear slowly slips away as the wolf shakes his head up and down.
'Well at least I'm not going to be eaten but that does not mean I am not crazy though. Am I imagining this now or is this all real?'
"So if you're not going to eat me then why are you here exactly?"
I watch him as he takes a couple steps closer to me. His mouth reaches out to grab on to my pink camisole with his teeth. I push myself up off the ground as he pulls me forward.
"Do you want me to follow you?"
'At this point I might as well admit to being out of my mind. Here I am talking to a wolf as if he actually understands me and I am about to follow him into these woods.'
The mysterious gray wolf shakes his head up and down then turns his back to me to walk straight ahead into the trees. Very curious to see where he is going, I decide to follow him through the woods, hoping he is on my side and will help me.
Relief floods through my body as my house comes into view. I take a step out of the woods and into the sun to breathe a breath of cool fresh air.
"Thank you, you could have eaten me or left me there by myself but you didn't. So, thank you very much," I say, turning to my new friend.
I can see now in the complete sunlight that the wolf isn't scary at all, but in fact is very beautiful to look at. Cautiously, I reach my hand out to pet him. Instead of growling or snapping at me like I think he will, he takes a step toward me and nuzzles his head against my palm. His fur, though it looks coarse, is actually really soft like velvet. I pet him for a while then sigh with sadness as I realize I have to unfortunately get back inside to Kyle.
"I have to get back now but don't worry; I will come back and visit you soon."
He runs his head against my side before turning to walk back into the mysterious woods.
Silently, I walk around the fence into my neighbor's yard. I try to be as quiet as I can as I open the door to the house and walk in. I am walking up the stairs when a light comes on at the top of them. Sighing I take the last couple of steps and come face to face with Kyle, who does not look happy at all.
"What were you doing outside?"
'Great, the one time he actually pays attention to me and what I am doing.'
"I went on a walk."
"You went for a walk at seven in the morning without shoes," he ask very skeptically.
"Um… yeah."
He grimaces, "why do I not believe you right now?"
"I don't know why you're worried about what I am doing when you should be getting ready for our shooting session today."
"Hmmm I feel like you're avoiding the subject but fine I'll go ahead and drop it for now. By the way, you should get ready too. After all, you take way longer to get ready than I do."
He smiles at his comment then turns to leave to get ready in his room. Knowing he'll bother me about it later, I walk down the hall to take a quick shower. Scrubbing the mud from my legs and feet, I think about the gray wolf from the woods.
'I wonder why he helped me get back home instead of killing me. Maybe wolves are not as vicious as I think or maybe it's just him? What if he is not the only wolf in the woods? Are there others like him? Maybe I can find out when I go to visit him next time, when and if I have any free time, who knows when that will be. I've been so busy with my current movie wrapping up and now I have another movie to shoot after I'm done with this one; how am I going to ever have time to go back to the woods?'
"Hey, are you done yet?"
'Ugh why can't he just leave me alone?'
"Yes, I'll be ready in a few minutes," I yell, shutting the water off.
I wrap a warm cotton towel around myself and walk out of the bathroom straight to my room on the right. Walking to my closet, I lay a pair of light blue jeans out with a dark blue sweater on my bed then begin to dry off my body and hair with my towel. After getting dressed, I throw my hair up into a high ponytail then walk down the stairs to meet Kyle.
"Took you long enough," he says, scowling at me.
I glare at him as he opens the door for me. We both get into the limo to ride all the way to the studio for our shooting session.
"There you are; right on time."
I look up to see Marcell walking toward us as we enter the building.
"Okay so today we are going to film the last scene from the movie where the couple goes their separate ways. Now I need you two in hair and make-up as soon as possible so we can start filming very soon."
I watch as Kyle nods his head and walks off to the left toward the hair and makeup area.
"Hey Marcell, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Yeah, what's on your mind Davina?"
"It's about the new movie you want me to do."
He frowns, "please tell me you are not rejecting the opportunity to do another movie with me. You will be perfect for the role. I know it!"
"No, that's not it at all; I just want to talk to you about the auditions for my co-star," I say with a concerned look.
He smiles then.
"Let me guess, Kyle is auditioning and you do not want him to get the part of your co-star. Am I correct?"
I smile, "well yeah, I guess that is basically it."
"I figured it was; your mother already called me late last night and tried to convince me about just giving Kyle the part without an audition."
I grimace, "What did you say to her exactly?"
"I just told her that the best audition will earn the role of your co-star."
'Wow, he isn't going to just give the role to Kyle? Maybe I have a good chance then.'
I try to keep my thoughts hopeful.
"Well let's hope someone has a way better audition than him," I say laughing.
"I know you do not like him but if he is the best one to audition then he will get the part after all."
"We'll see about that."
Aggravated about the whole situation, I storm off to hair and makeup.
"Hello gorgeous, how are we feeling this morning?"
I smile up at Nick as I sit down in the black swivel chair.
"I will be way better after this movie scene is done and I will no longer have to deal with Kyle anymore."
He laughs, "Is he still getting on your nerves honey?"
"Of course, he is so full of himself all the time. It makes me sick to my stomach just to look at him anymore."
"I am so sorry but look on the bright side, after today you won't have to deal with him."
I sigh, "Actually he plans on auditioning for my next movie as my co-star. Can you believe that? This is terrible."
"Why do you seem so upset about this? You're in charge of the auditions with Marcell, correct?"
"Well yeah."
"Okay then, that means you get the final say in who your co-star will be. If they argue with you, you could threaten to quit the movie."
"But I do not want to quit. This is a great opportunity to keep my career going in a positive direction"
"They don't want you to quit either, which means they will do anything for you to stay even without hiring a good actor like Kyle."
'Hmmm maybe he is right and I am worrying over nothing.'
"You know what Nick, you are right. I should not be worrying about the auditions since I get the ultimate decision on it in the end. Thank you so much for making me feel better!"
"Anything for my favorite girl. Now let's do your hair and make-up before Marcell comes over here and throws a fit for you not being ready."
He starts getting to work as I sit back and relax. Just as he is putting the finishing touches on my make-up, I notice Kyle walking toward us.
"I swear Dee, you get hotter every time I see you."
I sigh, "Please Kyle I do not want to hear your suck ups today. That is definitely one thing I will not miss while I am filming the next movie."
I check Nick's splendid work in the mirror then stand up to face Kyle.
"Look, this is the final scene we have to shoot for the movie. After this you are out of my house and my life for good."
"Oh, come on Davina, you already know I am going to get the part of your co-star again for the next movie."
I laugh, "Not if I have any say in the matter, you won't."
His smile turns into a grimace as he steps toward me and grips my arm tightly, so tightly I can't move.
"Listen here, your mother promised to make me a star and that is exactly what I am going to be. I will do anything to get that part. Nothing and no one is going to get in my way. Do you understand me?"
'Is he seriously threatening me right now? Is he crazy?'
"I suggest you let go of her before I burn your pretty little face with this curling iron."
I look over to see Nick's pissed off face. My eyes focus on the still hot curling iron in his hand. I feel the blood begin to run to my arm again as Kyle finally lets go.
"Fine, but I will get that part one way or another," he huffs then turns to walk to set.
"Thank you, Nick, for helping me," I say relieved.
"Anything for you girl. There is no way I am going to let that jerk get away with that. Now come on, let's get you to set before you are late."
He wraps his arm around my shoulder as we walk over to the already set up scene for today.
"There you are, are you ready to get the final last scene filmed and done?"
'Am I ready to get this over with and finally get rid of Kyle? Um hell yeah!'
I smile at Marcell.
"Absolutely!"
I step away from both of them to join Kyle on the set.
I take a deep breath as Marcell calls "Action!"
My eyes focus on the sunset horizon as I try not to think about why I am here.
"Maria, will you please look at me?"
"Why should I?"
"Because I care about you, that's why."
Fake tears well up in my eyes as I turn to face Kyle for the next part of the scene.
"I just do not get it. Why would you do this to me Erik? After everything we have been through, you are just going to up and leave me?"
"Look I am sorry but I want to go off and see the world. I do not want to be stuck in this small lame town forever."
"Is this about you wanting to travel or not wanting commitment?"
"Maria…"
"No Erik, I want you to be honest with me. Did you ever love me or was it all an act to get with me?"
His eyes shift to the ground as he sighs.
"I am sorry Maria. I thought you knew what kind of guy I was. I figured you were okay with it."
"That is where you are wrong, I thought you had changed and actually felt the same way I feel toward you. But do not worry I will get over it sooner or later. However, you are the one who will have to live with the fact of losing someone who loved you."
"I'm truly sorry Maria."
I frown, "yeah so am I. Goodbye Erik."
I heave a sigh and turn to walk off the set with tears running down my face.
"Cut!!!"
A round of applause erupts the studio as I wipe the tears away. Nick and Marcell walk up to me as I regain my composure. I take the tissue from Nick's outstretched hand and smile.
"Was that good," I nervously ask.
"Are you kidding? That was marvelous, it gave me goosebumps. The tears were a great touch by the way."
"Thank you."
I look from Nick to Marcell, waiting for his reaction to the scene.
"Yes, it was very well done. I am so glad you agreed to do another movie for me. I cannot wait to start filming again and see what you bring for your new character."
"Well, you are a great director after all."
"Thank you my dear."
"So how was the scene? Do we need to redo it?"
I roll my eyes as Kyle appears beside me.
"No, you two did a fantastic job today. We have finally finished filming all the scenes for the entire movie so now we leave it up to the editors to put them all together and then we will have our movie completed."
At least I won't have to be with Kyle until the movie premieres.
"So, what do we do until then," Kyle asks.
"Well I would like to go ahead and work on my new upcoming movie while we wait for this current one to premiere. So that means I am going to need you to be here for auditions in two days."
"Two days, why not tomorrow? We could get a head start on shooting for the movie."
He smiles, "well I figured you could use a day off with all the work you have been doing. I know you are tired and could use some relaxation. Plus you deserve a day off."
"Well that is very kind of you, thank you Marcell. Due to your generosity, Kyle has some time to move out of my house now."
"Dee, what are you talking about? I'm not moving out," Kyle complains.
I sneer, "oh yes you are. I am not putting up with your stupid ass any longer."
I give Kyle a dirty look as he glares at me.
"Alright you two, that is enough for now. Enjoy your time off. Try not to kill each other and I will see you in two days."
"See you all later."
Smiling, I grab my bag and head out to the limo.
'Finally, I can have a relaxing day to myself. Maybe I will go to the spa or go shopping?'
My fantasy vacation comes crashing down when the limo door opens and Kyle climbs in to sit down beside me.
I frown, "what in the world are you doing?"
"What do you mean what am I doing? I am catching a ride home with you."
"Oh no, the movie is officially over which means you and I are done. You are no longer in my life."
"You cannot get rid of me that easily Dee. Once I get the part of your new co-star for the next movie, we will be back to dating in no time at all. Watch, you will see."
"Oh yeah, we will see about that after auditions and we are not dating, especially if I have a say."
I move away from him and keep quiet the rest of the ride home. I sigh as I notice a black SUV in my driveway as we pull up.
'Great, what does she want now? Hopefully she won't be here for long.'
I reluctantly get out of the limo and walk into my house to be greeted none other than my very own mother.
"Hello dear, how was your last day of shooting?"
"It went very well actually."
"That's good. When are you due for the auditions for your next movie?"
'So that is why she is here; to figure out the schedule for auditions for my next movie.'
"Well, he plans on starting to audition people in two days."
"Well then, I guess I better take Kyle to work on his lines for them then."
"Martha, you don't need to help me with my lines. I will be just fine."
I look at Kyle and smile.
"You know what Kyle, you should go with my mom. She could really help you prepare for the auditions. It'll only help you to become an even better actor as well as a bigger movie star."
'Please take the bait…Go Away!!! He seems to be really contemplating his decision very much.'
I grin with happiness as he sighs.
"Okay, I will do it."
"Great, now let's go dear. We will see you in two days Davina."
As soon as the door shuts, I slump down on the couch exhausted.
'Finally, I can be alone and relax to myself.'
I turn the TV on to surf through the channels to which I stop on a talk show when I hear my name being mentioned. Listening, they are talking about my movie coming out the following week for the official premiere. I shut the tv off when they begin to talk about Kyle and I being a cute couple and wondering what is the next step for our relationship.
'If only everyone knew how he really is. Ugh spending time with Kyle always makes me feel like I am watching a child. Hopefully Marcell agrees with me in not giving him the role of my new co-star. I don't think I can take any more time with him.'
Tiredness slowly creeps upon me as I lay down on the couch to fall asleep.