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Yael's spoken words made Solanne miss her friends. How was the city? She thought, as she had blocked all of the possible news about the pandemic that she didn't want to feel depressed, but getting a few updates about her friends and what was happening wouldn't hurt. Or maybe it will be.
She pushed aside her thoughts for a moment and was present.
Solanne enjoyed the calm breeze as Yael enumerated what he had memorized in his scripts. In the quiet breeze of the night, with the twinkling stars, Yael and Solanne sat there, eyes gazing up, as Yael shared all of his experience and knowledge.
Yael shared his experience with his acting; he had already read a few scripts, most of which are worth note-taking. Yael shared stories from genres such as romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery.
Yael shared his thoughts about the characters he played. He shared what he had learned and what lessons Yael seemed to learn in every project he made. He uttered and shared his reflections and the one-in-a-lifetime realizations he had made. He was smiling, eyes twinkling with memories. He's so passionate and free that he loves what he is doing.
As he enumerated, Solanne, watching, can't help but be envious.
Right, despite their closeness, the one in front of him was no other than Yael Leonard Lee. A famous actor and an idol with millions of fans worldwide and a person who has been on the top of the pyramid life for several years now.
She realized his rich experience, from traveling to other countries, experiencing different cultures and locals, and even being with various people who gave him memories or lessons. He's someone she could never meet in any normal circumstances, and if it weren't for the pandemic and the god who had made this possible, she would not have been able to meet him.
Perhaps, no, there's no perhaps or even a maybe. The deity who had made this situation was right with his judgment, as Solanne learned and realized that she was the one learning from him. Although their situation was slightly different from before, as they started as strangers, almost enemies, they're friends now.
However, she can't help but think that this moment was a dream, for she knew that once they were out of this cabin, they'd never meet again. He'll be busy with his life again, and her? Who knows. Perhaps she'll try to find another part-time or freelancing job.
Thinking of all of these, Solanne felt so small. She was way older than her, yet they had differences in status, achievements, and favor in life.
It is so evident.
Solanne sighed despite her jealousy; she smiled and enjoyed his stories. She felt so privileged right now. No one, not even his fans, would dream that they'll be in a situation like this, yet, she's here, with him, his life, his stories.
How precious. So tangible, Solanne wanted to believe that everything was a dream, yet this was her reality.
For once, she had done something right. She chuckled in her mind; it was a coincidence and an accident. And this was the best accident that had ever happened to her.
They were under the starlight, both of them present, sitting beside each other, hands with cans of beer as they drowned the place with their conversations, laughter, and smiles.
Oh, what a great way to live.
Their conversation continues.
Sometimes, Solanne would comment about Yael's stories, and soon laughter could be heard around; their stories and conversation went on and on until the clock struck 12 midnight, and they were both tired.
Solanne went inside to get a trash bag, and as she turned her back, Yael looked at the sky; he gulped down a cup of water, feeling his mouth dry from all of his stories; his gaze followed Solanne's back who had accompanied him with all of his stories and nonsense.
He felt his heart skip a beat, remembering that all of her attention was drawn to him and him alone. Her deep gaze, slight smile, and words and actions told him she was with him at this moment, all attention to him without reservations.
People's attention would always be divided into guest shows, movies, series, and concerts. It was normal. He didn't have any issues with that; it's just that it made him realize that he felt so special, to be looked at and admired without him doing all the stuff he does. He doesn't need to sing, nor to act and dance. He doesn't need to be charismatic or wear clothes that would elevate his beauty.
He's just bare, and he felt naked. Yet, he felt precious and well taken care of. Her gaze was etched in his mind, and her smile seemed to have a different meaning; suddenly, he wanted to know. He wants to know everything about her, about her thoughts.
And the little things that keep her alive and passionate. Her writings. Yael thought. He wanted to read her writings because he knew, as an actor, that an author's work would always have a piece of their mind and heart.
Yael heaved his breath, pulling himself together to clean the remaining trash. At the same time, Solanne walked out of the cabin and towards him. She was holding a trash bag, a smile on her face, as she played another song.
Another thing Yael noticed was that Solanne likes songs that have meaning with profound poetry and meanings that seem to reflect different topics she finds fancy. Even if the song was old, if she wanted— love even, the lyrics- she'd play that on repeat.
He likes that. Yael never thought that he could be this observant. He didn't even realize how to make those small details happen individually.
He sighed as he asked, "Do you think there'll be another portal again?"
Solanne grinned. "You never know." She's excited, Yael concluded. However, her expression changed seriously as she asked, "If there's a portal, If it allows us, I'll just be the one who'll go in and explore."
"What?" Yael frowned. For some reason, he does not like that thought alone. He straightened his back; he didn't like the sound of that at all as he asked, "Why?"
"Well," Solanne helped him to tidy things up. "It's just that, based on what had happened before, you don't like being an entertainment to the gods, and you don't even like the idea of going into the different worlds. So, since it's just a portal and the number of people coming in and out can be controlled, then what I'm thinking is, I'll just be the one who is going to explore it and let you stay here free from the hassle and the things you don't want."
Hearing it, Yael had considered it, yet, "I don't like it. There are dangers there; you'll be alone."
Solanne chuckled, pushing aside his worries. "There's nothing to be afraid of. At best, I have the instructions and the train conductor whom I can trust. You don't have to push yourself for this kind of thing. You can just rest, just like you wanted, so what's wrong with—"
"I don't like it!" Yael hissed. "I'm following you."
"…."
Silence enveloped them. Solanne sighed, hands on her waist; she demanded, "Care to tell the reason?"
"I told you, it's dangerous."
Solanne sighed. "There's more to that. I can feel it. Tell me." She pressed.
More to that? Yael frowned. There's nothing more to that; it's dangerous! He muttered in his mind. "It's dangerous, Solanne. That's all the reason I need to come. Besides, if something happens and you don't come back, I'll be framed with murder."
"…" An awkward silence before Solanne laughed out loud, clutching her stomach, cheeks red.
"You really think of that? So that's your real reason. Murder? Really? How creative." She joked, dismissing him.
Yael scoffed, rolling his eyes. They finished cleaning outside and headed back to the cabin. The two cats were already on the sofa, sleeping. Solanne was sure they'd have their 3 am zoomies later, so she was tempted to keep them awake.
Heading to the kitchen, suddenly, a bluish portal that had transported them before. It was right in front of Solanne, just a few steps, where she was caught off guard. Feeling excited, she glanced at Yael, whose back was facing her.
Suddenly, she had a thought. Would this portal disappear if she's the only one who'll enter? Out of curiosity, she took three steps when suddenly, a hand yanked her and pulled her back. Her eyes widened, seeing that Yael was behind her, eyes glaring at her.
"I'm not trusting you anymore," He muttered angrily. He was towering over her; he was really tall, Solanne realized as she felt so small at the moment.
Solanne swallowed. Smiling apologetically. "Sorry,"
"I'm not accepting your sorry this time," Yael answered back, stepping forward and entering the portal. Soon, their eyes were filled with different colors and layers of worlds, and they found themselves again on the train they had been riding before.
The passengers significantly diminished this time as they realized that the train had already passed several worlds.
Yael and Solanne were sitting side by side; Solanne smiled as she met Yael's gaze. "Sorry. I really am. I'm just really thinking of you."
Yael sneered. "Lies. You got curious."
How does he know that?! Solanne screamed her mind. Still, she smiled, trying to capture his eyes. "Sorry?" She sweetly whispered.
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