Page 21 of Pining for You

“Sigh,” I say. “You guys are the reason for the season.”

“Anything for you, BB,” Izaac says.

“Well, I’m glad to hear you say that,” I jump in, thrilled to have a segue to change the subject. “Because I’m going to have to enlist you in another endeavor already.”

“Uh-oh,” Diya says, and Izaac’s eyes narrow.

“Don’t worry. This one has a lot less logistics,” I go on. “Just requires you to be your wonderful selves and to commit to a little casual on-camera time.” I set my mom’s camcorder on the table.

Before I fell asleep, I was researching documentary styles and formats. My idea is to do a vérité-style film—which from what I understand just means following along and observing life without interrupting it. I may not know much about making a doc, but making myself invisible? That is something I’ve had plenty of practice with at home these last few years.

Cash starts preening and Izaac smiles at him before looking back at me.

“Gonna need to run footage past legal, boss,” he says. “Can’t risk campaign scandals.”

“Oh, I’m confident this will only endear you to prospective constituents,” I say, straightening up. “More of a December present than an October surprise.”

“Wait, is this for your application stuff?” Diya asks.

I nod proudly.

“I’m venturing into the world of documentary filmmaking.”

I’m thankful to finally have something to report on this front, especially to Izaac, but he gives me a skeptical glare.

“Sorry, how exactly does that have to do with your applications?” Izaac asks.

“Well,” I say, and then explain my thought process, about finding magic and how that’ll strengthen my film work—though I leave out the parts about Eve. And about making a gift for my friends with the footage.

“Think of it as extra credit,” I say. “I’ll detail what I learned from the film in my Statement of Purpose, proving that I am a very serious person, who is very serious about my goals and career aspirations.”

“B, maybe you should just work on what they’ve asked of you,” Cash says.

“Yeah, I mean, I love your go-getter spirit, but ya know, maybe just prioritize and focus,” Diya says gently.

“They’re being kind,” Izaac says, gesturing to Diya and Cash. “So allow me to be real. If you start something new every week, you’ll never get any of it done!”

“I’ve got plenty of time!” I say, partially to convince myself.

“You have twelve days,” Diya says.

“And John Hughes—”

“Wrote Home Alone in nine days,” they all say in unison.

“You guys! You really do listen,” I say, with both hands over my heart, and there’s a round of eye rolls and grumbles. “Anyway, I had a fresh wave of inspiration. I’m riding it. I feel good about this finally.”

“And where, pray tell, is this burst of inspiration coming from?” Izaac asks.

“Just… ya know. Fresh perspective, I guess.”

“More like fresh meat,” Cash says. “I saw that look on your face yesterday with that girl.”

“Don’t be gross,” Diya says to him, outraged. “Although, he’s not wrong,” she adds to me.

“You were smitten,” Cash says, and I can feel the blush bloom across my cheeks.

“Whoooooa. I’m sorry, run that back?” Izaac says before I can react. He lets his menu flop to the table. Even his hair stands more at attention.