AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As small as the island appeared from the water, I’m surprised by how immense it feels once you’re on it.
Maybe it’s the towering trees or the labyrinth of paths, but I feel small here, surrounded by nature.
Despite the size and various clearings, Stefan has ensured it’s bare bones where accommodations are concerned. The luxuries are nonexistent.
I catch a glimpse of Michael, surrounded by a few other people I don’t know.
Small talk is not in the cards for me right now, so when I see Jeffrey lift his hand and try to wave me down, pointing at the seat next to him, I politely smile and shake my head to decline.
When he doesn’t take no for an answer, I lift a finger to signal him to give me a minute. At that, he finally nods, turning back to speak to Michael.
How the hell am I going to avoid that?
This is such a different experience from Teagan’s television show. That was shot in the studio with a limited set and green screen most of the time. The entire premise of the show was a group of kids hanging in the lead’s basement, talking about life and the hiccups of being a teen.
It wasn’t a hit.
A man climbs up on the tree, likely to inspect it, as discussed at the meeting. It’s holding him all right, so hopefully, that means it’s sturdy enough to hold a small girl like Teagan just fine.
I would not want that job.
From what I gathered from reading lines with Teagan this morning, in this scene, a wild boar has tried to attack her character, and she must climb up the tree to stay safe. Brad’s character finds her and tries to coax her down, but she’s frantic and scared. It’s a powerful scene, and I know she’ll nail it.
For the next few minutes, I likely look like a micromanager as I watch everyone preparing, but so be it. Whatever keeps Teagan safe is worth it.
One by one, everybody does what they’re supposed to do, and the actors are called on set.
I get tired of standing. Knowing full well that this could be a very long day, I find an empty chair in the back and attempt to disappear into the background. It’s far away from Jeffrey, which was my main objective.
The hairs on my arm rise because I feel eyes on me. I search the vicinity to see if I’m going crazy or if somebody really is staring at me. A man I’ve never seen before is peering right at me. When our eyes lock, he quickly turns away.
Who is he?
I turn in the other direction to find Paxton striding toward me.
Ugh. Why?
He takes the seat right next to mine, and I prepare for whatever issue he’s about to lie at my feet. When he doesn’t say anything, my eyes narrow in on him.
What the hell?
I would sit next to Jeffrey before him, and I can’t imagine he feels any differently. I pull my gaze from the side of his head and realize that no other chairs are available. Every one, aside from the seat he’s in now, is occupied.
That makes more sense.
He doesn’t acknowledge me, nor do I acknowledge him. I’m purposely avoiding eye contact, staring in the opposite direction.
It does no good. Sitting this close to him makes it hard to ignore his presence.
I can feel his warmth.
I can hear the rustling of his clothes with every shift of his body.
I’m hyperaware of the proximity. Our chairs are so close that it’s almost as if I’m sitting on his lap.
His cologne wafts over me, and my eyes close as I inhale the intoxicating fragrance. Damn, he smells good.
A loud voice booms through the space, and my eyes fly open.
Teagan walks across the grass, and Stefan fires off directions as he talks to her. The crew moves into position, and the surrounding area goes silent.
A man comes up behind Teagan and lifts her into the air, helping her scale the tree. This time, unlike the last, a brown foam pillow sits around the trunk in case of a fall.
It’s not viewable, but at least Teagan knows that if she falls, she won’t land on hard ground. Hopefully, that’s enough to keep her calm.
“Quiet on set!” Stefan yells out.
The air around us is still. Every person waits with bated breath for what’s coming, not uttering a sound.
It’s almost creepy how quiet it is.
Please, universe, make this scene work.
If a pin dropped, you might actually be able to hear it, and so would Stefan. From what I’ve heard, that would be enough to witness him blowing a gasket. Something tells me it wouldn’t be a pretty sight, either.
The man is a nutcase when it comes to his art.
I’m watching intently as the camera rolls, and Teagan opens her mouth. She’s shaking like a leaf, part of the role, but I know Teagan, and her fear is real, even from where I’m sitting in the back.
