Behind the Camera

Chapter Thirty Two

Erana's POV

I've been back home for a while now, the show is literally premiering in a week..

All of my plans got canceled due to a global pandemic, so I never got my dream vacation with Mia or really got to do anything at all.

I've stayed home almost the entire time.. As did everyone else.

Days seemed to drag on and on.. I'd drink beer for the fun of it not even to get drunk.

I slowly felt myself slipping away into an empty mindset. I'm not sure if it was a serious problem or if I had just disconnected with reality.

Just as that thought ran it's track through my head I hear my phone buzz.

Mia-
Haven't heard from you in so long, everything okay? xoxo

I smile to myself seeing that she had finally taken the time to reach out.

To be fair she completely exaggerated considering we had just spoke a few days ago.

Me-

Oh don't be so dramatic, All good here <3

I send it and wait for her bubbles to pop up indicating she was replying, which didn't take long.

Mia-

Me? Dramatic? Could never

I laugh at her text knowing that was the furthest from the truth.

Mia had been seeing Brody often, I assume they're dating but I don't want to hurt myself confirming it. I'd rather be left thinking they're just really good friends.

Mia-

Got a sec to facetime? I really miss ur voice.

My smile goes away and the lump in my throat becomes invasive.

I was still nervous to talk to her..

"Erana let's get a go on dinner," My dad says from my doorway motioning his head for me to come downstairs.

I groan to myself knowing I'd have to deny yet another call with Mia. At least this time I actually couldn't talk unlike the last few times.

Me-

Making dinner with the fam :( we'll talk soon!

And with that she left me on read.. I guess I kinda expected it seeing as though I never make the time to talk to her.

Part of me hates the fact that she's with Brody but the other part just wants her to be happy and she looks happy with him.

The days seemed to slip away before I was awaiting the release of my first ever major show.

I watch as messages flood the group chat we had made while filming.

Sophie- Yalllll we have ONE hour!!

Jenna- Can't tell if I'm more excited or nervous lol

Reign- I'm pumped

Mia- don't be nervous jenna!! <3

Sophie- nothing more nerve wrecking than fame 😌

Erana- Just hope it's not a total flop

Helena- way to stay positive Erana

Mia- not a chance it would be babe! why is everyone in such a slumppp

Sophie- I am not

Sarah- I took offense to that Mia

I close my phone and allow them to continue their conversation without me.

I was more nervous than I'd care to admit.

Mia hasn't spoken to me since the last time she asked to facetime. I tried not to pry and double text her but I'm thinking that might've been a mistake. I hope she's not mad at me.

I was having a few close friends and family over to celebrate the release.

Honestly all I wanted to do tonight was get drunk.

"I am so very proud of you and everything you're accomplishing," My mom says tucking my hair behind my ear and hugging me.

She has always been one of my biggest supporters.

"Thank you mom," I whisper into her shoulder and try my hardest not to cry or even get close to crying.

People began arriving and nerves shot sky high seeing as though there was only 10 minutes until it was finally out.

"Congrats!" One of my hometown friend says holding up a bottle of champagne and pulls me into a hug.

It almost felt wrong not celebrating with my cast mates who made this show with me.

"Five more minutes!" My brother says handing me another beer and I gladly accept downing the rest of the one in my opposite hand.

I hear my phone begin to ring and I crease my eyebrows confused as to who would be calling right now.

I glance down at my phone in my hands and smile seeing Mia's name exiting the room and into the bathroom to answer.

"Hello?" I say as soon as I click accept and put the phone to my ear.

"Babyyyy! Are you excited?" She asks, clearly tipsy as her words were slurring out of her mouth.

"I'm very excited. And you?" I ask and she exhales on the other end and I hear her set down what sounded to be a glass.

"I'm nervous.. I miss you so much. I have this like gut feeling you hate me and I just wanted to call and make sure you knew that I love you," She mumbled and I smile while looking down at my feet.

"I love you too Mia and no I know you don't hate me and stop that I could never hate you," I tell her and hear her sigh.

"Oh thank god... Bitch you scare me sometimes with the short responses. I forgot how lame you are through messages," She tells me and I giggle.

"I've got to get going-"

"I saw that one coming," She interrupts me and I scrunch my nose in guilt.

"Mia I-"

"Nope I get it, just wanted to call and congratulate you that's all," She says bluntly and I nod my head even though she couldn't see me.

"I'll call you tomorrow. Congrats Mia," I say and hear a knocking coming from the outside and I wrap up my conversation.

"I love you," I add. "I love you too," She replied quickly before I pull the phone away from my ear and hang up.

I open up the door and smile seeing another one of my friends waiting to use the bathroom patiently.

"Sorry I had to take a call," I laugh and she shoves me. "Oh stop it's your house, I was just looking for you anyways, two more minutes," She tells me and I raise my eyebrows.

Those two minutes quickly became one.. And then 30 seconds...

Until eventually I watched as the clock finally changed to midnight and the show was released.

I guess it was, let's say, anticlimactic..

The rest of the night was spent drinking and celebrating my accomplishment.

It felt weird getting all the attention, I'm not sure if I loved it or absolutely hated it.

All I could think about was it doing terrible and never getting to film with that cast again. I had terrible anxiety mixed with excitement all night.

I guess only time will tell.