This Is Me Famous

Chapter 11

By the time Hayden was ready to leave for re-shoots in London, I was able to walk around without my crutches. Alie said she'd stay until he got back, and Hayden called Tove and said we wouldn't need his help after all. The house felt very empty with Hayden gone, and the three weeks dragged by. 

The day before Hayden returned, my walking cast was removed and Kevin said I didn't need to put it back on. I still had a few weeks of therapy left, and I was given a brace to wear in leu of the cast. Excited, I drove myself to the airport to pick Hayden up as a surprise. 

I was leaning against a pillar when he entered the baggage claim area. He saw me and rushed over, scooping me up in his arms. He didn't kiss me though, it was too public. 

"I missed you." He whispered, letting me go. "Where's my mom?" 

"I came by myself." I said, lifting my skirt so he could see the Ace Bandage brand cloth brace on my ankle. "I'm almost good as new." 

"That's great!" He smiled. "Let me get my bag and we can head home." 

Over dinner, Hayden told Alie and I about the re-shoots. Since I was cast as a leading character in the upcoming spin-off, my scene wasn't going to be included in the final film, and they had to replace it. When George told me, he explained that he didn't want the audience getting confused. I didn't mind, I had a bigger role now. After dinner, I helped Alie pack up her things, she had to be at the airport early in the morning to catch her flight. 

"Thank you so much for all your help, Alie." I said. "You've been a godsend." 

"I'm just glad I was able to come, thankfully I have a job I can do remotely." She smiled. "It was great getting to spend so much time with you. I think this has been the longest visit since you were twelve." 

"Yeah, I think so." I said. "Hopefully our future visits won't be centered around an injury." 

"They'd better not." She laughed. "You and Hayden will have to come visit over the summer. I know Kaylen will enjoy seeing you." 

"I'll see what I can do. The show is filming through August, but maybe when it's done, Hayden and I can work something out." 

"Your career is just starting, don't turn anything down just because you want to visit. It's important to take the jobs you can get right now." She said. 

"I know. I've already gotten the speech from Classy and Hayden." I chuckled. "I'm not looking for fame, just enough work to make a decent living." 

"Even that can be hard." She said. She looked around the room. "I think everything else will have to be packed in the morning." 

"What time are you leaving?" I asked. 

"Around four. I've arranged for airport transportation to get me, so you and Hayden can sleep." 

"You didn't have to do that, we'd be glad to take you." I said. 

"It's fine." She waved. "Now, I'm going to hit the hay. I'll put my sheets and towels in the washer before I leave." 

"I can take care of it in the morning." I insisted. She wouldn't have it. 

"Hayden, can you come take my suitcase downstairs please?" She shouted into the hallway. She looked back at me. "I'm more than capable of putting my own things in the wash. It's your first day on set tomorrow, right?" 

"Yeah, I have to be there by noon." I told her with a nod. 

"So you don't need to be getting up early to drive me around and worrying about getting the laundry started." She said. I didn't argue, I knew I wouldn't win. Hayden appeared in the doorway and Alie pointed to her largest suitcase. "Just that one for now."