Quarantined with Dylan O'Brien

5

Madison Brooks

He looks stressed out. Maybe I'm taking this too lightly. Maybe he's not just worried about what I'm assuming he's worried about. Maybe there's more to it.

But I knew what I was getting into the moment we became friends, he's Dylan O'Brien, this would've been inevitable anyways.

I thought as I continued eating while glancing up at Dylan. He seemed to shake something off as he continued to eat too.

"Any work you have to do today? I know it's covid and all but you must have some work."

I ask wondering what he's doing as a actor.

"A few online meetings here and there but nothing much other than that."

He says as I nod.

"... How about you?"

He asks in almost the softest voice possible.

Me?...

I've been living off of my parents and unemployment insurance ever since covid happened. I'm a on-set assistant, if filming isn't happening there isn't anything I could do.
Honestly I'm worried as hell about my future. What if things don't ever go back to normal, what if they don't need a assistant anymore? Or they can't have one to maintain social distancing?

But of course I'm not telling you that.

"I'm alright, managing."

I say trying to sound as bright as possible. I didn't want to worry him and most importantly didn't want to take advantage of him. I know he's going to look for a job I can do if I tell him, it's the best if I stay quiet.

There was silence, silence like he was going to or trying to say something.

"... The movie I'm filming right now-"

"-conveniently needs a assistance?"

I ask finishing his sentence.
He doesn't nod nor disagree but I knew I was right from his eyes.

"I can't take advantage of you."

I say looking away from him. He knew that I hate taking short cuts in life.

"I just want to help."

He says sounding defeated.

"Did mom tell you this?"

I ask as he slowly but surely nods.

"I'm fine Dylan, really. I appreciate that you're willing to help me but I have to do it myself. It's not fair for others who don't have connections like I do."

I say slightly sighing.

"Sometimes it's alright to take short cuts. Some people deserve it. Have you ever thought of that?"

He asks as I shrug and say,

"I didn't do anything to deserve that."

He quickly replies back,

"Oh you definitely have sweetheart. You have."

Sweetheart? That's a new nickname, sounds old but not complaining though.

"Just accept the offer, please?"

Dylan pleads softly. I look up at him in the eyes and groan.
He definitely knew what he was doing, putting his acting skills to use.
He was looking like he was almost going to cry, like puppy eyes.

"God you can manipulate people using those acting skills."

I say as I turn to the side and look away from him.