3...2...1...ACTION!

Chapter XX: Good Morning Vietnam.

The next few weeks felt like an infinity loop. Everything was repeating itself, and it's always the same old conversation with everyone. The trip to New York which isn't even until another week or so. I had already chosen what I needed to bring with me for that trip so it wasn't one of my main concerns. I would always get on set, we film a few scenes, and the only interactions I have with Elinor so far are strictly professional, I only speak when I am spoken to around her but something in her eyes tell me that she isn't just angry. She seemed more sad than anything, almost as if she regrets what happened between us as much as I did. During lunch break, I usually take my lunch outside the studio. I would go to a nearby restaurant and have a bite usually accompanied by Adeline or I would call Sebastian and sometimes even Ari from the Diner's telephone to see if she was available to hold me company for this meal. I already filled her in with all the fiasco that happened, she was a good listener and a patient friend. I didn't deserve her kindness, not after I had assumed the worst of her. I couldn't help but miss spending my time with Elinor. I would sometimes catch her glancing at me from across the room and sometimes trying to speak with me but she and I both know that there's nothing to be said. I could tell she was upset and I desperately wanted to explain everything to her and maybe she'll forgive me but not now. Definitely not now.

I continued about my day saying goodbye to everyone including Elinor just so people wouldn't get too suspicious of the nature of our relationship and went to the club. I was no longer working at the office with Sebastian but as a server due to my experience with being a barista and the man whom I was filling the spot in was now ready to get back to work. I would spend my time speaking with all the people who were coming and going and I got a chance to grow closer to both Malcolm and Amy. She was more forward towards me after I had told her that Elinor and I simply had an argument. I didn't tell her what had happened exactly, just that we had a fight and that we needed some time to cool. Malcolm told me that she was actually flirting with me and as flattered as one can be that a stunning young woman such as her was flirting with me, I couldn't return the same feelings towards her even if I wanted to. Deep down I know my heart belongs to Elinor and as much as I fancy Amy, I don't believe we would be a good match. Eventually as my shift ended Amy wrapped me in her arms in a tight hug asking me if she and I could go out as friends, I agreed. I saw nothing wrong with it and it seems to have made her happy. Besides, she could be a great friend and probably just what I need to help distract my mind from Elinor knowing that I would be lying to myself, since even if I tried, my heart aches for her. 

When I opened my apartment door, I noticed a letter that had arrived this morning during my absence. The mailman must have slid it underneath the door for me to see when I get back home. I opened the letter to reveal what was written and it was a letter from Charles.

With a shaky hand I put down the letter on the coffee table in my living room and quickly dialled Earl's landline in hopes that he would be the one to pick up the phone and not his wife. After a few seconds of waiting, someone picked up the phone. I did not wait to hear who that person could possibly be. I quickly blurred it out. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I was so worried for Jean, if anything happens to him I do not think I will be able to live with myself. "Hi, Earl, I do not have the time to explain but I won't be going to work tomorrow." I swallowed hard trying not to burst into tears. "All you need to know is that someone I care about dearly is currently in the hospital. I hope you can understand the gravity of this situation." By the time I had finished what I had to say I went to hang up until I heard her voice. It was Elinor who answered the phone and not Earl. "Thank you for informing us Ms. Rivers. I'll make sure to tell him..." she spoke in a stern tone. It sounded cold but there was a hint of emotions. When I heard her voice I couldn't help but blush a little. I still loved her regardless of the fact that I knew she would never feel the same way. "Thank you..." I replied expecting her to hang up immediately but she didn't. Instead she said "Jennifer, be sure to let me know if you need anything." Does that mean she does care or is she just being polite? Whatever it was I thanked her again and hung up.