His Last Chance

Chapter 24

It's done. Crimes of Grindelwald is done. The set is down, the lighting is down, the props are all packed away, the costumes are zipped up in their bags, and the cameras are finally switched off.

"Hey you guys?" I call out to everyone and beckon for them to gather around as I stand on an upturned crate. "I know Martin kinda went over all this yesterday, but I just wanted to say a few words of my own. Each and every one of you here has brought something to this film, whether you're a cast member, camera crew, lighting, props, makeup, stage hand.... No matter how big or small your part has been in this, you have all shown more commitment and dedication and resilience than we really ever could've asked for. This is a high profile film, and as a studio we were honoured to have been given the chance to direct it, and it has been a true honour to work with you all, talk with you all, get to know you all for who you are besides just your role here. We've had ups, we've had downs. We've had days where we've all been ready to get cracking, we've had days where no-one could really be bothered. But we did it, and we pulled through." There are nods and smiles of agreement.  "The film is done, it'll be edited and then released, the trailer is already out there being shown, cinemas are being booked out for the premier, we've already had calls asking for interviews. Honestly, this film wouldn't be what it is now if it weren't for you guys, and I'm so so grateful to have gotten to work with you all. It'll definitely be weird coming in and not seeing all of your faces around here. Obviously, I don't know what the plan is for everyone, what all your next steps are, but you are all more than welcome to stay on with Martin and I in this studio. We would consider ourselves lucky to keep you here. You're all free now until the premier, which you're all invited to, of course. But you have the time to do whatever you wish and, if you're staying on here, then we'll be in touch soon with the details of our next project. Thanks guys."

There's a massive round of applause and everyone starts cheering each other on and patting each other on the back. They're all so supportive of each other. It doesn't matter how much one person has contributed to the film compared to another. They all treat each other the same. I've never worked with a team quite like this one, and I don't think I'll ever find another one just like it.

I step down from the crate and look around me as everyone starts to split off into their own little huddles. Some people grab their bags and head straight out, others stick around to mingle for a bit.

There's the sound of slow clapping coming from behind me.

"That was inspirational, really."

I fold my arms and turn around. "Jamie. Glad you liked it."

"I did. I really did. And that's not sarky or anything, I really did like it."

I feel my cheeks go red slightly. "Thanks."

"So uh, what's the plan for you now? What's the next step for y/n y/l/n?"

"I'm not sure, actually. Martin and I have some offers, but we haven't decided on anything yet. Think we want to stay in the Grindelwald mindset for a few more weeks before we start on anything new."

"That's fair enough."

"And what about you? What's next for Jamie Campbell Bower?"

He shoves his hands in his jeans pockets and shrugs. "I'm not sure. It depends."

"On what?"

"You."

I'm shocked for a second, but then I smirk. "Me? What have I got to do with it?"

"Well..... I think you should know, I heard you."

"Heard me what?"

"When you were talking to Jude. I didn't mean to listen in but you know what I'm like."

"I know," I grin.

"I'm really sorry, I know I'm an ass and..... Wait. What's that look for?"

"Jamie, I knew you were there. You are possibly the least subtle person I've ever met."

"So, what? Did you mean what you said or did you just say it to mess with me?"

"What do you take me for? I'm not a manipulator. I meant what I said."

He grins but tries to cover it up with a cough. "So um, what does this mean? What happens now?"

His blue eyes look so hopefully, and he's so cute when he's nervous.

This is all going a bit quick though.

"I think I know what I want. But I also think I need a few days to clear my thoughts. Is that okay?"

"Of course it is," he says quickly. "Um, I mean, I get that it must be pretty hard for you at the moment, with what happened with Ollie. But if you're serious about this, then I'm happy to wait for you."

"I am. I am serious."

"And what about..... before?"

I shake my head. "I don't want to go into this thinking about the past or mistakes or anything like that. A clean slate, okay?"

It's for my sake as well as his. I know he fucked up before, but it was 5 years ago. I got over it. And I can't go into this with the mindset that he's going to do something again or say something that will set me off. That's not who I am any more.

He nods. "A clean slate."

Sounds like a plan.