Off Camera

Chapter 32

Tae POV

I step out of the studio to relax and clear my mind, but my mind goes back to Tee's cute, confused look a few days ago. His dark eyebrows had knocked together while he had stared at the makeup artist. She had an innocent look, but I'm still debating whether she is truly innocent or just acting. I wouldn't put it past her to be acting, though.

Ever since the director found out about Tee and me, I've been paying a closer attention to the staff and their actions. I'm finding out some interesting things.

"TAE!!!"

My blood instantly runs cold and my stomach sinks.

No. I thought Jane is keeping her away from me and the set.

I quickly look around the area, hoping Jane is somewhere, but to my horror, she isn't anywhere to be found.

No.

I spin around on my heels and silently pray I can get back into the studio and somehow disappear before she can catch me.

"TAE!!"

Shit!

I don't think of anything else and dart back inside the studio, but instead of going to where she might look for me, I dash through the area and head towards where I know Tee is shooting, hoping I can somehow disappear there for some time.

I don't need much time. Just enough to send Jane an S.O.S. message and to ask for help.

My heart pounds in my chest while I weave around the people and run as fast as I can.

My breath hitches when Rhonda's shrill voice reaches my ears again. "TAE!!" She is much farther away than before, but she is still too close for my comfort. Luckily, there are more people here today, so I can weave through them and use them as a distraction and an obstacle to get away from the nasty woman.

I dash around a corner and Tee's gorgeous face comes into view. The bright lights reflect off his pale smooth skin and make him glow.

He is so beautiful.

They are in the middle of filming, and I try to be as quiet as I possibly can be without slowing down. I dart around the side of the set and back behind the wall of the fake room. As I tuck up against the back of the fake room, another scream slices through the air. "TAE!!!"

Dang it. She is getting closer. What am I going to do?

"CUT!!!! WHAT THE HELL?! EVERYONE KNOWS TO BE QUIET ON THE SET WHILE WE ARE FILMING!!! WHO IS THE STUPID IDIOT WHO DARES BREAKS THE RULE?!"

The director's ominous voice booms through the studio. I'm sure if I peek around the corner, I would see most people around here cowering down to him. He isn't someone you want to mess with.

I take a deep breath as the area becomes eerily quiet. You could probably hear a pin drop.

Heavy footsteps break the silent, but it only adds to the building tension in the air. The director again screams at the top of his lungs. "I ASKED WHO THE HELL CAME IN HERE AND RUINED A PERFECTLY GOOD SCENE BY SCREAMING!!!! I WANT AN ANSWER!!!"

I lick my dry lips and gently rest my head against the back of the set. But I don't have time to rest. I pull my phone out and quickly send a message to Jane, hoping she is close by and can help me out.

The click of heels grows louder as Rhonda replies, "I was chasing after Tae! I'm positive he came this way. You don't have to worry or stop because of me. I'll keep looking. When I find him, I'll take him out of the building, so we don't disturb your filming."

A low growl fills the air.

I type another message to Jane and beg for her to hurry.

My heart beats wildly while I stand almost frozen in place. If I make a move, the witch might hear me. I don't want to take any chances.

The director hisses, "NO! You will leave right now and stop bothering my filming and my schedule!"

I don't have to look to recognize the murderous tone in his voice and know it has a matching murderous look, too. Silently, I rejoice for his blunt words and in him previously pledging his loyalty to Tee and me. Now, if Jane can get here. This entire mess should be gone soon.

My mouth falls open when Rhonda huffs, "No. I'm here to find Tae, and I'm going to do that. Now, where did he go?"

A cold shiver runs down my back.

I can't believe she just said that.

Who does she think she is?

Tee snorts. "The director has told you we are in the middle of filming and can't be disturbed. You will need to leave on your own, or I'm sure the director will call for the security, who can then drag you out. The choice is up to you."

Yes. My baby is protecting me.

My lips curl upwards as pride washes over me.

The director grunts, "I agree. You make your choice, and quick. We don't have all day to wait for you to decide."

Rhonda screeches, "No!! I can..."

Oh, please make this madness stop now.

Tee cuts her off. "We are behind schedule, and your interruption is costing us. I get paid to work and not to stand around. Please leave, so I can go back to work."

A few others chime in and agree with Tee.

A smile spreads across my face.

The director growls, "It seems the actors and staff have spoken. You need to leave. Oh, look. Someone has already called the security guards. This will save us time."

"No!" Her shrill voice slices through the air and tries to snuff out my little glimmer of hope.

A small commotion soon follows and has me itching to look around the edge of the wall, but I don't. I stay as motionless as I can, glued to the wall.

"Take your hands off me!"

"No!"

"STOP! I SAID STOP!"

Her screams get farther away, along with the commotion.

Only when they stop completely do I breathe a small sigh of relief, but my feet are still glued to the floor.

I hope she doesn't come back, but I know that is only a dream.

"Tae."

I slightly jump when someone touches my arm.

My heart races as my eyes drift to my side and to the director. His normal stern face is gone and is replaced with a concerned look. A crease forms along his forehead. "Are you alright? I saw you running away from her earlier."

I want to reply, but the words stick in my throat.

I stare at him and blink.

He steps closer to me. "Tae, you are making me concerned. Are you alright?"

My mouth opens, but again the words lodge in my throat and won't come out.

"Tae, you need to talk to me. I'm sorry for letting her get in here. I thought I had everything blocked, and she wouldn't get through."

The words I want to say race through my mind, but they don't get any further than that.

I stare at him, willing myself to speak, but nothing.

Published October 24, 2022