Off Camera

Chapter 36

Tee POV

It has been a couple of weeks, but Tae is still jumpy.

Jane and the director have done a good job of keeping unwanted visitors out of the studio and off the set. But it still hasn't helped when people scream instructions or directions.

I've lost count of the number of times Tae has jolted and stiffened while his eyes dart back and forth looking for the one person who has caused this entire nightmare. I don't even want to say her name anymore.

The director calls out in a soft voice, "Tae, it is time."

I glance beside me. A flicker of panic washes across his face before a calmness settles in.

My heart aches. Why did the stupid witch have to cause him so many problems?

I bite my lower lip, fighting back the urge to wrap my arm around him. Many times, recently, when I see fear in his eyes, I don't care who is looking, and I comfort him, no matter what it takes.

The director turns towards me. "Tee, you aren't in this scene, but get ready. You will be in the next one, while Tae sits that one out."

He has a much gentler tone now.

He turns back towards Tae. Sympathy flashes through his eyes as he stares at my co-star.

Tae slowly nods. "I'm ready."

I nudge his arm. "You don't have to worry about anything. You've practiced this part. You're going to nail it."

A faint chuckle rolls out of him. "I know what I'm doing. If not, the director would have replaced me at the beginning of shooting instead of at the end. Now, don't worry about me. I'm fine. I can still do my job."

He flashes me his crocked smile I love and pats my shoulder. I don't miss the swirl of doubt stirring around in the back of his eyes.

I give him a brilliant smile in return and motion with my hands for him to leave and go to the set.

As soon as he is far enough away, the director turns towards me and whispers, "He needs to go to counseling. It has been two weeks. If he was getting over it, he wouldn't still be so jumpy. I'll ask Jane if she has anyone who can help. Maybe she has someone who will go to your apartment in the evening."

I sigh and stare at Tae as he makes his way to the set and finds his place for the next scene. "You might be right. I've been holding off asking Jane or pushing it any further, but it hurts every time he has a mini panic attack. If I could, I would inflict the same fear on Rhonda. I'm sure there is something that would push her over the edge."

The director shakes his head. "I don't think that would be a good idea. But if someone were to do it, I would be one of the first to jump in and offer to help. We can't do anything right now while still filming, and whatever has been done so far to shut Rhonda down has been working. I can only cross my fingers that it will continue to work until everything is done."

The corner of my mouth slides downward. "We have events afterwards. I need for her to be completely shut down, to the point she doesn't even dare look at Tae or say his name. Honestly, I don't know how Jane is going to pull off the events without a huge security force. Right now, though, I'm not going to think about it."

If I think about it, my rage surges almost to the point my blood boils while my heart breaks into little pieces.

He nods. "That is probably the best right now. I'll talk to you later about this." He pats my shoulder and walks off towards the set.

I watch for a moment before the director calls out, "Quiet on the set."

As soon as the filming begins, I glance around for a quiet spot to practice my lines.

I find an open chair in the far corner. When I sit down and open my script, Jane stops in front of me. "How is Tae doing? I want to ask the director, but he is always busy when I'm here."

She pulls up a chair beside me and sits down.

I shake my head. "He isn't doing good. He is still really jumpy. I don't see how we will be able to do any fan events if he is stays like this. We've already had to reject 2 of them. If he doesn't learn to cope, he might not be able to do any events. You know we need the money from the events. He can get by without them, but it helps a lot when we do them."

She nods and pulls out her phone. "I don't know if I have anyone in my contacts who can help him."

I flip my script closed and turn towards her. "You are supposed to have contacts for anything we might need, and that includes mental health. I'm sure there is someone you can call to find the best person in the business. I don't want him going to someone who is only going to take his money but not help him. That is no help."

With her focus locked on her phone, she scrolls through her list of contacts. "I know. I'm sure there are a few who specialize in this kind of situation and maybe even have experience with celebrities."

"Can you find someone by the end of the day? I think we need someone sooner than later."

She glances up from her phone. A sympathetic look dances across her face. "I'll try my hardest."

***

Tae POV

I look down at the names and numbers scribbled on a piece of paper. My focus zooms in on the only man on the list.

I don't hate women, but right now, I don't feel comfortable discussing anything like this with a woman. When I look at their names, only one woman's face and shrill voice comes to mind. I don't want anything to do with her.

I glance across the studio at Tee as he films his scene.

Jane nudges my arm. "All the doctors come highly recommended. Are there any that stand out, or do you want me to pick one?"

I shake my head. "No women. I'm fine with the one man. Did you say all the doctors are willing to come to my apartment to have the session?"

She nods. "Yes. They all personally confirmed they would be willing to handle all sessions at your apartment. There is no need to go to an office."

She leans towards me and points to Dr. Heartland, the only man on the list. "He said he would be willing to come to the set too, if you aren't comfortable with him intruding on you at home."

"CUT!!!"

I jolt in my seat and my heart races.

I take a deep breath and pat my chest, trying to calm myself down. "Maybe we should have him come out right now. I still have several hours of filming into the late night. It will be too late by the time I get home."

She presses her lips together and nods while her eyes scan me from head to toe. "I think that will be for the best, too."

If he can help me get back to my normal self, I will owe him. Right now, the only time I feel like myself is when I'm home alone with Tee. My mind can only think about him and nothing else.

Published November 4, 2022