London Boy | Jamie Flatters

Twenty-four

Rubbing the palms of my hands against the side of my dress pants, I take in a shaky breath, peeking out the curtain to look out at the audience, all waiting to watch the film. I can't believe I'm doing this. When I booked the flight, I didn't plan on telling anyone, deciding to surprise all of the cast, but I did need to ask Jim for a pass in, making sure it was okay that I still came.

He immediately wanted in on the surprise, wanting to make it grand and memorable, and while I tried convincing him I could just show up at the hotel and do it there, he rejected my plan. This is James Cameron we're talking about after all, a man known for spectacle and making things grand. He immediately got into director mode, planning out the most elaborate surprise and sending me a full schedule of how everything would go down. When I arrived here, someone was waiting to sneak me into the building, past the carpet and into the screening room, over to a small area off the side of the screen, on the other side of where all of the other cast members would be entering.

All I had to do now was wait for my signal, and go out there, which sounded much easier than it actually would be. This was the biggest theatre we'd been in yet, filled with critics and stars, all dressed to the nines. I hadn't had a professional stylist help me get ready this time around, having to pick something from my closet back home to wear. I settled on a pair of black trousers, pairing it with a black blazer to match; peeking through was a matching bralette; mom had said I looked classy and chic, and I had to trust her because I couldn't ask Bailey or Lilly if it looked alright, that'd ruin the surprise.

Shuffling on my feet, I regret choosing heels to wear tonight. What if I trip on them on the way out and make a fool out of myself? What if I accidentally step on Jamie's toe and completely ruin the moment? Sure, they looked nice and made me appear taller than I actually am, but would it be worth it?

Someone speaking into the mic up front breaks my thoughts away, my attention now on the podium up ahead, my view slightly blocked by the curtain, careful not to ruin the surprise. The event coordinator speaks, introducing the film and speaking briefly about it; then, he begins calling up the cast, producers and James by name, something that had happened at every other premiere so far.

Except this one would be different.

The producers and James get called up first, followed by the younger cast; I can't help but smile at the way Trinity and Jamie walk out together, my younger sister being the beam of support she'd reassured me she'd be. We face timed earlier, and I made her promise to look out for him on the carpet, and it seemed she was doing just that.

Lilly, Jack and Bailey follow, and I wish I could run out there right now and get the surprise over with, longing to be with them all. Lilly and Jack share a look as the crowd applauses, her laughing, shocked by the greeting. A smile even tugs on the corner of Jamie's lips. His hair is a mess, most likely from running his fingers through it, but he still looks so handsome in his black blazer and green button-up, the top few buttons undone, showing off his usual jewelry. My heart races. Both excited and nervous to do this.

"Last but not least, returning as Jake Sully and Neytiri, we have the incomparable Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana." I thought the cheers for the other cast members were loud, but the room seemed to vibrate with excitement as the movie's leads took the small stage in front of the screen, waving to the crowd. As always, Zoe looks effortlessly beautiful, walking in her heels like they're a pair of sneakers.

Just looking at her, my posture straightens. I read somewhere that confidence isn't something that just happens to a person. You first have to pretend to feel confident until, eventually, you feel it. When Jim steps toward the podium with the mic, he subtly glances in my direction, nodding slightly as if to say it's go time. "Actually, there is one more person we'd like to bring out," the room falls silent at his words, anticipation hanging in the air. "This movie was a labour of love," he continues, a smile making its way onto his face, "this cast became a family over these last few years, but there is one more person who I'd like to introduce you all to tonight."