Chapter 3 - Meet you again

205 5 0
                                        

​JEFF POV

​I just returned from the photoshoot. For the final session, I had to sit in a bathtub filled with water, and now I’m starting to pay for it. I took some cold medicine as soon as I got home; I have a mild runny nose and I'm terrified of getting actually sick.

​For the past three years, my schedule has been packed—branding offers, new songs, dramas, and solo concerts. I’ve been in this industry for ten years now. I haven't given up; I’m tired, but I’m incredibly thankful for where I am.

​My phone rang—a call from my mom.

​"Sawadikhap, Mae. I just got home from a shoot."

"Sawadikha, dear. Please don't forget to eat. You’ve looked a bit thin and pale lately. Please take care of your health. You’re living alone; there’s no one there to look after you."

"Don't worry, Mae. I’m okay. It’s good to be busy. I miss you. Goodnight."

​After a shower, I pulled on a loose shirt and pants and headed to my small home studio. I picked up my guitar and started playing the notes to Strangers. As the music filled the room, my mind began to wander, and a face flashed in my mind.

​"Eh? Why is he appearing in my head?" I muttered to myself. "Ben... that was his name, right?"

​It was our first time meeting today, but his work was so smooth and professional. He’s handsome, too—a very sharp jawline. He’d probably be a famous model if he wanted to be. Even though he isn't exceptionally tall, he has the perfect figure and look for it.

​I glanced at the wall clock: 12:00 AM. It was late, but sleep felt miles away. I struggle with insomnia almost every night. Sometimes I have to take a sleeping pill or exercise until I’m exhausted just to close my eyes. Tonight, I decided to just stay busy in the studio.

​I didn’t even realize I’d fallen asleep until I woke up at 8:00 AM, still in the studio chair. I’d had a dream—it felt so vivid, so real.

​In the dream, I was in a jungle under a massive, glowing moon. I was walking along a pedestrian path, trying to find my way out, but the trail seemed endless. Then, I heard the sound of a waterfall. I followed the noise until I saw a man sitting on a rock near the water. He was bare-skinned with long hair.

​I couldn't see his face. I tried calling out to him, but he ignored me. He stood up and vanished into the shadows. What is a human doing out here in the dark with no clothes on? I wondered.

​Suddenly, a massive wolf stepped out from the darkness. Its fur shimmered like silver under the moonlight, and its eyes were a startling sky-blue. I wanted to run, but my feet felt frozen to the ground. The wolf walked right up to me—it was huge, nearly as tall as I am. It leaned in and pressed its nose against my forehead.

"Follow me if you want to go back," a voice said.

​I didn't know where the voice was coming from, but suddenly I could move again. I followed the wolf. Whenever I slowed down, the wolf stopped and waited for me.

"Jeff, stay here. This is as far as I can take you. See you again."

"You know my name? How?"

"I know you. We will meet again."

​Before I could ask anything else, the wolf vanished into a blinding white light, and I woke up.

​"Weird," I whispered, rubbing my face.

​I checked my watch—8:00 AM. I shut down my computer and headed to the bathroom. I needed to shower and be ready for makeup by 10:00 AM for my showcase at Siam today. My mind was still racing. Why did that dream feel so real? And that voice... I felt like I had heard it somewhere before.

​BIBLE POV

​I returned home after my run, took a quick shower, and crashed onto the bed. I needed to sleep until 11:00 AM to refresh my body for an outdoor shoot at a private villa in Bangkok for Vogue Thailand.

​When my alarm finally went off, I dragged myself to the bathroom. I live alone in this house, so I didn't bother with a towel as I walked to my wardrobe. I threw on a simple white t-shirt and dark cargo pants, dried my hair, and applied some serum. I’ve always hated the feeling of heavy wax or hair cream.

​After double-checking my cameras, lenses, and lighting, I called my assistant for the day.

​"Hello, Copper. Do you want me to pick you up, or are you going straight there?"

"Hello, Phi! My scooter broke down this morning. Thank God you called."

"Stay put. I'm leaving now; I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

​Copper is an engineering student who loves photography. He’s been my assistant for two years, helping out whenever his schedule allows.

​The shoot went well. I’ve worked with Vogue five times now, and I love their professional vibe. We were almost finished with the three models when the person in charge, Phi Zea, rushed over to me looking stressed.

​"Ben, I’m so sorry."

"Why, Phi?"

"I need a huge favor. We have a cover story and interview for Vogue with Jeff Satur. He’s finishing a showcase in Siam at 3:00 PM. My scheduled photographer just got into an accident, and I don't have anyone else I can call on such short notice. Please, Ben... can you do it?"

​My heart skipped a beat.

​"I can help," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Siam isn't far. If the traffic isn't too bad, I can make it. But can I trust Copper to finish the last two outfits here?"

"Yes! I know your work, and I trust your assistant," she said, looking relieved.

​I turned to Copper. "Copper, I need you to finish this set. I trust you. Phi Zea will help you with the models. I have to get to Siam. I’ll pick you up when I’m done."

"I’ll do my best, Phi!"

​I ran to my Jeep and started the engine. As I navigated toward Siam, the nervousness I’d been suppressed all morning came rushing back.

I’m going to see you again today, Jeff.

A Man From The MoonStories to obsess over. Discover now