And They Told Me I Couldn't Act

TAKE 24

MINUTES TURN TO hours that turn to days and time flows swiftly by. Harry is busy and I keep myself busy too with shopping, and spending time with Priscilla. The next time I hear from harry was with a text message linking me to his latest album release - Solo. 

I didn't need the announcement. I'd been acting like a fan. I'd waited eagerly and read the theories. With the title Solo everyone had their theories. But like any, the one that caught fire was that this was a farewell. An album featuring the last of Harry Wolfe's bachelor days. Ironic isn't it?

Frankly, I felt like I was being eaten out from the inside, dying to know more about this mysterious album, about the songs inside because I knew the truth. This wasn't an album about me but one prior to me.

And the truth of Harry Wolfe?

It's found in his music not in the words he says but in the ones he sings.

I could have easily asked him, but asking him felt like overstepping the unspoken rule between us. That I'm no longer his fan. Because as someone not his fan, I shouldn't care so much right? Me, caring ultimately means I see him beyond a friend. When I in fact do not. So there's certainly no reason for me to be fixated on it.

It's two weeks later at the cast and crew after-party for Vanity High when I see Harry. He should be studied because whatever he wears, he manages to make it look expensive. I'm not as focused on Harry as I normally would be though.

My focus is on the party. It's the first time I've a prominent enough role to be invited to the after-party. The ones that never make the news, the ones so secret, you probably don't know they exist. The Vanity High team booked a club, with drinks in constant flow by butlers in light blue suits and it's clear when Harry and I come - that everyone's having a great time.

With his album release, Harry has marginally changed. The smile I seldom see comes easily on his face, not forced. I stayed close to him and my closeness was rewarded with information that I glean when some of the cast congratulated him on his new album.

I learnt that the new album was an ode to his bachelor days, to the Harry he was as he learnt about himself. There are 8 songs on the album.

It's not easy for us to talk with the loud music and ever ready stream of people who are eager to talk to him.

Eventually, Harry leaned down, his curly hair brushing my ear, "Can we get away for a bit?"

I nod, and he pulls me, we navigate the bar, his steps are sure but we end up taking a full spin before he lets out a breath in annoyance. "Where's the exit?" He shouts over the music to a waiter.

The waiter points to a curtain we'd walked past.

We went back there, and pushed the curtain apart to reveal a door. After the door, we entered into a balcony where several of the crew were smoking. They nod in acknowledgement at us, and a few curious eyes keep darting Harry's way, but as if it's an unspoken rule, no one approaches him.

It's the first time we've been alone since the last shoot so I drink in the sight of him. I'd missed him. But I didn't dare reach out. Instead, I'd poured over several scripts Priscilla had sent me. He looks different, it's subtle in the glow of his latest album. Harry's green eyes meet mine, and his lips curl in amusement.

I roll my eyes.

"I must look good tonight," he says amused. We move to the edge, away from everyone and the wind blows the cigarette smoke away from us. He leans on the railing and glances out.

I don't reply in words. I turn away keeping my back towards him and I glance out at the other bars, the people miling around and... the camera's in view.