Backburner, Charlie Bushnell

Perfect Pair

Six ✶ Perfect Pair

Three months of filming went by quickly.

Today, the whole crew and cast were going to have their Thanksmas celebration. The two holidays had to be merged into one so they could spend December with their families and return to filming the 3rd week of January. But, despite this being a workplace event, Ashlynn insisted that everyone invite their family members.

Everyone was assigned to bring either food or drinks and Neomi couldn't decide. The week prior she had asked her mom what food would be the best to bring and Hana wanted to bake a cake but her daughter thought it didn't fit in the holiday vibe. Then she thought of making pie.

The Yoshida girls had gone shopping for the ingredients when Hana returned to California. They made three pies for the party; One pumpkin pie and two apple pies.

When they arrived, there were already a few dishes on the table. Sofia and Charlie were already there with their parents and siblings, waving at Neomi to come over.

She rushes to them as soon as she places the pies on the table. "Neomi finally!" Sofia clasps her hands together before hugging her. Neomi does the same greeting with Charlie then she puts her hands in the pockets of her jacket. Sofia leaves to help

"Oh before I forget, this is Neomi and her mom Hana. And these are my parents and my sister, Nicole, Paul, and India." Charlie introduces them and they all greet each other.

"It's so nice to meet you finally, Nicole and Paul." Hana smiled at the couple while she shook their hands.

Sofia not being able to hide the mischievous grin on her face as the pair walked to her. "Finally meeting the family huh?" She says in a playful tone and Neomi shakes her head. The three of them wait for the rest of the cast, talking about their plans for the break and holidays.

Once everyone arrived, Ashlynn called everyone's attention to thank the people who were able to make it and for all the work they'd done during the past months. The teenagers waited for everyone to get their food first before lining up to get theirs.

While they waited, Charlie pulled Neomi aside and brought them out of the set, his hand holding her wrist as she tried to get him to speak.

"I just wanted to give you a gift," He starts, taking something from his back pocket. "Since we won't be seeing each other for a while, I want you to remember me,"

She chuckles at his words and he shakes his head, "But I won't forget you, we literally work together!" The girl smiles at him teasingly then is replaced by a confused look on her face. He now had a small box in hand, her eyes looking at his and the box in his hands multiple times and he takes a breath, swallowing up all the nervousness.

"I know but — whatever, here." As the box is opened, her eyes widen as she sees a heart-shaped silver necklace.

"Charlie... It's beautiful." His cheeks heat up, looking away from her with a smile on his face. Neomi takes it out of the box and looks at it up close.

She gasps softly as she realizes the necklace is a locket. Unlocking it, there was a picture of her and the cast on one side and the other side was a picture of her and Charlie. A smile beamed on her face before she pulled him in for a hug.

"Thank you so much for this." Her words muffled. He hums in response, rubbing her back as he reciprocates the hug.

As they pulled away, there were still smiles on their face. "I can put it on you if you want." He suggests, eyes gleaming, waiting for her to respond and she nods. She hands him the necklace and Charlie puts her hair aside, then clasps the necklace. Placing his hands on her shoulders as soon as the necklace was placed.

"You look good." He tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. Neomi rolls her eyes before taking his hand and dragging him back to the set.

"Come on, I'm hungry now!"

The pair walks back to the set with their arms linked but as soon as they see their castmates they break up from each other. Brady looks behind him and hands them plates, "Oh there you guys are." He nudges Sofia and they share a knowing look.

The group of actors ate together, Neomi and Charlie exchanging glances whenever one of them spoke. Their conversations carried on for so long they didn't realize Ashlynn was calling them for a picture.

The director takes her place in the middle with the actors surrounding her. The cast pushes for the pair to be beside each other. He puts an arm around her waist as Ashlynn's arm gets around Neomi's shoulders. He feels the tingling feeling in his stomach while Neomi bites her lips to stop herself from acting out, remembering everyone was on set.

After the picture, the group claps and out of the blue, Charlie picks the girl up. His arms were around her waist as they spun around. Hana looks at the pair, a knowing smile on her face then nudges Charlie's sister, India.

"Oh, they're deffo dating." Hana chuckles at the girl's statement before turning her gaze back to her daughter who had the biggest smile on her face.