Time and Fallen leaves

Pilot

Too often, we expect people to have the same capacity to give and share as us.

"You said you love me"

We expect them to perceive the world in the same way and hold the same values.

"I did love you"

"What are we?" A shaky breath escaped from Erin's lips as she stared onto the eyes of a man much taller than her. The very same eyes that sparks whenever she would stare at it. Today, not even a glimmer is visible in his dark orbs.

"I.." he ran a hand on his already disheveled jet black hair. "We're friends"

And when life doesn't match our expectations, we suffer.

*SMACK*

Erin used all the strength she has left just to give him a slap on his cheeks. She thought it would hurt him, but instead, it was her hand that hurts — but the pain in her heart is much worse. She wanted to scream at him, curse every word she knew, but only a whimper escaped from her trembling lips.

"AND CUT! Good job everyone! Shoot will resume in two weeks, thank you and have a good rest"

Erin's assistant immediately ran towards her and dabbed a handkerchief all over her face — making sure not to ruin her make up. Dumireto si Erin sa kanyang upuan with her name printed with bold letters behind it sabay higop ng iced americano.

The actor from earlier offered a hand shake to which she gladly accepted. "You sure live up to people's expectations. I am honored to work with you"

"I am honored to work with you as well, sorry sa pagsampal ko kanina" kitang-kita ang pamumula sa kanyang pisngi, Erin wished that it would heal fast. It would damage his good looks and as an actor, hindi iyon maganda sa kanyang trabaho.

"I was surprised, that was not on the script. But my character's an asshole, hindi na ako magugulat. The improvisation is good, keep up the good work" they both exchanged laughs and Erin was surprised to hear the whole crew laugh as well. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin talaga ito sanay na maraming mata at camera ang tumitingin sakanya ngayon.

The conversation was cut short when her manager went towards her direction and whispered.

"Someone wants to see you" lumingon siya sa direksiyon kung saan tumuro ang manager and a smile escaped from her lips as she saw a familar figure approaching her with a bouquet of white roses in his grip. It was Jake — her high school and university colleague.

Inabot ni Jake ang bulaklak at sinalubong si Erin ng isang halik sa pisnge. He was still in his business attire at mukhang kakagaling lamang nito sa kanyang office. Hindi rin nawala ang kantyawan ng mga staff doon as they witness the scene. It's like straight out of a romance movie — with Jake being the charming prince.

"Bakit ka nandito? What's with the flowers?" Takang tanong ni Erin as she receive the flowers with confusion etched in her exhausted face.

"Have you forgotten??" Jake asked in his aussie accent, bakas sa gulat ang boses nito at nandidilat pa ang mga mata. Jake eyed the manager, which also covers her mouth in a shock dahil nakalimutan niya rin sabihan ang aktres kung ano ang importanteng okasyon ngayon.

The manager makes up for her mistake and reminded Erin of her supposed schedule. Kahit kailan ay malilimutin talaga ang dalaga. She carries that curse ever since high school.

"The wedding" 

Nanlalaking mata na napatakip ng bibig ang dalaga — a gesture her manager did seconds ago. Jake just shake his head and chuckle.