Willow Weep For Me (temporary title)

Chapter 6- He Does NOT Have A Personal Life

“So… how's Sasha- I mean Sarah?”
The brunette woman, Sussie asked. Sammy mumbled a “she's fine” before yanking his arm back.
“Uhh… miss? Can we help you? I don't see a badge on you, if you are a guest, you shouldn't be here.”
Melanie interweaved, making Sussie glare at her.
“No, do I look like a guest??? I'm here to voice a character.”
Sussie explains, hands resting on her hips. Melanie shrugs, waving at Sammy
“Alright, you should visit Mr Drew for a badge then. Anyway, goodbye Sammy.”
The animator left, unfortunately leaving the two alone. The director began walking, making his way towards his office and the actress following him. Just as Sammy is about to enter, Sussie breaks the pleasant silence.
“So… Sammy, what are you doing nowadays-”
She questioned, only to meet the same old annoyed glare.
“Deadlines to meet. You should go talk to Joey like Melanie said. I'm too busy”
Sammy only responds, getting into the room and slamming the door on Sussie's face, leaving the woman confused, that same need for validation burning in her chest just like it did back in highschool…

The presence of a famous figure in the studio wasn't something new as most of the employees were hired for their achievements and talents. Still, Gloria’s favourite activity was to find funny gossip or embarrassing pictures and make fun of them. So, when Melanie told that Sussie and Sammy knew each other before she got really invested into the drama. Sadly, nothing much about the pair was found but Gloria was still pleased with the pictures and movie clips she had found. Besides, it made a great laughing material for Melanie and her… and the rest of the studio. Much to Melanie's dismay though, Sussie barely left Sammy alone when she's there. But, luckily, Sussie only has to visit the studio twice a week since she doesn't have many voice lines and “has other projects to work on” as she keeps bragging. Although managing to tolerate her, to say that Melanie wasn't so fond of Sussie is an understatement. Not because she follows the music director or has history, not that. Is because she keeps delaying her work constantly. To a point that for the first time in a few months that she's been working, Melanie scolded someone.
It happened when she asked Norman about the editing progress of the episode to discuss it with Sammy later. They did not have the chance for it today because strangely, Sammy said he's not going to be in the studio for a few hours. The man personally came to notify Melanie about it instead of just texting and he looked devastated. Not like his usual annoyed look, more like… lost in thoughts and upset.
“Well… most of it is done but I can't finish it. Miss Campbell’s lines are missing. I reminded her a few times but didn't notify Mr Lawrence cuz y’know how his temper is.”
Norman explained,that was the point that crossed the line. She would've let her go with a small warning if she hadn't found her mingling in the break room with some other musicians. So not only was she slacking off, she also made others slack off as well. Melanie stood in the middle, arms crossed. Directly glaring at Sussie
“Isn't it too early for a break, considering the fact that lunch ended only half an hour ago?”
The animator questioned, examining the annoyed look on Sussie's face. It was clear that Sussie did not have many positive feelings about Melanie ethier.
“Aren't you from the animation department though? Why are you here to question?”
Sussie responded, making Melanie roll her eyes at the question.
“Well, I'm in charge of the animation department. And just so you know that means I also manage the recording section. And just a while ago an editor told me that they cannot finish their work. Wanna know why? It's because you refuse to actually finish your work and record the voice lines like you're told to more than a few times. So, as long as you are slacking off and putting my department in trouble, I have the authority to kindly ask you to leave the break room and finish your work.”
Melanie scolded, anger dripping in every word despite her efforts not to raise her voice too much. She kept standing, urging Sussie to get up. And after a moment of hesitation, she thankfully did. Melanie reminded herself to keep a close eye on her, going back to her department.
“So Sammy is officially gone for 3 hours. What do you think he's doing?”
Gloria asks, not raising her head from her work as Melanie leaves a cup of tea on her desk and sits next to her with another mug for herself.
“Come on, he can have a personal life.”
“Yes but Sammy rarely leaves. I could even say only once a year. And you did say he looked upset. At least we know he feels something other than anger.”
Gloria said with a chuckle, clearly proud of her own joke. Melanie jokingly rolled her eyes at her friend's comment.
“Just to calm YOUR curiosity, not mine I am not curious let's be clear on that, I'll ask him when he comes back.”
Gloria chuckled, letting out a “yea sure, you're not curious” in a sarcastic tone.
Sammy never came back that day but he did show up the day after, inviting Melanie to do their scheduled meeting…