The Art Of Love and Light

Chapter 16: Pursuit Through Time

Paris and his teammates were back on track, starting to film again with renewed energy and focus. Despite the demanding schedule, Paris and Sydney made the most of their time together, though their moments were fewer than before. The UMovie Fest was fast approaching, scheduled for the first week of April, with the deadline for their short film project set a week earlier. At the same time, Sydney and Liana were preparing for their fashion competition with Professor Moreau, set to coincide with the movie fest.

***

The following day, Paris and his team headed to Ember's Mastering Studios, accompanied by Liana, who offered her assistance. They inspected the rented camera, "This one's much more handy than the one from the studio Vito accidentally broke." Paris said. "...and it outputs higher quality." Liana chimed in. "...and I know that you would make a huge difference."

"Agreed." Matilda replied.

"Just remember to handle it with care." Liana reminded Paris' team.

"Got it." Paris replied

Warren turned back to Paris and the rest of the team. "All right folks" he raised his voice and clapped "...let's head back to Rackham and let's pick up where we left off. We need to make up for lost time."

They quickly paid for the camera and safely transported it to Rackham, where they resumed filming. The entire team was hard at work, with Paris deeply engrossed in editing the film. Matilda noted the camera's quality, appreciating its compactness and superior output.

***

On another day, the crew faced challenges as one of their lead casts, Kelsey, struggled through numerous takes of a complex scene.

"How many more takes do we need?" Preston said, grew tired while handling the lighting

"Just a few more. Kelsey is almost there." Warren replied.

"Preston, take a break. I'll handle this." Paris prompted to step in and take over, holding the lighting pole himself.

The team pushed through, with Warren encouraging Kelsey, confident that they were nearing a perfect take.

***

Another particularly hectic day...

"Ahh!" Matilda slipped and fell, while handing out new script revisions to Hector and Kelsey.

Paris and Warren rushed to her aid. "Are you okay?" Warren took her hand so that she could stand up.

"I'm fine", she replied reassuringly.

Paris discovered that her heel had buckled. He picked a piece of broken heels. "Let's get you some help over your broken heels. Liana, who had been helping us with the film equipment, can fix those for you for free. She's a pro with fashion stuff."

Matilda smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Paris. I'll definitely take her up on that."

***

"Brought you some fuel." One night, Sydney visited the studio, bringing Paris a much-needed boost of Espresso and French Toast from Starbucks.

Paris, still immersed in editing. "Heyy, no peeking at the film editing," playfully warned her not to peek at the film, teasing her with the threat of spoilers.

Sydney giggled, giving him a playful kiss on the cheek, lifting his spirits amidst the intense workload. "I don't want to get spoiled anyway."

***

One evening at the Shapiro Library where it is about to close, Paris and Sydney hide and found a secluded spot away from the guard's watchful eyes. Later where everything is dark, Paris began reading "Same Time, Next Year" by Bernard Slade, captivating them in the play's romantic tension where George and Doris are having a tryst in this scene.