The Space Between

THREE

The bell rings, echoing through the crowded hallway of Walker Junior High School, which was transformed into Attaway High for the day. I adjust my cream-colored sweater, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare for the next scene. Shooting at a real high school adds an extra layer of authenticity to our show, and I can't help but feel a surge of adrenaline.

"Alright, Malia, Priah, Ariana, Alyvia, Quvenzhané—places!" the director calls out.

I take a deep breath and move to my mark. Priah, who plays my best friend Imani, gives me an encouraging smile. "You got this," she whispers.

I nod, feeling a bit more confident. The scene is intricate, and I know it will take everything I have to make it believable. As the camera starts rolling, I fall into character, becoming Delia Jackson, a shy, nerdy and introverted girl trying to navigate the treacherous waters of high school, and later gets kidnapped into the season.

Audrey Balenci, played by Ariana, saunters down the hallway with her clique, Melanie and Coco, flanking her like loyal soldiers. Audrey's eyes lock onto me, and I can see the gleam of mischief in them. She is the epitome of the stereotypical popular cheerleader, always ready to make someone else's day miserable.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't dorky Delia Jackson," Audrey sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Nice sweater, did your grandma knit it for you?"

I feel my cheeks flush, but I hold my ground. "Leave me alone, Audrey."

Audrey's laugh is cold and mocking. "Oh, come on, it's just a joke, no need to be soft." She steps closer, and before I can react, she tips her coffee cup, spilling the dark liquid all over my cream-colored sweater.

I gasp, feeling the warm coffee seep through the fabric. "What the heck, Audrey!" I exclaim, my voice shaking with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

"Oops, oh no, I'm so sorry, maybe your grandma can knit you another one," Audrey sarcasts, her minions laughing behind her.

Imani, played by Priah, immediately steps in, her eyes blazing with fury. "Back off, Audrey," she says, her voice strong and unwavering. "What's your problem? Why do you always have to be such a bitch?"

Audrey rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "Oh, look, Delia's got her little guard dog with a temper. How cute."

Imani doesn't back down. "You think you're so tough, huh, Audrey? When really, you're just an uptight bitch flaunting daddy's money. We all know your parents are getting a divorce, suck it up buttercup."

The hallway falls silent, the tension palpable. Audrey's face contorted with anger, but she doesn't have a retort. Instead, she turns on her heel and stormed off, her clique following closely behind.

I look at Imani, my eyes full of gratitude. "Thanks, Imani," I say softly.

She smiles, squeezing my arm reassuringly. "Always, girl."

Looking into Audrey's direction, Imani scoffs. "UGH! I can't stand her, she's such a priss!"

The director calls cut, and the hallway erupts in applause. I let out a breath I don't realize I was holding, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The scene had gone perfectly, and I know it will surely resonate with our audience.

As we walk back to the dressing room, Priah and I chat about the scene, our excitement evident, and to film the rest of the episode after lunch. I can't wait to see how the final edit will turn out.

After wrapping up filming the morning scenes at the high school, I feel a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. It has been a long day already, but the thought of spending some downtime with Priah, Ariana, Alyvia, and Quvenzhané is refreshing. We decide to head to Panera Bread, which is conveniently less than 15 minutes away.

As we pile into the car, laughter fills the air. Priah is recounting a funny moment from the set, and we all can't help but join in. It feels good to laugh and relax after the intense focus of filming. On the way, we play some music and sing along to Tyla, making the short drive feel even shorter.

Once we arrive at Panera, we quickly find a cozy corner booth. The aroma of freshly baked bread and warm soups is comforting. Each taking turns ordering our favorites - I go for the classic tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Simple, but always satisfying. Priah chose a chicken Caesar salad, Ariana went for the broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl, Alyvia picked a turkey avocado BLT, and Quvenzhané opted for the Mediterranean veggie sandwich.

As we settle down with our meals, the conversation flows easily. We talk about everything from the quirks of our characters to our favorite scenes so far. Priah shares some behind-the-scenes gossip, while Ariana and Alyvia debated the best ways to deliver a particularly tricky line. Quvenzhané, with her usual grace, offers some sage advice on staying grounded despite the pressures of filming.

Ariana brings up a hilarious blooper from earlier today, and we all burst into laughter, nearly spilling our drinks. It is moments like this that make the hard work and long hours worthwhile. We share stories about our lives outside of filming, too. Alyvia talks about her love for poetry, and Priah mentions a family trip to the beach. I find myself opening up about Kylie because I just miss her.

Quvenzhané, ever the thoughtful one, suggests we make these lunch outings a regular thing. "It's important to stay connected and support each other," she says, and we all nod in agreement. The idea of having this time to bond and decompress is appealing to all of us.

As we finish our meals and prepare to head back, I feel a deep sense of appreciation. Not just for the opportunity to work on such an amazing and out-of-the-box project, but for the friendships that are slowly forming. We are more than just cast mates; we are bonding. And as we walk out of Panera, I know that these moments of connection and laughter will stay with me long after the cameras stopped rolling.

It has been a long day, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me, as I am ready to unwind. The hotel room is fitting to my liking. I slip into my silk pajamas, the smooth fabric a comforting contrast to the busy day. As I settled into the plush bed, I felt a sense of coziness envelop me. If Kylie were here, I'd probably just be in a random t-shirt and underwear, but tonight, it is all about comfort and luxury.

I grab my phone and dial Kylie on FaceTime. Her face lights up the screen, and I can't help but smile. "Hey, you," she says, her voice a soothing balm to my tired mind.

"Hey," I reply, feeling my heart lift a little. We talk about everything and nothing, catching up on the little details of our days. She tells me about her latest adventures on tour, and I share the highlights of filming and the lunch outing.

"Wish you were here," I said, feeling a pang of longing.

"Me too," Kylie replies, her eyes softening. "But we'll see each other soon or eventually."

We continue talking, our conversation flowing. It is like she is right here with me, and the miles between us seem to disappear. As the night wore on, our voices grew softer, the conversation slowing to a gentle murmur.

"I love you," Kylie says, her voice tender.

"I love you too," I say, feeling a warmth spread through me.

We stay on the call, neither of us wanting to hang up. Eventually, the steady rhythm of Kylie's breathing told me she had fallen asleep. I watch her for a moment, feeling a deep sense of peace. Then, with a contented sigh, I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep with Kylie's face being the last thing I see.