In the next life, maybe ?

Chapter 7 : No big deal

The sea waves were crashing around my feet. We had just finished another day of filming. We went to the beach to shoot a couple of scenes with our characters bonding and more. I had been crying nonstop since Jenna told me about her boyfriend two days ago. I try to keep my composure when people are around, but once I'm in my trailer, the tears fall on their own. It's so bad that I cry myself to sleep.

On the ride, the seats were already assigned, and I ended up next to Jenna. Don't get me wrong, under different circumstances I'd love that, but with my eyes still red and puffy, claiming it's just allergies, and Jenna probably talking with Percy next to me, it wasn't the ideal situation. I watched her make her way down the small corridor, grabbing the seats next to hers as she approached. I gave her a small smile before looking out the window. I could feel her gaze as I stared at the parking lot. We remained silent until the car started moving and everyone was settled.

Not long after, Jenna's phone rang; it was Percy. I sighed and ended up falling asleep, not wanting to hear it.

I jolted awake when the bus hit a bump. Jenna wasn't speaking anymore, and my head was resting on her shoulder. My heart skipped a beat. Not only that, but I felt Jenna's head resting on mine. My heart raced. I stayed still, letting my head drift closer to hers, our pinkies brushing. When we arrived, Jenna gently woke me, and I took a moment to collect myself before getting off the bus.

The salty ocean breeze mixed with the scent of nearby flowers. It was the kind of place where dreams were supposed to come true. As I looked at Jenna talking to the director, I felt a pang of sadness—she was with someone else, a reality I couldn't ignore.

The first month on set had been a blur of intense scenes, laughter, and a closeness that felt like we'd known each other for years. I started noticing small things about Jenna—the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about movies, the sound of her laugh, the warmth of her smile. It was all innocent until I learned she had a boyfriend.

Percy.

Every time I saw her, I thought of him. He seemed to be on set almost every day, a constant reminder of the line I couldn't cross. I liked Jenna more than I should, but she was with someone else. So, I decided to keep my distance to protect myself and maybe her too.

"Alright, let's set up for the next take!" Tim called, pulling me out of my thoughts. I focused on the task. We were filming a scene that called for an almost-kiss, but we'd be interrupted before it could happen. How funnny. It's like life really try to remind me how close I can be with Jenna but how there is something getting in the way. 

When Jenna approached, I forced a smile, trying to push away the tension. It was just another scene, just acting.

But as the cameras rolled and we slipped into character, the lines between fiction and reality blurred. Our characters were falling for each other, and every word, every glance felt heavier than it should.

We were on the beach, the sand cool and warm beneath us as the sun goes to sleep. It had been the perfect day — a simple escape with hot dogs and laughter. Now, as the waves crashed in the distance, the scene felt serene, like we were in our own little world.

Mabel grinned, throwing a playful challenge my way. "How about we play Truth or Dare?"

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Truth or Dare? Are we back in high school?"

She laughed, nudging me with her shoulder. "Come on, it'll be fun. Just no crazy dares or embarrassing truths."

I smirked, sitting down on the sand. "Alright, you're on. You go first."

She picked "Dare," and I told her to share something she'd never told anyone. She admitted she was terrified of heights and once had to keep her eyes closed during an entire cab ride over a bridge.