In the next life, maybe ?

Chapter 8 : Stars

The set was tense, matching the scene we were about to film. It was a big confrontation, where everything finally came to a head, and the characters had to face their complicated relationships. The director had drilled us on the raw emotion needed to make it believable. But as I waited for the cameras to start rolling, it wasn't just the script that had me on edge.

Jenna was nearby, rehearsing her lines with Toby, who played Charlie. Her focus was intense, and I kept my distance, pretending to study the script even though I knew it by heart. Staying away from Jenna was harder than I thought, especially with the script forcing us into close physical and emotional proximity.

"Alright, places everyone!" The director's voice cut through the tension, and we all moved into position. I took a deep breath and stepped onto the set. The scene was set in a dimly lit living room, with tension simmering between the characters.

In this scene, my character, Lauren, had just discovered that Mabel, played by Jenna, had been dating Charlie long before Lauren and Mabel met. It was a deep betrayal now exposed. The pain, confusion, and anger had to come through in this moment.

"Action!"

The word felt like a starting gun, and I dove into the scene, channeling all my pent-up frustration. Lauren was devastated by Mabel's secret. I let the emotions flow, every word filled with heartbreak and betrayal.

"How long?" I demanded, my voice trembling with anger. "How long were you going to keep this from me?"

Jenna—no, Mabel—flinched, her eyes showing regret. "I didn't mean for it to happen this way, Lauren," she said. "I was going to tell you, but things got complicated."

"Complicated?" I shot back, my voice rising. "You think that's an excuse? You were with him! You didn't think I deserved to know?"

The words felt sharp, cutting through the air. Even as I spoke, it was hard to separate the scene from reality. The emotions felt too real, echoing the turmoil I'd been feeling for weeks.

"I didn't know how to tell you," Mabel said, tears in her eyes. "I never wanted to hurt you."

"Well, congratulations, because you did!" I shouted, the pain in Lauren's voice matching the ache in my own chest. "You hurt me more than you know."

The scene was intense, leaving us all drained even after the director called cut. The crew quickly reset for the next scene, but I stayed put, trying to shake off the lingering emotions.

Jenna approached, looking concerned. "You okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just... intense, you know?"

She nodded, clearly affected herself. "Yeah, it was. But you were great. Really, that was incredible."

"Thanks," I said, not trusting myself to say more. I needed to get away, clear my head, and put some distance between us before I said something I shouldn't.

I excused myself and went outside, the cool air a relief after the heat of the set. I found a quiet spot by the trailers, leaning against one and taking deep breaths to steady my emotions.

Before I could fully compose myself, Jenna came looking for me, her eyes searching until they found mine. She walked over and gently touched my shoulder, making me jump a little.

"Hey, are you really okay?" she asked, concern in her voice. "You seem... off. What's going on?"

I tried to brush it off, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, just needed some air after that scene."

But Jenna wasn't convinced. She tilted her head, studying me closely. "It's not just the scene, is it? You've been distant lately. I'm worried about you."