In the next life, maybe ?

Chapter 12 : Back on set

I checked my phone: 9:34 a.m. After two weeks at home, I was back on set. The early morning buzz was familiar yet strange, with the aroma of fresh coffee, bakery goods, and the distant sounds of the crew setting up. It felt like slipping back into a well-worn routine.

Dragging my bags behind me, I headed to my trailer. Inside, everything was as I left it—scripts on the table, a few personal items on the walls, and a half-empty water bottle on the counter. It felt like coming home, but not quite. I glanced at the bed and remembered the time Jenna was here. I closed my eyes, trying to push the memory away. Now wasn't the time for distractions.

After unpacking, I went out to greet the crew and cast. Familiar faces greeted me with hugs and high-fives as we caught up on our breaks. It felt good to be back with this group, like a little family we'd built during filming.

"Hey, look who's back!" Niles called out, grinning as he hugged me. "How was your break?"

"Good," I replied with a smile. "Spent time with family and tried to relax. How about you?"

"Same here," he said, nodding. "Though with three kids, I'm almost glad to be back at work!"

We laughed, and as we moved around the set, greeting everyone, I noticed Jenna wasn't there yet. I missed her bright smile in the mornings; the set didn't feel the same without her.

At lunch, we gathered in the studio's dining area, excited about the next five months. It was nice to be back among people who felt like family. Even as I laughed and chatted, I kept glancing at the door, wondering when Jenna would show up.

She arrived at dinner, and I spotted her right away. There was something different about her tonight—her smile didn't reach her eyes, and her expression seemed dull.

"Hey, Jenna!" Niles called, waving her over. "We thought you'd ditched us."

She smiled and shook her head. "No way, you can't get rid of me that easily."

I nearly ran to her, but I hesitated, unsure of what to say. She hugged me, and for a moment, everything felt normal. Being in her arms felt so good, and strangely, all my worries seemed to vanish. But then I felt her body shudder slightly and heard a small, pained noise she quickly tried to hide.

"You okay?" I asked quietly.

"Yeah, just sore from the flight," she said, brushing it off.

I tried to meet her eyes, but she kept avoiding mine. I nodded, though I wasn't convinced. Before I could ask more, she quickly joined the others, her smile firmly back in place.

I watched her as she laughed and talked, but something seemed off. Her movements were careful, her smile a bit forced. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. But what could I do? I had promised myself I wouldn't let my feelings for Jenna interfere with our work or friendship. Besides, she had a boyfriend—whatever was going on, it wasn't my place to ask.

As dinner ended and everyone headed back to their trailers, I stayed behind for a moment, watching Jenna walk away. She moved more slowly than usual, her steps deliberate. I wanted to ask her what was really going on, but the words wouldn't come.

Instead, I walked back to my trailer, trying to push my worries aside. We had five more months of filming ahead, and I needed to stay focused.

Lying in bed, I stared at the spot where Jenna had been not long ago. I sighed, noticing the sheets had been changed. I wished she were here with me again. A tear fell as I closed my eyes, not really sure what I was feeling. Either way, I let myself drift off to sleep, preparing for work to begin in earnest tomorrow.