Two Worlds

CHAPTER 7

Alsephina

Waking up early in the morning, I get ready for the press conference and reach in front of our office. I see that Mike is already waiting there for me and we both catch a cab to reach the venue.

"So, I gathered some information about the movie. To be honest, when I read what the movie was about and what its story line is, I was pretty shocked. To make a movie like that is a bold decision." , Mike says.

"I agree. Writing it in a book is one thing. People read it but do not mind that much, but if you look at it on a big screen visually. It starts to feel a little bit real. When I read what the movie was about, the first thought that came to my mind was that it was a pretty interesting idea. I mean, I would really like to know what the audience thinks about it. The main reason that they have cast Natalie Walsh and Gabriel Garcia is because they are popular and have a strong fan base who love them unconditionally.". I tell Mike.

"That's true. So you have prepared the questions and we are doing it." he says.

From that point on, we stay silent for the entire ride. When we reach the venue, I tell both of our names to the security guard standing there and pass them. The venue is a big theatre where they have set up chairs and  a stage in front of the screen where the cast and crew will be sitting with the author. Posters are draped on either side of the movie that features both the male and the female lead. The venue is decorated luxuriously with photo stands at one corner and also a signing wall for people to write their comments. We are the first ones to reach and Mike goes to the place designated for the cameraman to setup. I sit on the chair labelled with my name and notice that I am on the front row. 

Suddenly, my phone buzzes in my pocket and I realise that I forgot to silent it. Taking out my phone, I see that there are around six messages. I open my inbox and smile.

MOM :- I hope that you do very well today sweetheart. My best wishes for you. I know you are going to ace it. You have always been talented at doing what you do. Love you.

DAD :- I hope that other people also see you the way that I do, My little star. All the best with your first press conference and grill who ever comes in front of you. I have got your bag so don't worry. Shine like you always do. Lots of love, little star.

ADDY :- Show them what you have got, baby sis. Wish you all the best and smash them.

I laugh to myself, Addy and his football jokes. He always tells them to lighten my mood. I tap on the next message,

Cecily :- Babe, I am so proud of you. You have always done what you wanted to do and you are living your dream. I know you are going to nail it today. Love you, babe.

I scroll down and see that the last message that I got was from Jenna. I really found a good friend in her. She has been nothing but supportive and welcoming towards me since the start. Although, we are in different departments, we always make time for each other. At first, I didn't think that I would be able to make such a close friend in this short amount of time. Jenna proved me wrong. I read her message,

Jenna :- Ana, as much as I was excited about Gabriel Garcia being here, I am very happy that you got this opportunity to attend the press conference. In such a short time, I've come to know that you're very hardworking and sincere. I see the effort you put in your work and have come to admire it. I know you will do very well in this press conference and I wish you all the luck.

I give a quick response to all of them seeing as I don't have much time. As soon as I finish, I silent my phone and put it back in my pocket. I look over where Mike was getting the camera set up and see that he has already finished his task. He looks up at the same time and gives me a thumbs up. I do the same in return and see the reporters from other channels rolling in. It's still fifteen minutes till the guests arrive. All the reporters from different channels sit on their designated seats.

I hear murmurs of mainly the female reporters and some male reporters too, going on and on about seeing Gabriel and I roll my eyes. I hope they don't start gushing over him as soon as he comes. As the clock strikes ten, the host stands on the stage,

"Good morning everyone, Today we are here to attend the press meet for the movie, 'My Fault' which is about to be released in a couple of weeks. The guests that will be attending today are the male lead, Gabriel Garcia, the female lead, Natalie Walsh, director of the film, Jacob Mills and the best selling author from whose book the film is made, Reese Carter. Please give them a big round of applause."

Everyone starts clapping for them, as they enter from the back entrance of the theater and make their way to the stage. The first one to enter is Natalie Walsh. She's dressed in a blue sequence knee length dress which has off shoulder full sleeves paired with white stilettos and white stone studded purse. Her hair tied in a messy ponytail and her makeup minimal. Next, is the author, Reese Carter, who is wearing a white puffy sleeved top and black slacks paired with white sandals. She has light brown hair and a round face.

After him enters the director, Jacob Mills, who has a trimmed beard, long face with shoulder length hair that is tied in a ponytail. He's wearing a black t-shirt with a brown blazer, denim and black shoes.

Lastly, it's Gabriel Garcia who enters and the claps go louder. I look at him from head to toe. He's wearing a white t-shirt with a black leather jacket and black ripped denim paired with black boots. His hair is styled a bit messy but he looks downright gorgeous. They smile and wave their hands at everyone and climb up on stage and take their seats. The host says,

"Welcome, all of you. We are so happy and excited that you joined us on this press meet and would really like to hear more about this film directly from you guys. But before that, we would like to ask each one of you if you have anything you want to say to our friends here."

While gesturing towards the audience, the host hands over the mic to the director who is seated next to him.

"Well, Hello and good morning to everyone present here. We have been doing promotions and press meets for the past week in different places, but being in New York has been such a dream and we would love to answer anything you ask for."

With that he hands over the mic to Natalie Walsh sitting next to him,

"Hi everyone, I've been so excited to come to New York because this place has been like a second home to me. When I came into the industry, this place was my home and today when I am starting my career on the next level, I'm really happy to be sharing it with all of you and be here for this opportunity."

Smiling, she addresses everyone in the theater and hands over the mike to Gabriel, but instead of answering, he first hands it over to Reese so she can speak first. That was very sweet of him, I think. Reese takes the mic smiling,

"Hey, New York, this place has been very special to me because it made me who I am today. If the people here hadn't read my book, it wouldn't have been possible for it to be adapted into a film.  So thank you for that, and I promise when you see the film, you will definitely not regret it."

She says and then hands over the mic back to Gabriel. Now, it's his time to speak. He smiles and then says,

"Hello, New York.", I gasp, but then cover it with a sneeze. His voice, it was so sexy. Just like I thought it would be. Suddenly, our eyes meet and I swear my heart skips a beat. My breath hitches and I feel like my skin is on fire. The time seems to stop, and we both stare at each other, the world around us dissolving into nothing. We stay like that for a moment, but then I break eye contact and look down. He clears his throat and continues,

"It's been a really long time, I think a couple of years ago when I was here for a press meet of my first film. And today, I'm so happy to see you all again."

He says, looking at me again and then at everyone before handing the mic back to the host.

"Let's start with the questions, shall we?"
says the host.

The conference begins.