The Space Between

THIRTEEN

The night is pitch black, and the only thing guiding me is the faint glow of my cell phone flashlight. I feel the cold air biting at my skin as I run through the dense forest, my heart pounding in my chest. Every snap of a twig, every rustle of leaves sends a jolt of fear through me. I can't stop thinking about Sean and the danger I am in. My mind is racing, and the emotions feel so real, almost too real.

I had managed to find my phone hidden in a cabinet back at the cabin, and now it is- my lifeline. The small beam of light barely cuts through the darkness, but it is enough to keep me moving forward. I can hear my own ragged breaths, and I know I can't afford to slow down. If Sean catches me, I don't even want to think about what would happen.

As I stumble through the woods, my thoughts keep drifting to Kylie. The mixed emotions I have been feeling lately make this scene hit even harder. It is like I am channeling all my confusion, fear, and anxiety into Delia, making her desperation and terror all the more palpable. I feel a connection to her that I haven't felt with any other character before.

The forest seems endless, and every step feels like a struggle. Branches scratch at my arms and face, and the uneven ground threatens to trip me with every stride. But I can't stop. I won't stop. My breath comes in short, panicked gasps, and tears blur my vision. I have to keep going, I have to find safety.

Finally, I see the faint outline of a road ahead. My legs are burning, and my lungs feel like they are on fire, but I push myself to keep going. I reach the side of the road and look around frantically, hoping for a car, any car, to come by. I wave my flashlight desperately, praying someone would see me and stop.

A pair of headlights appear in the distance, and I feel a flicker of hope. I stand by the roadside, waving my arms and shouting for help. The car slows down and pulls over, and I feel a rush of relief. I was safe, at least for now.

The driver, a middle-aged woman with a kind face, rolls down her window. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I... I need help," I stammer, my voice trembling. "Someone's after me. Please, you have to help me."

She nods quickly and unlocks the passenger door. "Get in, hurry."

I don't need to be told twice. I scramble into the car and slam the door shut, my hands shaking uncontrollably. As we drive away, I glance back at the dark forest, half-expecting to see Sean emerge from the shadows. But there is nothing, just the darkness swallowing up the trees.

The woman glances at me, her eyes filled with worry. "What's going on? Who's after you?"

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "It's a long story," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "But thank you. Thank you for stopping."

She nods, her expression softening. "You're safe now. I'll get you to the police, and they'll take care of everything."

As we drive away from the forest, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I am safe, but the fear and adrenaline still course through my veins. I know this is far from over, but for now, I have escaped. And that is enough.

I let out a deep breath as the director calls "cut" for the second time. I glance over to Zoe, who gives me an encouraging nod.

"Wow, I can't believe we nailed it in just two takes," I say, feeling the weight lift off my shoulders.

Zoe smiles warmly. "You did excellent, Malia. Sometimes it's all about finding the right rhythm and being in the moment."

I nod, still processing the rush of emotions. "Your advice really helps me get into character. I feel more grounded this time."

Zoe places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Remember, it's all about staying true to the character and letting the emotions flow naturally. You're doing an amazing job."

My face lights up with gratitude. "Thanks, Mrs. Saldana. I couldn't have done it without your support."

She chuckles. "Oh please, you know you can call me Zoe."

I'm flustered, feeling my cheeks turn red.

After a long but exciting day of filming and getting acai bowls with Priah and Ariana as an afternoon treat earlier, I just want to wind down on my cozy hotel bed and watch a movie. Slipping into my silk pajamas, I grab the remote and start scrolling through Disney Plus, trying to decide what to watch.

Maybe something light and fun, like a classic Disney animated movie, would be perfect to end the day on a relaxing note. Just as I am about to settle on a movie, I hear a knock on the door. I hesitate for a moment, not expecting anyone at this hour. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I get up, sliding my slippers on as I make my way to the door.

Peeking through the peephole, I am very surprised to see Kylie on the other end. She looks nervous and worried, which immediately makes my heart race. What is she doing here?

I open the door quickly. "Kylie, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be on tour right now?" I ask, concern evident in my voice.

As soon as she sees me, she starts crying. "Malia, I would never, ever cheat on you. Vivian is just a childhood friend, and that article is a lie. I emailed the source, telling them to take it down or I would sue. My tour can wait because you are way more important to me."

I stand here, processing her words. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions. "Prove it," I say softly, needing to see the truth in her eyes.

Kylie steps closer, dropping her bags to the floor. She gently cups my face and kisses me with intent. My mind wants to stop her, but my heart and body say yes. The kiss grows more intense and heated, and before we know it, the door behind us is shut, and our clothes scattered on the floor.

Kylie gently pushes me onto the bed, her eyes filled with longing. "I've missed this. There's no one else I would rather love and call mine."

Tears well up in my eyes as I admit, "I was jealous, insecure, and just missing you so much, but now there's no need to be. I love you."

She smiles softly. "I love you so much, Malia"

The moment is heated and romantic, our emotions raw and unfiltered. We let ourselves be vulnerable with each other, the love and trust between us rekindling with every touch and kiss. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and for the first time in days, I feel truly at peace.

We continue to make love, her hands roaming my body, and her lips exploring my skin. I let out quiet moans as her soft lips continue to feel me, leaving lipstick marks.

It's a slow and sweet night filled with so much love in the air.