35 ᴍᴍ ꜰɪʟᴍ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴄᴏꜰꜰᴇᴇ I 🎀 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝒸𝒾𝑒 𝒜𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓂𝓈 [𝑔𝓍𝑔] 🎀

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏: 𝐀 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐)

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 11 

The energy on the red carpet was electric. Flashing cameras, bustling reporters, and the hum of excitement filled the air as Charlie-Wren stood at the centre of it all, dressed in a sleek black gown that clung to her in all the right places. Her hair was styled loosely, soft waves cascading over her shoulders. The year had been a whirlwind—she had gone from being a university student and gigging with her band to standing here, at the premiere of Bodies Bodies Bodies, her first major film. New York, with its towering buildings and chaotic pace, had become her second home, but tonight felt even more surreal.

The past year had been one of the most transformative of her life. Between shooting the film, navigating the intense world of promotion, and keeping her relationship with Gracie under wraps, Charlie had barely had time to breathe. She and Gracie had been together for over a year now, but no one knew except their closest friends. They had kept their relationship quiet, tucked away from the prying eyes of the public. It was safer that way, especially with how fast everything was changing.

As Charlie walked the red carpet, the photographers' shouts blended into a blur of noise. She posed, smiled, and waved at the flashing lights, the practiced ease of someone who had grown accustomed to being in the spotlight—though the attention still felt strange.

"Charlie! Over here!" a voice called, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a reporter from Entertainment Weekly, microphone in hand, signalling her over for an interview.

Charlie smiled politely and made her way over, the nerves that had been simmering beneath the surface threatening to bubble up. She had done a few interviews by now, but it still felt new, foreign. Gracie's calming voice echoed in her head, the reminder from their call earlier that morning: "You've got this. Just be yourself."

"Charlie-Wren! Congratulations on the film," the reporter began, smiling warmly. "How does it feel to be here tonight at your first big movie premiere?"

Charlie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling despite the flutter of nerves in her chest. "It feels pretty surreal, honestly," she admitted, her voice calm but with a hint of excitement. "A year ago, I never would've imagined being here, but it's been an incredible journey. I'm just grateful to be part of something as special as Bodies Bodies Bodies."

The reporter nodded, clearly impressed with Charlie's grounded response. "Your role in the film has been getting a lot of buzz. What was it like working on a project like this, especially with such a talented ensemble cast?"

Charlie's smile widened, thinking back to the chaotic and thrilling experience of filming. "It was amazing. The cast was incredible—so much talent in one room. Everyone brought something unique to the table, and we just had a blast and they are all just incredibly hilarious and amazing. I truly learnt a lot from my cast members. The movie itself is a wild ride, so I can't wait for people to see it."

As the questions continued, Charlie found herself slipping into the rhythm of the interview. She answered thoughtfully, smiled at the right moments, and laughed at the light-hearted questions. But underneath it all, her mind kept drifting back to Gracie—what she'd think of the premiere, whether she was watching from wherever she was. They had both been so careful about keeping things private, not wanting to draw attention to their relationship, especially with Gracie's fame already being a focal point in the media. The last thing they needed was speculation.

As the interview wound down, the reporter asked one final question. "What's next for you, Charlie? Any upcoming projects you're excited about?"

Charlie smiled, a little coyly this time. "There are a few things in the works," she said, not giving too much away. "But right now, I'm just focused on enjoying this moment. It's been a long year."