These City Lights

"I'll think about it."

"CUT!"

The actors froze as the angry director stomped towards them.

"Ellie, baby, you were fantastic! When are you not, darling? But you!" the director threw his arm towards the male actor, "You do the same damn thing every time! Do you not have any emotions, Dave? How many times do I have to tell you to use your fucking emotions?" the director threw his arms up, "I can't do this anymore, get out." he whispered.

Dave stood in shock, not moving. "I TOLD YOU TO GET THE FUCK OUT!" Without a thought he ran out and Ellie walked towards the director.

"Hey, Dani, don't be to hard on yourself. This is just a short film and whatever seems to be the final cut will be the cut." she sat next to him, patting his back.

"You don't get it, El, I really want to win this film festival. It's all I want right now. We've had three actors come in and not one can give me emotion like you."

"You know, if you don't win it won't be the end of the world but I strongly know you will. We'll find the actor you need but the faster we can find him, the better so we'd better start looking now."

"You're right," he mumbled.

"Aren't I always? Anyway I have to get going, I'll see you tomorrow and you'd better have a smile on that face or else I'll smack it on your face!" she yelled as she grabbed her coat and walked into the frozen wasteland of the city.

The little specks of white, all falling into place. Walking past the various busy people on phones and suits, the worried, rushed people, and the variety of stores, she saw her heaven. The Moon Café, her café. As she opened the doors, the splash of warm air hit her face. Her booth was empty and already standing there was the server.

"Hey, Jay. I'll have the usual." she told him as she sat down.

"Ellie, you're early. I wasn't expecting you for another hour."

"You know Dani. By the way is there anyone looking for a role in a short film?"

"He got rid of Dave already? It's only been two days!"

"Well apparently he doesn't show emotion, which I don't blame Dani, it was like I was talking to a brick wall."

"Ellie, I've run out of people to turn to so looks like you're on your own for this one. I have to go put in your order and I'll be right back.

"Thanks, Jay." she sighed, "What am I going to do?"

She opened her script and read through the lines over and over. She never got bored reading the same lines, she'd always thought that the more she read them, the more she came in touch with her character. All was calm, until the doors flew open and someone ran right to her. She froze.

"I need you to help me." his voice husk and rough.

"Excuse me?"

"I need to hide so can you move over so that I can hide under the table?"

"I'm sorry but I don't even-" he got irritated and pulled her out of the seat.

"Be quiet and keep reading those stupid papers, if someone asks if you've seen me, tell them nothing. Got it?" he gave her a stern look. She nodded, what had she gotten herself into?

Soon enough, barged in two muscular men and they went to everyone asking if they'd seen the man. Once they thought it was hopeless their eyes caught Ellie.

"You seen a man about this tall with dark hair and ugly ass clothes?" one them practically barked at her.

She hesitated,"No sir, I think you've got the wrong place. A couple minutes ago I saw a man running that way to that street."

One of them yelled, "I knew it!" he punched the table causing both Ellie and the table to shake.

They ran out and from underneath he whispered, "Are they gone?" Ellie nodded.

He got out and sat across from her,"Ugly ass clothes my ass. Did you see what they were wearing? Damn could he not bang the table that hard?" he was rubbing the top of his head.

"Could you leave now?" Ellie was not happy to have company.

"Not yet, Angel Eyes. You see, I've got two men hunting me down trying to murder me so I'm staying for longer."

"It's Ellie. And I don't get a thank you?"

"Angel Eyes, thank you, I must say you are quite the liar. I didn't think you would have that in you, whatcha reading there?"

"Ellie and I am reading my script for-" she was cut off by Jay.

"Here you are,Ellie,the usual. Who's your friend here?"

"I have no idea." she said staring at the mysterious man.

"You don't need to know, Angel Eyes."

"Fair enough," Jay said,"Well can I get you something?"

"I'm good, man, thanks."

Jay walked away, leaving the two strangers to continue their conversation.

"A script? You're an actress? No wonder you're a good liar." he told her as she took a sip of her coffee.

"Actually, considering you seem like some kind of criminal, we're looking for an actor to play in this short film, would you be willing to show up and maybe be the role of the lead?"

"First, I am no criminal. They just hate me. Second, as much as I am flattered to be consider as an actor, I am no actor. Therefore, I will NOT act in some little film." he crossed his arms and laid back.

"Listen don't you think you owe me one after I just saved your damn life, not to mention, I don't know you!"

"Angel Eyes, I've got to get going. Thank you." he got up, fixed his hair, and gave her a small smile.

She immediately ran up to him and yanked his wrist until they were face to face, "Wait, could you at least consider it? I know it's a lot but this film means a lot to me and everyone else involved." She handed him the address to the studio.

"For you, Angel Eyes, I'll think about it."

Just like that, he grabbed the card and walked away leaving Ellie to watch. She cursed to herself, "Damn, I don't even know his name."