Lights, Camera and Love

Jane

"He's a slut and I don't like him," I said irritably. Me and Sherry are currently in class. We sit next to each other at the back of the room. There is a movie being shown in class about the topic called 'Pay it Forward'.

Sherry sighed in disagreement. "Well, I would love to be slut for him. I mean, look at him! He's smart, cool and super handsome. He looks like that guy who played Superman in Smallville but with brown hair and different shade of eyes. He's my type of guy."

Erin was sitting in front, about three seats far from us. She was eyeing him as if he was some kind of idol.

"Don't you have Ryan?" I asked. In reality, I don't really care about her love life but I need to keep this conversation going around her just so she doesn't ask me unnecessary questions.

"Ryan's history, as of now. I'll tell him later. Liz, you have to help me with Erin."

Surprised by her words, I shook my head. "No, I refuse to do that. You know that I am not good with that kind of stuff. Besides, you can get anyone you want right?"

"Not him. He hasn't paid attention to what I am doing. He is very hard to get. I wonder if he has a girlfriend in UK?"

"Not that I know of," I whispered.

"What?"

"Nothing. Let's just focus on the lesson, okay? The teacher's looking at us."

I'm wondering why Erin hasn't told anyone about us being childhood friends, and us living together. We almost have all of our classes together, and he hasn't talked to me. He's very popular and got along with everybody well. Most likely he knows that I hate getting all the attention.

"Liz!" I heard someone call behind me as I walk to my next class.

I turned around. "Mia," I whispered. That's a surprise. She is another person whom I know but does not usually talk to me during school.

"How's job hunting?" She asked. She was a bit out of breath as if she's been chasing me all through the hallway.

I shook my head. "Nothing. I'll try next week. I have something to finish by Saturday and it's really important."

The film contest is this coming Saturday. I almost forgot all about it because I was so busy looking for a job. Without a decent theme to choose from, I am almost thinking of giving it up.

"I told you, Liz. I have a job that I know of. It's another part time of mine. I am thinking of quitting because Mrs. Norman wants me to work extra hours this season."

"Maybe I'll think about it, but I really don't want to go back to that kind of job again. Thank you for the offer though."

"If you say so. I'll go now. See you," she waved. Waving back, a forced a nice smile. This is a nice start.

School went by smoothly. Although I had to listen to Sherry's continuous blabbing about Erin. I'm just glad she doesn't know what we grew up together.

I was about to leave the school when I saw a familiar figure waiting by the front gates. Don't tell me he wants us to go home together. Erin is wearing the same sun glasses he wore when we bumped into each other the other day. He looks very aloof and handsome.

Of course, I pretended not to notice him and continued to walk past where he was standing. I sighed in relief. Good thing he didn't talk to me. Everybody would sure to notice and wonder why he's approaching the most unapproachable girl in school.

Deciding whether to give up on the film contest is the most important thing right now. The contest is 5 days from now, this coming Saturday. I haven't made any progress with the kind of film I'm going to be making.

I looked behind me and surprised not to see Erin behind me. Where has he gone to? Not that I care anyway.

*Knock knock knock*

Wondering who would visit at this time, I walked and carefully opened it. I then saw a tall brunette standing at my doorway. "Jane?" My eyes widened.

"Hey, Liz! How are you doing?" She asked as I let her inside.

Jane is Erin's older sister. I heard from Erin that she was studying at a University that's quite far from here so I never expected her to come here. She's tall, with long dark brown hair and brown eyes just like Erin.

"Erin told me the way here. I was expecting to see him here with you. Where is he?"

I raised my shoulders indicating that I have no idea. "I don't know where he goes. Speaking of him being here, he told me that you approved him of staying here with me. What were you thinking, Jane? You know I can't handle him and all his nonsensical antics."

She looked me in the eyes and grinned. "But you're happy right?"

"No, I'm not," I responded trying to deny how I really feel. I am happy that he's here with me, I admit it. Sometimes the things he does makes me angry at him. Like what happened yesterday.

"Ever since you were little, I have always thought that you liked him though you never really admitted it. I can see it through your eyes. You can't deny that."

Refusing to respond, I went to the kitchen to make some tea. Why does she always have to bring that kind of topic up when I'm not in the mood?

"The reason why I came here is because he told me that you needed help with a local film contest this coming Saturday," she half yelled from the living room.

How did he know I was having a problem with that? Not only he's such a playboy but he puts his nose into other people's business too. I sighed in annoyance.

I told Jane that I will be giving up the contest. With no idea to start with and my financial issue, I told her that I cannot join the contest in the state I am in now.

"I'll help you, Liz. Now go get your equipment and we'll think of something to show on Saturday. And do not even think of opposing me," she held her hand up as she saw me about to say something in protest.

We started with the concept of the film. The rules say that it should be a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 minutes. Jane suggested that I should just do a documentary. I actually had a few short clips already in place that I took before. The videos I took were mostly on how extraordinary the life of ordinary people here in town and what they do.

We stayed all night trying to put the clips and photographs together. Jane is going back tomorrow at her University so we need to finish this today. I decided to take a break from school the next day.

Jane annoyingly tried to ask me how I really felt about Erin. I jokingly told her that there might be a bit of lust to my feelings towards him and I might be confusing that for affection. She laughed and said that's a typical feeling girls get around him.

What I told her wasn't entirely a joke though. Being with him inside the same roof made me realize that I have a hidden desire for him in terms of sex.

"Don't worry, my brother wouldn't do anything to you unless you initiate it," she said.

It's already 3:17 in the morning before I realized it. Jane was focused in getting the story and frames together as I was fixing the effects and slides on my computer.

It then occurred to me that Erin might already be home. I went to the kitchen and saw that I was right. He's at the kitchen, making us some late night snacks.

"When did you get home?" I asked.

"Is this still my home? I thought you're still made at me."

"Of course I am," I said, answering right away. "But you're still staying. I need help with the expenses and you're my only hope," I added.

He back was turned but I can tell he's smiling.

"Hey, bro. Whatcha making?" Jane entered the kitchen and made me jump in surprise a bit.

"Poison for you. Ham Sandwhich and coffee for Liz." He answered jokingly. Jane nudged him at his waist and he made a fake cry of pain. The three of us laughed.