Acting vs reality (A Jamilla Story)

Weakness

Monday
I'm not in the mood to be back, and in certainly not in the mood to be back at work with James today. On my birthday! I slide my key into the lock and shift it hearings the clicking sound I enter my flat.
'Surprise!!' The voices spring from all directions in the room, it appears my flat if full of birthday wishers.. Known as my friends. Everyone from work is here.. Except him.
I stand there putting in a fake smile, sometimes it's a lot easier to pretend to be something you're not.
'Happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you..' The singing begins lead by Rosie Marcel. I'm not in the mood, I feel like crap and besides I just wish my birthday could pass me by.
'Let the party begin!' David yells signalling to Bob to start the music. It bounces through the flat making me feel even worse. I grab the handle of my suitcase and drag it through the flat to my bedroom, closing the door to behind me.
Silence.
It's nice.
Calm,
David pushes the door open interrupting my peace.
'You not joining the Party?' He yells, I can tell he's already drank enough to last the day.
'I have to go to work, I will later.' I smile.
'But everyone's here!' He moans.
'I just have to shoot a few scenes that's all, I'll be an hour max.'
Without another word he exits the room, I change my jacket and sneak out the back. There is that much noise it's practically impossible to notice I've gone.

Elstree
I enter the quiet building, a few people are here Don, Katherine.. I catch up to Paul, he's probably here shooting a few patient doctor scenes.
'Happy birthday.' He hands me a cupcake, I smile. See simple things like that make me happy not giant surprise parties.
I head over to the director standing in the middle of the set talking to a prop manger. He sees me and rushes to me.
'Ah Camilla. I was meant to call you.'
I look at him worryingly.
'What about?'
'We're not shooting any scenes today.'
I stand shocked. I've missed my party for this, Anyways who cares about the party.
'How come?'
'James is really ill.' I feel my fuse snapping, I have to hold it in.
'When did he let you know?' I smile.
'Saturday morning.'
Hold it in Camilla. Of course, the day he left me at the hotel. Bloody ridiculous.
'Ah, I hope he's ok. See you tomorrow.' I turn to leave muttering under my breathe.
'Let's hope he doesn't choke on his medicine..' I smirk to myself.
Actually, I'm not going back to that party.. I have matters to take care of.

James' POV
I sit on the couch flicking through the Tv, I check the time. I should be shooting now but it's fine I covered it up. A large abrupt knock comes at the door. I mute the Tv before getting up.
If this is my ex again, I'll snap.
I swing open the door.
'Where do you have the right to not come into work because you can't be a mature adult and you're suddenly being ill, really?'
Camilla pushes past me into the flat. She glances around before breathing heavily, looking at her so angry makes me laugh.. She's built up so much anger on her journey here, I can tell.

Camilla's POV
Ok, that didn't go as planned. I let all my rage out in one go. Maybe it's best this way at least he now knows I'm being serious. I look around his flat, it's smaller than I expected. He doesn't have anything identifiable like photos.
'Camilla-'
'No wait I'm not finished, you're so pathetic..lying to our boss, I could have got you so in trouble but I didn't because why would I. You're an actor, how can you not put real life to one side and grow up for a day James!'
I'm just aimlessly throwing words at him now, I don't even care I'm so angry I can feel my temperature rising immensely.
'Why are you so mad at me?' He finally talks. I laugh and automatically sit on his couch.
'I'm mad because you just left me in that hotel.. You tell me how you feel and then you go, you give me a day to try and understand the whole situation and when I point on the obvious you lose it and leave...how-'
'You told me we couldn't be together, I didn't see how I could spend a weekend with you knowing how I felt.'
I stop looking at him, he walks over and joins me on the couch.
'You really want to be with me?' I look at him, something about him it's weird, I want him and I don't think I can control it. I'm scared to allow myself to love, whenever I have.. I've been hurt.
'I wouldn't of told you I'd give up everything if I didn't.' I smile, that's true he did. I want to open up.
'I'm sorry, for messing with your feelings.'
'No, I'm sorry for forcing you to make a decision.'
We both laugh nervously, I look aways from him and at the Tv. Moving in silence, the silence I felt before. The calm, safe feeling when I'm at comfort.
'Happy birthday.' He gets to his feet.
'You remembered?' I smile. He walks over to the kitchen and returns with a long black box.
'Here.'
He hands it me, us both holding the box before he slips his hand back.
I open it to reveal a necklace with my name in 3D letters.
'You got this for me?' I look back at him.
'Yes.'
'But they never have my name on.' I don't even know why I care, he's just bought me this for my birthday. I don't care right now, about feelings and trust. I'm suddenly caught in a moment of weakness.
'I had it made.' He smiles. I get up and walk to him.
'Ask me again.. That question.' I look into his blue eyes.
'Are you ready to commit to me?'
I step forward grabbing his face and kissing him, I mean it with every bone in my body. When our lips touch I feel an ignition in my heart, a flame re-lit after years of insecurity.
'Yes..' I smile at him.
He runs his hand down my face before smiling and kissing me again.
Love isn't a weakness, it's a strength.