Hollywood's Golden Runaway

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We managed to evade the swarm of paparazzi thanks to Finn. Once we safely arrived back to our makeshift campsite, we agreed that it would be safer just to order takeout for our meal tonight. Liam and I go our separate ways back to our respective trailers. I know exactly what's coming when I next see him. Too many questions. Despite his promise to let me open up to him in my own time, I know that he won't be able to hold his tongue after today's events. Discovering my recently adopted smoking habit and the obvious connection between Finn and I.

As usual we agree that I'll play hostess for our takeout feast and movie marathon. I specifically suggested a marathon of Nicholas Sparks movies to put the boys off of joining us and granting me a few more hours of peace before the questions inevitably come.  It doesn't take me long to put some popcorn in the microwave, throw some blankets on the sofas and put the first disc into the TV. So, I indulge in another two cigarettes, finishing off my go-to packet, as I reflect on the events of the day.

What surprises me most was not that I have actually seen Finn in the flesh, or that he is still in Matlin Falls after all this time. But the calmness I feel.  The sight of Olivia in Maialino caused me to have my first mental breakdown on set. I couldn't function for days afterwards. But the boy who was the final straw for why I left, shows back up here, where the memories are the most raw. I tell myself that I'm in shock, that my lack of feeling is due to having run my emotions raw all those years ago. Memories fight with other memories to replay themselves first. When I first met him, the countless times we spent at each other's houses. But seeing him in bed with Olivia, watching his lips moving against hers. He said that he had an explanation for his actions but I cannot even begin to fathom what excuse he could give for the ultimate betrayal. The part of me that still clings to him urges me to seek him out again, curious to hear his justification for his actions.

Then one glimpse of myself in the mirror reminds me of the impossibility of that ever happening. I am no longer Salem Evans, who hid from the bullies behind her boyfriend and best friend, whose parents were too busy to even make an appearance on her birthdays. Who the person she truly trusted most in the world was her grandma who is now living on borrowed time. The girl whose eyes I meet in the mirror are those of Isabella Scott, world famous actress who grew up in the depths of the Midwest, had an honest and forthright upbringing, and has zero connections to Matlin Falls. I am confused by the dull emotions surrounding this discovery. All I know is that as long as I stick close to Liam and Sydney and the others, Finn will not see me for who I really am, and Isabella will do her job of protecting me. Because I know that if he were to ever corner me alone, and recognise who I really am, I'll be done.

The sudden beeping from the microwave draws me from my thoughts, and I catch sight of the shine of tears hanging onto the edge of my eyelashes. They are quickly blinked away as I emerge back into the living area, the smell of popcorn permeates the air and three bodies gracefully enter through the front door. I grin at my best friends, and I find my smile being mirrored and we all briefly hug each other.

"And she returns," I remark, referring to Tatiana's three day absence. My words are met with laughter, but Tatiana's is laced with sarcasm. She clutches her supplies of food, blankets and pillows close to her chest and regards the three of us with a withering look.

"If you guys have such a problem with me and Alex, maybe you shouldn't have tried so hard to get us together in the first place." She snaps. I'm taken aback by her accusatory tone and defensive nature and by the looks on Sydney and Brenna's faces, they feel the same way.

"Relax, T, it was just a joke." Brenna chuckles awkwardly with her hands raised in faux surrender. This doesn't relax her.

"My relationship is not a joke."