DARLING ➶ JOHNNY C. DEPP II

IX

Erela trailed behind Johnny with her head down, trying not to attract any bystander's eyes. Even though she forced him to take her, the twinge of worry that settled in her stomach grew every second, and she couldn't help but regret her decision.

"John, do you still think this is a good idea?" She whispered, looking up at him with uneasiness.

"If you want to go home I can take you, darling. I don't want you to feel pressured into doing anything if you're not ready." He grabbed her hand so they would face each other, stopping them from their small trek.

"Before we go in, I want you to know that sets can get a little hectic sometimes, don't be scared if people are yelling all the time, okay?"

Erela nodded, letting go of his hand to play with her own; something she did when she was nervous.

"And I want you to just--" He paused. "Be careful, love. I know you can handle yourself, but if I'm not around, who knows what Amy can do. I'll try to look out for you as much as I can, it just might be hard with makeup and hair and stuff."

"I'm not eight, Johnny." Erela smiled, giggling at the though of him looking out for her.

"I know, I just wanna make sure you're okay. And please stick to our plan. Remember, we officially became a couple on February 14, our first date was getting sandwiches, and we met on February 5."

"We actually did meet on February 5, so of course I know that one." Erela smirked.

He smiled, his hand rested on her back to push her forward, walking towards set once again. They stepped into a lot, Erela didn't catch which number it was, but it was huge. The room was set up to look like a high school cafeteria, with a few workers taping up posters on the walls.

Erela stayed by Johnny's side as he weaved his way through people she assumed to be helping with the film, until she felt a small tap on her shoulder.

She turned to see a girl who looked to be a little older than her, a black leather jacket hugging her stomach that looked to be pregnant.

"Hi, are you Erela?" She asked.

"Uh, yeah." She smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"You can ditch Johnny if you want, he has to do his hair and makeup and stuff. I can show you around." She offered a kind smile, one that reassured Erela that not every person on set would hate her.

"Oh, yeah. Let me tell him first." She turned around and caught up to Johnny, tugging at his arm slightly.

"Some girl told me she could show me around and stuff while you get ready, is that okay?"

"Which girl?" He asked demandingly, almost shocking Erela.

"Uh, I didn't get her name. Dark brown, almost black hair. Pregnant, pretty smile." She described.

"Oh, yeah go ahead. My dressing room's over there if you need me." He pointed to a room with his name taped on the door, Erela laughed that he felt the need to address it when it was obvious the room was his.

"Mhm, have fun getting ready." She waved him off, but he pulled her into a hug before she could leave. He kissed her forehead, leaning down slightly. "We have to make is believable." He whispered.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot." He laughed at her forgetful memory, giving her one last tight squeeze before sending her off to find her personal guide.

"You two are cute." The girl said as Erela came back to her.

"Thanks." She blushed slightly, secretly wishing this whole thing wasn't an act. "I didn't catch your name?" She asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, sorry. I can be kinda dumb sometimes. I'm Ricki, Ricki Lake." She stuck out her hand for Erela to shake, which she gladly took.