Beyond the Black Curtain

Chapter 2 - Inside a Writer's Mind

A/N: The chapters might be uneven in length, I apologize in advance. I intended this to just be a one shot, but Sebastian, Rae and Chris kept tugging and tugging at me everywhere they wanted until I found myself writing pages and pages worthy of a story. I hope you keep reading!

As always, sharing, commenting and VOTING are greatly appreciated!

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Rae

The interview got delayed for about fifteen more minutes. While waiting, I could hear muffled voices arguing inside the room that made me nervous. My mind began to wander, thinking about how stressful these interviews are for these actors. I knew I was just one of many faces to them but for me it would be a memorable personal experience. I realized how monotonous and annoying these could probably get for them, having to talk to different people and answer the same questions that are just phrased differently every time. I suddenly wondered how sincere their responses were going to be. Judging from the videos I've watched in preparation, Chris tended to use jokes if an interviewer or certain questions begins to grate on his nerves, while Sebastian, well, he was an entirely different animal altogether.

With Sebastian, you don't have to listen to what he says; you need to pay attention to his eyes. Like really look into them. He definitely provides well thought out answers, but the only way you can tell whether he's tired or trying to suppress his annoyance is by the way his pupils subtly dilate and by how rapid he blinks. I've also noticed that one thing he's gotten really good at over the years is the side eye and eye brow game. I've seen several instances where if the interviewer starts to bore him, he discreetly moves his eyeballs from side to side, lightly creasing his brows as if looking for something to distract him. He'd definitely smile at whoever he was talking to, but if he's not feeling up to task, it won't reach his eyes. A casual viewer won't be able to tell the difference between his face truly lighting up by his smile or if he's just plastering one on his lips. It's a tricky thing to gauge, but as my psych degree has taught me, I at least have an idea how to tell the difference.

I skim through my notes again, adding, removing or modifying some of the questions based on what would interest our readers more. The door bangs open, startling me that I almost dropped my phone. Within seconds, I see Chris Evans' huge frame barreling his way out. I immediately surmised he was the one arguing earlier judging from the way his shoulders tensed up as he saw me. His normally playful baby blues were a shade darker and I realized I'd probably be talking to just one cast member today.

Sebastian followed suit, sneaking an apologetic glance at me as he called out his friend to come back. The next one who got out was a frazzled looking guy who approached me right away.

"Hi, Rae, right?" he said breathlessly and I nodded. "I'm Josh, Chris' publicist. Sorry about the delay, I know your time is very important and I really don't want to keep you waiting so if you're okay to postpone---"

I smiled at him. "No, it's okay, I totally understand. Believe it or not, this is my biggest interview to date and I don't have anything else planned because of it. I have read a little about Chris' anxiety attacks, I have them myself so I totally understand."

Josh slumped to the chair beside me and let out an exhausted breath. "I don't know what's gotten into him today, to be honest. I didn't want to ask him to take his meds since you're the last interview today and they have the rest of the day off. I don't get why he can't keep it together for just one more hour and be done with it. Jesus."

I felt so bad for Josh, it must be tough having to deal with his boss' anxiety, especially at this time where they're outside of the country. I debated on just cancelling the interview altogether, but then something clicked inside my head.

"Josh," I motioned to the frazzled guy beside me. He put his phone in his pocket and looked at me.

"Yeah?"

"I have an idea."