Lights, Cameras, Outsiders!

Chapter 12

LCO 12

"First of all, we want to congratulate you one getting the these roles as cast and crew in The Outsiders," Susie started the meeting off. They were all seated in the soundstage facing her, Francis, Fred, Christine, me, and Gray (one of the producers). And when I mean all of them, I mean cast, crew, caterers, makeup artists, sound men, wardrobe people, everybody was there.

"We would like to start off saying we really appreciate your dedication to this film so far... So this meeting is for the technical things, and we have some papers afterward to fill out and to hand out. I'll let Francis," Francis took the microphone and waved.

"Hi, everybody. It's nice to see you all. So, uh, first thing's first: the cast. After this meeting, you're going to get your things from your hotels and catch the plane to Tulsa. Get your families to send you clothes and stuff there because we are in a hurry. Y'all went home for a week, now you're here for the meeting. We're going to Tulsa." Turns out the informational meeting that was scheduled earlier was cancelled so they made everyone go home for a week and the come back to get everything settled and then go to Tulsa. Quite pointless.

"The sleeping arrangements for the cast are going to be on the papers we hand out. The schedule will be figured out once we're in Tulsa. Costume fittings are tomorrow, makeup trials are tomorrow...set location visits are tomorrow... hair trials are tomorrow...We're going through it tomorrow. We will have rehearsals at an old high school downtown so have your scripts. The day after tomorrow, hair is being , I'm looking at Matt," Francis said. The soundstage broke out in laughter.

"Hair is being cut, grease is being put in, costumes are being finalized, Ralph, your scar is going to be finalized. The whole shebang, we'll let you know the day of. Yes, all of the cast is staying in the same hotel. Uh, crew, be ready at five am tomorrow for the cast to come in. Caterers, be ready for some hungry people." Francis went on and on and on and on and on and I eventually zoned out until he said my name.

"So, here's Essie to tell you who she is and what she'll be doing," Francis handed me the microphone as the crowd clapped.

"Hi, I'm Essie, and this is Christine," I handed the microphone over to Christine.

"What I'll be doing on the set is helping out with set location and costumes. So if there's tear or anything, just look for me and I'll be sure to patch it up," she said, handing over the microphone.

"I am Essie, and I will be helping with hair, makeup, and costume as well. But this is important: I am the nurse on staff during filming so if anything happens, come to my tent, and I'll be in there. If it's too extreme, like a broken bone, although that's very unlikely to happen, we'll take you to the hospital. So have fun," I took Christine outside with me after the clapping subsided.

"What?" she said.

"Does Rob know Matt and I are sleeping together?" I asked.

"Yes, it's pretty obvious, you're going steady. Everyone pretty much assumes you're sleeping together," she said.

"Well, obviously, Tommy doesn't," I said, holding up a small piece of paper.

"What is it?"

"A note. He slid under it my door this morning."

"What's it say?" i handed it to her and she unfolded it.

"God... you gotta tell him no."

"How? He's persistent."

"Just tell Matt, Matt'll shape him up."

"I don't want Matt knocking him out," I said.

"He won't. He'll let him down easy," she said.

"Fine. I'll let him know..."