A Step Back (Jennifer. A + David. S)

Chapter: 1 Shiver

This story takes place in Los Angeles, California and August of 1994. It's the story of two actors, Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer and their relationship that formed during the filming of Friends. And trust me, the writing gets so much better :)

Jennifer's POV

Today is the day that I will start my first proper job, you know a more serious one, rather than working at a grocery store or as an extra on Seinfeld. I haven't met the actors yet for the show, and I can barely even remember the name. We Are Friends? Friends Like Us? No, I think it may just be Friends actually now that I think about it. I've seen pictures of three of them, and the other two remain names and character traits that I have yet to believe. I have seen pictures of Courtney, Matthew, Matt, but not Lisa or David. Marta Kauffman said they were nice, and very intelligent. She impressed me with stories about Lisa's education. The only thing she told me about David was that he was tall, had very dark brown hair, and is quiet. To me, I picture an old Middle Eastern man selling falafel, but I doubt he looks anything like the way I picture him.

12:30

Anyway, I sat in Marta (Kauffman), David (Crane), and Kevin's (Bright) office, facing the three of them from across a long desk.
"So, you are the first to come, considering we want you to be the sort of sister of them, you know? We'd like you to be the one who knows where the bathrooms are, and the person in which they ask their many questions to. Thanks for showing up early, by the way." Announced David Crane.
I smiled at him.
"I'm so glad I got this part! Thank you for letting me have it! May I ask you about the general plot line of the show? I've read the script for the first episode, but I'd like to know more about the show in general." I asked.
David and Marta glanced at each other, smiling like they knew something.
"Well, all of what I'm about to say may change, so don't be alarmed if something doesn't happen. Basically, Joey gets to be on Days Of Our Lives-"
I leapt up.
"Really? My dad is on DOOL!!" I cheerfully interrupted David.
They all looked surprised at each other, and slightly confused at my childish behavior. I had to stop.
"Oh how...interesting. Anyways, Ross' ex-wife tells him she's pregnant, and they eventually have the baby. Ross also has a crush on your character, Rachel. We are thinking of getting them together sometime during the second or third season of this show if it's is a hit. We haven't planned much else, really." He finished.
Just then, a short, chubby, sandy-colored haired man came into the little office.
"A man is here. He said his name is Perry." The man announced, out of breath.
I turned back to the three.
"Well, that'll be Matthew, who plays Chandler. He's really funny, I promise. You should go downstairs and meet him!" Replied Marta.
I smiled and stood up. I followed the man downstairs and into the large, open room, which were the sets. The apartments looked as if they had been cut in half by chainsaw so you could see inside each of them.
Matthew, was standing back, taking in how large the rooms were. I nervously walked over to him. As I came closer, I started to think.
What if he's mean?

What if he doesn't like me?

What if he's one of those big-shot actors?
Once I'd approached him, he looked at me with confidence in his blue eyes.
"You don't get middle class people living in apartments like those in New York!" He joked, laughing.
How can he laugh in an awkward situation like this?! I'm practically peeing my pants while he's having a laugh.
Matthew stuck his hand out.
"I'm Matthew, as you probably already know. You can call me Matty, if you'd like." He announced.
I smiled and shook his hand. My nerves melted away. He seems really nice, and not at all is he a 'big-shot'. We started walking over to the other side of the room. Most of the soundstage was dark, except for the apartments which were well lit. We walked over and sat down on Monica's couch.
We talked for about ten minutes until the door opened, and in came another man. He was stocky, and around 5'9 or 5'10. This couldn't be David because he's not super tall. Matthew is probably 6'0 so, this must be Matt? Is that his name? We walk over. Matthew seems to have confidence in his steps. His hands are in his pockets and his chest is out. We smile as we approach Matt. I hope this is Matt.
"Hi! I'm Matt!." He says, excitedly.
I smile and we shake hands.
Matthew is really funny. When we were sitting, he was telling me stories and jokes, and he was making me cry he was so funny! I hope everyone is as nice as him, but that usually doesn't happen in the acting world, it seems like most of us are assholes.
We walked back to the couch at sat down after exchanging a few words. We began to tell each other about ourselves, talking about this and that or whatever. Matt entertained us with hilarious stories, and Matty would add in jokes when needed. Again, we heard the door open. Except for this time, it had been 20 minutes. An unsure feminine voice called out.