The Love Song

The Perfect Expression

I drop onto my plush bed and rùb my tired eyes. Preforming is phenomenal, but it's draining. I muster up one last burst of energy and drag myself downstairs to click on the alarm system. Feeling safe and protected, I rest my head on my pillow and drift into sleep. Tomorrow morning I am off to film a new video for YouTube, and will be spending the beautiful summer day trapped in the studio. But I have to follow my dreams. I can't let anything get in the way.

The next morning I shower quicker than I ever have. I completely forgot to turn on my alarm last night and I woke up late. In a frenzy to get dressed before Lauren comes to pick me up, I rush my outfit, tossing on a black skirt and a plain white blouse, paired with little makeup and a messy bun. I stuff my feet into my heels and grab my purse, making a mad dash to the kitchen. I grab a whole wheat slice of bread and shove it into my mouth as I run to Lauren's car.

"Helloo." I  say in a muffled voice through the bread.

"I see you're running a bit late?" I nod as she wipes off the toothpaste from my cheek.

"I'm so sorry," I say, rummaging in my bag for some extra accessories I didn't have time to put on. "I slept late."

Lauren pulls the car out of the driveway and we cruise down the familiar roads to the studio. I tied a green belt around my skirt and slìp on my favorite charm bracelet. My mom had the same one, it was our thing. I never go anywhere without it.

"Gab, we're here." Lauren says. I yank open the car door and step out, starting to get excited for the recording and filming session. The video today was going to be part me singing in the studio, but also of me and a guy falling in love. Cheesy, but that's what the song was about. I had yet to meet my co-star, but I'd done tons of videos like this; the guys were usually boring and barely talked to me.

"Coral!" The director called out to us as we stepped inside. I immediately plastered on a smile. The man was a tall, bulky guy, with short black hair. He was always dressed super laid-back. "Come in, come on. We've got to get rolling! I have big plans, big plans!" He announced, the pushed me off to hair and makeup. The ladies spent very little time getting me ready, but when they were done my hair was in a soft up-do and my features glowed.

After putting on a dress I'd always dreamed of wearing ( the kind that swirls around your body when you spin ) I rushed to the part of the studio where the first bit would be shøt. There was an outdoor scene set-up, filled with beautiful trees and a garden of colourful flowers. I was in awe at all the work the producers and directors put into this, for me- a small town-just starting out- singer. I was thrilled. I looked to Lauren who smiled back at me, and listened to the directors as they instructed me on what to do.

I sat in my place and plastered on an "in-love" expression as instructed, and began singing along to the recording that played. The day rolled along, and more scenes were shøt. We finally neared the end of my extensively long day and it was time to shoot the final scene: the one where I finally see my love. I've yet to see the actor who was doing this scene, but I got in place and started to do as I was told. The final seconds rolled by, and the music stopped. I looked at the ground, and then dramatically looked up, facing my co-star.

My facial expression is perfect for the moment, I'm sure. My heart skips three beats as I stare up at him.

He's taller than me, and his strong arms protrude from his white tee-shirt. His celery-green eyes look down at me, with the same expression I am wearing but he hides a wry smile on his soft lips. His brown hair sticks up in a casual way, and he runs a hand through it after the director calls cut.

Oh. My Gosh.

I quickly wipe the expression off my face and replace it with a look of boredom even though my heart is pounding out of my chest.

That guy is attractive.

I rush over to the director, who says that we're all done filming for the day. Tomorrow, we'll do the part with just me in the studio. I nod and walk to my dressing room, tripping over my feet. My mind spins with the image of my co-star. I don't even know the gorgeous guys' name.

I decide that that's not going to happen. Ever since my parents death I promised I would never ever ever let the moment pass when given an opportunity. I put on my messy outfit and let out my hair, and march back into the studio. To my pleasure, amazing-green-eyes-guy is sitting and chatting with the director. I walk over towards them, just as the director is called to go check on something else. Perfect, I think, maybe this was meant to be.

"Hi," I say, giving a shy smile, trying to play up my quiet side.

Green eyes looks up and returns my smile and says, "Hello. Coral, is it?"

I nod, deciding I should stick with the stage name in case he's some creep in the end.

"And you are?" I ask in a silky voice. He smiles again and replied with, "Thomas."

I smile at him again, and he continues, "I should probably get going, I've got another shoot to do,.."

My heart drops and I nod slowly. What did I expect for him to do though? Propose? I couldn't let anything get in the way of my music, anyways.

"But... Can I have your number?" He asks as I turn away.

I turn around, my blonde hair whìpping with me,

"Sure!" I say, probably sounding a little too excited. I was usually so calm and collected. I was very out-going, and I adored the spot-light. But right now I felt unsure and I could feel a blush spreading into my cheeks. All I wanted to do why hide behind a costume or a microphone stand. But I reach out and take his phone that he hands to me. I quickly add in my name and number on his Blackberry and then smile and hand him my iPhone. He does the same, and then we wave goodbye.

 And that's that.

The blush fades from my cheeks as I return to Lauren. I go home in a daze, barely listening to Lauren. Tomorrow I have the day off, and I had no plans. But all I could think about was Thomas. Would it be super-weird-creepy-stalker-girl of me to invite him out? Or just casually asking if he was busy?

I stared outside, my forehead pressed against the car window. The giant city of New York flashed by. I'd lived just outside the city my entire life.