Backstage

Chapter 24

Esme POV

From the many I repeat many pictures on Instagram it looked like Belle was having a good time at Download. Liam and Jake had always seemed like good guys when I'd meet them a few times at party's. As for Acer I didn't really know him enough to judge. He wasn't the best looking but Belle seemed happy so I hope he's good to her.

We started editing the film yesterday and I could already tell it was going to be great. Sophie, Isaac, Dan and Tom were doing the editing with me. Tom had asked whether he could help after filming was finished and I'm glad he did. He had some great ideas and being one of the actors really helped. He couldn't help all the time though as he had to go back to his part time job after taking the time off to film. This just reminded me of what I was going to do after the course. I was planning to apply to some theatres for some more experience and maybe take a secondary course if nothing plans out.

Everyone was coming to mine today. I had quickly cleaned the apartment so it didn't look like a complete wreck. I then set out a area for us to work and put all the computers we needed. I brought some snacks yesterday too so I put them out on the small table by the sofa.

Soon there was a knock at the door. I open the door to Isaac.

"Hey graceless" he greeted me as I gestured for him to come in. "Am I the first here?"

"Yeh but the others should be here soon. You can put your laptop and stuff over there" I say pointing to the large glass coffee table in front of the sofa.

"Ok" before I can sit down the there's another knock at the door. This time it's Tom and Sophie.

"Hey you alright?" Tom asks.

"Yeah I'm good thanks you. Alright but I think I'm suffering filming withdraws" he jokes.

"Haha me too to be honest. Hopefully after this we'll both get what we want" toms a great actor and I could see him going far.

"Yeah that would be amazing" Tom beamed. You can tell acting is what Tom loves he almost glows when he talks about it. Letting both of them in and telling them where to put there stuff I close the door.

"Isn't Dan here?" Sophie asks.

"Not yet" I shrug though it's weird he's usually here on time.

"You and Dan are ok right?" Sophie asks worryingly.

"What?" Isaac and Tom look confused. "Something happened between you and Dan"

"It was nothing. And it's fine now" though I could feel the anxiety bubbling inside me. Where is he?

"I'm sure he'll be here soon" Sophie seems to reassure us all. I can feel everyone's eyes on me even though there's only three of them. Is it my fault? After everything we had talked for ages. I felt myself falling for him. I almost told him everything but i don't quite feel ready yet. But i hope one day i will. If I had to trust one person it would be him. And I think I do or almost do anyway. I feel by breathing become heavy but I make sure no one can tell. After 6 years with anxiety you learn to hide it.

Knock knock.

I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding in. Maybe I haven't quite perfected the art of hiding it. Ignoring everyone's stares I get up and open the door. Dan is breathing heavily. The sight of him makes my heart skip. God pull yourself together Esme!

"Sorry I'm late Finn had an emergency"

"Oh is everything ok?"

"Yeah he just knocked over the hub" I try and hold in a laugh. Of course internet was the most important thing.

"Hey you would have panicked to!"

"Haha true" Dan smiled warmly at me and immediately I feel butterflies in my stomach. God how does the boy do it?

"The others are in the living room" I say averting my eyes from him. If I looked any longer he'd probably think I was retarded.

"Ok" we walk into the living room to be greeted my three pairs of eyes staring at us intensely.

"Woah what's with all the tension?" Dan asks nervously but try's to cover it.

"I think we're all just wondering when you two will finally admit you like each other and fall into each other's arms" thank you Isaac you blunt piece of shit.

Dan and me both blush like crazy. If only it was that easy. God why does life have to be so complicated.

"Sorry to break it to you Isaac but we're not in a romcom movie"

"Sorry to break it to you graceless but it's very obvious that you and Dan like each other by the way you scare into each other's eyes like we're in Romeo and Juliet"

"Shut up Isaac" I say half jokily half serious. Me and Dan sit down.

"C'mon we have work to do" really I just want everyone to stop talking about me and Dan. The awkwardness levels in this room were at a maximum.

Editing has to be the hardest thing so far. Getting a scene exactly right is like trying to teach a llama to drive a car. It's almost impossible. Though a driving llama would be awesome. Add that to my bucket list.

Anyway we've worked almost straight all day. Millie had come home about 5 and 2 hours later were all still here. I feel bad pretty much locking Millie in her room. Luckily soon we all decide that it's time to call it a night. Everyone leaves accept Dan.

"Would you like to go out to a meal with me?"

"I'd love to Dan" I say smiling properly like an idiot.

"Great. So tomorrow after editing?"

"Sounds good"

"Ok see you tomorrow"

I open my arms to give him a hug and I feel all to aware of his hands on my back only a thin cashmere jumper between him and my skin. Loosening my grip I look up at him. Leaning in he gives me a soft kiss on the lips.

"Bye Dan" i say letting go.

"Bye Esme" he walks down the hall. God I'm falling for that boy hard. Well shit.

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Hey. I don't know why but I was in a good mood for the last few days which was amazing as I haven't had a good day in a long time but I've kind of crashed tonight so sorry.

I'm not really happy with this chapter but I didn't want to not upload anything.

I hope you have a nice weekend

Later beautiful people

~E