Love?

LITTLE THORNS...

This couldn't be happening to me. I was shocked to see Niklaus, Precious, Apple and Karan in the conference room. Which kind of coincidence was this? I managed to avoid all of them. Was I angry? Of course I was... How dare Precious agree to be a consultant for the movie I was in? How funny! She looked different though... Who cares? And why the heck was Apple here? I learnt he was the Photographer in charge of the photos and video editing. And to top it all, Niklaus was the Lead Actor. I felt like the ground would swallow me soon. I could barely read my lines. I managed to accept everybody's script for corrections while avoiding eye contact. Sandra knew I was angry so she was quiet all through the read through. After two hours we were all allowed to head back to our rooms. The shoot was starting the next day so I had to work on the corrections very fast. But I was still pissed.
"How dare you agree for me to be cast in a film where 'they' are? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU SANDRA?" She looked confused and sat on the bed.
"How was I to know he had cast them? I was told about this only few days ago. Forgive me if I didn't research that. I guess I was carried away by the fact that it was Mr Boone." She took off her jacket as she talked. I didn't care if she knew or not. I was going home.
"Tell Mr Boone I'm no longer interested. I want to go home." She looked at me dumbfounded.
"Wait what? What do you mean by that Abike? Do you know what's at stake here?"
"Listen to me carefully Sandra. I'm no longer interested in whatever this is. Refund his money! I'll be leaving here first thing tomorrow morning. To think I wasted my time coming here!" I was pacing. I couldn't stand them all.
  "Would you listen to yourself? Because of some people who don't give a damn about you you'd be willing to let go of the opportunity to work with Tyler Boone? It doesn't work like that and I won't let you do that. I'll leave you to get to the corrections. I'll come get it by 3pm. I love you Abike but please don't take a rash decision." She said this and left me in the room. Didn't she get my point? I couldn't be beside Apple and Niklaus alongside Precious. What had I gotten myself into?

  "You mean Niklaus Parrish is your co-star? This is huge Sis. I can imagine your reaction. I'll try to be there when I can." Nike called me few minutes ago, an hour after Sandra left.
"I doubt I want to continue this job. Can you believe she came here with Apple?" Nike had just gotten engaged to Stefan last month when I went to visit her in New York. Preparing for a wedding wasn't easy.
  "I don't give a shit about that snake. Just focus on what you are there for. So is Niklaus still dating that Model?" Nike seemed to prefer asking about Niklaus than she asked about Apple. Niklaus had dated just one model over the years and it seemed they were going strong although at 34 he didn't seem like he wanted to get married.
"I guess so. How is Stefan and Mom?😉" I had not been able to talk to Mum ever since I came to Los Angeles and the last time I saw Stefan was last month.
"Mum has gone shopping but I'll let her know you called. Stefan is doing great. Thanks for asking. So we'll talk later?"
"Yeah. Bye... Love you."
"Love you too Sis."
I decided I'd just take the job since I could care less about anyone of them. 

  The shoot started at 6am. I was playing the role of a Nigerian lady married into a white privileged family. Niklaus played the role of my husband.😂 His touch sent sparks to my brain but I didn't show that. He barely recognised me.
"Abike I'd like it if you loosened up a little. Okay?" Mr Boone wa the best director I could work with.
"Yes Sir." How could I loosen up when I was beside Niklaus. I was sweating all through the shoot with Sandra whispering in my ear for me to calm down and just relax.
I finished my part at 11am. I was famished when I got to my room.Room service brought Bread and Moi Moi (Beans Pudding) with hot tea.
"How did they manage to get Moi moi here? And it's so delicious..." Sandra opted for Pap with her Moi moi.
"Apparently a Chef with Nigerian roots was hired specially to cook our meals and that of the movie since it has a touch of Nigeria in it." Hmmm... That was nice.
"I have to go out for awhile Abike. Please lock the door behind me when I leave. I wouldn't want Precious or Niklaus here disturbine you.😉" They wouldn't dare come here would they?