Twelve Days of Christmas

A Partridge in a Pear Tree (Part 1)

A/N  Here we go.......the last day!!

Ben

"You're not needed today," Malcolm said to me, making my stomach drop.

"What do you mean? I've been in every other scene, why not this one?" I asked rather frantically.

"Because they're using this day to introduce Kelsie Harper."

"Kelsie Harper, as in the singer?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah, she's in the new single they'll be releasing after this one, and she's going on tour with them.   We've discussed it, and adding you into the mix just complicates things.  And plus, I think we've already achieved what we needed to with the other 11 days."

"Right," I said, feeling like a toy that had been used then cast aside. "I guess that seen as I'm here, I'll just stay and watch then."

"Erm, I'm afraid you can't do that.  Kelsie's management demanded a closed set.   Sorry, I should have called you to let you know."

"Ok," I said, feeling like the floor had just been pulled from under me.  "I guess this is it then. Well thanks for everything."

"No, thank you," Malcolm said, holding out his hand.

I shook it then turned to leave.

I sat in my car for about 30 minutes just staring at the building.  All I could think was that I didn't even get to say goodbye to the guys.  Did they even know that I wasn't going to be there today?

I drove home and crawled straight back into bed.   I didn't have the energy to do anything else.   I knew I was wallowing in self pity, but right now I didn't care.  I felt like I'd gone to sleep on Christmas Eve and woken up on Boxing Day.

I briefly considered texting Marvin, but I just couldn't think what to say.  Maybe I would later tonight after they'd finished filming.  I could ask him how the day went.

I didn't realise I'd drifted off until my phone woke me up.

I lifted up to see who was calling and nearly dropped it when I saw Marvin's name.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ben, where are you?"

"I'm at home.  Apparently I'm not needed today."

"Shit, who said that?"

"Malcolm.   And Kelsie has insisted on a closed set."

"Bitch!" Marvin said making me chuckle.

"It's fine, I get it." I said with a shrug.

"No, it's not fine. Luca's gonna have a cow!"

I heard a voice in the background speaking to Marvin.  It sounded like James.

"He's not coming in. Kelsie's insisted on a closed set," he said to James.

"Fuck, Luca's not going to be happy."

"That's the understatement of the year!" Marvin replied.

"Guys, it's fine.   I guess it had to end at some point.   And maybe it's better this way.  I hate goodbyes."

"Nope, not happening," Marvin replied, and I had to admit that I felt a warm glow inside knowing that they cared that they weren't going to see me today.

"What are you doing later?" Marvin asked.

"Erm, nothing that can't be moved, why?" I asked.

"Right that's settled then, we're having a wrap party back at our hotel, and you're our guest of honour."