Foreign

Chapter 1

"Wake up sleepyhead." A thick and sexy accent wakes me up. When I open my eyes, he's staring at me. Big green eyes, full lashes. My heartrate speeds up just at the sight of him.

"Stop looking at me!" I put my hoodie over my eyes.

"You're too cute when you're sleeping," he teases. "It's sad really to wake you up but we're almost there." I immediately sit up straight and nerves rush through my body. Summer has come to an end and my first real job is about to begin. We had the best summer. Hero met my family and friends and I met his. I probably love him even more now, if that's even possible.

There's a car waiting for us when we arrive. Hero makes himself comfortable and pulls me against his chest. It makes me feel so safe and secure. He wraps his arm around me and puts his chin on my head. As I watch the land go by I can feel his heart pounding. It calms me. Am I ready for this? Studying is one thing but this is real life. I feel like I'm not ready to grow up just yet. I'm scared and excited all at once. What will life bring me?

"Stop worrying," he whispers in my ear. The touch of his lips against my skin still gives me goose bumps. Shouldn't that fade? That excitement just to be near him?

"You'll do great."

"I hope so. I know I'm just an assistant and there are many but this can really be the start of my career."

"I know. And I believe in you. I wouldn't have recommended you if I didn't."

"Really?"

"Yeah! I don't want my film to be bad!" He starts laughing when I slap him.

"Don't be mean when I'm nervous!" He kisses the top of my head and we both look outside. I'm so happy that we're filming on location in South Carolina. We'll all be staying at this big mansion that's turned into a B&B. Hero has an enormous suite of course but I'm sure my room will be nice too. I like that we're close to the beach. We'll be able to relax near the ocean on our days off.

When we arrive at the property I can't help but stare. It's amazing! So beautiful! Greg, the director, is waiting for us in the hall.

"Hero!" He walks towards Hero with open arms. "I'm glad to see you. You must be Charlotte." He shakes my hand.

"Yes, sir."

"Oh please, just call me Greg. We'll be working together all the time. You'll probably hate me by day two." He has a charming smile. "Charlotte, Miles will take you to your room. I need Hero for a minute." Hero gives me an apologetic smile and follows Greg reluctantly. I follow Miles upstairs.

"First time in South Carolina, Miss?"

"Yes, sir. First time in America actually."

"Well, I'm sure you'll like it." He takes me to the right wing, top floor. "The crew is staying in the right wing, the actors are staying in the main building. Your room is a lot smaller than theirs but I gave you the room in the attic, it has the best view all over the property." He winks at me and opens the door. Sunshine is flooding through the big window. The room is beautiful. It's all white with touches of red everywhere. The sight of this amazing room however isn't enough to loosen the knot that has formed in my stomach. Hero will be staying so far from my room...

"Are you okay, miss?" Miles asks gently. "Do you want another room? You're the first one to arrive so you can pick the one you like best."

"No, Miles. It's fine, it's very beautiful and you weren't kidding about the view. It's amazing!" Miles gives me a broad smile and excuses himself. I feel a little lost as I walk around in my room. I open the window and discover a large balcony. Miles was right about the view! I can see the lawn and the garden, full of flowers. I can see the lake in the distance and a boat, if I'm not mistaken. I take a deep breath and suck it all in. The next few hours I unpack, I take a million photos and I text Hero a couple times. Three hours later, still no Hero and still no response. I hope this isn't how it's going to be in the next few months.