Foreign

Chapter 38

The next day I'm up super early. I've found a new motivation. I've also noticed I feel better with people around me so working hard is the perfect remedy to forget about Hero. After a quick shower I put on a skirt and a Joker t-shirt with my Converse shoes. I go to the kitchen to have a cup of coffee with Sue and Diego. While talking to them, I take a look at today's schedule. They have an early start today so I better start working.

I help Sue and Diego first. I fully stock the snack corner before I go to Brody and Isabella. I help them prep everything for today's scenes. I get a text from Greg. He wants to meet me in his trailer before the first scene of the day. Poor Greg, today's schedule is so full and now he has to squeeze in a meeting.

"Later guys!"

"Good luck!" Isabella says.

When I walk to Greg's trailer I see Scott and Betty argue.

"We start in half an hour! Why didn't you check the set yet?! We can't afford any more delays!" Scott yells. I can't help but smile. If Greg has listened to Mr Perlman, I'll take care of the sets again. No more stress. No more delays. I knock in his door.

"Come in!" He sounds very tired.

"Take a seat," he says with a tired smile. "Here, have some coffee". Greg looks as if he hasn't slept properly in days. He has dark circles under his eyes.

"It's a mess, Charlotte," he says. "This whole film is a bloody mess. The producers are very angry because of the delays. Some of the investors have threatened to pull out of the project."

I want to say something put he puts up his hand.

"Mr Perlman was particularly angry last night. He wants to meet me tonight to talk about the delays and to talk about you. He was wondering why someone as good as you has to stock snack corners. Apparently he talked to a lot of people after Josh defended you last night and they all said the same: you're a better assistant than Betty. Problem is, Charlotte, I realise that. Your schedules were fine, you made sure we stuck to them, the sets looked okay but I couldn't afford to lose Melany. It was my understanding that Mr Perlman has a breakfast meeting with her to remind her that she has a contract. I would ask you to be our first assistant again, if that's all right with you. I want to give Mr Perlman some good news tonight. He hasn't asked me to take you back yet but I'm sure he will."

"Yes of course! Thank you! But what about Scott?"

"Because of our delays there is a lot of work so I would ask you to share the job with Scott. We can't afford any more mistakes at this point. Betty will help Brody, Isabella and Sue."

"Sure, I'll have a meeting with Scott tonight."

"One more thing, Charlotte. We can't afford more bad press. So this thing between you, Hero and Melany has to stop."

"I actually thought about that," I admit. "Maybe I can make the schedules and prep the sets but also help Josh with his lines. That way Scott can be present during shooting the scenes."

Greg looks pensive.

"That's a good idea but I'm sure Mr Perlman would like it if you get some shooting experience as well."

"I can be present during Josh' scenes."

"Okay, we'll try it that way. Don't worry about Mel."

I walk to Josh' trailer and wait outside on the bench. I can't believe how lucky I am! Finally! I can't wait to be on set again. Creating a film is the most beautiful thing in the world. After about five minutes Josh arrives with two coffees.

"Here, some fuel to start the day!" he says with a smile. How is he so happy all the time?!

"My day started ages ago. Actors." I roll my eyes. He laughs and takes a seat.

"Okay, so I would like some help with these scenes." He shows me his copy of the script and I nod.

"Let's do this!"

* H E R O *

"Cut!" Greg yells. Good! I need some food! I look at my watch and we're not too far behind on schedule. For a change. Josh was right last night. Charlotte was a way better assistant. I shake my head. I don't want to think about last night. I will never forget the look on her face when I didn't defend her. If only she knew... But she would never understand. Melany needs me right now, more than Charlotte does. I have some time to walk to the snack corner before our next scene. I walk past our trailers and I stop when I see Josh'. There she is. Charlotte and Josh are sitting on the bench in front of his trailer, heads together, laughing hard. My stomach turns to ice. I will never get used to seeing her with another man. Stupid Josh. He wanted her from the start. I wish I could sit there laughing with her. She has a great laugh. But I can't. Not after the choices I've made.