Chapter 14

Cast in scene : Olivia Lopez as Amelia Nilson

Place : Juliane's café

Scene description: Amelia steps into the cozy cafe, wearing a professional attire .Cradled in her loving arms is her adorable 2-year-old daughter, who gazes curiously at her surroundings. Warmly welcoming Amelia, the café owner beams with a genuine smile, acknowledging the dynamic duo's arrival.

1,2,3 and... Action!

[Juliane]

How are you holding up?

Juliane softly raises the question while extending a steaming cup of Amelia's customary coffee blend.

[Amelia]

I can't complain much, but things could be better if I could just find someone to look after Lana. It's become quite a challenge with her being stuck in the office with me. Frankly, it's not the most nurturing environment for a child of her age.

[Juliane]

Can't she stay with her grandmother?

[Amelia]

She is on Paul's side. She thinks I should just stay at home with Lana and let Paul handle everything. But that's not what Noah wanted, and it breaks my heart.

Amelia's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at her beloved child, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.

[Juliane]

I understand that this is an incredibly challenging and emotional time for you, and the loss of Noah still weighs heavily on your heart. But please remember, things will eventually work out, even if it doesn't seem that way now. It may take time, but I truly believe that you'll find a way to create a healthier environment for Lana.

She reached out to squeeze Amelia's hand, offering her support and reassurance.

Cut!

***

Olivia's POV

"I don't care what any of you think, I really want one," I exclaimed, my voice filled with longing, as I cradled the precious child in my arms.

Ezra let out a playful chuckle. "Well, then maybe you should return Emma to her mother so she can feed her, and you can go find a little one of your own."

I rolled my eyes, realizing the complications that arise from wanting to start a family while still bound by my current contract. "But then you would miss me too much and sue me for breaching our agreement," I replied, with a hint of sarcasm.

Ezra teased, his tone becoming more serious. "Well, as your producer, I'd have to. But as your friend, if you were with a partner who genuinely made you happy, I'd encourage it."

I jokingly slapped his arm and sighed, reluctantly handing Emma back to her mother. As I scanned the set, searching for Zoya, I couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't been around lately.

Andrew noticed my curiosity and asked, "Looking for someone?"

"Yeah, Zoya. I haven't seen her for the past couple of days," I replied, genuinely intrigued by her absence.

"She's not scheduled to film for a few days, so she asked Ezra if she could stay home and focus on her studies," Andrew responded, his smile betraying his satisfaction at my search for Zoya.

I chuckled to myself, recalling just how young she truly was. "Right! I forgot she's still studying."

"Did you talk to Elijah about Zoya's new role?" Andrew curiously asked.

"Yeah, we discussed it over dinner yesterday, and he's actually really supportive," I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I reminisced about our conversation. "We even talked about hosting a small dinner at our place," I added, reminding myself to inform Zoya about the plans.

"Elijah wants to size up the competition, huh?" Andrew chuckled teasingly.

"Oh, come on, don't tease about that," I playfully pouted. "Elijah knows he has nothing to worry about. He knows I love him and, most importantly, he knows I'm straight."

Ezra chimed in, interrupting our banter. "You didn't deny that Zoya is competition, though," he teased, seemingly engrossed in reviewing the footage we had just filmed.

"What's with everyone assuming there's something romantic going on with Zoya?" I huffed, feeling slightly irritated by the persistent jesting. "I simply enjoy her company. Why does it have to mean anything more?"

"It doesn't, really. We're just messing with you," Andrew shrugged, shooting Ezra a significant glance to drop the subject.

Deciding to take my mind off their banter, I pulled out my phone to check on Zoya. I wanted to see how she was doing amidst her upcoming exams. As I started typing a message, I couldn't help but notice that she hadn't responded to the text I sent her this morning asking about her contract. Usually, she's quick to reply. Curiosity piqued, I sent her a quick message, "I heard you have exams coming up. Study hard and best of luck!" - and anxiously waited for her reply, hoping that everything was okay.

"Did you see the article about the TV show that was posted this morning?" I heard Ezra ask Andrew as he handed him his phone.

I watched intently as Andrew read the article for a couple of minutes. It was evident that confusion was written all over his face when he handed the phone back to Ezra, simply shrugging.

"We knew it was coming," Andrew said calmly, and it was enough for me to realize that the article wasn't exactly praising the TV show.

"I know, but I expected them to wait at least until the first episode before they started with this," Ezra said, visibly frustrated as he tossed his phone onto a nearby table.

"But did you read the comments? There are a lot of positive and supportive ones. Some people even started shipping Olivia and Zoya with us," Andrew said, trying to stifle a laugh.

"Stop messing around," I warned him once again, growing slightly annoyed.

"I'm not, check it for yourself," he raised his hands defensively, urging me to confirm.

I watched as Andrew handed me the phone, curiosity getting the best of me. As I read through the article and the subsequent comments, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. There were indeed some positive and supportive comments, but there were also a few negative ones, criticizing various aspects of the show.

"They were mainly upset about pushing the LGBT agenda on the viewers." I said, annoyed. "What agenda? It's representation of love."

As I continued scrolling through the comments, I stumbled upon remarks about Zoya and myself. Some praised Zoya's beauty, while others speculated about our relationship based on a picture of us with Anne, labelling it as a lovers' quarrel. It was disheartening but not entirely unexpected. It seemed that any interaction or event would now be linked to this imaginary relationship.

I appreciated our fans, but at times, they made it challenging to maintain friendships. Even if I wanted to go out and grab a coffee with someone, it was immediately interpreted as being in a secret relationship with that friend.

I settled into the seat next to Ezra, reviewing the scene once more with him. There were a few minor adjustments that needed to be made, but we knew those could be addressed during editing. Emma was growing restless, leading us to the decision that we wouldn't be able to film any additional scenes with her today. I couldn't help but feel an even deeper affection for that child now.

As we discussed the scene, a familiar voice called out, interrupting our conversation. "Ezra," the voice echoed.

"In here!" Ezra responded, and in walked Sebastian, flashing his usual charming smile.

"Hey, Olivia!" Sebastian greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. "Nice shirt," he complimented, and in that moment, I remembered that memorable night from the meet and greet, making me chuckle at my own obliviousness to his sexual orientation.

"I'm actually on my way to Zoya's place," Sebastian continued. "I was wondering if I could borrow your car. Mine needs an oil change," he requested, turning to Ezra. Ezra nodded, pointing toward his keys that were conveniently placed on the nearby table.

"Is everything alright with Zoya?" I asked, my concern evident as I shared how I hadn't received any responses to my recent texts.

"She's doing fine," Sebastian reassured me. "I believe she spent the entire day studying, and I'm heading over to her house to watch a movie and enjoy some popcorn," he shared with excitement. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy at the thought of such a simple and relaxing evening with a friend.

"That sounds absolutely wonderful," I remarked, genuinely intrigued. "Which movie are you planning to watch?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

"Zoya has taken charge of the movie selection this time," Sebastian replied, rolling his eyes playfully. It seemed he wasn't particularly fond of her movie choices. "Would you like to join us?" he surprised me with an invitation.

"To watch a movie at Zoya's place?" I asked, slightly confused by the unexpected offer.

"Sorry, that is probably a ridiculous offer. I am sure you have other plans," Sebastian stammered, seeming a bit flustered as he snatched the keys from the table.

"No need to apologize," I swiftly responded, eager to seize the opportunity before it vanished. "I would love to join you," I stated confidently, rising from my seat.

"You would?" Ezra and Sebastian echoed at the same time, their astonishment evident.

"Yes, absolutely," I said. "A movie night with popcorn sounds amazing."

"Sure, yeah, that would be nice," Sebastian managed to say, still surprised. He gestured for me to walk alongside him, heading out to the car.

As I grabbed my purse and followed him outside, I couldn't help but feel free, paying no mind to the potential gossip that might arise from Ezra and Andrew. Their opinions mattered little in comparison to the excitement I  felt at the idea of an evening spent enjoying a movie.

"Are you sure it's alright?" I asked, my uncertainty evident as we pulled up to her apartment building. It stood tall, housing only a few units, giving off a cozy and welcoming vibe that perfectly suited Zoya's personality.

"I've already told you, she'll die of happiness when she sees you," Sebastian assured me, a playful chuckle escaping his lips. However, his offhand comment about her dying of happiness made me slightly uneasy.

"Please don't joke about that, she already fainted once," I blurted out, realizing I had unintentionally revealed that I knew about her fainting incident caused by my presence. In a moment of embarrassment, I quickly shifted my gaze towards Sebastian, expecting awkwardness to ensue. To my surprise, his expression transformed from surprise to amusement.

"So, you knew it was because she met you and not due to exhaustion," he remarked, arching an eyebrow as he held the door of the building open for me.

"She may have mumbled something in her half-conscious state. Please don't bring it up to her, though. I don't want her to feel embarrassed," I pleaded, hoping he would understand and avoid making the situation awkward. He nodded understandingly and pressed the button for the elevator.

As the familiar ding of the elevator signalled its arrival on our floor, I stepped inside with Sebastian. Just before the doors closed, I couldn't help but voice my concerns once again. "Are you sure you shouldn't at least give her a heads up?"

"Where's the fun in that?" he replied with a mischievous grin.

Once we reached the 11th floor, he skipped over to unit 1104 and knocked few times. I stood a bit further away, unsure of how she would react to my uninvited presence.

"You're late," she said grumpily as she opened the door to greet him. Her hair was tied up in a bun, held in place by a pen. A few rebellious strands fell across her face and neck. She wore an oversized T-shirt that covered her mid-thighs, and I couldn't tell if she was wearing shorts underneath. But it was clear that she felt comfortable in Sebastian's presence.

"Yeah, but I brought you a surprise," Sebastian said, stepping aside so that her eyes met mine.

She had that familiar expression on her face, that mixture of initial horror turning into a genuine smile with flushed cheeks and ears. It warmed my heart to see how happy she always was to see me, even when I showed up unannounced at her doorstep.

"Oli," she breathed out after a few moments of silence.

"Sorry for invading your space. Sebastian invited me to movie night. I hope it's okay," I couldn't help but smile at her adorable reaction.

"Y-yes, of course. Make yourself comfortable," she swiftly moved aside, freeing the pen that held her bun in place and allowing her hair to cascade down onto her shoulder.

"Real subtle," I heard Sebastian whisper just before I heard a soft kick followed by a pained "ouch" escaping his mouth. I pretended to be focused in admiring her apartment, but I struggled to hold back my laughter.

"It's not much," she said, joining me at my side. I glanced back at Sebastian and noticed him limping towards the kitchen.

"It's very cozy. I like it," I replied, returning my gaze to her.

"It's messy. I didn't exactly wake up thinking Olivia Lopez was coming over for a movie and popcorn," she chuckled.

"Why do you say it like that? Aren't we friends?" I really wanted her to see me as a friend, someone she could greet with messy hair and feel comfortable around. Despite me enjoying her adorable reaction, I didn't want her guarded when I was around.

"We are! That's not what I meant," she said, biting her inner cheek as if deliberating her words. "Let's go make sure Sebastian doesn't burn down the kitchen," she changed the subject, walking backward towards the kitchen while keeping her gaze on me and gently tugging on her shirt.

"That's a nice shirt," I reassured her as I followed her into the kitchen.

"Thank you. It used to belong to my ex," she chuckled, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "She broke my heart, so I claimed her wardrobe as my own. Fair game, right?"

"If I were in your shoes, I might have burned her wardrobe instead," I jokingly confessed, lightening the mood as we entered the kitchen and spotted Sebastian struggling with the microwave.

"Aggressive, kinda hot," she said, biting her lip and then quickly turning her head away, her usual flushed cheeks and ears followed by a red flushed neck.

"What was that? Did you just flirt with me?" I chuckled, pleasantly surprised by her unexpected behaviour.

"Maybe, it was just a momentary moment of boldness that passed. Let's forget it ever happened," she mumbled without meeting my gaze, before walking over to Sebastian, smacking the back of his head and scolding him for putting the popcorn bag in the microwave before unpacking it.

I stood there, watching them, biting down on my lip. Many people had flirted with me before, but there was something about the way Zoya said it... It felt different.

And I think I like it.

***

Cast in scene : Zoya Eldeeb as Aurora

Place : Juliane's café

Scene description: Aurora entered the cozy café, she  made her way towards the counter, engaging in a friendly conversation with the lady behind the bar.

1,2,3 and... Action!

[Aurora]

Good morning! I would like a medium flat coffee, please.

[Juliane]

Good morning! Sure, may I get anything else for you?

[Aurora]

Thank you. By any chance, do you currently have any job vacancies available for a cashier position here?

Aurora giggled nervously.

[Juliane]

Oh dear, I am sorry but we don't have any at the moment.

Juliane offered a sympathetic smile.

[Aurora]

Then, just the coffee would be great!

Aurora smiled back and walked to a nearby table taking out her iPad

[Juliane]

Any luck?

Juliane asked as she put Aurora's coffee in front of her.

[Aurora]

None, Its really hard to find a job nowadays.

Aurora sat anxiously, her face etched with evident distress, as her fingers glide over the screen of her device. With each swipe, her eyes dart across a myriad of job vacancies.

[Juliane]

Does it need to be a cashier? Maybe expand your search a little bit.

[Aurora]

It doesn't have to be, I only wanted that because of my classes by night.

Aurora poured her heart out to the stranger.

[Juliane]

What about babysitting? Are you good with kids?

Juliane said after a moment of silent

[Aurora]

I am great with kids but something about going to strangers house kind of creeps me out.

Aurora giggles nervously.

[Juliane]

We have a regular here, her husband passed away recently and she is looking for someone to watch over her daughter by morning as she needs to go to work, she is very decent, maybe you can meet her and see where it goes?

[ Aurora]

I can try, but how can I meet this woman?

[Juliane]

She is always here by 8 in the morning. Let me discuss the matter with her, and you can plan to come here the day after tomorrow so I can give her heads up.

Aurora sighs heavily and thanks the woman.