Chapter 36
Chapter Thirty-Six
“Cut. No!” Hank rubs his face aggressively, knocking his glasses to the floor. An assistant scoops them up and hands them back. “This scene isn’t working.”
Though it isn’t the last scene of the movie, it is the last scene for us to shoot in order to wrap the movie, so it feels rather ironic that we can’t get it right.
It isn’t actually because of bad acting, missed cues, or bad comedic timing.
There is literally something wrong with the scene.
I understand what Hank is saying but can’t identify the problem either. Something I’m usually good at.
Hank has rewritten lines, restaged the players, and changed the props. Nothing has worked.
“Arabelle,” Hank snaps. “What do you think?”
I’m so shocked that he’s asking me outright.
Though I’ve pretty much restructured my entire character, he’s never once asked me to do it.
“Uh, I haven’t been able to identify it either.
Can I watch a replay with you?” I close one eye when I ask, because I’m afraid he’s going to laugh at my request. Who do I think I am, asking to watch a replay?
“Sure, come on over.” Hank makes a grand gesture with his arm.
I have to extract myself from the bicycle I’m riding in the scene, where I run into a rut and end up falling and taking out Chandra and Sally.
I’ve fallen so many times, I feel like I should demand hazard pay.
Chandra gets a stunt double to do her fall, and Sally only needed to film a couple of falls.
Special effects can crop and splice it in from there, but they insist my fall needs to be genuine. Go me!
Hank is so serious when I step up to the viewfinder on his camera. “Technically, the scene is playing out perfectly. So, what is wrong?”
We both focus on the viewfinder. My stomach is knotted with nerves.
If I don’t find anything to suggest, will I look like an idiot?
The scene plays out. We are all in the park.
Jeff and his dad are riding ahead of us.
Christa and Lidia are arguing as they trail behind.
Stella brings up the rear until she decides she’s sick of listening to them argue and puts on a burst of speed to go around them and catch up with the guys, but she falls and takes them all down.
It’s the first time both families have gone on an outing together since Lidia started dating Jeff’s dad.
“Oh my gosh,” I say.
Hank takes a double-take between me and the viewfinder. “What? What did you see?”
I smirk at Hank. “I’m in the scene.”
He opens his mouth, but then closes it. Finally, he says, “Yes, I’m aware.”
“What does every single scene I’m in have in common that this one doesn’t?”
I see his mind cataloging all my scenes.
I figured out long ago that he stores these scenes inside his head just as they are filmed.
Not stringing them together as a movie, at least he hasn’t yet.
His gaze hops from me to the viewfinder, and I can see his eyes growing wider as he sifts through the films in his mind. “Oh my gosh, you’re right.”
He turns his attention to the script in his lap. He makes so many notes as we work during the day, they give him a fresh script each day. I wonder which assistant has the unlucky job of deciphering his scribbles. I’m watching him write, and I can’t read what it says.
“Okay, Stella needs to say something quippy, but…I’m not finding a good opportunity for it.”
I point to his script. “What if I say, 'Hey, what about me?’ or something like that right there? Would that be enough to keep it consistently “Stella-y”?”
He nods. “Yeah, if we shoot it right.” More notes get scribbled in the margins, and he gives direction to the cameraman, then winks at me. “Let’s surprise everyone with it.”
I grin at Hank but return to my place on set with no expression on my face. Crispin is desperately trying to catch my eye, but if I look at him, he’ll know I’m up to something, so I busy myself getting ready to ride my bike again.
Hank calls action, and we all start riding.
The mobile camera comes up beside me to capture my frustration and my burst of speed.
I ride into the spot that stops my bike and bucks me off – the ground is cushioned, so I’m actually fine, just tired of falling off a bike.
I execute the perfect pratfall from my bike and end up on my bottom, knees bent, rubbing a spot on my knee.
The movie gods are with me today because even my helmet is askew.
I look up at where my sister and Mom will fall when the scene is put together, completely, imagining Jeff’s dad attending to my mom and Jeff fussing over Christa, and I hold my hands in the air.
My tone is bratty and whiny. “Hey, what about me?”
Everybody laughs.
“Cut!” Hank calls. “That was perfect, Ari. Thank you for figuring that one out. You’ll be sitting in my seat one day. I have no doubt.”
I climb to my feet, removing my helmet from my sweaty head. “Thanks, Hank. That means a lot to me.” And it really does. I think I really will want to direct one day.
Hank climbs off his seat, and everyone stiffens. He never gets out of his seat. He grins and slams his hands together in a loud clap. “Ladies and gentlemen, that’s a wrap.”
A cheer goes up. Though I’m smiling, my stomach just fell to the ground. We’re actually done filming the movie. Now, it’s time for me to get on with my life.
Crispin wraps an arm around me and bends to whisper in my ear. “You don’t have to know your future. You can take the day to celebrate.”
I look at him and laugh. “How did you know I was freaking out about that?”
He taps my nose. “I’ve been paying attention.” Then his finger hooks under my chin so he can tilt it a little bit higher. “Congrats, Ari, on completing your first movie.”
My eyes grow wide, and I bite my lip. “I did that, didn’t I?”
“In style. You’re even director’s pet.”
Giddiness makes me laugh again.
Crispin presses his lips to mine to wipe the grin off my face. I throw my arms around his neck and let my foot pop as we kiss.
“Congrats to you for completing your…” I raise my eyebrows in question.
“Twelfth.” When my mouth drops open in amazement, he adds. “My sister keeps count and reminds me all the time.”
“She’s proud of you.” I grab his hand. “Let’s find Sally.”
Glory comes running onto set and crashes into me, throwing her arms around me. “I’m so proud of you. You figured the scene out!”
“Can you believe it? I’m totally honored that Hank asked for my input.”
Crispin, who is still holding my hand, like he’s afraid I’ll disappear if he lets go, pulls me toward Sally, who throws her arms in the air and runs in place when she sees me.
“We did it!”
I mimic her, then Crispin and Glory join in until the four of us look like happy idiots. Just as we step in to group hug, Eduardo slides in next to Glory and joins us.
When things calm down, I say to Sally, “I’m going to miss seeing you almost every day.”
“Me too! But we’ll get together, right? It won’t be like a yearbook where you’ll say “Call me!” but never give me your number, will it?”
“No way. I’ve always wanted a sister, and now that I have one, I’m never letting her go.”
Sally blinks away tears, and then Chandra steps up to hug us both. “Girls, this has been so much fun. Ari, thanks for joining our little family.”
Crispin sees Terrell and walks over to greet him.
I bite my lip as emotion overwhelms me when I look between Sally and Chandra. “Thanks for being so kind. I think I would have walked off the set and never come back if you two hadn’t taken me under your wing.”
Chandra glances at Crispin. “I think someone would have dragged you back again.”
I think of the caveman conversation he and I had and laugh. Maybe there’s more caveman in him than he’s willing to admit.
I grow serious. “And Chandra, what you’ve done for Mom. It means so much to me.”
“She did it all. She just needed someone new to believe in her.” Chandra squeezes my hand. “I’m happy to have made another new friend and thrilled to know I’ll be able to see you still.”
“We’re still going out to dinner tonight, right?” I ask Sally.
“Yep. River’s already here. He loved your pratfall.”
I grin. “I’m gonna go change so I don’t look like this thirteen-year-old when we’re out tonight. I’ll see you back here?”
“Why don’t we meet outside our trailer?”
“See ya then.”
I grab Glory’s hand and wave at Crispin, who is shaking hands with every crew member on the set.
It’s hard to say goodbye to Grimilda, my grumpy troll lady, whom I’ve grown to adore.
It’s almost impossible to say goodbye to Remi.
I’m so thankful to have Glory by my side to soften the blow.
For some reason, her being here shows me there’s a possibility I’ll see them again.
Even though I always knew that with Glory, I didn’t know it would be now, so it makes it feel more probable.
When we approach Sally’s trailer, I’m surprised to see her, River, and Crispin standing outside.
“I thought you’d still be thanking crew members.” I stand on tiptoe to give my kind and generous boyfriend a kiss.
“They work really hard. I want them to know it’s appreciated.” Crispin’s cheeks are tinged red.
“I think it’s wonderful, and I’m sure it means a lot coming from a huge star like you.”
Crispin and I trail behind the others on our way to the parking lot. I’m looking around the lot and taking it all in, in case I never end up making another movie. I want to remember absolutely everything.
“Are you glad you took the role?” Crispin asks.
I nod. “I am. Nothing was easy in the beginning, but in the end, I’m thankful for the opportunity.” I look askance at Crispin. “Are you glad you pinch-hit the role at the last minute?”
“I am. The writing in this movie is excellent. The cast is stellar. I’ve said it before, but I really believe this will be a sleeper hit.”
For some reason, his response disappoints me.
He bends forward as we walk to see my face. “What’s wrong?”
“That was just a very professional answer, I guess.”
He laughs. “Okay, there may be something else I’m glad about.”
I grin at him. “Oh yeah? What might that be?”
“She’s about 5’1” tall, but her brain is at least two feet of that. And traveling from here to Saturn wouldn’t give me enough room to measure her personality.”
I swing our hands. “Oh, that’s a very nice description. Anyone I know?”
“You may not know her yet, but watch out. She’s going to take this world by storm. She’s going to make people laugh and cry and think and dream.”
Now I’m feeling emotional. “Wow, she sure sounds great. You must really like her.”
He swings our hands back and forth, and his tone grows a little dreamy.
“You have no idea. Everything reminds me of her. I wake up thinking about her. I dream about her at night. I want to make her eyes light with wonder or darken with desire.” He waggles his brows dramatically.
Then brings my knuckles to his lips before adding. “I want to give her the world.”
At this moment, my heart is torn between saying goodbye to the movie set and all the wonderful people I’ve gotten to know and the thrill of possibility that Crispin’s words evoke.
My future scares me to death. It’s no longer lined out for me.
But it’s also not lined in. I have limitless choices to make with my old friend, some new friends, and a kind, caring, and generous boyfriend to help me navigate.
As our feet transition from the lot to the parking lot, leaving the known and entering the unknown, I squeeze Crispin’s hand and look up at him with eagerness sparking in my eye.
“Tell you what. Instead of giving me the world, how about you help me travel it so we can find our next adventure together?”
Crispin opens the passenger door to his car and bows. With a hand, he gestures for me to get in. “The world awaits.”