Rise, Fallen Angels, Children of God

Chapter 3

        Shoot (Day 2). Basil and Sanjay were already up at five in the morning to fix the lights and the venue at the poolside. Wow. The pool water is so clear and blue inviting me to plunge in, while I yawn standing at the terrace looking down at my best friends, on top of I don’t know how many floors I am at now, for another day of this exquisite view and beauty, Jodie.

Alexa!, a knock on the door caught her attention, it was Loren, Jodie’s make-up artist. Yes!, I said while fixing my hair up pulling my pajama up. Wait up!, I opened the door.

‘Jodie asked if you can join her at the pool for a bit before the shoot. I’ll be doing her make-up at seven a.m., so you still have time to prepare , anyway, so?’, Loren added smiling. Okay! Tell her I’ll be there in 15 and eat my breakfast there, I said smiling back at the pleasant girl in her mid-twenties, with eye glasses on her light blue jacket which she wore every time I see her with Jodie. Hmm! I like her so much, as if I can talk to her about anything under the sun. I’ll talk to Mr. Remi (Resort Manager) to help with that, for you! Loren added courteously. Thanks! Awwe, that’s sweet! I said happily.

At the pool. Jodie was already swimming her way through the clear blue waters of Hernann Lagoon Pool, wearing a light brown tight backless, plunging chest line, one-piece swim suit. Jodie’s body is perfectly carved on it as if she’s not wearing one. Oh my God. This is one magnificent morning, indeed. I uttered while watching a live mermaid at the pool.

‘I miss the water, remember when we had our first swimming lessons with Mr. Pee, I added in a hard laugh. Ha! Ha!, you were scared of the water then, Jodie said resting her shoulders at the side of the pool looking at me, seriously. Yes!, one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, I almost drowned. Good thing you were there to save me!, I added sitting beside Jodie happily. But you were soooo cute, awe! Well!, you were crying like a baby…She added teasingly. I was of course so scared, I almost died….And you were there for my rescue, as always! I added moving closer to Jodie until our noses touched, and she stopped, then looked away to avoid my gaze. Thanks to you, super hero! Mwah!, I said standing up then sat on one of the chairs on the poolside and smelled the wonderful aroma of the drink then sipped the hot frothy cappuccino cup like I am on a frenzy.

Come, Alex! Join me, Jodie said inviting me to swim with her with brows flinching up and down. No! I’m good!, No, no, no! Shoots going to start in an hour. I’ve got to prepare for your pictorial, remember that it’s going to be a whole day shoot. So go get ready, babe!, He! He!, I said with a smile. Jodie, pouting and smiling back at me in a cute manner. Loren came in with Jessica (Jodie’s personal assistant). Marcus wants to send his regards Jay! He said he can’t come now since he is pretty busy working on your schedule the week. He needed to move your interview with Victory Magazine this afternoon for Monday next week. He said you deserve to be pampered since you just came back from your European and Asian tour, Jessica blurted out relieved about the idea that at least she’ll be joining Jodie and will have a relaxing weekend in Boracay as well. Thanks to you Jess! I’m sure you talked him out of it to achieve success in getting my rest days, mwa, mwa, I love you!, Jodie added as if tasting freedom. So, My dear Alex, can you accompany me on my five day stay here, A… please? Jodie pleading. I was sipping diligently into my cup of choco, I got excited too when I heard about the good news. Of course, Jay, I’m all yours!, I said happily hugging Jodie who was already drying herself up with a towel. You’re wet!! Yaiks, I added while she wet me with a little of the water dripping from her body.

It was seven in the morning sharp, Basil and Sanjay were already sitting near the monitor and lights were set up to go. They were eating croissants while dipping them on cups of hot chocolate and mocha-flavored coffee. Oh, I love these guys so much, hmm!, I thought to myself smiling a little bit, they were my best buddies who stayed with me through the best and worst times of my life. I was watching while they continue checking the video to be used, the lights and location for the pictorial. They are very keen about everything, so am I, and I like that about them. I want everything in the set perfect, especially my models and the staff working with me.

What would I do without you guys, MWAH! I said blowing both kisses on thin air. Basil and Sanjay looked at me jokingly feeling disgusted with what I said.  Okay, we got it! Basil said almost laughing. We know, you love us! Ewe!, he added while checking on the camera Alex will be using for the shoot. For the nth time….! He, he!, Sanjay said jokingly. I want this to be perfect!, Basil exclaimed in pride while some of the staff are bringing in clothing, shoe and make up brands such as Hugo, Monet Jeans,  WB and Kylie for Jodie to check and fit on later for the shoot. Sponsors started coming in when she successfully finished her Asian and European Tours with flying colors. Especially when she released her first album entitled “You & I” with hit singles, ‘I Love You’, which I think Jodie dedicated to me and ‘Popstar’.

Okay, let’s start the day fresh! Where’s Jodie? I asked for we will be doing a 12-hour shoot schedule, we need to start right away! Speaking of the angel, Jodie went in wearing long sleeve Monet Jeans top, not wearing a bra, cleavage peaking, tucked in with faded blue pants, torned from knees down to the legs. Pretty sexy and cool at the same time, I thought in awe. Ehem! Let’s put you on to the bed, ah! What I meant was lie down the bed and do your magic!.

Jodie showed such promise. One by one she tried the clothes such as the dresses, tops, pants, skirts and all. From the make-up to the clothing apparel, poses with facial and body expressions, she killed it. The nine hour shoot that seemed endless was made easy and immediate. Jodie never complained, if she needed a breather, she will ask for a 5-15 minute break, just to rest her body and face a little. And every time she comes back from the break, she would be bursting with energy, guts and enthusiasm. Ever since we were young, Jodie dreamed of becoming a pop star, famous and beautiful. Jodie said she would always love her job and when I spoke with her 10 years ago, she said that she doesn’t think of her job as one but a ‘way’ of life, her passion. I admire her when it comes to dedicating her time to improve her craft all the time. She never fails to impress, inspire and make her fans, audience happy, valued and loved. Her sexy smile does all the work for her to captivate people, as if telling you, ‘I want you, now, come and get me’. Just saying, I feel my hands are getting numb now, maybe from the ticking my camera and nine hours is too much, I think, I told myself, feeling a bit tired now.  I think this is all good now!. It’s a wrap, guys!. Everybody clapping their hands, while Alex puts her camera down near the video monitor and made some body stretches from side to side to  loosen up. Jodie just stayed laying on the bed not moving when Alex advised, “we will do the night gown shoot tomorrow, okay?. Okay!, Jodie answered in a whisper. Thank you, guys! We did an excellent work today. Let’s do this again tomorrow! Everyone clapping their hands, one more time, and one by one, disappearing from the room. Jodie’s family is on a vacation in the Netherlands now. And her friends are also busy with their own lives, so she is left with me, since Jess and Loren will be joining their boyfriends for the night. Vern seems to be out of the picture for the mean time. I wondered why though. Rest well Jay, okay! See you in a while!, I said while placing my camera on its bag, yet can’t help but ask…Oh by the way, where’s Vern?, I boldly asked in a innocent manner. He is busy with a photo shoot held in New York. It’s supposed to be a couple shoot but since I’m here with you, no can do! I did a couple of shots with him wearing cute shirts and skirts before I went here to do this pictorial with you, but that’s it, she added casually. We’re in good terms, why do you ask? Jodie said with face half-questioning. Just asking! Okay, rest now! See you at dinner, maybe? Or I guess, just chill there for now, you had a very long day! I’ll call out dinner for you, I said with care. Thanks, that would be lovely, I will go to my room now, Jodie added feeling very tired, she disappeared from sight.  

It’s been a tiring but fulfilling day. I think I slept for a couple of hours and forgot about dinner. I just went out of bed to get a glass of water, when…a knock on my door…at twelve midnight. Who could that be?. Yes?, who is it?, I asked politely still very sleepy. It’s me!, an almost whisper said. Jodieee?, I asked quietly in a wild guess, and went to the door to open it. Hi!, what’s up? I asked when I unlocked my door seeing Jodie in her see-through white satin night gown while I’m on my hello kitty pajamas (what a shame on my end! I want to disappear from where I’m standing). Jodie insisted on sleeping over and she wanted sleep in my bed. Alright, then! I’ll be on this side of the bed and you’ll be on yours, telling her where she should position herself on my bed.        

           I think it’s been an hour or two, I am lying on my side of the bed where Jodie kept on moving from one side to the other, until she hugged me. I know I was sleeping, I think I was, but Jodie seemed restless. When she suddenly spoke on my ear..’Kiss me’.

Ah, what?, I said quite confused and half-asleep, when Jodie faced me and moved closer to kiss my lips. I was so surprised but her lips were soft to feel, and was like wanting, needing me with how she caressed me with her lips. Wait! Jay, Jay!, me, catching my breath and telling her to stop. Jodie still kssing me when as if in a flash realized what she’s doing…What? Why not? , Jodie asked as if worried. Jay! We shouldn’t be doing this, we’re friends, best of friends and I…you have a boyfriend, and you don’t want to do this, right?! I said confidently while explaining to her my side softly. I’ve been wanting to do this ever since, and I can see it in your eyes, you want me. And I feel you love me with how you look at me! Am I ugly or not sexy enough for you? Jay said like a little girl pouting. Jodie!, No, you are the most beautiful and talented girl I’ve ever met, loved and respected. So don’t ever think that. I know I feel different when I’m with you, and I have this strange feeling , crush or love maybe for you ever since we were kids. But I didn’t think you have a ‘thing’ for me! And how can we do this?, I mean, I’ve never been with a girl before and I…, me, not knowing what to do at the moment while trying to explain myself to Jodie (who is now angry with me, since her wanting face turned to a frown) Alright then! If you don’t want to, fine! I’ll go back to my room and…and, whatever!, Jodie added really mad.  Jay!, Jodie! Please stay. I’ll just hug you tightly until you fall asleep. No kissing, okay! I said lovingly. Okay!, Jodie said calmly closing her eyes and slept. I was flattered really! When she said she loved me and she wanted me. With this I hugged her as if that not wanting to let her go, ever, not again. I slept soundly with my arms around her all night long.

Morning came. I woke up and found that Jodie’s gone, but found Basil in my bedroom. Hey, Basil! Good morning! Have you seen Jodie?, while clearing my eyes with my fingers. Nope!, he said right away, picking up the camera and the video equipment on the couch. Okay, will set everything up and see you in about? Basil said waiting for my reply. Oh!, in 30 minutes…I’ll be there!, I said bluntly doing body stretches, while walking towards the terrace, where I saw down the pool, Jodie and Vern kissing. Hmm! That’s why she left bed early, I thought feeling something prick my heart. I was about to walk away, when Jodie suddenly looked up and saw me. She still kissed Vern though looking at me with sharp, striking looks that could kill. And as if I did feel the anger in her looks. What did I do? I wondered what was that about, with Jodie being angry with me.

On the photoshoot. A bathtub shot. Jodie needs to be pictured wearing jewelries for a commercial. Necklaces, earrings and bracelets with pendants of letters, names, pretty weird designs such as chains, broken hearts and handshakes. Jodie wasn’t looking at me and there I knew she’s still angry with me. Though I don’t understand why she was mad. But we need to make this a successful shoot since it’s for her T.V. commercial for a jewelry company. She is paid so much for this advertisement. Jodie, Jay! Look at me. I said pleading for her attention. Look at the camera please, I added but she still won’t look at me. Hey, babe! Jay! What’s wrong? Where’s Vern?, I asked innocently while ticking my camera scoring for that best shot. He’s gone for the day, for a perfume shoot near the area, Jodie responded sadly. Okay! Yet why were you mad at me? Was it about last night? I asked very concerned. Nooo! forget about it! Can I have a break please?, Jodie said emotionless while getting out of the pool naked, without waiting for my approval. I felt my heart pound and sort of blushed seeing her like this. Why? Jodie asked, you haven’t seen a girl naked before?. Jay, please! Cover yourself, I said while helping her put a robe on. Basil! Come out here please, Jess, help Jodie dress up. Let’s have  a break until one. We’ll resume shooting at 2 P.M. Jodie felt ashamed and ran out of the room so furious. She hasn’t changed, still a stubborn baby girl I knew before. Cute!!!, I thought smilingly.

Ring! Ring!, Yes, Hello!, Oh!, Eddie, how are you? Okay what about? Alright!, see you later then. I still need to do oe more shot with Jodie Moon. Yeah!, the singer. Okay, see you at eight.

At the resort’s restaurant.  Alexa and her friend Eddie were seen already chatting, laughing when Jodie and Vern arrived. Jodie saw Eddie and I. I was surprised to see her too, in anger Jodie pulled Vern close to her. The strange thing about it, she even asked the receptionist to get a table right next to us. I stared at Jodie and half-questioning her motives. She faced Verna and kissed him in front of Eddie and I. And since Eddie’s a friend, I don’t have plans on kissing or even making out with him. When Jodie and Vern walked past us and sat on their table beside us, I introduced her to Eddie and Vern shaked Eddie’s hand gladly. Then we all went on our own businesses, that is, eating dinner. Jodie and Vern where just ordering their meal, when Eddie looked at me. “Alex!, what do you plan to do after the shoot? Eddie asked plainly. Well!, I have my write-up deadlines for this month, so I’d be doing that after. Why?, I added seriously. So, what are you writing about? Eddie now curious. I love writing about nature, the places I’ve been to and experiences I encounter with the people I am with every day. It’s very  interesting and changes fascinate me, I said excitedly. How about you? I heard you’ve been traveling here and abroad? How was it, the experience, I mean?

Oh! yes. I love travelling at sea, but it’s not that easy when what you’re always seeing is the vast waters. As a sea captain and an engineer, it’s not all fun, I assure you, Eddie smiling. But as if life at sea is a life in solitude with people in it. Aside from being in charge of a cruise ship and thousands of passengers dependent on me, It is a very noble job I learned to love doing ever since I started as a first mate, Eddie said proudly looking more handsome though a bit older than the last time I saw him. Clean haircut, brown complexion, with a tall nose, round brown eyes and lips complementing each other. Eddie is borne a gentleman and someone I can depend on always. When my grandfather died he helped my parents with all the care they needed. He continued to support my family even if he didn’t need to, and let me feel he is there for me. Every once in a while he visits and calls me when he has the time. And he never expected anything, not that I know of.