Scene of Eve

[ chapter 15 ]

Ian ended up staying the whole 2 days with me as he was ‘tending’ to my blistered feet. I couldn’t just kick him out, not after another session of me nearly drowning in tears after we got back from the market. Though it didn’t last long unlike my first one the previous night. I was a lot more stable in the sense that I found an anchor to pull me back up when I’m getting too deep in.

The last two days felt surreal. It was like a dream like it was a scene out of a film. And now we’re back to reality. Back to playing the couple did a lot of things and were madly in love with each other. The past two days went by so fast. Just like how this current scene we are about to do would be fast as well. And by fast, I mean literally fast. 

“Are we going racing?” I asked Ian as I approached him while he was getting his hair done beside a race car.

“Would you like to?” Ian asked excitement in his voice at the thought of racing.

“You’re technically the one who conceptualized this whole thing with it being your project. So why are you asking me?” I was kicking on the ground with the heel of my boots while keeping sight somewhere along the cars’ tires. I still was not over the past two days how I - unintentionally, accidentally - let one of my demons out in the open while Ian was with me.

“Yes, and as the conceptualizer, I think I do have the right to tweak things at my whim. And I say, we’ll race. Of course, we’ll have to get some additional stuff for that. So, tomorrow we race. For now-”

Ian’s stylist left by then and whether someone was looking at us or not, I felt like it was necessary to get up on my toes and kiss his glossed-up lips. It all happened in a blink of an eye, I doubt anyone would have even noticed. 

“Thank you, Ian. For yesterday. And the day before. For going to the market with me. For-” I still had a lot of things to thank him for but just like the past two days, Ian shut me up with a peck.

“You deserve everything and more, Apple.” Ian whispered with his eyes closed and his forehead on mine.

“Maybe I should’ve installed those little GoPro cameras up at your place, Apple. Seemed like we could have gotten a scene or two-shot on your little vacation.” Joey’s voice was booming over the megaphone. 

“We’re good to go, Joey!” Ian screamed loudly just so that everyone on the set aside from Joey could hear him.

“If you say so.” We both could hear Joey chuckling before telling us to get into position while the cameras started to roll one by one. Each and every angle of ours is seen on the screens. 

“And we’re rolling in 3...2...1, and ACTION!”

_ 

I noticed how Ian was a little different today. He was practically jittery ever since the cameras started rolling. He felt distant though he was always - always - holding me close in and out of the scenes.

On one of our breaks, Joey approached us, followed by a girl who was wearing the supposed team colors of Ian’s racing team for the scene.

“Ian, Lisa. Lisa, Apple.” Joey pointed at each one of us for the introduction.

The girl - Lisa - seemed to have a little heavy accent when she introduced herself this time, “So I’m actually going to join you guys on a particular scene.”

I was surprised for a minute, not really expecting any other character to enter the storyline. But of course, I realized how Ian didn’t really share much about his project, neither did Joey nor anyone at all. I don’t know if Tiana and the girls know about this. But even if they did, I’m in no position to really demand information out. I am just like Lisa. 

I have to keep reminding myself that I am just one of the many props for Ian’s comeback project. The thought stings a little, but that’s reality. That’s the real scene I am at all the time in this line of work I chose to be stuck with. 

Joey cleared his throat and was looking at Ian with an indecipherable look, “So as Lisa was saying Apple. There will be a particular scene, just one scene, where you and Ian would have to ride separate-”

“The scene’s storyline is basically my character and your character broke up. So now we’re racing against each other and the winner would be me. My current girlfriend would then meet me once I got out of my car to congratulate me.” Ian cut the director midway and explained in one breath. He was looking elsewhere when he did so. 

I don’t exactly understand what’s going on and why this scene seems to bother him too much. This is his project. Ian could have just deleted some scenes and made himself comfortable all throughout. The director, Joey, seems to just literally direct the cameras. But it was still Ian who made the call. He had every right to tweak the storyline if he wanted. 

“All right.” I answered as no one was making any move to do anything after Ian’s explanation. Joey still had the look towards Ian. And Ian. His eyes still refuse to meet mine.

“I actually still need to brief the others. Lisa, join me so I can introduce you to the others who’ll be with Ian’s racing team.” Joey tipped his head towards Ian and my direction as he signaled for Lisa to follow him to the tent where the extra cast members were stationed.

“Hey,” I called out to Ian softly while I turned around to face him. I cupped his face and waited for him to look at me. “Is something wrong?” My thumbs gently rub the dark circles under his eyes that I barely noticed. Was it always there? 

“I’m just not used to new people.” Ian chuckled nervously.

“I was new but you were okay with me. In fact, you were comfortable with me even if it was our first day shooting.”

“Because.”

“Because?”

“Because you’re you. You are Apple.”

“Indeed, I am. And as Apple, I have a job that I need to fulfill. I need to be your ex-girlfriend here.” I laughed, trying to lighten up the mood. I honestly don’t know what to say. I don’t think what I’m saying is comforting at all. But Ian, at least, smiled a little and nodded. 

We both jumped at Tiana’s voice booming from the megaphone calling for me, “Retouch for Ms. Apple. Please come to tent #1. I repeat, stop making kissy faces and come to the tent. Nessa is hungry but she can’t eat without retouching our artists’ face!”

“See you later. Okay?” I said before leaving a peck on Ian’s cheeks and running towards Tiana without looking at him back.

_

The scene started with me being filmed inside the locker rooms. I was already dressed in a racer costume and my helmet just beside me while I was sitting on a bench, stretching. The lockers were a little rusty. And the mirrors were also dusty when we arrived. So this must be an abandoned race track. 

I was then instructed to open my pretend locker that the staff has equipped with a mirror on the inside of its door and a photo booth image of me and Ian. It was taped just beside the mirror haphazardly. 

“Okay, good. Now I want you to pull it out and tear it. But before you tear the picture, look at it for a few seconds. Ready on my cue, Ms. Apple.” It wasn’t Joey who was shooting with me here, instead, it was his newly appointed assistant director, Kevin. Thus the formality in his tone even though I did say he could just call me by my name. I didn’t bother correcting him afterward. Joey did explain how Kevin was a little ‘stiff’ at work. But I didn’t expect him to be this stiff. It’s as if he can’t break his professional image even for the sake of small talk.

Taking one last look at my reflection, I reached for the photo slowly. I don’t know why my hands shook slightly at the thought that I had to rip it apart. This isn’t even the original photo because I had the original with me, hidden - or rather, displayed - in my (clear) phone case.  I think I’m just too deep in my character right now. I’m overthinking things again. This is just a scene.

RIP! And just like that, the photo was ripped into pieces.

“Okay! Good, good. Now, Ms. Apple, we’re going to shoot three last quick scenes here.” Kevin started explaining. The first would be a shot of my retreating back as I make my way out to my own race car. And the second would be similar, but with the angle only shooting my hands grabbing for the helmet. The last shot would be of my feet walking on the tiled floor of the locker room as I make my way out.

Once outside, Nessa and Hazel instantly ran to meet me under the shade with their usual kits in hand. I saw Tiana starting out as well, her eyes on Ian who is currently shooting with his racing team.

“Kevin,” Joey called out as he approached us under the shade. “You’ll continue shooting Apple for the next few scenes.”

Kevin nodded as Joey explained more of the scenes to both of us. “Now, Apple, there are already cameras installed inside your car for later. While driving, I want you to just tear up a little. Just a tinsy bit. If a tear could fall, all the better. But do as you will, okay?”

“Okay.” I answered with a smile his way, unable to nod with all the retouching still going on.

I was already standing outside my own race car, holding my helmet tightly. The scene would be that Ian’s own race car is parked right behind mine and his team would be huddled just behind him as he also stands beside his car. Lisa is also already there, but instead of the racing outfit the rest of us sported, she was instead wearing a red dress that accentuated her hourglass figure.  So she was a model, after all, I guess.

“Apple, once Lisa approaches you for a handshake, just look at her first then proceed to wear your helmet. Once you’re inside, don’t forget to slam the door shut.” Joey announced from a farther position. It was Kevin who had his camera set up behind me to capture my interaction - or lack thereof - with Lisa.

I took a glance at Ian but he instantly looked away, raising his thumbs up in the air, signaling Joey that we are ready.

“Ready on my cue,3, 2, and ACTION!”

The scene already played with me ignoring Lisa’s hand and walking past her to get inside the car. The scene was then cut shortly as we got set up to race. Before Ian rode his own car, Kevin shot a scene of Lisa fixing his outfit. I suddenly felt an uncomfortable twisting in my stomach when I saw that in my rearview mirror. I shook my head lightly and heard the roar of Ian’s engine beside mine already. I didn’t know if he would meet my gaze so I decided not to look at him. Instead, I just waited for Joey or Kevin’s voice in the hidden walkie-talkie in the car for further instructions.

“Alright, you two.  I want you to look at each other on one. Then rev your engines for a couple of seconds. Then start driving once Lisa drops the red handkerchief. Okay?” Joey’s static voice instructed. I raised both my thumbs up, letting him know I understood. From my peripheral vision, I see Ian do the same. With his helmet on, I don't know if his eyes were looking at me directly or at the camera crew on the side. So I went and tested the theory of him not wanting to meet my eyes by facing him. He instantly looked in front. 

Why is he suddenly not meeting my gaze?

“Camera, stand by! Ready in 3, 2, and ONE!”

Ian and I were halfway into the first lap when both directors cut the scene. We were then asked to drive further until we’re closer to the finish line, where Lisa was starting to get into her own position, the red handkerchief back in her hands. Kevin, meanwhile, was talking to the cameraman, giving instructions, I assume.

“Ready to win, Ian?” Joey chuckled as his voice resonated again from the walkie-talkie. Ian, in return, just tipped his head a little to give the signal.

“Apple, you ready?” Joey directed his question at me this time. I raised both my thumbs up like before and again, Joey gave us his signal.

We finished the race scene in just under three hours, thanks to Kevin’s extra help.

“One final scene today?” I heard Kevin ask Joey while I was getting out of the car. Again, I looked back at Ian only to be met with his back on me. Nessa’s eyes were looking at me worriedly while she was retouching my eye make. I shook my head slightly and shrugged, telling her that I don’t know as well. It was just a sudden shift in the air but I don’t know what caused it exactly. 

“All right, Ms. Apple. So we’ll be shooting a few more scenes together.” Kevin approached, a small smile adorning his face.

I nodded with a smile back in response to him. And only then did Ian subtly turn his body to - maybe - get a peripheral view of what’s happening on my side of the scene. I didn’t have much time to think it over as Joey started to set his own cameras on Ian’s side. 

I was then instructed to get back to the driver's side with Ian doing the same. The coming scene right now is me and Ian getting out of our cars. Him being met by his team while I take my leave, of course not without sparing his team a glance before I drop my helmet on the ground to add dramatic effect, according to Kevin.

The walkie-talkie startled me inside while waiting for the signal that the cameras were rolling because instead of Joey or Kevin’s voice, it was Ian’s.

“Hey. Uhm. You ready,” Ian asked, his voice low. “Apple?” He added after a few seconds after not receiving any answer from me. After ignoring me for the most part of the shoot, his voice was a tub of cold water on the back. The shivers, I don’t know if it was me finally relaxing my nerves or me stiffening up from the sudden question. Taking a deep breath, I craned my neck to the side where his own race car is and raised both of my thumbs. A similar response from what I gave Joey and Kevin. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of everything right now. Because I was hoping to at least get a glimpse of his eyes, but instead it was Ian’s helmet visor pulled down that I locked gazes with.

“I assume you guys are ready for the last scene today so,” It was Joey’s voice this time after another static went through. “Ready in 3, 2, 1, and action.”

With Joey’s signal came Kevin’s own signal for me to open my car door. Lisa was still standing in the middle of both cars but once Ian started walking towards her, she started to jog towards him. Ian then removed his own helmet, an arm open to welcome Lisa’s own hands that were making their way around his body.

Already walking towards the exit to the race track, my hands were already reaching up to remove my own helmet when Lisa got on her toes, her arms on Ian’s shoulders, and kissed him. My heart stopped for a second before I remembered that we were still in the middle of the shooting. As I finally removed my helmet, I met Ian’s eyes for a moment before I dropped my helmet and continued walking. As I was nearing the door of the locker rooms, I started feeling a lump forming in my throat.

Please, not right now. Please. Anytime but now. I can’t-

“And, CUT! You guys did a great job as always.” Joey’s voice, thankfully, chased the budding anxiety that was starting to form. I turned back around and Nessa was already sprinting towards me.

“Thanks, Nessa.” I met her halfway as she gave me my water bottle and guided me back to the tent. 

“Apple,” It was Ian this time who started to run after us, a little breathless. “Can we talk? I mean can I drive you home?” Nessa smiled and hugged me with an arm before she made her way back to the tent on her own.

“Yeah, sure. But, don’t you want to rest? Today was tiring.” I stood on my spot and hugged the water bottle close to me. It was the only thing that is currently keeping me from having - a what? A breakdown? But why?

“I-” Ian started, his hands outstretched mid-air awkwardly.

Squeezing the water bottle I was holding, I took a step closer to Ian and that was all it took for him to wrap his arms around me in an instant.

“Hey, what’s this about?” I laughed off the sob that I released when I felt his arms hold me tightly. I hugged him back and tried looking up at him only to have Ian pull me closer.

“Nothing. I was just...I don’t know, actually.” Ian slowly loosened his arms around me and laughed looking down at our feet.

“You seemed distracted the whole shoot. Are you okay?” I asked back, tilting his chin up so I could meet his eyes finally.

“I will be if you tell Tiana that I’m driving you home.” He kissed my fingers on his chin before holding them in his.

“The girls might get jealous if you keep driving me home.”

“Please?”

“Alright. I’ll tell Tiana you used your puppy eyes on me.”

“It’s called ‘charms’ and,” Ian retorted back before he brought his face close to mine. I held on to my breath as he got even closer and kissed my lips. “I’ll see you later, Apple.”

_

Tiana was fretful the whole time in the tent. Moreso when I got back after shooting the scenes. Nessa was to blame mostly for blindly summarizing everything that ‘went wrong’ during the shoot. 

“Nothing went wrong,” I was laughing at Nessa’s tearful and pouty expression while she tried to explain further. “It is what the scene should be. If something was wrong, Joey would have had us re-shoot.”

“But are you okay, Apple?” Tiana asked, still not getting the reassurance from what I said.

“Yes. Absolutely fine. The question should instead be directed towards our project protagonist,” I told them as I saw Ian entering our tent. “Ian.”

“Ian is-” Tiana was about to say something when Ian cut her off midsentence and stood beside me.

“Ian is what, Momma Tats?”

“Handsome. Undoubtedly handsome. And we,” Tiana pulled on a giggling Hazel and - a still teary - Nessa, “Well. We should all go home. Apple, text me once you’re home. I’ll be emailing you later regarding the gig that Tyson was talking about before.”