Scene of Eve

[chapter 9]

“Here?” I asked almost out of breath as Ian held his hand and helped me out of the car. 

“Disappointed?” He asked, perplexed at my reaction. 

“Disapppoin- No! Ian, this-” I tried to find the words, but nothing comes to mind. The place, though a little run down and obviously old, looks amazing. Some lights were blinking, in need of replacement, but it just adds to the vibe. Not an eerie one. It’s like you’re transported in a different time, like time travel. Only this one still stands in the present. Like a present from the past. 

“Like it? It's a diner built from the 50s.” Ian whispered as he stood beside me, admiring the place from outside. If the outside left me stunned, I could just imagine how the inside would knock me off my feet. Even from the window, I could see the color of the diner. 

Wait. 50s? “It still operates after all these years?” I was even more surprised at how the diner was able to compete with other food chains we passed by. Wendy’s, Mcdonald’s, Panda Express, KFC, and even all the high-end restaurants along the way.  

Ian just nodded with a serene smile as he tugged on my hands gently and we walked towards the entrance. 

“Ms. Apple, we’re here!” I saw Hazel waving from the car with Nessa who was trying to peek out of the car window, pulling Hazel aside to get her head out the car window.

“I’ll leave you, girls, for a little reunion. Seems like someone missed you.” Ian chuckled and pecked my cheek before leaving me by the entrance to join his own team already inside. 

Tiana gave me a look that screams ‘we’ll talk later’ before she entered the diner with my wardrobe. Nessa and Hazel ran towards me squealing and pointing at the cheek that Ian kissed. 

“Hush, you two,” I chuckled as I pulled them in for a hug. “I know you want to have answers but that’s got to wait. For now, help out Tiana, okay?” They pouted at me and stomped their way towards Tiana who was giving orders here and there towards the make-up artists for the extras in the scene. 

“Ah, the Apple of my eye,” Joey reached for my hand before kissing my knuckles gently. “I got good news for you later. I hope you can spare me a minute. Ian, I can borrow your girl for a minute, right?” Ian just laughed and nodded while scratching the back of his neck. Just moments after, a writer approached Joey with the storyboard in hand. 

“Apple!” I turned my head towards the familiar voice but not before noticing how Ian tensed beside me. 

“Xander? You’re-” He approached me with a hug and an awkward pat to Ian’s shoulder before standing on my other side.

“How’s this going, Joey?” Xander asked as Ian and I looked at him with conflicting emotions. I sighed in defeat and discreetly held Ian’s hand while Joey went on to explain the scene. 

“Sounds eerily familiar, don’t you think so?” Xander asked once, his eyes intense on Ian. I took note of this hostility between them. I would hear this sooner or later. But I’d rather hear it from Ian than Xander. For now, I decided to help Ian calm down as much as I can. I squeezed his hand to reassure him that we’re fine and caressed his knuckles with my thumb gently as Joey continued, not noticing the silent battle going on between the two men who are currently pressing on my personal space. I would not have minded if it was just Ian. But Xander? It was just uncomfortable. 

Xander was friendly and approachable. No one can deny that. But even without the worried glances of Tiana from the first time I met him, I already had this certain gut feeling that I should stay away from him. 

I moved closer to Ian with every second Xander invaded my personal space. Hearing me sigh a number of times, Ian noticed how I was squirming away from Xander. Without causing Joey any distraction, Ian stealthily wrapped his arms on my waist and pushed me a little forward before pulling me back towards his other side, causing Xander to suddenly stumble. 

“So go get your lip busted. You, get bruised. And you. Wait by the car. It’s all set outside.” Joey waved for Nessa. She ran towards us and pushed Xander aside just after he recovered from the stumble. 

“Thank you.” I whispered as Nessa wrapped her arms around me as she pushed me gently down on a chair as she started on my makeup, Xander getting behind me with the others.

_

“Lizel’s one strong girl.” Xander chuckled as we were getting set for the comfort room scene. 

I pretended to not hear Xander as Nessa fixed busted further my supposed to be busted lip in the scene. She made a face as she heard Xander speak and rolled her eyes. Thankfully her back was to him or someone could get a real busted lip. That won’t be Nessa for sure. Because whoever this Lizel girl Xander is talking about, I’m pretty sure I could just be as strong as her if Xander looks this f****d up. After all, I play Lizel’s character - whoever she is.

I wonder though…

“We’re rolling in a few!” The director came in and signaled Nessa and the others to leave once they’re done. Before leaving though, Nessa stole a quick hug before fixing her make-up kit and ‘accidentally’ stomping on Xander’s foot as she made her way out. 

“Ouch?” Xander made a face as Nessa walked further away, obviously giggling as she succeeded in her little mission.

“I’m ready, Joey!” I said as I kneeled on the floor as instructed and looked up at Xander as I tugged on his pants to get his attention away from Nessa.

_

A scream. 

That’s how we started the scene. I was screaming as I was trying to hit Xander with my fists. 

“Get off me, you bastard!” I screamed more. I didn't really have lines. But we were given the freedom to spew outlines if it helps us get in the mood. And throw lines - and weak punches - I surely did. It was the only way for me to direct my anger out on Xander. I may not entirely like him, but I don’t have a reason to really be angry with him. No one would give me a reason to hate him.

Just then, I noticed how Xander’s cheek was really bleeding from a hit I made. I thought it was weak. But I was startled at his sudden touch and it was just a defensive move I did on instinct. I was about to ask to stop the scene, but his touch grew more desperate as his hand on my thigh started to squeeze its way up. I tried to look at him and read what he was doing. If it was all part of the act, then I was not told that he was going this far. If it wasn’t an act, then I gotta get more punches at him. 

“Hey, whoa. Stop. Stop!” Thankfully, being with Xander in this predicament did not last long as Ian wedged his way between us.

“Cut!” Joey said as he approached the three of us. “Now that was good. But I think it would be better if there was a little resistance from Apple as Ian tries to pull her away. We need to see how she badly wants Xander all bruised up. Yeah?”

I heard Xander choke and touch his cheek that - confirmed by his makeup artist - was bleeding. 

Ian nodded and smiled gently down at me before ruffling my already messed up hair and leaving me alone once again with Xander.

“Did you really have to hit me?” Xander asked as he went back to his initial position.

“Sorry. I was carried away.” I said as I kneeled back down.

The scene was re-shot successfully this time with the resistance that the director has instructed. Ian was pulling me away as I struggled in his hold. 

“Stop! He’s-” Ian tried to say as he finally got in between me and Xander.

“He’s a bastard, that’s what!” I said as I accusingly pointed at him, tears already forming my eyes as I remembered how Xanders’ hands felt on my skin and how he looked back at me.

“Alright. Cut! That was amazing, you three!” Joey gave us a thumbs-up as he signaled for us to move outside for the next scene.

“Man. You really got that Lizel in you, Apple.” Xander said with a chuckle as he was massaging his jaw and wiping at his bleeding cheek and made his way out, following the director.

“You’re okay. Sorry if the scene made you feel uncomfortable.” Ian’s voice was gentle just like that time he said the same thing when we were at the beach shooting. His eyes were the same apologetic eyes. I looked back at him as he cupped my cheeks in both of his palms.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry. I was just carried away.” I tried to laugh it off as I wiped my eyes. 

“I’m sorry.” Ian said again before kissing my lips softly. He didn’t give me a chance to process that as he held my hand in his and led me out.

“Alright, you two. We’re hitting two birds with one stone here.” Joey started explaining how the next scene would just be Ian and I eating. 

“Also,” Joey added with a smile, “No hurries. Keep it as natural as you can. We won’t be eavesdropping either. Talk all you want. Just don’t forget one important detail.” He then looked at Ian before walking off. 

“Later.” Ian whispered with a small smile as Hazel came in to ‘steal me for a few minutes with a red dress draped on her arm.

Ian and I sat across from each other in a booth while we both got our makeups retouched. He was wearing a gray suit, paired up with gray slacks. No necktie on, just the first two buttons of his polo popped open, revealing the beginnings of a chest tattoo. 

I could tell Nessa was holding in her breath as Ian was staring at her teasingly. I could not help but snort at how Nessa tensed when Ian told her to relax so as not to mess up my retouch.  But behind the comical situation, I could see something - a budding turmoil, perhaps? Everyone seems to be careful around Ian. it’s as if one wrong step and a bomb could set off other bombs. Everyone is tiptoeing their way around him. Maybe this is what got me curious? It was too quiet for me to pick up anything. It was so quiet that even I found myself tight-lipped so as not to disturb the calm and not attract a storm. 

“I gotta warn you. Their pasta is more like tomato soup with noodles in it.” Ian was leaning on the table as he pointed at the menu in front of me.

“You’ve been here before?” I asked as Nessa stood and packed the small make-up kit before wishing me and Ian a good luck for the scene. 

“A few years back.” Ian smiled as he observed Nessa scampering away, a gentle smile back on his lips and his eyes a million kilometers away.  The nostalgia behind his eyes was confusing. I didn’t know if I should continue poking at the subject but I did not want to have Ian in a sour mood the rest of the shooting. I find myself in the same predicament when he’s in a bad mood, especially if I knew it was my fault that he was. But he can’t always veil his past. What we have, I assume - and would prefer - is something honest and open. But all I have right now is blind trust. But I could wish for nothing more right now. We are still so fragile and dumping a rotten apple in the mix of growing ones in the tree? It’s just going to be an eyesore. I could wait for every apple to grow and replace the rotten ones. I could wait until everything comes to fruit between us. There’s no hurry. We’ll be fine, right Ian? 

“I would love to taste their infamous tomato soup with noodles, then.” I laughed as I tried to drown my doubts. It’s too early to even ask for more. Even with just a few weeks being together, I could see Ian is trying to open up. I know firsthand that it’s hard to lay bare every card you have to a stranger. Even harder after a past that made you lose your ace. 

“And, ROLL!” The director called out and signaled for the waiter to come to our table. I did not notice before how everyone at this diner is wearing skates.

“Do you know how to skate?” Ian noticed how my eyes were glued to the skates.

“I don’t- I’ll end up falling. Maybe even injuring myself so bad that I can’t come to any more shoots for a few months, at least.” I stammered out as Ian was chuckling at my face, heating up by the second.

“I’ll catch you.” Ian winked at me as I suddenly felt squirmish in my seat at the thought of skating. I remember how my dad told Ian of my clumsiness as I fell off the bike ungracefully when I was younger.  I shuddered at the memory, not wanting to relive that embarrassment with Ian. 

“You don’t like blueberry cheesecake?” I hear Ian asking, bringing me out of my memory.

“Don’t like? Are you kidding? I loooove blueberry cheesecake.” I said as I unconsciously clapped and jumped on my seat excitedly.

Ian smiled up at the waiter, getting his approval from my sudden burst of excitement. It’s been - I don’t know - months since I last had any slice of anything sweet. It was always a spoon of something bitter to wake me up. A spoon of tea, or coffee. A spoon of something bitter to bring me back to reality after playing the part of someone for someone. 

“That would be 15-20 minutes for the spaghetti and burger. Would you like me to serve you the cake now, or later?” The waiter smiled down at me before looking at Ian.

“Later for dessert, please,” Ian replied, his stare always on mine and never on anyone else on the set. I find myself squirming more in my seat. It’s not that I’m uncomfortable. Okay. Maybe a bit. Everything just seems so new and I’m overwhelmed. Ian opened a door in my heart that I never knew existed.

Ian reaches out for my hand and laces it together with his on top of the table. The crew was, as they said, we're far from hearing range. So even with the normal volume of our voices, we would not be heard. Probably a buzz rather than talking. A buzzing of bees as they hover a budding flower, waiting for the chance to finally feed their needs to live. 

But what if the buzzing bees fly to the next flower without giving this flower too much thought after sucking away everything it has?

No matter how hard I try, my doubts seem to resurface all the time. As if the waiter could read my thoughts, our order was already served. The rolling of the skates brought my thoughts back to the diner and away from the dark recesses of my brain. 

“Spaghetti and burger. The blueberry cheesecake to follow later.” The waiter drawled on, sounding bored.

“Right. Thank you.” Ian looked up for a moment before directing his gaze back at me. I noticed how the waiter suddenly smiled back. Probably received a warning from Joey. I smiled back as well, not only as thanks for the order. But hopefully, to encourage the waiter for a few more seconds he’ll be on the scene. Working this late with not many people seems pretty tiring, especially for the meager salary that the crew here possibly gets. 

After seeing how the waiter skated away energetically, he instantly dropped dead on the counter. It was as if a switch was turned off and he’s back to that aura of ‘f**k off if you’re not going to get anything to eat’. 

“Crew here has always been cranky. Don’t worry about it,” Ian said as he placed the pasta and burger in front of me. “et voila. Tomato soup with noodles and burger on the side.”

It does not look bad as I look at it. If you expect the typical 5-star pasta, then you really would be disappointed with your meal. But the fact that this diner still stands? This meal is more than just a 5-star to me. It’s legendary.

“What the f**k is this?” I heard Xander complain from somewhere. Probably got the same meal as us.

“I don’t see what’s wrong.” I said as I grabbed for my fork and took my first ‘slurp’ of the noodles.

“Okay?” Ian asked as he twirled his spaghetti on his fork and poured a generous amount of tomato sauce - soup - onto it before bringing it to his mouth.

I nodded and smiled up at him as I took the greasy burger in my hands and took a huge bite. Perhaps the slip-up of mustard on my lip is an intended mistake as well.

“What?” I asked, laughing along with Ian.

“You’re getting good at flirting. Though I assure you,” He stated while wiping the mess away with his thumb from my lip and licking it with a wink my way. “You don’t need to because you got my heart already.”

Rolling my eyes with a giggle, I went back to enjoy my pasta.

_

The directors’ voice momentarily talking over the speakers and drowning Ian’s voice reminded me that we were still in the middle of a shoot. I nearly forgot because of how Ian made everything so simple. From being so conscious and aware, his little jokes and antics distracted me enough from reality. My eyes just saw him and nothing more.

“We’ll cut it for now, but we’ll continue in a few minutes with the cheesecake. Ian, may I have a word?” Ian smiled before wiping his lips and stood up. Tiana replaced him across from me as Nessa and Hazel sat on each side of me, retouching and fixing my hair and make-up.

“Yes?” I chuckled as I felt all three girls with expectant stares at me. Of course, I knew what they wanted to hear. Nessa and Hazel were already buzzing with excitement the moment I arrived with Ian. It’s a miracle they’ve been holding on to this excitement and haven't exploded yet. I laugh once again as Ian strides back to the table, a gentle smile directed towards the two girls beside and a tongue out from Tiana. The two girls stomped their way back, following Tiana, with their eyes showing how betrayed they felt for not getting anything once again from me. I’ll have to assure them once we’re done that their wait is worth it and much appreciated. For now, I’ll just have to endure seeing two pouting girls behind the camera and another girl with her arms crossed, trying to keep her patience at bay.

Silly girls. 

“Rolling on your signal!” Joey said.

“On your signal,” Ian whispered as he held my hands once again like how we ended the previous scene.

“Ready.” I said and nodded lightly.

“And, cue! Silence on the set, now!” After Joey said this, the waiter slid his way back towards our table, two slices of blueberry cheesecake served.

“So, why blueberry cheesecake?” I asked Ian, assuming that we can still proceed with the scene like a normal dinner out.

“Just because.” He said shrugging, his eye more observant, following where my fork goes.

I nodded and stared at the cake momentarily before diving in for a bite. I squeezed Ian’s hand gently before bringing the fork up. I again stared at it.

“Did you poison this or-?” I asked Ian as I kept staring at the cake and him alternately. 

He laughed and shook his head ‘no’ before tipping his head, telling me to take a bite.

“Drugs?” I whispered. I know this is pretty impossible, but what other possibilities could I think of? It was as if the cake was something nasty for Ian. 

“No drugs. Nothing funky on it either,” Ian gently twisted my wrists so that he could take the first bite of the cake. “just plain blueberry cheesecake.” He grabbed the fork from my hand and cut another piece of cake for me. He held the fork near my lips, but I did not open up. Instead, I frowned and crossed my arms as I stared back at Ian.

I scrunched up my nose when Ian didn’t budge either from trying to feed me the cake. 

“Blueberry.” I said in a defiant tone, shaking my head and avoiding the fork at all cost.

“Ah, of course.” Ian laughed upon realization. He then placed three pieces of blueberries on the cake piece before bringing it back to my mouth. I giggled before taking the bite.

But ever since the cake came, I noticed how Ian had a lot going on in his thoughts. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask him about it. That would be me forcing him to tell me things, his past, that he isn’t ready to be open about yet. And his past is worth the wait, I am sure. So I can’t let my impatience and curiosity ruin what Ian has been building back. 

After finishing the slice of cake, Joey called out and ended the scene. A few claps here and there with Ian squeezing my hand gently and whispering how I did well as always. 

“Alright. One last scene for the night.” The director came and sat beside Ian and patted his back.

“So, Apple,” Joey looked at me then. “First. How was the food? Okay?” I nodded and told him how I loved everything. 

“It was way better than any 5-star restaurant.” Believe me or not, it is. It might not be the best food quality. As for the service I am not quite sure too. What with the waiter having to act out as well. But it was still great. Ian’s stories about the craziness of his band, Of Canticles Dying. The stories of the band may not be the ones I wanted to hear. But it is still something of Ian. Memories that he still holds dear behind the pain he’s been masking.

“That’s good then. So Ian here requested to add a scene. But we’ll get to that after the first scene in the parking lot. The one with the motorcycle.” The director looked to Ian for approval. Ian was just nodding comically like some bobblehead in a car. I laughed as Joey mimicked him and went on about the last scene tonight.

After Joey told us of what scenes took place, Ian and I headed out to the black E30 M3 BMW already set up. Nessa and Hazel ran to meet me as they - pretended - to fix my hair and make-up.

“You’re no Lizel, Apple.” Tiana approached me with a small wary smile.

“Who’s-” I was about to ask when she shook her head and put a finger to her lips. 

“It’s not my story to tell. But I do hope the storyteller tells you of her soon. I don’t want you to hurt like her.” Nessa and Hazel were both tight-lipped but Tiana side-hugged me before patting my hair gently. 

“We’re here for you, no matter what.” Nessa whispered as she finished the final touches on my eyes and left.

I was in a daze after that. I think Ian noticed as he helped me settle in the car while the staff was setting up two go-pro cameras on the dashboard. One facing me and Ian, the other facing the road.

“Who is Lizel?” I asked as Ian and I were left alone.

I noticed how his knuckles became whiter as his hold on the steering wheel tightened. 

Ah, so this is a sensitive topic. But I needed answers. Or at least one answer. Because if people were seeing this Lizel girl in me while we do the scenes, or worse, seeing her in me even outside the camera frames, then I need to know. Because I am no one but myself. If I behave like her, then I need to know. I need to know so I can run before the hurt comes for me. Because I’ve had enough pain in my life to run from. I’ve had enough running. Period. 

“The moon is nowhere. The stars are too far. But you're here. I'm here. Nothing else matters, right?” Ian held my hand in his and placed it on his warm cheeks, his eyes shining in the dark.

Nothing else matters. Right? I nodded and he left a gentle kiss on my lips before starting the car for the last scene of tonight.