SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 11

I walked into a coffee shop , wrapped in a thick, beige coat; the weather these days were unusually chilly. Raising my head, i spotted a lady in her mid thirties waving at me from the back end of the Cafe as i strode over to her table.

"I apologize for my tardiness...." - I muttered, stroking some strands of hair from my face. "You must be Anne Moreau, right?"

"Yes,i am. And it's no problem, i barely just got here too." - She waved her hands dismissively, while straightening her black waist coat with a professional smile.

I took a seat opposite hers, my eyes fixated at the glass windows - tranced in the serene view outside. Soft, pillows of cold snow were piled up in the streets, accompanied by bright lights and people walking around in companies.

"Would you like some tea or coffee....?"

I snapped out of my daze, staring at the lady as she held a small kettle. I moved my lips a bit - " Coffee....please."

"Ah...so you're the caffeine type of person. Sure thing then!" - She flashed a brief smile, setting the kettle back on the table. "I'll just inform the waitress." - She added, glancing over her shoulders as she conversed with a passing waitress.

I lowered my head - Caffeine type of person,huh....?

Not like i could deny it,but these days, i've been craving more and more coffee. Something like a new addiction that's almost spiraling out of control.

"When the Professor informed me about your situation......i was quite surprised. But might i add, Miss..... you do look beautifully stunning." - She flattered, her eagle sharp eyes scrutinizing my features with satisfaction.

I curled my lips in a polite smile, "Thanks for the compliment, Ma'am."

"You're welcome.... and concerning the contract you wish to sign with us. I was wondering if you had a specific time frame for the contract duration." - She adjusted her glass frames, her tone becoming serious.

"Approximately about five years should be stipulated in the contract, but i would be needing a lot of exposure in the first two years." - I rubbed my hands together.

The waitress returned, holding a steaming cup of coffee. I smiled with gratitude before taking a small sip, my insides warming up as i gave a soft sigh.

" That's something we can do.....are there any other things you would like to add to the clause before the contract is drafted." - She asked, slipping out a small, blank sheet of paper and pen unto the table.

" Sure...." - I replied warmly, guiding and discussing the contract terms.

*************************************

TWO YEARS LATER..............

Standing on a stunt board and staring at the five feet drop-down before me - I shut my eyes, calmly memorizing my lines as i waited for the director's orders.

It wasn't like i hadn't gone over them a rough 156 times already - I took deep breaths, stabilizing my thoughts as i rehearsed the stunt several times in my mind.

"Selene, once i give the word - You jump, do a double flip mid-air before landing. You got that!!!" - The director spoke, his voice amplified by the megaphone he was holding.

"Yes!!." - I gave a thumbs up, the slow breeze blowing through my hair as i got into character.

"Three......two......."

I emptied my mind, my ears now sensitive to the silence i had created while listening to his three time countdown.

"One!!!"

I flung my body mid - air, allowing it to adjust to the aero-dynamics before doing a double flip and then landing gracefully on the soft mattress below.

Cheers erupted, filling my ears as my heart raced. I stared at the casts as they whistled, fine beads of cold sweat coating my body as i tried to swallow my saliva - Stunts like these weren't really my specialty.

"Good job, Selene!!" - The assistant director patted my shoulders, handing me a dry towel and a bottle of mineral water.

"Thanks." - I smiled lightly, taking a big gulp of the bottled water while dapping my face with the towel.

"Selene, you did great out there. Now let's get things all wrapped up!!" - The director clapped his hands together while yelling out to the rest of the crew.

"Selene......!!!, you were so awesome - The way you dived down and did the double flip, your cool expressions while you were landing.....ahhhhhhh!!. You're so amazing."

I lowered my eyes, staring at the eccentric young lady who was in her early twenties and still in her costumed dress as she squealed with excitement.

"Selene, you're the best. No wonder you're my role model in this industry." - She hugged my free arm, a bright smile plastered on her face as she signalled for a high five.

I ignored her as i was already used to her hyper - personality. "Thanks Marceline. I'm certain that you're also going to nail your scenes, just give it your best shot." - I shook her hands instead, watching her smile falter a bit.

" That sounds like a farewell, Selene. Are you leaving?" - She asked, her voice tensed with emotions.

I pulled away a band which was holding my hair in a high ponytail, letting my hair fall down my shoulders while i ran my fingers through my scalp roughly. "Yes, my scenes are all done..... and there's nothing more to stay for."

" But the director said that there would be a congratulatory dinner tonight to commemorate the show....." - She paused, her eyes filled with childish grievance.

" He even said that it would be a blast." - She spread out her arms, eagerly urging me to participate in the meal sharing. She only stopped to stomp her feet when she found out her scheme wasn't working.

"You can't leave,Selene. What am i supposed to do without you by my side?"- She wailed, flailing her arms about.

" I really don't know, Marceline. But you could help me by telling the director that i won't be attending." - I pulled her chubby,soft cheeks as she pouted with grievance.

"So when can i see you again?. I really don't want you leaving." - She grabbed my arm tightly, her voice filled with pleading.

" When you learn to tie your shoelaces properly so you don't trip over them." H I nudged at her untied shoelaces while picking up a black cap that sat on the table.

"Until then, i'm afraid .....we're going to be saying our goodbyes. See you some other time, Marceline." - I waved, striding out of the set.

Armed with the black cap, i walked towards my car. Deftly avoiding the paparazzis camped outside the set with their flashing cameras.

"You're done with your scenes.....?" - Rachel walked up to me with a glass of lemonade in hand.

I hmm'ed in response, "Wrapped up my remaining scenes today." - I added, taking the chilled glass from her outstretched hands.

"Good job, lassy." - She patted my shoulders.

I chuckled - In just two years, the relationship between i and Rachel had changed a whole lot. Who'd believe she was still that picky, easily annoyed Rachel who walked around in tight skirts.

"I booked the earliest flight to Seattle. And it's scheduled for 10 am, also, i've had every of your things rounded up from the suite. And i had some important company files all packed up, especially the bidding proposal.... everything you asked for has been arranged and on standby."

I listened carefully to every word she said as she ran a race course through the details.

" Any news from the Professor ?" - I went straight into the car, trying to avoid the scorching sun.

"Ah.....i almost forgot that. The Professor asked to you once you were done with your shoot." - She slapped her hands on her head, possibly blaming her forgetfulness.

" Would you like to head there right away.....?"

" Yeah, since there's nothing else left on my itinerary."- I flashed a brief smile.

Rachel popped into the front passenger seat, exchanging a few words with the designated driver while i resigned into my seat, a soft sigh escaping my lips.