Trapped In Life

Becoming Kaitlyn (Part 1) - Back To Work

Walking on set two weeks later, I was met with a round of applause from the cast and crew bringing a blush to my cheeks. The studio and set were surrounded by extra security as well as a visible presence of the police. Nadine, the director, was more than happy to see me. She called me several times after I went home. Her concern was for my health, not her career.

Marc, the male lead, called several times as well. Marc’s concern was that of a friend. In the last two weeks, Marc even brought me some quinoa and brown rice. At the time, I was craving it. There was none in the house, but Kait apparently liked it too because it was on her kitchen list. This was good because it was one of my favorite foods.

I wondered about Kait’s relationship with these two. She worked on several films with both on several occasions, but it wasn't like they were the only ones she worked with. I’ve learned those who were close to her called her Kait. I do like the fact she was cared about by these two and others, but I wonder so many things about her life.

I found the list of those she thought cared about her who never contacted her after the accident more depressing. I’ve been reading her latest diary; however, I think I need to find her other diaries to read them in order. I've begun a list of those who I plan to start removing from her life, my life. I have enough things to worry about without dealing with false friends.

Marc was surprised I had no memory of anything before the accident. There was something of a smirk when I told him. It was like he was wondering how others would take this. This morning as we sat in the make-up room, he said “Hey Kait, how are you able to remember your lines so well but can’t remember what happened or anything before it? Do the doctors have any answers for you yet?”

Janna was finishing my lips so I had to wait to answer him. When she nodded to tell me I could talk, I said “No, the doctors don’t know what is going on with my memory. There is nothing of the accident or before it in my memory. As for my lines - Well, I’ve been working on my lines since I got home from the hospital so I could come back to work. Couldn’t have you losing your leading lady could I?”

Marc laughed as he stood for his bib to be removed. The last touches to his costume would be added now before we reported in front of the camera. He looked over at me. With a more serious tone, he said, “Are you going to be ok today?”

Janna was working on my hair now as my eyes move to look at Marc. I thought about it for a moment. Today we were filming the scene that was interrupted by the accident. There was some fear there. I mean, the police and at least three people at the studio believe it was an attempt to kill one of us or both of us. What they didn’t know is, it did kill Kait. Would it be tried again?

I swallowed thinking about what might happen if the person who tried to kill one of us tried again and succeeded this time. Taking a deep breath, I said “Yes, we have to do the scene. Probably best to pull the bandage off quickly. Plus with all the police here, anyone would be stupid to try something.”

Marc nodded as he walked over to stand in front of me. He leaned down as he said “Kait, I know you are nervous. If there is anything we all want is for you to be safe. I’m going to try to make sure nothing happens to you this time. You can trust me, ok?”

I swallowed while I nodded. Softly I said, “Yes, Marc, I trust you.”

“Good, I’m not going to let you down. I made a promise. I keep my promises.”

I nodded to him. It didn’t dawn on me until later he might have made a promise to someone else. I knew Marc held no romantic feelings for me, but was there someone who he knew who did? I can’t ask the questions sparked in my thoughts in the present company.

Nadine met me on the set as I arrived immediately saying “I promise you, we have taken extreme safety precautions. There is absolutely no danger to you or anyone else.”

Mr. Maitland stepped up to join us. While I was assuring Nadine I had complete faith in her and the crew, he walked with us. Finally, he spoke “I want to echo Nadine’s assurances. Our CEO also sends his regrets for you being injured. Mr. Massitri wants me to make sure you know, we have no intention of letting you or anyone else be hurt on our sets, Miss Dupre.”

I stopped as he said Jan’s name. I don’t know if it was knowing that the studio was now under his control or that he sent me a personal message through Mr. Maitland. His use of Kait’s name reminded me, Jan wouldn’t have any idea who I was. He couldn’t know I was Anara and not Kait. No one knew, but Death and I.

We started the scene they had been filming when Kait was killed. This time the scene went flawless on the first take. We finished the list of scenes we had on the chart for the day as well as several more due to the speed we were working. Nadine was so happy to have us working on these scenes to make up time that had been lost with Kait unable to film.

It was late when we finally left. When I walked out to my car, the driver smiled at me before opening the door. I still wasn’t able to drive due to the head injury. As she got back behind the wheel, I leaned forward saying “I’m sorry I know you told me, but can you tell me your name again?”

“It’s Alyshia,” she said with a smile. “It’s ok. Most people never bother to pay attention to names. It’s usually ‘Hey Driver…’ so I don’t mind reminding you if you want to know it.”

“Alyshia, I want to thank you so much for driving me not only from the hospital but to and from the studio. I really appreciate your help,” I said before sitting back to let her work. We actually talked the whole way back to my house. I was looking forward to seeing her the next morning when she picked me up to go to the studio again.

I was reminded of something a writer once told me when I was asking why my character had a name when I was first starting. I was playing a bit part which was just above extra level on the scale. He said that people are not numbers; they are not their professions; they are individuals who have lives and personalities. They deserve names and respect. I found in my life this was true in many ways as I applied it to those around me.

It was good to be back to work again. I only had one or two mess-ups when someone called me Kait that I didn’t answer them. Otherwise, I was getting used to hearing others call me Kait. I felt like it was a productive day. I went up to my bedroom to take a shower and change clothing. This was a hangover, but I believed almost every actor and actress did something similar when they got home to make the final transition back to their own lives. Perhaps it was others in their professions too.

I came out of the bathroom with a towel around my shoulders while I looked for the shirt I wanted. The khaki shorts had been easy to find, but there was a comfortable blue flowered shirt I had found in Kait’s clothing which I really wanted to wear. It reminded me of a shirt I once owned that made me feel comfortable and safe. Finally, I found it. Putting it on, I felt satisfied. I started to curl up on my bedroom sofa with a new script Kait had been sent.

After an hour or so, I heard thunder outside. I went to look out the window. I didn’t expect a thunderstorm. Then the lightning and thunder hit again almost together just outside the house. The next strike took the power out of the house. This was unusual. I never had power outages due to storms. I suddenly was suspicious.

I started looking for the flashlight I had seen in the bedside table drawer. I finally found it. I took it out and turned it on. It came on then almost immediately went out. I knew this was not good. I waited for my eyes to get used to the dark before I started out of the room into my hallway. There was the temptation to ask if there was someone there, but I knew that was not good to do.

There was a soft, deep voice from down the hall that said, “Come to the library, Anara.”