Red Roses

He was outside as he smoked and left me alone with my thoughts. I wondered when he would let me leave? I hated it here. I wished someone would listen to me. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs but I felt mute. I wished someone would save me. I wished I could save myself. I always thought I was strong, but I was wrong. I'm not strong. I'm weak and helpless. The strength I thought I had was nothing but a lie. Hearing the door open, I braced myself. Maybe I would be lucky and he'd leave me be. I felt lips on mine and they're cold and slimy. Tasting like the cigarettes on him, I wanted to vomit. I just wanted this all to end.

"Can we go over the schedule?"

Hearing Will's voice, I'm brought back to the present.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I said can we go over the schedule?"

"Sure. Sorry about that. Let me pull it up real quick." I say as I look it up on my phone.

I go through the schedule with him.

"They should be starting on your hair and makeup within the next 30 minutes. After they finish filming the scene of Perseus and Chiron, you'll be on with Chiron and Marcelline. Once you're finished with that, you'll do a scene with just Perseus."

As I continue to go over the schedule, he finishes his cigarette and starts eating his breakfast. He seems a little disappointed by it. Did I get him the wrong thing? I need to find out what he likes. After all, it is my job to know these things.

"And that should be the end of your schedule for today."

"Ok, I'll be staying on set for the rest of the day. In case they can fit in another one of my scenes or need my help."

"Since I'll be gone after lunch, I'll go ahead and send you the schedule in case you forget anything."

"Alright."

"I'll have a little extra time before my appointment. Do you want me to check on Donner and Blitzen before I go?"

"NO!"

I flinch when he says that. Reminds me of him.

"... Okay, I won't. Just thought I'd put it out there."

"Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that," he says while lifting another cigarette.

"It's ok. You didn't mean to."

"It was unprofessional."

"So is leaving work halfway through the day, but you're letting me do that anyways."

"You have a reason, though."

"And I'm sure that a few moments ago you did too. We don't know much about each other but we'll learn. I don't know why you don't want me checking on Donner and Blitzen when you're not there, but it's your reason and I will respect that."

"Thank you."

Seeing that he's done with his breakfast, I take his trash and we head over to his trailer to get ready.

"Morning, Astra."

"Johnny, you sure are up bright and early! How'd your wife like the rose?"

"She loved it." He grumbles.

"See, aren't you glad I talked you into bringing it to her."

"Hmph, you didn't talk me into anything."

"Sure Johnny, whatever helps you sleep at night." I say with a laugh while walking backwards to keep up with Will.

Not paying attention, I step on the back of my pants and start to fall. Will catches me and sets me on my feet.

"Are you always this clumsy?"

"Only in heels and when there's someone strong enough to catch me."

He chokes when he hears those words. A blush creeps up his face and he starts to sputter.

"I—you! Listen here, just be more careful when you walk. I don't want Callista talent to have to pay you workers comp. It's hard to find a quality assistant these days."

"Are you saying I'm a good assistant?"

"I'm saying that you should be more careful and aware of your surroundings."

Oh Will, if only you knew just how aware of my surroundings I am.

"I'll be more careful in the future."

We make it to the hair and makeup. While he's getting ready, I go over the lines with him again to help him work on them. After a few minutes, we hear a knock on the door. When I open the door, we see that it's one of the guys from security. Leaning over the chair, Will starts to talk to him.

"Hey Frank, is everything ok?"

"I was told that there's an Astra Briana Cyrene with you?"

We both look concerned when he says that. Did something happen? Did he find me?

"That would be me. How can I help you?"

"It happened again."

"What did?"

"The same thing as yesterday. Your boyfriend sent you flowers and it's double what he sent last time"

"I don't have a boyfriend."

"Well, someone had better let him know that."

"I'm sorry. I'll talk to him."

"Lady you should give this guy a chance. He's serious about you."

"Frank, Astra isn't cheap. She won't sell out to some guy for a few hundred roses."

Turning to look at Will, his face is cold. Oh snap what line did we cross?

"I'm just saying. It's hard to find suitors like this nowadays so maybe she should give him a chance."

"And the last thing she needs is pressure to date some unknown guy. Please excuse us, Astra is on the clock and still has work to do."

"Alright, what do you want me to do with all these flowers?"

"Will, do you mind if he leaves them in front of the trailer for now? I'll try to get rid of them before I leave."

"Go ahead."

Following Frank out of the trailer my jaw hits the floor. And I thought that 500 roses was a lot. I see what feels like an endless amount of red roses. He hands me a card that looks like the one I got yesterday. I open it having a feeling I know who it's from.

Asteri Mou,

I heard you gave away the flowers I sent you yesterday. I'm sorry you didn't like them. I thought for sure you would. You used to, ever since that song about the yellow rose of Texas. I hope you enjoy the ones I sent you today.

Always yours,

Alexi

P.S. I look forward to hearing from you.

Oh he wants to hear from me. Alright, I'll let him hear from me alright.