C6

He stopped walking and turned to look at Joe. “What situation?” He said in a cold voice.

“Um well,” Joe stuttered.

“Are you going to talk or what Joe?”

“Well, Tracy’s management called so she can’t make it this morning.”

He didn't know what to say. All he wanted to do right now was punch something or someone. To think that an amateur like her, who he was trying to put in the limelight would want to make such decisions, baffled him. “Why?”

Joe balanced the scripts on his hands. “She has a bit of constipation.”

Just a constipation and she want to take the whole morning. “Put her fucking manager on the phone.”

“Yes Sir,” Joe answered. Joe fumbled with the papers on his hands trying to free one hand as Alex handed him his phone.

Alex ran his hand through his hair angrily. She knew this was the concluding scene yet she had to cancel on him. The schedule for the next movie was already out, he didn't dare to ruin his plans, all because of a mere actress. Heck, he even have a meeting with one of his sponsors soon.

“It’s not reachable Sir,” Joe said quietly. Alex huffed running a hand through his hair in anger.

“Let’s do the other scenes then and hope her majesty decides to show up before i

I lose it.”

“Yes Sir,” Joe answered immediately running off. On the brighter side, after these few scenes he could get breakfast. Soon enough the movie crew was ready to roll. Alex took his place on his chair. He could see that the actors were trying to put in their best, but he wasn't just satisfied with the acting yet.

“Cut!” He shouted. Standing up, he walked to where the male lead actor was. “Jake I’m not feeling the emotions, you’re sure this is the best you can do?”

Jake was flustered. “Of course not.”

“Great. Do us both a favor, I want us to wrap this up, so give it your best shot so we can both be done with this scene.” Jake nodded his head and Alex patted his back. He took his place at his seat and signaled for them to start again. Jake started all over again.

“And cut”, Alex announced smiling. “Great job Jake. “Everyone take five”, he dismissed. He went over to check out the video for edits.

“This is good”, he told the video editor. After about 4 trials, they were finally done with this particular scene.

“Joe,” he called out to his assistant. “Yes Director.”

“Have you tried reaching Tracy again?” “They’re on their way already.”

“Good. Prep for the next scene so we can wrap this up already”. Joe nodded and left. He made his way to the make shift office they set up. He felt exhausted. He sat down taking a large gulp from this water bottle. He let his thoughts wander. But he couldn't just help thinking about the girl he left at home. He smirked remembering the look on her face when he emptied the contents of his cup earlier. He could visualize the outline of her face, the way her brows creased when in thought or how she kept

her lips in a thin line when she tried resisting the urge to talk back at him. He wouldn't lie, she was a very attractive person. He figured she would be in her early twenties or thereabout. She tried hiding her sexy body under loose clothings and jean. He smiled thinking about how damn beautiful her smile was. The moment he saw her walk through his door, she invaded his thoughts. But right now, the last thing he wanted was a relationship or anything close to one. Women were a distraction to him. Sure, he has his way with different women. I mean that’s the peck of being a director after all, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't just seem to picture her as someone he wanted to have fun with. “She’s here director,” Joe said distracting him from his line of thought.

“Let’s get started immediately then.”

He followed Joe quietly. He wasn't even angry anymore when he saw Tracy.

“I’m sorry, Director Alex,”Tracy apologized.

“It’s okay Tracy. I would’ve told you not to repeat this but there wouldn't be a next time considering this is the last scene”. “Right.” Tracy answered, her voice almost in a whisper.

“Alright then, we’ll start shooting in five”, Alex announced. Everyone rushed to do some last minute check. The costume crew took care of Tracy’s outfit and makeup. Soon enough everything was set and they were ready to begin shooting.

After about three hours of ‘cut’ and ‘let’s take it from the top’, they were finally done with the shooting. If he was completely honest, this was the one of the worst set of actors he has had to work with. He was glad the film was finally done and he wouldn't have to deal with them anymore. He treated the whole crew, casts included, to lunch, although it was getting late. “Congrats on the movie”, a crew member congratulated. He just nodded in reply, giving a tight smile. He was beyond exhausted and the last thing he needed right now were congratulatory speeches, since he still had so much to do.

“Hey Alex,” the producer Tim greeted. He turned to look at the

elderly man in his early fifties. Alex shook his hand firmly. “Tim.” “Finally done huh?”

“You don’t know how ecstatic I am.”

“At least I wouldn't get to hear you complain about my poor choice of casts.”

“I’ve still not forgiven you for that by the way.”

“You know you can’t keep grudges for long, it isn’t healthy.” Alex scoffed loudly. “Tim, you know I can do whatever I want to do.”

Tim laughed warmly patting Alex’s back, something he usually did while laughing. “I bet the movie would have high ratings, maybe then you would choose to let it go.”

“Still going to keep my fingers crossed if I were you.” They both laughed at the joke. They remained silent for a few moments, with Alex going through some paperwork.

“How long would you be here, let’s eat dinner later?” Tim invited.

Alex checked his watch, a little frown forming on his face. “I think I’ll be here longer than expected. I have to go through the editing with the editors.”

“Well then, I’ll have to go take care of the movie premiere arrangements.”

Alex replied absentmindedly. “Mmm hmm”. “I’ll give you a call later then”.

“No problem”.

Tim gave a small salute and left. Slowly, the place started getting deserted. Eventually the place got empty, the set completely cleared out except for Alex and the editing team.

Yawning, Alex stretched checking his watch. “Guys, I think we have to call it a day.”

The guys happily obliged, chorusing a yes. “You guys are good on your own right?” “Yeah,” they answered.

“Alright then,” Alex said, gathering his things in his bag. He patted the chief editor before leaving. By the time he got home it was already past 1 am. He made straight for the bed not bothering to take off any article of clothing.

He woke up the next morning to the sound of the door bell. Groaning, he covered himself with the duvet, making no move to get up from the bed. But the bell kept ringing. Annoyed, he flung the duvet aside. He checked the time on his phone. Rubbing his eyes, he dragged himself to answer the door.

He was greeted by no other but Kim, who seemed to be in a cheerful mood. “A very good morning to you Sir.”

He leaned on the door frame, eyeing her suspiciously. “Do you have any idea what the time is?

Kim checked her watched a little frown on her face. But she looked back up at him, a smile replacing the frown. “It’s just 6:43 am Sir.”

“And you don’t think it’s too early to wake me up from my sleep?”

“I’m terribly sorry about that, didn't realize you would still be having your beauty sleep,” she answered sarcastically. He folded his arms on his bare chest, his biceps flexed from the action. “You know I could fire you right now?”