Wildest Dreams ~~~ H.S

38.

The radio plays softly as I drive my rental car to the set. It has been so long since the last time I drove a car, and let me tell you, I forgot what it was like. 

I sing along to the most iconic song known to man. If 'I'm Just Ken' wasn't the first thing that came to your mind, you are an uncultured swine. I roll down my windows a bit so I can feel the fresh air. 

I have always loved the fall. Even though it's when it starts to get cold and windy, it really prepares you for winter and staying in. Not to mention the fact that once it's fall, you know that you are nearing all of the best holidays like Christmas and New Years. New Years has got to be my favorite holiday. 

I know that it's weird that I like it the most, but it's so special to me. I remember when I was just a little girl. I would stay up until midnight with my friends, even if my parents told me not too. I would always make new year's resolutions and never complete them. I even remember always saying 'New year, new me'. It's now something that I say every time. I always think of the times when my sister would barge into my room and hang out with my friends and me. 

But the best memory of all was when Kelsey, Michael and I would hang out at our fort we built in my living room. We made sure that we could still see the tv in it so we could watch the ball drop. Hopefully I will be able to see it with them in person this year. Maybe I will even get my first New Year's kiss, who knows?

It also reminds me of when Kelsey and I would have our debriefing sessions after Michael flirted with me before we were dating.

Before I know it, I'm already at the set. I get out of my car and walk in. I feel slightly intimidated, but I don't want to show it. For some reason, something about this place feels different now. The hallways are still the light grey color, and everything is right where it was before in my dressing room. So why do I feel different?

I shrug it off and place my bag down on the little coffee table in front of the couch. "Hello!" I hear a soft voice say behind me, making me jump. It's Claire.

"Oh my gosh, Hey Claire! How are you?" I lean in to give her a short hug while she smiles at me.

"I'm great, thank you. And I saw you got your cast off, it must feel amazing!"  She tucks a stand of her auburn hair behind her ear. I notice how long her fingers are, and carefully the rings scattered across her fingers. She should be a hand model; she would be making lots of money.

"Yes, I'm so glad it's finally gone. I may still have this tiny boot thing, but its a huge improvement. It's like I don't have it on at all! And it's barely visible." I feel excitement run through me. Earlier I was nervous, but now I can't wait to get back to the one thing I love doing the most. 

A large smile sprawls across Claire's face and we walk out to the set so we can start blocking immediately. 

John's glance catches my attention, and he has a big grin. "Andrea, you made it! We're glad to have you back," The cast and crews heads shoot up to face me, and begin clapping loudly, like I just won an Oscar. I go along with it and curtsy, making John leet out a small chuckle. "Alright, now let's get going." 

We go through everything like it's back to normal. I didn't realize how much I missed this for the past two weeks. Including the small things, like the smell of fresh paint on the set, hearing some of Harry's crappy jokes, messing up on the script, sneezing while filming, and just eating lunch at the round tables nearby with the whole cast. 

This experience is more than I could ever ask for, and I'm so glad I have this opportunity. All thanks to 'Real Things', my first time I appeared on screen. It was a blockbuster movie, and after that, I went on to star in the Netflix series adaptation of the book, 'The Cruel Prince'. I am still trying to process the fact that I played Jude Duarte in the show. The book series was one of my favorite series when it came out. Which was surprising, because I don't really like to read as much. But if I find the right book, I love reading. The only problem is that it's hard for me to find a book that I will like. I'm so happy that I got to recreate something I love so much. 

I smile while I walk towards one of the lunch tables, still thinking about how lucky I am to even be here right now. "Welcome back," I look behind me to see John's legs. My eyes widen and I look up to see his face. "How are you feeling?" A soft smile takes over his face when I motion him to sit down next to me.

"Much better, thank you. But I'm really sorry for holding everything up for filming. I really wish none of that happened with Greta. She's a really nice person when she isn't taking out her anger from her family issues on anyone. So I just thought I should say sorry formally. I promise you nothing like it will happen again." It's not like I can actually keep that promise 100%, since anything that I can't be able to control can happen, but I will try anyway.

John places his hand on me reassuringly. "No need to apologize. It wasn't your fault that it happened, and it probably won't be your fault if it happens again. We also had no problem with catching up on some other scenes while you were gone. But it's great to hear that you are feeling better! Although make sure to not push it, we don't want you to go through this again or feel to much pain. If you need something or want to take a break, please let me know so we can help. Alright?" He lightly squeezes my shoulder a bit tighter than before.

It kind of feels good to know that John cares about me. Actually, he is probably more worried about delaying production. The corners of my slightly lips curl up. "Okay, I will. Thank you." He nods and pats my shoulder one more time before he gets up to talk with the others.

Author's note:

hey luvs! i missed you guys sm 😭 but i am back, and with a LONGER chapter for once (youre supposed to applaud me and be proud) anyway yes im sorry about the news of reducing handrea content, but there is still thanksgiving, which is literally right around the corner for them (sadly that will be the last handrea event that will happen for a bit) BUT i want you guys to know that i have more planned for the future, so please, PLEASE dont abandon this fanfic if you already got this far 😭 its just that the plot also needs to be recognized other than just handrea. and yes i KNOW you guys arent a fan of jandrea YET, but you might change your minds later! anywhoooo see you later luvs ❤️