It's Just Ann

Chapter 19 - Moving On

With a very awkward excuse, I leave Gareth because I'm afraid I won't be able to control my facial expression anymore, that the pain I'm feeling in my chest will be exposed and the humiliation will be too much to bear. I can cope with Jerry and his constant belittling, I can bear with the investors looking down on me with suspicious eyes and asking if an adult can join us. I can even cope with everyone else thinking I'm just a kid playing to be a grownup. I really can endure all those humiliations, but if Gareth sees I'm just a heartbroken girl because I've developed a one-side crush, then I don't think I'll be able to meet his eyes ever again.

As I walk away, I don't really know where to go and what to do with myself. No, it's not because it's been the hardest blow or because my heart is so broken I can't even put myself together. It's just because all the feelings are raw and I need a few seconds to collect myself, but whilst walking that part is a bit hard for me. But if I stop now Gareth will see me and wonder what's wrong. He might even come and ask if something happened so I need to pretend. I told him I was looking for Terry to discuss something about the upcoming production, which is a complete lie because we haven't reached that stage yet. However, I still need to find her and pretend like I really have something to say and then I can go hide until I can sort my thoughts out.

I luckily spot her without trying to hard and once I reach her, I just ask her how things are going. Anything to keep my mind busy and away from what just happened with the actor. Somehow, we end up talking about the film and her opinion on how things are looking so far.

"It's hard to tell," she says regarding the whole product. "The scenes they've shot so far are so scattered and in any order so I can't really see the whole product yet. But the bits and pieces I've seen are looking great and it makes me so excited for the final result." She smiles to give more positive attitude to her answer and I nod.

"Well, soon we'll finish with the shooting outdoors and move to the studios. There the film will take more shape and you'll be able to visualise it," I comment realising that time has actually flown by. We've been near six weeks but it seems we just arrived to Glencoe one week ago. "Are you enjoying the experience of taking part of the production?"

"Oh yes, very much so. I'm learning so much," she replies and I smile widely.

I'm about to make my next question when I notice Cece coming this way, with a bright and wide smile, waving happily. I give a small wave in return, focusing on Terry once again, but from the corner of my eye I manage to see Cece frowning and changing the joyful expression for a concerned one. He immediately breaks in a jog to arrive faster to my side.

"Ladies, happy to see you. How are you doing this fine day?" he asks when he finally reaches my side, his arm instinctively wraps around my shoulders, pulling me closely to his side. I kind of deflate next to him, even lowering my gaze and Cece hugs me tighter.

"Wonderful. We were just discussing the film," Terry replies cheerly, but I just need to look up for a second to notice she knows. She is aware something's up with me and she's just being polite, following me along this charade.

I'm not surprised a writer like her can pick up what's going on so fast and knows how to react. Instead of asking me what's wrong, she just kept answering. I suddenly feel so grateful towards her and I like her so much more.

"That's splendid, I'm sure you'll be happy with the product. My girl friend here is fighting her life to make the best adaptation out of your book, so have faith in her," Cece comments and I can't help the smile that comes to my lips when he utters those words.

"I do," Terry affirms with conviction and for a second I think I might burst out crying.

"Anyhow, I'll take this lady with me. We have secret business to discuss," Cece continues in a secretive tone that only makes Terry laugh. "See you around, miss author."