It's Just Ann

chapter 23 - Friends Again

           My attitude has changed after that talk with Ella, and I have to be honest, I feel so much better. Avoiding Gareth was more painful than actually struggling with my feelings in front of him. As the blonde told me, these feelings are too beautiful to kill that fast. They make me happy, they make me fee l like it's spring every day. Sometimes I think I'm falling harder, sometimes I think I'm okay and with my feelings under control. But that doesn't really matter because now Gareth and I are spending more time together and I feel better. It's not like I spend all my time on set, I am still horribly busy with meetings, but when Im there I make sure to at least greet him.

Ariel is also often there, watching carefully and when I ask her how things are going, she always answers enthusiastically.

"I's so fun!" she usually replies. "I didn't think it'd be like this. And it helps loads to visualise things, so I can give a better feeling to the song. I'm doing the arrangements and I'm liking it even more now."

"Well, when you have it done let me hear it first, please. I can't wait any longer," I tease her and she smiles radiantly.

"Of course!"

I'm happy that she seems more at ease around me, able to laugh and answer without stuttering or blushing. I think it's because Cece is aways near and she feels protected with such a big man standing close, looking after her. I haven't seen her making up with Mare, and the only time I asked her about it she just looked really sad. I wish I could help, but that is not my call and I can't also try to fix my employees' lives.

Today in particular has been quite a difficult day. I can't even think of helping others and my head is actually anywhere.

There's a particular investor, the one that provided the largest investment for the production, who is giving me more trouble than usual. Donald O'Connors, CEO of DROC Inc., is giving me migraines. For some reason he's asking for all details and complaining a lot, rushing us to show him something concrete from the production, but we haven't even edited for a trailer or anything. We have all the raw material so we can't send him something definitive yet.

I honestly detest him. I regret working with him because as his company is the one that gave the most for Typhoon to happen he has the right to actually complain.

I wish Father hadn't picked him to work with us. I'd do so much better without him.

When I arrive to the set I'm drained and grumpy. I had a three hours meeting with Mr. O'Connors, so no, I can't really think of creating an opportunity for Ariel and Mare to make up. I can only think of the film and pray Jerry hasn't decided to only focus on the romance again and change more things than necessary.

I don't see Cece around but it's not like I actually look for him, I just take a quick look and then carry on. I don't really walk, I drag my feet to where all the crew is focused shooting.

"Ann!" someone calls and when I turn around I see Gareth coming my way.

My smile is automatic when I see him. A happy sight in a dreadful day. "Hi," I greet him but even I can notice my voice lacks the energy I always pour in it.

We've been working for months on this, of course I'm more exhausted than at the beginning, but this week in particular has been specially more difficult than any of the others.

"I was going to ask how you're doing but I don't think I need to," he comments, stopping once we are face to face. "You look exhausted."

"'Cos I am," I reply, heaving a very tired sigh, my shoulders rounding in exhausting. "I've had so many meetings lately and such a hard time. I swear I respect my father even more now."