DreamInColour
© 2004
Braedon stared at the computer screen and
willed it to give her some answers. When none came she got up and went to fix
herself another cup of coffee. She looked around the little trailer that was
her office. It’s amazing what a couple of days will do to a person. She
couldn’t believe the amount of things that’d happened in the last two days,
least of all the fact that Orlando had made semi-residence in her bad books.
There was a soft knock on her trailer door. She
stared at it…it couldn’t be? Could it? Slowly she pushed open the door.
“Oh good this one is you.” Kate said with a
smile, turns out it couldn’t. “I was starting to wonder how many people I’d
have to meet before I found you.”
Smile Braedon you can do this. She put on a
smile to match that of the rather perfect looking blonde in front of her, “Well
it looks like you found me come on in.” She stepped aside reluctantly.
“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting your work,
Orli’s in the middle of some sort of romantic scene and frankly I don’t want to
see that. I’m sure you know what I mean.”
“Huh?” Braedon was confused for a minute, how
would she know about…oh yeah Kate thought she was dating Elijah. “Yeah, yeah
it’s not the most comfortable situation to be in.” Kind of like the fact that I
have a humongous crush on your boyfriend while I’m simultaneously pissed at
him.
Kate laughed, “I should talk I mean I’ve had to
do scenes like that too, it’s just difficult being the spectator. I have to
keep reminding myself its part of his job too.” She sighed.
Oh no I’m not becoming close to this woman I
refuse. Braedon shut her eyes and concentrated on breathing for a second then
opened them again, “Well you’re welcome to stay here as long as you’d like.
Have a seat.” She indicated the bench across from where her laptop sat. “Would
you like a drink?”
“Just a bottle of water if you have any.”
She passed the drink to Kate and sat across
from her, “I’m not the most interesting company while I’m working I’m afraid.”
Pulling a book out of her purse Kate smiled,
“It’s all right I can just read. I’m taking an independent psych class and I
have to get this read by the end of the week.”
That’s just great not only is the woman
gorgeous she’s intelligent too! Braedon was finding it damn difficult to not
like her.
Braedon’s phone rang a couple hours later,
“Hello?’
“Hey Braedon it’s Lij.”
She smiled, “Well hello have Dom and Jessie drove
you insane yet?” Jessie had decided to do some sight seeing while Braedon was
working and managed to convince Elijah and Dom to go with her.
“They are entertaining to say the least, I need
you here to make it even. I’m grossly out numbered now.”
“How can you be grossly out numbered?”
“Megan joined us.”
“Ah, of course she did, well I do apologise for
having to work, but I can’t challenge the uncle.”
“Okay fine, but will you at least rescue me for
dinner? Pretty please? I’m afraid I’ll need men in white coats if I’m going to
have to be around these three into the evening.”
“Since you put it that way how can I refuse?”
“Perfect I’ll pick you up at work at five.”
“Great I’ll see you then.” She hung up the
phone and shook her head. Go with the flow that’s what he’d said. So she was
doing that, only problem was she had no idea where this ‘flow’ was going.
“Can I ask you a question?” Shit, she’d almost
forgotten that Kate was there.
“Sure.”
“How do you handle being away from him for long
stretches of time?”
“Umm I, well you see…” Shit! How was she going
to answer this? “To be honest we haven’t been together long enough for that to
be an issue as of yet.”
“I see. Was it hard leaving him the first
time?” Why was she asking her these things??
Braedon gulped, “Yeah, yes of course it was.”
That sounded like a good answer.
“Well at least I’m not the only one.” Damnit,
here it comes.
“Is it difficult for you?” It seemed like the
question to ask, she couldn’t be heartless…could she?
Kate sighed, “I sometimes wonder why we’re
together at all. I mean don’t get me wrong he’s absolutely wonderful, but we
hardly see each other. And whenever we do we have to be so damn secretive about
it, it’s just frustrating.”
Damnit all to hell now she was feeling sorry
for the woman, “That’s got to be rough, the umm press, uh haven’t cared much
about me yet.”
“You’re lucky you aren’t an actress, because
when they finally do hear about you it’s not like they’ll imply you’re using
Lij to further your career. It’s like those vultures can’t fathom the idea that
I may be with the man cause I actually like him.”
“You had a career before dating Orlando didn’t
you?”
She nodded, “Yes, but it wasn’t that booming.
Now all of a sudden it seems people are calling me some sort of it girl and
giving the credit to my dating choice, it’s just annoying. I used to be ‘the
girl from Blue Crush’ now I’m ‘Orlando’s secret girlfriend.’”
“But it’s worth it isn’t it? I mean he’s worth
all of this isn’t he?”
Kate didn’t answer right away, “Oh, yes of
course it is. I just, you know I’m sorry I shouldn’t have dumped all this on
you, I mean I hardly know you.” She all of a sudden seemed nervous.
Instinctively Braedon reached across and patted
the woman’s arm, “Don’t apologise those are realistic feelings. I guess if it’s
all worth it when the good outweighs the bad right?”
Still not looking at her Kate nodded, “Right.
Yes of course, outweighs the bad, you’re right. Thanks.” She finally looked up,
“I didn’t intend to…”
“Don’t apologise again…” Braedon waved her
away, “It’s all good, really.” If this woman got more vulnerable not only would
Braedon have to like her she’d have to consider her a friend and that didn’t at
all work in her head. Damn Orlando for making her life complicated.
Damn me?
At the time yes.
“Really Braedon stop dominating the
conversation.” Elijah joked over dinner that night. He’d spent the better part
of twenty minutes talking about his day and was starting to wonder if she was
paying attention.
She smiled at him, “Sorry I was just trying to
put together the weirdness of my life in the last week.”
“What’s bugging you, maybe I can help.”
“It’s not that it’s bugging me really it’s just
weird. Kate spent some time in my trailer today.”
“She did? Why?”
“Needed a haven while Orli did some romantic
scenes.”
“You’re kidding!” He was incredulous, “How did
that conversation go?”
“Without betraying a confidence it was weird. I
think she assumed I could relate to some things because she thinks I’m dating
you. So she opened up. The only problem is I have no idea what she’s going
through and now I’m confused.”
“Ah…him shooting those scenes probably put her
in a weird headspace and you happened to be the person she could talk to at the
time. Don’t read too much into it.”
“What makes you think…”
“Come on Braedon I know you have a thing for
Orli, I don’t blame you he’s a great guy. Just don’t find too much hope because
she’s questioning their relationship.”
“Why would I be looking for hope? I don’t think
he’s a great guy he’s an egotistical…”
“Can we talk about something else?” Elijah cut
her off, “You know, maybe agree to disagree on this subject or something.”
“Sure.” She agreed, “I’m sick of talking about
him anyway. So tell me how long was it before Megan tried to get you alone
today?”
Might I interject that you weren’t alone in your
conflictions? I know I was a complete cad for not telling you about Kate and
leading you on, but it needs to be understood that I too was confused. There
was my girlfriend at the time, who is lovely and there was you, who got lovelier
every time I was near you.
Really?
Yes. I know it seemed at the time
like I didn’t give a damn till Kate left. I did, I just didn’t know what to do.
I’m not saying I was right I just had to explain that.
Thank you baby, now can we get on
with it?
By all means.
“Thank
you for dinner Braedon.” Elijah said as he dropped her off at her uncle’s.
“You’re welcome I guess. I’m sorry I wasn’t
better company.”
He laughed, “You apologise for a lot of things
you know that?”
She blushed, “I…well…I.”
“There’s no need to apologise to me for
anything okay?” He took her hand and squeezed it.
“Okay.” She agreed locking eyes with him.
“Umm…” She blinked, “I should get in there I’m sure Dom’s ready to go.”
He smiled nodding, “I’ll walk you to the door.”
He got out and made it to her side of the door as she got out.
“How gallant.” She laughed.
“I’m still working on that white knight thing.”
He grinned offering her his arm.
Once they got to the door she almost got it
open when she stopped, “Wait.” She said.
He looked at her funny, “What?”
Putting a hand on his shoulder she leaned in
and kissed him softly, “I had a lovely evening.” She said with a smile.
Regarding her for a minute he returned the
smile and leaned in to give her a kiss of his own, “I’m glad.” He said a few
minutes later.
She inhaled slowly then pushed the door open to
find Dom standing there with one foot up trying to get his shoe on. The door
collided with him and sent him sprawling on the floor. “Damnit Braedon!” He
called.
Jessie burst out laughing and pulled the man to
his feet, “Balance is not your friend is it?”
He pouted at her, “That last time wasn’t my
fault! And the time before wasn’t either cause you didn’t take the drink out of
my hand!”
“Technicalities.” Jessie grinned, “How was dinner?”
She asked.
“Good.” Elijah and Braedon said in unison.
“Apparently it was good.” She raised an eyebrow
at Dom.
“Apparently.” He agreed as he placed his other
shoe on. “See you tomorrow?” He said to Jessie.
“Yup, noon, here.”
“Right.” He saluted then grabbed Elijah’s arm,
“Take me home Elwood, or lose me forever.”
“You did not just quote Top Gun.” Elijah
groaned, “He just quoted Top Gun.” He looked at Braedon with a scared
expression.
She laughed, “Yes he did.” She held onto the
door as the two guys walked down the front walk, “See you.” She called then
shut it after them.
“Sooo.” Jessie said, “How was dinner?”
“You asked me that already.”
“I know, but now that he’s out of ear shot I
want the gory details.”
“What? Like how he ate his soup?”
“No! I want to know if he did anything else
with his mouth.”
Braedon blushed and starting walking to her
room, the one she was sharing with Jessie, “You mean like chew?” She was still
being elusive.
“You kissed him again didn’t you?” Jessie
caught on.
“Umm…I…uh…I mean…” Braedon sighed, “Yeah…but he
kissed me too.” She said as an afterthought.
“Well, well, well…isn’t this turning into a
wonderful soap opera?” Jessie grinned.
“Shut up.” Braedon mumbled.
It really was a down right soap opera.
Can’t help it love, drama seems to
follow me wherever I go.
Amen to that!
The next day Elijah stopped by Braedon’s
trailer with lunch. “I figured you’d be hungry.” He said as an explanation when
she asked what he was doing there.
“Well thank you.” She didn’t know what else to
say.
He smiled and kissed her quickly, “You’re
welcome. So has Kate been by to visit you today?”
She put a finger to her lips wondering why it
was they continued to do that. He seemed to be comfortable with it so she
didn’t say anything. Go with the flow. “Not yet, but I don’t think she will.
Orli has a half day so they’ll probably be together.”
“Ah.” He said with a nod, “Good then she won’t
try and eat our food.”
Braedon laughed, “And God forbid we share.”
“I don’t share, I’m a child actor.” He grinned
at her, “We never learned to share.”
“Well then how do you still manage to be so
sweet?”
“Practice for in front of the cameras…but you
don’t know what happens behind the scenes.” He joked.
“There are no cameras now my dear.” Braedon
teased.
“There aren’t? Damnit now I’ve wasted all my
good stuff.” He laughed then picked up a plate, “Here try this, it’s awesome.”
Orlando could distinctly hear them both
laughing as he walked by her trailer. He’d told Kate that he needed to pick
something up that he’d left in the make up trailer. He had been hoping he’d be
able to talk to Braedon, maybe explain why he’d been such a prick to her the
other night. It seemed though that she was slightly occupied. His mouth was set
in a grim line, ‘I guess they’re taking this dating thing seriously’ he
muttered to himself. Why did that bother him so much? Either way he wasn’t
about to apologise with an audience so he turned and headed back to where Kate
was waiting for him.
I really am sorry that you got the wrong impression
about Lij and myself.
I was what I wanted to see, it’s my
fault for not asking, besides you can’t blame me you did tend to kiss him a lot
then.
Only at that time though, it was
weird…all of a sudden that wasn’t a comfortable thing anymore. I’m not exactly
sure why that changed.
Me maybe?
Well you had something to do with
it, even though you were unattainable about out of my reach.
That’s only cause you left!
Getting ahead of ourselves now baby…
“I’m going to Scotland!” Jessie announced that
night.
“You’re what?” Braedon eyed her friend, “But
you just got here.”
“I know and it’s been fun but you’re working
all day and Dom told me today that he’s heading out there to visit Billy. When
he invited me to go with him I figured it’d be more entertaining then sitting
around your trailer waiting for your time.”
Braedon sighed, “I’m sorry I’ve been such a
shitty host.”
“Are you kidding me? Since I’ve been here I’ve
met and hung out with three hobbits and an elf not to mention been involved in
a very interesting soap opera that the general public has no knowledge of.”
Jessie laughed and put an arm around her friend, “You’re the best host out
there.”
“It doesn’t matter anyway I’m going home.”
Braedon mumbled into her hands.
“Excuse me what?”
“Uncle Keith asked me to go to Morocco with them
and I declined.” Braedon explained, “I’m leaving in ten days.”
“Huh, what? Why?”
“Jessie I’ve spent the majority of my time in
Spain sitting in a trailer staring at a computer screen. I can still do his
books from my laptop at home.”
“But what about Elijah?”
Braedon looked at Jessie with a strange
expression, “What about him? He’s leaving in a few days for some preliminary
meetings about a movie he’s doing in London. I’m actually going to visit him
for a few days after I leave here before I go all the way home to Winnipeg.”
“Have you told Orlando?”
“Why should I tell him? He’ll just notice that
I’m visiting Lij and imply that it’s because I orchestrated meeting him into my
devious plan.”
“Okay so you’re still bitter about that, aren’t
you going to at least talk to him?”
“No Jessie I’m not. If he wants to talk to me
he’s welcome to make the contact but I’m certainly not going out of my way to
give him more excuse to accuse me of using him.”
“I’m sure he’ll be upset that you just left.”
“He’s got Kate here till the end of this week.”
Braedon said defiantly, “He won’t even notice I’m gone.”
“He’ll do more than notice Braedon. He’ll miss
you.”
“I doubt it.” Deciding to change the subject so
smiled at her friend, “So explain to me all of this extra time you’ve been
spending with Dom.”
Jessie blushed, “It’s nothing, we just get
along is all.”
I was so shocked that you actually left.
I’m sorry but I didn’t think you’d
care.
To be honest with you at the time I
couldn’t have explained why I did care. Jessie was right though I missed you.
Seems a weird place to end this huh?
Everyone has at this point realizes that we finally get together.
Ah, but they don’t know how.
Exactly.