Chapter 69
Frank must be getting into character for the scene, Barbara thought, explaining his distant behavior.
The camera crew adjusted their equipment while waiters served food to the two lead actors, Seraphina, and Barbara.
“Action!” Kemp called out, and filming began. The scene depicted the male lead’s first date with the female lead. It was a simple shoot. Catherine, a seasoned actress, performed flawlessly. Frank, though new to the industry, held his own impressively. They nailed the scene in a single take.
Seraphina, playing an extra, calmly ate her steak as the scene unfolded around her.
It wasn’t until the director yelled, “Cut!” that Seraphina noticed Barbara’s plate. More than half of her steak remained untouched. This was odd for someone who usually loved food as much as Barbara did.
“Barb, are you okay?” Seraphina nudged her friend, who seemed lost in thought.
Barbara snapped back to reality but didn’t respond to Seraphina Noticing Catherine and Frank had left, she stood up. “Sera. I should get going. Without another word, she grabbed her purse and headed out.
Seraphina was left speechless. What’s gotten into this girl? With a sigh, she picked up her own bag and hurried after
Barbara.
Meanwhile, Catherine and Frank had gone to touch up their makeup. They had another scene to shoot nearby.
Frank sat down in front of the makeup mirror. Just as the makeup artist raised the powder puff, Barbara’s face suddenly appeared in the reflection.
Frank glanced at her, giving a polite nod. His demeanor was strangely cold as if he didn’t know Barbara at all.
“Frank, do you not recognize me?” Barbara asked softly.
Frank was at a loss for words. After a moment’s thought, he offered an apologetic smile. I’m sorry. Have we met before?”
Barbara fell silent. His question cut deep. Surely, they’d met more than once that day. First, when his car splashed her with muddy water. Then, at the bar. Most importantly, he’d even driven her home. They’d said goodbye. Her face couldn’t be unfamiliar to him.
Barbara knew she was a bit chubby and no goddess, but she considered herself a sweet–looking girl. While she might not be as unforgettable as Seraphina, she didn’t think she was so forgettable that someone who’d talked to her wouldn’t remember her at all.
Frank’s distant demeanor left Barbara feeling cold inside. Yet the apologetic smile playing at the corners of his mouth seemed so genuine.
Barbara couldn’t really blame him for not remembering her. ‘Maybe I am just too ordinary! She figured,
For the first time, Barbara found herself doubting her appearance. “Good luck with your shoot. I won’t bother you anymore.” she said, forcing a smile as she backed away.
Thank you, Frank said politely.
Barbara bit her lip, remaining silent. This forced politeness was heartbreaking. She turned away dejectedly and headed for the restaurant’s exit. Seraphina called after her, “Barb!”
Barbara paused, then turned back to Semploy
with a downcast expression. “Sweetie, I’m heading home. Bye for now.”
Seraphina was stunned into silence. She couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to turn this normally cheerful girl
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into such a picture of disappointment
As Seraphina was about to go after her, Keimp called out, “Young lady.”
Seraphina had no choice but to stop. She turned to Kemp with a small smile. “Yes, Mr. Gissing?”
Kemp approached her, grinning. “I must say you looked quite natural on camera. You should really consider acting”
Seraphina smiled politely, “I appreciate that, but I don’t think I’m cut out for it,”
“No one’s born special. It’s all about hard work and dedication Kemp paused before asking. “By the way, I never caught your
name.”
I’m Seraphina Johnson”
“Johnson?” Kemp’s voice darkened as he recalled Thomas. “That troublemaker… Is he your brother?”
Seraphina was at a loss for words. She knew he was talking about Thomas. “He’s my younger brother, she finally admitted.
“It’s funny,” Kemp chuckled. “You’re so pleasant, but your brother. Well, he’s something else. I can’t figure out how the usually proud Lucia fell for him. Maybe she got tired of guys always agreeing with her. A rebel probably caught her interest for a change.
Kemp continued his analysis, mostly to himself. “But I don’t have high hopes for their relationship. They’re both stubborn. and proud. Sure, it’s all sweet now, but when they fight? Neither will back down.
Even if I hadn’t forced them to break up that day, they would’ve split up sooner or later anyway.”
Seraphina could only respond with a dry chuckle. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Kemp that he’d completely misread the situation. No need to embarrass him
“Are they still together?” Kemp asked out of the blue.
Seraphina was caught off guard. Those two? Together? Fat chance, she thought to herself.
“Honestly, I’m not sure,” she replied evasively, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Tommy’s actually away at a training camp in Kingsland.”
“Training camp?” Kemp’s interest was piqued. “What does he do
“He’s a forward for the Isle Champions, Seraphina explained. “He was recently selected for the national team to play in the World Cup
“A soccer player,” Kemp mused, nodding thoughtfully. “No wonder he’s all muscle and no brains. Explains his low emotional intelligence. But you’ve got a great personality. Very likable.
“Hey Sera, I’ve got a small film project that needs a supporting actress. Interested in giving it a shot?”
Seraphina fell silent. She couldn’t bring herself to make any commitments,
Kemp continued, “No pressure. Think it over and get back to me He handed Seraphina his business card.”
Thank you, Mr. Gissing,” Seraphina replied politely, accepting the card with both hands and tucking it into her purse.
Just as she was about to say goodbye, Kemp called out in surprise “Clarence!”
Seraphina was at a loss for words. ‘Clarence? she thought to herself.
Just as Seraphina was about to turn around, a cool presence seed beside her, bringing with i
with it a faint scent of mint,
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It was indeed Clarence.
But why is he here? I never told him I was working as an extra. Seraphina wondered.
Seraphina snuck a glance at Clarence. But Clarence was already greeting Kemp. “Hey,” he said casually.
“Clarence, what brings you here? Not too busy today?” Kemp asked, clearly pleased.
“He’s here to visit me on set. Catherine chimed in.
Seraphina was once again rendered speechless.
As Catherine spoke, her eyes flickered briefly over to Seraphina. There was a hint of smugness lurking beneath her smile.
She strode over in her high heels, beaming at Clarence. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds. With her freshly touched–up makeup, she looked even more radiant.
Without hesitation, she slipped her arm through Clarence’s, acting very close. “Hey, Clarry. You didn’t reply to my text. I thought you were too busy to come. Have you eaten? Let’s grab lunch together. She kept her eyes on Clarence the whole time, completely ignoring Seraphina beside him.
“So you’re the one who invited Clarence, Kemp said with a chuckle. “I thought he’d come on his own. Well, since you’re here, join us for lunch. Frank’s here too.”
Clarence slightly looked up. Frank caught Clarence’s eye in the mirror and gave a quick wave.
They got along well, so Clarence nodded. “Sure.”
