Chapter 247: Coming and Going

[Chapter 247: Coming and Going]

After nearly 20 intense days of filming, Sleepless in Seattle finally wrapped up. However, Eric didn't have a moment to savor his time off, as the demands of filming Home Alone 2 were just about to ramp up. Although the narrative structure of the sequel mirrored that of the first film, it also introduced quite a few new elements. Most noteworthy was that, while the first film primarily took place in Kevin's family home, the sequel offered a richer storyline involving the Plaza Hotel and Central Park, among other plotlines where Kevin played tricks on two bumbling thieves.

"Are you really leaving so early?" Early that morning, as Eric stepped out of his hotel room, he spotted Elisabeth with a simple backpack, heading toward the hotel exit.

Upon hearing Eric's voice, Elisabeth paused and turned around, winking at him. "Do you want me to stay?"

"..."

Eric was momentarily at a loss for words. Initially, he had resisted Elisabeth joining the cast of Sleepless in Seattle, fearing that this young lady might lead to trouble. However, after spending a few weeks together -- despite their constant bickering -- Elisabeth had proven to be highly competent at her job. Although it hadn't even been a month, they had already developed a certain level of understanding.

After a brief silence, Eric shook his head and said, "Forget it. Even if I agreed, your father wouldn't let you stick around me."

A look of disappointment flickered in Elisabeth's eyes. She bit her lip and softly countered, "My dad doesn't control me."

Eric chuckled uneasily and asked, "So, are you planning to head back to Los Angeles?"

"You've got to be kidding. I live in Manhattan! Do you really think everyone in the world should live in Los Angeles?" Elisabeth teased Eric instinctively. Noticing Eric's mild embarrassment, she opened her mouth as if to say more, then quickly added, "I... I'm going back to school. Also, thanks for the material you provided me during this time."

"It was nothing, really. I just..." Eric started, but he quickly stopped short, realizing he was about to give too much away. What they referred to was actually Elisabeth's graduation thesis, which involved analyzing Eric's successful films. Eric simply relayed some retrospective analysis pieces he had stumbled upon in his past life, alongside some of his own thoughts and details from shooting.

Elisabeth waited a moment, sensing Eric had cut himself off, and she didn't press further. "I plan to finish my thesis before the end of the year and then start working on my first movie in early next year, aiming for a summer release. Will you have a film coming out then?"

Eric nodded. Although his pace wouldn't be quite as frantic next year, he had no intention of missing the summer slot.

"Let's compare box office numbers then," Elisabeth said, her competitive spirit causing her to blurt it out without thinking.

Eric instinctively wanted to say he'd let her win, but then he remembered that Elisabeth was making the highly acclaimed film The Silence of the Lambs, which had achieved enormous fame in his past life and undoubtedly had box office potential beyond $100 million.

Once Elisabeth voiced her challenge, she quickly realized it might have been too ambitious. She nervously adjusted her backpack strap and said, "Forget it, I'm sure I can't compete with you. So... goodbye."

Eric replied, "Goodbye. Um... how about I help you with your luggage?"

"No need, the bellboy already took it down. The taxi is waiting downstairs."

"Then I'll walk you down," Eric said as he followed Elisabeth to the elevator.

...

After watching a yellow cab drive away, Eric returned to the hotel and headed for the restaurant, where he crossed paths with Nicole, who was dressed in a fitted jacket and jeans.

"Eric, good morning."

"Good morning," Eric nodded at her. "Breakfast?"

"Yeah," Nicole said as she walked alongside Eric toward the restaurant.

They ordered breakfast and sat down at a table. Eric asked, "By the way, when are you leaving?"

Nicole feigned mild reproach. "You looked so reluctant when you saw off Murdoch's daughter, but now you're rushing me to leave?"

"Cut it out," Eric lightly scolded her. "You know that's not how I meant it."

Noticing Eric's less-than-enthusiastic mood, Nicole dropped the joking tone. "I haven't been back to Sydney in over six months. I plan to take this opportunity to go home and spend time with my family. When I'll return depends on the promo schedule for Sleepless in Seattle."

Eric suggested, "How about this: I'll ask them to let you come back after Thanksgiving?"

Nicole laughed and shook her head. "No need. Have you forgotten? Australia doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving. Plus, it's summer there, so even though Christmas is bustling, it lacks that festive aura. So it's no big deal if I miss it. I'll return on time according to the promotional schedule."

As they chatted over breakfast, Nicole quickly finished her simple meal. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, glanced around, leaned closer to Eric, and whispered, "I've got a flight tomorrow, and I'll be gone for a while. Can I come to your room tonight?"

Nicole's voice wasn't loud, but if anyone happened to be listening, they might overhear. Eric shot her a warning look, finally responding with a nod. "Be careful. Don't let anyone catch you."

Nicole smiled, mirroring Annie's sweet smile from Sleepless in Seattle. She had a good read on Eric's personality; although he was strong-willed, he wasn't harsh. Sometimes, she even enjoyed watching him look frustrated and helpless when he clearly knew she was teasing him.

...

During the last few days of filming Sleepless in Seattle, an assistant director began shooting some straightforward scenes for Home Alone 2, like aerial shots of Kevin ascending the Twin Towers or scenes of a taxi crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.

Thus, after Sleepless in Seattle wrapped the previous day, the crew had a day of rest. Despite that, Eric couldn't afford to relax even for a moment. He had to manage remote editing for Sleepless in Seattle while also checking and approving the footage shot for Home Alone 2 to determine what was usable and what needed reshoots.

The next day, Eric personally kicked off the filming of Home Alone 2, starting with the easier scenes in the Plaza Hotel.

"Stu, wait a sec. Walk from here directly to that spot, then stop this gentleman to ask for directions before continuing. Remember, don't walk too fast, got it?"

"Of course, Eric. Do you think I'm an idiot? This is so simple you have to keep reminding me," the young boy rolled his eyes, dressed in thick clothes, wearing a knit hat, and carrying a brown backpack as he stood next to Eric.

Seeing Eric's exasperated expression at the boy's comments, Donald Trump, who had come by to make a cameo, laughed and remarked to Stu, "What a funny little guy!"

"Alright, just remember that and head to the entrance. Let's get started," Eric instructed, then walked over to the monitor while using his radio to cue the extras scattered around the hallway to take their places.

This extended shot would be a piece of cake for Stu. With his acting skills, walking from the door down the hallway to the lobby would be no problem at all.

The real challenge lay with the cameraman and sound engineer.

This was a lengthy shot of over half a minute, and with no possibility of laying track, the cameraman, Nicole, had to carry the heavy camera, bending down to follow the boy's pace. Thus, despite it being just a simple walking scene, it required the coordination of at least five people: alongside the sound engineer and cameraman, several assistants had to work together to manage the cables connected to the microphone and camera.

"Nicole, are you ready?" Eric made his way to the hotel lobby, where the director's monitor was placed, continuing to confirm details with everyone via radio, receiving responses like "okay" in return.

...

As Eric approached the monitor, he caught a glimmer of golden hair peeking from behind it. He hurried closer to discover a little girl dressed in a pink children's raincoat, who was peering curiously at the director's monitor and various equipment.

The little girl looked about ten years old, slightly taller than Stu, with a beautiful pink cartoon hairpin in her golden hair. She had a lovely fringe, and her big eyes with long lashes blinked occasionally. Her delicate chin hinted at the makings of a future beauty.

Noticing Eric looking at her, the little girl merely glanced his way, continuing to fiddle with the equipment, while several surrounding crew members ignored her presence altogether.

What was going on? Had an unknown little girl inadvertently taken over his spot?

"Hey there, kiddo, who are you?" Eric took a couple of steps forward, blocking the little girl from reaching for a button on the monitor, while unable to resist the urge to pinch her chubby cheeks.

"Who are you?" she quickly dodged Eric's grasp, eyeing him suspiciously.

Eric chuckled and pointed to the seat behind her. "I'm supposed to be sitting there."

The little girl peered back at the seat, pouting dismissively. "Hmph, why not just say you're the director? Adults always like to beat around the bush."

"Alright, I'm Eric Williams. Can you tell me your name, little lady?" Eric extended his hand toward the girl.

She immediately took a step back, scrunching her face as if she had no intention of shaking hands, and pointed her chin up, clearly stating, "My name is Ivanka."

Eric raised his eyebrows. "Ivanka? Ivanka Trump?"

"Yep," the little girl nodded.

*****

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