CHAPTER 16 - RAMEN

By the time I reached my work area, I was seething with frustration and rage. I never imagined Eugene would have the audacity to pull such a stunt on me. My wrath was directed not at him for literally throwing me into the limelight but more for making me expect something. I envisioned so much and was too eager to do it with him, without even minding that my first time was going to be in a freaking cramped closet, and still he did this to me.

"Why do you look like you are about to murder someone?"

Kim came and settled beside me, a silk robe draping around his toned physique. The following scene was a gruesome act, and his outfit consisted solely of tattered shorts. Consequently, his body was on exhibit, and the gown did next to nothing to conceal it. However, Kim's torso didn't give me the same emotional responses that Eugene's less athletic body did. For heaven's sake, I had only seen the upper skin of his chest. I have had the privilege of working with a number of models and male actors and have seen an awful lot of masculine bodies during shoots, some of which didn't even have clothing on, and I have never been bothered like this before. To top it off, Eugene had a decent shirt on, which I badly wanted to rip off.

"Earth to River."

I raised my gaze from his gray silk robe to his inquisitive eyes as Kim snapped his fingers right in front of my face.

"Huh?"

"Wow, I have never seen you look so disoriented before. What's the matter with you?"

He inquired, his curiosity now laced with concern.

I shook my head, not wanting him to assume that something was wrong.

"Sleep problems. And may I know why you are here?"

I asked in hopes of getting his attention away from me. I was upset with myself as well as with Eugene, but I had to maintain my composure. The last thing I want is to cause more trouble for him. Wait, why was I thinking about that asshole again? He practically used me as bait.

"Carla and Aiden are engaged in a heated debate regarding female empowerment, and I don't intend on serving as a murder witness when the cops show up later."

I raised my eyebrows at his dramatization; nevertheless, I did understand his reasoning. Aiden believed that women were vulnerable and should not be overworked. Some girls might find it charming or gentlemanly, but Carla does not. She has worked her rear off to make it here and has gone through rigorous training for certain roles. And I was on team Carla. Yes, women and men are created differently, and there are several things that women can't do that men can. Men, on the other hand, cannot accomplish all that women do. However, Aiden doesn't agree on that.

And when I told him he should give birth then, he stated that it was God's will and that if he had a uterus, he would. I didn't dispute with him any longer, as I realized it was futile. And simply because I have my personal views doesn't mean I should expect him to share them.

Carla, however, was different from me. Aiden would undoubtedly face some strong competition.

"I'm hoping there won't be any casualties."

I commented, as a matter of fact, and Kim started laughing. I was grateful to have something other than a certain owner of brown eyes on my head, and I spent the next hour talking about irrelevant topics with Kim. I occasionally wondered if Eugene had emerged from his hiding spot or had remained there, but I lacked the courage to go and verify. And if he were still inside the cupboard, well, I guess it serves him right.

......

When Nathaniel finally decided to wrap things up, it was past noon, and I was ready to die, just like everybody else. The majority of us had not really slept in twenty hours, and it reflected on our faces.

"I am going to sleep like a log."

Clara muttered under her breath before bidding her goodbye and heading back to her residence. I also got out in front of her house, reassuring the driver that I could just walk back to my home. He seemed to be my father's age and had black bags underneath his eyes.

"You need to get some rest."

I reminded him while closing the front door, and he offered me a weary smile prior to driving off from the street. When a movie finally goes on display in a theater, it is the hard work of every individual who has worked behind it, not just the people whose names appear on the screen. The caterers, the helper guys, the transporters, the tea delivery people, the accommodation team, and so on. But only a few people have heard of them.

I kept skipping stones as I strolled towards my cottage and opened the fence, only to realize that it had already been ajar. I remember locking it yesterday. I glanced around but couldn't find anyone nearby. However, after examining my surroundings once more, I found a paper bag placed in front of my entryway and proceeded to walk towards it. I don't recall ordering anything.

I crouched beside the bag and uncovered it, the aroma of garlic and chicken flooding my nostrils. I had eaten nothing since this morning; therefore, the sight of a steaming pot of chicken soup and toasted bread made my mouth water. The contents also included a bottle of cranberry juice and a pasta salad.

A broad grin formed on my lips as I spotted a yellow post-it note stuck atop the soup container.

'I am sooo sorry. Please don't be upset with me.

PS: If it helps, it took me a little over an hour to make it out.

With guilt, Eugene'

Despite my exhaustion, I broke into fits of laughter. I usually hold grudges for a long time and am a very revengeful person, but I can not even stay mad at him for more than a few hours.

I collected the brown bags as well as the note and smiled my way into the house. My day just got a lot better.

......

I scarcely saw Eugene for the following three days since we were so intent on finishing the schedule on time. We would be relocating to the city by the end of the week, and there was so much to complete.

We took advantage of the performers' rest breaks to film the backdrop and other visual elements. I haven't enjoyed a proper meal in hours, which made things feel more hectic. My stomach was grumbling all the time, and there was never enough time to devour a hamburger before my phone started ringing or someone approached me with some work.

By the middle of the final day, I had practically run away from my assistant, Jake, and had slipped towards the production camp. It was packed with groups of people eating lunch, and the smell of food caused my stomach to growl once again. However, Eugene was nowhere to be seen.

I wandered to the backside of the tent and eventually located him there. He was perched on the concrete sidewalk, browsing through his phone alone. On his lap was a cup of noodles, and he held a pair of wooden chopsticks in one hand. He was oblivious to my presence.

Eugene literally shrieked in surprise as I abruptly seized the cup of ramen from his lap.

"Shit! What the hell, River?"

When I sat on the floor alongside him and snatched the chopsticks out of his hand, Eugene moaned in protest.

"I will take that."

Eugene looked surprised for a brief moment, but before I could get any instant noodles into my mouth, his hands darted out to retrieve the large cup from me.

"This belongs to me."

Eugene stated pointedly. I scowled and swatted his hand in order to keep it away from my precious food.

"Don't be a cheapskate. Just let me have this."

I whined, struggling to block his attempts to get the container.

"Why do you even want my leftovers? The catering unit is running 24/7. I am certain they have something for the Assistant Director."

He remarked without humor and tried to get past my strong shielding, ultimately succeeding. He snatched my cup and glared at me disapprovingly.

I pouted as I peered at him with puppy dog eyes.

"I haven't had a proper bite for ages. They keep calling me. Please. Just let me have some. Pretty please."

His eyes softened considerably, but they remained skeptical. He thinks I am pulling another trick. I can't blame him, though.

"Go to the kitchen. I saw them cooking lobster for you guys today."

Of course, the cuisine for the aristocracy was different.

"I don't have that much time. In fact, I don't even have the time to have this conversation. Just let me have some noodles, please."

Eugene stared at me for a few seconds, still unsure.

"If you give me that, I will forgive you for pushing me that day."

I saw his cheeks heating up, and he looked visibly embarrassed.

"I am sorry. I didn't have any other choice."

I took the chance to take the food from him and grinned widely.

"It's okay. Now, we are even."

I said and slurped the lengthy chewy goodness, savoring the flavor as I dug the chopsticks into the heavenly pot.

"Hmmmm.... It's really delicious."

I squealed as I continued to gobble up the rest. In addition to the noodles, there was half a boiled egg, and I assume he had the other half, some small sausages, and fish cakes. Only after three or four bites did I turn to look at him and find his attention fixed on me, his eyes dancing in amusement.

"What?"

I inquired, my mouth stuffed with food. He shook his head and handed me a tissue. That's when I noticed that the broth was all over my lips, and a few drops were even dripping towards my chin. I accepted the napkin and thanked him before wiping my face and resuming to chew.

My phone started ringing just as I was biting into the fish cake. It was lying on the pavement between us and must have dropped while we had been wrestling for the food. A muffled curse escaped my lips when I saw Varun's name flashing on the screen.

"Are you not going to answer?"

Eugene asked, eyeing the phone, and I shook my head sideways.

"No, just let it ring. He won't even let me have some food."

Soon enough, the phone went silent, and I made the most of the chance to wolf down some more food. Eugene passed me a can of Pepsi, which I drained immediately before cramming my cheeks again. I was almost done when my phone rang again, and this time it was Nathaniel.

"Shit. They must be in desperate need of my rescue. Here."

I grunted sarcastically and gave the cup back to Eugene before picking up the call.

"Where have you gone, kid? It's time for the next shoot."

"I'll be right there, old man."

I was already standing up and dusting my black pants to remove the dirt.

I turned back briefly and mouthed a 'thank you' to Eugene, who was still sitting on the pavement with the nearly empty container in his hand, before rushing to my work with a satisfied stomach and a faint smile.

...