Chapter 20: The Screening

[Chapter 20: The Screening]

Even though everyone in the screening room, including Jennifer Aniston who wasn't part of the film, knew the plot of Home Alone inside and out, the laughter kept rolling in waves as the story progressed -- especially during Kevin's pranks on the two bumbling robbers. Even someone like Jeffrey Hansen, a fifty-something old-timer, couldn't help but burst into hearty laughs.

As the hour and forty-minute film wrapped up, the final credits rolled, and everyone stood up together, applauding enthusiastically.

"I have to say, this movie is outstanding. Eric, I think I should congratulate you ahead of time," Jeffrey Hansen said, patting Eric on the shoulder serious-like.

"Thanks, Jeffrey, and thanks to everyone. I couldn't have pulled off Home Alone in this short time without your help," Eric replied gratefully.

After a bit of chatter and back-patting, people began to filter out, each with their own agendas. They had planned a small celebration, but seeing Eric's tired, unshaven face made everyone reconsider. They all knew he had exhausted himself over the past two weeks and needed a real rest.

...

Next up was securing the film's distribution. Coincidentally, tomorrow was the screening of 17 Again, and Eric figured it might be a chance to pitch Home Alone to 20th Century Fox for distribution. He believed that once the higher-ups at 20th Century Fox saw the film, they would back his distribution plan, even if it meant giving up a bit of the profit. After all, he didn't have much of a foundation yet.

Perhaps after 17 Again made its premiere, it would be easier to sell Home Alone, but by then, the New Year would have come and gone. As a Christmas comedy, releasing it at any other time of year just wouldn't work. He couldn't wait until the next year; having already put in so much effort, success was so close, and he didn't want to delay things for another year.

...

With only a temporary license, Aniston drove Eric's car back to his house. Eric put the film copies away, gave Aniston a quick shout, and then dove into bed, unwilling to open his eyes again.

Aniston had planned to suggest that Eric take a shower before sleeping, but seeing him already deep in sleep with clear signs of exhaustion, she could only sigh compassionately. She took off his clothes and shoes, carefully tucked him in with a blanket, and then turned to leave the bedroom.

Eric's house was swamped with dust after not being cleaned for over two weeks. Aniston rolled up her sleeves and started tidying up. In Friends, Rachel was a spoiled girl who wouldn't know how to do laundry even if a washing machine was right in front of her, but in reality, Aniston had quickly learned to fend for herself.

At the desk in the study, Aniston picked up a thick book on music theory and wiped the dust off the surface. Suddenly, a document slipped out from within the pages of the book. Curious, she picked it up and discovered it was a mortgage agreement.

...

Without knowing how much time had passed, he felt like Aniston asked if he wanted to eat around noon, but Eric, in a daze, turned her down, dozing off again. When he woke up, the room was pitch black.

He reached for the bedside lamp and turned it on, glancing at his watch -- it was past nine in the evening.

Aniston should've left by now, Eric thought as he dressed and walked out of the bedroom, vaguely hearing the sound of the television coming from the living room.

As he walked down the stairs, he saw Aniston curled up on the sofa, hugging a throw pillow while watching TV.

"Hey, Jenny, good evening," Eric said as he approached her, leaning down to give her cheek a light kiss.

"You're awake, Eric! Go take a shower; I'll whip up something to eat for you," Aniston replied.

Eric didn't notice the peculiar look on Aniston's face. After responding to her, he turned toward the bathroom, taking half an hour to wash up and shave off the stubble. When he emerged, he found Aniston back on the sofa, where a dinner she had prepared sat in front of her.

"Oh, Jenny, I'm impressed! You actually made fried rice. Mmm, it smells great," Eric said, taking a bite and praising it.

"You mentioned you liked it, so I learned how to make it," Aniston said with a smile, watching him devour the food patiently until she finally asked, "Eric, did you... mortgage your house?"

As Eric was about to return the dishes to the kitchen, he paused at Aniston's words, his head tilting in confusion. He hadn't told anyone about that -- how did she know?

"I found it while cleaning up your room; it fell out of a book," Aniston said, retrieving the document from under the coffee table, meeting Eric's puzzled gaze.

Realizing he had no choice, Eric set down the dishes and glanced at the document, nodding as he explained, "I still needed two hundred fifty thousand for funding Home Alone. So, I had to mortgage the house."

"That also includes the piano in your study, doesn't it?" Aniston asked, recalling how much he adored that Strauss grand piano from her visits to Eric's house.

Eric nodded again.

Aniston frowned slightly, "Eric, I think you're being rash. Even though everyone loved what they saw of Home Alone today, what if it flops? You could go bankrupt at any moment."

Eric moved to sit beside Aniston, wrapping his arms around her. "Don't worry, Jenny. Look, just a few months ago, I was nothing but a broke high school kid, and now I've published my own novel, written a script, starred as the lead, and now I'm producing a movie. How many people my age can say that? Even if it fails, I believe I can bounce back easily with my skills. We're still young; we have to give it our all, whether we succeed or fail. At least we'll have laughter and tears along the way. Otherwise, when we're old with graying hair, looking back at our lives with nothing but dullness and monotony -- like a shooting star that never leaves a bright trail -- it will be a regretful way to live."

"Oh, Eric, when you say things like that, you're just too... charming. I feel like you're trying to seduce me, you rascal." Aniston couldn't help but tilt her face up towards Eric, leaning in to kiss his lips.

Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, Eric kissed her back passionately.

Aniston felt the fervor in his touch and didn't stop him this time as she had in the car. Instead, she embraced him tightly, her cheeks flushing while her eyes squinted with delight.

...

The morning sun streamed across Aniston's face, and she instinctively turned away from the intrusive light. However, the motion accidentally snagged at a sore spot, causing her to blink awake in pain.

For a few moments, she felt confused until she recalled the events of the previous night, her cheeks turning slightly red as she thought about the guy who had made her feel so worn out. Turning her head to look around, she saw that she was alone in bed, which saddened her. What girl wouldn't want to wake up in the arms of a caring boyfriend?

Just as her feelings of melancholy started fermenting, Eric walked in, holding a tray. Seeing Aniston awake brought a smile to his face. "Hey, babe. Good morning."

Aniston pouted. "Not good at all, you jerk."

"Okay, I apologize. To make up for it, I spent an hour making you some delicious rib soup," he said, grinning.

"No way, I'm on a diet."

"Today's special circumstances mean you should forget about the diet for now. Come on, try it and see how it tastes!"

"Mmm, I haven't even brushed my teeth yet..."

Eric placed the tray on the nightstand, then tossed aside the covers, scooping Aniston up in his arms. "Her Highness is surely having a hard time moving; I'll carry you."

"Stop it," Aniston said playfully, only in Eric's oversized shirt. She pouted and allowed him to lift her from the bed.

...

After a cozy breakfast, because of her limited mobility, Aniston had to ask the convenience store owner for another day off. The owner had gotten used to such requests, knowing many starry-eyed young workers in Los Angeles often took time off to chase their dreams in film. He understood Aniston was one of those dreamers, so when she accepted the job, they had come to a mutual understanding.

After lounging around for a bit, Eric had to leave the house. Today was the screening of 17 Again, and he wanted to see if he could simultaneously secure distribution for Home Alone.

Around ten in the morning, the luxurious screening room of 20th Century Fox was filled with dozens of people, including staff from the distribution and publicity departments, as well as representatives from various film companies. James Brooks, the producer of 17 Again, and director Penny Marshall were in attendance, along with several unannounced lead actors.

Before the movie began, Eric approached James Brooks and Penny Marshall, hoping to get an introduction to the head of the distribution department at 20th Century Fox.

"Eric, you mean to tell me you want your low-budget film to be released during the Christmas season?" James Brooks said, surprised. He had heard from others that Eric had quickly completed his film after finishing 17 Again, but this was quicker than he anticipated.

"Yes, James, it's a really fun Christmas comedy. It's best shown during the holiday season; any other time just wouldn't work," Eric explained.

James Brooks felt a bit dismissive. Although Eric had surprised him on multiple occasions since they met, he didn't believe that this newcomer could make anything worthwhile in a comedy film. He could argue that Eric was talented as a writer and actor, but directing required years of experience, not just raw talent. Out of courtesy, he agreed to help with the introduction.

*****

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