Rocket Science PT. II

Two steps away from my door something stopped me from entering.
“Wait…” running he blocked me from my door. “Night?”
“Remember when we were walking out of the van. Remember how dark it was? That darkness was a cause of nighttime.” I glared at him hoping it would telepathically move him.
“Haha,” he gave a sarcastic laugh. “You’re funny. No, what I meant was you’re going to bed?”
“It is eleven, and I’m tired.” His face showed no understanding of what I was saying. “Soooo… to answer you’re question I am going to sleep. ” This time I tried a more forceful tactic. Pushing him aside I had my key card in hand and opened the door. “Good…Ni…” before I finished the final word the door slammed. Walking away from the door, I felt… guilty. His persistence, thinking back on it, was not irritating but was somewhat… romantic. I should at least give him a chance. Opening my door, I searched for Reece. The search wasn’t long lived. Reece was pushing the door to his room open. His room was about a door away from mine. “Hey,” I tried to get his attention. The only response I heard was the sound of his door slam. Shoot. Hoping that he didn’t hear me, I went to him. Closing my door behind me I walked the hall to his room. Knock knock… For some reason I was nervous. Standing outside of his door, I anticipated his arrival. Ten seconds later he appeared. “Hello?” He seemed groggy.
“Hey.” I couldn’t help but notice his pajamas. They were so funky and cute. He had plaid pants that fell to the floor. Accompanied by a grey t-shirt that said the male gives birth. “You going to bed already?” He laughed and yawned at the same time. Very cute.
“Well, do you know what time it is?” His voice reeked of sarcasm. “So why are you up?”
“Well, I was going to bed and I couldn’t stop thinking.”
“About…”
“Well, I guess, about you.” He woke up when he heard this.
“Oh really? Well than, come on in.” He opened the door and gestured me into his room. Seeing no harm in this, I entered. The first thing I noticed was his clothes. They were all over the place. Next to his bed was an empty suitcase. I found it amazing how all those clothes could have once been stuffed in one suitcase. His script was opened on his desk. “So what exactly where you thinking about?”
“So what part are you on?” I walked to his desk and took a seat in his chair, completely ignoring his question.
“Part?” Looking over at me holding the script he understood. “Hal and Ben just entered the auditorium and Ginny glared and walked out. Fricken hate that Ginny. She can be so dickhead.” I laughed.
“So what do you think of it?”
“I love it. Its really insightful. Jeff mastered the theme of not be heard by using a boy who stuttered. It all just meant something. Its not just one of those crappy movies that get two stars and feature Ben Stiller or something.”
“Wow.” I was truly amazed by his insight. It made him seem so intellectual.
“Yeah. I came really close to the end but then Jeff called. He made me leave the script to meet someone.” Putting background clues together I figured out who that someone was.
“Me. I brought you away from finishing it?” He smiled.
“You could say that.”
“Well… I don’t want to keep you from finishing any longer. I’ll let you go.” I smiled and stood from the desk chair. Walking to the door his arm swung to halt me.
“Don’t think you’re getting away that easily.” He laughed, while I walked to the chair and sat back into the seat. “I’ll finish later.” He closed the script that still lied on his desk. “So you were thinking of me?”
“About how stupid you were tonight.” I stood up from the chair. “I’ve been shot.” I mocked his actions of dying. Holding my chest and I stumbled to his bed and fell onto it. I laughed hysterically.
“Stupid, or adorable?” He fell onto the bed beside me. I looked over at him.
“Stupid.” Lifting my hand I tossed his hair. “Nah. You’re cool in my book.”
“My goal in life.” He sounded tired.
“Tired?” He refused to answer this question honestly, shaking his head no. “If you are I can go.”
“Hold it.” He got up from the bed and head to the mini fridge by the bathroom door. As I sat up, I saw him pull out a soda. “Caffeine good to keep me up.” I shook my head and fell back down. “Want?”
“I’m good.” I honestly didn’t feel tired. The adrenaline of being with Reece was keeping me awake.
“So how far did you get in the script?” His voice came over from the desk.
“Janitor closet scene.”
“Now that is a good scene.” He laughed. “So are you playing Ginny?”
“Yeah. So I am really curious to see who Hal is.” He started to laugh. I didn’t get the joke. “Hahaha?”
“Hal.”
“You’ve met him.” I sat up intrigued. Now he was laughing hysterically. He nodded through the laughter. “Is he ugly or something?” His laughing was cut to a minimum.
“No way. He is very handsome. And smart. You’ll love him no doubt.”
“The way you describe him you are either gay or…” it finally dawned on me, “you. You’re Hal.” He smiled widely and smoothly moved towards me.
“Yup, and you should consider your self lucky to be making out with me.” His eyebrows raised and eyes wide, all I wanted to do was slap him. Although for some reason I couldn’t. Instead I just stood up and moved to the desk chair.
“New topic.” I was beyond embarrassed about thinking of Reece and I kissing. For some reason I think I felt embarrassed because I did somewhat feel lucky. Or at least I felt like I lucked out, Reece being somewhat cute and all.
“Well what’s on tv?” He reached for the remote on the bed stand. Flipping through the channels he couldn’t seem to decide on one. He threw me the remote. “You chose.” I took this as an invite to stay longer. Rolling my eyes I searched for something.
“Omg.” You’ve Got Mail was on. Flipping to that channel I could feel Reece looking at me. “You’ve Got Mail is on.” He looked stupidly at me. “Meg Ryan? Tom Hanks? Ring any bells?” He shook his head. “ Omg I can’t believe you have never seen this movie.”
“I can’t believe you have.”
“Not only have I seen this, but I’ve memorized it. Now this is a classic romantic film.”
“Or in other words a chick flick.”
“Ugh. Pshovanist male.” He laughed.
“Is that you’re favorite word?” I rolled my eyes, trying to keep from smiling.
Walking to the desk he got his soda and drank.
“Well if I’m going to watch this all night I’m going to need as much caffeine as I can get.” He smiled. The movie had just started so we were ensured for at least two more hours of each others company.
Through out the movie I would recite lines and Reece would tease the movie and me. The final scene rolled, and my eyes welled up in awe of this beautiful movie.
“You actually like these movies?” He asked.
“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t see the point. Its not realistic at all.”
“Don’t say that.” I threatened to hit him. “Who says I won’t be able to meet a guy as perfect as Joe fox.”
“Well I’m not saying that. I mean I’m right here.” Laughing I walked from the desk chair I sat in the entire movie to the door. “No I just think you shouldn’t have such high expectations of how you’re going to meet this perfect person.”
“Fine. You may have you’re opinions. It won’t affect mine, but…” I laughed. Since the movie was over I felt that I should escort myself out. But some part of me didn’t want to leave. “Ok, its 1, and I‘m leaving.”
“You’re tired already?”
“Nah. But I know if I stay here I won’t go to sleep, like…ever. And I think I… we both are going to need rest for whatever tomorrow brings.” I opened the door and got about half through, when…
“Sleep is lame. Which I guess in point makes you lame. But whatever…” He laughed quietly.
“I am so not lame.” I came inside the room once again and partially closed the door.
“Fine.” It was funny. Standing there I was given the green light to leave, but I didn’t want to. For some reason I wanted to stay and watch movies with him. So that’s what I decided to do.
“Fine, I‘ll stay.” I tried to pretend that I was only staying because he was asking me. Not that he was actually asking me though. “ But I get to sit on the bed this time.” I laughed and walked to the bed. I don’t think he understood that I wanted the bed for myself. “That means you get the chair.” I pushed him off the bed.
“You know I am not making you stay.” I nodded, rolled my eyes, and laughed all at the same time. “Whatever,” he spoke sarcastically. Instead of the chair he laid on the floor. I guess the carpeted ground seemed more comfortable than the desk chair.
That night we watched two more movies. Clueless and Ferris Buller’s Day Off . The last movie is what consequently caused me to fall asleep.
I was half awake, but didn’t feel like opening my eyes. It just felt like another lazy morning at home. Except crap, I wasn’t at home. Opening my eyes I looked down on the ground to see Reece sleeping like a rock. I tried to remember why I wasn’t in my room. I could figure this all out later. For the moment all I knew was that I need to haul ass out of there. Trying to be quiet and fast I hurried out of there. Quietly I opened the door and snuck out. The moment I was outside I ran to my door and tried to go in. Frick. I didn’t have my keycard. Feeling like an idiot I hit my head against the door and fell to the ground. Sitting in the fetal position, I heard someone’s door open. Looking to see who it was I was relieved to see Blitz.
“Good morning?” He looked at me quizzically.
“I can explain this.” I tried to think fast for a reason as to why I didn’t sleep in my room, but instead I slept in Reece’s room.
“No need to explain. You woke up and stepped outside and the door slammed behind you.” I liked his story a lot more than mine.
“SO embarrassing.” I smiled.
“Well then I guess it’s a good thing they make two of these.” He entered his room and came back out with a keycard. Passing it to me, I thanked him and entered my room. It felt weird, being in my room. I hadn’t spent much time in it.
Having stayed up ‘til about five, I was beat. I decided to jump back into bed.
Two hours later I woke up feeling well rested. Sitting up I looked at my clock that read 9:00. Might as well get up, I thought. Getting out of bed I heard a knock at the door. Hoping not to see Reece, I was happy to see Nick at my door.
“Morning sunshine.” He smiled and walked into my room. He looked me up and down and laughed. I think he noticed that I was still wearing my pajamas. “Nice orange boxers.” His laugh sounded sweet, even if it was laughter meant to torment me.
“Shut up.” I stood standing as he made his way to my bed and sat down. “Can I help you with something?”
“Well, I was just going to see if you wanted to come eat breakfast with the group.” He took another look at me in my pj’s. “But seeing you’re attire, I see that you aren’t exactly ready.” He laughed.
“Nah. I’ll catch up with you guys later though.”
“Alright. Catch you later.” He did a 180 and headed out the door.
I spent about 30 minuets getting ready for the day. 20 of those minuets I spent thinking of Nick and his perfect smile. The other 10 I thought of what to wear to impress him.
Leaving my room at around 9:30, I saw everyone sitting on the couches in the lobby. They all had their scripts in hand and there was random food snack packages scattered on the table. They all sat still and quiet, and no one seemed to notice me when I entered. It was a serene moment and I didn’t want to break that. So sliding my script from my messenger tote, I took a seat on the floor next behind the couch. Facing opposite direction of everyone allowed me more focus on reading. The silence lasted enough time for me to just finish the script.
“So,” Blitz opened up the conversation. “What do you guys think of it?” No one responded. The thick silence was so intense. I knew that Blitz was probably really interested in our thoughts, so I decided to open.
“I thought it was amazing.” I didn’t peek my head from behind the couch. Instead I just let my voice travel over the couch to Blitz. “It was way insane in the membrane.”
“Insane?” I couldn’t see his face, but I could tell by his voice that he was worried by this remark.
“Don’t worry. Insane in the membrane is a good thing.” I smiled knowing no one could see me. “The way you used a boy who stuttered to get across the message of not being heard was mind-boggling. You could tell this will be a good movie.” Then I said something that I knew would catch Reece’s attention. “It all meant something. Its not one of those crappy two star movies that star Ben Stiller.” Everyone laughed, but I knew that one person would not be laughing.
“Well thank you.” Blitz sounded content with my answer. My one response seemed to open up the floor for discussion. I sat back listening to the responses flooding out.
“Dude your writing is the shiz,” Aaron spoke trying to be all gangster. This wasn’t the first time I was seeing his Asian gangster side. In the car ride back to the studio, while he was talking about his girlfriend, he said something like “gangster for life.” I looked up from behind the couch at Aaron. Looking at him with his black beanie placed carelessly on his head, his plaid shirt he wore open showing a plain white tee, and his black converse shoes. He dressed more punk rock than gangster, but who am I to tell him who he is?
“I thought the scenes between the brothers were intense. They felt realistic. The dialogue showed brotherly rivalry and yet they loved each other,” Vincent spoke with a smile. He seemed like a real standup guy. He was quiet and shy, but I hoped that within the nine months we would get to know each other.
“The ideas behind the screen play are complex. It shows the true Bohemian style of indie films.” Blitz sounded super smart. He was really brainy and his witty banter was remarkable. It was funny, that even though he was older than all of us, he wasn’t a father figure person to us. He was that cool older brother who made us laugh. “So, today we are going to be meeting more cast members. Right on.” That made me laugh. “ ‘Til then the time is yours.” Though Blitz had dismissed us, no one left from their seats. “Liv?”
“Yes sir,” I replied still behind the couch. Not even Blitz could make me move from behind the unbelievably comfortable back of the couch.
“Food is in the kitchen area if your hungry. Everyone else has eaten so its all yours.” I imagined an empty fridge with a carton of spoiled milk sitting outside on the counter.
“Thanks.” I tried to sound sincere through my tiredness. Footsteps began to shake up the floor. Guessing that people were leaving, I decided to just stay where I was at for a little longer. Staring at my script placed on my lap I started to dose off. My eyes were closed for one second, when…
“Sup?” I could recognize that gangster tone anywhere.
“Hey Aaron.” I opened my eyes to see his torso floating above me.
“So you in need of major energy?” I smiled and nodded my head. “Legal addictive stimulants in the kitchen. You want?”
“Sure.” I placed my script back in my tote, placing it over my shoulder I stood up. He laughed and stared at me.
“Olivia Montgomery.”
“Aaron…” I looked blankly at him. “What is your last name?”
“You.” He smiled wide, making his eyes tinier than they already were.
“What about me?”
“No, you.”
“I know my last name, what is yours?”
“Dude, its you.”
“The same as mine.” We walked into the kitchen area. “Your last name is Montgomery?”
“Y…”
“Why do I want to know?”
“Okay,” he sounded somewhat irritated. “My last name is Yoo.” I began to say something but he shut me up by continuing to speak. “ It is spelt Y…O…O.” I felt like a retard. I could tell he was annoyed, but I didn’t think it was an I’m sorry moment, so I made a joke to lighten the mood.
“You must get teased a hell of a lot.” He smiled and nodded. “You know that song, Soulja Boy? How does it start? YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUU.” He started to laugh. Walking to the coffee pot, I searched for a cup.
“You’re not the first to use that joke.”
“Damn and I thought I was original.” The laughter began to uproar. As I began to pour some coffee we were added one more person in the mix.
“What’s goin’ up in here?” Vincent greeted us.
“Sup bro?” Aaron took a seat in one of the chairs tucked into the round table in the middle of the kitchen.
“I could hear you guys from in the lobby. What’s so funny in here?” I walked with my coffee to the round table and took a seat next to Aaron.
“Yoooouuuu.” I tried to enter myself in the conversation.
“Me?” He smiled, still standing by the door.
“Inside joke.” Vincent came to the round table sitting across from Aaron and me. Aaron and Vincent began to talk amongst themselves. I sat listening and drinking my coffee. I stared at the original interior design of the kitchen. The bright orange table we were sitting at, was accompanied by bright neon chairs all different colors. Two purple, two pink, and two yellow. The beige wall color didn’t match the slightest to the red appliances within. A red toaster, microwave oven, toaster oven, blender, and even a big red fridge. I found it an eyesore. But then again I am a fan of Martha Stewart.
“ You in?” Vincent asked me. I was so busy criticizing the kitchen in my head, that I fazed out the entire conversation going on in front of me. Shrugging my shoulders, he smiled and clued me in on what I missed. “The mini mall, were going to go check it out. You wanna come?” I didn’t want to sound anti-social, but I was extremely tired so I decided not to go. Shaking my head I explained how I didn’t get much sleep last night and how I didn’t want to weigh them with my fatigue. “ Catch ya later.” They left the kitchen area, leaving me alone in this interior design hell. Slowly I finished drinking my coffee. I liked the quiet environment. I knew that I wouldn’t be spending a lot of quiet time alone when the filming starts.
Minuets flew by, and I had no idea of the time. I stared at the empty cup deciding if I should have another cup. “Nah,” I spoke aloud to myself. I do that sometimes. Just randomly I talk to myself. I know its weird, but I am pretty positive that almost everyone does that.
In the background I could hear a familiar song. Dun dunna dun dunna dun dunna dunna dun dun.
I totally forgot the songs title or the artist, but I know it. I decided to figure out where the music was coming from. Throwing the Styrofoam cup away I walked from the kitchen to the lobby. Walking in I found Blitz jamming out on a faux guitar staring intensely at the TV screen. It was the first time I had noticed the TV in the sea of couches. Dun dunna dun dunna dun dun… the music continued to play from the tiny speakers of the TV screen. Walking in I found a seat next to Nick on one of the couches facing the screen.
“Dammit,” Blitz yelled at the screen as a irking sound came out. The screen showed him trying, but failing, to click on round colored circles. “Crap, I suck.” He seemed to be laughing through his irritated expression. Three minuets of deep concentration on hitting the dots, and the song finished. “Hell yeah, 85%.” He was so childish it made me laugh. “Who’s next?”
“How ’bout you?” Nick turned to me. It was just Blitz, Nick, and I. Since the number of people seeing me in my moment of embarrassment was limited, I agreed. Rolling my eyes I walked up to Blitz and took the faux guitar.
“So how do I play?” I spoke to no one in particular.
“You’ve never played guitar hero?” Nick mocked me. Shaking my head he got up from the couch and took the guitar from me. He showed me the buttons to press and when I should use them. He introduced me to this device called a “whammy bar” to use when there are long notes. “So what song do you want?” He helped put the strap over my head falling carelessly on my shoulder. Staring at the play list of songs I found one. Clicking the green button the song began to play.
“I see a red door and I want it painted black…” Red, green, yellow, green, green… I could barely enjoy the lyrics of the song I was focusing on when to press what. Song only lasted 30 seconds. By that point the computer generated audience had “booed” me off stage. The word FAILURE came across the screen.
“Dude, you failed on easy.” Blitz seemed to enjoy my defeat. I turned to him and stuck out my tongue. He just wanted to be one of the teenage boys, then so be it. I turned to Nick, who also seemed to enjoy my failing attempt. He stood up laughing his way to me.
“Hint, ignore the lyrics all together. They’ll just throw you off.” Ignore the lyrics…ignore the lyrics… I kept saying this in my head. “Ready?” He smiled at me. I wanted to say with that smile I can do anything.” But I didn’t, I nodded my head instead. Pressing the green button again the song began to play. Ignore the lyrics…
The song began to play, but I didn’t hear the voice of Mick Jagger. All I could notice were the dots flying by. The song finished what seemed like a lifetime later. 84%. “Sweet,” I shouted to the screen. Nothing could fade my wide smile. Turning around I saw Blitz and Nick sitting on the couch nearest to the TV. A soft sound of clapping arose between the two. It was soon joined by another clap, then another, then another. Making a complete 180, I found three extra people who watched my performance. Extremely embarrassed, I felt my checks getting hot. I rolled my hand through my hair, like I do most times when I’m humiliated. Trying to smile through my mortified expression I turned to the unknown crowd, “Hello.”
“Hello,” the woman sitting on the couch greeted me. There was a girl around my age, and a boy not much younger sitting on the couch beside the woman. They greeted me with a head nod.
“Perfect time for introductions,” Blitz stood from his seat. “Liv this is Margo Martindale, Margo this is Olivia Montgomery.” She smiled politely. “Next is Emily Ginnona, and Josh Kay.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I tried to sound friendly. “Too bad it wasn’t my finest moment.” The three of them let out forced laughter.
“84%, that’s pretty impressive,” Emily tried to sooth my uncomfortable feeling.
“It was a hard song too,” Josh found his way into the conversation. “I’m sure you’d stink less on an easier song… that came out wrong.” He dropped his head. I tried not to laugh, but let a tiny one slip.
“Thanks… don’t worry I know I suck that much.” They gave me true laughter for this comment. “So, next?” I looked into the crowd. No one seemed to jump for the chance. “Well, I would love another turn, but…”
“But…” Nick made a sarcastic quizzical look. I glared at him trying not to smile.
“But, I thought Nick would want to show off.” I shoved the guitar into his chest.
“How did you know?” Strapping the guitar over his shoulder he smiled. Strolling through the songs he picked One by Metallica. Then strolling through the difficulties he paused on hard. “Nah,” he shrugged. Then clicking on expert the song began to play. A million miles a minute, notes rambled down. Nick didn’t seem fazed by this either. Ending the song with a worthy 99%, he looked at me and smiled proudly. “So how did I do?” Rolling my eyes I didn’t answer him.
“Hey did you all settle in your rooms already?” Margo and Josh nodded their heads. Next to Emily were her three suitcases. “Emily do you need some help with your bags?” She smiled sweetly and nodded. Walking over I grabbed one bag and the key from Blitz. Leaving the room felt liberating. Meeting up with Emily in the hall I turned to her. “I don’t think I can handle any more guitar hero.” She laughed. I could tell she was really sweet. She wore light yellow peasant blouse and a short denim skirt. Her blonde hair was worn up showing off her black framed glasses. I laughed when I noticed her shoes. “Nice kicks.” I pointed at my shoes. Noticing that we had the same black pair of converse shoes.
“Great minds look alike.” She smiled friendly. Arriving at her room I gave her the key card and helped her in. “Nice room.” She threw her two bags on her bed. Opening them up, massive piles of clothes were stuffed in. My amazement must have been apparent. “Yeah, I pack heavy.”
“Whoa.” One by one she took out her clothes lying them on the bed. There were diverse shirts and skirts. A few pairs of pants and about 4 pairs of shoes. “You really do pack heavy.”
“Hey, you look about the same size as me. Anytime you want to borrow…”
“Seriously?” It was like I had arrived at a mall with no spending limit. She nodded her head smiling. “I think this is a beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
We hung out, transferring her clothes to the tiny closet. Getting to know her, she was just as sweet as she seemed. Coming from a little city in Canada, she was raised by her mom. No siblings, her mom became was her best friend. It was like a Canadian version of Gilmore Girls. “So you’re a junior?” I asked her as we walked out of her room.
“Yup. Can’t wait for senior year though. Party year.” She pretended to dance to the beat of a song.
“Sure, you keep thinking that.” We stood in the hall way not knowing exactly what to do. It was about 11 o’clock and was almost lunch. Walking to the lobby we bumped into Reece.
“Hey cutie.” He smiled at me. Rolling my eyes I thought I’d introduce Emily, who preferred to be called Em.
“Reece Thompson, this is Emily Ginnona.”
“But call me Em.” She swept her hand up and embraced his.
“Nice to meet you.” He smiled politely. Ten seconds had passed and Em kept her hands enclosed on Reece’s. “So lunch?” He tried to take his hand back.
“Yeah, do you know what’s happening?” I tried not to laugh about Reece’s current predicament.
“I think Jeff Blitz is making the meal.” He smiled winning his hand back.
“So do you want to go look what’s for lunch? I know you’ve been talking about it.” I looked quizzically at her. I hadn’t mentioned lunch once during our conversation. From her glare I finally got the hint. She wanted to be alone with Reece.
“Oh, yeah. I have to make sure the meal is vegetarian friendly.” I made my exit quick.
There was this pit of the stomach feeling I had, and it wasn’t pleasant. I didn’t know the reason I had it, but I think it correlated to Reece and Em.
“Hey.” I heard a faint call from around the corner. Walking closer I found Blitz and Nick cooking.