The premiere

The day before the premiere, my family – namely my parents, brother and sister arrived in LA. I showed them around the town, trying not to show signs of my state. However, when my mother asked me a question about Chloë, I couldn’t keep pretending like nothing was wrong and told her everything. I asked her not to say anything bad about Chloë, that I didn’t want to hear it as she was just a victim of the media. She nodded understandingly and remained silent. I was pretty sure she told my dad as well, as he became more somber and quiet as well. Overall, the day turned out quite awkward. I hired them a car for the next day, dropped them off at their hotel and went home.

On the big day, I pulled myself out of bed and began making preparations. I took a shower, carefully styled my hair, and took out my suit. My heart gave a painful twang as I remembered that the last time I’d worn that suit was at the award show that me and Chloë had gone to together. Even though I had washed it since, I could still recall the faint traces of her smell, which hurt deep, deep down. I put it on and reluctantly got in my car that would drive me to the event. I hadn’t spent any of the money I’d been paid for the movie – this limo was the first thing I was paying off from that revenue. When I arrived there, naturally, the first person I saw was her. She looked very alone in her minimalistic black dress. I tried my hardest not to look at her, but thought that I almost felt fleeting glances from the eyes I missed so much on my back. I ignored the feeling to the fullest extent of my ability as we headed inside for the movie.

The film turned out really, really well. I felt like for my first movie, I had done really well. Seeing Chloë on screen as often as I did considering she was the main character was almost too much for me to focus on my own appearances. After the movie had finished, everyone applauded. “You were AMAZING, Dave!” – said my brother, patting me on the shoulder. “Thanks bro” – I said back, giving him a somewhat **** smile. “Yes, Dave. You did a great job. I’m so happy we got to see your big debut alongside you here today. However, we unfortunately have to go now. The only decent flight I could find for today leaves in three and a half hours, and we do have to get to the airport and check in in advance” – my mother said. “Do we have to go back?” – asked my sister, - “LA is so much more fun!” “Maybe soon enough you can come here and start a career of your own” – I smiled at her, winking. “Thank you all for coming, it’s been a pleasure having you here to watch this film with me.” They left, and I got up to set off a while later. I wasn’t really planning on attending the after party, despite Tom, who we had become good friends with throughout the shoot, really wanting me to go with him. I couldn’t stomach another couple of hours so near, and yet so far from her. I got up and headed for the door. When I was about halfway there, I suddenly heard a painfully familiar voice cry out: “Dave!” I turned around, and there she was, red-faced, tears streaming out of her eyes. Then she opened her mouth and began pouring out everything that seemed to have been inside her for weeks, seemingly unable to wait any longer, completely ignoring the fact of how public the circumstances were: “I’m sorry Dave. I’m so, so sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. As soon as I left, I felt that I’d done everything horribly, horribly wrong. I couldn’t gather enough strength to say anything to you, I felt horrible. Of course that picture was fake. I can’t believe myself, can’t believe I could think something like that about you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, although I definitely don’t deserve it.” I stood there for about ten seconds, thanking the heavens that my parents had left, then, without saying anything, sprinted back down the carpet towards Chloë and swept her up into a desperately happy hug. Tears were streaming from my eyes too now, I didn’t care for a second where we were – this was much more important to me than anyone who saw me. “Of course I forgive you” – I whispered into her ear, - “Now let’s get out of here before too many journalists swoop in.” I felt her nod, then set her down. “Sorry about that everyone” – I said loudly, giving a bit of a chuckle and putting my thumb up. “You still not going to the party?” – Tom asked hopefully. “Sorry man, I don’t think I’m in the right state for that. Maybe the next movie, if there is one” – I laughed, then lead Chloë out of the hall.