Superviviente Pt. 2

As the months went on I began to discover that I had more powers growing within me then I or Doc. had ever imagined.  Doctor Clark worked day and night to figure out just what they had done to me at Kent Co. Labs.

I remained in Gothtropolis where the crime rate was at an all time high. I remembered as a child I would play in these streets. They were safe back then. But no longer could people walk the streets. Fear and panic had set in throughout the city keeping people from enjoying all that this beautiful city had to offer. I am going to change that. I am going to take back this city and free it from its nightmare so that once again the people of Gothtropolis can walk free from fear and enjoy their home once again.

One night after a number of battles with burglars, car jackers and domestic dispute calls I’d begun to feel very weak. Using my new abilities had started to take its toll on me. Doc. Clark had been looking into ways to minimize the impact that using my abilities were having on me. I’d felt so ill I opted to take a nap and recuperate from the nights many events. I feel deep into slumber, into blackness till I woke in a seizure like shake. My body writhing back and forth on the bed. I could not get it under control and toppled to the ground with a crash. Doc. Clark came running into the room.

“Vivien!” I heard Doc. Clark scream as he knelt down beside me trying to stop my body from shaking. “Vivien. Can you hear me?” He asked.

My body was shaking so terribly that I could not verbally respond but managed for a short second to nod my head hoping he’d know I could.

“Ok Viv, We are going to get through this ok?” He began to take my pulse and check my temperature. My body continued to thrash on the ground. “Damn it.” I heard him scream as he ran off to god knows where. I began to feel tingling within my body like a surge of electricity was being sent through me from my head to my toes. Then suddenly I just stopped shaking and opened my eyes. Doc. was headed back to me with a look of confusion mixed with joy on his face.

“What the hell was that?” I asked coming to a seated position.

“I have no idea.” He said as he reached out his hand to help me up.

Taking his hand I asked. “Did you think I was a goner there Doc?” A glazed look came over his eyes and he looked directly at me his eyes widened still glazed.

“Yes Viv I did. Your heart rate jumped so high you should have gone into cardiac arrest. Your temperature was so hot your brain should have melted. I fear this may have something to do with your abilities and how they are changing and growing.”

“Doc? You ok?” I said as I let go of his hand.

The glazed look quickly disappeared. “I am so glad you are ok Vivien. I was almost ready to call 911 if you kept going. I knew you’d make it though.”

“That’s not what you said a moment ago.”

“Pardon?” He looked puzzled.

“A moment ago you said you thought I was a goner.”

“Wait. What? I said what?”

“Seriously? You don’t remember telling me that my heart rate should have given me a heart attack and that my temperature should have fried my brain?”

He took a step back. “I remember thinking those things. But I never stated them out loud Vivien. Were you in my head?”

“Listen Doc. You said those things to me. You took my hand to help me up and I asked and you spoke simple as that. No I was not in you freaking head and I resent the accusation.” I paused for a moment to show him my displeasure. “So do you think this has something to do with the drugs Doctor Wolf gave me?”

“I have no doubt that your body is changing due to what he did to you. I need to find some way to get back into his labs so I can see if I can locate all his documentation on you. Only then will I fully be able to understand what he did to you.”

I trusted Doc. Clark and my abilities never warned me against him but for some reason in this moment my gut was telling me he was not being all that up front with me. Grabbing him by the arm I spun him around. “How much did you really know about what he was doing to me at Kent Co. Doc?” I asked.

The glazed look returned to his face as he stared at me. No not at me I could see it now. Through me. He was staring through me like he didn’t really see me. I kept my hand upon his arm and asked again.

“Vivien.” He spoke softly. “I knew there could be things that could go wrong. The drug was extremely new and experimental. Doctor Wolf had informed me it would help your mental state to clear itself. Help you to focus on things. Help you to get past your demons. I didn’t know he was doing other things to you while you were in his care. I am so sorry.”

I let go of his arm and confusion once again set in on his face. “What did you just do?” He asked.

“I’m not sure Doc. I think I am changing again. When I touch you a glazed look comes over your face and if I ask you something you flat out tell me.”

“What did you ask me? I do not recall us speaking just now.”

“I asked you how much you really knew about what Doctor Wolf was doing to me.”

“I swear Viv. I didn’t know he was doing further experiments on you.”

“I know. You told me the truth when I asked and I believe you.”

“Wait a minute. After all we’ve been through you actually believed I had something to do with all of this?” The look of anger and shock on his face made me take a step back.

“Ok I will be honest with you since you were honest with me. Yes for a spilt moment I thought maybe you might not be telling me the whole truth. Satisfied?”

“Your abilities should have taught you by now that I am not the enemy Vivien. But you now seem to have a new ability and you used it against me without permission so no I am not satisfied. I am angry as hell that you would have done what you did to me. I am your friend Viv. I am here training you and teaching you and helping you and here you are getting new abilities and using them on me.”

“Whoa wait a minute here. First off I had no idea I HAD a new ability. Second I didn’t do it the first time on purpose and thirdly.” I paused then growled. “Can you fucking blame me??”

He sighed. “I should be able to blame you but after everything you’ve been through I guess I should know by now that you may still have trust issues. I am sorry you felt that way about me though Vivien. I would never hurt you.”

“I know that now and I promise if this IS some new ability I will not use it on you again.”

“I am pretty damn sure this IS in fact a new ability. Now we just got to test it out some more and find out.”

Just then Doc’s computer began to ding like crazy. He’d set up a monitoring system to keep a watch over the city and look out for violent crimes. Doc ran over to his desk and clicked on his mouse reading what was on the screen. Nodding his head he spun his chair around and with a geeky smile said. “Looks like this is a job for Superviviente.”

“Your stealing lines from Superman now Doc?” I laughed.

“He can’t have all the fun now let’s go. Gunshots fired over on 9th and Skinner. Possible fatality. We need to move fast if we are going to find the perp.”

“Spoken like a real detective. Sure that being a doctor was your true calling?” I laughed.

“I can be a jack of all trades. Master of nothing.” He laughed. “Don’t forget your hood.”

“Yeah speaking of that. I really need to new um.” I paused as what I was about to say made me feel ridiculous. “I was thinking maybe I needed a costume. You know. To hide my identity better.”

“You’re really taking this superhero thing seriously. What do you have in mind?” He asked as we got into our van and sped off to the crime scene.

“Honestly. I am not even sure.” I began to laugh. “I feel so stupid. Would I have to wear tights I ask myself when thinking of it. What colors should I choose? Mask or no mask? Face paint perhaps?” I couldn’t stop laughing as I spoke the words.

We arrived on the scene with a heavy police presence already there. Doc and I had to be careful not to get in there was as there was already rumblings within the precinct of a vigilante roaming the streets of Gothtropolis. We stood around with the other curious bystanders and listened to everything we could catch. Doc. leaned over to me and whispered into my ear. I nodded and we walked off down the street. A lone officer sat against his car riffling though his notebook. I walked towards him.

He looked up. “Can I help you ma’am?”

“I hope so officer. I am sorry if I am disturbing you.”

“I can take a break. What can I help you with?”

I extended my hand to him. “My name is Lisa and I was wondering if I may ask you something?”

“Sure thing Lisa.” He said as he took my hand and the glazed eyes took over.

“Do you know what happened here tonight?” I asked as I continued to hold his hand.

“A murder.” He replied staring right through me.

“Who was murdered? Do you have any suspects?”

“Big time lawyer named Stephen Simpson from up town. Don’t know who killed him but we think it might be the man who called it in. When we arrived on scene he was sitting next to the body looking quite perplexed. When we asked how he’d come across the body he was unable to tell us. Said he couldn’t remember how he’d gotten there.”

“Where is the man in question?”

“They’ve taken him to the station for further questioning. They are trying to get a doctor to look at him.”

“Why do they want a doctor to look at him?”

“You know a shrink kind of doctor. Too see if he is crazy or not.”

Doc. Clark tapped me on the shoulder then came closer and whispered in my ear. I nodded.

“Can you do me a favor officer? I know of a great shrink type doctor that could help. I want to know if you can call it in that he is on the way?”

“No ma’am I can’t do that. Even if your guy is the best it wouldn’t be my call. Sorry.”

Shrugging to Doc. I looked back to the officer.

“Anything else you can tell me about what happened here tonight?”

“There was a weird smell in the alley when we walked down. Almost like tarnished silver. The man sat next to Simpson’s body also had that same smell all over him. We couldn’t figure out where it came from and after awhile it just disappeared.”

“Thank you officer. You’ve been very helpful.” I released his hand.

He snapped out of his daze. “Oh I am so sorry Lisa. I must have zoned out for a second there. What was your question again?”

“I was just wondering if you knew where the nearest theater was?”

“Oh yes not that far actually. Down two blocks right there at Emily and Jane.”

“Thank you so much officer.” I said as Doc and I walked away. I turned to Doc as we were walking and sighed. “Ok so I can get people to tell the truth to me but can’t make them do anything I want them too. Where is the fun in that?”

“Vivien.” Doc said frowning his brow. “This is not suppose to be fun. This is not a game.”

“I know Doc. I was kidding. Man don’t get all broody Batman on me now.”

He laughed. “I only wish I had as much money as Master Wayne.”

“Speaking of Batman.” I paused. “I think we need a new batcave. Ours is not really equipped to do what we are wanting to do. Don’t you agree?”

“Absolutely. But where would we ever get the money to upgrade to a better batcave?”

“You let me work on that one Doc.”

“Nothing illegal Vivien.” He warned.

“Do I strike you as the type to do something illegal.”

“Actually you do.” He said with a smirk.

“Wow honest and without me having to get all touchy feely.” I said laughing.

We walked further down Skinner Street till we came to an alley way that would get us to the police station quicker. Doc had a plan and if his plan actually worked it would give him access to the perp for questioning. We talked on our way about what could have caused the tarnished silver smell in the alley. Both of us were unable to come to any logical reason that smell would have been so strong but last for such a short period of time. When we finally reached the police station Doc said it might be best if I stayed outside and waited just in case anything went sideways.

“Seriously Doc? You do remember what I can do right? I think it might be safer if I go in first and scope the place.”

“Now who’s being serious? Vivien scope the place? Really? It’s a police station for pete sake.”

“Still no harm in me checking it out before you go in. Just sayin.”

“Fine we will go in together but remember I do all the talking. If this is going to work you need to be quiet. Understand?”

“Completely!”

We walked up to the front doors of the station and proceed in. At the counter we were greeted by a friendly female officer. Her badge said Officer Lane. I couldn’t help but chuckle since Doc and I had previously cracked the Superman joke and now here before us was officer Lane. If her first name was Lois I was surly going to peep my pants in laughter but I had not the courage to ask.

“How may I help you sir.” She said with a huge smile.

“Hello Miss Lane. My name is Doctor Steve Rogers from Solitude Heights Mental Institute. I am here to meet with the man who was brought in from tonight’s shooting of Mr. Stephen Simpson. ”

“Oh yeah, they told us someone would be coming. Right this way Mr. Rogers. May I ask who this is?” She said pointing to me.

“This is my new intern Christine Evans. She will just be observing and taking notes for me if that is alright?”

“Yeah whatever you need Doctor.” She led us down a hallway to one of their interrogation rooms. “You want an officer in the room with you?” She asked.

“That will not be necessary Miss Lane but thank you kindly.”

“There’s a buzzer right here next to the door. If you need anything or are ready to go just press it and someone will be right now. I’ll station and officer outside the door just in case.” She walked out the door and we waited with baited breath for the click of the door latching shut. When it was fully closed Doc turned towards the man and took a seat across from him.

“I’m not crazy you know. I don’t know why they have brought you in.”

“Well Mr.? I’m sorry I seem to have lost your name in my notes. Please if you don’t mind.”

“James White.” He said as he bowed his head down.

“Ok Mr. White. Tell me. What happened here tonight?”

“Please call me Jim. Mr. White sounds so impersonal. And to be honest Doctor. I have no idea.”

“Ok Jim. Please call me Steve. What do you mean you have no idea?”

“I was at a gentleman’s club having a few drinks after work and was just about to leave when a lady approached me. We had a couple more drinks shared some laughs and she asked me if I might want to head back to her room. This women was beautiful and I mean look at me. I am just your average joe. Women like that don’t approach me so I was all for heading back to her room. It was like a once in a life time experience. Something to share with the guys. You know? We got to her room. She poured another drink and then I was in the alley with the dead guy.”

“Do you know the dead guy?” Doc asked.

“Never seen him in my life. I pulled my cell phone out and called 911 immediately. I was so confused and dizzy I had to sit down. When the cops showed up that’s how they found me sat next to a dead man I’d never laid eyes on before.”

Doc turned to me with raised eyebrow then shifted in his seat glancing back and forth between Jim and myself. If this was some sort of code I was not catching it. Scrunching his lips together he gave me an even harder look. I looked at him puzzled. He finally stood up from his chair and walked towards me.

“One moment Mr. White. I mean Jim. I just need to confer with my intern.” Doc walked me to the furthest end of the room into a corner.

“What are you doing?” I asked still confused.

“We really need to work on some signals Viv. What is your chest and gut telling you about him?”

“I’m not getting any feelings from him. He seems to be a good guy.”

Doc scrunched his mouth up again. “Ok.” He said as he turned and walked back to the table.

“Can you describe the women Jim?”

“Beautiful.”

“No I mean like height, hair color, eye color. That sort of thing.”

“Tall and beautiful.”

“Jim you still with me here?” Doc laughed. “I mean details.”

“Just beautiful.” He said confused. “Why can I not remember anything else? Oh man Doctor do you think I AM going crazy?”

“No Jim I don’t.”

Jim began to panic he jumped from his seat and began to hit his head screaming “Why can’t I remember? Why can’t I remember?” I looked over to Doc and he knew just what I was about to do. Our signal was apparently on point in that moment. Walking closer to Jim I placed my hands around his. “Jim it’s going to be ok. You can trust me ok. You’re going to be fine.” Jim looked up at me tears forming in his eyes. Nothing about this man screamed killer to me but we had to be sure. With my hands still placed over his I asked.

“Tell me Jim what did the beautiful women look like?”

You could see he was desperately trying to picture her shaking his head he looked down at me. “I can’t really see her. It’s like she is shrouded in a silver shadow.”

“That’s ok. Tell me what you can make out through the shadow. Don’t strain yourself just relax and breath and tell me what you see.”

“Dark hair. It was down and over one shoulder. Silver dress. Long legs. Red lips.” He began to strain to see more. I clutched his hands when all of a sudden the door swung open and in walked a man. I quickly let go of Jim’s hand turning towards the door.

“Excuse me? Who the hell are you?”

“Who the hell are you?” I asked.

“I am Doctor Alexander from Solitude Heights and who are you? And why are you talking to my patient?”

“I am so sorry Doctor Alexander. There must have been some confusion at the institute. I was sent to interview this man to determine if he was insane or not. I had no idea he was your patient.”

“He escaped last week and has been on the loose ever since. I am here to transport him back to the institute to await a hearing to determine if he will stand trial for this murder.”

“Again my deepest apologies Doctor Alexander. We will get right out of your way.” Doc place his hand on my back and was practically shoving me out of the doorway when Doctor Alexander stopped us.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?”

“Doctor Steve Rogers sir. I am new at Solitude Heights. Transferred in from Blue River Mental Asylum.”

“Never heard of it. Where is it located?”

“Smallville sir.”

“Never heard of that either. Ok get out of here and let me do my job. And you best not be screwing up back at the institute or I will have your job.”

“I will be sure to stay completely out of your way Doctor.” Doc said as he pushed me through the door and we semi ran down the hallway.

“Smallville? Really Doc.”

“I had to think fast and it was the first damn name that popped into my head ok.”

“You do know that Smallville is a real place right? It’s in Kansas.”

“Shit. Now you tell me.” He laughed.

Without warning my chest began to burst in pain. I nearly fell over but Doc caught me. “You ok?” He whispered. “Just keep going I will catch up. Something is wrong.” I said. “I’m not leaving you.” He said sternly. “Trust me. Get out now. I am right behind you.” Doc took off towards the front doors and I ducked in behind a wall sharp to my right as police officers ran out the door calling for Doctor Rogers. My chest ached and my head began to throb. That’s when I saw it. Long, shimmering, Silver. I glanced up to see a beautiful women staring at me. She wore a silver dress. He hair thick and dark was pulled up into a shaggy bun. Her lips as red as blood. She smirked at me. I tried to move but the pain was unbearable. She began to laugh as she turned and walked away. When she was finally out of my sight the pain subsided. Running out the door I tried quickly to find Doc. I worried the cops had caught up with him first. I ran as fast and hard as I could when I saw the flashing of headlights up ahead. Please be Doc. I thought to myself.  Sure enough he had procured a car for us.

“Hurry get in.” He whispered.

Jumping into the car we sped off into the darkness. I clenched my chest as it lingered with pain.

“Care to tell me what happened in there?” He asked.

“I saw her.”

“Who? The women Jim was referring too?”

“Yes. Her. The Silver Shadow. She laughed at me Doc. I think she knows who I am and what I can do.”

“Let’s not worry about that just yet. Let’s get you back to the loft and sort it all out there.”

“That’s fine.” I said slumping back in my seat.

Back at the loft I plopped down on the sofa and placed my hands in my hands.

“The Silver Shadow eh?” Doc chuckled. “We going to name all the villains now?”

“Why not. You named me.”

“True enough. So why the Silver Shadow?”

“It was what Jim has said that he couldn’t make her out because she was shrouded in a silver shadow. So that’s what we will call her. And for the record I do NOT for one moment believe Jim is a mental patient.”

“I am in total agreement with you. There was something off about Doctor Alexander. Almost like he was…” his voice trailed off.

“Being mind controlled!” I yelled as I jumped up. “That must be her power.”

“Ok so how do we go about finding the Silver Shadow and stopping her?”

“I have no idea Doc. We need more sidekicks. You know like a League or something.” I am going to bed. See you tomorrow.

“Very well. See you tomorrow. Hope you feel ok Viv.”

“I will once I get some sleep.” I walked into my room and threw myself onto the bed. Quickly I was surrounded by silence and darkness.

“Vivien….Oh Vivien. Can you hear me?”  I heard a voice in the darkness. The voice began to laugh and I quickly remembered where I’d heard that laugh before. It was her. She did know who I was. “Vivien. I have a secret to tell you. I am going to kill you.” She laughed. My chest began to hurt as her laughter grew louder and louder in my ear. Suddenly I was shaking uncontrollably. The seizure had returned.  Her laughter echoed through my brain as my body thrashed around on the floor. I heard Doc smash through my door screaming my name. He was almost drowned out by her laughter. “I’m coming for you.” She cackled.

Blackness………

 

 

Superviviente

Nights were the scariest time for me. Fear of sleep and the dreams that lay in wait kept me from ever having a real life. I wonder the streets aimlessly trying to fight the panic attacks that overwhelmed me in my exhaustion. Years of therapy could not keep the flash backs away. Day after day I found myself in tears unable to live a normal life. Always looking over my shoulder. He’d never been caught and I feared one day I would run into him again.

The man who hurt me as a child was someone I should have been able to trust. He stole six years of my life from me. No not six years. All of my years. I’ve never felt whole. I’ve never felt complete. Always afraid and scared I was never able to connect with another human being. The pain was taking its toll on me. I wanted it to stop. I needed it to end and I could think of only one way to make sure I would never feel this way again.

Doctor Clark was my therapist for years and we had tried so many different drugs to try and sooth a havocked mind and some worked for a time then the effects of the medication would wear off and I would end up right back where I started. Alone, afraid and exhausted. I was tired of fighting what I felt like was a losing battle. Dr. Clark had begged me to give his choice of medications one more try. A new drug had just come on the market and he felt it was finally the one that would or could show the best results. Two weeks later I am no better off. Taking the bottle of the prescription from my pocket I wondered onto the bridge. The water below was calm and still which was odd for Gothtropolis. I took this as a sign. Dropping a handful of the pills in my hand I began to swallow them down till none remained. The moon was bright and began to blur as the drugs took effect. Wind tossed my hair around my face. I was falling. Then cold, my body shivered. Then silence. It was over.

I woke in a padded room where the only furnishings was the bed and myself. A tiny window to my right and the door with a glass window in the front. Where was I? Was I dreaming? Dr. Clark walked through the door. He looked more sad then I had ever seen him. Seeing him here meant that my attempt had failed. My chest clenched at the thought of going back to that place in my head. That haunting dreams that lay waiting there. Waiting to devour me.

“Hello Vivien. How do you feel?” Dr. Clark asked.

“I feel fine Doctor. Where am I?”

“You’re at Kent Co. Labs. You’re still in Gothtropolis.”

“Kent Co. Labs? What is that?” He sighed. “Remember I told you the new drug I was going to be giving you was experimental? Well Kent Co. Labs are the ones who created it. When you were brought to the hospital yesterday evening and I was called Kent Co. made sure I got you here as quickly as possible.”

“You can’t keep me here Dr. Clark.”

“Actually I can. I’ve had you placed in a seventy-two hour psychiatric hold and it’s only been twenty-four hours so Vivien you are stuck here for another two days. We need to run some tests to make sure the drug didn’t affect you in any way.”

“Want my opinion Doc.? Your drug sucks. I took the whole bottle. I think I even fell over the bridge into the water and yet here I sit with not a scratch.”

“Yes you did fall off the bridge into the water. That is where they found you. You’re very lucky to be alive Vivien. This drug might have just saved you.”

“Sorry Doc. That was not the outcome I had been hoping for.”

“I know Vivien. But please let me try and help you.”

“Whatever. I am tired.” I slipped under the white sheet and placed my head on the pillow and watched as Dr. Clark left the room. I couldn’t believe where I was and his refusal to let me out. So many years, So many times we tried why could he not just let me go. Laying there unwilling to fall asleep I listened to the sounds around me when one sound caught me off guard. Sitting up in the bed I strained to hear what sounded like a women’s voice. It sounded like it was coming from outside. She was crying. Standing up from the bed I placed my ear on the cold hard concrete wall to see if I could hear her clearer. More crying then a muffled “Please help me.”

“Hello. Can you hear me?” I found myself speaking to the wall. No wonder I was being held in here. Look at me talking to a flipping wall for pete sake! Backing away from the wall I returned to the bed. Suddenly a sharp pain pierced my temples. My ears began to throb. I clutched my head in my hands and screamed out in pain. What was happening to me? An orderly raced into the room grabbing me and throwing me to the bed. A sudden flash back from my past overwhelmed my body and I struck the orderly hard enough to knock him to his feet. “Get off me.” I screamed. Dr. Clark stormed into the room and helped the orderly to his feet. “Grab me a sedative.” I heard him ask as he walked over to me.

“Vivien. I need you to calm down and tell me what is happening.” For a moment my head became clear and calm I looked up to him with pleading eyes. “What is happening to me?”

“I don’t know Vivien that is why I need you to tell me what you are currently experiencing.” The voice suddenly filled my head and pain ripped through my skull like it had been smashed to bits. Her pleas for help continued through her tears.

“Can’t you hear her doctor? She needs help.”

“Who Vivien. Who needs help?”

“I don’t know who she is. She’s crying. Someone hurt her. You have to help her.”

“Vivien. There is no one here but you and I. There is no women crying. I believe you are manifesting this from your own memories. You are in a flash back Vivien. Fight it.”

The voice grew louder in my head the pain so instead my nose began to bleed dripping on the white sheet that lay at my feet. Feeling as though my head was going to explode. I looked up to Dr. Clark who now looked as frighten as me when another Doctor entered the room.

“Vivien my name is Doctor Charles Wolf. I am going to give you something to stop this pain and help calm you down. If you fight I will have to restrain you. Do you understand? I am here to help.”

His final words crushed my chest. Something was off about him. He was flat out lying to me. He was not here to help me. I felt the sting of a needle enter my arm then the lights went out. Blackness all around. That is when I saw her. Sitting on a bench in what looked like a park hands covering her tear soaked face. Through the darkness that surrounded me I moved towards her the closer I came the more of her muttered words I could understand. “I just want him to stop. Please someone anyone help me.” Now standing behind her. Still cloaked in my own darkness a panic set in. What type of dream was this? I felt if I stretched out my hand I might really be able to touch the lady sitting before me.

“Hello. Can you hear me?” I asked. She looked up tears still streaming from her face puzzled she began turning in every direction. Had she actually heard me? “Hello.” I spoke once more.

“Hello?” She replied. “I can’t see you. Where are you?”

“I don’t know actually. I don’t even know how it is you are hearing me or why I heard your cries.”

“What cries?” She put her head down.

“Who is hurting you? I want to help but you have to give me more information.”

“My..My..My husband.” She stammered.

“Can you tell me your name? I can get you help. I can call the police.”

“The police won’t do anything. He has them in his pocket. No one can save me. He’s going to kill me.” She stood up and ran off and once more I was in nothingness.

When finally I woke Dr. Clark was sitting at the bedside with a clip board in his hand. Franticly I jumped from the bed.

“You have to help her. I don’t know who she is but she fears her husband is going to kill her. I can tell you what she looks like but nothing more. She said the police are in her husband’s back pocket and won’t do anything for her.”

“Vivien you need to calm down and sit.”

“Why are you not listening to me Dr. Clark I am not crazy or maybe I am crazy. I just know there is something bad that is going to happen to this women.”

“Sit down so we can talk Vivien. I will try to help.” Everything in me knew he was telling the truth so I sat down on the bed and faced him. He flipped his clipboard up. There was a message written upon it. Be careful they are watching you. “Now tell me the story again. Start from the beginning.”

As he said these words he flipped the page on his clipboard and leaned it towards me. Another message. I will get you out of here. Give me time.

I proceeded to tell him the events that had taken place from the moment I walked onto that bridge. He listen and with nods let me know he was still with me.

“I don’t know what’s happening Vivien but I intend to find out. Stay here I will be right back.”

“How long was I asleep for?” I asked before he exited.

“Almost a day.”

“So I am stuck here for at least another twenty-four hours? That lady doesn’t have that long Doc. You got to either get me out or help her yourself.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” He forced a crooked smile and walked out the door.

I began to pace the room looking it over. There had to be a way to get out of this hell. I became lost in my own thoughts and did not hear the three orderlies enter the room. Before I knew it I was on a stretcher being buckled down. I tried to wriggle free but they had already pinned my head and arms to the bed. I kicked out with my feet but they too were soon restrained. They took me though the door and down a long dimly lit hallway. Crashing through more doors I was in what appeared to be a operating room.

“What are you doing?” I cried.

“Doctor Wolf needs to look at you and you are in no state to be un restrained. If you can’t keep your mouth shut we will sedate you again.”

Fearing the darkness I bit my tongue. Maybe I could get through to Dr. Wolf but as he entered the room every fiber of my being knew this man was about to do me more harm. Remembering some breathing exercises Dr. Clark had taught me I began to pace my breath to calm my fear. I closed my eyes and focused but my focus was soon interrupted by the crashing of the door and Dr. Clark screaming for everyone to get out. Turning my head as far as I could I watched as he pointed a gun to Dr. Wolf’s head.

“I know what you did to her Charles. I’m getting her out of here and if you don’t step aside I will be forced to shoot you.”

“I gave her life and lets be real Clark, You won’t shoot me. You’re not the type.”

“Don’t test me Charles. She’s been my patient for years and I brought her to you for help and what you did was un thinkable.”

“I gave her gifts Clark. I brought her back from the dead. Now she has powers.”

“Last time I am saying this Charles. Step aside.” He said as he walked towards me and un fastened the belts that were holding me to the bed. “Get up Vivian. We have to get out of here.”

“You won’t get far with her Clark and you know it.”

“That’s a chance I am willing to take.” He yelled as he rushed us out of the room. When we finally found a safe place I turned to him almost angry.

“What is going on?” I asked.

“Doctor Wolf was trying out and experimental process to help those suffering from PTSD I felt you were perfect for the program. Only yesterday did I learn the drugs were not what he had said. He opened up something within you giving you powers for lack of a better word.”

“There is nothing powerful about seeing a women who is fearing her own death at the hands of her husband. If anything I feel powerless. I need to find her Doc.”

“And we will. I promise. In Dr. Wolf’s notes it seems the experiment didn’t go as planned and it seems to have to have instead unlocked an ability for you to detect lies from those who want to cause harm. This is good.”

“None of this feels good. I feel even more useless then I did before. Why did you let him do this to me? Why couldn’t you just let me die?”

“You’re meant for greater things Vivien. Sleep seems to induce the visions. You must try now to contact her once again. Find anything that could help us locate her.”

“You think I will actually be able to sleep? Are you shitting me?”

“If you want I can give you something to help.”

“Oh I don’t fucking think so Doc. I was in a medical coma by your buddy for pretty much two days and want no more of that thank you very much.”

“If you don’t do this Vivien that women will die and that will haunt you more than your own nightmares ever did.”

“I know you’re right Doc. But I am scared.” Taking a deep breath I looked at him. “OK let’s do this.”

I fell to sleep quickly. Blackness once more surrounded me. Through it I could see a light. I walked towards it. She was standing in a kitchen cloths torn face bloody and beaten. I entered the door way to her side.

“Please tell me your name.” I said.

She jumped. “Where are you? Who are you?”

“I’m someone who can help. Please let me. Tell me where you are before he hurts you again. For whatever reason I am seeing and hearing you. Let me help you.”

“He’s home. I have to go.”

“Please no! I can help you.”

“My name is Anastasia Ryan. My husband is a lawyer. Please hurry. He is going to kill me.”

Snapping back into my body I grabbed the laptop seated next to me. Dr. Clark looked at me with a big question mark written on his face. I franticly typed her name into the search engine and got lucky her and her husband were first to come up. Grabbing paper I scribbled down their home address. I stood up.

“We have to go. Now!”

Arriving at the home of Anastasia we could hear screams of terror echoing through the air. We raced to the door and began pounding. Doc behind me gun locked and loaded. Her husband open the door sweating blood splattered his shirt.

“Where is she?” I demanded. “Anastasia?” I called out. I could still hear her crying.

“Who are you and what do you want?”

“Send her out now and no one will get hurt.” I snarled.

“There is nothing wrong with my wife. She is fine. Do you know who I am young lady?”

“I know who you are and I don’t care. I know you’re lying. My chest aches when they lie.” I said grabbing the gun from Doc’s hand. Send her out now or I will blow a hole through your face.”

My head began to throb almost sending me to my knees. Grabbing Doc’s arm I whispered. “There is a box with evidence we need to get in there.” Doc. pushed past him and entered the house. He tried to stop him, I quickly put gun to his cheek. He raised his hands and we entered his home.

“Anastasia.” I called out. “Grab the box and get down here now.” She was already on her way towards us when she stopped.

“How did you know about the box?” She asked.

“You told me. Give the box to Doc. Grab your things. We’re getting out of here.”

“I’ll kill each of you.” He laughed.

“Try it and see what else I have up my sleeve.” I smirked.

Within a couple weeks we’d gotten Anastasia to safety, her husband into custody and I had begun to focus my new powers. Doc. felt it was also wise for me to train in the art of self defense. Training was hard but I finally had a purpose. A new lease on life.

“So Doc. You know I am going to need a cool Superhero name right?”

“Superviviente.” He said.

“What?”

“It’s Spanish.”

“I don’t speak Spanish.”

“It means Survivor.”

“I like it! Do I get a cape?”

Alpha Mom – Chapter 1

As I sat at the bar eating my lunch I pondered so many things. Being so far away from home in a strange yet beautiful city was so very new to me since beginning my acting career.

I was in Utah about ready to train with a stunt coordinator for an upcoming seen on the TV series “Bitten”.
I’d recently been cast as the alpha mother wolf and how it all came about still to this moment amused me.
I’d had a twitter conversation with Laura Vandervoort about being on the show when the writer had contacted me asking me for more details.
After a week long conversation between emails and phone calls I was invited up to Toronto to co write their new season.
That alone made me extremely happy but when they went the step further as cast me as the alpha mom I couldn’t believe my luck. My life was finally changing.

Sitting in the restaurant I knew not a single soul. The bartender was a sweet young girl who kept chatting to me. I think she knew I was feeling out of place and I appreciated her for taking the time to make conversation with me.
I was picking through my chicken salad when I heard the television crackle and the words “There’s a new wolf in town” being uttered.
I glanced up to see my hand in mid wolf transformation slam and break a tree trunk.
My eyes widened. I knew the “Space” channel were planning to drop a new promo for the upcoming season and I even knew I would be featured in the promo but there I was on screen for the first time ever. Well not really ever, I’d been an extra in a music video as well as sang live on our music station “Much Music” but nothing like this.

The bartender looked at me then back to the television as we both watched the promo play.
Falling to the ground my body begins transitioning to its wolf form. Two men are about to attack me. My eyes glow with a furious burst of red and yellow. Head down I slowly raise it and bare my now fanged teeth. “RUN” I growl. The men turn to run but it’s too late I leap forward and in mid jump finalize my transition to wolf. Promo ends. “When Bitten returns this February.”
Slowly the bartender turns to look at me smiling.
“Oh my god that was you?” She said almost questioning it.
“That awkward moment when you’re sitting in a strange city at a bar and you look up to see yourself on TV.” I laughed.
“That is so cool.” She beams. “Are you filming in Utah?”
“No I am here to meet a stunt coordinator for a future episode.”
“Wow.” She says still smiling.
“Yeah it’s pretty exciting. I’ve never done anything like this before so it’s all very new to me.”
“You just started acting?”
“Yeah I was more of a musician but my mother always felt I would make a great actress. So I gave it a shot and now here I am.”
“Well I will be tuning in for sure now.” She laughed.
“I hope I do the roll justice.”

Just then I hear someone approach and say “Is this the first time you’ve seen yourself on television?” His voice was deep and carried a British accent. I didn’t even need to look over to know who was standing next to me. I’d heard his voice enough to know I was about to meet Henry Cavill.
Turning to face him I smiled “Yes.” I said almost embarrassed. “Well not really yes, I mean I have been on TV before but not in this capacity.”
“It will get easier.” He said smiling. “The promo looked really good. I’ve never watched the show but I might actually start.”
“I’m proud to be a part of it. The cast is great and also writing for the show has shown me I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
He stepped back almost puzzled. “Wait writing?”
“Yes I am co writing this season.” I began looking at the floor. “It’s a long story.” I said with a laugh.
“Wow that is absolutely fantastic.” He said.
“Thanks.” I was now grinning like a child and I was pretty sure I was blushing.
Henry Cavill the man who is the world’s current Superman was standing there complementing me.
I took a moment to look him over, His hair was a short brush cut and he had grown a beard which actually looked very attractive on him. I normally do not like beards but he suited one very well.
He was wearing a royal marine’s sweater and black pants that seemed a size to small for his build.
He was handsome. There was no denying that.

I turned to the bartender and asked for a takeout container to take the rest of my food back to the hotel with me.
As I packed up my food Henry placed his hand on my back “Good luck with the show.”
“Thank you Henry.” I said.
He’d not told me his name so when I seen the look of shock on his face I realized he now knew I knew who he was.
“Sorry.” I said crunching up my nose. “Big Superman fan here. Been a fan longer then you’ve been alive.” Just uttering those words made me laugh out loud. “Not that I am THAT much older then you.” I continued to laugh which made him laugh.
“Well you know my name but I am yet to know yours?”
“Tami. Pleasure to meet you Henry.”
“Pleasure to meet you too Tami.”
As he walked away he told me to take care and I wished him the same. I tried not to stare too much but he really did make it hard. I completely understood all these girls being infatuated with him.
Walking out of the restaurant I glanced over to him one last time and nodded. He nodded back and smiled.

Back at my hotel I changed to my work out attire and grabbed a cab to the gym I would be working at for the day. I was scared. I’d never done anything like this and I half expected to fail miserably.
The taxi dropped me off at a building that looked more like a warehouse then a gym. I half wondered if I was at the right location.
I walked through the doors to see a huge logo on the wall “GYM JONES” I suddenly laughed. I was about to train at the same gym that helped make Henry Cavill into Superman.
“This should be exciting.” I thought to myself.
A lady walked up to me. “Hello may I help you?”
“Yes my name is Tami and I am here to see David.”
“Oh you’re the actress training for the stunt.”
“Yes.”
“Come on in.”
“Thank you.”
“My name is Lisa, co-owner of Gym Jones. Pleased to meet you Tami.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too Lisa.”
She walked me through the gym to a back corner that was filled with blocks, weights, ropes, chains and a climbing wall. It all scared the living daylights out of me. I really hoped all of this was not for me.

David walked out to meet me he was tall and built like a brick house.
“Hello Tami, It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“HI David. Nice to meet you.” I said smiling. “This is not all for me right?” I asked giving a paranoid look.
He began to laugh. “No not everything. This wall here is most definitely for you though.”
My look of paranoia didn’t go away. “Ooh.” was all I managed to muster.
He laughed again. “Don’t worry you will be on wires. You’ve worked with wires before right?”
“Yes for my first scene I did. It was painful and fun all rolled into one.”
“We will work up to the wall first we need to warm up and do some weights.”
“Ok sounds good.” I nodded.
I was no stranger to weight training, I’d been doing it for the last year. I was nowhere near the athletic ability I would like but I was learning to handle my own and my body and it’s new sculpted look was living proof of that.

Wire work time! David strapped me into the harness and made sure everything was secure.
The scene I was to be filming required me to leap up high and repel off a tree back to the ground with a perfect wolf like landing. I had visions of how I was going to go about doing it in my head but I was un sure if I could pull it off in reality.
As I was preparing to take the jump I heard his voice behind me speaking with another man.
“My God.” I thought. “Henry Cavill is HERE.”
Suddenly my concentration was not completely on the task at hand and I had to sturdy myself.
“Snap out of it. He’s just a guy.” I reminded myself. “Don’t go getting all fangirlie on him.”
Taking a deep breath I ran towards the wall and jumped. Clinging to the built in handles I looked down to David. I had to crack the joke. “I feel kind of like Spiderman.”
David began to laugh.
“You know the cool Tobey Maguire version, Not that new kid.”
He laughed even harder. “Jump.” he yelled.
I did as I was asked and failed to complete the land the way I had hoped and toppled over to my side.
“Damn.” I said.
“That’s ok miss perfectionist. That was just the first go. You’ll get it.”
“Miss Perfectionist?”
“Yes. You expected to nail that on your first go. Relax a little and let the movements flow. You’ll nail it but don’t feel down when you don’t. I am sure even on set your going to mess it up and they will have to yell “CUT” what will you do then? Get upset?”
“Really David? You’re so not helping.” I laughed.
“I’m being honest.”
“I know. Thanks.”
“Anytime.”

Run after run I either failed the jump or the landing and was beginning to become very upset with myself. I am strong willed and this was something with the wires help I should be able to execute.
Henry had walked over and was sitting on a mat watching me and I would love to put the blame on that gorgeous smile he kept flashing. But it was my doing I knew that.
I took a deep breath and sighed. “Again?” I asked David.
“Yep, We have to get this nailed down.”
I nodded my head in agreement and steadied myself to take the jump once again.
Jumped, Perfect landing on the wall. I arched back and prepared to leap down.
I tried thinking of all the ways a dog could land and a thought crossed my mind. Some wolves in mythology can walk upright.
“David.” I yelled “I am going to try something else and want to see what you think. If it doesn’t work we’ll go back the other direction. Just bare with me ok?”
“You got it.”
Leaping down I landed upright chest and shoulder back my stance wide. I then dropped down to all fours and kicked out my right leg arms bracing me just past my shoulders.
“Ok David said. I loved that but the leg thing really did make you look like Spiderman.”
Standing up I started to laugh. “Ok I will try it again and leave the leg part out.”
“I liked how you were slightly leaning as your dropped down. Made you almost look ready to attack.”
“That’s what I am going for so if you seen it that’s good.”
“Again.” He commanded
I readied myself again to jump.
“The motions had to be quick and smooth. Jump and leap not jump stay there then leap.” He said.
I nodded and ran towards the wall. We were using a trampoline to give me the height I would need and each time I took the jump I saw myself face planting something.
Run, Bounce, Jump, Cling, Leap.
Perfect!
“Well done!” Said Henry.
I looked over to him. “Thank you.”
“Hope you don’t mind me watching?”
“Nope. But should you not yourself be doing something?”
He laughed “I am waiting for my trainer Mark to get here.”
“Oh I see.”
“Stop talking to her Cavill.” David laughed “She needs to focus.”
“Sorry David.” Henry said laughing.

My body was beginning to hurt. I was feeling pain in places I never thought you could feel pain.
I knew what needed to be done but I was quickly becoming exhausted.
David could see the strain on my face as I prepared to go another round with the wall.
“Tami. Just a couple more times ok?”
“Thank you.” I laughed.
“Tomorrow you get a break then be back here again the day after to nail this.”
“I, I Captain!.” I laughed
After doing a couple more takes I was happy with the results I had achieved.
David seemed well impressed with me too which made the pain I was feeling a lot more tolerable.
“Got any plans?” He asked.
“No. I don’t know anyone here.” I laughed. “I managed to walk around yesterday and not get myself lost. I was thinking of hiking up into the mountains then thought to myself, lone girl in a city you don’t know, walking up a mountain all by yourself. Um probably not the best idea.”
“I’ll take you.” I heard Henry say behind me. “I know of some really nice paths.”
“Really?”
“Of course. It’ll be fun. I’ll bring my dog if your don’t mind.”
“What type of dog?”
“He’s an Akita.”
“A what?”
Henry laughed and took out his phone to show me a photo.
“Ooh I want! I love dogs. I have three.”
“You have three dogs?”
“Yes and even combined they would never weight as much as yours.”
Henry laugh. “Oh a fan of the tiny dogs are you?”
“I love all animals.”
He smiled. “Good to hear.”
David began to take me out of the harness when I suddenly felt like jelly.
“I need to sit.” I said quickly.
“Are you ok?” Henry asked.
“My body has never been put through this so I now feel like jelly, standing was becoming a task.” I laughed.
The look of concern on his face was adorable.
“Want some ice?”
“No I think I should be ok once they stop shaking.”
Henry looked down and seen that my legs were in fact shaking.
He turned to David. “Is this suppose to happen?”
“Never happened to you and your stunts?”
“No. Muscles hurting and throbbing yes but never shaking.”
“Yeah it’s just her muscles trying to figure out what the hell just happened to them.”
We all laughed.
I finally stood up and walked to the locker room to change. The sweat really grossed me out.
Packing up my stuff to leave Henry walked over to me.
“Can I get your number?”
Smiling I handed him my card.
“You have a business card?” He laughed.
“Yes I am a Jill of all trades, master of nothing.”
“Or a master of everything?”
“Depends on how you look at it.” I said still smiling.
“What time would you like to go out tomorrow?”
“The afternoon. I’d love to bring my camera and snap some photos. My mom bought me a new camera for Christmas and it’s been getting a lot of use here.”
“Alright, I will call you around noon if you’d like? Maybe we can have lunch then head out?”
“I thought you were bringing your dog?”
“Oh yes right. Lunch maybe after then?”
“Sure that sounds great.”
“I will speak with you tomorrow then.”
“Great. Thanks Henry.”
“Take Care Tami.”
“You too.”
I walked out of the gym and didn’t even look back. I didn’t want him to think I was too eager.

I knew you when – Chapter 8

I arrived at Henry’s place an hour later and there was beer and pizza waiting as I walked in.
“Pizza?” I said laughing.
“Heck yes. Just like old times.” He smiled.
He opened a bottle of beer and handed it to me. Taking a sip I sat down on the sofa.
“Bring the pizza over here, I am starving.”
Henry dropped the pizza box on the table in front of me and plopped down next to me.
Grabbing a slice of pizza I quickly devoured it.
“Holy you were not kidding about being hungry.” He laughed as he grabbed a slice.
“I feel like I have not eaten in a week!”
I didn’t mind pigging out around Henry, he was always impressed by a women who could not only hold her liquor but eat herself a good share of food.
I grabbed another slice and sipped my beer. They were both going down very well.
“I hated being on set today.” I said in between bites. “It was so frigging cold.”
“I know.” He said sipping his beer.
Turning sideways on the sofa Henry threw his legs over mine and leaned back.
“Comfortable?” I asked.
His smiled widened. “Of course.”
I ran my hands over his calf twirling his leg hair in my fingers.
“Chicken legs.” I laughed.
“Not funny.” He frowned.
“Yes funny.” I said with a chuckle.
“I have something I want to talk to you about.” He looked serious.
“Am I going to be happy about this talk?”
“Yes and no.”
“Ok what is it?”
“Before this role I auditioned for another movie. I got the part but was not allowed to talk about it as it was still in development. But then the director backed out of the project and I lost the roll.”
“What?” I said shocked. “Can they do that?”
“Yes sadly they can and I was devastated Nika. It was the ultimate role. The role that would have made my career.”
“What was it?”
“Superman.”
I spit beer across the table “WHAT???”
Still with his legs across mine he put his head down and I noticed he’d begun to tear up.
“I had it Nika. Now it’s gone.”
Pushing his legs off me I turned to look at him, his head still down a tear rolled down his cheek.
I didn’t know what to say to him. He’d always known I was a huge Superman fan and there was nothing more exciting than the thought of someone I loved so dearly playing the most iconic superhero in history.
I wiped the tear from his cheek, leaned in and kissed him.
“I don’t even know what to say Henry. I am so sorry.”
He kept his head down and took a sip of his beer.
“I just can’t believe I was that close.”
“If they get a new director can you be re cast?” I asked.
“That’s what’s awful. They already have one and he opted not to use me and chose another actor instead.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“How can they do that?” I asked my voice becoming angry.
“It’s the business Nika, they can do whatever they want.”
He chugged back his beer and stood up. “Going to grab another one you need one too?”
“Yes please.”
I suddenly felt sick. Not because of the food or beer but because of his sadness.
Feeling completely helpless was the worst feeling. Henry and I had both been working so hard and we’d earned a shot at making it and for him to get so close broke my heart.
“Don’t give up Henry.”
He sat back down next to me and handed me a beer.
“I won’t. Pass me another slice.” He smiled.

The rest of the night we  drank laughed and talked about everything from missing home to how he was enjoying playing Melot.
Looking at the clock I turned to Henry and said “Do you film tomorrow?”
Our scene together was to be filmed in two days and I had planned to take some time the next day to sight see around Prague.
“Yes.” He replied.
“What time?”
“I have to be on set for 9 am.”
“Uh Henry it’s past 3 in the morning we should head to bed.”
Henry jumped from the sofa. “Shit.”
Running past him I dove into the bed with such force I feel right off the other side.
I burst out laughing and could hear Henry was also in a full bout of loud laughter.
Through his laughing he asked “Are you ok?”
“Nailed it!” I squealed with laughter as tears rolled down my face.
“No really are you ok?”
“I am fine Henry. That was the most ridiculous thing that could have ever happened. How the heck did I actually manage to fly over the bed.” I could not stop laughing and felt like I might pee my pants.
“Shit, Help me up Henry I need to pee.”
He fell to the bed laughing even harder.
“Not funny!” I screamed
“Yes funny!” He laughed leaning his arm over the side of the bed to help me to my feet.
Getting up I quickly ran to the washroom to relieve my full bladder before it burst onto the floor.
When I returned to the room Henry was already under the covers his eyes droopy as he dosed.
I crawled under the covers with him and he immediately began to laugh.
“What?” I asked.
“I will never be able to un see that you know.”
I started laughing along with him. “I can’t believe that happened.”
“Flying Nika.”
“More like falling Nika.” I laughed. “That was an epic fail on my part.”
We laughed a bit longer and I could tell Henry was much more exhausted then myself.
I watched as he fell into slumber then cuddled up next to him in the hopes of joining him soon.

Waking the next morning I looked to see that Henry had already left.
My head was pounding. Beer hangover. Not fun.
I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled out to the kitchen. Coffee was already made and there was a note from Henry.
“Didn’t want to wake you flying Nika, Text me when you’re up. xxx Hen”
Smiling I shook my head and knew I was never going to live down last night’s unfortunate bed incident.
Pouring myself some coffee I suddenly realized I had no key to lock up when I was to leave I was trapped in his apartment.
Grabbing my phone I messaged Henry “Babe I got no key to lock the door now I can’t get back to my hotel to change and go sightseeing.”
An hour later I had still not heard back from Henry. I was growing bored with each passing minute.
I’d found his aspirin in the bathroom and was finally ridding my throbbing head of my beer hangover.
“Ding” I heard my phone go off.
“Sorry sweetheart I completely forgot. Sending someone with the key now.”
I looked over to the clock and noticed it was going on 2pm my day almost completely wasted.
Have to see what I can get in still. I said to myself.
Within a few moments I heard a knock at the door.
A young fellow standing there will a smile on face greeted me as I opened the door.
“Hi Nika, I am Henry’s assistant Mark. Here’s the key. He said he will message you when he’s done filming and you both can meet up so he can get them back.”
“Thanks Mark.” I said smiling.
“No problem. Have fun sightseeing. Might I recommend the Klementinum, it’s a fantastic and beautiful sight.”
“Wow thanks Mark.”
“No problem. Have a great time.”
I closed the door and grabbed my phone to message Henry.
“Got the keys, talk to you later xxx”
I grabbed my purse and headed out the door back to my hotel.
On route I googled The Klementinum which to be far and honest I could not even pronounce.
But Mark was right it looked amazing so I was making sure I made my way there today.

Sitting in a cafe watching the people of Prague walk past I realized how lucky I was.
Lucky in a sense that I had a job that I loved, that I was following my dreams and to have people in my life that made me a better women. I was blessed and my heart was happy.
“Ding” my phone went off. It was Henry.
“Hey sweets, I’m finished. Been a long day. Where are you?”
I messaged him back letting him know the cafe I was at and that I had just ordered something to eat so I would be there for awhile longer.
“I’ll see you in a bit then. I am not far from the cafe. Order me a beer.”
As the waitress passed I stopped her to ask for Henry’s beer she smiled and nodded.
A few moments later I watched as Henry walked up the walkway to the cafe and entered.
Searching the room for me I couldn’t help but chuckle as he looked a little lost.
Spotting me he walked over to the table and slumped down into the chair with a sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, Just had a long day.”
“You’re a horrible liar Henry. So stop it.”
“Working with him is a pain in the ass.” He said sternly.
“With who? Fanco?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t give him another thought.” I suggested.
“Kind of hard Nika, I am in almost every scene with him.”
“Good point.” I said nodding.
“It’s just.” He paused “He walks around acting like he is better than everyone else. Like he’s the big star and we should all be honored to be working with him.”
“I’m not even going to touch that one.”
“I tried talking with him. Told him about the Superman gig and he basically blew me off. As if I had no right to have such a role.”
“Henry.” I said placing my hand over his. “Take a sip of beer and listen to me ok.”
Henry arched his eyebrow up and took a sip from his Corona “ok”
“You are a terrific actor and I just know one day the whole world is going to know that. Just as I see you now they too will all get to know and love you.”
He smiled bashfully. “Thank you lovely. You always say the loveliest of things to me.”
“It’s true Henry. You just wait. One day I will be able to say ha ha I knew him when!”
Henry began to laugh. “Yeah right.”
“My only concern is you getting a big head.”
“Me? Big head? Never.”
“Best not or I will seriously kick your ass.”
“I know you would.” He laughed.
“Oh and having to beat all the women off with sticks is going to be a real hassle. It however will be great cardio and I should have an excellent looking body.”
Henry almost spit out his beer with laughter. “You already have a nice body.”
“Well guess what? Beating all the hoards of women off of you will make it even better. You watch.” I laughed.

The next day both Henry and I were on set for our scene. I had gotten to come in later then Henry as he had an additional scene he had filmed throughout the day.
It was already dark when I arrived and headed to makeup and wardrobe before joining the cast on set.
The scene was a simple party scene and I was really only required to sit on Henry’s lap, kiss him and talk to him as though he were the most appealing person in the room.
James and Henry were sat next to one another at the table as I walked up to take my spot.
James gave me a once over and smirked. In that moment I wanted to smack the smirk off his face.
Henry placed his arm around me and opened his legs so I could sit on one leg with my legs in between his.
I took one last look over to James and shot him a dirty look which seemed to amuse him.
Sitting on Henry’s lap the director asked me to place my arm around his neck.
I was to have conversations in his ear while loud music blared within the room and the chatter exploded between all the butch men.
During our “conversation” Henry was to kiss me. This was nothing new to either of us and we’d be able to pull it off easily.
Take after taken Henry and I continued to make out as I joked in his ear about wondering if the director actually knew about us.
Between each takes Henry and I would walk the grounds of the set and chat with other members of the cast. It seemed Henry got along with everyone but James Franco. James mostly kept to himself in his trailer or would go off speaking to the director about his performance.

Once done filming I headed to the “extras” trailer and got changed. Henry was waiting for me outside still all dirty but in his plain clothes.
“Want to come back to my place?” He asked.
“Yep.” I said smiling. “Got beer?”
“Yes but I am not sure you should be drinking any more beer, you like to take flying leaps across beds when you’ve had too many.” He laughed.
“Fuck you.” I said slapping his arm.
He placed his arm around my neck and we walked off to fetch the car.
“I’m starving.” I said.
“No more pizza either, maybe that’s what did it.” He laughed.
“Your cruising for a bruising Henry!” I slapped out at him again but he managed to duck away.
He began to jog ahead of me and started to laugh.
“Why are you laughing?”
“Just thinking of you falling on your ass. It’s hysterical. Hence why I am running” He continued to laugh.
“HENRY!” I began to run after him. “I’m going to beat you!”
“Catch me if you can.” He yelled.
“What are we 5?” I yelled back to him.
Just then he stopped dead in his tracks placed his thumbs to his cheeks and stuck out his tongue.
“Na na na na” he said wiggling his fingers.
“You ass.” I laughed as I caught up to him and punched him in the arm.
“Come on love you have to admit just thinking about it makes you want to pee your pants laughing.”
I glared up to him trying not to laugh.
“Pun intended love.” He winked.
We got in the car and headed back to his place where we ordered pizza. Extra large with ham, bacon and double cheese.
“This is heaven.” I said as I sipped a beer and ate my slice.
“Pizza and beer is heaven is it?”
“No, Pizza, Beer and Henry. In no particular order either.”
“See there you go again with the sweetheart stuff. How am I ever to compete with that?”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Just saying.” He smiled.
“Buy me flowers.” I suggested.
“Flowers?” He laughed “Want a big teddy bear and a box of chocolates with that?”
“Actually now that you mention it.” I began to laugh along with him.
“When do you leave?” he asked.
“In 2 days. So I am going to do some more sightseeing tomorrow.”
“Wish I could join you but I am working for the next 6 days.”
“It’s ok we can meet up after.”
He hugged me. “Glad your here.”
“Thanks Hen, It’s been fun working with you again. We have to do this more often.”
“Yes. We work well together.”
“That we do.”
We both grabbed another slice of pizza and sat back on the sofa and listened to tunes occasionally breaking out in song.
“You should do a musical Nika, your voice is fantastic.”
“Maybe one day. Nothing seems to have come across like that.”
“What about hitting a recording studio and making an album?”
“Oh heck no. The music industry is so sad these days. They take people and transform them burn them up then drop them when they fail and so many musicians fade into obscurity.”
“I think you’d be able to make it.”
“Thanks, but I really don’t think it’s something I would be interested in.” I laughed “However you know this acting thing isn’t going as planned so maybe I should consider it as a back up.”
“I think you should.”
“Your one to talk Henry, You can sing as well and yet you never do.”
“Hey I humm’d in Hellraiser.” He laughed.
“That does not count.”
“That’s all they are getting.”
“Why?”
“Cause it’s not my thing. It’s yours.”
“Whatever.” I laughed.
Snuggling close we ate our pizza and drank a few more beers before heading to bed.
This time I was glad I got into the bed in one piece and managed to stay there instead of landing on the floor again.

I knew you when – Chapter 7

A few weeks later I arrived in Prague and met up with Henry at the hotel suit they had set him up in.
Knocking on the door I felt butterflies in my stomach.
“Damn you Henry.” I thought to myself.
Henry opened the door with a wide grin that showed off all his perfect imperfect teeth.
I jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek.
“Hey dick, Miss me?” I laughed.
“Dick? since when am I a dick?” He laughed as he set me to the ground.
“I’m just playing sweetness.”
“Where do they have you set up?” He asked.
“Not here!” I laughed “I’m not the star so I get shit for lodgings.”
“You can always crash here with me you know?”
“I just might take you up on that offer, Til you piss me off and I need my own room.”
“And when have I ever pissed you off?”
“Don’t get me started Henry.” I smiled.

He showed me around his place and the set up was minimal but cozy.
Henry and I were use to living cheap and with just the basics so this was actually a step up for both him and myself.
“When do you arrive on set?” He asked.
“Tomorrow for a few hours, Then our scene together is to be filmed the next day.”
“Yes I saw that in my script I was just not sure if you’d be there before hand.”
“Yes. I am doing a background scene with everyone.”
“You’ll get there you know Nika. Some day I might be the background to you.”
“Uh, ok.” I laughed “I’m just happy to be working really.”
Henry walked over to me and hugged me.
“Let’s go out. I’ve found a really nice club we can hang out at. The people are very nice here.”
“Sounds like fun.” I smiled.

Later that night Henry, myself and a few other cast members arrived at the club which was already in full steam with music so loud I thought I might go deaf.
Walking to the bar each of us grabbed a drink and Henry and his new cast friends lead me to their “regular” table.
“What is it reserved for you?” I asked.
“What?” Henry yelled.
“Is the table reserved for you guys?” I yelled back.
Henry began to laugh. “No it just seems to always be the table we take.”
“So what happens if it’s not available?”
“We go sit over there.” He said point to a table in the opposite corner.
I nodded my head allowing him to know that through all the boom boom of the music I actually heard what he had said.
“Let’s go dance.” He yelled.
“Ok!”
I loved to dance and thought of myself as a rather good dancer however on this night I slowly became away as to how different my moves were to all the other ladies.
Girls were grinding on themselves, one another and all the men around them and here I was pretending like I was Madonna.
Not that there is anything wrong with Madonna, She’s a pioneer in many many ways. But let’s just say her style of dance is way different from what I was seeing on the dance floor tonight.
Henry however was having to much of a blast to realize how funny he looked.
He has rhythm to a degree but some of his movements were what I called the “Cavill jerk and shake.”
As we danced a couple of girls approached us and one of the girls flung her arms around Henry and kissed his neck.
My mouth dropped open at around the same time his did.
When she backed up from him I stood still for a moment raising my eyebrow letting her know with a single look that I was not happy with what she had just done.
She shot be back a look of “Fuck you bitch” and I stepped forward ready to smack that look right off her face.
Henry stepped between us and looked over to me. “Just a friend Nika.”
“Looks like she wants to be more than just friends Henry.”
I don’t know why I was angry as I was. Henry and I never really ever said we were boyfriend and girlfriend. I did not own him. Part of me though really felt as though he was my boyfriend. We’d been through so much over the years and stuck it out with each other. Our relationship was more than just hugs and handshakes. We’d been intimate we’d said those three important “I love you” words.
He was more to me then just a friend and I thought I was more to him then just a friend with benefits.
I turned and walked to the bar ordering a couple of shots and another drink I chugged back the shots and began to sip my drink.
Henry walked up behind me. “Nika she is just a friend!”
“Why the hell did you bring me here Henry? You had to know some of your so-called friends would take it upon themselves to do something like that right in front of me.”
“I brought you here to have a good time. I had no idea Rawan was going to be here. She’s friendly and lovely but nothing has happened between us.”
“Has? You mean you wouldn’t mind if it did?”
“NIKA” He yelled and grabbed my arms. “Stop this.”
I saw anger in his face a look I rarely ever seen in him. He may be a Taurus the bull but he very rarely ever allowed that emotion to surface. I knew then I had fucked up.
I finished my drink and took his hand. Kissing him on the cheek I whispered in his ear.
“I’m sorry I ruined your evening. I am going to head back to my hotel and will see you likely tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to leave Nika.”
“Yes I do Henry. I don’t know what it is but when I am with you my emotions get all out of sort.”
“What do you mean?”
“I wish you loved me the way I love you Henry.”
“What are you talking about Nika? I do love you. You know that.”
“Not the same way I love you.”
I kissed him again “See you tomorrow.”
Running my hand down his cheek to his arm I walked away and out the door and headed back to my hotel.
So filled with anger and sadness I could not stop the tears from falling.
I glanced back half hoping he would be racing after me telling me to come back.
He was nowhere to be seen.

I arrived on set and entered make up and hair to get ready to shoot.
My mind raced. “How was Henry going to react today. Were we going to be weird around one another?”
Costume was an ugly smock of a gown and it itched something fierce. I was already hating it here.
While my makeup was being applied I heard a knock at the door. I was not alone in the trailer and each of us looked at one another wondering who says “come in?”
Finally the make up artist herself spoke up. “Come on in.”
Henry walked in and smiled. “Hello everyone.”
I glanced over and smiled. “Hi” I said softly.
He looked wonderful with the long hair and mucky and dirty face. The dimple on his chin predominate though the scruff he’d grown.
They’d added a braid to the one side of his hair and even that didn’t seem to take away from his handsome face.
He walked over to me and stood behind me. I looked into the mirror and watched as he placed his hands on my shoulders.
“How are you?” He asked looking at me in the mirror.
“Good.” I said putting my head down.
The others in the trailer were now watching and I shifted in my seat uncomfortably.
He leaned down on my left side still looking at me in the mirror.
“No matter what Nika, I will always love you.”
He kissed my neck and stood up.
“See you on set.” He winked.
I quickly nodded and tried to prevent tears from filling my eyes.
When he’d exited my make up artists looked down at me.
“I take it you two know each other?” She said with a large smile.
“Yes Henry and I go way back.”
“He’s a nice boy.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Boy.”
“Well to me you are both just kids.” She laughed.
“Yes he really is something special.” I said. “He has to be putting up with me.”
“Hard to handle kind of girl?”
“Somewhat yes.” I bowed my head in shame.
“Well if he’s stuck it out thus far then you have something worth sticking around for dear.”
I looked up to her and smiled. She didn’t probably known it but she had just made my day with that sentence.

My scene that day was simple. There was to be a gathering of the town and I would simply be walking in the background.
However small a scene may be if the lead actors to not hit mark takes can take hours setting and re setting each time.
Standing in the mud Henry and James walked past me and Henry winked causing James to turn and look towards me.
He was a scowling looking young man. Nothing about him seemed friendly.
“Who’s that?” James asked Henry.
“My girlfriend.”
James looked back once more and gave me a full look over and had a little chuckle to himself.
Henry turned to James and stopped. “What?”
“Nothing.” James said shaking his head “Just didn’t see you with someone like that.”
“Like what?” Henry said with his voice becoming aggravated.
“Don’t worry man.” James said patting Henry on the back and walking away.
Yep it was official in that moment I no longer liked or cared to ever see James Franco again.

Take after take I walked by as my feet became sore from the crappy shoes they had provided in wardrobe.
Take after take my bones began to chill from the icy air blowing around us.
The mud made it hard for my to keep my feet warm and I found myself running back to the trailer each time after they yelled cut to try to warm them up.
“Come on guys.” I thought to myself “Ge this done and over with so I can go back to my hotel and warm the hell up.”
Finally after 9 hours the scene was done and we were free go back to our homes.
Henry ran up behind me “Nika?”
I turned “Yeah?”
“Dinner? My place?”
Smiling I shook my head yes. “I’m going back to the hotel first to change then I will be over.”
He leaned down and kissed me. “See you soon lovely.”
Not a hint of anger at all in his face or voice. I didn’t know how he did it. Henry had the ability to not really allow things to effect him for longer than meer moments.
It was like last night had never happened. I had not been a complete and utter idiot and we were right back to being who we always were when in each others company.
It was one of the things I loved about him. He was so very patient and kind.

I knew you when – Chapter 6

Being back home was a nightmare, Auditions never ending and hearing no so often I began to question myself and if the choice I had made to be an actor was still the best thing for me.
Henry too was having a bit of a rough time getting roles and worked at a local club to pay his bills at the same time saving bits to get back to LA for more auditions.
In our home countries we both found it harder to grab acting jobs and we both knew we needed to be back in Los Angeles if we wanted better jobs.

Months went by with nothing at all and I found myself on the phone with Henry crying over it all.
He was always the sweetheart reassuring me that we had made the right decision and that we both had what it took to make it we just needed to be given the opportunity.

Henry and I finally managed to get back to LA in the summer of 2004 and both of us found work quiet quickly at separate restaurants.
This time however we were not as lucky in the apartment hunt as we’d previously been so for the first few weeks we bunked at Corin’s house sleeping on his sofa which really was not the ideal thing for either of us making getting a good night’s rest difficult.

Auditions were hell and I started taking mundane jobs just to keep building my profile. Henry however was a little more concerned with quality over quantity then I was and held out for better jobs.
I respected him for that but we were both in need of money and our visa’s only lasted so long so the more we worked in the industry the longer we’d be able to stay.

We finally managed to get our own “room” apartment and it was literally like living in a fishbowl.
It worked though as we only had a month to month lease and could walk away at any time.
We had nothing with us but our closes so when Corin’s partner Andy asked us if we wanted his sofa bed we jumped at it. “Yey, no more sleeping on the floor.” we joked.
People think the life of an actor is glamorous and for some it really can be. Henry and I were not living the life. Not even close. Yet week after week we trenched into the audition pools and waded through script line after script line in the hopes of getting that “break”.

We’d been in town for a couple months when our agents called us letting us know about an upcoming movie being shot in Prague. We looked at one another in shock, Our agents had lined us up to audition for the same movie.
“What are the odds?” Henry asked laughing.
“I know right? Us in a movie together again?” I laughed.
The script was a story of love, honor and betrayal and Henry would be auditioning for the lead part.
“Are you up for the female lead Nika?” He asked.
“No honey, just a small bit. But that’s ok I will take what I can get.” I laughed.
I was excited he was auditioning for the lead but sad at the same time as I had hoped my agent would have listed myself for a larger part.
Our auditions were a day apart and Henry had his first. When he came in he had a huge smile on his face.
“Things went well?” I asked him.
“Yeah I think they really did.”
He was pea cocking and proud as he marched around our fishbowl.
“Easy now Henry, don’t be getting a big head on me now!”
He began to laugh. “No, won’t happen.”
“Better not, I’ll kick your ass.”
“I actually have no doubt that you would Nika.” He laughed some more.
He picked up his cell phone and rang his mother to let her know of the news.
She was so proud of him, Both his parents were in fact.
Henry had even hired his dad as his media and PR rep and had planned to work on building his own media company with his dad heading it.
The next day my audition was a simple photo session, I knew in that moment my role would be either a non speaking one or so small I wouldn’t even get credit at the end of the film.
The pay however was rather decent and I would be travelling to Prague a place I had never been and that would be an exciting experience in itself.
Walking through the door I threw my purse to the floor and slumped on the sofa.
“What’s wrong?” Henry asked.
“The audition was just a couple photos.”
He looked down to the floor with a look on sorrow on his face.
“Don’t pity me please.” I asked sternly.
“I don’t pity you Nika, I feel bad because I know how hard you’ve worked and I’ve been there as well. The excitement then the let down.”
I jumped from the couch and headed to the kitchen and grabbed a beer.
“Nika it’s 2pm?”
“Your point?”
Raising his hands in the air he backed away.
“I’m going to go for a walk and let you have a moment alone.” He said.
“Yep, Ok.” I shrugged.
In that moment I realized how rude I was being to him. I was filled with such hurt. Here I was taking all these shit jobs and that’s all that kept coming my way and Henry holds out and lands a lead audition.
I felt the slight sting of bitterness in my heart and even though every part of me knew it was not his fault I could not help the jealous rage.
As Henry walked out the door I fell to the floor and began to sob.
I couldn’t contain the tears, I was sad due to my career, I was sad at the anger I felt towards Henry, I was so sad at the way I was looking at life.
Burying my head in my hands I felt Henry sit down next to me.
He’d not actually left, as he heard my tears he’d come back in.
He placed his arm around me and pulled me close to him.
We said nothing, Henry just simply let me cry on his shoulder.

A few days later I received a call. I had landed a small bit part in the movie and my scenes would be shot in Prague in the upcoming months.
I would be playing “Lady Marke” the girlfriend/lover of a character named Melot.
That same day Henry’s agent called to inform him that he had lost the lead role of Tristan but that they really liked him and were considering him for another lead part if he would be interest.
He sat on the sofa and sighed. “What’s the part?” He asked.
They told him he would be the best friend of Tristan, The one who would betray him.
Henry pondered. “A bad guy?” He questioned.
“Yes.” His agent told him. “I think this is a good move for you.”
Henry agreed to take the part and the script was to be sent over for him to begin going over.
He hung up the phone and looked up at me. “I lost the main lead to another actor.”
“Sorry Henry.” I said sitting next to him. “Do you know who got the part?”
“No, not yet. But they offered me another role, Not as big but still a critical part of the storyline so I said I would take it.”
“Who will you be playing?” I asked.
“Melot, the bad friend.” He laughed.
Just then I fell over with laugher. “Your fucking with me right?”
Henry’s brow frowned as he looked at me with question all over his face.
“No really Henry, Your taking the piss right?”
“No.” He said sternly.
I began to laugh even harder. “Henry, I am playing Lady Marke. Melot’s lover!”
A grin grew over his face as he busted into laughter.
“Now who’s fucking with who?” he asked.
“I’m not kidding Henry, I just got the call today.”
We slumped back onto the sofa bed and continued to laugh.
The world was a funny place and it had a way of making things even more hilarious.

Henry was to leave for Ireland first where some of the primary shots were being done for the movie which now had the running title “Tristan and Isolde” then he would head off to Prague 4 weeks later where I would meet up with him for 2 weeks of filming my own scenes.
We gave up our fish bowl of an apartment and bunked once more with Corin who was now living with Andy.

On Henry’s last night in LA we decided to head out for a night on the town. It was always fun partying with the guys and we shared so many laughs.
Henry and I bought a round of drinks for our LA group who’d really become like family to us and we sat back and shared many more laughs.
Corin being Corin loved poking fun at Henry when it came to his looks. “Pretty Boy” was thrown around a lot that night.
Henry had grown out his hair which made his curls look even more lush I would occasionally lean over and run my hands through it till he got fed up with people playing with it and tied it back in a ponytail which only made the jokes worse but Henry has a great sense of humor and was able to laugh it all off.

That night Henry fell asleep before me and I sat down and just looked down at him. He looked so peaceful and happy.
“You’re so handsome” I whispered “One day the world will see you the way I do and they will love you just as much.” I leaned down and kissed his cheek which caused him to stir. He opened his eyes and a faint smile came over his lips. “Get some sleep Nika” he whispered.
I laid down behind him and placed my arms around his chest. I would miss him when he left, I always missed not being with him.

Henry’s flight left early that morning and he woke me so we could have breakfast and say our “See you soon” I didn’t travel to the airport to see him off as I knew it would just bring me down. Besides 4 weeks would go faster than I thought and we’d be hanging out in Prague soon enough.
“Call me when you get there.” I said as he left.
“I will” He smiled.
“Don’t have too much fun without me.” I laughed.
“Hey now” He joked “You can’t be my only fun buddy.”
My eyes widened and I stared at him. “Pardon?”
“That did not come out correctly.” He laughed. “What I meant was you cannot be the only person I hang out with and have fun with. You are however the only one I have FUN with.” He winked.
“Asshole.” I laughed.
“Oh you grouch, go back to bed.” He laughed “See you in a few weeks.”
“Get out of here will you? You’re going to be late.”
“BYE” He shouted as he shut the door behind him.
“BYE” I yelled.

The next day Henry called and he did not sound happy.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing, Just don’t really like some of the people I am working with.”
“What? are you kidding? You not actually liking someone is strange Henry. You like everyone.”
“He’s just hard to work with. He thinks he’s this great actor who is above others.”
“Who are we talking about?” I asked.
“Don’t worry Nika. It’s not worth it. I will do my job and be done.”
“Henry.” I pleaded. “Don’t keep it in. You know you can trust me.”
“James.” He said quietly.
Henry had lost the lead part in Tristan and Isolde to James Franco. James had a reputation in Hollywood for being a pain in the ass to work with.
“I hate that guy.” I said. “Ever since he got Spiderman he thinks he’s the best thing since swiss cheese. But what he does not know is swiss cheese sucks!”
Henry began to laugh. “Yeah I am not a fan of swiss cheese either.”
“Don’t let him get to you.” I said. “Do your thing and know at the end of the day your better.”
“Thanks Nika.”
“No thanks needed Henners, I got your back baby.” I laughed.
“I know you always will.”
“How dirty are you?” I asked out of the blue.
“What?” He laughed.
“Well it’s a period piece so I was wondering how mucky they are making you look.”
Henry laughed for a few moments more. “I am a very dirty boy Nika.”
“Now now Hen don’t get me going there.” I laughed.
“You started it.”
“Ok then I shall end it. Next topic?”
“How’ve you been?” He asked.
“Bored.”
“You won’t be in a few weeks.”
“I know and I am very much looking forward to it.”
“Yeah I can’t wait for you to be here too. A friendly face is what I need.”
“Awe Henry you say the sweetest shit.” I laughed.
“As do you.” He laughed.
“I try.”
We talked for a little longer till he had to head to bed for an early wake up call to be on set.
I hated knowing he was not happy and wished there was more I could do for him but I was stuck in LA and too far away to do anything for him. May these next few weeks past quick I prayed.

I knew you when – Chapter 5

The next couple days I didn’t see much of Henry as he was still filming and I was back working at the restaurant and for whatever reason we just kept missing one another and when we did manage to be in the apartment together it was in bed and we were both too tired to do much of anything.
It was still just nice waking in the middle of the night snuggled up to him or him to me that feeling that you are not alone or going at all this by yourself was a really great feeling.

It was a Monday and Henry had the rest of the week left to film his final scene when he called me and sounded like he was in such a panic but it was almost a laughter type panic.

“Oh my god Nika you’re never going to guess what happened to me today at lunch!”
“Are you ok?” I asked “You sound really freaked out.”
“I did the death scene today where I get strung up by the hook and guess what happened?”
“Ok don’t leave me hanging, what happened??”
“They left me there and went for lunch!”
“You’re joking right? They came back for you didn’t they?”
“Yeah after their lunch” He was now laughing hysterically
“How fucking long where you up there?”
“Over an hour, My toes went numb.”
He was still laughing but I was having a hard time finding it amusing that the stunt crew would leave an actor stranded up there hanging for over an hour.
“Will I see you for dinner?” I asked
“Yeah I should be home, I just had to call and tell you. What a fucking day!”
“Yeah! That’s a day alright. Ok I will talk with you later then. Anything you want for dinner?”
“Whatever your making babe.”
“Ok see you later. Call me if anything comes up.”
“Yeah I will.”

That night I put together chicken dinner with glazed chicken and vegetable chow main noodles along with a mixed vegetable including carrots, peas, beans and corn.
I loved to cook and I really loved to have someone to cook for and Henry always loved the meals I prepared he said it felt a little like being back home with his mom cooking.
I was not sure if I should take offense to that or not and he knew it and quickly stated that was not what he had meant. I knew what he had meant but I still liked to rib him from time to time.

As he walked in I could see him smelling the air and I had to smile.
“What’s cooking good looking? Yes I just said that.” He laughed
I laughed and told him what was on the menu for the night.
“Oh man where did you learn to cook?”
I shrugged “I just kind of taught myself. You learn what foods you like and learn how to make them.”
“Well I am glad because you are one amazing cook! Maybe you should take over at the restaurant.” He winked
“What are you saying? Our cook is bad?”
“No, Just that your better!”
“Awe honey you really know how to butter a girl up!”
“Yeah? Want to go out for a couple drinks tonight then come home and…”
“And???”
He winked again “You know.”
His smile killed me each time. It was so wide and happy and at the very same time he was easily able to look naughtier then hell.
“Sometime I really think you’re a devilish little shit you know?”
He laughed “Why do you say that?”
“You should see that kinky little smile you have on your face!”
“Kinky? You want to get kinky?” His eyes widened.
“You little bugger” I slapped his arm.
“I’m just kidding, but you do know I listen well right?”
“Listen to what?” I now looked puzzled.
“I’m just saying, you tell me what you want and I will do it for you.”
The thoughts suddenly poured into my head like a river breaking through a dam.
“Easy honey” I said smiling “Let’s just go get drunk first!” I laughed.
He shook his head. “Sounds like a plan”

That night we hooked up with Corin, Rick and Andy and headed out to one our favorite watering holes and just decided we were going to celebrate working!
Henry of course had made a far bigger pay check then myself but I didn’t care I was living my dream, I was living in a half decent place with a guy who I really cared about and we had each other’s backs.
As we got another round I informed Henry drinks were on him all night. I mean after all he had earned more. He laughed but agreed all my drinks were on him.
We were having such a good time that when last call was called we were actually shocked!
I leaned over to Henry and said “We got booze at home?”
“Yeah” he said
“Corin, Andy, and Rick! Our place!!!” I yelled.
We all jumped up and finished our drinks and headed out the door.
As we headed down the street we came across fellow friends who were also looking to party so we invited them along with us. But as usual we came across idiots who just wanted to hear themselves talk.
I had no patience for them but Henry would always shut me up for fear I may get hurt.
“Ignore them babe” He’d say to me.
“It’s hard to ignore ignorance you know.”
“Don’t let assholes ruin our night.” He put his arm around me and I grabbed his hand.
I pulled him close to me.  I adored this man so much it made my heart hurt. I feared one day losing him in fact I knew one day I was more than likely going to so I threw it to the back on my brain and focused on the here and now. With him and his arm around me.

A few months had gone by and we’d both gone back to auditioning with no luck getting any roles.
Christmas had come and gone and Henry and I were both missing our families but we were glad to be making the new friends and memories here in Los Angeles.
Sadly however our VISA’s were both about to expire and once that happened both Henry and me would have no choice but to give up our apartment our jobs and head back to our homes.

At night we’d lay next to one another and talk about how much harder it all was here in LA.
Henry would say “If I was in England right now I would probably be working on another television show.”
“You’re lucky then.” I would tell him because in Canada roles were so much harder to come by and it was one of the reasons I had decided to head out here and give it a shot.

Days went by, then weeks and finally months and before we knew it we were both booking flights back to our home towns and we were not sure when we would be coming back to LA as now we would both have to save up more money so that when we got here we had enough to sustain us for a few months.
“You should come visit me in England.” Henry said.
“Really?”
“Yeah. You are always going on about how you’d like to see London come over and I can show you around.”
“I’d have to save some money for that one.” I laughed “It’s probably more expensive to be there then here.”
“Actually it’s about the same.” He laughed.
“I’d love to. I will see about it when I get home and settled and let you know.”
I flopped down on the sofa and suddenly found myself in tears.
Henry ran over and sat next to me. “What’s wrong?”
“Did we fail Henry? One job, that’s all we got just that one.” I covered my face with my hands.
“Nika we didn’t fail it’s harder out here we both knew that.” He placed his arms around me and hugged me tightly but I couldn’t not seem to stop the tears.
“I just feel like we tried so hard, hundreds of auditions and nothing.”
“You watch we’ll save money we will come back and it will happen for us. You have to have hope Nika. If you have nothing other than passion, Passion will get you through and you my sweet lass have a lot of passion.” He winked.
I looked up at him and smiled “It doesn’t help that I won’t see you every day either.”
“I’m a phone call away, email me daily and come play World of Warcraft with me.”
“You and that stupid video game.” I laughed.
“Hey I bet you’d like it if you actually came and played it.”
“Ok I will look into that as well my brother will be so impressed with me if I start playing he spends days at a time playing that frigging game.”
“I don’t spend that much time. Hours yes but not days.” He laughed.

My flight was scheduled to leave the day before Henry’s which I was glad about as I didn’t want to spend a night without him in this apartment.
That morning we had our final breakfast together then returned to our bedroom for one last time to be with one another.
Something about this time was more perfect that any of the other times we’d made love before.
It was not a “good bye” love making it was a “We’ll be together again soon” love making session.
There was never a doubt for either of us we had passion together there was a connection between us and it was strong and wild.
I was going to miss him and in this final moment I knew he too would be missing me.

He sat with me while I waited for my flight number to be called and when it finally was he walked me right up to security and watched as they scanned me through and checked my bags.
I turned one final time and he was still there. He smiled and waved.
“I’ll miss you.” I mouthed
“I will see you soon.” He mouthed back then blew me a kiss.
I blew him one back and walked through the gates to get ready to board once again I could not control my emotions and I began to cry.
I wondered if he too was crying would he really miss me as much as he said he would.
My emotions were on over drive and I felt almost like I was falling apart.
Pull your shit together girl! I thought to myself.
I shook my head and boarded the plane and said a little farewell to Los Angeles California.
Until we meet again city of angels!

My dad was waiting for me as I exited at the Toronto airport and was taking me to Nicole’s.
I’d made plans to live with my best friend Nicole when I got home until I was able to save enough money to head back to LA. She was always a huge supporter of my career and was going to let me stay with her for very little rent so I could get back a lot faster.
What I had not told her yet is that I was not hoping to head over to England for a bit to stay with Henry but that I would more than likely be coming back to live with her again to start the save for LA.
As we pulled up to Nicole’s house her daughter Raven was in the front yard waiting. She quickly began waving and running to their door to tell her mom I was here.
I had come home with a little more than I had left with over a year ago mostly photos of my adventures with Henners and the crew.

Once settled in I asked Nicole about getting a long distance plan at which point she informed me she already had a plan going to the UK as she knew I would wanting to talk with Henry regularly.
And this was why Nicole and I were the best of friends; she treated me better than anyone on the planet and knew me better as well.
I jumped up and hugged her while thanking her and swung around to pick up the phone.
“It’s only 7pm there right now.” I said happy and giggling.
A woman picked up the phone. “Hello?”
I was stunned and shocked and felt like bursting into tears. Who the heck was this person?
“Hello?” She said once again.
“Oh sorry hello. Is Henry there please?”
“Oh yes just one moment.” She responded.
I sat waiting not knowing what to think. It had only been 3 days since I last seen him and only 1 day since he had been home. Who was she?
“Hello” I heard him say.
“He Hen it’s Nika”
“Hey sweets how are you?”
“Good, who was that who picked up the phone?”
He began to laugh. “Jealous?”
“NO! Curious, that’s all.”
“My mum.” He laughed even harder.
“Don’t laugh!” I said.
“I can’t help it. You know I am not that type of guy right?”
“Yes but I couldn’t help myself. I just miss you that’s all.”
“Have you gotten the net hooked up yet?”
“Yeah Nicole already has it so I am going to use her wifi on my lap top.”
“What about World of Warcraft?”
“I’ll get around to that.” I laughed
“We could be partners in crime. ok not crime but battle.” He laughed.
“Why is your mom there?” I asked.
“She’s helping me get settled. Both my parents are here actually.”
“Wow must be nice.” I laughed “My mom spoke with me for like 20 minutes then let me go.”
“Why?”
“I think she is kind of disappointed in me that I didn’t get more work.”
“Tell her she should go and try it then.” He laughed.
“Yeah well you know how she is.” I laughed.
My mother was a stage mom always having her say in my career. Stage mom personified.
I even think at one point I was the sole provider for the home mind you she will never admit to any of that.
Henry and I talked for a couple moments more before he had to let me go. He asked if I would call him in a couple hours so we could talk longer and that also his parents would be gone.
I reminded him that I was 6 hours behind him and that it would not be an issue then let him go.
Just hearing his voice had made my day.

I had a job within a week of being home and decided to take on two so that I could save faster.
Henry and I spoke regularly and he too had also found work at a club in London as a bartender.
I had also started playing World of Warcraft so that we could spend more time together even if it was in a virtual online capacity.
Within a couple months I began to look into flights to London for the summer and sadly everything seemed to be so expensive for that time of year. When I spoke with Henry about it he decided he was not going to let me pay for the trip on my own. I told him it was fine that I was coming up to see him and that he would be allowing me to stay there rent free so it was a trade off but he was having none of it.
After about an hour of arguing I learned never again would I argue with a Taurus as they are stubborn beyond anything I ever thought and would not back down once they had set their minds to something.
So between the two of us we had enough money for me to come up for the month of July and later that week I booked my flight.

July 2^nd at 6:40pm I boarded my flight to London, the flight was to take 7 hours nonstop and I would arrive in London at approximately 8:40am the following day.
I was so excited to be heading back to England I had not been there since I was 19 and I had never been to London at all.
I settled in my window seat and put head phones on and began listening to my mp3 player.  I had created a 7 hour fly to England play list but if the in flight movie was any good I would likely turn off the music to tune into the movie but I wanted to be safe rather than sorry.
I under estimated the power of my tunes and a couple hours in I had fallen fast asleep.
At around 8am UK time I finally woke up.
When I finally landed and went through customs my excitement was about to boil over. I exited my gate and saw Henry right away there was no mistaking the long curly mop.
He had his head down and didn’t see me exit till I was almost in front of him.
“Not paying attention Cavill?” I said as I approached.
He began to laugh “I was looking at my phone.”
He leaned in to hug me and kissed my cheek.
“So glad you’re here.” He said
“I am so happy being here I can’t wait to take it all in.”
Henry looked at me and he got a sad and worried look on his face.
“I need to tell you something.”
I began to worry why he would start off our visit in such a fashion and was hoping that maybe he was just pulling my leg.
“I haven’t been totally honest with you.”
I stopped in my tracks. “What?”
“There is something I haven’t told you.”
“Just tell me.” I said with a huff “Get it over with.”
I must have looked as though I were about to burst in to tears because Henry grabbed me right away and hugged me.
“It’s nothing that horrible baby.”
I looked up to him “Well then?”
“I don’t live on my own. I have a flat mate.”
“That’s it?”
“Yeah I didn’t want to tell you as I thought it might make you not want to come.”
“Why would it matter? I was not giving him my annoyed face.
“I don’t know” He bent his head “Our rooms are right next to each other’s and I thought you might want to come down because you think he might listen in on us.”
“Ah ok.” I laughed “I’m just glad it’s only that.”
With that said we picked up my bags and walked to the car.

Henry’s flat was small, much smaller than our apartment in Los Angeles the only part of the flat that was large was the living room which he said he loved for having parties.
He had cleaned out a couple draws for my stuff which I thought was sweet but now the bathroom would be shared between 3 sometimes 4 people as his flat mate James also had a girlfriend who stayed over a lot. So instead of putting my stuff in the washroom I stored it in his room.
James was not home when were arrived he was at work and I would not meet him till dinner time.
Henry asked if I would like to head to the grocery store to get some food to which I agreed because I was wide awake after sleeping on the plane.
“Can you cook for everyone tonight?” He asked.
“Who’s everyone?” I asked.
“Myself, you, James and Laura.”
“I take it Laura is his girlfriend?”
“Yeah she will be here for the weekend and I told them you would likely do a lot of the cooking. Hope that was not too presumptuous of me?”
I tilted my head to him as if to say yes it was.
He put his head down “Sorry, You don’t have to cook. We will just wing it.”
“Let’s just go shopping first ok.”
“Ok sounds good.”

The store was like a huge superstore and even sold booze which in Canada is not done.
I wanted to see everything so I made Henry walk down each isle with me one at a time. He didn’t seem to mind and just walked next to me as I pushed the cart he occasionally threw things he wanted into the basket.
I had brought some of my own money to purchase food as well and Henry told me James had also given him some cash to grab some food.
So with that I picked up all the things I loved to cook, Chicken, pasta, roast, potatoes, noodles, eggs, bread and anything else I could think of.
One of the other good things about their flat was that it has a regular sized fridge instead of the standard apartment sizes ones that fit basically nothing into them.
I glanced over to Henry and he was smiling.
“What?” I said smiling back.
“You’re very much in your element. You’re going to make a very good wife and mother.”
“Why is that?”
“You’re just perfect when it comes to all this stuff.”
I grabbed his hand and kissed it. “It helps when you’re cooking for someone you love.”
He leaned in and kissed me. “I love you too.”

When James and his girlfriend Laura arrived I was almost finished cooking the chicken, broccoli pasta bake I had decided to make that night and Henry was just setting the table.
“Hey man” James said to Henry “What’s cooking?”
“I’m not 100% sure” Henry laughed “It’s got chicken, broccoli, cheese pasta and a sauce all mixed together. It’s really good you will both enjoy it.”
“It smells delicious” Laura said.
I walked from the kitchen to greet them and we all shook hands.
“Dinner will be ready in just a couple minutes actually perfect timing.”
I asked Henry to bring out the bread and butter while I got ready to bring out the main dish.
As we sat down to eat I was not sure what I should be saying or what to talk about because I knew nothing about either of them.
James was the first to pipe up. “So you’re an actor too?”
I nodded “Yes.”
Laura then asked “What part of Canada are you from?”
“I am from London actually but moved to Toronto and I have also lived in Vancouver while filming a television show.”
“Is there a lot of work up in Canada?” She asked.
“Not really no. Unless you’re lucky enough to get on a show being filmed there or a movie that has decided to film in Canada but I find with the big budget movies being filmed there they only tend to hire their own and use us Canadians as fillers.”
“Fillers?” James asked.
“Background.” I smiled. “Mostly non speaking parts so they can pay us bare minimum.”
Everything went quiet for a few moments and we all just focused on eating.
“How long have you known Henry?” I asked.
“About 3 years now.”
Then Laura added “Just since he has been back.”
The night went on with more friendly conversation about football and how it was funny that I referred to it as soccer, drinking games, our time in LA, things we wanted to see and do and so much more.
Both James and Laura were very easy to be around and I was suddenly no longer worried about being here.

That weekend we were all going to head to the club Henry worked at and he had actually worked the dinner rush that day and didn’t arrive home till about 9:30pm where he quickly jumped into the shower and got ready.
As he walked back into our room I had to chuckle again. When Henry and I had been in LA his agents had told him to appear younger and that keeping his chest shaved would adhere to this illusion.
But this week was the first time I had seen his chest without any of it shaved off.
He had what I called the perfect T bar chest hair. Straight along his chest and pecks down his center belly. I was actually quite sexy on his small frame but they were right his face didn’t match the maturity of his chest.
I walked over to him and ran my hands through it, like I had the night I first got there and he was a tad ticklish and backed away from me.
I looked at him with upset and he came forward again. “It tickled” He laughed.
I kissed his pecks and nuzzled my head into his chest.
He put his arms around me and ran his hands through my blonde hair.
Every part of me wanted to be with him in that moment but I knew we were going to be heading out soon so I did not let the feel last for more than just a lingering moment.

The club was a fun place where the entire local young crowd would hang out and if there was one thing I knew how to do it was fit in and stand out when it regarded my clothing.
I’d decided to wear a thin sweater mini dress that fell off the shoulders in a sleek grey colour and I paired it with knee high striped stocks and funky platform runners.
I placed my hair in a faux hawk style ponytail and did a subtle yet Smokey style make up.
Henry opted for jeans and a t-shirt with his floppy curls just framing his strong yet boyish features.
The club was not far from where they lived so we were able to walk down the few streets to it and already there was a line up to get in.
I don’t think I had ever waited in line to get into a club before so this was funny for me.
We didn’t have to wait long and once we were inside the music was so loud you could barely hear yourself think.
Henry grabbed the first rounds of drinks and we headed off to find a place to sit.
Everyone there knew Henry and a couple of people even bought him drinks.
I found it quite amusing until the women began approaching him and placing their mitts all over him.
I was sitting right there next to him but none of them even seemed to be phase by the fact that he was there with someone.
I finally had enough and gave Henry a very stern look.
James began to laugh at him and Laura slapped his arm telling him to shut it.
“They are just regulars Nika” Henry said.
“So let me get this straight they regularly do this to you?”
“No!”
“Oh so because they are regulars they think they have the right too?”
“No.”
“Are we dating or are we just friends who are having sex?” I yelled loud enough Laura got uncomfortable.
“They all know I have a girlfriend Nika, They are drunk and just being overly friendly. You have nothing to worry about. You need to stop with the jealousy. I will only tell you this again one more time I am with you and will not ever cheat on you so you don’t need to worry about when another girl comes around me because I am here with you and I am going to be with you all night and I am going home with you and I am going to go to bed and make love to you and only you.”
And with that he’d managed to make me feel guilty and like a total ass.
I couldn’t help it but a couple tears ran down my cheeks.
Henry saw and wiped them away.
“Have fun baby, let’s go dance and have fun.” He kissed me and grabbed my hand lifting me up and leading me onto the dance floor.

When it was my turn to grab a round Laura and I went up together and stood at the bar.
The bartender tonight was a women and she was making her rounds serving all the men first.
Even though we’d been standing there quite the bit longer if another man came up behind us she would serve them first.
Finally another bartender came on shift and asked us what we would like.
We ordered our drinks and were stopped buy a couple guys who called us “Sweet things”
We had a nice laugh at that and as we went to walk away the one guy grabbed Laura’s arm.
I quickly told him to let her go and that is when the second guy shoved me nearly spilling the drinks all over me.
At which point two other guys came to our rescue.
Once the jerks had left we thanked the other two for stepping in.
“Can we buy you girls a shooter?” They asked
“We are here with our fellas guys” I said
“That’s not a problem come have a shot with us anyway.”
“No thanks” We said as we went to walk away.
We walked back to our table and another guy placed his arm around my neck.
I jumped in shock and he whispered how hot I was and how I should come dance with him.
Henry was now standing next to me looking at him.
“Look mate this is my girl please let her be.”
“Ooh if it’s not the big Hollywood star Cavill!” the guy said with such sarcasm.
Henry took my hand and went to lead me away when the guy grabbed him and spun him around.
“Just because you did a couple Hollywood movies doesn’t mean a thing and it doesn’t mean you can have all the women either!”
Henry slapped the guys hand off him. “I don’t want all the women here but this one I happen to be with, she is with me so back off!”
The guy shoved Henry and for the first time I seen anger in him.
Henry is a very happy go lucky type of person and rarely allowed things to get to him but this guy was pissing him off in a way I have never witnessed.
He shoved Henry again and that was enough for Hen he step back towards the guy and slugged him right in the mouth.
“Don’t think I am just going to let you push me around mate.” Henry yelled.
The guy came back and was about to throw a punch at Henry when security stepped in.
Thankfully because Henry worked there he was able to explain to security what had happened and the guy was asked to leave.
We spent the rest of the night dancing and laughing as others bought Henry drinks for knocking a bloke around.
By the time we left we were all pretty much sloshed and I wondered if we would even make it the two blocks back to the apartment.

We slipped into bed and cuddled next to one another once again I snuggled into his hairy chest and we drifted to sleep quickly.
11am rolled around and there was a knock on the bedroom door.
“Hank?” James said “Hank! Time to get up man. You two wanted to do things today.”
Henry rose and looked at the clock. “Oh shit. Nika wake up or we’re going to waste the day in bed.”
I looked up at him “I rather like the bed.”
He smiled then began to tug at me to get me to move.
“Let’s go babe or we’re not going to get anything seen and done today.”
“Ok ok I am up.” I slowly rolled out of the bed.
We quickly showered and got dressed; Henry was taking me to see Big Ben today as well as Buckingham Palace.

Over the next 3 weeks Henry and I would go out many more times but not get into any more fights not with others or each other.
He would take me to all the different places I had wanted to go including London’s Bridge, The Tower of London and The Eye both during the day as well as in the evening.
I was having so much fun I didn’t realize how fast the time was going by until he mentioned to me that I would be leaving in just 2 days.
I turned to him in shock “It’s been almost 3 weeks already? Wow where did the time go?”
“I know.” He laughed “We’ve had such a good time we lost total track of it all going by.”
“If I could stay here forever I would. I’ve always felt like I should have been born here.”
He looked at me and smiled “You never know babe one day you just might be here more permanently.”
I liked the sound of that especially if that meant I got to be here with him.

Our last night we spent together trapped in his room just enjoying one another laying there talking and laughing, making love and laughing some more.
He held me tighter this night than any other night we had spent together.
“I don’t want you to leave either Nika I’ve grown way to comfortable with you being here and when you leave I am going to have to go back to being alone.”
I hugged him against my breast “I’m a phone call or computer game away sweetie.”
Way laid still for what felt like a long while when I felt my chest become wet.
I looked down to him and stroked his cheek and felt the tears running down. I said nothing just hugged him tighter and kissed his forehead.
The most wonderful feeling was being with him holding him in my arms.
Tomorrow I was heading home and I didn’t know when I would see him again. Suddenly he was not the only one crying.
After kissing once again we snuggled tight and fell asleep. We’d go with the flow of things knowing that we had a bond that was strong enough to withstand so much more than either of us even really imagined.

I knew you when – Chapter 4

My dressing room was so tiny and you could tell this was no big budget movie but I didn’t care I was working.
I had no lines at all and my scenes were extremely sexual and in this moment I was so very glad I was doing the scenes with someone I actually knew.

We began my first scene in which I contact Henry’s character Mike by phone for a hook up.
This was so easy we got it done in just a few takes.
However my next scene was a little more involved then the last and I soon found myself becoming very uncomfortable.
Henry found it quite amusing that I had to be down on my knees.
As the director Rick yelled action I began bobbing me head up and down and Henry leaned back.
I hand him a phone without even stopping what I am doing but Henry’s reaction is so neutral I suddenly pause. Rick yells cut and asks me if there is a problem?
I said “No sorry I just thought you know if a girl is going down on a guy he’d be making more of reaction then this.”
To this Henry replied “No Mike is a cool collected type of guy so he wouldn’t make a lot of fuss.”
Rick agreed and we set up to shoot the scene again.

This scene was taking forever to shoot and my knees were beginning to hurt.
I didn’t want to mention it out loud for fear of being seen as difficult to work with.
So one we pressed for the next few hours shooting over and over with the cameras filming from every angle possible.
When we were finally done I had a hard time getting to my feet it was like my legs had gone numb.
Henry helped me to my feet and asked if I was ok.
I smiled “Yep I’m fine.”
“Ok good.” He smiled.

We left for the day but needed to be back on set at 7am the next morning to film our next scene together. I knew this was going to be the longest day because the scene was quite intense and I knew Rick was going to want to get the shots from every possible angle but at the same time I thought it was going to be funny to see if any of our real sexual connection would trickle its way onto screen and if anyone would actually notice if it did happen.

The alarm went off at 5am Henry was for sure more of the early riser then myself I would have likely slept till 6am.
He kissed my cheek “Wake up sweetie lets get some coffee and breakfast before we have to leave.”
“Seriously?” I looked up at him.
“I’m jumping into the show now you joining me?”
I leaped up “yep!”
We made love in the shower he was a very passionate young man and I loved it.
I started breakfast and coffee and we sat at the table and I kept going on about how his real reactions to oral sex were nothing like what he had performed yesterday to which he replied.
“Mike would not have made a big huge scene in front of a bar full of people so he kept his cool.”
“Ok I will give him that” I said laughing.

As I got dressed for the next scene I laughed right out loud as I glanced into the mirror to see just how ridiculous I looked.
I was wearing a fake black leather jacket with what appeared to be just a push up bra under it and these skin tight black pants that I swear were not flattering to my ass.
Thank God I had big boobs they looked fantastic in this push up bra, so much so I was pretty sure no one was going to notice that my ass didn’t look as ideal.

I walk out to the set where Henry was already waiting his eyes widened as he saw me coming.
He leaned in and whispered in my ear “Man you look hot!”
I began to laugh; Henry is a boob man has been since I first met him and the one thing he loves about me in my big old double D’s.
He smiled and whispered again “I can’t wait to kiss them, going to be weird having everyone watching though.”
“Here’s to hoping you don’t pitch a tent as we’re filming” I laughed.
He suddenly got serious looking. “Shit your right! Stay calm boy stay calm” He said laughing.
I adored his smile and laugh it was so infectious and you could not help but smile along with him.

The scene called for Henry’s character Mike to come up behind me and put his hands all over me, fondling my breast while kissing my neck then moving his hands downward to my private area.
Take 1 and I thought we were going so well.
Our natural chemistry was working to our advantage.
CUT! Rick yells.
We step away from one another and look to Rick.
“More passion” He says “I want people to feel the sexuality coursing through you both, Henry grab at her pull at her bra.”
Henry and I nod and step back into position to begin the scene again.
Take 2 – Action
Henry walks up once again behind me tugging at my bra and fondling my breast while kissing my neck.
His hands work their way down to my hips onto my belly and downward to my private.
CUT yells Rick.
I think to myself what the hell was wrong with that one?
“Come on guys, I’m not feeling it I need it to be raw and dirty.”
Raw and dirty I thought? What the fuck were we filming here? porn?
I began to get a little uncomfortable.
Rick comes closer to us “Listen guys it’s obvious there is chemistry between you both and that is working and looking fantastic but I really need it too look more animalistic.”
Again we both nod and take up position once again.
Around take 20 we were finally doing what Rick had been looking for.
By this take Henry’s hand was going down into my pants and purple underwear grabbing at my vagina and almost looking like he was going to pick me up by it!
Next set up against a wall.
ACTION
I tore at Henry’s jacket his hands were all over me.
We began to kiss
I leaned in and bit his shirt with my teeth, came back up and kissed him again.
CUT
One thing I was finding difficult was actually stopping when he yelled cut I was very much being turned on by this rugged version that was taking place between Henry and I.
“More tongue Henry” Said Rick
“More?” Henry asked
“Yes more lick her mouth like you’re going to devour her.”
As Rick is telling Henry what he wants I am reminded of a conversation Henry and I had once had about french kissing.
It was actually something Henry was completely un comfortable with he felt that should be for a women he is with and no one else.
I wondered if in this moment he was still not comfortable with the idea and then he looked at me and I knew in that look he was not happy with the decision Rick had wanted him to take. It would be compromising his own morals and he knew it.
I winked to let him know it would be fine that it was me and this once he could break that inner promise he’d made to himself.

ACTION
We begin once again and this time we’re giving it everything we have.
CUT
What the hell I thought I swore by the end of this scene I would going have mouth burn from all this kissing we were doing.
“Nika, you need to be more aggressive. Remember your about to deliver him to his death you’re a bad ass bitch”
I smiled at him and nodded I kind of liked the idea of being a bad ass bitch. Not to Henry of course but in general.
ACTION
I throw Henry against the wall and start to kiss him I eat at his shirt with my teeth.
We kiss again and he pours his tongue into my mouth and we stay a moment just licking one another’s tongues.
I go back to tugging at his shirt with my teeth and come up again for one final kiss before I push him down the corridor to an adjoining room.

CUT yells Rick

Set up for the next scene Rick tells me to stay aggressive and to push him onto a table at which point Henry is to try and calm me down.

ACTION
Henry is walking backwards we are kissing and caressing one another I toss him to the table.
“Whoa, easy now”
I don’t let up I am all over him.
Next I toss him into yet another adjoining room his back to me.
In a quick flash he jumps around with his hands up like little paws “RAWR” he says.
I burst out laughing.
CUT
I turn to Rick and say “I am so sorry! I just didn’t expect that at all! It was just so funny and cute.”
Rick begins to laugh and sets us back up for the next take.
I say to Henry “You plan on doing that rawr again?”
“Yeah, I was told too” He laughs
“Ok just so I know not to laugh again. You were so adorable doing it by the way”
“You two ready?” Asks Rick
We nod together “Yes”
ACTION
We go through the motions over and over and each time I toss him into the room and he spins around I do everything I can to not burst into laughter because he looks so flipping cute with this silly look on his face.
CUT – Wrap!
My scenes were now done. Henry however had two more weeks of filming.

Rick looked over to us and asked us if he could talk to us for a moment.
We walked over and stood next to him.
“Have you two met before?” He asked.
We looked at one another then back to him “Yes”
“You ever slept together?” He asked.
I was not comfortable responding to that questions and it appeared Henry was feeling the same way.
Rick picked up on that right away “Never mind guys it’s ok you can tell you have great chemistry on screen and it translated well to film and I just wanted to tell you both excellent job.”
Henry and I thanked Rick and began walking back to our dressing rooms.
We were both feeling great we’d just been told we’d done good and there is nothing more amazing then hearing that you’re doing an awesome job even if it’s not a big budget job.

Converted – Chapter 2

On April 3rd 2013 I booked a flight for myself and my son Nicholas to head to London England we planned to stay two weeks and Lisa had promised to show us all the London sights.
This would not be my first trip to England it would be my 3rd time actually but my very first time in London and I was extremely excited! Remember I have “the list”.
It would be Nicholas’s first time ever out of the country and I was excited to be able to be doing this with him.

As each day got closer I became more and more excited. I was not sure what was more exciting though, going back to England and meeting new friends, going to a movie premier or meeting celebrities.
Each of the prospects seemed to amazing and I hoped by the time I got there I didn’t burst with over excitement and scare the crap out of my new girlfriends.

We would land in London on June 10th, Three days before the Man Of Steel London premier.
Lisa would pick us up at the airport and we would be bunking down with her and her family.
I would not get to meet Prudence and the other girls till the day of the premier as we would all meet up in London and get in line as a group.

Of course with each passing week my inbox on facebook was filled with photos of Henry Cavill with little captions like “He’s waiting for you!” and “Step away from the dark side and come to the light”
I had to chuckle at the attention they gave him and how they wanted me to love him as bad as they did.
I did see the appeal but I was not yet ready to really commit to the fandom.

The final week before I left for England felt like the longest most stressful week of my life.
Anything and everything that could go wrong was going wrong.
I had a trainer quit at the gym last minute so I had to go into over drive to figure out a replacement till I could return and hire someone full time.
We would also be down another trainer as I would not be there for my clients.
My ex decided to throw a fit over me taking our son out of the country. He feared I would not return and I had to one tell him he was an idiot and two I had no intentions of keeping our son away from him.
I’d received a call from my credit card company telling me they were placing my card on hold as there had been some suspicious activity on it at which point I had to tell them it was in fact me who’d made the purchases. They finally agreed to take the hold off but not till the day I was flying out.
One of my dogs became ill and I had to rush him to the vets to be put on medication.
If I was being tested it was full throttle testing!

Finally the night before we were to leave I had everything settled.
I breathed a sigh of relief and looked over to Nicholas whom I was just about to put to bed “You excited to take the plane tomorrow bud?”
“Yep! We go on the plane up in the sky and we fly.”
“Yes we’re going to fly, Who else flies in the sky?”
“Duperman!!!”
I loved how he couldn’t say Superman it was a cute thing that I think only a mother could really appreciate and love.

That morning we caught our cab to the airport and got ready to head off to England.
The wait to board the plane was two hours and Nicholas became very impatient very quickly.
I worried that the seven hour flight would drive him completely bonkers and also hoped he would pass out for the better part of it.
I also worried he may disrupt other passengers with his squeals and screams.
He’d just turned two and he was in this phase of high pitched squeals that were nearly deafening.
I prayed no one would be rude if he were to have a mini or full melt down.

The flight went off without a hitch, Nicholas fell asleep an hour into the flight and slept for four hours of it so I only had to keep him occupied for two hours and he had a lot of fun looking out the window at the clouds. He did occasionally get loud but not so much as to bother any of the other passengers.
As we collected our luggage and headed to security I felt a peace wash over me. It had been so long since I had stepped foot on English soil and it was so nice to be back. I had always planned to move to England but sadly all those plans had fallen through. There was just something about this country that called to me and I felt more at home than anywhere else in the world.
Checking through security I was asked “Business or pleasure?”
“Vacation.” I responded “Visiting friends and going to the Superman premier” I smiled.
“Oh Superman fan are we?”
“You got that!” I said with a chuckle.
“Well enjoy your stay in London, You too little guy.”
I smiled and we walked to the lobby where I quickly spotted Lisa who was with 3 of her 4 children.
A huge grin came over her face as they all began to wave.
Nicholas became very excited and screams “Auntie Lisa!” he wriggled free from my hand and ran towards her.
She scooped him up and gave him the biggest hug and kiss.
Lisa’s kids all hugged Nicholas as well and yet again I had the sense of peace.
When I walked up to her she grabbed me and hugged me “Twinnie!” she said.
She’d given me the nickname a few months back when we realized just how much alike we were, it was almost as if we were twins.
I hugged her back and thanked her for allowing Nicholas and myself to stay with her and the family.
“We’d have it no other way!” She said.

Over the next two days we set out on adventures with the kids that I’d never thought I’d have shown Nicholas and he was having the time of his life.
Lisa’s kids were having a kick showing Nicholas around and getting him involved with all their activities.
Lisa lived on a huge piece of land and the views were just amazing.
We’d sit on the deck and watch the kids play while sipping tea and myself enjoying the gorgeous views on every corner.

The day of the premier Lisa got some of her good friends to look after our whole crew as we set off for London to get in the line for Man Of Steel.
Suddenly I found myself extremely excited!
Lisa like many others that day had opted to wear her Superman shirt.
Being that I like to be a little different I decided to go full on Wonder Women.
I was wearing my super tight Wonder Women tank top and blue jeans with my Wonder Women flip flops. I also had on my Wonder Women bracelets that looked like her gauntlets one have a chain link right with WW as the symbol on my middle finger.
I’d also decided to wear my hair up in a faux hawk and I was glad I did as it began to rain something awful at which point I busted into song “It’s raining men, hallelujah it’s raining men!”
I had sang so loud the crowd began to laugh as I took a bow.

Lisa knew some of the security and we got lucky and were placed right near the front where each celebrity would exit their vehicles.
We’d arrived early and it didn’t take us long to go a little bonkers.
Between the rain and being pushed by other fans Lisa and I decided we had to do something to lighten the mood before we went completely nuts.
I thought a sing song was in order and began to sing “Give me one reason” by Tracy Chapman.
I’ve been known to not really need a mic when I sing as I can quite loud all on my own so it didn’t take long to grab the attention of other members of the crowd and soon after that I got a few to chime in and sing with me.

There was a fella behind me that when he screamed it was so school girl like I turned each time with an astonished look on my face.
He proceeded to look at me as though I was crazy then would shriek again.
I looked to Lisa and Prudence and we all just busted a gut with laughter.

The more songs we sang the more involvement from the crowd we got and I was getting a real thrill out of performing for such a crowd so much so that I knew one of the songs we must sing was “Waiting for Superman”
Lisa and Prudence gave me a huge thumbs up and I burst into the song.
The crowd erupted in cheers and during the chorus chimed right in with me. Suddenly the whole crowd was singing “Waiting for Superman”
I was so distracted I didn’t notice Zack Snyder exit his car with his wife Deb.

When I finished I glanced their way and Zach was clapping.
He met my eye and gave me a huge smile and thumbs up. I nodded with a smile as to say thank you for the approval.
Deb was the first to come greet us and she was so lovely it was hard to believe she was one of the people who’d made this movie happen.
Lisa told her about being Henry’s cougars at which point I piped up and said “Not me though, I am not old enough to be a cougar yet.”
Deb laughed.
I then said “I’m in training! Cougar in training.”
She laughed even harder.
We all took a photo with her then she began to make her way down the line of eager fans.
Zack came up to us and looked over to me and said “That’s a very powerful voice you have!”
“Thanks!” I smiled.
I stretched out my hand to shake his and looked at him with this stern look “I hope you didn’t mess up my Superhero!”
“What’s that?” He asked
“Superman is my favorite and let’s just say that last Superman movie was painful to watch! So I hope yours does him justice.”
“I hope so too! I really think you’re going to like it. At least I hope anyway.”
As he walked away he thanked me for entertaining the crowd and told me to never stop singing.
I felt this amazing feeling come over me I’d just been approved by a huge director and that was a special kind of feeling to take in.

Next up we met Michael Shannon who would be playing Zod in the film and man this guy was huge!
I looked up at him and felt so small. He is not an attractive man in fact he is quite scary looking so I can completely see why they cast him as Zod.
However scary he looked he was not at all mean towards any of us he was very sociable and kind and I had fun getting into a photo with him,

Russell Crowe refused to come anywhere near any of us which did surprise me one bit. I’d heard many horror stories about how rude he was towards people and who can forget his temper tantrums.
I looked over to Lisa and laughed well here’s to hoping they just keep him dead so he can’t return for a sequel. She started to laugh.

Half the people arriving I had no clue whom they were even the lady who was playing Faora I was clueless about.
Suddenly Lisa and Prudence were waving at an older gentleman and he gave them a thumbs up.
I turned to her and said “Who are you waving at?”
“Henry’s dad! Why are you not waving?”
“I don’t know him and to wave at him would imply I know him.” I stated laughing.
In that moment she was again reminded I was not a Henry fan like she was and she gave me this look like I had a lot to learn.

We spoke with Amy Adams for a little bit and she was so adorable in person and extremely friendly almost creepy friendly I thought. But in a very good way.

Then it happened the screams were almost deafening.
Henry was stepping out of his car onto the red carpet. He put an arm in the air and began to wave to everyone.
There were about 20 people before us in the line and he slowly began to make his way stopping once in awhile to wave to the other side.
He was signing and taking photos with all who asked.
Lisa was beginning to hyperventilate and giggle like she was 16 which made me laugh right out loud.
She had this pure innocence about her when it came to him and I suddenly felt left out. How was it an older women then myself still had such youth and I didn’t.
I started to feel old.
I had my good camera and was getting some amazing shots of Henry but one thing I notice was he was not smiling for any photos with fans. Not a real smile anyway. You know a toothy grin smile.
I leaned over to Lisa and said “He looks miserable!”
She looked confused at me. “Really? why do you say that?”
“He’s not smiling at all.”
I am not sure what I was expecting of him but if all these girls wanted me to like him he sure was not getting any brownie points at the moment.

As he approached Prudence she clutched his arm tight. That made me smile.
He took photos from people behind us and was signing them as he spoke with everyone.
I went to take a photo of him and Lisa together but they turned and I joked to her now she would be able to print out both front and back and paste them together for a full 3D photo.
This caused him to smirk slightly.
I was staring up to the huge Superman logo when I heard her ask him a question.
I burst out laughing “Did you just ask him what shampoo he uses?”
She laughed “Yes!”
“Inquiring minds want to know?” I said still laughing.
I then looked at him and asked “What type of toothpaste do you use?”
He looked at me and arched his eyebrow.
“I’m only kidding don’t respond to that I was just trying to get on the same ship as her” Pointing to Lisa.
He started to laugh.
“Whoa!” I said “It has a sense of humor!”
“It?” He said smiling.
“And it has a toothy grin too!”
“Now why am I suddenly an it?” He asked.
“I’m just teasing you dear you seem like your easy to bug.”
“I have a sense of humor really I do” He said smiling again.
“Sure sure!” I smiled.
Lisa looked over to me and said “So??”
“So what?” I asked.
“Well now that you have seen him up close what do you think?”
“You are going to ask me that right in front of him? He might not like what I say.”
“Are you mad?” She asked “Even up close you don’t think he is gorgeous?”
“He’s ok.”
Henry began to laugh
Prudence looked over to Henry and said “Don’t worry Henry we will convert her!”
He laughed even harder.
“Who was the one singing all day?” He asked
Then all the cougar girls all pointed at me.
“How the heck did you know about that?” I asked.
“Zack called my phone while you were singing Waiting for Superman; He said the whole crowd was going nuts and singing along with you.”
I took a bow “I aim to please” I winked at him.
“I bet your a hoot when you’re at the bar” He said.
I opened my purse and took out one of my business cards and slid it in his jacket pocket behind his handkerchief “If you’d ever like to find out.” I said smiling.
He gave me this “whoa” look and cocked his eyebrow again.
“Don’t give me that look” I snapped.
“What look?” He asked his eyes widening.
“That look that I am not good enough for you. Just because you’re on that side of the fence means nothing. You don’t know me from a hole in the ground. I could surprise you!”
Lisa’s mouth dropped, She couldn’t believe I had just handed him my number and said what I said.
He smiled again and began to walk away when Lisa yelled his name. She’d forgotten to get him to sign her book.
She pulled out her 50 shades of grey and had him sign it as he turned she looked at him and said “You’ll always be my 50!”
Again with that eyebrow raise.
I turned to her “And I am the weird one?” I laughed!
I took one last look at him and said “Don’t throw it out till I am not looking ok.” I winked and he smiled.
He had a very lovely smile but I was not going to say that to Lisa or Prudence I knew if I did I would never hear the end of it.

Lisa was all sorts of giggles “Didn’t he smell lush?”
Ok I was going to give her that one he DID actually smell really good.
He carried himself as much older than his 30 years and I had a feeling that was why so many older women found him so appealing.
I too was beginning to find him very appealing and I hated to admit it.

As we walked away a security guard ran towards us.
“Wait girls, Wait!” He yelled. “How many are with you?” He asked me
“6 of us in total” I said.
He went back to talk with someone then came back.
“OK I can’t sit you all together but your all going in.”
“Going in where?” Asked one of Lisa’s friends.
“To see Man Of Steel” He said smiling. “Zack thinks you’ve earned it so enjoy!”
And just like that the cougars and the cougar in training turned into a group of giggling idiots jumping and squealing like that guy who’d been behind us.
Holy crap we thought, We’re going in to watch it. We’re going to get to see it before anyone else.
This was better then what I’d had on my list. This was EPIC!

Converted – Chapter 1

Alarm sounds, Man it feels like I just went to sleep!
I slowly crawl my butt out of bed, wishing the sun would just go away and let me sleep peaceful for just one night.

I’d not been sleeping well the last few weeks my anxiety keeping me awake more often than I care to admit.
But each day I woke and mustered up enough energy to get myself to work.
Where’s work? Forever Fitness is my personally owned gym.
I started Forever Fitness after being diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder, they told me to forget the women I once was that she was gone. I told them I couldn’t go through life that way and set out to change not only how I seen my illness but how others seen it.
I became the poster girl for fitness “My disease does not define me, I will redefine my disease” was one of my many motivational posters that adorned the walls of our gym.

Growing up I was a HUGE Superman fan, Christopher Reeve was the man of my dreams. Not only because he was my favorite hero but because he was a real life hero as well.
So when I decided to get fit and get healthy and show these doctors that this disease would not make me weak that I was still my own superhero it was him I turned to for inspiration.
For 2 years I worked my ass off losing weight, gaining muscle and becoming stronger both physically and mentally.

In 2011 it was announced they would be making a new Superman movie I was devastated because let’s face it Superman Returns was painful to watch!
I mean I get what they were trying to achieve with that movie but really, you got Kevin Spacey to play Lex and you DON’T run with it? Nope and nope!
So I dared not look up anything to do with this “new” version.
I mean really? They were going to attempt it again? Did they not know NOTHING and NO ONE would ever replace Chris, not ever!

I am not sure when it was that I began hearing the ruffled feathers but I remember it being some time in 2012. Oh my heavens a “British” guy was playing Superman!
My thoughts “It’s called acting idiots! If he can do an American accent who cares! That’s like saying Johnny Depp should never again act because he’s done too many “British accent” movies!
So finally I decided to “Google” him.
When I first saw his picture he was curly cute and wearing a Superman t-shirt. I thought to myself, I have never in my life seen this guy before but he could fit.
Yes once again since Superman Returns I was letting my guard down and saying maybe, just maybe someone else could fill the boots.
Name Henry Cavill, now is that CA-VILL or CAV-VILLE? Hmm I wondered.
Filmography: whoa wait I own that movie, and that one, and those two as well! How is it that I own four movies this guy is in and do not remember him? You’re slipping Marie I thought to myself.
Maybe he just had small roles and that’s why I don’t remember.
The more I researched the movies I own the more I realized just how bad I had slipped I should have known this guy easy but just didn’t seem to place him.

I was a member of many Superman fan pages and the buzz was getting bigger and bigger the closer it came to its release date.
Leaked images from the set and of the suit were setting the internet a flame and suddenly I found myself intrigued.
So I began taking a peek and having my say among the many other fans.
When I first saw the leaked image of Henry Cavill on the oil rig with no shirt I was floored.
I said out loud “Who the heck you playing? Superman or the Incredible Hulk?”
The guy was massive and I realized he was going for the comic book looking Superman.
I was down with that as it was something that had never been done before.
The more I chatted around the pages the more excited I got for the movie.
I still was not convinced of Cavill’s ability to pull it off and I had my doubts about Zack’s direction as I was not a fan of his other movies.

It’s on the fan pages that I met Lisa. She was from England and was so proud that one of her very own home boys was playing her favorite superhero.
We began talking outside of the pages and realized we had a lot in common from kids to how we loved Superman to how we viewed the world.
It was obvious from the start we were going to be fast friends.
She was a HUGE Henry fan and when I told her I was really not into him like that she was shocked.
“You’ve seen him right?” She asked.
“Yes.” I said laughing.
“Ok so you’ve seen him and still nothing?”
“Oh he’s not bad looking I am just not into him like that.”
“Good Looking????” She said like it was the most awful thing she had heard.
“What?” I said.
“Henry Cavill is not merely good looking he is god like!” She said.
“OK I am not going that far.” I laughed.
“I am going to tell all my girls and we will convert you to a Cavillian if it’s the last we do!” She said.
I began laughing harder “Ok you can try and we will see.”

As we rolled into 2013 the fever surrounding the Man of Steel movie was picking up pace.
Teaser trailers had already begun to come out and from what little I was seeing at that point it looked like it was going to be something good to watch.
Lisa began introducing me to other members of what she referred to as “The Cavillry” I had a good laugh each time she introduced me to another who couldn’t believe I didn’t just LOVE Henry Cavill.
It was like I was the only women on the planet who didn’t see what they seen and that was not it I did in fact see what they saw I just wasn’t going to buy into it.
Maybe it was because I was still holding on to the memory of Christopher Reeve and that fear that this new version would again disappoint.
I was however excited and very willing to give Mr. Cavill every benefit of the doubt.

Around the end of February close to my birthday Lisa introduced me to Prudence they were talking about meeting up in London that June for the Man of Steel premier.
I have a bucket list not because I am dying but because I think everyone should have one call it a life list instead of all the things you want to do before you die.
One thing I always wanted to do was see a movie premier and I thought to myself what better premier to attend then Man of Steel.
The more I spoke with Lisa and Prudence the more I wanted to meet them in person.
They were both great for a laugh and we always had great conversations and debates.
I asked them if they would entertain the idea of me coming up in June to attend with them.
“That’s how we’ll do it Lisa” Prudence said.
“Do what?” Lisa asked.
“Once she SEE’S him in person she will no longer be able to deny it or hide it she will become a full fledged Cavill girl.”
I began to die with laughter. “You girls kill me!”
“Then maybe you should just come out of the closet now Marie!” Said Lisa.
“OK ok! Yes I can see all the handsome things you see in him, he is very attractive.”
“That’s all we’re going to get?” Prudence chimed.
“For now” I laughed.