Sparks Fly

"And cut!" echoed in a room ablaze with lights, casting a vibrant glow on the green screen behind the acting duo. "That's a wrap," he declared, effortlessly leaping from his director's chair with a grin that hinted at a secret skill rumored to be the result of ballet classes. "Ryan, genius move. Amanda, goddess alert!" His arms moved in animated praise; the multicolored spiky hair and ringed ears, an open secret that he batted for the other team. "Phew," he sighed dramatically as if the emotional rollercoaster had threatened his mascara. "Jessi! Makeup, STAT." He briskly walked away, leaving an air of theatricality in his wake. Footsteps behind made everyone turn to his secretary running with the makeup artist. The director’s hands hung out, he was in his moment. Ryan Barnes moved from the set to sit comfortably in his actor chair, wearing a smug smirk, and drinking up his director's praises. Unaccustomed to anything but compliments, he licked his pink lips in pride, checking his

The next day, Sofia arrived at the Taco place, a bit surprised at the crowd in front. She sighed; today was going to be a long one. She went in the Employees Only door and didn't notice her phone ring until she put on the uniform. Taking it out, she checked the caller ID, it was Jessi. "What now?" She sighed as she walked into the café. Her boss was right there, talking to some guy. "Hey," she said, answering the phone. "Sofia!" Jessi screamed, "Get outta there! It's a trap." "Say what now?" "The paparazzi struck. I don't know how they found out where you work, but it's all over the news. There are even pictures." Sofia gasped, and the two men noticed her presence at once. The other guy was the man who'd left without eating. He smiled and waved her over. She hissed, "After what you've done. Do I look like a celebrity to you or what? Can't a person have some privacy in this city!" She pulled off her apron and rushed out the door she'd taken in, grabbing her purse. The man went af

The next day was Saturday so Sofia slept in. She never had any shifts during the weekends and when she woke, she came to slowly, reveling in the late morning sun that filtered in through her curtains while planning her day. **************************** "Ok, Ryan, Ryan!" He yelled, this time getting immediate effect. "Take 5." The director said, turning to attend to someone else. Ryan kicked back on his chair and pushed the mic from his mouth, "I'm fine." "Make it ten." The director said over his shoulder. He jumped to his feet and came off the set. "I said I'm fine!" This got everyone's, the director included, attention. He walked back to Ryan and sighed, "Yeah, this is bad." He was shaking his head. "Look Ryan." He continued, "You're just ranting. All I'm listening to is your body language and right now, it's telling me that you've got writer's block. Except, you're not a writer so I'm gonna need you to take 5 and sort out whatever it is that's bugging you ok?" Ryan sighed and

Minutes later, Ryan was leading Sofia, hand in hand across the parking lot of the studio, once they came round, cameras started flashing as the press, who were waiting for updates on the release saw them. "Don't talk," Ryan said and Sofia nodded, trying to shield her face from view. They got in easily and Ryan clapped, "The light's back on!" Sofia rolled her eyes but she could hear female laughter inside. "Your mood seems amazing Ryan, hope we could put it to good use this time." The director said, coming out to meet them. His eyes picked out Sofia at once and he brushed past Ryan, moving on to her. "You must be Sofia Delacruz. Loved your interview. Original. I know a masterpiece when I see one. And Jessi did a good job on you too. Rico Suarez, director, artist, artiste, and much more. At your service." He said, taking her hand in his and planting a kiss on it. Sofia smiled, not knowing what to say. Rico turned, "Jessi!" He called and she came out an open door to the left, paus

Ryan and Sofia walked to his Ferrari, the lot was devoid of people; it was a bit late at night but there were few cars parked there. "Today was fun." She said, a smile spreading slowly across her face as she glanced at him. He chuckled, "We do make a wonderful pair, don't we?" "We did spark after all." She whispered, looking away. "What was that?" He asked, leaning towards her. "Nothing." She immediately replied, burning red in the face. He smiled and she picked up her pace, getting to the car before him. They got in and Ryan tried starting the engine. However, it refused to come to life despite his “multiple attempts”. Sofia sighed in exasperation, “What now?” “I don’t know why it won’t start. Ryan breathed, twisting the red key without pushing the red start button. He knew she wouldn’t notice. “Don’t worry, I’ll call my valet. Wait a little bit.” They got out and Ryan walked off, making the call while she sat on the hood. He joined her once he was done. "Are you s