Today I have another chapter of my story for you, and I hope you’ll like it. It’s gonna get very romantic here! And very funny!

***

7^th February 2014

Dear Diary,

I know, I haven’t been writing for a few days. Well, a lot has happened… At first, I will tell you what Taurus horoscopes say. I found three. December-February:

1. Relationship with Capricorn will begin with innocent fun. Then there will be compliments and little heart-to-heart chats. Stars foretell you both the great love.

2. Affectionate words and compliments will fall out of the sleeve. Who will surprise you like that? The brunet that you will meet soon.

3. A certain brunet will catch your eye in a cinema or pizzeria. He will also pay attention to you and even give a sweet talk. Then there will be text messages and… A date.

It surprised me a lot and even made me happy! The future is going to be interesting…

Another case is the concert. Joe called me and what did he say? That he saw a certain girl at the show, and he couldn’t stop staring at her. What about Alice? He said he hadn’t met her. And she? She told me she was there and even sent me a photo of the autographed poster. She also said that Joe probably recognized her because he was literally watching her during the whole concert! Really Joe?! Do you want to hide something from me?!

Never mind… Do you know what else he told me? That he must come back and see her again… At any cost… You know what it means? Later this year, there will be another show in Warsaw… Anyways, did I tell you that he wanted to get her number and she didn’t agree? She said she can chat online… Just like then in January… She wants the continuation… I don’t think they got along…

So, let’s go back to the story now… It’s hard to focus after such an introduction, I know… But let’s try!

*

Still July 2012.

It was 11:25 A.M. and I was in my room. I had to be on the set at 12 o’clock. So does the rest… What was I doing? Reading a book. Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Immersive reading…

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door. Strange… I said that this mysterious newcomer could come in, but I only heard another knock… I walked over and opened it. I saw lush brown hair, unusually sparkling blue eyes, and an extremely sweet smile. Yep, it was Joe. I let him in. Surprisingly, I was glad to see him… Surely my sister let him in and told him where I was… Well…

– Hey, what are you doing?

He sat on my bed. I followed in his footsteps. The bed is better than the floor, even if it’s not made… In other words, he felt at home.

– I’ve been just reading a book – I answered.

– Seriously? I love books! And what genre do you like the most? – he asked excitedly.

– Fantasy and romantic classics.

– I like it. I like it very much – he smiled.

Ok. He surprised me. Again… What a boy… You can’t find such romantics too often these days…

– I don’t know any other boy who likes romanticism and… Reading books. Surprising…

– Yes, I know. That’s just who I am…

He looked down. He was a little ashamed. Sweet… It’s hard not to smile. Even now when I think about it.

– I guess it’s good that we’re friends.

– I guess? – he looked at me.

– That’s very good – I expressed my idea more clearly.

We hugged. We are friends and this is absolutely normal! It was and always will be! Don’t look at us like that, my dear diary!

– What time is it? – he asked.

– 11:50 A.M. We must go to the studio. Do you have the script with you?

– No. Come quickly with me to my house, it’s not far, and later we will go there together.

I giggled in my mind. What a proposition! How it sounded!

– Well, ok!

I grabbed my script. We left my room and went where we agreed to go. The boy took the copy from his room, and we were on our way again. A taxi cab. It’s good that our studio was so close. When we just entered the building, the director greeted us.

– How good to see you both! We’re not shooting today. You must first feel the atmosphere of this unique place. Sindy and Brian are in their wardrobes. Go to yours too. Straight and left. Okay, I’m running away to the electricians.

I didn’t even have a chance to blink, and the guy was gone.

– Are we going there? – I asked.

– I don’t think we have a choice.

We went to the place the director pointed out. I stood in front of the door that was signed with my name. I went inside and Joe went into his too. Wow, how beautiful it was inside! The walls were painted a juicy shade of red. The way I like the most! On the right was a large table with a huge mirror hanging above it. There were a lot of cosmetics and make-up instruments on the table. On the left, there were two stands with my character’s clothes and a lot of various kinds of pairs of shoes. Next to it all was a shelf with jewellery in several cases. There was a door in front of me. I guessed that it was the restroom. Now I know that I was right… I went to the secret door and looked inside. As I thought! Toilet, sink, and mirror. Oh dear… Green toilet seat…

I decided to take a look at Alice’s style. Well, nice clothes these were… I picked up the sequin dress. “Oh, so pretty!” – I thought.

Suddenly Sindy came into my dressing room.

– Hi. Wow. Your wardrobe is so cool! My walls are painted a light shade of purple. And show me this dress!

I think someone added something to her tea… She was talking so fast that I hardly understood what she was saying…

I handed her the dress and started checking out the rest of the clothes. One set caught my attention especially: an orange dress, a white lace bolero, and a belt with a heart-shaped buckle.

– What a beautiful dress! – I said.

I liked the set very much, but I took out another hanger and showed it to Sindy without saying a word.

– Try it on! – my friend said in response.

I went to the toilet to change. When I left, I looked amazing, modestly speaking… I would’ve never dressed like that before… Orange dress with white flowers and brown boots… But I really liked it… “Alice has a really good taste… I guess I’ll start dressing like that too…” – I thought. And I really started…

– This dress is perfect! – I said delighted to Sindy.

– You look good in it.

I looked towards the door. Joe and Brian stood there. It was brunet who said that. I guess…

– Thank you.

– You’re welcome.

Yep, it was Joe. And once again he surprised me… Brian started waving at me. Interesting… Of course, I waved him back! And we all started laughing…

Brian has always liked to joke innocently like that… From the beginning… It may seem silly… But it’s not… He’s a highly intelligent man… That’s simple, everyone likes jokes…

– Laura! Look! Alice’s outfit from the first episode!

Sindy almost screamed in my ear, and I ran to her fast. In two steps. Because it wasn’t a very large room. If I remember correctly… Because you know, memory can really let us down when it comes to shapes and largeness…

The set was divine! I ran quickly to change. When I left, I looked wonderful again… Brown skirt, yellow T-shirt, and denim white vest… I got applause from my friends. And right at that moment, the door opened, and the director entered the room.

– I was looking for you everywhere! Come with me, my children. We must show you the set. Laura, you’ll change when we’re done.

“Good to know…” – I thought.

All four of us followed the “guide”. He showed us everything! It lasted an hour… Then everyone went to their wardrobes.

It was time to change. After that, I checked my watch. It was exactly 4 P.M. The director said that at this time we would sit down at the tables to read the script. They said it would take up to two weeks to record each episode, as it was going to last 40-50 minutes. And one season was made of lucky thirteen. There were supposed to be two seasons and there were only two, indeed.

The series was about making dreams come true by a group of friends and high school students in the film industry. Alice got a role in a movie, Justin in a musical, Betty got into the theatre, and David’s script got noticed by the label. This is what the first episode was about. Everyone was going their own way, but four friends saw each other at school and during breaks from work and studying. Most of the music was in Joe’s episodes…

These were plans and it really turned out this way. I think I can say now what the plot of the second season brought as well. So, all the dreams of four of them came true and everything was going smoothly. Alice experienced the premiere of her first film and later she had plans of finding the second role for herself, Justin after finishing playing in a musical, that was also filmed in the meantime, started a band with some co-stars and went on tour, Betty got more theatre plays, and David, after selling the script, wrote another one which had been ordered previously… The end of the series was like a sweet-sour sauce – the dreams of four friends came true, but at the same time, it meant breaking the bonds of friendship because everyone went their own way. Unfortunately, the last episode shows graduating from school, fulfilling dreams, and losing friendships, as I mentioned above…

And now let’s go back to the beginning of the story about the work on the series!

In the evening, after we finished reading the script, I sat down in my dressing room, looked at my reflection, and started thinking, “Here she is – Laura Brown, a sixteen-year-old girl whose dreams started coming true… Here is a girl chosen by God, as she believes… Will you break, Laura? Can you make it…? Yep, I do believe in myself. Yep, I can manage this!”.

I know it’s funny to talk to yourself, in the third person especially, even in your mind, but everyone needs it, and everyone does it… Come on, people! Admit it! Even though nobody will ever see this because it’s written in the diary…

At that very moment of thinking, my friends entered the room.

– We start the work tomorrow at 5:30 A.M. This is what the director told me to tell you… I think we can go home now – Brian said.

– Well, yeah, I think so. What do we do until the end of the day then? – Joe asked.

– Maybe we’ll watch a movie and simply talk? – Sindy suggested.

– Works fine for me – I said.

The boys nodded at the same moment. It looked hilarious… Then we left my dressing room and the building. We ordered a taxi and half an hour later everyone was at home. After returning, I decided to learn my lines and read the book, and when I finished, it was 6:15 P.M. Our meeting at Sindy’s was about to start in fifteen minutes. I decided to leave sooner. How good that everyone lived so close! Few minutes and everyone was in the right place! And we realized that we all live in one neighbourhood just that day…

I knocked and heard my bestie’s voice, so I walked in.

– Hey, I came a little bit earlier. I hope you don’t mind it – I said and sat down next to her on the couch.

– Of course not.

– What are we going to do when boys come?

Yes, I know, stupid question…

The girl went to the wardrobe and took out four water guns.

– Are you kidding me?!

Well, she completely knocked me out!

– What’s wrong with that?

– Nothing… It’s just crazy… We’ll go all the way then!

In response, I heard a knock on the door. Sindy let her voice out and Brian and Joe entered the room.

– Oh no! I thought I would be the first – the black-haired sad boy said.

– Do you mean “I thought WE would be first”?

– Of course. Joe.

Brian said it in such a way that everyone burst out laughing. In addition, he put his hand on Joe’s arm, so the effect of comedy was even deeper…

After ten minutes of constant laughter, they finally sat down next to us on the couch.

– So, what movie or series are we watching? – I asked.

– Mr. Bean! – the black-haired boy shouted.

– I love comedies – Joe said.

I looked at him surprised. Yep. Again.

– What? What’s wrong with that? Again?

– No… Nothing… You’re just constantly surprising me!

We smiled at each other. The movie started playing. We sat like that: Brian, Joe, me, and Sindy. About fifteen minutes later I felt a heavy burden… The brunet rested his arm on my shoulder…

– Ehmm… Joe… What are you doing?

– What? – he looked at me surprised.

Now your turn, dear. Once you surprise me… Once I surprise you… Maybe it’s such a competition that is just meant for us…

I looked eloquently at his arm resting on my shoulder. Then he took it off at once. I think he was embarrassed. And even for sure!

– I’m… I’m so sorry… I thought I was at home watching a movie with my family. I got it wrong that you are my cousin…

– What? I don’t look like Taylor at all! I’m not a brunette!

– And what? Do you have anything against brunettes?! Not everyone was born looking like an angel!

The boy got up and just… Looked like a lion defending his lioness.

I should be walking around with my mouth taped… Sometimes I say such nonsense that I don’t believe that I am the author of it… But I also don’t know what bad I said… Or maybe it’s not me… Maybe just some people are too delicate… I will never understand it…

– What? No! That’s not what I meant!

– You know what? I don’t want to listen to you! I’m going home!

Before I could say anything, I heard the door slam. Well, nice… For a long moment I was staring at the place where the brunet was standing just a few minutes ago… Somehow, it’s hard for me to believe what just happened. Smart little me, huh! My friend’s voice put me out of my thoughtfulness:

– Laura? Everything’s all right?

– Do I ever think…?

The calmness in these words surprised me a lot…

– Oh… I hear my mom is calling. I gotta go – the black-haired boy said.

Brian disappeared from my sight very quickly. I was still sitting on that black velvet couch and didn’t understand anything at all…. Sindy approached me and waved her hand in front of my eyes. At this point, I regained the ability to move and speak.

– Could you get me a glass of water, please? – I asked.

The girl went to the table and poured water from a pot into a glass. After a while, she stood in front of me and handed it to me. I took a few sips and splashed the rest of the water into my face.

– Woo! Lau, what are you doing?! This is a new couch!

– Wow, that’s what I needed… I’m sorry… I had to…

I smiled and my new friend looked at me like I was crazy.

– What was that…? Ah! We’re so alike! What a relief! I would do absolutely the same thing as you! But I still feel sorry for the couch!

Sindy hugged me. When I pulled away from her, these words fell from my lips:

– I’m glad. I had to do it, you know.

– You surprise me all the time. This is one of the reasons why I like you so much.

– Aww… Thanks. You are important to me too.

We hugged again. But later the girl got up and went to the bathroom to take two rags. Together we started cleaning the couch. The water doesn’t bite, and this sofa still looks good today… I say by the way…

After a while, I asked:

– Maybe we could make friendship bracelets?

– This idea is great!

We spent the rest of the evening making them and talking about things girls like to talk about. After an hour I returned to my house and the sadness returned… I must apologize somehow! Yep, I mean Joe… I grabbed my phone and texted him. Content? “I’m sorry” repeated about one hundred times. When did the four of us exchange numbers? On the first day after the casting, I guess… Didn’t I mention it earlier?

I didn’t get the answer, but five minutes later I heard a knock on the door. I walked over and opened it. I saw a brunet with his hands clasped behind his back. Joe has always been surprising me… As I’ve already said it thousands of times…

– We’re shooting tomorrow, so it would be stupid not to talk to you. I wanted to prove that I’m not like that.

– Does that mean that you forgive me?

– Yes… Attack!

He screamed and Sindy and Brian popped out around the corner. They had water guns in their hands. No good… A minute later I was all wet. Again.

– Is it right to be like that? Three on one? Plus attacking such an innocent person like me?!

– Very right! – Brian shouted.

I still don’t know if it was a joke or cynicism or something else…

– Here you are! – Sindy tossed me an extra gun.

– Now the real fun will begin! – I laughed. It was a deep-throat kind of laughter.

Yep, I had to say it…

At first, I attacked Joe. Revenge was sweet! Then Brian and finally Sindy. We had fun like that for half an hour! This is how responsible, wise, and adult people spend their time. I mean two 16s, 18 and 20-year-old people.

Half an hour later I was in my bed. “A lot has happened today… Okay, I’m going to sleep. After all, I must get up before 5 A.M. tomorrow!” – that’s what I was thinking right before falling asleep.

*

New day. It was 4:50 A.M… And every day was like that… But the four of us always had fun together despite such early hours… Let me also just say that I love my teddy bear. Yep, what you’re thinking is right! Okay, time to get up…

My first activity was to shower and then I got dressed. I took the script and my purse and left the house. Before I got into the taxi which I had ordered earlier, I went to the restaurant near my place and bought a breakfast set, i.e., an egg sandwich and orange juice. Yes, they open at 5 AM! When I got to the studio, it was 5:28 A.M. Perfect! I entered the hall, and the director greeted me:

– Hello, Laura. Please go quickly to your wardrobe. Change into Alice’s costume and the make-up lady will come to you in ten minutes. We’ll see you on the set at 6 A.M. Tell the rest of the cast at what time I’m expecting you all.

As usual, I only saw him for one short moment. Just like some kind of magician, he was always disappearing fast… “Maybe it was his previous profession?” – I was wondering then, and I still wonder.

I went to the wardrobe area. I knocked on Sindy’s door and walked in a moment later.

– Hey, I must tell you that we’re expected on set at 6 A.M. I’ve just met the director.

– Ok. I’m almost ready.

The girl was already dressed up. Lots of leopard print. These clothes really fit her… I left, and my next goal was to visit Brian. I knocked and entered.

– Hey, see you on the set at 6 A.M.

– That’s what I’ve just been thinking about! – he blinked at me.

I smiled and left. My last place to go to was Joe’s wardrobe. As usual, I knocked and entered. Brunet was glad to see me. I could see it in his eyes.

– Hi. What brings you here?

– Ehmmm… I met the director and he asked me to tell you that we must be on set at 6 A.M.

– Oh, all right… – it made him a little sad.

– Did something happen…? You know you can always talk to me. After all, that’s what friends are for.

– Okay… The point is… Ehmmm… There’s such one girl and… Ehmmm… I like her a lot, but she doesn’t seem to be interested… – he was looking at his Converse.

“Okay, it’s not what I expected. What should I say…? Oh, I already know!” – suddenly eureka, the idea lighted the bulb in my head…

– I think you should forget about her. There are many beautiful girls in the world. You will surely find the one someday… And I can help you to find her.

– What do you mean…? – he looked at me shocked.

– You’ll see… I’m sorry, but I gotta go.

He agreed that it was time to go without any hesitation, and I hurried out to leave and then I walked into my dressing room like a storm.

“What was that?! He’s not my type and apparently, he knows it. I don’t like him this way. I don’t want to hurt him… Ok, I’m afraid it might be a little awkward when we meet again… I mean, on set!” – that’s what I was thinking right then. Nothing was telling me then that we would become a couple soon enough but well… I knew he was thinking about me… Fate is such a strange thing… But let’s go back to the story.

“Okay, I don’t have much time. It’s time to change… – I decided. Five minutes later I was sitting in front of the mirror and the make-up lady took care of my pale complexion. After finishing her work, I looked at myself in the mirror. Wow! Who was that girl staring at me out there? I couldn’t believe that I could be beautiful! And today it also surprises me. I never thought of myself like that until I got this job of dreams…

I quickly left the room and went to the set. I met my new friends out there. Sindy walked up to me.

– Wow! You look amazing!

– Thanks – I hugged her. – I can’t believe it! Everything will start in a moment! I’m so excited!

– We’re also excited – Joe said, putting a big smile on his face.

The director came and told us to go in different directions. I stood in the middle of the schoolyard, Joe and Brian went to the stairs, leading to the school, and Sindy went to the school corridor. The first slap finally fell…

*

This is what it all looked like. It’s such a nice feeling to recall it all… I’m curious what you think about it… If diaries can think…

In the next entry, the continuation of the beginnings of my career will come.

So, this is it. Until the next writing!

P.S. “Sometimes life is much better than a fairy tale”.

A quote from a person you already know well. She just told me she fell in love and sent me these words. Aww! It’s so sweet! She wrote me that it was the second time she’d fallen, but she had never felt like this before. Love at first sight. I think I know who she’s thinking about while saying it… It’s getting more and more interesting…

***

So, that’s it! The 3rd chapter! How did you like it? Let me know in the comments!

Let me also remind you of the possibility of ordering a signed copy of this book here. The e-book is here, the special novel-inspired T-shirt is here and the bag is here. Also, the whole collection is here. When you use the code “winterlove20”, you’ll get a 20% discount for these above-mentioned products!

I’m coming back on Wednesday, so see ya then!

Love, A.A.