Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
Amy hummed the song in her head as she read the sheet music “It’s good. Maybe it should be called ‘Under My Wings’.” She was kidding but Johnny seemed to like the idea.
“That’s very catchy. I like that.” He began jotting down notes in his notebook she remember seeing at the beach with him the Sunday before.
“What do you write in that?” she leaned in to take a look but he snapped it close and shielded it with his arms.
Johnny looked at her sternly “No one looks in my book.” He said secretly.
Amy put her hands in defense “Okay, Mr. Weirdo. I won’t look.”
He let his guard down as he nodded “Good.” He opened it again and began writing but Amy was quick as she snapped it away from him. He looked up with a horrified expression “Give it back.”
She took a few steps back with a teasing look on her face “If you have the balls, come and get it.” She waved it at him like a fish to a cat.
“I’m serious, Amy.” His tone of voice was easily detected as annoyed.
But she wouldn’t give up “What’s so important in here that you won’t let me see it?” They were a few feet from each other so he tried to reach for it but her hand snapped back firmly on the book. “If you don’t tell me, I’m going to read it.” She threatened ready to open the book.
He pointed at her angrily “Fine. It has my most intimate detailed thoughts. For songs, for my life…it’s practically my journal.”
Amy smiled “That’s all you had to say. I don’t like to read anyone’s diary.” She tossed it back to him and he caught it with ease. She took her seat and began looking at the music again.
Johnny suddenly felt bad for snapping at her so angrily “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my voice.” Amy crossed her legs but ignored him as she put herself into the music and humming the tune out loud no longer feeling intimidated by Johnny. “Hey, did you hear me?” he waved a hand in front of her face to catch her attention but she only hit it away. “Aww, come on. I was just nervous about you reading it that’s all. I didn’t mean to yell.” She didn’t move but her eyes popped up with a grim expression, she only nodded and turned down to her hands again. “Look, if you don’t say anything, I’m going to…” he wasn’t even sure what he would do.
“What?” she asked curtly “Make me talk?”
“You are now.” He smiled and it only grew wider as she pouted and pretended not to talk to him “Take off your glasses.” He reached a hand over her frames but she snapped her head back.
“No!” she looked around just in case Philip might walk in.
“He’s not here.” Johnny pointed out “They don’t do justice for your eyes.”
Amy smiled at his comment “Thanks, but you know why I can’t take them off.”
“It’s such a shame to hide all those features.” He sighed. His eyes seem to travel around her face as he took in every detail. It made her squeal in her chair uncomfortably. It only made him smile bigger “You’re so cute when you’re nervous!” he reached over unexpectedly and pinched her on the cheek.
She ruffled her eyebrows at him “Don’t do that again.” She said firmly.
“What did I tell you about flirting with Amy?” Philip’s voice spoke up from the doorway.
The two got up as if they were caught in bed “Philip, I didn’t hear you come in.” Amy said nervously even though she had no reason to be.
“Hey man, you’re done filming?” Johnny said more coolly.
Philip stepped into the room with one hand in his pocket “Was I disturbing you two? Did you want to be alone?” his voice was teasing but it made Amy feel more uncomfortable.
“No. Of course not.” Amy said quickly. “Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.” She rushed out of the room like a bullet. When she got to the hallway, she stopped to catch her breath. Her heart was beating so fast and she had to psych herself back to reality “Calm down, Amy.”
“It’s not healthy to talk to yourself.” Philip had followed her without her knowing. He leaned into her ear and spoke “Maybe you should see my shrink.”
Amy let out tiny yelp as she covered her mouth “Don’t do that!” she scolded while he laughed at her reaction “What do you want? Water?”
He shook his head “No.” he crossed his arms and walked closer to her “I want to tell you something.”
“What? That you’re the most beautiful man on the planet? Yes, I know.” She rolled her eyes.
Philip laughed “Don’t act like you know me so well. I was going to tell you that nothing can happen between you and Johnny.”
Amy frowned “Where did that come from?” she pointed towards the recording studio “Because of what you saw in there?”
He shook his head “No, I’ve seen a spark between you two lately. Like you suddenly got along really well.” Philip glanced around before whispering to her “He’s gay.”
“Right.” She said unconvinced “Look Philip, if you don’t want us to date, just say it. Don’t-”
Philip quickly cut her off “You think I would lie about something like that?” she rolled her eyes as he continued to convince her of his story “He’s a good friend of mine but I don’t want him to do something he’ll regret. I know his boyfriend, he’s a great guy and I would not want to see them break up. Especially over a girl.”
Amy shook her head “That doesn’t make any sense, why would he flirt with me then?”
“Because he sees something in you that he does not see in other women.” Philip answered casually “Maybe he finds you more masculine.”
She widened her eyes and looked down at herself “Where?” she pointed to her petite figure and girly hands.
“Don’t you know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But I doubt you want to ask him personally. Trust me, Johnny has a way with words and he can manipulate you to believe anything.” Philip spoke like a true professional.
Amy smiled slyly “Just like you are doing right now?” he smiled but shook his head “Look, you may be my boss but it doesn’t mean you can control my life. I don’t think he’s gay and I definitely don’t think that he likes me.” She was firm about her thoughts.
Philip shrugged carelessly “Fine, I can’t make you believe me. But at least I warned you.” He turned to leave and as he walked away he said to her “Get me a water bottle.”
She flared her nose at him and flicked her head towards him with a vengeance “Get me a water bottle.” She mimicked his tone of voice.
“I heard that!” he yelled from around the corner. Amy covered her mouth instinctively and continued on her way.
The remainder of the day was awkward for Johnny and Amy while Philip had fun making them feel uncomfortable. Every so often he would turn to Johnny and throw out a comment “Stop looking at her like that. She doesn’t like it.”
Amy glanced at Johnny who turned away blushing “I can speak for myself, father.” She said sarcastically at Philip who only shrugged in return.
Suddenly Philip snapped his fingers like he just remembered something “Oh, before I forget. Amy can you order me a tux to rent for one day, the last day of this month. And get yourself a nice dress.”
“Sure, what for?” she wondered.
“At the end of every movie, the cast and crew has a get together party to wish the movie good luck. It’s tradition. I like the fancier parties so its going to be formal.” He explained before getting into the soundproof room. “Oh and Johnny you’re coming too.”
“No, I’m not.” Johnny shook his head.
Philip laughed “It wasn’t a question, it was an order.”
“Why should I go too?” Johnny asked reasonably.
“Because you helped co-write the theme song of the movie. You’re part of the cast and crew. I’m expecting you there and you cannot miss it.” He was stern about his requests.
Amy turned to Johnny before he could argue in return “Hey, it’ll be okay. He didn’t say anything about leaving early.” Johnny smiled as he nodded “Sneaky, aren’t I?”
“You read my mind.” He gave her a wink and turned to Philip “Okay, I’m in.”
Philip smiled victoriously “Good!” he gave his friend a thumbs up sign. His eyes twinkled slyly knowing that Johnny was where he wanted him to be, in the palm of his hands.
*************
The final month of filming was tiring for everyone. Their deadline was coming closer and it seemed like they still had more scenes than time would allow. The director was extra aggravated when time was flying by too fast. “Come on everyone, I’d like to finish this scene today not next year. Because clearly, we do not have anymore time.” He turned to Philip “I have never seen you work so slow before. Your dialogue is sounding monotone.”
Amy knew her boss was embarrassed because the director said it loud enough for the whole crew to hear. She walked over to him with a sympathetic look “Don’t listen to him, I thought you did very well in that last scene. I think he’s just asking too much. Maybe someone should pull that stick out of his butt.” She snickered softly.
Philip burst out laughing from her comment, it was not something he expected her to say “Thanks, I needed that.” He patted her on the shoulder.
She smiled in return “Anytime, boss.”
Amy began to walk away and Philip called out for her “Hey, I really appreciate it.” He said it sincerely and she knew he meant it with all his heart.
“It’s my job.” She smiled and walked towards the back of the room and watched the scene being shot. Maybe her comment helped because suddenly the Director was happy with anything that Philip did. They finished quickly and everyone began wrapping up for the night.
Suddenly a loud clap rang through the room “Now everyone, tomorrow is our last day of shooting. The party will be this Sunday at Studio 10. Dress formal and you can bring one guest.” The director announced. The group seemed excited about the party as a few people whistled and clapped their hands.
Amy smiled as she too was looking forward to it. Philip turned in time to see her grinning “Did you get a dress yet?” he took her arm and led her out of the studio. She shook her head “Why not?” he asked a little surprised.
“Because I can’t find one that looks decent. Does it HAVE to be formal?” she whined.
Philip nodded firmly “Yes. It has to be formal. Don’t you dare come in jeans. How embarrassing that would be that my assistant would come in dressed like a slob. People would think I underpay you.”
“You do!” She said incredulously.
He shook his head “So the truth comes out now. You think I don’t pay you enough. Tsk, tsk, tsk you disappoint me, Amy. I thought you weren’t the type that cared about money.”
Amy laughed comfortably “I don’t. I just want to move to a better place. Safer at least, I’m saving money right now. So every little bit helps.” She was kidding about being underpaid but she spoke honestly about her money problem.
“Really? Why didn’t you tell me? I would give you a loan.” Philip sounded hurt.
She nodded understandingly “I know you would, but I don’t want you to help. The reason why I moved out of my parent’s house was because I wanted to survive on my own. I don’t want to rely on anyone.”
He smiled respectfully at her “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. But boy, I feel sorry for your future boyfriend. He won’t be able to pay for your lunch without you screaming independence.”
Amy laughed at the picture he was painting “I don’t have a problem with guys buying lunch for me. But I don’t expect it to happen.”
Philip nodded repetitively “Yeah, yeah, you don’t have to explain to me. I’m just your boss.” They were out of the studio and were about to split up “Need a ride?” she nodded with a smile “Or did you expect that? I mean if you did then I don’t want to be the one to ruin your independent motto…” he stopped when she started laughing.
“Shut up, Philip.” She hit him playfully. They walked towards the structure “I did expect it though.” The two laughed amusingly.