Wow I think it's been a while since I've uploaded a chapter this quickly...
Anyway, just a quick note to the anonymous reviewer called SlyFairChild:
You need to get an account so that I can reply to your reviews easier! As for your suggestion about pictures and stuff, I've got a facebook page atm which I will upload pictures and various quotes and other things as well.
Also, thanks to all the reviewers! Reading the reviews are definitely the highlight of my days at school. I'll try to write and update as quickly as possible but sometimes that's easier said than done, especially with demon teachers who set waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much homework T.T
For those who like little Jake and TK scenes, this chapter should brighten your days. As for the general question of whether TK will get together with Jake or not... Well you'll just have to read to find out! ^.^
~Lil' Lyn~
20
TK dreaded the very idea of going to a spa with every part of her body. All through dinner she couldn't help but pout at the torture that she would be put through the following day and Kelly and Karen felt a speck of guilt of pressuring their friend through such an activity but they later explained to her that it was also an excuse for going to town without the boys so that they could each get James a present for his birthday. Some of the guys were likely to meet up with them later on too.
TK brightened up a little at the prospect of being able to buy James' present discreetly but she still didn't like the idea of going to a spa. She didn't want manicures or make-overs. It was bad enough to endure make-overs for the filmed scenes; she didn't need it during her free time!
After dinner they spent an hour going over the first scene with them being back at the Academy. Chris, the stunt's director, and Vivian, the make-up artist specialist, read out the lines of Headmistress Kirova and Victor Dashkov while TK, Karen and Konstantin read out and acted out some of the parts within that scene where Kirova criticises Rose's decision for taking Lissa away from the protection of the academy and that Rose would be expelled before Victor Dashkov steps in with his opinions.
Upon seeing TK's natural way of acting, neither Vivian nor Chris could believe their eyes. They both fought to keep up with the young teen and the pair of them was swept up by TK's pace. They certainly couldn't associate the natural actress in front of them as the girl who blushed as red as an apple at the sight of seeing herself on a TV screen, or the girl who admitted to being completely camera she and had had odd experiences with acting. The way that TK acted seemed wholly natural and it was very rare to find such natural talent.
"How on earth did we get so lucky?" Vivian whispered to Carlisle during their five minute break. "That girl is a complete natural."
"I suspect that it may have a touch to do with the fact that she knows the characters probably as well as her own personality which does make it easier to act. However, I do agree that she has incredible talent. To be able to capture all the emotions from a script is one talent, but to be able to portray it so well that it sweeps others along, now that's incredible. I find it hard to believe that she ever had any difficulties before hand with acting." Carlisle sighed.
"Her cheerful attitude and approach to this also helps." Chris pointed out. "Heck, she and Konstantin are certainly doing their fair share of teaching others in combat. They are just as skilled as any stunts man I'd ever worked with and perhaps even better."
"I don't think I've ever worked with such a talented cast before and it certainly brings more hope to the project. I'm more than certain that this film will become a major success. At first I had my doubts because this film very much depends on the main character Rose, but because the actress is Rayne, I think that she'll definitely pull off a very convincing Rose Hathaway indeed." Carlisle smiled in appraisal as the trio discreetly glanced at TK who was chatting animatedly in the corner with the others.
"I was so surprised to find that she's actually Alexandra's daughter but once I thought about it, the resemblance is obvious." Vivian grinned as she nudged the director with a teasing gesture. "That is a pretty big coincidence don't you think? I bet you recognised the resemblance straight away Carlisle."
"Vivian!" Carlisle reprimanded with a hushed voice.
"You were the one who sent in the anonymous question during their first talk show. Weren't you, Carlisle?" she asked and pinned him with her gaze so that he had no choice but to tell the truth.
"Yes Vivian, I was. I knew from the first moment I saw her that she was Alexandra's daughter. Alexandra had told barely anyone of the truth and I was lucky to be one of the people she trusted enough. It would've been best for the public to know as soon as possible before she started to get famous or else it would definitely pose great issues for her later on."
"It was a harsh thing to do especially since it was her first time being on TV but it was the right decision." Chris patted the director's shoulder in agreement. "She handled the question like a true pro. That was the most impressive part of the interview."
"I had expected various types of reactions from her but what actually happened was nothing like what I could've possibly imagined or anticipated. I never would've expected her to challenge the press. She sure does know how to surprise people, doesn't she?" Carlisle chuckled.
"I suppose that that is simply another one of her talents." Chris grinned. "I reckon that there'll be some drama before the end of the filming of this first film."
"Drama?" Carlisle frowned.
"Don't tell me that you don't see it Carlisle." Vivian gasped. "The triangle."
"The triangle?" his frown deepened as he tried to think about it.
"Jake, Rayne and Konstantin."
"You think so?" Carlisle stared at the cast members in the corner. "Konstantin and Rayne? Are you sure it's not simply an admiration thing?"
"No one knows yet Carlisle, that's why we think that there will be drama." Vivian shrugged.
"Well I hope no one gets hurt." Carlisle sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
TK had been sitting on her balcony gazing up at the stars when she heard a whistle from above her. She tilted her head slightly and saw Jake staring down at her with a goofy grin on his face. He couldn't help but think that she looked so beautiful with the moonlight gleaming on her. Her hair shone with radiance and the moonlight seemed to make her skin glow in a certain way. She gave a small smile in greeting that seemed to make his heart skip a beat.
Then her expression seemed to suddenly change into a panicked expression as she looked at the door of her room when she heard the knock and Kelly and Karen's voice from beyond it.
"Do you think you want to risk jumping up?" Jake suggested.
"Oh hell yeah." TK nodded vigorously and Jake reached down for her. She took hold of his hand, balanced on the edge of the railing on the balcony and with a swift movement she jumped up onto his balcony. She landed on top of him and he placed his hand over her mouth before she could start laughing because he heard Kelly and Karen walking into her room. He was thankful that he had his music relatively loud in his room so that he could use that as an excuse for ignoring Kelly and Karen's shouts up the balcony.
The pair of them waited until the two girls left TK's room before he removed his hand and TK burst into laughter.
"That was awesome!" she squealed. "Thanks for the quick save there Jake."
"Anytime Ray," he laughed and ruffled her hair. "Now, as much as I like the idea of having you on top of me, it's getting a little uncomfortable with my back arched against the door like this."
"Huh?" TK asked innocently, not understanding the innuendo.
"You don't find our current position compromising at all?"
TK glanced at their position and a cute blush covered her cheeks as she jumped up instantly. "Sorry," she squealed.
"Don't worry about it," he winked. "Running away from further girl talk?"
"Hey, since they've decided to force me to go to a spa tomorrow, I get to run away from them until then." TK scoffed.
Before Jake could give a reply, her phone suddenly rang and when she looked she noticed that it was from her mum.
"Hey mum," she greeted.
"Hey Tami, I'm heading off to England tomorrow night for a couple of days. Is there anything you want me to bring back with me from England or anything you want me to give to Grandma?" her mum asked.
"You're going home? Hm… will you be free tomorrow during the day?"
"You're at your new location aren't you?"
"Yeah. I was wondering whether you could buy a few things and take them back with you to give to my friends there."
"Of course I can Tami. What do you want me to get?"
"I'll send you some pictures of some stuff I saw down in LA."
"Okay. How are things going with the filming?"
"Surprisingly, I haven't had as many odd acting moments as I used to."
"Really? Well that's great to hear Tami!" her mum squealed in excitement. "I can't wait to see what it looks like!"
"Well you'll have to be patient," she grinned. "Are you heading back to England for vacation or work?"
"Vacation. I finally managed to squeeze one in." Alexandra declared proudly.
"That's awesome. Gran would love to see you."
"Listen sweetheart. I had better go and pack. I'll give you a call when I get to England."
"Okay mum. Have a safe flight."
"I will." TK heard her mum say before the line disconnected.
"Ray… I hope you don't mind me asking but it was kind of hard not to hear it. What did your mum call you?" Jake frowned in confusion.
"Tami."
"Is your name not Rayne?"
"Sorry, I forgot to let you guys know. KJ and Karen know since they met me before I accepted this role but my name's actually Tamara Knight. I came up with Rayne Night because Rayne is one of my middle names. I wanted to have a screen name instead of my real one. I'm not sure why but the decision flew out of my mouth before I even thought about it when Mister Director asked me what I wanted to do about my name." TK explained.
"Well that definitely makes more sense." Jake nodded in understanding.
"Yeah. Sorry, I completely forgot to tell you guys my name. It just didn't seem to occur to me at all for some weird reason."
"Well Rayne is technically your name since it's your middle name," he shrugged.
"You're right about that." TK laughed.
"So I'll just keep calling you whatever comes to mind first."
"If we keep firing off at such a quick pace, before you know it, there'll be a scene that you're in." TK teased.
"Hm… you may be right about that. And then it'll be my turn to panic. I'm awful at learning lines…" he groaned. "I've just about learnt my lines for the first scene where I speak."
"Do you want to try practicing?"
"Maybe after James' birthday. You've done enough work for the day. Too much practice won't be good for your mind," he shook his head. "But at least now I'll know who to go to if I need some practice with the scenes."
"Have you thought of anything to get him yet?"
"Not at all. I'm hoping the trip into the city tomorrow will help give some inspirations."
"It probably will. I'm sure that if you walk around you'll see something that'll work. I would offer to skip the spa thing but since they've already paid for it, I would feel bad for not going to use the money's worth. I'll probably spend most of my time in the pool."
"Have you ever had a massage before? I suggest you give it a try tomorrow. It might be one of the most relaxing things you'll ever go through in life." Jake suggested.
"Really?"
"Yes really. And maybe a Jacuzzi, they might seem weird but they're amazing if you press your back up against one of the pipes that the water gushes out of."
"Oh, I'll definitely try that then!" she squealed and she felt excitement begin to build within her. "Hey I just thought of something that I really want to do before going to sleep."
"What?"
"Are you up for taking a night time walk through the castle with me? I pretty sure that it'll be dark all over the place so it'll be awesome. Just like one of those paranormal Reality TV shows."
"And what if something does jump out?"
"I doubt it and if something does then we'll just have to kick their asses won't we?" she grinned cheekily. "So are you up for it?"
"I don't see why not. It should be safe enough." Jake shrugged. "The main question would be: How do we get out without attracting anyone's attention?"
"We climb out of the window of course," she smirked and demonstrated what she had in mind. She jumped back down onto her balcony and then jumped down onto the roof of the low ceiling tunnel that connected to the castle. She finished off by jumping off of the roof and landing softly on her feet. Jake stared in surprise at how smoothly she seemed to do it and repeated her actions. He managed to complete the task easily enough and the pair of them started walking through the darkly lit corridors of the castle.
"I can just imagine a scene from the third book where the Strigoi make an attack on the academy. I can picture them storming in from the trees, all the chaos around us and the panic that's spreading like hellfire."
"You really do like this don't you?" he chuckled.
"Do you think that if a mass majority of the scenes of a film takes place in a foreign country, we'd go there?"
"Of course."
"Wow… that means I'll get to go to Russia…" I whistled.
"Really?"
"The fourth book, Rose is in Russia trying to hunt down Strigoi Dimitri while the rest of the VA gang are back in the academy dealing with their own problems about a power hungry spirit user."
"A spirit user is what Cat's character is right?"
"Yep, that's right," she nodded. "She's the one you have to guard during the third book for something called the 'Field experience' test. I end up getting Quinny."
"You really do know a lot about this series don't you?"
"I've read them so many times, the books are starting to wear away so I'll have to get new copies sometime," she smiled sheepishly.
"Wow… that's quite an achievement you've made there. Reading the books so much that you've actually worn them out." Jake laughed and the sound echoed slightly along the silent corridor.
The pair of them spent an hour on their walk before retiring to their rooms. Jake gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek before jumping back up to his room and TK couldn't help but smile at his gesture. She remembered to send pictures of what she wanted to give to her friends back in England to her mum and she also asked her to bring over her acoustic guitar as well so that TK could play during her spare time if she felt like it.
Eventually she fell asleep at around midnight but she found that she couldn't sleep very well due to the loud wind echoing outside. The next morning she woke with bags under her eyes and she yawned every five seconds.
"Are you okay?" Jake asked with concern when he noticed that the usually bubbly girl was abnormally zoned out.
"I didn't sleep well last night," she yawned for the tenth time within the past two minutes.
"Was it because of the wind outside?" he frowned.
"How did you know?" she stared at him in surprise.
"I had the same problem until I decided to plug my ears in with my iPod. Once I fell asleep it was fine, it was getting there that was a pain in the butt."
"Well depending on how long it takes to get into the city, I'll probably just sleep on the way there." TK shrugged and rested her head on the table while waiting for the food to be ready. It seemed that Kelly and James were on breakfast duty that morning which was convenient since TK was definitely not awake enough to cook anything. It was far too likely that she would set everything on fire if she tried.
"Ray, would you like tea or coffee?" James asked and prodded her gently to get a response from her.
"Um… just plain coffee please with a little bit of milk if you don't mind," she gave as big of a smile as she could manage in her tired state. The others could help but find her gesture extraordinarily cute. Normally, when people were that tired and were spoken to, they would retort grumpily or not reply at all. Instead, it was obvious that TK made an effort and managed to muster a small sweet smile in comparison to the usual wide beaming smiles that she would normally give which often seemed to brighten up the atmosphere.
"Are you sure you don't want any sugar?" James arched his brows.
"When I'm like this, a plain cup of coffee will wake me up the fastest." TK explained and yawned half way through her sentence.
James set down a cup of coffee for her before proceeding to give everyone else a drink. Jake turned his head and watched her expression as she lifted the cup to her lips. He had been expecting at least a grimace on her face when she took a sip but there was no sign of distaste whatsoever on her face. He was surprised that she managed to drink plain coffee like that. He had expected her to be someone who was unable to accomplish such a thing without a grimace since she seemed to adore her sweets.
"How is it, that you can eat so many sweet things in one go and also drink such bitter coffee?" he asked curiously.
"I've had to do this quite a few times for the past few years when it started getting harder and harder to wake up in the mornings for me to pay attention in class so I drink plain coffee for the required affect." TK gave a small grin.
"Well that definitely makes sense." Harrison laughed.
"Rayne, we're leaving in a half an hour so you might want to eat a little fast so that you can get ready." Kelly suggested.
"Where are we going again?" she asked dumbly.
"The spa, so just wear something casual but bring something to change into afterwards. Something that's more feminine compared to your usual choice of clothing." Karen smiled. "On second thought, I'll just choose for you and no matter what I pick, you have to wear it."
"Do I have to?" TK whined.
"Yes." Karen stated firmly. "Didn't you have that deal with Adriana about how many days that you get to choose clothes for yourself? Since we've been rehearsing and you've been training most of the time for the past week or so, you haven't really followed that deal so now I'm helping Adriana to reinforce it. Technically speaking you owe her three days worth of feminine clothing."
"But I can't possibly wear feminine clothing for training and rehearsals. That would be highly impractical."
"Sure you can, we'll just make sure that you don't wear things that look like they're three sizes too big for you." Karen smirked. "Really Rayne, the clothes that you wear make you look small because they're so big."
"So? They're comfortable so I don't really care. And it's not like I have to make myself look smart during rehearsals or during training. That's not the point."
"More form fitting clothes can be very comfortable as well depending on the material." Kelly sighed. "Either way, there's no way for you to get out of this. Karen is right; it is technically Adriana's turn to choose what you wear so Karen is doing that job instead."
TK stuck out her tongue immaturely and pouted. She kept quiet since she knew that she wouldn't win that argument. They were right after all. Because of the rehearsals and training, there hadn't been any opportunities for Adriana to force her into something that TK wouldn't have worn otherwise.
After breakfast, as planned, Karen headed to TK's room with her and picked out things that she wanted TK to wear. Then she headed back to her own room to get ready before going out. The raven haired girl couldn't help but sigh at what Karen had chosen for her. But at least she was allowed to be in her own preferred clothes on the way to the spa. It began to make her wonder whether they were doing something after the spa. Anxiety rose as she waited for the other two girls to get ready but there was nothing she could do about it. Even if something had been planned, she doubted that she'd be able to get out of it at such short notice.