366 days NOT to fall in love with him

By: Distressed Mistress

Yeesh. It's been so long. You guys thought I'd leave this unfinished didn't you? But really. Storm-Blackout-Exams-Shopping-Christmas parties. That pretty much sums up my excuse. Anyway, enjoy!

DISCLAIMER : Twilight and the belowmentioned titles does not belong to me.

Chapter 23

Peter POV

"When I was a kid, I wanted to be a police woman or a double agent of some sort but then again, a shame would it be, had I wasted away my superb acting skills,"

I smiled gently at the seventeen-year old's confidence. I haven't seen her in action yet, but something told me it'd be a sin to assume she had no possession of those 'superb skills' she meant.

She whipped her head to me, her long curls heavily catching up with her. "How about you Peter?"

I chuckled. This had to be her twenty-something-th question since she got here. Such a curious young lady. "Well I studied to be a lawyer and- "

"Oh wow! Attorney Facinelli. It sounds tough. Like Mike Tyson. His name makes you cringe, don't you think?"

"Yes but- "

"How come you're not in a suit then?" her cunning brown eyes did a quick but thorough scan of me from head to toe. "Were you worried your God-given talent would go to waste too?"

I bit back a smile. "If you want me to answer you, you should stop cutting me- "

"I wonder what Elizabeth wanted to be before the desire to act took her over," she looked up at the ceiling, as if there were answers written there.

"Ella," I said gruffly. "You won't be able to sate that curiosity if you keep cutting people off."

As soon as I said this, her shoulders drooped down, as did her head. "Sorry," she murmured, turning away from me. "It's just that . . . ever since my father died, I had no one to talk to. Mom's always busy with her work, and all my manager could talk about is making money."

I sat motionless, half-suspicious and half-regretting the fact that I couldn't indulge her in talking whatever nonsense she wanted. I sympathized for her then, imagining how a cheery young lady goes through rough moments in her life with a smile on her face. Truth is, I had experience loneliness on different levels myself thus my brain is already in the process of forming an apology. It was at the tip of my tongue, but then the brief silence dissolved between us when her teary eyes gazed sadly at me, and she whispered, "Superb,"

I was gaping now, all thought of apologizing on hold. "What?"

With a tear drop rolling down her cheeks, she added in a clear voice, "My acting skills."

"You're impossible," I raised an eyebrow at her. The feeling of guilt gone completely when a smile succeeded from her face.

"That's good enough, I think," she said, wiping off her tears like it was merely sweat. Her expression shifted as quickly as she would put on another mask. Incredible how she managed to take full control of her facial expression. I know only a few good actors that can pull that off.

I showed her I was impressed by nodding my head as if in approval. "It was good, though it needs more practice,"

Rolling her eyes, she got up from the leather chair and twirled like a ballerina, just for the sake of it. I watched her and thought that she'd make a great Alice. "I know you're impressed," she quipped and pointed at me, "Hey we both need to stop faking. You wouldn't want to be called a faker rather than an actor."

"Says you," I retorted playfully, crossing my arms.

Ella Winters skipped across the room. Her knee-length skirt floating around her knees. Hyperactivity must have come in package when puberty hit her. If it did hit her. I could have mistaken her for a child had she not mentioned her age. If she was only a bit shorter and paler, she'd give Ashley Greene a run for her money. But then again, if I could envision a young Esme, she'd enter the picture perfectly.

"They take so long to come here," she groaned, lifting herself up to sit on the ceramic kitchen counter.

"Liz's on her way," I surmised.

"I can't wait to meet her. And Robert too," she added the last name, her eyes dreamy.

"Rob's a good catch. You better be quick though - he's a chick magnet,"

She put both of her hands on each of her cheeks; seemingly covering a part her blushing face. "Hmph," she now hid her whole face with her fingers spread out. Her eyes peeked out. "Please please please don't tell him. Don't even mention it when he's around. Promise me that," she pleaded not in her usual boisterous voice.

"I promise," I told her. Teasing her was one thing, teasing her when the object of her teasing is around was another. And besides, I don't think Rob would appreciate dealing with infatuation right now. Especially with a teen-aged girl. I wanted to reassure Ella of my promise, but she appeared to be more than ready to move on to another topic.

"Have you read all the Twilight books?"

She raised her eyes to mine, the red on her face slowly diminishing. "Yes, but to tell you honestly," she searched the room for intruding ears even though we were the only ones in the area at this moment. "I've read better ones, and all I've read are bad ones,"

A chuckle escaped my lips. I made myself comfortable against the soft cushions. "What urged you to audition then?"

She shrugged and hopped off the counter and proceeded to explore the room. "I liked Dr Carlisle and Esme's love story. I think it's sweet that they both wanted marriage instead of just mating. They're the most humane among all the couples. Have you read their story?"

"In the script, yes. Have you?"

She vigorously shook her head, as if what I said was the wrongest of all things. "No, I didn't mean in the script. The actual story. I don't remember its title, but it was an amazing fic even though it was fan-made. I've read it a couple of months ago. Brought me to tears," she winked at me. "Real tears. I think it was what the script based on. They're similarity is uncanny. I resorted to reading fan fiction ever since,"

"That's nice," I murmured absently, recalling I'd read a fan fiction about myself falling in love with a teen-aged girl I met on Starbucks.

"Hmm . . . " she resumed her adventurous journey around the airy room, stopping at the door. "I think I want to take a look around. See 'ya later, Peter!"

An amused grin broke into my face when I heard her laugh, saying, 'It rhymed!' after she shut the door close. I rested my head on the soft cushions, noticing it smelling like lavender. My eyes fluttered; my vision dimming. The reason why last night I was up late still had me confused, wondering why I couldn't get rid of the bloody aftertaste the wine left on my mouth.

oOoOoOo

"They're here! They're here!"

I jumped at the noise and frantically searched around the room. My head felt dizzy, and I let out a long yawn. I must have dozed off. I checked the time and found out that I was not awake for about twenty minutes.

Ella burst into the room in glee. "Mr. Richard and Ms. Liz are here!"

I rubbed my eyes. They came together? As if to verify this thought, Liz and Richard Armitage entered the room, following a skipping Ella.

"Now we only need to wait for Stephenie and Rob!" Ella announced, taking her place on the couch. "And Ms. Maxwell, of course. Aaand for the other set crew, the costume designers, and . . ."

I dragged a hand down my face. I felt incredibly weary. I looked up and for distraction, studied the man beside Liz. He was a good-looking fellow, whose clothing and stature revealed his status. He stood a bit taller than me perhaps; a dark well kept hair, fair skin, and a pair of provocative green eyes.

"Peter Facinelli," he addressed me in a deep, British accent. Liz looked swooned beside him. I took a reminder to tease her about it later. I held out my hand as he held out his, and we shook. "Richard Armitage,"

He smiled, his light-bearded chin cocking up a bit. I looked to Liz and saw her with a wide smile. "I see you two already met,"

Richard snickered, and languidly pointed at Liz. "She honked at me,"

"Only because you were cutting me off," Liz, whom I noticed hadn't looked at me since they entered, defended.

"Well if I'd known such a lovely lady was behind the wheels, I wouldn't cut her off," Richard shot back in a deeper, melodic voice.

I laughed breathlessly. I saw Ella squint from the corner of my eye. She hopped off the couch and held out her small hand. "Ella Winters," she nodded at the new-comers.

"Hi Ella, I'm Richard," he responded, ignoring her hand and went instead to ruffle her curls. I now considered she was short enough to be Alice.

"Hey! Don't treat me like a kid! I'm seventeen, 'ya know!"

"You look much younger than you're supposed to," Liz commented when Ella held out her hand to her. Liz endearingly complied. I still haven't met her eyes, and somehow, it was unnerving.

Ella stood on her tiptoes, and gestured to herself. "I'll be playing young Esme. But I wish my hair was as pretty as yours,"

"Oh Ella, I'll let you in a little secret," Liz bent a little, giving out a view of her cleavage. I quickly looked away, worried if the other man had seen it.

"It took my friend seven and a half hours to curl and dye my hair like this,"

"Really?" the teen stood on her tiptoes again to take a good look at the top Liz's head. "It looks so natural on you though,"

It does, I thought. Richard occupied a space on the couch and crossed one leg on top of the other. Even in his sitting position, he looked undoubtedly immaculate.

"Richard, do want coffee? I'll make some," Liz suggested, already on her way to the small kitchen.

"Yes please," while Richard said this, I followed Liz with a murmured, "I'll help,"

We both began to prepare the coffee in silence. She turned on the stove while I filled up the pot with water. While she was scooping the coffee powder, I reached over to her left get the sugar. I was struck by her perfume, so I had to hold my breathing for a short while to keep me from sniffling her like a dog.

"Have you already unpacked?" I asked her.

Still somehow avoiding my eyes, she answered a hushed no and continued to watch over the coffee. She wore clothing that displayed her assets nicely. It was rude to stare, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from those boots she wore - to her legs specifically. My face flushed red as I turned away to the living room, and saw Richard and Ella chatting on the couch. Probably asking him endless questions too. I turned back and still, she was unusually quiet as she stood motionless, her hands bracing her body on the counter tops. Something must've happened between her and her boyfriend . . .

"Liz?"

"Yes?" her voice was an octave higher.

I slowly came towards her, to the point that we were only inches apart. I touched her shoulders, and she immediately jerked away. She kept her eyes down as she turned to me, blinking a few times before turning back to the coffee. She put on a pair of mittens as I backed away, surprised I was still able to move.

What was wrong with her?

I minded back to my own business, glancing at her every now and then. Her eyebrows would knit together, her lips a straight line. She was obviously troubled. She poured the hot coffee on three mugs, but then took off into the living room after she added sugar and cream into the two mugs she carried with her.

Something had happened. I just knew it. It was my sixth sense. And it wasn't in regard to her boyfriend.

I was determined to find out about it right away, but a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Maxwell's assistant entered the room cautiously. "Hello everyone," she greeted in a forcibly cheerful voice. Her heels were so high I was afraid she might fall down and knock Richard's coffee right into his face. "Ms. Maxwell is on her way here, along with Ms. Meyer. They will enter this room shortly. I apologize for the wait."

"It's not a problem, sweetie," Richard winked at her. With a blush visible on her face, she sputtered out, "R-robert said he'll be late again . . ."

I heard a tiny sound of protest from Ella. I moved to the living room with hands in my pockets. "Are we going to shoot today?"

Joan tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "No, I'm afraid not. It will only be instructions and orientations for now. And Ms. Meyer wanted to talk to you two," she eyed Liz and me.

Just then, we've heard heels tapping on the linoleum floors from outside. The sound reverberated throughout the hallways, followed by a set of vague footsteps.

"T-They're here," Joan squeaked; a hot mess she became, when she panicked and dashed to the kitchen. Liz and Richard looked at each other, grimacing whilst Ella frowned in confusion and impatience. I stood with a neutral expression on my face, fixing my eyes on the door.

Just then it opened, revealing the face that probably haunted Rob in his sleep. Lydia Maxwell scanned her sharp eyes around, not bothering to enter the room thus blocking Steph out of the way. I can only widen my eyes.

"Pattinson is late, again?" she observed in a rather annoyed tone. I resisted the urge to scoff. You were late.

"Ms. Maxwell," Joan spoke confidently, coming towards Maxwell with a cup of coffee in her hands. I guess that was supposed to be mine. I wasn't so hung up on caffeine anyway.

It took a full minute for Maxwell to finally enter the room, her movement graceful. Steph followed behind, looking at her with the same expression I seemed to be having. Maxwell took the cup of coffee, and eyed at it critically. She took a small sip and appeared to be deliberating. She casted Joan an ill-mannered glance. "You finally got it right,"

Maxwell handed the flustered girl the cup. She must have realized that her boss approved of the coffee making of another. I glanced at Liz.

"Long time no see, everybody," Stephenie began. She was wearing a bright red blouse and dark slacks. Her glowing smile was as friendly as I can remember.

"Hi Steph!" Ella greeted her excitedly. Liz gave her a heart-warming smile whilst Richard a smirk. I moved nearer to Steph and held out a hand for her to shake. "Twilight doesn't end, does it?"

"As Vampires never die," Steph replied thoughtfully, shaking my hand.

Richard was beside us then. "Lovely to meet you, Ms. Meyer," he took Steph's hand and laid a gentle kiss at the back of it. I never wanted to roll my eyes as I want to now. Was charm natural for him or what?

"Oh! Richard Armitage. Ditto," Maybe Steph was immune to his charm when she remained cool and collected, a total opposite to what Joan was now.

The man turned to Maxwell. I waited for him to reach out for her hand and do the same and the receive the woman's blank stare but he stood there and simply gave her a smile. "Ms. Maxwell,"

Lydia, whom I've never seen smile as easily, did just that to him. Approval was obviously written all over her face. "Richard Armitage. A brilliant actor, indeed,"

I noted the double meaning and resisted laughter. But the feeling quickly disappeared when Richard pulled off a smart-ass smirk. "Coming from you; it sounds rewarding,"

Lydie let out a tight smile. Stephenie didn't seem to mind the exchange as she gestured to the door. "Richard, Ella, I have something to discuss with the both of you,"

The actors moved towards the exit in silence. Lydia's eyes scanned the room. She stood quite proud in her purple sophisticated business attire and tall black heels. Her expression made her look like she kills puppies in her spare time. Does this woman ever smile? Genuinely? "Why are you here?" she asked.

"What?" I prompted uneasily. She shot her fierce eyes to me. "This room is not to be used by the actors," then she glared at Joan, who seemed to shrank back the moment Lydia's head moved.

"But I thought - "

"I-I'm sorry, the planning was off-" Joan stuttered.

"No excuses Joan," Lydia said sternly. "And go make me some coffee. And this time, do it yourself,"

The assistant scrambled and left the room, looking as shocked as I must be. How did she-

"And as for you two; you should go settle in your designated room,"

"You mean rooms," Liz corrected her cautiously, standing from the couch.

Lydia raised a silver eyebrow. "I meant what I said," and I was utterly confused. Her expression was incredulous. "Weren't you informed you two would share a room?"

I nearly choked. The director had succeeded in leaving Liz flabbergasted. "W-what? You're kidding right?"

The silver-haired woman tried to look more skeptical. "Am I the kind of person to kid around, Elizabeth?"

"We're of different sexes, Ms. Maxwell," I said quietly.

"And your point is?"

"Surely this cannot be allowed," Liz justified, her temper flaring.

"Have you read your contract? It says that I have the right to appoint you anywhere I choose, as long as it is work-related," Lydia told us monotonously.

"And as long as it's ethical, that is," Liz grumbled.

"Who said it isn't? You won't be sharing a bed,"

Liz wasn't a bit swayed. "But still, this is absurd."

I have never shared a room with a female co-star before, yet I didn't feel as surprised as I expected I would be.

"I don't see any fault in it. Other actors complied without question,"

"Really?" I sounded hopeful and surprised.

"And besides," she continued with a mischievous smile. I felt a shiver run down my spine. "I believe there is quite a tension that needs to be resolved between you two. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

I can only blink my eyes in surprise. What is with this woman?

"How did you-"

"I am a very observant individual," Lydia cut her off. "As you can see, I figured that Joan wasn't the one who made that coffee, since she was hesitant when she handed me the cup. Joan is a hesitant girl from the start, but this time, she was exceptionally more unsure of what she was doing. And I caught a glimpse of her in the hallways. So she couldn't have made the coffee that quick,"

"As for you two, I have not seen Elizabeth spare a single glance at Peter, and I can tell she's trying not to," Lydia spoke in a friendly manner, which terrified me even more, casting Liz an uncanny smile. "and while at that, Peter did the opposite, throwing her a worried frown every time he got the chance."

Liz and I were speechless. "Have you read Sherlock Holmes?" she asked and I shook my head. "Well neither have I. But I am certain I open up to his ideals," Lydia's smile vanished as she turned to the door. "I hope I haven't intimidated you that much. After all, the movie isn't going to shoot itself,"

Right now, it wasn't the only thing I wanted to shoot.

A/N: Stay tuned for more.

Cheers and Merry Christmas,

DyM