Chapter 36

The next day, almost everyone living in the cottage woke up with a hangover and Harrison and James had the worst ones since they had decided to try and outdrink each other. In the end James had won but both boys had to suffer the consequences.

TK couldn't help but laugh when she saw the state that her friends were in and made them all black coffee. Everyone grimaced in distaste but sipped the bitter drink regardless, knowing that the coffee would help push away the ill feeling they had.

Konstantin simply shook his head but he too was wearing a grin at the sight of his co-stars. He was surprised to see even Will suffering from the effects of a hangover. He did not think that the younger man was a lightweight, nor did he seem like the type to drink more than he could handle without good reason.

"So, it's easy to guess why everyone else is hung-over, but how come you look a little ill as well?" TK asked curiously as she handed Will his coffee.

"Konstantin, the next time your family comes to visit, remind me to never allow your sister to trick me into a drinking contest." Will grimaced as he took a large gulp of coffee.

"Ah yes, my sister was renowned for her ability to hold her liquor better than anyone else at her school." Konstantin grinned in amusement. "With my family here, it was no wonder that a great number of people became rather drunk by the end of the party. They are all heavy drinkers."

"Oh? What about you?" TK blinked in surprise and stared expectantly at Konstantin.

"What about me?" he arched his brows in confusion.

"Are you a heavy drinker?"

"I can hold my liquor but I wouldn't say that I'm an alcoholic."

"That's good." TK beamed. "It would've been awful if you were a smoking addict and an alcoholic. Then I'd have to find ways to cut down your drinking."

"Well it is certainly a blessing that I am not an alcoholic. I don't even want to think what type of methods you'd have to get people to refrain from drinking too much," he scoffed in return.

"I haven't really had to deal with something like that before so I have no idea what I would do," she shrugged nonchalantly. "Gosh, it's a good thing that Mister Director hasn't planned for any rehearsals today. Otherwise it would be quite amusing. A waste of time, but hilarious none-the –less."

"Oh god… I would not be able to handle rehearsals today. I wouldn't be able to be myself, let alone a fictional character." Kelly groaned as she rested her forehead on the cool glass table to try and sooth the pounding headache that hammered in her head.

"But hey, it was a total success last night, I heard it from the birthday man himself." TK beamed cheerfully and everyone turned to stare at Konstantin expectantly, as though waiting for his confirmation.

"I thought I made it clear in my speech last night that I am very grateful to everyone who attended the party and to those who gave special performances?" Konstantin arched his brows in amusement. He thought for a brief moment and realised that when he made the speech last night, the majority of the people were too drunk to have taken too much notice of what he'd said.

"You gave a speech?" Harrison blinked in surprise. "I do not remember that."

"Quinny, you were one of the first ones to completely zonk out. Dude, I don't even know where you were half the time last night. You were physically with us, but mentally, you were way off with the clouds." TK laughed and slapped his shoulder in a teasing gesture.

"I was that bad?" he grimaced and rubbed his temples to ease some of the pain.

"Only during the second half of the night when everyone just sort of split off into crowds and did their own thing." TK shrugged and shoved a generous mouthful of pancake into her mouth. "I say we should write Mister Director a card thanking him for letting us off work today."

"That man is a legend, he totally deserves it." James agreed wholeheartedly, as did everyone else. After breakfast, everyone returned to their rooms almost immediately and TK wondered why they had come down for breakfast in the first place if they were going to simply return to sleep afterwards.

Because she was still in her pyjamas, TK decided to head back into her room so that she could change into casual clothes. Her casual attire consisted of a pair of trackies, a plain tank top, a baggy off-shoulder long sleeved shirt and a pair of trainers. As promised last night, TK went to visit Ritchie, the music director, at the musical department situated on the east wing of the castle. Due to the numerous times TK had explored the castle from one end to the other, she was fairly familiar with the layout of the area.

"Ah, Rayne." Carlisle called out in greeting when he caught sight of the young girl.

"Oh hello Mister Director." TK smiled brightly in return. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"I feel fine, thank you, Rayne. I had sobered last night before driving so I don't have a hangover. I can't say that for many others though."

"Same, almost everyone in the house has gone back to sleep."

"I had a feeling that it would be like this so I thought that it would be best to give everyone a day off today."

"Well obviously not everyone has decided to take advantage of that."

"Oh?"

"I'm heading off to meet Ritchie and see what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to music."

"Ah yes, so he managed to find you last night?" Carlisle smiled deviously.

"Yeah, you told him about my grades, he went over the moon and offered me the opportunity to contribute songs to this movie." TK sighed and ruffled her hair a little. "I think that for now, I'll stick with trying to act as best as I can as 'Rose Hathaway'."

"Let me warn you, Rayne, Ritchie is a very persistent man. Once he sets a goal, he won't stop until he achieves what he wanted."

"Does that mean I'm in trouble?" TK asked nervously.

"It's hard to say, but I reckon he's rather determined to produce a song which is sung by you. Knowing him, he has probably already begun to write a song specifically for you to sing." Carlisle smiled. "But Rayne, I don't want you to feel pressured by this. I know that you have a tendency to try and push yourself as far as you can. Don't feel like you have to do this, because you don't. Of course, if you want to, by all means please go for it. It would be lovely to have your voice appear in the movie."

"This is the thing. I don't know if I want to or not. It would be absolutely amazing, but I already have this amazing opportunity, I feel like if I have any more good luck, I'll suddenly hit a brick wall and have disaster crashing into my life."

"Rayne, life is all about taking risks. Without them, life would be incredibly boring. Of course you have to learn which risks are worth taking and which ones you should avoid."

"Mister Director, do you have any kids by any chance?"

Carlisle blinked and stared at her for a brief moment. "What makes you say that?"

"You sound like you always know what to say to people. I can understand why people say that you're a lovely director to work with." TK told him simply and completely unabashed.

Carlisle smiled at her compliment. He had a feeling that she didn't even fully comprehend what she had just said, but that she only said what she felt and honestly believed. That was one of the many reasons why he enjoyed working with the young nouvelle actress. She was so exciting and so open with her feelings. He felt proud to be the first director that she ever worked with and felt proud that he would be able to witness her grow and develop.

"It's all in the experience, Rayne. I've been a director for several years now, I understand how stressful things become and it's my job to know what to say to encourage my cast."

"I suppose so," she nodded. "Mister Director?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. You're the best person to talk to when there's indecision involved."

"You're welcome, Rayne." Carlisle smiled again. "If you need to talk again, feel free to find me."

"Thank you, and I'll be sure to do that." TK beamed. "What's Ritchie like?"

"He's…" Carlisle paused for a moment and tried to find the right word to use to describe the composer. "He's rather eccentric. You might be surprised but he is also very professional and sensational in his compositions."

"I always think that even if a film is only average, the music can transform it."

"Have you heard any of his works before?"

"Um… I'm not sure. I have so many movie soundtracks that I lose track."

"Rise of the Dawn was one of his works."

TK's eyes bulged and she let out an excited scream. "How could I not have recognised Ritchie's name? The score to that film was extraordinary! It was the music that made the movie such a success, almost as though the music shaped the film itself."

"You should tell him that. He'd be delighted." Carlisle chuckled in amusement at how excited she was.

"I will!" she nodded fervently. "I'll see you later, Mister Director."

With that said, she ran to where the music hall was and burst in excitedly. She noticed that all the musicians were just beginning to set up their instruments and she spotted Ritchie at the centre of the hall talking to someone whom she didn't recognise.

He turned to face the doorway when he heard the door shut and his expression brightened instantly when he saw who had arrived. "Rayne!" he smiled. "It's good to see you managed to make it."

"Well, I did promise that I would turn up at least once." TK pointed out. "How are you this morning?"

"Surprisingly, I'm alright."

"Everyone else in the cottage have gone back to sleep except for me and KJ."

"KJ isn't hung over? He definitely didn't drink enough last night."

"Well, I don't really see him as the heavy drinking type." TK commented thoughtfully. "I mean, okay, he said that he could hold his liquor but he doesn't seem like the type who would drink as much as many others would just for the sake of it."

"Hm, you're probably right about that. So… how musical are you and tell the truth, Rayne."

"I play the piano, violin, bass, guitar and percussion instruments." TK listed, ticking off each finger.

"You're a very musical child."

"I love you compositions. I've got the score of Rise of the Dawn on my iPod!"

"You're heard my pieces before?"

"Of course! It is so stunning. The way the piece crescendos and the switch between legato and staccato are captivating. Not to mention, the alterations between major and minor keys is just… wow. Oh and the harmonies…" she trailed off dreamily.

"Well then I hope that this soundtrack doesn't disappoint," he chuckled at her thrill regarding music. "We're going for the opening track and the main Strigoi theme for today."

"The Strigoi theme…" TK stared in shock. "You've already written the Strigoi theme?"

"I've written most of them except for 'Rose Hathaway's' theme. I wanted to know what she'd look like first before composing." Ritchie told her. "I've started and I'm very nearly done. I wonder if you'll like it."

"I definitely will. It seems very weird to think that I'm going to have my own theme song… it's a really weird feeling…"

"Well, you'll get used to it pretty soon."

"Maybe…" she trailed off and stared at all the instruments around her.

"You miss it don't you?"

"Huh?"

"The instruments. You miss playing music. It's in your eyes."

"It has been a while." She admitted sheepishly. "My mum forgot to bring my guitar back with her when she went to visit my Gran."

"I can't help you when it comes to a guitar since that's a personal instruments, but the piano is a different story." Ritchie smiled.

"Oh I don't want to interrupt!"

"Rayne, it's perfectly fine."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

TK's expression brightened instantly and she practically ran to the beautiful grand piano. Her hands ran over the keys and she gave a sight of delight. A moment later, notes began to echo throughout the hall. She was surprised when a violin suddenly joined and other instruments followed. When the song was over, Ritchie clapped ecstatically and soon the other musicians surrounded her with cheers. TK found herself being showered with compliments. Her face flushed and she tried her best to shy away from the group of people but she was caught in the middle of it.

"Right everyone, please give her some space." Carlisle called out and TK had never been more relieved to see someone in her life. "It would be best if you didn't suffocate my lead."

"Mister Director!" TK beamed and was grateful when the crowd dispersed to give her space to breathe.

"I thought something like this might happen. This seems to occur every time you meet someone for the first time, Rayne."

"I don't mean for this to happen," she whined. "It just happens."

"I know, Rayne. I know." Carlisle laughed and patted her head comfortingly. "You play really well for someone so young."

"The piano is more of an extra musical hobby more than anything else."

"You don't take lessons?" Ritchie asked in wonder.

"I don't have the time for it." TK shook her head. "I just learn whatever I like hearing."

"You play it by ear?"

"I play by music if I can find it. But otherwise, I just try and make it up as close to the original as I possibly can."

"Carlisle, remind me how you found this girl?"

"By complete chance." Carlisle told him. "I'll leave you to it, Ritchie."

"I'll see you later," the composer nodded appreciatively.

"Thanks again, Mister Director." TK smiled sweetly.

"No problem, Rayne," he smiled and gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder before leaving the hall.

"Alright troops, let's start!" Ritchie declared and clapped his hands together enthusiastically. TK took a seat beside him and waiting with barely contained excitement.

They began with the theme which would be played during the dream sequence at the beginning. TK listened to the piece carefully and closed her eyes so that she could envisage the scene in her mind. She made mental notes of any changes she could suggest and when the piece was finished, she gave a massive applause.

"That was just so… exciting and dramatic and tense!" she squealed and tried to find the right words to describe the way she felt. "It would fit into the scene so well."

"Thank you, Rayne." Ritchie smiled but smiled expectantly at the girl with a serious glint in his eyes. "Now what did you really want to say?"

TK stared at him in surprise and twiddled her thumbs nervously.

"Rayne, just say whatever is on you mind. You know the story almost as well as Richelle does. Any feedback you give would be wonderful."

"Well…" she hesitated for another brief moment before speaking. "You know the transition from 'Rose's' dream and 'Lissa's'? I think that you could add a few more notes that perhaps clash with one another. Like have two sides playing at the same time just for a couple of seconds to add that hint of confusion before plunging into the accident."

"Do you have any idea what to add in?" Ritchie asked curiously.

"Sort of…" TK nodded and headed towards the piano. "I'm sorry, could I please borrow the piano for a moment?" she asked the pianist nervously.

"Of course," he nodded and stepped away to the side to give her the seat.

She thought for a moment before playing what she had in mind. She used her right hand to play 'Rose's' dream and her left to play 'Lissa's'. the flurry of notes lasted around five seconds and then there was silence in the room. Ritchie was the first to break out from the daze and dashed over to her with some music paper and a pen in hand.

"Could you play that a little slower and perhaps one hand at a time?" he asked. TK had to think about it for a moment before she played the left hand first and then moved onto her right. Ritchie wrote down the notes she'd played and sat down beside her. "You play 'Rose's' part. Play anything that comes to mind using both hands."

"Okay…" she murmured and thought about it for a moment.

Ritchie placed the music on the stand and counted to four. Both musicians began to play and TK was surprised that she actually managed to play something decent at the top of her head while keeping up with Ritchie. The tune seemed to have the desired effect for the scene and after about a minute or so, the pair stopped playing.

"Thank goodness Carlisle found you." Ritchie smiled in amazement. "Alright troops, slight change of things."

Ritchie gave out various instructions on what would be changed and TK found her mind reeling to try and follow what he was saying. She had no idea what he had said but everyone else did so that's all that mattered. The orchestra played through the tune one more time and once again TK tried to imagine the scent with the music in the background.

"Um… Ritchie, do you have a spare copy of the music?"

"Yes."

TK glanced over the music and pencilled in her suggestions for the score. She handed the page back to Ritchie and he considered her suggestions carefully. A surprised expression settled on his face and he wondered why he hadn't thought of the changes that she added in before. He gave out instructions to the relevant musicians and once everyone was ready, they went thought the piece once more. Ritchie was satisfied with the adjustments so they moved onto the next tune which was the music for the plane journey and she found that the piece was so perfect that she had no suggestions to give at all.

After that was the Strigoi theme tune and TK gave any constructive input that came to mind. She had no idea how long had passed and she was surprised when everyone started to pack their bags. She glanced at the time and squealed when she saw how late it was. They had practiced right up to dinner time. As though the realisation of what time it was had been a trigger, she suddenly noticed how hungry she was.

Normally, she would have two snacks in between breakfast and lunch so she was surprised how she managed to pass the morning without her snacks. She checked all her pockets for her phone and realised that she'd left it back at the house. She smacked her forehead and reprimanded herself for her forgetfulness.

"Are you alright?" Ritchie asked worriedly and checked her reddening forehead.

"Yeah, I forgot my phone at the house."

"We realised that," a smooth voice commented in amusement and she heard the chuckle that followed. She turned to face the man standing at the doorway and gave a sheepish smile. She rubbed the back of her head shyly and caught the phone with her free hand when he tossed it at her. She smiled appreciatively at him and checked her phone. She noticed the number of missed calls and smacked her forehead again.

"Sorry about the inconvenience," she smiled apologetically. "I'll try my best to remember to bring my phone with me next time."

"It's alright." Konstantin shook his head. "So long as you don't forget it if you leave the castle, it's fine. Are you ready?"

"Yeah. See you the next time I have free time, Ritchie." TK smiled sweetly at the composer.

"I will find out from Carlisle when you are free and I will definitely rope you into helping." Ritchie stated bluntly and left no room for argument. TK simply took it in stride and continued smiling sweetly.

"I'll be looking forward to it," she grinned before followed Konstantin out of the hall and into the corridor. "So how is everyone feeling? Are they better?"

"You should see that for yourself. It is certainly a somewhat amusing sight."

"They're still not better?" TK commented incredulously and stared up at him in surprise. She was quite shocked that they still weren't sober. They didn't appear that bad to her that morning.

"Well, not everyone is in the same state. Some are better than others."

"I would've thought that with the morning coffee and the extra lie-in, they'd all be alright by now." TK grimaced.

TK froze and halted as soon as her passed through the door of the dining hall. Nothing would have prepared her for what she saw.

Hey guys, I hope that you liked this chapter! There's isn't that much action in this chapter but there will be some either in the next chapter or the one after! I promise!