Many thanks again to the reviews and alerts from last chapter. I can't believe how many people read this story! :)

~ Mar

Chapter Five: Beauty Gets the Silence Treatment

Four Seasons Hotel, 8:25pm. Los Angeles, California.

I felt like a genius.

Being able to drive a world-renowned actor out of his own hotel room in five simple minutes. I can be in the Guiness Book of Records with what happened.

And yet, at the very same time, I felt like a fool for making such a boorish first impression in front of him. The illustrious actor must despise me now for my meddlesome desires. I was disgusted by myself, having to make such illogical, slapdash mistakes.

There was a small possibility that the man would even allow me to stay beside him during his filming. My motives of coming here had destroyed my chances of being together with him, and I erratically sought death knowing what a pathetic error I had made.

Left alone in the large hotel room, I lay on the outsized mattress, analyzing my thoughts which were scattered about aimlessly around my brain. Blaine had appeared gracious and forthcoming at first, but as soon as I mentioned any hint of my project, he had taken on the appearance of a despicable and heartless beast! I wanted to slam my head against the wall for bringing out such a bitter side of him, and yet, I desired to harangue him for being such a two-faced hypocrite. After only moments of meeting with him, I felt fatigued and lethargic, my self-respect completely drained from me due to his irate words.

Maybe he wasn't exactly the most qualified person for me to fall in love with. Maybe I was wrong, and overlooked his ruthless side only to see his dazzling appearance shown in the movies. The actor whom I saw in the films was nowhere as close to this spoiled brat who appeared before me.

The Blaine I knew was more refined and sophisticated.

I closed my eyes, attempting to escape into my own world for a few moments. Perhaps I should return to New York as he directed me to, then he wouldn't be interrupted and distracted for the oh-so-precious film he was shooting. Or, maybe I should stick around for one more night until I have a chance to apologize to him. Besides, I wanted him to know that I was sorry before I returned to my motherland.

I exhaled as exhaustion began to take over my entire body. I was so worn-out from my long flight and yearned to have some time alone on this soft, comfortable, and spongy bed…

That was, until my mobile phone rang. I grunted as I stood up, walking over to the diminutive counter to retrieve the small and light object.

"Yeah?" I answered rudely, not putting much care into who was actually calling. I needed my sleep, after all. "What is it?"

A familiar voice replied me from the opposite end of the line. "Hello Kurt, this is Wesley Montgomery." He introduced politely despite my rudeness earlier. "If you're wondering, I retrieved your phone number from your professor in case there was an emergency. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, that's perfectly fine." I answered.

He began speaking once gain. "I just wanted to give you a heads up that the staff is going out to dinner tonight." He explained in his usual tone. "We would quite appreciate it if you could join us."

Join them? With that heartless yet gorgeous Blaine Anderson around? I didn't know how to answer.

"Uh… isn't it a bit of trouble for the staff?" I replied in the most effortless way without revealing too much of my emotions.

"No, not at all." He responded eagerly. "I'm sure you would like to learn more about Blaine for your assignment, so why not talk to him over dinner?"

I hung my head, realizing how much of Blaine I already knew. "Thank you for inviting me Mr. Montgomery. I'll be there." The words flew out of my mouth like a new-born bird. No matter how cruel or bitter the actor was, my eyes still desired to see him terribly.

"Then I will send a limo to the hotel in twenty minutes." He signified. "It will take you to the restaurant."

I nodded, comprehending his words. "Thank you." I proposed, making sure to be as polite as possible with these fickle film staffs.

I felt like a complete idiot after I hung up the short call. Just what the hell was I thinking? Blaine had already informed me that he had no intention to see me again, so why in the world was I putting myself as prey in front of his very eyes? I sighed, looking down at the lavish carpet beneath my feet. I sometimes considered that I needed brain surgery to sharpen up most of my wits.

After I changed out of my dirty clothes, I headed down to the lobby rapidly within fifteen minutes. In surprise, I wasn't so depressed with my decision of coming to the staff dinner. By going, I could find the opportunity to apologize to him before I left for New York the very next day. I just wanted him to know that I was sorry before I departed LA. Sad, I was looking forward to see Paris.

I was immediately astonished as I came across the black limo which had desired to drop me off to the restaurant. Being Blaine Anderson's personal reporter wasn't all bad… not if you counted the fancy hotel and limo rides.

Numerous thoughts began to fill up my mind as the Indian driver began to depart the hotel. I was unsure of how to approach Blaine, especially after his heated conversation with me hours ago. If he whole-heartedly wished for me to leave, then I would. I would do all that I could to prevent him from the trouble which I brought along.

It felt a bit saddening as the limo neared closer and closer to the restaurant. I would soon have to apologize to this man, and then leave him for his own good. The few hours I spent in LA would soon grind away into nothing.

Velvet Margarita, 8:40pm. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles was engulfed with absolute darkness by the time I arrived at the location of the staff dinner. My stomach had not craved an ounce of food, and it felt bizarre knowing that I had lost my appetite all because of Blaine.

I bid a farewell to the Indian driver and headed into the extravagant restaurant. My head had hurt terribly from my over-thinking, and my back ached from the time-consuming plane ride. I was in no condition for an event like this, and yet, my heart yearned for the opportunity to see him one last time before I left.

I was greeted by a waitress as soon I stepped foot into the fancy eatery. She asked me a few questions and I replied her with the names 'Blaine Anderson' and 'Wesley Montgomery' Her face immediately brightened up with awareness as she picked up a menu and led me into the dim bistro.

Trying to keep a fake smile upon my lips, I arrived at a large table filled with many producers and directors. My eyes immediately laid on Blaine as I glanced amongst the large table. The actor stared back at me curiously at first, but then directed his vision elsewhere.

What the hell? I thought as I recognized his strange reaction. What was my face? Poison? It couldn't kill you if you simply glanced at it for a few seconds!

Mr. Montgomery cheerfully waved to me and pointed at an empty seat beside him. With no choice but to agree, I sat down, opening the large menu as the waitress handed it over to me.

I slowly began to notice that Blaine was trying his hardest to avoid me. Even with me sitting right in front of him, he couldn't find the strength to link his eyes with me in any way at all.

I rolled my eyes. I never expected Blaine Anderson to be such an obscure actor!

Wesley Montgomery introduced me to the film staff—who wasn't putting much attention into me at all—and ordered a delicious meal for the six of us. When the plates arrived, he dug in like a hungry pauper who hadn't eaten for days and even attempted to steal a bit of food off my plate when I wasn't paying attention. It was surprising me how such talented entertainers could turn out to be so strange.

I never really received an opportunity to focus on my meal, at least, not with him sitting right across from me. He refused to speak to anyone when they had attempted to start a conversation with him, only using one word answers such as 'yes' or 'no.' The more time I spent with him, the more I began to despise him. Yes, he was the most successful actor in America and possibly, the whole freaking world, but that didn't mean he could ignore every member of his staff like they weren't human!

I considered that perhaps it was my presence that brought him to be this way. He had appeared to be so warm and friendly at first… especially with the signed autograph and munificent offer to share his room. Why was the mention of rumors so significant to him? Did I really have the power to wound him through one sentence?

I sighed. Blaine Anderson was as fickle as any actor could get. Where was the strong, determined, talented gentleman I saw in the films? Where was the man I fell in love with? Where?

Feeling guilty, I attempted to speak to him. But in failure, he ignored me, pretending he had not heard me at all.

"Damn you." I muttered under my breath, making sure no one would hear me. Although I was completely frustrated with the turnout of events, I couldn't help but feel a little let down. I had fallen in love with this man so deeply in the past, and it was such a disappointment to see him turn out like this.

When his food was finished, he stood up from his seat forlornly, and prepared to leave the table. "Excuse me." He whispered silently to the staff, not looking into their eyes at all. I was taken back by his actions. He really had wanted to avoid me!

I glanced after him in amazement as he left the table. So my presence was bugging him after all! I wanted to give up after seeing such a sight, but my mind was still urging for me to apologize to him once and for all.

"Is Blaine all right?" A female member of the staff asked. "He seems a bit… down today."

His manager nodded, agreeing with her. "Don't worry about him… he's probably just stressed from filming."

That couldn't be possible. He was acting like an inconsiderate fool only because I was there. I couldn't take it anymore; I had to tame the ridiculous monster that had stubbornly risen up inside him.

So in surprise, I stood up from the table as well, following the steps the actor had taken and departing the staff.

I recognized that he had gone to the bathroom after I pursued after his footsteps. Walking into the men's room anxiously, I saw him at a sink, vigorously splashing water onto his attractive complexion.

I strolled over to him, hoping he would not push me away like he's done in the past. After he turned around and finally met his eyes with mine, I could tell that his expression held misery, stress, and irritation.

I sighed, realizing what a mess I've made. "Blaine… I'm so sorry."

He refused to look at me, once again. "What do you mean you're sorry?" He scoffed, trying to play innocent, but I knew exactly what kind of scheme he had put up.

"Don't tell me that you don't know!" I roared at him, losing my patience completely. "You've been trying to ignore me completely at dinner! What kind of person would treat a stranger this way…much less any human?"

He stared at me, only to reflect anger off his irises. "Are you human…knowing that you're making up such impractical rumors about me?" He snorted, a bit teasingly. "For your information, an actor is human too. He needs his privacy!"

I sighed, knowing exactly what he meant. He was infuriated of the lies being made about him, and irrationally blaming me.

"With all due respect, Mr. Anderson, I had no intention of making up such rumors about you." I explained, hoping he'll understand me. "It was my assignment to come to LA to interview you about the rumors, not my intention." I sighed, glaring at him seriously. "I would never make up such rumors about you! Trust me!"

He gave me a fierce glare. "Oh really." He spoke, disbelief in his eyes. "Are you just saying this just so you can get closer to me? You can try all you want, but there is no way that I will disclose any information about my love interest."

"That's because you don't have one."

He stared at me in awe and bewilderment. "Excuse me?" He asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked, trying to sound astute. "Your manager informed me that you were always by yourself, and that you needed company. That's why he sent me to your room." I clarified.

"Y-you…" He began, losing his patience. The actor sighed, his fierce expression informing me that he had wanted to avoid me. "You're one wise reporter, you know that?"

I nodded, flattered. "Of course."

Understanding him completely, I exhaled, feeling a bit of his pain. I placed a hand on his broad shoulders, hoping it would make him feel a bit better. "Blaine… it's nothing to be ashamed of…" I remarked. "Not having a lover does not mean that you're a bad actor."

He pulled my hand off his shoulder and stared into the mirror. "You don't understand."

"It's hard to fall in love, I know." I explained. "Not everyone has the power to feel attracted to a person, and it's perfectly fine."

"It's not."

"Why? Down to it all, it's not a big deal."

Blaine exhaled, finally loosening himself up and letting me in through his tough exterior. "Everyone expects me to date an amazing actress—one who's beautiful and talented. However, I just don't feel attracted to their glamour and perfection… it makes them all the more deceiving." He elucidated. "So when I see tabloids making up such ridiculous rumors about her and me, it just makes me more disgusted." His expression turned pensive as he finally decided to look me in the eye. "I don't want any of it… I just want someone normal."

I exhaled, letting my lips curl up in a smile. "You'll find her, I promise." I proposed. And I meant it, he would find the one someday.

Even if it's not me.

He stared at me skeptically. "I won't… not unless I quit my job as an actor." The male responded, letting all of his thoughts fall through. "My career will always come between any relationships."

I sighed. "Blaine…" I consoled. "You don't have to be ashamed for all this."

He frowned, glancing back at his reflection. "You better not write a thing about what I said tonight." He warned, deciding not to listen to me. "This is only between you and me, understand?"

I rolled eyes at him, annoyed. "Don't worry, you can trust me." I reassured him.

"Besides," I added, looking at him straight in the eyes, not dwelling on the fact that I risk losing my whole self-control with those eyes. The anger I felt before resurfaced and I can't help what I said."Remember you told me to leave? Well, I'm leaving so you don't need to be alarmed with whatever I write because I won't be writing any shit about you anymore." I didn't bother to hear what Blaine has to say about that. With that sentiment, I left the rest room and headed out of the restaurant.

I didn't bother to acknowledge Mr. Montgomery's shout of where I was going. I was beyond pissed, fuming even, at my idol. But at the same time I felt some sort of connection with him in a flicker of a second when he looked like a kicked puppy when talking about finding the one and giving up his career for the one.

Still, he was not the man I knew. Not even near him. I want that Blaine Anderson. Not the Blaine Anderson I've come to know. The Blaine Anderson I got to know was a...monster.

Out on the street, I held up my hand and called for a taxi cab. I sighed a relief as he opened the back seat door and went inside. Closing the door, one thought was on my mind.

I need to get out of here.

I didn't really want to leave but I didn't want to get to know the Blaine I had come to know. I'm okay with knowing Blaine as the amazing and thoughtful movie star I have watched many times, the Blaine I fell in love with.

TBC

~ Mar