AN: Hey! So here's chapter 30. I was going to break it into two shorter chapter, but figured I would just keep it as is. Enjoy!
Episode 4x2- The Angel Maker
Chapter 30
"Alright cast, great first rehearsal, but you need to work harder. Be here tomorrow 2 o'clock to the five thirty bus for costume fittings. Now go home!" Mrs. Bates informed everyone and retreated back into her office. Costume fittings were always a blow to me already low self-esteem, so I was definitely not looking forward to it.
"Hey how was rehearsal?" Spencer asked as he walked in the door at around 7 o'clock.
"It was good, we're still getting the feel of everything so there are some kinks to work out. I have a costume fitting until 5:30 tomorrow" I explained as I began consuming a bowl of cereal. As much as I hated eating the day before a fitting, or in general really, I need to get Spencer off my case.
"Are you busy Friday?" Spencer inquired, retrieving a carton of left over Chinese food from the refrigerator.
"I have rehearsal until 5:30 but after that I'm free, why?" I answered skeptically.
"The team is having dinner at Rossi's and we wanted to know if you'd join us" Spencer invited. I took a moment to respond to weigh the pros and cons.
"Oh, um- yeah sure, that sounds great"
I was pleased with the idea of spending time with the team. Although I had only known them for a little over a month, they almost simulated a family. The only set back was I knew the team would have me under a microscope. Watching what I ate, how much I put on my plate, analyzing every expression or movement I made. Not exactly my idea of a relaxing dinner.
"Good, I'll let them know" Spencer replied and journeyed to the living room to look through a few extra files.
The next day was stressful. I had to write an in class Russian essay, no shorter than 300 words; I was forced to take a math test, chemistry quiz, and a history test, all of which fried my brain. If that wasn't enough, I had the added strain of my costume fitting.
"Fantine! Come, you're up first" One of the costumers shouted over the crowd of the chatting cast. In one hand she held a clip board and pen, and had a light pink measuring tape draped around her neck. She didn't seem very welcoming, making the experience even more uncomfortable.
"Arms up" She ordered, wrapping the tape around my bust, then waist, hips, and finally my head. I was thankful she didn't call out the numbers like so many others had in the past.
"Alright, you're done. You need to lose three pounds between now and the performance, remember Fantine is supposed to be a beggar- she can't have meat on her bones" The woman's words were cold. Between Spencer and the team on my back about my figure, and her telling me not to alter it, my thoughts were whizzing though my brain. I didn't know who to believe: the team who called me skeletal, the costumer who called me meaty, or my mind that called me a mixture of both. I swallowed the lump in my throat and proceeded back to my seat next to Matthew and Ari.
"So what orders did the wicked witch give you?" Ari leaned over and sighed, looking slightly upset.
"What do you mean?" I answered, pretending I didn't know what she was talking about.
"For example, she told me to lose ten pounds and told Matthew to 'build up his muscles', what's your prognosis?" Ari groaned, and Matthew looking ticked off.
I pushed out a breath of air and began rummaging through my book bag when I felt a vibration.
"I have to lose five pounds" I mumbled through my teeth, half out of anger and half out of shame.
"Are you kidding me?! You're already too skinny, if you lose any weight you'll snap in two" Ari pretested with rage. Now I really didn't know what to believe.
"Well apparently she doesn't see it" I scoffed while opening a text message from Spencer.
A case came up, I'll be in Ohio until further notice. Go to Garcia if you need anything. I'll check in later.
-Spencer
"And to top off this extraordinarily rotten day, Spencer's off to Ohio" I grunted in frustration. I wasn't usually fond of Spencer traveling across the country to pursue a serial killer, but after the terrible day I was having that increased tenfold.
I folded over and planted my face into my hands, elbows resting on my knees, and let out a grumble. Matthew started rubbing my back, first generating a flinch on my part, but afterwards causing comfort.
"Do you guys by any chance want to stay over tonight? W-we could get a jump start on a few scenes" I found myself blurting out. I was sure I only thought it, but I guess I thought out loud.
"I'm totally in" Ari threw in.
"As long as we can stop for coffee first" Matthew replied.
"You read my mind"
We had to stay for the duration of the rehearsal, although no rehearsing was actually taking place. We hopped on the bus taking us to the square below the apartment building, venturing into one of the many café's provided along the streets. I ordered a light roast coffee with steamed soy milk, as did Ari, and Matthew ordered vanilla cappuccino. He also picked up a blueberry scone, offering pieces to the two of us but only received rejection.
We arrived back at the apartment at around 6:15, hot drinks still in hand.
"You can drop your bags next to the couch if you'd like" I informed Matthew and Ari as they absorbed their surroundings.
"Jeez Jenna, have you read all of these?" Ari asked, pointing to the hundreds of books Spencer had organized in alphabetical order.
"Not all of them, but I'm working my way through" I replied while kicking off my shoes. Matthew and Ari continued taking in the details of the apartment.
"Help yourselves to anything in the kitchen" I offered, hoping the two of them would wipe out some of the food so Spencer thought I ate it all. Soon enough, Matthew was rummaging through the cupboards and pulled out an assortment of chips, salsa, popcorn and cereal. My hopes were satisfied.
The three of us sat at the kitchen table, snacks spread between us. Ari and I sat next to each other and Matthew across from us. I brought over a few pages of homework to distract from my lack of food consumption, not entirely sure if they would notice. Between math problems and conversation, I noticed Ari wasn't eating either. She sat there admiring the spread, but not daring to even touch it. I didn't want to make assumptions, but from what I had seen we were fighting similar demons. She caught me analyzing her actions, and we accidently made eye contact. We gave each other an understanding nod, making a mental 'I won't say anything if you don't' pact.
We dedicated that night to a minimal amount of homework, a dash of rehearsing, and a satisfactory amount of movies and chatter. We had a blast just hanging around and being in each other's presence, something I was getting increasingly familiar with. It was soothing to know that I finally, finally had a safe place to land when the going got tough.