[New York]
Fresh off the plane from Los Angeles, Lucas felt a familiar energy pulsate as he stepped back onto the bustling streets of New York. His first stop? Liza's restaurant. He pushed open the door.
The place seemed to be thriving, the aroma of spices and sizzling meats wafting through the air.
Lucas settled into his usual corner, his eyes scanning the room. There was Leonard, his face flushed with concentration as he took orders. He caught a glimpse of Leonard heading back to the kitchen, then a double-take as their eyes met. A grin spread across Leonard's face as he hurried over, "Look who's here! You're back!"
Lucas chuckled, returning the smile. "Hey, Leonard. How are you and Liza doing?"
"Couldn't be better! But come on, let's go see Liza. She'll be thrilled to see you back."
Lucas followed Leonard, stepping into the manager's office. Liza, lost in paperwork, looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. "Lucas? You're back!"
He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Just landed. How's everything?"
Liza's face lit up. "I saw your debut film! It was amazing! You were..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Incredible!"
Before Lucas could respond, she pulled him into a warm hug, her genuine excitement radiating outwards. He returned the hug awkwardly, a touch of amusement in his eyes.
Leonard conversed with Lucas before going back to work, hoping to catch up with Lucas later. Lucas and Liza talked for a while as minutes melted away, filled with the comforting warmth of friendship and the familiar buzz of the restaurant.
speaking of the film, my friends absolutely loved seeing you in Modern Family! Some of them are huge fans."
Surprise flickered across Lucas' face. "Really?"
Liza nodded enthusiastically. "They'd be thrilled if you could meet them sometime. Would you be open to it?"
Lucas' gratitude towards Liza for helping him in the past welled up. "Of course! They're your friends, after all. When could we arrange it?"
Liza's smile widened. "If you're free, how about tomorrow?"
"Sounds good," Lucas agreed. "Where do we meet?"
Liza's voice grew softer. "Um, actually... it's at the hospital."
Lucas' brows furrowed slightly. "The hospital? Why there?"
Liza took a deep breath. "My friends... they're cancer patients, spending time with them, talking, playing games... I volunteer to visit them regularly."
Lucas blinked, a mix of confusion and curiosity washing over him. "Volunteer? Play? You mean..."
Liza blushed a light pink. "Well, yes. Most of them are children, with a few teenagers."
Understanding dawned on Lucas' face. "So... your friends are children battling cancer?"
Liza nodded, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. Seeing Lucas fall silent, she worried he might change his mind. "If you're uncomfortable, it's completely fine—"
Lucas cut her off, his voice firm. "Are you kidding? Of course I'll go!"
Liza's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
He nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I was just a bit taken aback at first, you know?"
Lucas couldn't deny the surprise. He hadn't known about Liza's dedication to volunteering with these children. A wave of warmth and admiration washed over him.
Liza's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Lucas. This means the world to me!"
They chatted for a while longer before Lucas headed back to his apartment.
Lucas expected his apartment to be buzzing with Paul's usual energy, but the silence greeted him like a forgotten song. Perhaps Paul was out, networking his way through the industry as original Lucas had described in diary sometimes. After all, the man had more connections than his casual demeanor suggested.
Lucas settled in, booting up his computer. His coin portfolio, a remnant of his future knowledge, was already flourishing, but the thrill of financial security didn't quell the desire to share it with his friend. A significant chunk of those digital coins would soon find their way to Paul's wallet.
The next stop was the familiar IAA building in New York. Vincent, his agent, greeted him with a warm handshake and a genuine smile. After exchanging pleasantries, they settled into Vincent's office, Lucas eager to discuss the script offers waiting for him.
"Like Crazy," "50/50," "Midnight in Paris," "Drive," and even the tantalizing prospect of HBO's "Seven Kingdoms" – the list was diverse and exciting. Lucas began, "I'm interested in these four films, but scheduling them with—"
"Might be possible," Vincent interjected, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Studios aren't as rigid as you think. The filmmakers behind these projects, impressed by your work in '127 Hours,' are willing to adjust their schedules for your auditions, even wait for you to confirm."
Lucas blinked, surprised. "Really?"
Vincent nodded affirmatively. "Your breakout performance seems to have left quite the impression."
A mix of emotions washed over Lucas: relief, excitement, and a renewed sense of responsibility.
Then the conversations shift about Vincent finding Lucas a manager, while Vincent offered some options from within IAA, he also cautioned Lucas against rushing into a decision. Vincent recognized the potential value of waiting for someone with established Hollywood connections, someone who could navigate the industry's complexities and open new doors for Lucas.
Back at his apartment, the four scripts Vincent had handed him beckoned. Hours melted away as Lucas delved into each story.
"Like Crazy" impressed him with its raw honesty, its departure from the sugary cliches that often dominated rom-coms. The film's promise of a realistic portrayal of love's challenges resonated deeply.
Next, "Drive" challenged his expectations. Unlike the adrenaline-fueled frenzy of "Fast Furious," this script hinted at a deeper exploration, a story where car chases served a character-driven narrative. The intrigue was undeniable.
Then came the French studio offer, "Midnight in Paris." Lucas was enthralled by its premise, but a nagging doubt gnawed at him about the ending. Still, the script sparked his imagination, leaving him wanting more.
Finally, "50/50" tackled the sensitive topic of cancer survival. The script offered a unique perspective, a character named Adam undergoing the emotional journey of a cancer patient. Lucas found himself drawn to the role, wondering how he would embody Adam's vulnerability and strength in the "Mind Workshop".
The mention of cancer triggered a memory. He thought of Liza, his friend and former boss, and her dedication to volunteering with children battling the disease.
Lucas closed the final script. The possibilities ahead seemed endless, and he was determined to navigate them with both ambition and compassion.
The early morning sun cast a soft glow on the bustling entrance of the charity and public hospital, Bellevue Hospital Center as Lucas arrived on a Sunday. He spotted Liza sitting patiently on a public bench, her face etched with quiet concern. A warm smile lit up her features as she caught sight of him, and she gave him a gentle wave.
Their conversation flowed easily as they entered the hospital together. The receptionist, a woman with kind eyes and a familiar smile for Liza, greeted them warmly. As she turned to Lucas, a flicker of confusion crossed her face.
Liza, sensing the shift, quickly stepped in. "He's here to also volunteer visit the patients today with me," she explained.
Understanding dawned on the receptionist's face as she gestured them onwards. Walking down the brightly lit hallway, Lucas couldn't help but be drawn to the sounds of laughter and chatter echoing from a nearby room. Inside, a group of children and teenagers buzzed with activity, some huddled around a colorful board game, others absorbed in their handheld consoles.
Liza's vibrant greeting sent a ripple through the room, turning heads and bringing smiles to faces. A young boy, barely six years old and sporting a bonnet, surprised Lucas by launching himself towards Liza in a joyful embrace. The other children followed suit, showering her with affection, while the teenagers offered shy grins of acknowledgment.
The warmth from the scene washed over Lucas, tinged with amusement as he noticed the teenagers clutching handheld consoles. Though clearly PSPs, they seemed to have touchscreens functions...
As the children and teenagers turned their attention to him, he saw recognition flicker in several eyes. A young boy named Jonathan, barely containing his excitement, blurted out, "Hey, aren't you Dylan?!"
"No way, Jonathan," Nicole, an eight-year-old with bright pigtails, chimed in, shaking her head. "He just looks like him. Dylan wouldn't be here!"
Undeterred, Jonathan marched towards Lucas, his brown eyes shining. "I know it's you, Big Brother Dylan! Come on, chase Big Sister Haley!"
The children swarmed around Lucas, their boisterous energy both infectious and overwhelming. Liza observed the scene with a knowing smile, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"Big Sister Haley's a meanie," piped up another boy, James. "She dumped you!"
"Yeah, beg her again to take you back, Big Bro!" Ryan, the little comedian, added with a mischievous grin.
Lucas felt a wave of unexpectedness wash over him. This situation wasn't expected by him at all.
Marian, a lanky teenage girl with a purple streak in her hair, stepped forward. "Guys, leave him alone. 'Modern Family' is just a show. He's not really Dylan."
Jonas, the quiet teenager with headphones perpetually perched around his neck, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's just the actor who played him."
The younger children, initially resistant, started mumbling amongst themselves. A few, perhaps the more mature ones, seemed to accept this explanation. Seeing their confusion, Lucas couldn't help but grin wryly.
"Don't worry, little ones," he assured them, kneeling down to their level. "Big Brother Dylan and Big Sister Haley will figure things out. Just trust me."
His words sparked a chorus of excited chirps. "Really?" "Yay!" "We get to see Big Brother Dylan again in Modern Family?"
Liza burst into laughter at their enthusiasm, the sound echoing down the hallway. Even the stoic teenagers cracked smiles, unable to resist the children's infectious joy.
Time seemed to melt away as Lucas interacted with the children. Their initial shock and excitement gradually morphed into a comfortableness with Lucas company. Liza watched with a smile, while Lucas can see a hint of playful jealousy in Liza's eyes teasing him eyes as the kids clung to him, vying for his attention.
"Big bro Lucas," piped up a tiny voice, "can you sing us 'Perfect'? Like in the show!"
Lucas chuckled, ruffling the child's hair. "Alright, little one. Why not?"
His agreement ignited cheers from the group, even drawing curious glances from the teenagers. As Lucas's voice filled the room, a nurse rounding the corner stopped dead in her tracks, ears perked.
The melody was unmistakable, and the singer... could it be?
Hesitantly, she approached, recognition dawning on her face. There was no doubt about it – it was Lucas, the actor who played Dylan in "Modern Family." A mixture of surprise and delight flushed her cheeks.
When the last note faded, the room erupted in applause. Liza clapped enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. But the children weren't finished. Their imaginations buzzing, they turned their eager gazes towards both adults.
"Is Big Sis Liza your new girlfriend after Big Sis Haley, Big Bro Lucas?" one child blurted out, sparking a chorus of giggles.
A blush crept up Liza's cheeks as she playfully swatted the child's arm. Lucas let out a hearty laugh hearing the children's curious questions, joining in the lighthearted exchange. He just played along and playfully draped his arm over Liza's shoulder, eliciting a flustered yet amused smile from her. The children cheered, their innocent joy filling the air.
The goodbyes felt heavy in the air as Lucas and Liza prepared to leave the room. Laughter and chatter dimmed, replaced by a quiet understanding of unspoken goodbyes. Lucas felt a pang in his chest as he saw the children's previously joyous expressions soften slightly.
Liza assured them of her return, promising with a warm smile, "I'll see you all again soon, okay?"
Several voices piped up, "Will you bring Big Brother Lucas too?"
Liza, unable to speak for him, looked at Lucas with a question in her gaze. He met her eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. "I'll come again," he declared, his voice firm yet gentle.
A collective gasp of excitement filled the room. "Really?" Nicole chimed in, her eyes wide with anticipation.
Lucas nodded, his smile spreading wider. "Really."
The children surged forward, their voices overlapping in a flurry of requests. "Pinky promise!" "Swear on a pinky promise!"
Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm. He held out his pinky, linking it with theirs one by one. "Pinky promise," he confirmed, "I'll come back as soon as I have some free time."
"Free time? When's that, Big Bro?" Jonathan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Lucas smiled, as he promised, "I'll be back for sure. But not too soon, you see, Big Bro has quite a bit of work to do."
A few faces fell, disappointment flickering across them. "Just like my parents," Ryan mumbled, a hint of bitterness in his voice. Other children murmured in agreement, their brief moment of joy tinged with the reality of their situation. Despite the downcast moment, Lucas's promise had left a spark of happiness in their eyes.
Stepping outside the hospital, Lucas carried a quiet weight in his heart. Contrary to his expectations, the faces of the children and teenagers he met hadn't been etched with despair. Instead, a spark of hope flickered in their eyes, as vibrant as the colors of the board game they played. Their laughter echoed faintly, a testament to the tenacious spirit that refused to be subdued by illness.
Yet, under the surface of that joy, Lucas sensed a depth of understanding. These young souls, burdened by challenges he could barely fathom, carried a quiet awareness of their circumstances. It was a duality that struck him: the resilience that allowed them to play with carefree abandon, and the maturity born from facing their own mortality.
He hadn't anticipated their unwavering faith either. He had imagined cynicism taking root, questioning a higher power in the face of such suffering. But their eyes held a quiet belief, a glimmer of something bigger than themselves that sustained them, from the time Lucas got along with them, their stance in their beliefs was obvious. In their innocence, they understood the preciousness of life in a way many adults, shielded from harsh realities, never could.
He witnessed hope battling doubt, resilience overcoming fear, and faith offering solace in the darkest corners. These children, these teenagers, weren't just brave; they were warriors, fighting their battles with a grace that somehow humbled him.