Awakening to Sunlight

by Lindsey Stone

  This past week she had seen very little of Lizzy. Now that she was feeling well again, it was no longer necessary for Lizzy to play taxi for Emily except for on Wednesday afternoons while Judith worked. This meant that she didn’t get to see her during the day anymore, and by the time Lizzy got back at night, Judith would already be in bed asleep. She’d missed seeing Lizzy for those short intervals.

  They drove into an inner courtyard of an old-fashioned brown stone factory where an assorted amount of cars ranging from old Escorts to a new Chrysler were parked haphazardly. As soon as they were parked, Lizzy hopped out of the car and opened Judith’s car door for her. Judith appreciated the gesture and would have thought it courteous if Lizzy hadn’t still been talking distractedly into her cell phone.

  “David, I am no more than a few feet away, but I’m going to have to hang up to open the door.”

  David was still talking when Lizzy flipped her cell phone shut and reached out to pull open a heavy wooden door.

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “Don’t be. You’re just doing your job, right?”

  “Yeah, but I know how annoying it can be when you’re with someone who is always on the phone.”

  “It’s fine, Lizzy, really.”

  Judith followed her down a narrow corridor and into a room she guessed, from the tables and chairs and the empty white plastic coffee cups spread about the place, to be the designated cafeteria. Before they could take another step, two men, who were seated off to the right, immediately got up and approached them, engaging Lizzy in conversation. Judith stood quietly next to her and listened as Lizzy calmly answered their questions. Then she felt Lizzy’s hand on her arm, gently guiding her around the two men toward a makeshift counter on the far side of the room where a woman wearing a pair of blue overalls was buttering slices of bread. Judith noticed the woman give her the once-over before turning her attention fully on to Lizzy.

  “Hey ya, boss, ready for the onslaught?”

  “As always, Laura, and you?”

  The woman motioned to all the coffee cups left abandoned. “My onslaught started more than an hour ago.”

  Lizzy turned to Judith. “Judith, this is Laura, our caterer.”

  Judith held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Laura, this is Judith, a friend of mine.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine, I’m sure.”

  Judith shook Laura’s hand, but felt that Laura held her hand a little too long.

  “Judith was curious about how we make our movies, so—” Somebody called out Lizzy’s name, causing her to glance over her shoulder. A slim, redheaded woman carrying a pile of paper had just entered the cafeteria.

  “Look after her for me, Laura, will you? Make sure she’s okay?”

  “No probs, boss, sure thing.”

  Lizzy turned to Judith, her voice softening. “You’ll be all right with Laura. If you need anything, just ask her.”

  The redhead joined them and cleared her throat. Lizzy smiled and rolled her eyes, already stepping away. “You’re in good hands. I’ll see you later.”

  “So what will it be, tea or coffee?”

  “Hmm?”

  Judith tore her eyes away from Lizzy’s receding back and found Laura looking at her in a way that made her feel very self-conscious.

  “Coffee, please.”

  Laura started filling a plastic cup with coffee from a big metal canister.

  “So you and the boss are just friends?”

  Judith didn’t know what to make of the question, considering Lizzy had only moments ago introduced her as one. She accepted the cup of coffee Laura held out for her and first took a sip before answering, “Uh-huh.”

  “Well, you must be some friend. She’s never brought anyone with her on set before, and I know quite a few gals that would just kill to be her friend.” Laura wriggled her eyebrows and for a moment Judith was unsure whether she had understood Laura’s implication correctly, but before she could question her about it, a voice sounded out through an intercom announcing that shooting would start in ten minutes.

  Laura’s attitude changed. “Hey, I best get you settled before it’s too late. Come on.”

  Judith followed her through the doorway Lizzy had disappeared through only a few minutes earlier and was immediately taken aback by the view. They were standing inside a great factory hall, and right in the middle of it was a life-sized interior of an old Victorian house. Huge lights beamed from all around, and cables and wires crisscrossed over the floor like a never-ending labyrinth of snakes. People in modern dress walked among others who looked like they had just stepped out of a Charles Dickens novel.

  Judith was struck by the authenticity of the décor. She whispered, “It’s beautiful.”

  Laura grinned. “Yeah, Lizzy’s a sucker for details.”

  Judith didn’t respond, but followed Laura along the right side of the factory wall until she stopped at an alcove filled with chairs and equipment.

  “If you sit here you’ll be able to see most of everything that’s going on without getting in the way.”

  The chairs looked antique and Judith was hesitant to sit in one.

  “It’s okay, they’re fake and won’t break.”

  Judith chose one and tentatively lowered herself into it. She felt relieved at the solid wood beneath her.

  “If you want more coffee or something, just walk back the way we came, but try to avoid moving about while the camera is rolling.”

  “Aren’t you staying?”

  “Nah. I’ve got lunch to prepare. Catch you later.”

  Laura left and Judith looked around for a sign of Lizzy. She spotted her standing in a far corner talking to two men. She recognized them as being the same pair that had accosted them at the door when they had first arrived. She sipped her coffee and watched them. Both men spoke animatedly, their hands flying through the air. Lizzy seemed more composed and her hand movements more precise. Judith found her captivating to watch. It seemed a decision had been made, because one of the men raised his hands in a manner of defeat while the other ran off, all geared up. Lizzy tapped the remaining man on the shoulder, saying something to make him smile. Judith felt a jolt of excitement as Lizzy looked up, straight at her. Surprised at the unexpected feeling, she hesitantly lifted her hand and waved. Lizzy waved back and started toward her.

  “Are you all right here?”

  “I thought you said that you only directed on a small set.”

  Lizzy smiled. “This is small compared to most.” She sat in the chair next to her and stretched her legs, which puzzled Judith.

  “Shouldn’t you be doing something right now?”

  “I am.” She reached into the pocket of her jeans and pulled out the car keys. “I have about sixty seconds left before my day really starts, and I don’t have a true indication of how long it’s going to be.”

  Judith gently pushed Lizzy’s hand away. “I’ll wait for you.”

  “What if you get tired or bored?”

  “I won’t.”

  Lizzy frowned. “Would you take them anyway, for my peace of mind?”

  Judith looked into Lizzy’s eyes and felt compelled to give her what she wanted. She held out her hand. “Forget about being a movie director, you should have been a negotiator.”

  Lizzy dropped the keys into her palm. “You’d be surprised how much of a negotiator a movie director has to be.”

  *

  Judith watched in awe as everybody worked, especially Lizzy. She witnessed the patience she was accustomed to seeing, but she also saw competence and what she could only describe as creative strength. The way she directed people, crew and actors alike, the way she took a moment to think, the look of sheer concentration on her face and the way others listened to her. Judith knew she had no right, but she couldn’t help but feel a little proud of her.

  She had been so engrossed in watching Lizzy at work that she had lost track of time and was surprised when Laura approached he
r suggesting that she join her in the cafeteria before the whole gang swooped in for lunch. Just as Laura was dishing her up a plate of sandwiches and a bowl of vegetable soup, lunch was announced over the intercom, and it wasn’t long after before the cafeteria was swarming with women and men munching on sandwiches and slurping up soup.

  Judith had kept an eye on the doorway waiting for Lizzy, but when it became apparent that Lizzy wasn’t coming she got up to ask Laura if she knew where Lizzy was. Laura explained that Lizzy rarely came into the cafeteria at lunchtime. Judith asked her if Lizzy actually ate at lunchtime, to which Laura shrugged and said that she figured Lizzy was old enough to look after herself. “She knows where the grub is.”

  Judith didn’t like the idea of Lizzy working on an empty stomach and knew her well enough by now to know that that was exactly what Lizzy would do. Annoyed at Lizzy’s irresponsibility toward herself and Laura’s complacency in the matter, she picked up another plate of sandwiches and headed back into the big hall in search of Lizzy. She found her sitting on a couch with a beautiful dark-skinned woman inside the fake Victorian living room. Judith had noticed the woman earlier when she had been watching everybody at work. She had stuck out from the others not only because of her stunning looks, but because there was an earthliness to her that Judith found commanding. She was tall and slim, but powerful in her stride and elegant in her hand gestures. Her hair was braided and wound artistically around her head. Her clothing was colorful but chic.

  They were engaged in conversation and Judith noticed how close they were sitting next to one another and how comfortable they looked. The picture surprised her, because Lizzy had always given her the impression that she didn’t like people getting too close to her and Judith had always tried to bear that in mind. She felt silly for bringing the sandwiches and turned to leave when the other woman noticed her.

  “Can we help you?”

  Before Judith could answer Lizzy quickly rose. She no longer looked comfortable. “Anita, this is Judith. Judith, this is Anita.”

  Anita’s smile was striking and she gracefully offered Judith her hand. “Judith, I’m pleased to meet you. Why don’t you join us?” She gestured to the couch were they had just been sitting.

  Judith nervously waved the invitation off. “Oh no, I didn’t mean to disturb you, I just thought you might be hungry.” That last bit she directed at Lizzy.

  Anita looked back and forth between them and jabbed Lizzy in her side. “This is when you say thank you.”

  Lizzy took the plate Judith held out and mumbled a thank-you.

  Anita frowned at her before speaking to Judith again. “You should join us, Judith. We were just about done with our little talk anyway.”

  It was obvious that Lizzy felt uncomfortable and that it was her presence that was causing it. Feeling a little hurt, Judith shook her head and smiled politely.

  “Thank you, but no. I don’t want to keep you from your work. It was nice meeting you, though.” She shook Anita’s hand one more time and then turned and headed back to the cafeteria. As soon as Judith was out of earshot, Anita stepped in front of Lizzy and spoke firmly. “What was that all about?”

  Lizzy avoided eye contact. “How do you mean?”

  “Well, you weren’t particularly your usual charming self. Were you worried about me meeting her?”

  Lizzy shrugged. She’d known that by bringing Judith to the studio it was inevitable that they would meet, and she’d been fine with that idea until that moment had arrived. Her initial delight at seeing Judith standing in front of them had instantly disappeared when she realized she was about to meet Anita and she’d suddenly felt extremely nervous. Anita’s tone softened. “Is she becoming more than a friend?”

  “No, of course not.”

  Lizzy was surprised by the sharpness of her own voice and felt even more awkward. Anita studied her for a moment before taking the plate from Lizzy’s hands. She walked back to the couch and spoke matter-of-factly: “Well, just so you know, I like her.” She bit into a sandwich and spoke through a mouthful of cheese and tomato. “Are you just going to stand there?”

  Lizzy remained standing a few moments longer, unsure what to do with herself. She hadn’t meant to snap at Anita or be impolite toward Judith, and she felt crap about having reacted that way. She joined Anita on the couch and picked up a sandwich. She took a bite, grumbling, “You don’t even know her.”

  “If she cares enough to worry about your stomach, that’s all I need to know.”

  *

  Judith had watched Lizzy work for most of the day, but after lunch her heart had been less in it. Lizzy would glance up every now and again and smile in her direction, but knowing that her presence had made Lizzy feel uncomfortable around her friend had put a damper on her enjoyment. After the dinner call she had stayed behind in the cafeteria to help Laura clean up and they had ended up chatting about Laura’s plans to open up her own restaurant. It was eight o’clock when it was finally announced over the intercom that they were stopping for the day and everybody was asked to gather in the cafeteria. Laura expressed her surprise at the announcement and explained that it wasn’t usual. They both stayed seated as the crew and cast started filing into the room, filling the surrounding tables. Anita and Lizzy were the last to arrive, but Lizzy stayed put just inside the doorway while Anita walked to the front of the room and asked everyone to be quiet.

  “As most of you know, Sam and I have been seeing each other on and off for the past few years.” She smiled affectionately in the direction of a tall, thin man close by. “Well, we’ve decided it’s time we stopped messing about and finally settle down…with each other.”

  The room exploded with the sound of people clapping and cheering. The man whom Anita had smiled at got up and joined her, taking her hand. Judith thought the simple gesture sweet and looked back at the doorway to where Lizzy stood and found her looking straight at her. Lizzy immediately averted her eyes.

  Anita waited for the room to quiet down. “Anyway, we’ve decided to throw an engagement party at my place next week Friday. Now, I know it’s short notice, but we were scheduled to film that night anyway, so I know none of you have plans or prior engagements.”

  Again people cheered and Anita had to shout over the noise. “So there’s no excuse for not being there.”

  People started to get to their feet to congratulate them personally and Judith was contemplating whether to go to do so herself when Lizzy spoke softly at her side.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  She was surprised that Lizzy would want to leave before congratulating her friend, but then quickly figured that she might have already known about the announcement and done so already.

  Judith said a quick good-bye to Laura, wishing her luck with her future restaurant, and left the bustling cafeteria with Lizzy. They were just about to step through the big outer wooden door when Anita called out Lizzy’s name from the other end of the hall. They both stopped and turned to face her.

  “I knew you’d try to skunk off.”

  “I’m not skunking off.”

  Anita reached out and gently took hold of her arm. “I want you there, Lizzy.”

  She held Lizzy’s gaze as if making sure the message got across before turning to face Judith. “And you’re invited too, Judith. In fact, I insist you accompany my director here and make sure she turns up.”

  It was clear by Anita’s words that she was convinced Lizzy would not want to go to her engagement party, and Judith wondered why Lizzy would not want to celebrate her friend’s happiness. She wasn’t quite sure how to respond and opted for the polite.

  “Thank you. I’ll look forward to it.”

  Anita smiled gratefully, then raised an eyebrow at Lizzy.

  Lizzy rolled her eyes in response. “We’ll be there.”

  “Good.” Anita tapped Lizzy on the arm one more time, then walked away waving a finger in the air. “Friday.”

  *

  Judith let her head fall ba
ck against the headrest. It had been a long day and she was glad to be in the car on her way home. “How on earth do you do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Keep track of it all?”

  “By the time we start filming, the movie has already played itself off in my head a hundred times. For me, it’s just a case of making sure that what I see in my head is in the camera lens when we shoot.”

  Judith watched the streets pass them by.

  “Don’t you approve of Anita’s engagement?”

  “What makes you think I don’t approve?”

  “Well, you didn’t seem all that excited about it, and Anita seemed to be under the impression that you might not go to the party.”

  “I am happy for her. For both of them. It’s just been a long day, that’s all.”

  Lizzy sounded sincere and tired, but Judith knew instinctively that there was something Lizzy wasn’t telling her. They turned off onto Chris’s street and Judith decided to leave it be for the time being.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chris opened the door with his face covered in paint and frowned at their laughter, pointing out that he wasn’t the one taking extra art classes. They followed him inside and found Emily sitting at the dining table with a mess of paints and brushes spread out in front of her. Her face was covered in paint as well.

  Judith let out a long sigh. “What have you done to my girl?”

  Chris responded with exaggerated dissent. “Don’t you mean, what has my girl done to you?”

  Lizzy patted him on the back and teased, “You’ve loved every minute of it.”

  Chris showed her his tongue. “So, are you two hungry? We ordered Chinese and there’s plenty left over.”

  Judith pulled a tissue out of her pocket and started cleaning Emily’s hands. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to get this little one to bed.”