Page 53 of Cinematic Destinies
“Rolling . . . Action!”
“Would you like a cool compress on your forehead?” she asked.
Michael slowly shook his head and tried to extend his shaky hand. She took hold of his hand, gently caressing his pale, paper-thin skin. His lips began to tremble, like he was trying to say something.
“You don’t have to speak,” she said.
He took a labored breath and murmured, “Thank you, Giselle, for bringing light into this house and looking after me so diligently. You have made the end bearable.”
Her eyes began to fill with tears.
He squeezed her hand, let go, and said, “Please leave us. We have some final business to discuss.”
She nodded as her eyes overflowed. She rose, leaned over, and kissed his forehead, before smiling at him one last time through her tears and exiting the room.
Michael struggled to lift his hand again, gesturing at Roo.
“It’s okay,” Roo said, taking his hand and sitting on the edge of the bed.
“The memoir. My legacy . . .” he muttered.
“Don’t worry. It’s done and I’ve followed your instructions to the letter.”
Michael nodded ever so slightly. “Before you go, promise me . . .” He paused to take a breath as Roo leaned closer. “Promise you’ll take care of her.”
Roo looked at him quizzically. “The book or Giselle?”
“Yes,” Michael replied.
“I promise.”
A soft smile slid across Michael’s face and he closed his eyes. Roo took a moment, rose, and walked through the small house and out the open door where he saw his lover, standing with her back to him, the spectacular landscape unfolding all around them. He came up behind her, slung his arms around her waist, and placed a tender kiss on the top of her head. She sniffled and put her hands on his forearms.
“I never imagined this would be so difficult,” she said.
“Me neither. I also never imagined I’d meet someone like you. We can leave this place now. Together, if you wish.”
They held each other for a moment, and she shuddered. “I can feel it. He’s free.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. She smiled and softly said, “Look what he’s left us with. So much sadness. So much beauty.”
“Cut!” Jean hollered.
Georgia wiped her face and Roo said, “That was brilliant. Are you okay, love? I could feel the authenticity of the emotion.”
She nodded. “I guess I’m just a bit blue. Tapped into it. That scene was the beginning of the end.”
“Only of the film, darling. Our adventure has only just begun,” he said, kissing her forehead. “Come on, let’s go get our notes.”
AFTER HOURS OF FILMING, JEAN FINALLY YELLED,“Cut! That’s a wrap!”
The cast and crew exploded with cheers.
“Before we pack up and head back to the inn for the party, I’d like to call each of the lead actors to take a bow,” Jean said. “Rupert Reed!”
Roo trotted over to Jean and took a bow as everyone clapped, Georgia screeching at the top of her lungs as Roo’s cheeks turned rosy.
“Georgia Sinclair Forrester!” Jean announced.
Georgia skipped over and joined Roo to more applause.
