Actress' Crazy Twisted Life

Peace of Silence

TORI’S POV

Instead of returning home, I went to a café where I normally go when I had nothing to do. This is my own space, free of media and other distractions. It's a public space, although the majority of visitors are nerds who enjoy reading. This restaurant is literally for quiet folks who prefer reading because it is a themed café that resembles a library, but there is also food to eat to enjoy the stay.

As far as I know and have noticed here, not many people enjoy reading books, which is why there aren't many visitors that come in here, and I enjoy the calm away from attention and commotion.

I got an iced coffee because it's my favorite, and I love anything with coffee in it. After placing my order, I went to the shelves where the books are kept and selected the novels that I wanted to read.

I'm still hiding behind a mask, hoping no one will notice me. I'm not claiming I'm famous, but I don't enjoy it when people stare at me while I'm trying to get some alone time.

My order arrived after a short period of reading.

"As always, here's your iced coffee," Ronin said.

He's one of the café's servers, and yes, the entire staff is aware that I frequently visit this establishment. I request that, if at all possible, special treatments are avoided because they may draw attention to themselves, which I dislike.

"Thank you," I answered with a smile.

I continued reading while sipping my coffee when someone sat on the chair in front of me.

"I knew you'd be here," he said.

"And I know you will come," I said as I put my book down and looked at him.

He most likely just called one of the staff members here to see whether I was here, and now he's here, he already located me.

"What have you been up to this early?" he inquired.

"Having a coffee?" I said hesitantly. I reposition the book in front of my face and resumed reading.

“Okay," he answered, "I might just stay here with you."

I didn't look or respond to his last sentence; instead, I just read. I have no idea what he's up to, but it's just not my business. I have my own to-do list.

“OH MY GOSH! IS THAT CALEB??”

I heard a girl screeching from behind me. I put down the book I'm reading and turn to look at Caleb. He’s with his “sorry” reaction but I am not accepting that apology.

"OH MY GOD!" HE IS ACTUALLY HIM!!”

"HE'S FREAKING HANDSOME!!"

"COME ON GUYS, LET'S GET IN A PHOTO WITH HIM!!”

He just wrecked my ostensibly "solo" time. I don't usually bother him, but what has just transpired has caused me to a state of disappointment.

"Are you serious?" I asked him.

"Excuse me, but may we photograph you? We are huge fans!!"

Grr, how the hell am I supposed to have a quiet time alone? This is really not working anymore. I keep watching them when they don't realize I'm here, and they won't recognize me anyhow because I'm wearing a disguise. They don't notice me, so I keep my head down and pretend I'm looking for something on my phone.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Caleb! This is so amazing!!”

"You're welcome."

“Oh my gosh! Excuse me, are you Tori? Tori Madrigal?”

Did I just say that no one would recognize me? Because I am just about to swallow those words.

When I cautiously raised my head, I noticed a bunch of girls circling us.

"Yeah," I replied clumsily and awkwardly.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH OH MY GOSH!! CAN WE TAKE PICTURES?”

Oh, my goodness! That was a lot of noise! I would have done it if I could just rush out and leave these guys.

"Of course," I replied.

They began taking shots one by one, then in groups, until they were finished.

"You're amazing!! Thank you so much!! This is really incredible!!”

"Are you two dating, by the way? Is this for real?”

WHAT? Is that what they're asking? I looked at Caleb, startled. A look of desperation.

Caleb respectfully said, "Uhm... we'll leave you anything you have in mind."

"Oh, my goodness!" they exclaimed "We are confident you are! Anyway, thank you once again!"

While the group of girls began to settle into their chairs, I had something to say to Caleb.

"Nice job," I remarked sarcastically.

He reasoned, "I forgot to put on a disguise."

I rolled my eyes, expressing my dissatisfaction. I should be relaxing and enjoying my coffee, but that's not going to happen right now.

"I'll go ahead." I informed him and was ready to stand when he said, "Stop."

"Can we simply have a bite to eat first?" He said, "It's almost lunchtime."

When I saw his pitiful and guilty reaction, I just couldn’t hold back my…

*Began laughing*

"You appear to be a complete moron! " I informed him in between bursts of laughing, while he looked puzzled.

“What?!" he inquired, a little perplexed.

"Don't think about it", I told him, "I'll stay since you made me laugh, and lunch is on me."

“Okay?" He was still unsure and baffled.

We had our lunch and were enjoying it, but there were still random individuals asking for pictures, which was very annoying.

We opted to leave after our lunch because the restaurant was becoming overcrowded, which is rare, but we didn't have any other option.

"I'll go ahead, thanks for ruining my "me" time," I said as I put on my shades as we walked out.

I had left him there and was about to enter the car when he abruptly stopped me by grabbing my arm.

He said, "I know a place where you can find... tranquility." After giving it some thought, I believe it is a good idea to see it. I let him drive ahead while I was following when suddenly my phone rang.

“Is there a problem?" I inquired.

"I just want to make sure you're following."

"Seriously?" I asked and my brow furrowed in confusion, "do you think I'll ditch you?”

I can't believe he just questioned me about something so little.

"Let's keep chatting so we don't get bored" he suggested.

I thought about it and it's not a bad idea. After all. "what do you want to talk about?"

"Random things, anything you like to talk about," he said as we turned left.

"How come you haven't got any projects following this?" I inquired flatly.

He merely replied, "Same as you."

"You're too invested in your career to pass up possibilities, that's not just you, "I said. Actually, it isn't such a horrible concept to talk with him while we're driving.

"You know, we all get tired and need to relax now and again, but we're not going to give up, you know? Just some sort of rest"

"That's great to hear. Thankfully, you didn't choose to blindly just follow my directions. At the very least, I know you make your own decisions," I informed him.

"You are, in part, one of the causes."

If he could simply see me, he'd notice my eyes bulging and perhaps mouth the phrase "what the heck."

"Are you fooling me?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"I'm not," he responded from the other line, chuckling. "Were here, just park your car on the side," he added.

When I glanced around the area, there appeared to be an abandoned track with bleachers on the side. I got out of the car and parked it on the side of the road.

I whispered, "It's so quiet."

"Exactly how you like," he said.

He takes the lead and guides me down the path, while I continue to look around. It isn't exactly deserted; it is merely silent and unrenovated. We're sitting on the bleachers, and I have a good view of the entire field in front of me.

"This is really wonderful," I said quietly.

"Yeah... it is," he said.

"How did you find out about this area in the first place?"

My knees are crossed in front of me, and I stretch my arms behind me so that I can lean back and look around, taking in the... stillness.

"I used to be extremely sporty when I wasn't an actor, and my friends and I would usually come here to practice since it's kind of uncrowded, so... yeah, I have known this spot since then," he remarked.

"This is the spot I've dreamed about for a long time. There were no paparazzi or fans clamoring for photos", I answered and paused,

"Just nature and serenity" I calmly said.

"I guess we are even," he said to agree with me.

He should make up for the inconvenience, and it's a good thing he brought me here. This is well worth the trade-off.

We remained silent, listening to the wind's howls while remaining still and peaceful. With this silence, I could have fallen asleep, so I gently chose to lie my back on the floor and straighten my legs, much to Caleb's astonishment.

"You're going to get dirty!"

I offered him reassuring looks so he wouldn't be concerned or try to stop me from doing what I was doing.

"You can be quite surprising at times," he said.

I stared at the ceiling and responded to him, “Is that a compliment?” I asked humorously.

He chuckles as he says, "Depending on how you understand it,"

He started to giggle so I laughed along with him.

Another silence had come into place and we both shut. There was really nothing to talk about, so I started to close my eyes.

…

CALEB’S POV

Grr, it’s too silent. I want to keep talking to her but, I also don’t know what we will talk about. I really suck at conversations.

Wait... I know what I'm going to do. I'll share something with her.

"I remember when we first started acting, you were so shy, and I remember being your first pair at the time, and we were both awkward with each other, but I stepped up to you and introduced myself..."

This is the first time in a long time that I've been able to recall those memories with her. It's something I won't forget and will most likely remember.

"I'm glad I did because you started to relax and feel more at ease. It was our first project together, and it's been a huge blessing that our collaboration has gotten us noticed."

Following that, we received projects, some of which were group projects and some of which were individual projects. Then we're both blessings to each other.

"It was a priceless memory—-"

*snoring*

What?! Seriously? Is she sleeping?

Isn't she sleeping the whole time I'm talking? Oh my goodness, you have no idea how strange it is that I've been talking to myself all this time.

She's resting soundly, yet she must be exhausted because she snores while sleeping.

Instead, I let her sleep while keeping a watchful eye on her looks. I'll never get tired of looking at this face, which is so angelic and serene.

"Sleep well, my dearest," I whispered.

If there's a chance, I'll be able to have you, I'll take it. I'm not sure what to anticipate from her because she's so unsure of herself with me, but if there's nothing certain in her life, I'll continue to be the one thing certain for her, even if there's no hope for us. Supporting her is the most important thing for me.