It's Just Ann

Chapter 21 - Soundtrack

          Another weeks goes by and I barely see Gareth. Every time I go to the set I just stay out of sight, making sure things are going smoothly and keeping meetings with the director and the leaders of every team to make sure things are going smoothly. Even if I spot Gareth, I'm always on the go so I don't have time to stop and chat. His eyes always follow me, and because I got so good at reading him I can see confusion, regret and sadness. I try to push my own concern back and keep going. This is for the best, until I can be near him without feeling any longing in my heart or just when I learn how to hide my own feelings.

The production keeps going and the film is almost ready. It's October already and probably by the end of December we'll wrap up the shooting and start the editing and post-production stage. We are already considering the artists for the soundtrack, getting some themes submitted that could work and I'm really busy with that part now.

Today I walk into the studios of Syco because there's one artist here that we were always really interested in having on board with us. Father already discussed some aspects with her manager and recently, we signed her to produce the theme song of the production. As I've been on the outdoors set I haven't had time to meet with her in person, and today I'm fixing that. I need to properly meet her and see what she's been doing.

I've been listening to her debut album, loving every single track. The honesty and simplicity of her music feels natural, and I think it fits with the environmental awareness we are imprinting in this film. Her voice reminds me of the four elements together and I imagine a forest fairy or even a mermaid when I hear her singing.

I'm actually very excited to meet her, a bit nervous because I've got really obsessed with her music and I also like her attitude. It's evident she's really shy but she still loves music so much she faces her fears. I've read some of her statements, saying that performing gives her the strength she needs to go on stage.

It's funny how you think because they are famous or just on the spot they are outgoing and confident people, but that's not always the case. Some celebrities are very shy or socially award and they actually struggle with fame, hating it even, but still bear with it because they love doing what they do just too much. It's admirable.

I'm guided by a girl with short curly hair and dark framed glasses, reassuring and warm smile that introduces herself as Havi. She chats with me all the way to the studio where I'll meet the singer, asking me what I do and more.

"You're the producer? The CEO of Tachibana Productions?" blurts out Havi, even stopping on her tracks to look at me with wide eyes.

"Acting CEO. The real one is my father, but his health doesn't allow him to take care of this production, hence why I'm here," I explain, getting better at that.

"Still impressive. You're so young and dealing with so much responsibility," Havi says. "Wow. If I were you I would've probably ran away. There's no way I'm ready to do that."

I can't help the smile that comes to my lips when she says that, happy that she does't focus whether I can do a great job or not but the fact I actually decided to take this challenge. And this girls sees worth in that, making me like her immediately.

"Well, Ann. This is the studio. If you need anything let me know, I'm always around," Havi adds next, stopping in front of a door, her wide smile reaching her hazel eyes. "Have fun and don't worry about her," she continues, pointing her thumb towards the studio. "She's shy but if you don't push her she'll slowly open up to you."

I nod, taking into notice what she says and then waving her goodbye before I open the door and walk inside. I find the singer-songwriter I'm looking for, with her bright red hair tied in a high ponytail, holding a guitar and working on a song with a guy in front of her. He's young but I can't see his face, his long brown hair falls like a curtain hiding his features from me. I think they are close, by the way they lean into each other and how she smiles at him so kindly.