393 Two lonesome statues

Ivy and the film crew spent their last day of the year away from home at an underground art tunnel in Washington. Not that they complained because their director promised to wrap up before dinner so that everyone can enjoy a peaceful dinner and make their own plans for the night.

"That's it for the day, everyone. Thanks to the production team and all the staff, the actors, everyone- I know we're away from home, but I hope we can make the best out of it to welcome the new year. You guys are great, and I'm pleased to be working with all of you."

Ivy was wrapping up for the day with a special speech. Every member at the shooting gathered around to hear.

"You get an off tomorrow, so have fun tonight. But, don't get into trouble. We got the permit to shoot at this place because of our producer, Mr. Tim. I'll make sure to thank him.

Oh, don't go alone anywhere. It will be hard if any of you ran into trouble. Don't drink too much to the point where you're hungover all day. I need you guys back in good shape."

Ivy noticed how impatient the crowd was getting at every word she kept adding to her speech. She laughed and requested that everyone acts responsibly and then ended her speech.

As soon as she finished talking, the crowd that gathered disbanded at lightning speed. The actors left to their stations to be removed from costume and make-up. The production crew stepped into action. It was now them against time, which is still early for dinner.

It was only a quarter past eight. However, the energy compared from when shooting to now clearly speaks for itself. Ivy almost noticed everyone in their hurried state. Bethany was among them. She packed her equipment, said goodbye to her friends, and then vanished from sight.

"Is she going alone?" Ivy asked after watching Bethany leave in a hustle.

"Yeah. She told me she has some friends here, so she's meeting up with them for some midnight fireworks action."

"Does she? I wonder how she knows so many people!" Ivy muttered in awe.

"Bite me."

Parker scoffed and left to have a meeting with the production staff.

***

By the time they wrapped up for the day, it was already dead black and cold outside. The crew wore their thick jackets and coats to protect themselves from getting frozen.

After Parker had left to meet with the production staff, Ivy found David to go through their schedule. They flew to Washington for a couple of days to shoot a portion of scenes for the movie. David discussed the progress from today, working out a plan to utilize Washington to their advantage. Once done with their discussion, David was getting ready to leave.

"Alright. You two girls have fun," he wearily greeted.

"Aren't you going to wait for Parker?" Ivy asked.

Just then, Parker returned to add his request before hastily leaving with the tripod and microphones.

"David, please don't forget the drinks!" he said and vanished into the shadows.

"You got it!" David yelled in the direction and gestured at Ivy.

"He is exhausted these days!"

"Why won't he? We all are, David.

We all are!

Alright, I'll let you go!"

"Hmm."

David said goodbye and left the underground tunnel. The last scene for the day was shot underneath Dupont Circle, in an abandoned space called the artistic underground tunnel. Ivy and her group were present inside the tunnel while the vehicles, actors stations, staff were all present outside. One by one left the shaft after done with their job.

Seeing David retire, Ivy went back to join Parker and the production staff, updating them about the upcoming shooting schedule.

***

Meanwhile, the actors who were all done for the day returned to their casuals. They didn't look like the stars that they are and appeared modest in their appearance. A couple of them had already planned to go all out tonight and celebrate the New Year. Joining them were the rest of the cast members. While at it, they saw Lucy standing singly outside the tunnel, appearing to be waiting for someone. They assumed that she must be waiting for Frank, her manager, who became a well-known figure within the film crew. Regardless of whether he would consent or not, they still approached Lucy to invite her to their all-night adventure.

Lucy respectfully declined the offer. Her fellow actors didn't pursue further and let her be. They did ask her to join anytime at the said spot the group is going to hang out. Just as the group joked about planning to get drunk all night, David passed by. He advised them to take it easy and not spoil their good health.

"Wow, David's wisdom, guys!" some teased.

"Listen to me while you can, kids!" David only said to ignore the young crowd and take his leave.

The group followed him together in a prank while announcing that anyone can join their celebratory party.

Hearing this, a few gave shout-outs, as now more people volunteered to show interest. Overlooking the outbursting enthusiasm, Lucy continued to wait solemnly.

The ladies who were about to leave noticed Lucy waiting alone for a while and went to question. They asked if she was expecting Frank, her manager.

"But I saw Frank leave earlier!" one of them answered.

Hearing that bought tension between them as Lucy panicked to answer. Catching the scent of her alarm, the one who initially wanted to question Lucy whispered to her friend to leave at once.

Lucy could feel them mumbling to each other while being noticeably audible.

"Did you not know?"

"What?"

"She's waiting to see the director."

"Director Ivy?"

"Hmm."

"Why?"

"You dumbhead," the lady who spoke first hushed her friend, pushing her to leave while saying their goodbyes in a hurry.

"Don't you know?"

"About what?"

"Those two are-" the lady who spoke first whispered to the other.

Lucy could feel her cheeks burning from the talks spreading like wildfire.

"Are you serious?" the other one gasped.

"Yeah. I heard that someone from the production team saw those two together post-Christmas shooting.

They were seen exchanging presents."

"Wow."

The ladies heaved from the hot news, eyeing each other and then turning to look in Lucy's direction.

Lucy caught their staring and turned away unceremoniously.

"Wow, you never know, right?"

"Yeah."

"But I didn't know that the model and director would swing this way!"

"Are you judging them?"

Startled, the other one retraced her words with an apology.

"Sorry. I was just shocked to hear."

"You better! Anyways, let's get going. It's getting colder every minute. I'm sure they all reached the place already."

The ladies turned back, resuming their journey to the nearby bar to join the rest.

Lucy stood still, feeling cold and distant. She was the first one to finish her scenes today and yet still waiting desperately at the location.

***

By now, Parker was done with all his tasks and had quickly collected his bags to leave at once. However, he noticed Ivy still loitering inside the tunnel. He walked to catch her off guard.

Ivy noticed him as well to send him off, but Parker stayed for a moment. He kept staring at Ivy and only said few words before taking off.

"I know it's all different now. Still, you two have fun together! And don't act crazy!"

Ivy almost frowned at him for his comment. Before she could come up with a perfect response, she saw him leave in a flash.

***

The Dupont Underground that was busy just a while ago for a film shooting now returned to look abandoned once again. Except for the few remaining staff, everyone else left with their own plans for tonight.

Nonetheless, patiently waiting just outside the tunnel entrance was none other than Bridgette, another soul whose presence was hidden so craftily that nobody noticed her. Under her disguise, she was mistaken for someone from the crew. The whole time she never stood out to attract attention or joined to interact with anyone.

**

The story went with Bridgette planning to celebrate New Year's Eve with her boyfriend, Adrienne. But Adrienne's parents live in Washington, who happens to hear that their precious son is in a relationship. Immediately, they invited him and his girlfriend to celebrate the New Year together.

Bridgette was nervous initially considering how soon it was to meet the parents, but Adrienne convinced her nonetheless, and the two ended up visiting his parents in Washington.

The plan was to have dinner with Adrienne's parents on New Year's Eve, but knowing that her buddy Ivy was also in the town, Bridgette begged herself out of the original plan and suggested a new one, having breakfast with Adrienne's parents. It may seem like they are starting the first day of the new year together as a family. Blinded by her vision, Adrienne supported, letting Bridgette hang out with her friend.

Ivy knew she would be busy shooting. Still, when Bridgette reached out, she let her come to watch the shooting. Then, later they can hang out together. It sounds like a decent plan to celebrate New Year's Eve. Hence, Bridgette agreed.

Bridgette was waiting for the right moment to step out. Once she identified that only a few people remained in the location, she revealed herself from her hiding spot. As she examined her surroundings, she came across another lonely statue standing all alone, just like the abandoned art tunnel.

It was none other than the infamous Lucy she keeps hearing about.

Bridgette saw Lucy waiting alone. Her gaze all directed towards the tunnel, where Ivy was present. Knowing how Ivy's taken a liking to this girl, Bridgette couldn't help but consider their current scenario.

For several minutes, Bridgette watched Lucy stick to the same spot. Despite people coming up to her for several reasons, this girl remained unaffected.

Bridgette couldn't help but make her own theory and assume that it is the truth. She sighed at the sight of Lucy waiting alone stubbornly and then took off in heat to meet her friend.