One Boy's Journey Chapter 50

Written by Brianna Demonet

Ian made Crab legs with a side salad and rice pilaf. It was very good. I love big family dinners. Never growing up with them until four years ago, I treasure every single one of them.

We talked about our school, and where John and I went today. The girls were constantly giggling about John and I.

Ree says your karate master likes the guys in movies! Said Caitlyn.

Daddy says you're like Chick Norris or Bruce Lee! Said Violet.

How do you know who Bruce Lee is? John asked.

Daddy lets us watch the fight scenes of some of his movies. Said Caitlyn. He's really good!

Bruce Lee is great! Said John. But I don't think I'm that good.

That's not what Ree said! Said Caitlyn. She said you won several championships!

That's true Kitty! But did Ree tell you I won three different mathematics competitions, too?

Really! Said Caitlyn.

Yes, really, you can be a good fighter, but without an education, you will limit yourself! School is just as important as training! Said John.

Becky and Brianna smiled at John.

I was thinking the whole time about the favor I asked. I was hoping for a yes. But I would understand if it was going to be a no. Somehow I think that conversation was going to tip things in my favor.

I smiled at John.

I snuck into John's room again. I needed to feel his touch and kiss. I missed him so much.

You have to understand that he's my first love and my first. But I never ever even thought about anyone else. Sure, Lexi and I had a special relationship, but it never relied on physical intimacy. I didn't look at other guys at school; I didn't engage with anyone.

I've had my fair share of boys hit on me. I kinda enjoyed it, but I never flirted with anyone. John was the only guy I wanted. Most of the girls in my dorm would date more than one boy. My party girl roommate was no exception.

After a couple of hours of making love with John, I snuck back to my room. I woke up before 6 am. I was stretching out and doing my kata.

John came out and joined me. We worked together for half an hour. I told him I had to work today.

I know! Your mother said passes would be waiting for us at the site. I can't wait to see you in action. I heard you are quite the action star!

I blushed. I'm just following the script. I said.

Just don't hurt anyone, Ree! John smiled at me.

I'll try not to! I said. I rolled my eyes a little.

I'm 5 feet 7 inches tall and weigh 119 pounds. I'm not exactly a lethal weapon! I said.

Maybe not! Said John. But you are the best of my students! I know better than you what you are capable of. Be careful, that's all I'm saying!

I dressed up in black yoga pants and sneakers again. I didn't wear any makeup.

When I came back downstairs, Mom was in a summer dress and heels. Dad was in cargo pants and sneakers.

Mom, you're going to want to change! I said.

Don't I look like alright? She responded.

You look great! But if you are going with us, you're going to need to be comfortable. There aren't very many places to sit and it's going to be a long day.

Mom changed into jeans and sneakers.

Ian made me another energy drink. Thank goodness. We loaded up and left before seven.

Ian really knows his way around the city. He took a long route around the city. We arrived 10 minutes early. We took my Traverse. John and I sat in the third-row seat. Dad sat up front with Ian.

I kissed everyone and almost ran to the makeup trailer. Margaret was just setting things up when I walked in.

There you are! Oh, good, you're learning! No makeup again. You are making my job easier. I sat in her chair and smiled at her. 30 minutes later I was in my wig and makeup.

I took my position beside the other actors. I saw Peter escorting my parents and John.

I waited until almost lunchtime before my first scene of the day. I was in protective custody so my scenes that day didn't come until later.

I only had two today. The first one was talking with two of the lead actors. Jessica Chastain was the prosecutor on the case. The other was the lead detective Mark Strong.

They grilled me for details about what I saw. I had to be emotional and distraught. That was actually easy for me. It felt almost like being in the interrogation room at the police station a couple of years ago. I actually cried through the scene.

We shot the scene twice. Kathryn reviewed the playback. She said okay, reset! She added two more cameras and repositioned a few others.

From one! Kathryn said. Action.

We went through the scene flawlessly. Jessica sounded like a real attorney, very detail-oriented. Mark was very serious about what I actually saw and heard.

It was intimidating. My repressed memory came in handy. I cried as I explained what happened. I could feel my emotions and anxiety coming into play.

Cut!!!! Kathryn shouted. She reviewed the playback.

That's a print!

We ate lunch together. Ian was impressed. So was John.

I had no idea you were so talented! John said. You were great. It's better than drama in high school.

Dad just smiled and said great work, Ree!

Are you alright honey? Mom asked. That was an intense scene! You were great! But that felt real, like a few years ago.

Yes, It was! Yes, it felt exactly like that. But I'm okay now. If I'm being honest, my emotions and anxiety on the scene were real! Everything started coming back just then. It was a scary feeling like that. I said.

Well, you handled it well, Rianna! Said Dad in a strong confident voice. For a minute there I thought I was watching an actual interrogation.

Thanks, Dad!

Peter! I waved him over. Please sit with us! I asked him.

I know you have met! Peter was my movie boyfriend. He's also been our escort throughout the film.

I saw you play against the Longhorns! Thank you!

For what? Asked John.

For running all over them! I hate the Longhorns! I'm an Oklahoma State fan. I was impressed with your playmaking abilities. But I wasn't surprised when I found out it was you.

John looked surprised. I'm confused! Said John.

Your John Park! 190-pound former national champion under 18 division from 4 years ago! I've seen a few of your matches. You're a young Jet Li!

I don't know about that! Said John. We have a fight scene coming up tomorrow, I'd have to ask. But if I can get you a spot, would you do it?

Depends! Am I a good guy or a bad guy? What do I have to do?

I'm not sure but let me talk to Kathryn. Said Peter.

Rianna has been a big help since she arrived. Said Peter.

I gotta run! I'll talk to you all in a bit!

Peter left in a hurry.

He looks awful busy, said Mom.

He's Kathryn's personal assistant. He's the hardest-working person out here! I said.

I'm not sure about this Ree! Said John.

Don't look at me! It wasn't my idea! I do like the idea. But I swear I didn't say a word to anyone! I stated.

We started clearing our table and Kathryn walked towards us with Peter.

John Park? She asked.

Yes ma'am!

I'm Kathryn Bigelow, I'm the director. A pleasure to meet you!

You too ma'am.

Peter here tells me you're a martial arts expert and college football player!

Yes ma'am! Have you ever done any acting or any fight choreography?

I've done some fight choreography for a few martial arts tournaments. Said John.

I have two spots I need help with. My previous stunt actor broke his ankle and can't continue. I need a stunt fighting extra, the part may have lines. It's still being rewritten.

I'd like to try the part with lines if that's alright?

Good because you're too handsome to be an extra. Said Kathryn.

Here's a script! Start reading it. An update is forthcoming.

Peter!

Yes, ma'am, see to it he gets to makeup and wardrobe. He has about an hour before we shoot his scene.

Before we knew it, John disappeared with Peter.

I got back to my position and waited for my scene. My parents followed me and then took their places in the small guest area.

John and I walked towards the set with Peter. His hair was styled like a street kid. His clothes were a little ratty and worn. I didn't know what part he was playing yet. But I had my lines down. I was ready.

Kathryn gathered the cast for the next scene. She gave us our instructions. We walked through everything three times before we rolled cameras.

We were walking out of an undercover police station and into an alley. John was walking through the alley on his way home from work. He was a busboy at a restaurant.

The detective and another plainclothes cop were escorting me to the car. Three men in masks jumped out of the shadows and tasered the police. A black van pulled up and they were trying to pull me in. They grabbed me! I fought like hell trying to get away.

John reacted and started fighting the men off. The men pulled guns, John kicked them out of their hands. I knew John had fast reactions, but this seemed so much faster. He rushed me into the station.

I screamed for help. Several extras, including Kent, came running. By then the van was gone. The officers grabbed the detective and other officers and brought them back inside.

And the scene was over. What a rush! I thought to myself.

We reset for the next scene in the station with John. John pulled the mask off one of them and got a good look at one of the men. Now the busboy was a witness.

Between my broken heart about my boyfriend getting killed in front of me and this cute busboy coming out of nowhere and saving me, I was now wondering how deep I was in this thing.

My new scene was waiting in the hallway as police interrogated the busboy. The detective finished his interrogation, and we were locked in a room, waiting for the next step.

I thanked him for saving me. He smiled, and I saw a kind look in his eyes. Neither one of us had any real idea of how dangerous the situation really was. I acted terrified. He held my hand.

After another scene where we were escorted from the building by multiple plainclothes police, the scene ended.

Kathryn called a wrap for the day and to be back at 8 am. Be prepared for an overnight people we night scenes to shoot this week. Said Kathryn.

Ian drove us home for the night. We had a late dinner and went to bed. I didn't sneak into John's room tonight I needed my rest.

I was up at 5 am I woke up John with a kiss.

Make sure you pack an overnight bag, I told him. It's a good bet we'll be sleeping on the set tonight and tomorrow.

Where are we sleeping? Asked John.

That little trailer has two bunk beds! The table converts to a bed too.

Come on! We have to move! We need to beat the traffic.

Ree?

Yes, how much am I being paid?

I'm not sure. More scenes equals more pay. Extras get between $300 and $600 a day. You'll find out today. I'm making more than that a day. You should be too.

We're first-timers. So the pay isn't going to regular actors' wages. I said.

You sound like you know your way around the business. Said John

Not really! I only asked the same question you just did. I said.

You and Peter seem to get along. Said John.

He's been very nice to me. He looks out for me on the set. A guy tried harassing me because I'm a rookie actress. Peter stopped him from playing a prank on me.

Kathryn asked him to keep an eye on me. I said.

If you say so! But I think he has a crush on you! Said John.

Eww! Gross! He's 25! I already told him about us. He knew your name right after I mentioned it! I said.

I'm almost 21! Am I too old? Asked John.

John Park! Are you jealous? I asked.

Yes, no... Maybe! Said John.

John, you have nothing to worry about. Did you review your lines for today?

Yes, I did. Did you see what's coming up?

Yes, I did! It should be an easy scene for us. I said.

John was referring to a love scene that implies us making love. We don't really make love. It starts out like we are then finishes up with me covered in bed sheets and John in his underwear.

There's also a scene with him in his pants with no shirt and me in my bra and panties.

Ian drove his Audi and Dad followed in my Traverse. We got there a little after 7. We had a quick breakfast burrito and coffee. John and I went to the wardrobe department then makeup.

John said to me. I don't ever remember seeing you without makeup. You really don't need it!

I kissed him. Just before Margaret started her magic.

Again we waited for a couple hours before our next scene. It was just us acclimating to our new safe house. I had to act jittery the whole time. John's role was to play it cool even though he was scared.

We had to wait until we could appear in court. The detective and prosecutor kept talking about witness protection. Lee (the busboy) and I were terrified about not seeing our families or friends again.

We sat close to one another. I feared I would never have anyone else in my life again. Lee gave me a gaze that told me the same thing.

We had a dinner break when Kathryn announced a three-hour break to set up for the night scenes.

Mom, Dad, and Ian were tired.

Dad said he would stay the night with us. Ian took my mom home. John and I laid down for about an hour and a half.

The detective and his partner were investigating and chasing down leads.

Lee and myself stayed in the same room comforting each other. Soon our love scene started. We were sitting in bed talking. Lee had his arm around my shoulder. My head on his chest.

We started kissing, and before either of us knew it, we were lying on the bed kissing passionately. I unbuttoned my blouse as he took off his shirt. The naval jewelry Margaret put on was very sparkly in the dimmed lights.

We shot the scene twice to get all the angles.

The sheets were covering us. I was wearing my sports bra. When they called cut!

We reset for the morning scene.

The rest of the cast was shooting through most of the night.

My Dad had already made the table into a bed and was sleeping when we got to the trailer. It was almost 1 am. We had to be ready at 5 am for a sunrise scene.

Peter banged on the trailer door at 4:30 am. He had a tray with three coffees.

Rise and shine. You two need to get to makeup now! Morning Dan! Said Peter as he rushed to the next trailer.

I found out much later that the reason Peter was so dedicated to Kathryn was he was one of the highest-paid assistants in all of Hollywood. More than one celebrity has tried to poach Peter away from her, but he stayed with Kathryn.

After we finished the morning after scene we were excused for several hours. John and I went back to the trailer and slept.

Dad came by and woke us up for lunch. We sat down with Dad, and Jessica Chastain and Mark Strong sat with us.

You two did really well last night and this morning. Said, Mark

Thank you Mr Strong said John.

You both seem quite athletic! Said Jessica. John, you are exceptionally well-trained in martial arts! You too Ree!

John trained me! I said proudly!

Really! Said Mark. Who trained you?

Master Moon, my mother, and father, sir! Said John.

The Master Moon! The coach of the US Martial arts teams and head coach of the Olympics martial arts team? Mark asked.

Yes sir! He and my father have been best friends since they were boys. My sisters are going to be better than me when they get to my age. Said John.

Kathryn came over to us.

We have an intense scene coming up. The safe house is going to be attacked. There will be several different shootings in this scene. We are going to shoot this scene multiple times. Cameras are going to be rolling throughout the structure.

Do not stop! Do not fall out of character. We will do several walk-throughs and then rehearse the action. The rehearsal will be filmed.

We have a lot of work to do this afternoon, I'd like to get this scene finished today.

Get into makeup, we start 20 minutes!

Yes ma'am! John and I said.

We'll be ready Kathryn, said Jessica.

Mark just smiled and nodded to her.

I love working for her said Jessica! You never have to worry about where you stand with her

John and I smiled and hustled to makeup. John hated the makeup. But he never complained once.

We went over the scene several times. Our initial rehearsal was a full-speed rehearsal. Guns blazing, flash-bang grenades. Explosives everywhere. It felt real! My scared face wasn't from acting it was real!

The technical advisors were very professional and very strict about our position and dangers. We ran through things so many times I could have probably found my position blind.

Reset! Kathryn shouted we start shooting at one!

Everyone set! She shouted.

Action. Doors blew open guns were blazing. Mark was barking orders and talking on the radio. John and I were right behind him running. Mark was wounded in the arm. John took the lead, Mark was protecting me.

We ran down three floors and jumped through a second-floor apartment window to escape.

John drove the detective's unmarked Charger as we escaped.

Cut! Kathryn shouted. We got it in the first take. I was kinda hoping so after two hours of practice.

Ree, John nice work. Clean up and get some rest. We have one more night scene to shoot.

We showered in shower trailers and went to sleep around 7 pm. My Dad was always in sight.

We slept until 2 am when Peter knocked again. He had coffee in hand. Rise and shine! You know what to do.

We got dressed, ate quickly at the catering tables, and went straight to makeup. My costume was still dirty and smelled of gunpowder and explosive residue. I was thankful for the boots. They took a lot of abuse!

I still hated the compression bra, but I found it to be an asset for my safety.

John's T-shirt and jeans were ripped and smelled as bad as my clothes. The boots he wore were really beat up.

Our next scene was us regrouping in an abandoned warehouse. John had to dig the bullet out of Mark's arm and bandage him up. My character went from scared witness to more determined to get those after us.

We talked about what we had to do and where to go.

Mark said we have a leak! We can't trust anyone but each other. We had three places we could go for protection. The Federal Building, the federal courthouse, or another police station.

We said no to the police station because they already hit us there once. The courthouse was the obvious choice, but that was our final destination, and they probably are watching it!

The Federal building had a secured underground parking area. But if they were watching we'd never make it.

I have an idea! Said Mark. But Lee, you may not like it!

What do you need? Said Lee.

You need to steal a motorcycle and helmet. Get a jacket or something to cover your shirt. Ride around the federal building and several blocks around it. Looking for surveillance.

Do not come back the same way you left and don't talk to anyone. Mark warned him. The quieter you are about getting a motorcycle the better.

I can do that! Said Lee. I know just the place!

With that, the scene ended.

The next scene was John stealing a motorcycle from a nearby parking lot. Two helmets were hanging on it. He stole a denim jacket from an outdoor restaurant chair.

We went to sleep just before 6 am we were up at 10 am getting cleaned up and breakfast. We were in makeup. John and I weren't supposed to be in so many scenes. It was Wednesday now and the days were running together.

The script had been changed three times, and I was still scheduled for next week. And from everything I saw it could be longer. I was worried about John. I knew he was missing precious training time.

I didn't want to say anything, because I knew what a great opportunity this was. More importantly, Kathryn Bigelow is one of my heroes, and she was very generous with us both.

Peter!

Yes, Ree?

Do you know what our shooting schedule looks like? I asked.

As far as I know, I'm kinda guessing here. At least through the end of next week. Kathryn told me she contacted your school. You're covered. John, are you attending college?

UNLV! But I don't start back for another week and a half.

Okay, good if we run long. I'll have Kathryn make a call. We're getting close to the end of your scene.

The next few scenes were simple for us. Mark drove the car with me in the back laying down in the back seat. John was in the lead on the motorcycle cycle.

We all swapped out and the stunt team took over.

Then we shot the scene of us getting to the federal building, all torn and tattered.

The next scene was us getting some fresh clothes and getting cleaned up.

That night we left the site for home for the night. I slept in my bed for a solid 8 hours. I fell asleep before 9 pm.

John and I were up at 5, and we were out of the door before 5:30 am. Mom and Dad drove us. Ian stayed behind with the kids, and Bree joined us.

We got to a new set, grabbed a quick breakfast, and went to the wardrobe. We both started the day with clean clothes. John and I had one scene that day. We sat in a holding room together.

Our characters were forming a bond. We grew very close in the last couple of days. Lee (John) was both quiet and had a protective streak about him.

We had a romantic scene of talking, touching, and kissing. He was an orphan and was living in a flop house trying to survive.

He wasn't a criminal just a street kid trying to stay out of trouble. I found him to be honest and brave. My character, much like myself was drawn to him.

We went home that night, and I snuck into his room, and we made love for over an hour. I snuck upstairs and went to bed.

We had two scenes the next day. We were grilled over and over again about what we saw and knew. Mom and Dad went with us again.

We had Sunday off, we slept in. I went swimming and John went for a long run. I was doing yoga with the girls when he came back. John started lifting weights.

I hit the dumbbells while he worked out. I was only really lifting weights as an excuse to watch him. We went for a drive after lunch. We walked through Golden Gate Park. We both enjoyed the afternoon together.

I need to apologize to you, John.

For what? He asked.

For dragging you into the movie. I had no idea it was going to last this long. I was originally supposed to be in 2 scenes. Now I've been in 8 and it looks like more.

You are missing precious training time. I never had any intention of you missing that. I know how much it means to you.

Ree! It's alright! I'm ready! The movie has been very physical. The work with the stunt team has been just as physical as Master Moon. When I told my parents, they said I should do it.

My mother said never let the opportunity pass you by!

Peter told me I was going to be paid $3000 a day whether or not we shoot a scene. I'd be lucky to make $6000 over the summer. Besides if I win the tournament in June, the magazines and ESPN will be all over me.

But you hate the limelight! I said.

I do! But if I win imagine what it will do for my family. Our little studio will have students lined up around the block. My Mom could teach full-time and make a very good living!

But what if they ask you to do another movie? What about all the attention? I'll deal with it if and when it happens.

What about you? I see a real actress inside you! You're great! You are on cue all the time. Your stunt choreography is as good as anyone on the set.

I thought you would be upset! Especially when I Kissed Peter on the set.

That's acting! I know by the way you touch me, you love me. Your affection for me hasn't changed. I think you know mine hasn't changed for you! He said.

We walked back to my car and made love in the back. I was in love with him as much as ever.