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.

They notice I'm in the room as well, her head snapping in my direction and wide blue eyes on me. I can see how she tenses, the hand that was strumming the strings reaching for the hand of the boy that also turns to look at me and my heart stops.

I just stare blankly at him, trying to process why such a big celebrity is in this room.

"H-Ha—" I mumble, not even able to utter his name.

It's not like I'm a directioner or anything, but I still know of One Direction and Harry Styles. They are huge, how could I not? And never in my life I imagined I would run into him whilst meeting Ariel Hamilton.

"Shh," he says, putting his index on top of his lips. "Don't tell anyone you saw me here. It's a secret," he adds, winking as he entwines fingers with the girl.

"You two are... dating?" I ask and the girl looks down, cheeks as bright as her hair.

"Secretly," he replies and I have to press my lips together not to laugh at this situation, just because I can't believe it.

I would have never imagined international heartthrob and new indie artist, who's known for her shyness, are a couple, but as I look at them now, holding hands and leaning into each other, I can see something you can't find that often in this industry. Trust, support and love that pours out of them and is impossible to miss.

"Your secret is safe with me," I smile, putting myself together after the shock. "And it's a pleasure to meet you both," I add, taking a step forward and holding up my hand to shake. "I'm Ann Tachibana, from Tachibana Productions."

"Hi, I'm Ariel Hamilton," the girl shakes it first and I can feel her slightly tremble.

"It's such an honour to meet you, Ariel. Can I call you that? I'm a big fan. Currently obsessed with your album. It's beyond wonderful. My favourite track is My Villain," I continue, referring to a song that isn't a single yet but that won my heart the first time I heard it.

"Thank you so much," she replies with a smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for giving her this chance," Harry Styles says, shaking my hand next and I just nod. "I'll leave you two alone now. I sneaked here without telling anyone. I'll get in trouble if I stay longer. You'll love the song she's working on," the boy says and I smile at him, seeing right there Ariel's biggest fan.

The boy leaves us alone and I keep my smile, trying to make her comfortable. I notice she grabs the guitar again, using it almost as a shield.

"I'm really excited about this and I just came here to personally meet you and listen to what you're working on, and to offer any assistance I can," I offer, making sure she notices this isn't a big deal. She was already signed, I just want to see her progress to get a feeling of the song, and to have that in consideration for the rest of the soundtrack.

"Do you wanna listen to it now? It's not completed yet, I'm still polishing it," she says and I nod enthusiastically.

"Please. I'll control my fangirl," I try to joke and she chuckles lightly.

She sits more comfortably, putting the guitar on her lap and focusing solely on that. I look for a place to sit and listen to it carefully. She starts strumming a soft melody that merges peacefully and perfectly with her voice, her humming until words start to come out. Words about friendship, trust and nature. About the world we live in and how we are part of it, not just living on it. It's a song with power and a strong message, a song that took the core of the stories and exposed it with a melody. The tempo goes up in the chorus, making it catchy but still powerful, and I get goosebumps when I hear her hitting those high notes, playing her guitar with a passion that I haven't seen before. She becomes one with her guitar, just like the characters become one with nature, connecting with their element.

I can already see the video in my head and I get more excited with every scene that my mind plays.

When she finishes I can't move, I'm just too awestruck to react, until I see her getting nervous. Only then I stand up and clap frantically.

"I love it! It's wonderful. You captured the books so well. I'm mind-blown!" I blurt out, forgetting about controlling my fangirl. "I can see the video and I'm sure when we have a meeting with the team in charge of soundtrack they'll agree this is perfect, and you fit in it so well. Wow!"

Ariel giggles, her cheeks blushed, but she looks happy.

"And if this is just the draft of it, I can't imagine what will become of it later. I'm so excited," I keep going, making her smile wider. "I think you need a bit more of the sense of the film, though, and what we are going with there," I start rambling, thinking out loud and with my head spinning. "I think you should come to set and see part of the shooting. Meeting the actors and their interpretation of the characters. I'll get you a copy of the script and if you need to see the scenes that have been shot already, I'm sure I can manage that. And you should totally join the team that's in charge of the soundtrack so the whole selection has a connection that starts from your song."

Ariel blinks, trying to keep up with everything I'm saying, but she looks overwhelmed.

"Of course, if you'd like that." Ariel nods enthusiastically, making me smile even wider. "I have to go to the set now so if you have time, I can take you and introduce you to everyone you need to know," I offer and she seems a bit flustered. "If not, whenever you have time."

She thinks about it, even taking her mobile and texting someone. I assume her manager. When the reply comes, Ariel meets my eyes again, smiling. "I can do it now."

That is how I end up in a car with Ariel, heading to the studios as we keep talking. She grows more comfortable as we keep talking, specially because we keep our conversation around music and that calms her down. By the time we are in the studio she's smiles more naturally and without blushing so much, until I have to introduce her to everyone else. Jerry looks at her with the same disdain he looks at me, but Ariel is too overwhelmed to notice him more than enough. We go around, seeing the shooting as I explain things to her. All the main actors are shooting one of the action scenes, and the other actors are on standby. At some point, we run into Mare Johnson, who's getting ready for the next scene, and both her and Ariel stop on their tracks when they see each other. Ariel's smile disappears and Mare's eyes widen in shock. I just stare at them, trying to understand this reaction.

"Ariel..." Mare says in a tone that expresses they know each other. "What... what are you doing here?"

"Soundtrack," she says and Mare nods. A small smile comes to Ariel's lips. "You're an actress here, right? That's wonderful."

"It seems acting is more my thing," Mare replies, still holding the younger's gaze. "Well, I'm... busy so I should get going. I have a scene next."

Ariel only nods and they awkwardly say goodbye, but Ariel doesn't move, she stays right there, her eyes fixed on the spot Mare was using before, her hands tight in fists.

"You two... know each other?" I ask, fearing I'm being too rude by asking something that doesn't concern me.

"She was my first friend," Ariel replies. "She helped me a lot but then I did the one thing that could hurt her the most." She looks up to meet my eyes and I can see the evident regret and sadness that squeeze her heart. "I'm happy she's doing fine, though. This was her dream."

"Well, if you'll be spending more time here maybe it'll be a chance to work on your friendship and leave those mistakes behind," I suggest, patting her shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"I'd like that," Ariel replies with a sad smile. "Very much."

I just smile even wider, trying to give her the confidence she needs and praying this production would offer the right setting for these two talented girls to fix their friendship.

"Come with me, I'll introduce you to my best friend," I tell Ariel, distracting her so she can smile like before again. She nods and follows me as I take her to Cece. I'm sure he'll succeed at making her more comfortable and happy.

~·~

I love bringing previous characters into scene <3 and it won't end with Ariel ;) The video on the multimedia is Brave by The Shire. It has the feeling I imagine for the song Ariel wrote for Typhoon.

Dedication to lifeinsecret

Remember you can follow me on Twitter and make your questions there, I always reply. It's the same username @BelWatson and the opposite for IG (@WatsonBel).

Bel, xx