The Act of Love: Part 7

Eleanor read the National Enquirer with a heavy heart. Aiden Riddley’s and Vivianne Westlake’s broken engagement had hit the front of practically every gossip magazine in the world. It had been only five days since the disastrous party and Eleanor had barely left her bed since. Her phone was flashing red with missed calls and the post was piling up by her door. The only time she had left the warm comfort of her bed was to buy all the magazines she could find with Aiden and Vivianne on the front cover.

Every article had said the same thing; their engagement was broken off last night at the famous La Nourriture restaurant because of Vivianne’s affair with a mysterious lover. Aiden was apparently seen storming from the restaurant in anger, leaving Vivianne alone and crying to pay the bill. The identity of this mysterious lover was the question on everybody’s lips and Eleanor dreaded the day they all found out.

Sadly, that moment came two days later. This time, according to People Magazine, Vivianne was seen with co-star Russell Sterling at the very same restaurant that she had broken off her engagement only two days previously. Eleanor could not help but find this horrendously tacky of Vivianne and almost pitied the poor girl for her lack of class. The magazines were spilt on their views of Russell Sterling, the mysterious lover. Some said that it was unfair of him to break up the ‘It Couple’ of the decade, whilst others claimed that this was an even better couple than before. Eleanor still felt her heart wrench whenever she saw a photo of them together, her eyes would fill with tears at the sight of their names and her lips trembled whenever she heard them mentioned on the radio. She could not live her life like this. She could not stand to feel sad whenever she saw Russell and Vivianne together. She had to forget about him! Eleanor eventually concluded that it was about time to stop buying the stupid gossip magazines and move on with her life. 

She had to forget all about Russell for good.

So, with a growing sense of purpose, Eleanor threw out all the magazines, answered all her missed calls, read through her post and got along with her life without Russell Sterling.

**

Eleanor had managed to go a whole month without hearing a single word about Vivianne and Russell and she was incredibly pleased with herself. She had even signed up for a fresh film written by a new, up and coming script writer, who was said to be the new Richard Curtis. Her life could not be any better. It was with only a small amount of trepidation that she got ready for Avalon’s Knights premiere. She had been shopping a few weeks earlier for a new dress and ended up choosing a blue satin number, which she thought she did not look half bad in. She had pushed back any thoughts or daydreams about Russell commenting on how beautiful she looked and continued making her hair and makeup look astounding.

As her limo pulled up at the premiere, Eleanor took a deep breath. This would be the first time she would see any of the cast and crew members since the end of film party, she had to be strong. Journalists and fans screamed at her as she excited her limo, shoving film posters and photos at her, asking her to sign them. She signed the first couple but then gave up as it was getting harder as the crowd surged at her. It was then that the camera’s started flashing. Eleanor was practically blinded by the bright lights, but smiled none the less.

Eventually, she was left alone as more famous people arrived on the carpet. She ran her hand over her hair and smoothed down her dress.  It was only then that she allowed herself to look for Russell. Her eyes found him almost immediately, drawn to him like she always had been. He stood a couple inches taller than everyone else looking incredibly handsome in his tux. Just like the first time she had ever seen him, his skin gleamed and his dark hair caught the light perfectly, and considering he had never been to a red carpet event before, he handled it like a professional.

Eleanor smiled; she had been truly blessed the day she had seen Russell Sterling walk out of that grotty theatre. Unconsciously, she took one step towards him before faltering. A beautiful blond wearing a striking scarlet dress that flattered her figure, had materialised at his arm with a dazzling white smile and a twinkling green eyes. Vivianne Westlake. Eleanor’s heart plummeted and she felt like she was going to be sick. Vivianne put her arms around Russell and they posed for some photos. Eleanor could not take any more of it; seeing their smiling faces just made her feel worse. Who was she kidding anyway? She wasn’t happy; she had never felt lonelier before in her life! Without a chance to change her mind, Eleanor picked up her skirts and ran through the crowds, ignoring all the people calling her name. She looked up and down the teeming streets before choosing a random limo and clambering in.

“Please, take me home.” She begged the limo driver, tears streaming down her face. The limo driver took one look at her and started his engine. Eleanor thanked him but did not think he really understood what she was saying because her crying was making her hiccup and choke. She did not care that her makeup was probably smeared across her face, or that her hair was coming out of its neat chignon that took her hours to do; she just wanted to be home and away from all this heart break forever. It was time to make the most important decision of her life.

She was leaving this city, and she was never coming back.

**

Russell stepped out of his limo, his insides tying themselves up in knots. He had never been more nervous in his life! He walked onto the red carpet, and was instantly knocked back by the screams of crazed fan girls and the flashes of the paparazzi’s cameras. If there was one thing he hated in his new life of fame, it was the paparazzi. They followed him everywhere.

Russell had decided that that was one of the main reasons he and Vivianne had not lasted very long after their secret affair had gone public. Vivianne had thrived under the paparazzi’s cameras, whereas Russell just wanted to be left alone. They had had arguments regularly about whether they should go out and be followed or just stay at home and have a quiet night in. Of course, Vivianne always wanted to go out and threw a tantrum until she got her own way. Russell had quickly grown sick of her childish ways and suddenly could not stand the spoilt brat. They had only broken up a week ago and Russell could not have been happier. Sure, he was not completely free of the paparazzi, but most of them had left him alone after realising he was not having any more forbidden affairs. 

Although, for now, Russell smiled cheerfully at the camera’s and posed whatever way the fans asked him to. He may have looked at ease to outsiders but his body was still wracked with nerves. He was gradually getting into it, when a photographer from Us magazine asked him for a photo with his co-star, and now ex, Vivianne Westlake. Russell nodded and smiled pleasantly, but really he was cursing the tabloids for not caring what kind of stress they put actors and celebrities under. Russell felt even worse when Vivianne wrapped her arms around him and smiled brightly, acting like she was still in love with him, when they all knew she was probably off with a new lover. He returned the smile, but inside he was screaming at her to leave him alone.

Fortunately, the paparazzi were distracted by a commotion going on behind them. Russell turned around just in time to see Eleanor Astolat in a stunning blue dress, pushing her way through the crowds, with tears streaming down her face. His mouth worked quicker than his brain, and he called out to her before he had time to even think.

“Eleanor! Eleanor, wait!” He yelled loudly, but she either did not notice or she ignored him. He quickly untangled himself from Vivianne’s arms and raced after the crying woman.

“Eleanor!”

The crowd had closed around her and everyone was shoving to get a closer look at what the hubbub was. He had not realised it until now, but he had been feeling oddly friendless since the filming had ended and he had broken up with Vivianne. He had found himself strangely drawn to his old work place, The Golden Treasure Theatre, as if he might see Eleanor drive by again. He never did though. Now that he had seen her again all the fun times he had had with her at the studio came rushing back, the times at the buffet table, the articles, the jokey flirting. Only now they were tainted with the events of the end of filming party. He could not escape her broken expression as he told her that he loved Vivianne, even though at the bottom of his heart he knew that he did not. He wished he could turn back the clock and tell her that he loved her too, and that he thought she was the most perfect woman in the world.

Russell finally burst from the crowd only to find the streets empty of people; it was like she had vanished into thin air. He looked down the road, but he could only see limos arriving and leaving. He searched around the crowds of people just in case she was still there. He looked all around the surrounding areas; he even missed the film because he was determined to find her.

But it was hopeless.

He had missed his chance.

She was gone forever.

Fin

The Act of Love: Part 6

Regrettably, Eleanor was unable to talk to either of the two as they both seemed to be avoiding her more than normal. It was as if they suspected that she knew about them. Eleanor did not mind, just as long as they stopped doing anything behind Aiden’s back. They were also lucky enough to finish filming smoothly with no major mishaps. Everyone had carried on as normal and Eleanor did not see Aiden, Vivianne or Russell for a couple of weeks as she was helping out with the editing. Even though the film was nearly finished and Aiden and Vivianne were still engaged, Eleanor could not help but feel depressed. The man she felt helplessly in love with was not only ignoring her but was having a secret affair with the leading lady.

 It was too cliché for words.

The Vivianne and Russell situation took up so much of her thoughts that she had even forgotten to care about people calling her ‘Ms Astolat’ and giving her more respect than she wanted. As a matter of fact, she had forgotten about most things, like her mother’s birthday, her laundry and most of the time she even forgot to eat. The pain of her heartbreak and the pain of keeping this secret ate her up inside and most of the time she felt sick with worry and nerves. In a way, she could not wait for this film to be over and done with.

**

It was not until the end of film party that Eleanor finally saw Aiden, Vivianne and Russell again. Aiden gave her a handshake and a large bouquet of light red carnations with a card saying ‘Thank you Ms Astolat, you have been an inspiration to us all.’ Eleanor felt so bad for him about the affair that she did not even feel a tiny bit put out by the fact that he still called her ‘Ms Astolat’ after nearly half a year of working together. However, unlike Aiden, Vivianne had just given her a forced smile and congratulated her on a film well done. Eleanor returned an equally forced smile and Aiden and Vivianne had walked off leaving Eleanor alone with Russell. He looked even more handsome than he had ever done before; Eleanor decided that tuxes definitely suited him.

“Ms Astolat, you truly are the best director of your time,” he complimented her with a shy smile. Eleanor smiled back shyly and out of sheer habit said, “Please, call me -”

“Eleanor.” Russell finished for her.

Like a million times before, her heart skipped a beat and her cheeks reddened. She looked up into his eyes and saw what she had missed very dearly, his friendship. Before she could stop herself she blurted out her secret.

“I know about you and Vivianne.”

The look in Russell’s eyes changed from friendship to horror and his skin paled. Eleanor knew instantly that she had made a mistake. She covered her face with hands, as if to block Russell’s stricken face from her memory. She wished that she had said nothing at all; she wished that she could have kept her stupid mouth shut.

“What...What did you just say?” He asked, his hands reaching up to grab her bare shoulders. Her skin burned, but this time she could not appreciate its tingly sensation as his fingers stabbed into her painfully.

“I...I heard you talking about it...” Eleanor did not know how she could explain without giving herself away as the vilest sort of eavesdropper. “It was a while ago, in the spare room, you two had a fight about, well, about me,” she confessed while hanging her head in shame. Russell let go of her arms looking slightly abashed and let out a shaky breath.

“I guess you haven’t told anyone then. That’s good.”

“Of course I haven’t told anyone!” Eleanor cried out indignantly, “I was waiting for you to do it. I mean, you can’t honestly think this will work?”

“Why couldn’t it work? We love each other,” he argued, but his brows furrowed and his voice wavered. Eleanor looked at him sceptically.

“Oh, really? Then why is Vivianne still hanging off of Aiden like a love sick puppy? Why haven’t you told him yet? Filming has been done for two weeks; you’ve had plenty of time.”

“She’s just pretending to still love him. We’re waiting for the right time.” Russell countered feebly. Eleanor felt a pang of guilt for him; maybe she should not have brought it up now. Most likely, she had probably just ruined the whole party for him.  She rested her hand on his arm consolingly; all the feelings she had for him before returned to her in a rush as she looked up into his uncertain face. His woeful eyes brought out hundreds of emotions in her and once again she could not control what her mouth was saying.

“I love you.”

The three words slipped out before she could stop them. Eleanor did not think it was possible but Russell went even paler and his mouth fell open.

“What?”

“I love you,” she said again and mentally cringed. What was she doing She could not stop it; the words kept spilling out of her mouth one by one. It was as if all the emotions she had kept bottled up for so long were finally pouring out of her in one hugely embarrassing confession. “Please, Vivianne isn’t meant for you. It wouldn’t work out between you. I know I can make you happy if you just let me try.”

Russell stood completely still for a few moments before he shrugged Eleanor’s hand off. His face looked like it was contorted in pain.

“I – I don’t know what to say. You love me?” He asked her cautiously; Eleanor nodded from the bottom of her heart, her eyes beseeching him to understand her true feelings. “But, you barely know me.”

“I want to get to know you! If only you would give me a chance.” She said, very nearly close to begging him and equally close to tears.

“I’m so sorry, I love Vivianne.” He apologised with sincerity, and Eleanor knew that this time he really did mean it. She nodded weakly and gave him a watery smile. She had been foolish to think anything would happen between them.

“Of course you do. I mean, why wouldn’t you? She’s gorgeous, funny, winner of Sexiest Woman for the past three years running; everything a guy could want.” Suddenly, all the jealousy and insecurities she had felt concerning Vivianne flooded her mind and tears burned her eyes, “I – I just wish you a world of happiness.” Though, as she said it she realised that she really did mean it. If she could not make Russell happy at least Vivianne could try. She only wanted Russell’s happiness even if it did not include her. She wiped her hand across her burning eyes and bit her lip.

“I have to go now, but enjoy the party and I’ll see you at the premiere next month...maybe.” She muttered, blinking back her tears. Russell dipped his head in farewell, and after giving her a sympathetic look, walked off. Eleanor did not look back as she ran from the hall, hailed a taxi and faded into the night.

The Act of Love: Part 5

The whole studio was buzzing with the news of Aiden and Vivianne’s announcement and everyone agreed that they made as cute a couple as King Arthur and Guinevere did. The crew members were not the only ones excited about the engagement, Cosmopolitan were calling them the new Brangelina and the National Enquirer said that they were the ‘It Couple’ of the decade. The film had even reached new popularity and early critics were giving them five stars. It could not have been going any better.

Apart from the divide between her and the rest of the crew seemed to be growing. Vivianne had taken a strong dislike to Eleanor after the talk about her not being allowed to wear her ring whilst filming, and had started to turn up her nose at any advice that Eleanor gave her during shooting. Vivianne seemed to have also convinced other crew and cast members to ignore her and she had begun to feel left out and isolated. Eleanor tried to get Aiden to talk Vivianne out of her resentment but nothing seemed to change her mind. This caused unnecessary strain in Eleanor’s life and she began to dread her days at work, feeling like a bullied child at school again. But the thing that hurt the most was that Russell seemed to be ignoring her too.

Frequently, Eleanor had bumped into Russell and tried to talk to him but he simply shrugged his shoulders noncommittally and walked off, leaving Eleanor to feel downcast and disappointed. Eleanor had believed that their friendship had been blossoming and he was the only person in the studio that she had felt she had any sort of closeness with.

The most unpleasant thing had happened when she had accidently knocked into him in the corridor and he had muttered, ‘So sorry, Ms Astolat.”

Her head reeled at the change in his behaviour and she could not imagine what had caused it. It could not have just been because of the incident with Vivianne and her engagement ring; she doubted that Russell would have cared that much. However, Eleanor realised once she got home why she was so upset. The reason why Russell ignoring her hurt her so much was because she had feelings for him, strong feelings that she had only just recognized. She had had these feelings for him from the very start, from the moment she had seen him walking out of the seedy Golden Treasure Theatre, with his smooth tan skin, dark curls and glimmering eyes. Her heart throbbed painfully just thinking about him but then sagged when she thought of his new unresponsive attitude. She fell onto her bed and prayed that the next day would be better.

**

Unfortunately, no such change happened. In fact, it only got worse. Eleanor had planned to find out what was wrong with Russell and had waited for him to wander to the buffet table before joining him.

“Hello, Russell,” she greeted happily, when inside her heart was hammering against her chest.

“Ms Astolat,” he acknowledged. Eleanor frowned at his curt greeting but still tried to engage him in conversation.

“Did you read the article in Empire Magazine? It says that Avalon’s Knights is going to be the biggest hit since Titanic.”

Russell’s only reply was a smile but it lacked any of the friendliness it had once possessed. Exasperated, Eleanor gave up her subtlety and just asked him straight out.

“Have I done something to offend you?” she demanded to know, her heart beating a mile a minute. Russell looked at her, and this time Eleanor saw some of the Russell she once knew.

“No,” he started sounding awkward, “It’s just...well...” but before he could finish an artificially sweet voice interrupted.

“Oh, Russell. Hey,” Vivianne sauntered over, sweeping her hair over one shoulder whilst simultaneously flashing her engagement ring. “I thought we could go over some lines together, over there,” she said raising her eyebrows and indicating to an empty room. Russell looked confused for a second before Vivianne sent him an annoyed look.

“Oh! Of course, over there.” He agreed, “Goodbye El – I mean, Ms Astolat.” His lapse was not missed by either of the women, Vivianne’s emerald eyes narrowed but Eleanor glowed inside. Maybe not all was lost after all. Eleanor watched Vivianne drag him into the unused room and close the door.

Except the door did not close all the way and she could hear Vivianne’s raised voice come from within. Out of curiosity, Eleanor slowly crept towards the opened door and listened in.

“Why were you talking to her?” Vivianne’s voice demanded.

“Look, she was talking to me first and I don’t see what the problem is. Just because you don’t like her doesn’t mean everyone else has to hate her. You’re only a queen in the film, you know.” Russell argued back.

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that!” Vivianne spat in anger. Eleanor was surprised by the sharp sound of a palm on skin. There was a tense silence and Eleanor was worried that the two people inside would hear her unsteady breathing from the opposite side of the door. Eventually, Vivianne spoke:

“Look, I’m sorry, Russell. I’m so sorry, Baby,” she crooned soothingly. Eleanor froze. Baby? What did Vivianne mean? She heard Russell’s heavy sigh.

“I’m sorry too; it’s just stressful sneaking around like this. I’m worried someone’s going to find out about us.”

“Don’t worry, Baby, no one even suspects us. And it’s just till the end of the film and I promise to break it off with Aiden.” Vivianne murmured reassuringly and Eleanor heard the sound of a kiss.

“I know, after filming because otherwise it would be too awkward to work with him, I understand.” Russell agreed and more kissing sounds followed. 

Eleanor backed away from door, sickened. Her first impressions of Vivianne had been right, she was selfish, and not only did she have no brain, she had no heart. How could she do this to Aiden? It was obvious that he loved her dearly and she had used the think that Vivianne had loved him in return. Obviously, she was mistaken. Eleanor could not cope with all this new information and ran to the toilet sort out her head. While she was there she splashed some water on her face.

Vivianne and Russell.

Russell and Vivianne.

It just did not make any sense. Though, in a way, she could see this coming from Vivianne, but not from Russell. Obviously, the irony was not lost on Eleanor. This was turning out to be just like the movie; beautiful Guinevere leaving noble King Arthur for his bravest knight, Lancelot. An illicit affair going on behind the good King’s back.

Her sick feeling quickly turned to anger. How dare they do this! Did they not realise the damage this could do to the film or Aiden? If they were found out Aiden would be heartbroken, Eleanor doubted whether he would want to work with either Vivianne or Russell again. Not only that, their reputations would be ruined. All that work Eleanor put in making Russell something in the world of Hollywood would have been for nothing. She could not believe how ungrateful they were being. There was no way she could let this go on. She would have to talk to them in private, tell them to break it off before it got out of hand; before Aiden found out.