Hidden Talent

Chapter 4

“Yeah.” He nodded. He took a look around and suddenly noticed Amy next to him. “Oh, I forgot. Jamie, get her whatever she wants.” He pointed to Amy “My new assistant.” He explained.

Amy smiled “Just Chicken on rice.” She told the girl.

Philip paid for the food and they sat down eating lunch together. He took a huge bite and tapped her hand from across the table. “I wanted to ask you…” he said through a mouthful of food.

Amy wagged her finger at him “Didn’t your mom ever teach you not to speak with your mouth full? The question can wait.” She scolded lightly.

He rolled the food on both sides of his cheeks, causing them to look like two huge balls. “Yeah, but I like to eat comfortably.” He said clearly.

She winced in disgust “Don’t do that, you look like a chipmunk.” He only laughed and began chewing again before stuffing more food in. “For a star, you sure don’t have any table manners.”

He pulled up his fork and pointed it at her “Hey, I’m only human. I eat just like everyone else.”

Amy laughed as she looked around the room “Really? If you can find one person in this room that eats like you, I will stop picking on you.”

Philip rolled his eyes “Fine.” He got up and walked down to the next table where a couple was eating. They looked like small role actors, who were reading their lines with the script next to their lunch dish. Amy noticed him saying something to the guy and instantly, he scooped a spoonful of the left over rice on his dish and stuffed it in his mouth. Philip turned to Amy with a victorious grin, he nodded at the guy with his eyes and Amy shook her head sadly.

“I give up.” She put up her hands in defense. “What did you tell him anyways?”

Philip took his seat across from her with a wicked grin “You want to know don’t you?”

She thought about it for a few seconds and then shook her head “No, not really.”

His grin faded “Aww, come on! Ask me.”

Amy began to understand him a bit more. He liked to be humored. But she was not the kiss up type. “No.” she said flatly and ate her lunch.

“Fine, I’m not telling you.” He pouted and ate his lunch. After a moment of silence, he dropped his fork and threw a little tantrum “Why don’t you want to know?” Amy looked up with a surprised expression “Okay, I’ll tell you. I told him if he stuffed the food in his mouth, I would give him a role in my next movie.”

Amy chuckled with her head shaking “You are something, you know that?”

He smiled shyly “Aww, thanks.”

“It’s not a compliment.” She explained causing him to pout again. She laughed “You don’t have the power to give people roles in movies. Isn’t that the producer’s job?”

Philip narrowed his eyes at her “Liz taught you too much.” He looked at her half full plate and commented “You eat like a bird. Come on, we have to leave in 5 minutes.” He glanced at his watch.

“You only get 15 minutes of lunch?” she asked incredulously.

“No, one hour. But a certain someone was late, so the conference started late so lunch has been cut to a minimum.” He said spitefully. She only smiled apologetically and began to eat faster.

After lunch, Philip took Amy to Studio 10A, which would be the main place he would be filming indoors. “Now you have to, I mean absolutely have to remember this studio because I will be here most of my days. The station decided to give me my own room.” He pointed to one of the offices that they passed by with his name on it.

“I wouldn’t have guessed with your name on the door.” She quipped but looked around din awe.

“Don’t get smart with me, young lady. I could fire you today!” he joked.

She laughed “Sure, how will you explain to the reporters when you have a new assistant tomorrow?”

“Okay, you got me.” They both laughed as he opened the heavy doors for her to walk through. It was a sound proof room with hundreds of lights shining on certain sets. She’s never seen anything like that before. If it wasn’t for the fact that the cameras and lights were there, she would have thought she stepped into a hospital.

The director saw Philip as he waved him over “Right on time.” He commented. It was something he admired in Philip and hoped that all actors could be like him. He was always on time even with his popularity. “Should we start the first scene?”

Philip nodded as he turned to Amy “Can you get me a bottle of water in the cafeteria?” She nodded and stepped hurriedly out of the room to get him water. After she left, the two discussed the scene he would be doing. They already chose the main actress to be Athena Chu, who was popular for her childish features and feminine figure. The two have worked together before and the director thought it would be good to rekindle the on-screen connection.

When Amy returned she saw Philip and the popular actress, Athena Chu speaking in low voices as they rehearsed their lines. She waited on the side patiently for him to finish. When he was done, she rushed to him and gave him the bottle. He chugged the bottle over his mouth but no water came out. “Take it back, there’s nothing in there.”

Amy narrowed her eyes strangely “It’s not open.” She said cautiously, not sure if he was being sarcastic. He handed it to her and she opened it for him. He looked up and gave her a sweet smile. “You sure have a way with words.” She commented.

“Thanks. Hey, we’re gonna start shooting the end scene, so if you want to stay in here, just keep quiet.” He pointed towards the entrance “They’re locking the doors. So just stay around there.”

Amy nodded but at the same time, her face wrinkled in curiosity “The end scene? I thought it was just starting production today? Shouldn't you be filming the first scene?”

He smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders leading her towards the back so the camera guy could get ready “Honey, this is the trick of the business. We shoot whatever scene is easiest. It’s not necessarily in order of the movie. FYI.” He gave her wink.

“FYI?” she didn’t know if it was code talk.

“For your information.” He explained with a calm smile and returned to the set.

She nodded and watched from the sideline as the scene took place before her very eyes. It was the scene where the main girl will have to convince Philip to go back into the surgery room and operate on his dying sister. He is feeling stressful. “Quiet on the set!” someone yelled “We’re rolling.”

“Action!” the director announced. And like magic the scene unfolded before Amy’s eyes. Philip was sitting in a waiting area and Athena rushed in from around a corridor that was actually empty.

“Ray! I’ve been looking all over for you!” she announced. But her face frowned when she saw the sad expression on his face. She took a seat next to him and began speaking in a quieter tone. “What’s wrong? I thought you were operating on Kimmie?”

Philip had his hands on his face as he rubbed them roughly, giving it so much feeling. Amy actually felt his stress and pain. He leaned back against the wall and let out a long sigh “I can’t do it, Keli. I just can’t.”

She reached over and rubbed his back in a circular motion “Yes, you can. You’ve done it before. What makes this time any different?”

“She’s my sister, what if something happens during the operation?” he said with much concern. “It would be all my fault.”

“Why do you think like that? Whatever happens is up to God’s hands. All you can do is try your best to save her life. Listen to me, Ray, you are saving her life. She has half a chance to live. If you don’t do it, no one will.”

He shook his head and dug his face into his lap as he groaned in agony. “I can’t!” he cried openly and she took him into her arms as she rocked him lightly.

“Ray, do you know what I admire about you?” he shook his head “The fact that you never give up. Since the day I met you, you’ve always finished what you started. I thought to myself, now there’s a guy with a good head on his shoulders.”

Philip looked up with tears in his eyes, Amy covered her mouth as she too began to tear up. She didn’t think he was that good before, but this seemed more real, it was definitely raw talent. “Really?” he asked, his voice shaking.

Athena nodded with a smile, her eyes reddened too “I think you’re great at what you do. I’m sure your sister would not want anyone else to operate on her than her own brother. Her life is in your hands. Whatever stress or pain you’re going through, you have to put it aside for her. She needs you.” Her voice was earnest and meaningful.

He nodded after a moment, letting the words sink in “You’re right. I can’t sit here and complain about it. It’s not about me anymore, it’s about her. She can’t die.” He wiped his tears with the back of his hand as he let out the brightest grin “Thank you so much!” he hugged her warmly as he got up and walked towards the direction she came from at the beginning of the scene. He turned before disappearing around the corner “I owe you one, Keli.” She smiled at him.

Amy was so into the scene that she found herself clapping after the scene ended. “Bravo!” she cried out.

“CUT!” the director called out and the whole set began to bustle around. He turned towards the voice behind him “Miss, please do not speak until I say ‘cut’. Would someone please escort her out?” he looked around like a mad man.

Philip quickly came to her defense “I’m sorry director Cheng, she’s my new assistant. It’s her first time on the set. Don’t kick her out.” He was practically begging “She won’t make another sound right?” he raised an eyebrow at Amy.

“Yes. My lips are sealed.” Amy promised. She rushed over to them “I’m so sorry. I just got so into the scene. That was amazing!” she gushed at Philip.

“She gives me a little inspiration. Can she stay?” he asked again.

The man, who’s face was friendly during the conference was sour now. He eventually nodded “Fine. But not a peep from you!” he pointed to Amy. She nodded with her lips curled inward. The man soon left to check the camera and scene leaving the two there.

Amy smiled guiltily “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean.”

Philip only laughed “You’re so funny! I can’t believe you did that. Looks like I got myself a fan.”

“I was always a fan, just not a crazed fan. Maybe it’ll change.” She was teasing.

“You like that scene?” he asked.

She nodded “Yeah, its so meaningful. Wow…and the tears, are they real?” he nodded and she was full of admiration all over again “That was brilliant.”

“What did you think of her role?” he pointed in Athena’s direction.

“She did good. But…I don’t know if I should comment.” She had another idea how the main girl should approach the main guy but didn’t want to butt in, since she wasn’t a professional.

“Tell me.” He crossed his arms with interest.

She shook her head “I don’t want to be nosy.”

Philip frowned “There’s no harm in telling me. I want to hear suggestions, maybe I’ll tell the director if it’s good.” She shook her head not saying a word and he sighed shortly “My patience is running out, Amy. Tell me now or I’ll kick you out.” He threatened.

She smiled at him, knowing that he was kidding “Fine. It was so awkward the way she ran down the hall and finding you sitting there with your face in your hands. She sat next to you…I thought she should have bent down on her knees and place her hands on your knees giving it a more personal and ads a little more…”

“Feeling?” he asked. He nodded with a smile, it was a good idea. He smiled “Someone’s got a bit of hidden talent in them don’t they?”

She smiled proudly at his compliment “Really?”

He nodded “It’s good.” He turned and rushed over to Athena and whispered something to her and she nodded with a smile. Amy ruffled her brows wondering if he made the suggestion. Soon they were ready to shoot the scene again. This time Amy covered her mouth to keep it from saying anything. The director gave her a quick glance before calling out ‘action’.

This time Athena did what Philip suggested and Amy thought it looked wonderful. It was more real. After the scene was over, the director called out “Cut!” he clapped his hands “That was great. I love that little change at the beginning.” He pointed out. “Did you think of it, Athena?”

She shook her head “No, Philip suggested it. I wasn’t sure if it would look right.”

“It was more than perfect.” The director was satisfied and he turned to Philip “Great suggestions. You never seem to fail when it comes to ideas.”

Philip gave Amy a wink of the eye as he smiled in her direction. She grinned happily knowing that she was responsible for the slight change of one of the most important scenes in the movie.

Chapter 5

They took a break while a bunch of fans came rushing to him the minute the director said cut. Amy smiled knowing that he didn’t mind signing autographs when it was for his female fans. They gushed over him and some even blushed when he looked at them in the eye. After he was done, he sat back in his chair and sighed, he quickly looked around for Amy.

She came up behind him with a cold bottle of water “Looking for me or are you looking for this?” she handed him the open bottle, learning after her first lesson.

Philip looked up and smiled at her brightly “Thanks. You always seem to read my mind.” He looked around for an empty chair as he pulled one up next to him. “Have a seat.” He pointed. She sat down with a smile “What are you smiling at?” it seemed contagious because he too smiled when he saw her grinning at him. She gave him a slight shrug but didn’t answer “Okay. You want me to guess?”

She found it amusing that he wanted to attempt to read her mind “Knock yourself out.” She urged.

He tapped his chin with the water bottle “Hmm…you suddenly realized how great of a person I am and have found yourself falling head over heals for me.”

Amy laughed at his conclusion but shook her head in the end “For a minute there I was a bit envious and respectful of you until you said that. Now I just think you're being cocky.”

He laughed “Well, at least the truth came out, it doesn’t matter what I said.”

“Sneaky.” She said shortly.

“You barely noticed?” he asked teasingly “How long have you been helping me?”

She looked away thoughtfully trying to count the weeks “This Sunday will be exactly one month.”

“Really? It feels more like 1 year.” Sarcasm easily detected from his voice.

Amy laughed “I sense a bit of regret in that tone.”

He smiled “Never any regrets. But I have to admit, I’ve had plenty of assistants before and I always thought that no one would be as compatible as Liz and I. But here I am sitting here with you after almost one month and thinking that same thing.”

She smiled shyly “Thanks, I try.”

“Philip, time for the next scene!” the producer yelled to catch his attention.

He took one quick gulp of the bottled water and Amy took it from his hand. “Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?” he smiled and gave her a slight wink of the eye.

“Really?” she asked. It has only been 5 hours, normally she would not take the break but that day she was very tired.

Philip smiled as he walked away “Bye, I’ll see you tomorrow at the studio.” He waved at her without turning.

She returned to the station to collect her things before leaving for home. She missed her bed and it was the only thing on her mind. When she left, she ran into John. “Hey, what’s your rush?” he asked when she looked like she was ready for a jog.

Amy looked up before pushing her glasses closer to her bridge “Hi John.”

“Johnny.” He corrected. It was a nickname that caught on and he only allowed good friends to call him that. He would easily correct the person if they dared call him that without his permission. “Where are you going?’

“Home. Philip let me off early.” She explained.

His eyes bulged out in shock “He what?”

She frowned strangely “You sound shock.”

Johnny nodded “Yeah, I’m shocked. He’s never in his 10 year career let off an assistant early from work. He has a strong belief that you should work hard and not expect any easy road out. I know he worked Liz like a dog, he wouldn’t let her off if she was dying in bed.” Amy rolled her eyes at the exaggeration and he quickly corrected himself “Okay, that’s not true. But I’m a good friend of Liz and she has never told me that he let her off early.” He wrinkled his forehead “Either he favors you or…”

“Or what?” she was almost afraid to ask. After all, he was closer to Philip than she was. She hoped that he would not say what she was thinking.

“Nevermind.” He shook his head nonchalantly and began walking away.

Amy quickly caught up to him as he began walking along the streets toward the parking structure to his car “No, I want to know.” She insisted.

Johnny laughed “No, you don’t. I mean, the last thing anyone needs to know is that their boss has a crush on them.”

She halted suddenly and her faced turned bright red. Her mind began to race as she tried to talk it out of believing such a nonsense thing. How could he like her after one month? How could a movie star like someone so plain as herself. It was like a common peasant marrying a prince. It was impossible. She laughed at herself for believing such an wild thing “You’re crazy.”

Johnny turned to see her shaking her head “Am I? Just wait and see. I’m never wrong.” He said with much confidence that it made Amy nervous again. He glanced at his watch “You need a ride?”

Amy nodded blankly, she was going to take the bus “Thanks.”

He stood there with his head tilted at her while she didn’t budge from her spot. He walked over and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her away “You look like you just saw a ghost.” Johnny laughed.

****************

The following week, Amy was careful not to sit or stand too close to Philip each time he took a short break from shooting. One morning, she was sitting in his office waiting for him to come when she began nodding off. She didn’t have enough sleep the night before. Suddenly the door opened and she instantly stood up like a soldier ready to salute a lieutenant. Philip smiled strangely at her “What’s the matter with you?”

She covered a yawn and shook her head “Nothing.” He shrugged carelessly and sat down at his dress table to fix his hair before the hair and makeup girl came. Amy instantly noticed something different about him “Anything wrong?” she read him like a book.

He sighed and turned to face her “You know when things don’t go your way and you feel really frustrated?” Amy nodded eventhough she never found herself in that situation. “Well, that’s exactly how I’m feeling now.”

She frowned “What’s the problem?” her genuine concern took over as she seated across from him.

“Look at this.” He pulled out the pair of fake glasses for his role and put them on. They were crooked as can be “How am I suppose to shoot the scene looking like this? And we have to film out of town in this remote area all day today. The Studio’s optometry office is closed and there is no one that can fix this.”

She laughed at how small the problem was but he was clearly upset “Is that all?”

It was the first time he gave her a cold look “Is this funny to you?”

Amy stopped laughing as she sighed “Well, Mr. Cheung you are in luck because you are looking at an ex optometrist assistant.” She got up and waved him to follow her “Take me to the studio’s eye doctor office and I’ll get this fixed before you even remember how the glasses came to shape that way.”

Philip was suddenly feeling lighter finally finding someone that can help him but he found it stupid of himself to not know his own assistant was the person. “I sat on them.”

She looked over at him and rolled her eyes “So you brought it on yourself.” She teased openly.

He laughed for the first time that morning “I guess I did.” They reached the spacious office. Lucky for them it was open eventhough there was no one inside. They turned on the lights and Amy walked into the technician room where there were odd looking tools hung along the wall and a little metal container with beads of sand in it.

Amy turned to Philip and placed her hand out as he gave her the deformed frames. She placed them on him carefully and concentrated on the mistakes. She took them off and began her expertise. She dipped the ear piece into the sand for a couple of seconds before taking them out. She moved it with ease as it molded from the touch of her fingers. She used one of the tools to correct the nose pieces and the side bridge. Then she cleaned the frames and then put it on him.

He smiled after feeling the frame fit his ears and face perfectly, he didn’t even need to look a mirror “How did you do that?”

She smiled “Before I was a legal secretary. I was a lot of other things.”

“Like?” he crossed his arms with interest.

“Hmm…how would you like your meat cooked? Would you like me to pose you or would you like to pose yourself?” she threw a few examples.

He widened his eyes “You were a nude photographer?!”

She wrinkled her nose with disgust “No!! Ew, no, no, no….” he began laughing from the incredulous look on her face. She hit him on the arm playfully “That’s not funny.” She scolded but could not hide the apparent smile on her face.

“Hey, you two are not suppose to be in here.” An authority voice bellowed at them.

The two looked up with guilty faces until they realized it was just Johnny “I thought it was someone important.” Philip quipped making Amy giggle.

“Ha ha. What are you two doing here?” he asked nosily.

“I’m just adjusting his frames for the scene since the office was closed today, no one is here to help him.” Amy explained.

Johnny smiled at her knowingly as he nodded “Sure…sounds good.” She quickly blushed at his comment knowing where he was getting at.

“Let’s go, we’re gonna be late for the bus.” She said quickly and rushed out of the room.

Philip turned to Johnny who’s gaze followed Amy “What did you say to her?”

He shrugged at his friend “Nothing of importance.” He took a glance at his watch “I’m gonna go now. I’ll see you next week for our meeting.”

Philip nodded but his mind was still on the fact that Amy was acting strangely lately and wondered if Johnny had anything to do with it. He vowed that he would get down to the bottom of the whole thing.

The cast and crew met in the back of the studio where a large tour bus was ready to take them to their next location of filming. Amy helped packed some of the make up and accessories and put them in the bus side trunk. By the time she entered the bus, it was filled with people and there were barely any space left. Her eyes quickly caught the last empty seat and quickly sat down before Philip noticed she was 5 rows from him. She stared out the window and saw the driver walking towards the front. He got on the bus and announced “Okay, it’s going to be about a two hour drive so I want everyone to stay in their seats and enjoy the ride. We’ll play a movie while you relax.” He turned on the ignition and began driving off.

About 15 minutes into the ride, Amy noticed they were clearing away from the city and soon hit the rural area. She was drawn to the scenery at first but soon found herself mesmerized by the mountains. She began to doze off without knowing it. It wasn’t until the bus hit a huge bump that she was startled awake. She opened her eyes and felt a shoulder under her right cheek. She looked up and saw Philip smiling at her “Hello, sleeping beauty.”

She practically plastered herself against the window “What are you doing here?”

He laughed “We are all traveling to the countryside to film, remember? Don’t tell me you have amnesia after dozing off?”

Amy shook her head “No, I know where we’re going…I mean…” she pointed to his seat.

He nodded “Oh, I decided to move because Sam snores when he sleeps.” He whispered the last comment. “Anyways, you are the only one with the seat all to yourself. You want me to move?” she looked down at her hands and he stood up.

She felt bad as she reached for him “No…” he turned to her with a smile and that dimple she could not resist. Amy pulled her hand away from his “You can sit here.”

Philip sat down happily and smiled at her strangely “Is something wrong between us?”

“There’s nothing between us.” She said quickly.

He put up his hands in defense “Wow…what’s with the snappiness? You sure you’re okay?” he placed the back of his hand on her forehead and she jumped back. He let out a sigh and tilted his head “Okay, I know you’re lying. What is the matter with you? You’ve been jumpy and don’t think I didn’t notice you giving me the cold shoulder the other day.”

She turned away at the window and shook her head “It’s nothing…really.”

“Did that nosy little Johnny say something to you?” he guessed it on the nose.

But she wasn’t about to give in “No, he didn’t say anything.”

Philip didn’t realize how stubborn she was until that very day. Either that or she could keep a secret like no other “Okay fine. Today is your last day.” He said seriously.

Amy spun herself around to face him “What?” she asked unable to believe what she just heard.

“You heard me. I cannot work with a person that is not truly honest with me. I pride myself on the great honest relationships between myself and the assistants that I’ve had. You are definitely the easiest to get along but also the hardest to understand. I don’t need this kind of stress…” he faded out as he waited for her to respond.

She was quiet for a while before nodding “You’re right.” He smiled expecting her to tell him what was wrong “It’s unfair for you. Remind me to give you the tag at the end of the day.”

He shook his head with a frown “Wait, that was not the way it was suppose to go. You’re not suppose to agree with me. You’re suppose to tell me what’s wrong?”

His voice was raising and a few people began to look at their direction “I can tell you but not here.” She whispered. “Later…” she promised and he nodded in agreement. They sat in silence for the rest of the ride. Her eyes were glued to the scenery outside while he leaned back and rested his eyes.

Chapter 6

Amy had other things on her mind, she wondered how she could approach the problem with Philip. She looked around for the cooler but could not find it. She looked at the make up girl “Mary, did we bring the cooler?”

The girl looked around “Maybe someone forgot to bring it?”

Amy let out a curse as she felt suddenly stressful. She knew Philip needed his bottle of water before starting a scene. She looked around and could not find a person in sight let alone a convenient store to buy water. Amy turned back and found the crew setting up light, which mean she had some time to look for a store. She recalled down the road, they passed by a remote city. It was at least a few blocks down. She knew she had to rush if she wanted to get back in time. She had on sandals which mean it wasn’t helping her get there quicker.

Completely out of breath by the time she reached the little town, she asked the first person she saw “Where is there a shop that sells water bottles?”

The elder lady smiled kindly “It’s at least another block down, sweetie.” She looked down at her sandals “The road is a little bumpy, so take your time.” She warned.

Amy had no time to worry about her shoes as she thanked the woman and went on her way. She reached the store and bought four water bottles. She must have been rushing up the hill when she tripped over a few pebbles and fell on her knees. Crying out in pain as she knew it was pretty scrapped up but she didn’t worry about it since she was expected back at the filming site. The last thing she needed was for the whole crew to go out searching for her.

She limped most of her way back but quickly straightened out her leg when she reached the group. She saw Philip talking to Mary and then he looked up spotting her with a bag in her hands. He rushed over to her “Where have you been? I was about to send out a search party.” He scolded with a worried tone but she mistaken it for annoyed.

“I’m sorry. I just ran to the convenient store to buy some water.” She held up the bag and pulled out one bottle.

He grabbed it from her hand before she could open it “That store is at least five blocks from here. Are you crazy?”

“We forgot to bring the cooler and I know you would need water. It wasn’t that far.” She brushed it off lightly and began walking away.

“Next time, just tell me where your going before you run off on your own. This town is foreign to us, no one knows their way around, if you get lost, what would we do?” he followed and continued to give her grief.

She sighed “Yes, father.”

“It’s not funny, Amy.” He stopped her with his hands on her shoulders “I don’t want anything happening to you.”

She nodded without looking at him in the eye “It won’t happen again.” She pulled away lightly when a few people began glancing their way.

Filming began and it wasn’t until four hours later until everyone took a mandatory lunch break. Boxes of packed lunch was brought out and passed around to everyone. Most of the people laid out newspaper or napkins as they sat on the green grass meadow. Amy’s knees were still stinging from the fall she had earlier. She sat near the bus away from the crowd. She pulled up her black slacks to her knees while cleaning the bruise with a wet napkin. The cuts were left alone for too long because they stung like salt on a cut when she dabbed it carefully.

“Amy!” Philip called out looking for her. She quickly pulled down her pants.

“I’m here, Philip!” she returned the call.

He curved around the corner of the bus, in his hands were two white boxes with the chicken and rice “I brought you your lunch.” He handed it to her “Is something wrong with this picture?”

She laughed “Would you like a raise?” she took it from him “Thanks.”

“Why are you hiding out here?” he asked curiously.

Amy shrugged “I just want to be alone.” Suddenly she thought of something. Getting up from her seat, she winced in pain but she was careful for him not to see it. “We should get back to the group before rumors start flying.”

“Let ‘em fly, I live for them.” He said firmly “Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“I told you I’d tell you later.” A touch of annoyance in her voice as she began to walk away, this time her limp was more obvious.

He looked down at her knees “Hey, your pants are dirty.” Without thinking, he leaned over and brushed it off her knees.

She cried out in pain “Ow!” she pulled herself back and held up her hands “I’ll do it myself.” She backed away from him but it was too late, he was on to her.

“What’s wrong with your leg?” he pointed. She shook her head “Let me see.” His authority tone of voice took over.

“It’s just a little scrape.” She said nonchalantly and began walking away.

He blocked her way and looked down at her sternly “Show me or I will do it myself. You know I will too.” He warned. She knew him well enough to know that he kept his word, she bent over and pulled up her pant legs gingerly, afraid to touch the wound. His eyes widened in shock “That is no scrape, Amy. Oh my God! What in the world happen?”

“Clumsy old me, I tripped and fell right now. I was too embarrassed to sit with everyone else.” She lied.

Philip gave her is boxed lunch “Hold this.” He bent down and she thought he was looking at it with a closer eye, instead he pulled up her other pant leg and it was practically identical to the other. Both knees were bleeding. “You’re not a very good liar. Some part is already dried up. It didn’t just happen. Was it this morning?” She nodded slowly. He sighed. “Sit down, Amy.” He commanded.

“What are you going to do?” she asked like a scared puppy.

“Something you should have done earlier.” He rushed around the bus and got the first aid kit from Mary. He came back and tended to her wounds. It only made her feel more uncomfortable.

“I can do it myself.” She reached for the cotton in his hand but he was quicker as he pulled it away.

“No. I don’t care if you use to be an ex nurse, it was my fault this happened to you.” He sounded more angry at himself. But he was gentle as can be as he cleaned her wound and patched it up with four bandages.

“I was never a nurse.” Amy said after he was done.

“Well, I’m playing a doctor, it’s close enough.” He was finally in his teasing voice again.

“That’s not the same.” She said a matter of factly. He looked at her sternly “Okay, fine, I won’t say anything else.” She pushed herself to get up and he was instantly on her side helping her up. “You didn’t even eat lunch.” She pointed out.

“You didn’t either.” He glanced at his watch “15 minutes again.” He said shortly reminding her of her first day on the job.

Amy smiled as she open her box “I’ve learned to eat much faster.” To his surprise, the normally conservative girl began to stuff her face. He smiled as he too began eating fast.

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It was almost 10pm by the time they finally returned to the studio. Philip insisted on escorting her off the bus but she kept pushing him away “I can walk fine. My legs are still working.” She said sternly. Everyone in the bus knew what had happened to her since Philip told everyone.

He jumped off the bus first and turned as he put out a hand to help her down. Mary looked at them with a grin “Hey, what about me?” she put out her hand playfully and everyone burst out laughing.

“When you injure yourself for me, I’ll help you.” Philip said with a smile.

Amy leaned into his ear “Can you not announce that to the whole world?”

He rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around her waist as he assisted her into the studio. “It’s not the whole world, just the cast and crew.” When they reached his personal office, he closed the door behind him and turned to her “Okay, now will you tell me what’s going on?”

She knew it was coming, too bad she wasn’t prepared “I…uh…gosh, do we really have to do this now?” she let out a fake yawn.

“Yes.” He said firmly.

Amy sighed “Fine. I…don’t want to get involved with my boss. I appreciate that you think so highly of me and that you think I’m easy to get along with but…I’m just not the girl for you.”

Philip muffled a laugh as he covered his mouth with his hands “I see…” he blurted out before cracking up. She frowned at him and it made him laugh louder “Don’t look at me like that.”

“So you don’t…” she started and he shook his head. She turned away obviously embarrassed “Oh my gosh…I’m such a dork.” She covered her face in her hands.

He was still smiling as he walked over to comfort her “Oh, it’s not that bad. All my assistants thought I liked them.”

“Yeah, right!” she got away from his grasp “I don’t blame you for wanting to fire me now.”

He laughed “Why would I do that? I have the best laughs with you. You are really something else, Amy Chan.”

“Somehow, I don’t see it as amusing.” She sat down on the chair with a thump “I’m soo embarrassed.”

He pouted his lips at her “Awww, it’s not that bad.” He comforted. He stroked at her pony tail and then suddenly pulled away “Oh, I’m sorry, am I giving you the wrong message?”

She looked up at him “I’m never going to hear the end of it am I?” he shook his head “I quit then.”

“Oh no you don’t. You’re the best assistant I have. I’m not letting you go that easily.” He smiled more sincerely “Don’t worry, this is between us.” She sighed with relief and he laughed. “Hey, did Johnny tell you that I liked you?”

Amy looked up with wide eyes “Oh gosh, don’t tell him, please. He’ll torture me!”

Philip nodded “I know, I won’t tell anyone. So he did tell you?” she nodded and he was already pondering a comeback for this embarrassment he caused Amy. “Don’t worry, little Amy. No one picks on my people and gets away with it.”

“What are you going to do?” she asked, almost afraid to know yet another secret.

“I don’t know yet. But when I get the chance, he’ll be sorry he was ever born nosy.” A wicked grin crossed his face.

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