Page 142 of Holly Jolly July

After crossing the road, showing my ID to security, and making my way up to my hair and makeup station, I prepare for our last day on set. There are several side actors and background people who need their makeup done and I busy myself with that, allowing my mind to wander to everything I need to do before I leave Vancouver. Try as I might to focus on the ever-growing list of seemingly insurmountable tasks ahead, my mind keeps going back to Ellie. Maybe it’s because with every turn of my wrist my bracelet catches the light, drawing my attention to it. Or it could be because the people sitting in my chair don’t radiate anything close to the energy that shines out of her like some sort of happiness Arc Reactor.

I look at the clock, wondering when she’ll be here, wishing she’d hurry up and arrive so I can look at her beautiful face, while simultaneously wishing she’ll never show up, so I don’t have to say goodbye.

Interstitial

Int. Brewed Awakening Café - Night

Annie enters the café alone, stepping slowly while looking around, eyes wide. The café is closed. Everything is quiet.

ANNIE

Hello? Kate, you in here?

Kate enters from the back room.

KATE

Oh, hey, Annie! How was the party?

ANNIE

Kate... were you married to James?

KATE

Oh shoot. He told you, didn’t he?

Kate approaches Annie.

Annie takes several steps back, bumping into a table behind her.

ANNIE

Do you know that you’re... that you’re...

KATE

A ghost? Yeah. Come on, let’s sit down.

Annie keeps her eyes on Kate as she sits at the table behind her.

Kate joins Annie, sitting opposite her.

KATE

Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt you.

When I passed away, my spirit never left.

I couldn’t leave, not knowing how hard

James would take losing me. I figured I

would stick around for a bit to make sure

he’d be okay. I didn’t expect to be here

three years later. I was worried I’d be

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