***

OHM

Sammy sat next to me after chatting with P' New and the cute guy sitting at the corner of the room when I arrived fifteen minutes ago. She was giggling while still holding the book and reading the dedication scribbled on it. I took a peek and saw what was written.

__________

__________

"Cute!" I blurted out.

"I know , right?" she giggled. "That's why I really love him. He's so good, too. Have your read his books?" she asked. A confused look was obviously shown on my face. "Oh my God! You don't know him, do you?" When she didn't get any reply from me, she continued. "That's Fluke. Natouch Siripongthon. He's a famous author. This movie we are about to film is his book. He's also the one who wrote the script."

"Wow!" obviously surprised. "I never thought of that. He's story is really good." I said looking at where the man was sitting.

"You know what, Ohm, try to look around and observe sometimes. Research, research, something like that! It's really good, promise! You don't know anything about the world anymore. Listen to some news and gossips sometimes."

"Hey! You're such a bully."

***

After a few minutes, the script reading started. P'New explained the details and other concerns about the movie. Each one of the casts, including me, of course, was asked to read certain parts from the script.

Everything went well. After about an hour, he got everyone's attention when he turned on the microphone installed at his table and said, "Newie. . ." his voice was so soft and calm.

"Yes, Fluke? Any concerns?" P' New asked.

"I just want to hear something before I leave. Can we try that part when Jane is leaving Carl?"

"Sure, Fluke. . . Ready, Sammy and Ohm?" and we both nodded.

I let out a deep sigh before starting. The first few lines were done pretty well, 'till we reach a certain part of the conversation.

"So, it's just like that? You will simply decide for the two of us? Please, Jane, 'don't leave, please. I can't do it. I need you in my life. Let's fix this, okay? okay? Please, give US another chance." I said, voice cracking. I turned my gaze to Fluke's direction, and saw him leaned his back on the swivel chair, head's up to the ceiling, eyes closed.

"You still don't understand? How many times do I need to repeat it to you. There's nothing. There's no US now. I don't love you anymore!" Sammy, too, started to cry.

"Is there someone else now? Do-do y-you already ha-have some-one?"

"I'm so sorry, Carl."

"Okay. That's it! Good job, you two!" P' New said.

Everyone looked at the corner of the room where he was sitting, waiting for his reaction. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes, stood up and gathered his things. I didn't know why I felt uncomfortable or maybe nervous when he faced everyone without any reaction. He walked straight to P' New, who happened to be just two seats away from me. I heard him say, "Newie, I'm going now. Just record the rest of the reading please, I would really love to hear it. As much as I want to finish this, I really have to go."

"What's the rush? I was hoping to have dinner with you. The kids missed you so much." he said.

"The elders. It's the sixteenth today, remember?"

"Oh, right. I forgot. I should have bought some flowers for them."

"That's okay. They'll understand." He said and gave him a tight hug. "I'll set up a date with my baby munchkins and Liza. God! I missed them so much!" P' New just gave him a big smile and nodded.

He then walked passed me to approach Sammy who was sitting at my right. "Sammy, as always, I love how you do it. You were great there." he said and Sammy stood up to hug him.

"Of course. I don't want to disappoint you." she proudly said. Then she noticed that I was staring at Fluke and smiling like a giddy teenager. "Hey, Ohm! You look like an idiot there. Don't stare too much. Fluke might melt!" Then, I heard everyone in the room laughed.

Then, he faced me for the first time. I was taken a back. I really didn't know what to do. He was so charming. I felt like my world stopped when he looked at me. I immediately stood up and extended my hand to him. "Uhm. . . Hi! . . I. . . I'm Ohm. . . Nice to meet you." Obviously nervous and shy.

He stood there in front of me looking at my outstretched hand for a little while before taking it. I released a sigh of relief. I didn't realize I was holding my breath at that time. What's with this man? I thought.

"Ahmm. . ." I heard him say as he tried to pull his hand away from my grip. I didn't realize I was still holding his hand for long. "Nice to meet you, too, Ohm. You did great as well." he said looking straight to my eyes. Oh my! Why are you staring at me like that? Wooooh! "I almost cried there. Even just your voice, I felt that. You're good!" he said sincerely and I felt it.

"Whoa!" I released a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it."

"Correction! I did not like it. I LOVED it!" he clapped my right shoulder as he walked passed me.

And I love you, too. ---Wait!?! What???

***