PLATONIC

LITHA

I had always been passionate about writing.

I had been writing short stories and screenplays since I was a teenager, but it wasn’t until after university that I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a professional scriptwriter.

I am a film graduate and have graduated top of my class. After completing an internship in Cape Town, I knew that the best place to chase my dreams and make a name for myself was Johannesburg, the heart of the South African film industry.

I was always hesitant about moving to another city where I knew no one. Growing up in a small town, in the Eastern Cape and the idea of leaving my comfort zone was always daunting to me. I’ve only been to Johannesburg once, and that was for work. Someone had called me to come and work on a local low-budget film.

I had fun in that city, I’ve always loved it. So, I packed my bags and moved to the big city once again. I got lucky and found a small apartment in Melrose and started searching for job opportunities right after settling in. I had always dreamed of working for Quick Pictures, one of the most prestigious production companies in the country. Knowing that they were responsible for producing most of the local TV shows I grew up watching, and I had always admired their work.

After my internship, my former mentor helped me secure a meeting with one of the executives at Quick Pictures. I was thrilled at the opportunity to pitch my romantic comedy film to them.

I spent weeks preparing for the meeting, perfecting my pitch, and rehearsing my presentation. I wanted to make sure that I made a good impression and that they saw my passion for storytelling.

Finally, the big day arrived. I arrived at the Quick Pictures office early, feeling nervous but excited. I had dressed in my best outfit, a short plain black skirt, with a floral top and white sneakers. I had brought along a copy of my script, just in case they wanted to look.

As I waited in the reception area, I couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the grandeur of the place. I kept shifting around in my seat as I looked around at the walls, eyes wide, feeling my heart race fast. The walls were adorned with framed movie posters and photographs of famous actors and directors. I felt like a small fish in a big pond.

A receptionist approached my seat to tell me it was time to go into the meeting room. I put on a brave face, fixed my skirt and walked confidently towards the table where the executives were seated. They welcomed me warmly and asked me to start the presentation.

I took a deep breath and began to pitch my Rom-com film. I spoke passionately about the characters, the plot, and the message I wanted to convey. The executives were listening attentively, and they asked me several questions about the script, which made me believe they were interested. After I finished my presentation, the executives discussed the project amongst themselves. I could feel my heart racing as I waited for their response. There were water bottles on top

off the table I grabbed a bottle and took a sip, trying to tone down my nerves. Finally, they turned and said that they were impressed with the story and that they would be in contact soon. I didn’t know whether this was the way for them to brush me away.

You can never tell with these things.

Two weeks had gone by with no call from Quick Pictures. I was anxiously scrolling through my emails, but there are no new messages, I’m kind’ losing hope right. And right on cue as if they could smell my defeat, an SMS went through my phone, I checked to see – it’s a bank notification.

A monthly debit payment for my apartment has just gone off. I quickly logged into the bank app to check on how my savings were doing. Well, not so good.

I threw my phone away and buried my face on the couch pillar and let out a frustrated scream.

I just cannot catch a break, can I?

If things don’t work out here, I will have no other option but to pack up and go back home. Not even Cape Town would be an option. That city is way too expensive.

The next morning, I sat down on my tiny desk that faces the window and scrolled down on my emails as it is my morning routine. Then, there it was - an email from Quick Pictures.

Oh my God! Oh, my God! Oh my God!

They wanted to take a chance on me!

I can’t believe it!

My hand is on my mouth, shaking with shock. It feels like a dream. I keep blinking as if I’m expecting the email to magically vanish somehow. But it’s all real.

The executives are offering me a contract to write the script for their next big project, a romantic comedy film that they had been planning for a while. I was over the moon.

I jumped around the apartment, screaming with joy.

They asked me to come to the office to sign a contract, and all that went well. I’ve been working tirelessly on the script since, pouring my heart and soul into it, hoping that it will be a success.

Today, I’m feeling stuck with the script, so I decided to take a break and head to my favourite café, Pauls in Melrose. It’s just around the corner from my apartment.

I’m sipping my coffee and pondering my next move, and with my laptop open. I’m busy editing the script. It feels like I’m missing something but I can’t put my finger on. I sigh, looking up from my laptop and notice a man looking at me. I think I know him from somewhere.

I quickly look away.

I think it’s weird to stare, but then again - he was staring.

He keeps stealing glances at me, I can see him with the corner of my eye.

I hope he doesn’t gather any courage to walk over here because I have no time for chit chatter.

Oh, gee!

That was just wishful thinking. The man walks right over as soon as he finishes making his coffee order.

As he gets to my table and says, “Sorry to bother you, can I sit here?”

Focused on my typing I reply “Yeah, sure.” What choice do I have? It’s a coffee shop. People are welcome to sit anywhere they want “Let me just move my-” as I look up, and my eyes immediately go wide at the sight. It’s Lando, a well-known actor in the industry.

I knew he looked familiar.

What are the chances?

With a big smile, Lando pulls a chair to sit. “Thank you” He stretches out his hand to me “I’m Lando” he says his eyes are almost glittering.

I nod, returning his smile. “Li – Litha” I managed to say, reaching his hand.

“So, Litha... What are you working on?” that big smile on his face lingering, making my stomach flitter there for a moment.

What the heck?

“Oh, I - I’m actually stuck trying to edit a script I’m trying to finish before Monday next week.”

Oh God. I’m over sharing.

“Oh, you are a writer? That’s awesome.” he says with that smile again. “Let’s hear it. What is the story about?”

“I’d love to tell you all about it but I signed a NDA. I can’t even talk to my mom about it.”

“That tight huh?” she says with a chuckle and I can’t help but to giggle along with him.

“I mean, you know how it is. But I’m happy to send you a copy of my other script I’ve been working on.” I say, trying so hard to control my heart from exploding.

“Yeah?” he says, his eyes locked on mine and that cheerful smile of his never fading. “That would be cool. I would really love to read it.”

My head spins.

As we are sitting and talking about all things film industry in Johannesburg, I can’t help but notice how handsome Lando is in person. He is tall, dark, and handsome. When he smiles, you can see his dimples. He has a great laugh too. You can tell he enjoys life.

I had always been shy around guys, especially those as good-looking as him. I mean, I spent my entire high school life without dating and my varsity life focusing on making my student films. Well, I did date there and there but nothing successful, just some dumb varsity boys who were just looking to waste my time. So, I’m kind of hopeless when it comes to men.

But there is something different about him.

He isn’t like the typical guys I had met before. He is kind, funny, and genuinely interested in what I have to say. I find myself opening to him about my dreams and aspirations, something I rarely did with anyone.

“I find Alien is overhyped. Sorry” I say giggling at his expression “Don’t get me wrong. I think Ridley Scott did a phenomenal job with the direction but I just couldn’t get it. and those Aliens were just so disgusting.”

“What? No, you definitely have a problem because how could you sit here and say those words? Alien is a masterpiece of all time. It’s one of the best Sci-Fi movies out there. It carved a pathway for so many sci-fi movies”

We have been discussing our favourite movies and TV shows for hours, and I found myself hanging on to his every word. It turns out he is also a huge fan of Sci-Fi and fantasy.

“I cannot wait to see the day when we are able to create high quality Sci-Fi shows here in South Africa. I know we are capable, we just need that budget.” he says, leaving back in his chair.

“I think I see you acting as a captain of some spaceship.” I say and we both laugh.

I admire his passion for acting and his dedication to the craft. I can’t believe how easy it is to talk to him. He makes me feel comfortable and at ease. I even forgot that I was here to edit my work. Now I’m just sitting in front of my closed laptop and yapping non stop with a gorgeous man who can’t stop looking at me with a look that sends electricity down to my stomach.

Suddenly, Lando glances at his watch “Oh, look at that. time has gone by so quick.” he looks at me with a smile spread across his face. “I’m sorry Litha, but I’m gonna have to run. I’m already late for an appointment.”

My stomach drops. “Oh, don’t worry about me, please run.” I say trying to not sound disappointed that our conversation is cut short. I understand that he has a busy schedule.

As he gets up to leave, he turns to me and says, “Hey, Litha, it was great meeting you.” I smile and say nothing. He opens his mouth to say something but stops himself and brushes the back of his head, then walks around his chair and pushes it in.

Is he really not going to ask for it? “Can I have your number?” he finally says as he looks up and meets my eyes, “ I’d love to talk more about your writing and maybe even collaborate on a project someday.”

Lord, I could die right now.

“Sure,” I say with a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. I quickly jot down my number and hand it to him. Our hands linger a moment longer than intended.

Someone tell me what is happening right now.

We both pull back our hands.

He clears his throat, “I will see you around, yeah?”

“Uhm, yeah. Sure.” I say putting my hand on my neck, balancing it because I don’t know what to do with myself right now.

He turns and walks towards the door and just before he walks out he turns to me one more time and smiles. I return his smile and wave him goodbye. I watch as he walks out of the café feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity about what could come from this new connection.

Is he really going to call?