The Director's Cut by Js Taylor (if you give a mouse a cookie read aloud txt) 📕

is shaking her head, and tears fall from her cheeks.

“I had my back to you,” she says. “I was walking away. I had enough time to send a text message. That’s all I needed to do.”

I am reeling from the shock of all this.

“I didn’t think you knew anything,” I say, finally.

Natalie manages a weak smile.

“I’m a good actress.”

She sure is.

“I’m not as dumb as people think,” she adds. “Of course I knew. I saw you both together in your chalet.”

“But, why Natalie?” The anger and betrayal is loading up now. “Why would you do it? You could have ruined things for everyone. Including yourself,” I add.

Natalie looks down at the floor. She begins picking coral coloured varnish from her thumbnail.

“Because I’m sick,” she whispers. “I’m not well. It’s become like an addiction for me. I’ve been working on it. But I lapsed.”

Her expression is pleading.

“I get kind of a thrill,” she says, “when my message goes through, and the press are all desperate to get in touch.” She swallows visibly. “Then it’s over, and I feel awful,” she says with a strange little smile. “Worse than awful. And I realise I’ve hurt people. And ruined things.”

My gaze drifts over to James. What is he making of all this?

“Natalie is getting help, for her addiction,” he says. “Her assistant Carol is an expert therapist. According to her reports, Natalie has made good progress.”

What?

“Carol is Natalie’s therapist?” I can’t keep the amazement from my voice.

James nods. “Natalie is very ashamed of her issues. We agreed that she would need a therapist with her whilst filming, but that her identity could be hidden.”

“But… what was Carol doing, snooping around near my cottage?” I ask.

Callum starts in surprise at this. Natalie starts picking her nail varnish again.

“Carol was making sure it was secure,” answers James. “So your cottage wouldn’t present a temptation for Natalie.”

I am struggling to take this all in.

“You knew about this all along?” I ask James. I can’t keep the accusation from my voice.

James shakes his head. “I didn’t know Natalie was leaking information. Though I always had my suspicions. Since we arrived at Berkeley Hall, I was able to confirm them. With the private phone mast we have here, I was able to keep track of where calls were being made.”

Natalie is biting her lip. I glance at Callum. He looks in total shock.

“And when my computer was accessed, I knew it was time to force the issue,” adds James. “But I hoped that Natalie would do the decent thing,” he adds. “Which I think she has.”

“Natalie was also embarrassed about her need for medication,” adds James. “It helps with her addictive urges. But unfortunately, her need to hide it meant she didn’t always take it regularly.”

“I always have people around me,” says Natalie, looking down. “It’s not always easy to take it without people seeing. I’m doing much better now,” she adds, looking up with sincerity.

“The question is,” says James carefully. “Can you forgive Natalie for what she’s done?”

I look at Callum. This is unexpected.

“What do you mean exactly?” asks Callum.

“I mean,” says James, “Natalie has admitted what she’s done. She’s sorry for it. And she can hardly carry on doing it. Not now we all know.”

He folds his hands and looks at us carefully.

“In my opinion,” says James, “Natalie could be forgiven her mistake. She could be allowed to continue filming with us.”

Natalie visibly flinches at this. It was obviously unexpected.

“But,” says James, looking at Natalie, “if Callum or Isabella would rather I cast someone new, then I will respect those wishes.”

Natalie’s face falls. She looks like a woman condemned. This is her last chance, I remember, to work on a big picture. She’s been so much trouble to directors, she’d have difficulty getting another role. Particularly if she’s thrown out of Berkeley’s movie halfway through filming.

Callum clears his throat to speak. He’s never liked Natalie. I guess this is his chance to get rid of her. I can hardly blame him. Her actions have been appalling.

“I’m happy,” says Callum carefully, “for Natalie to continue acting with us.”

I hear Natalie take a sharp breath.

Callum shrugs and looks at Natalie.

“I’ve been the addiction route myself,” he says, “and I’ve messed up worse than most people can imagine. I certainly wouldn’t be here if people hadn’t taken chances on me.”

He grins at Natalie. “Don’t make me regret it,” he says with a wink.

Natalie’s face is a picture. It’s frozen in a bizarre mix of shock and joy.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “I would never let you down, Callum.”

I realise, suddenly, that they’re all looking at me.

And no matter what Natalie has done, I just couldn’t find it in myself to hold a grudge. She looks bent, broken, and all I want to do is give her a hug.

“Of course, I forgive you,” I hear myself saying.

“Really?” Natalie’s eyes snap towards me in shock.

I smile. “Yes.”

Suddenly, Natalie is smiling back.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, I am totally serious,” I say. “Besides, I like acting with you.”

“I also forgive you, Natalie,” James says. “But it is on several provisos.”

Natalie sits upright, like a school girl paying attention in class.

“Firstly, I want you to continue therapy with Carol,” says James. “And secondly, I want Carol to take charge of your medication. See that you take it for as long as you need it.”

Natalie is nodding slowly.

James smiles. “If you can agree to that,” he says mildly, “then I think we have a movie to make.”

Chapter 36

Sunlight is streaming down on the Berkeley Estate as the final cameras are wheeled into position.

Lighting rigs are already in place, and the scattering of crew are striding around purposefully, making the final adjustments.

Callum and I have emerged from hair and make-up and are awaiting the call to action.

Natalie is already waiting on set. Our forgiveness seems to have brought out the best in her. She’s been punctual, professional, and personable since we arrived back on set.

“Hi.” She waves at us shyly, and then looks away. I