CHAPTER 17 TEMPORARYCREW

Back on the17 Againset, Eric kept thinking too much about theHome Alonematter, and made a lot of mistakes during the shooting, but probably because the end was near, Penny Marshalls temper was surprisingly good, and she patiently kept correcting him.

Eric had even thought of seeking help from her but quickly dismissed the idea. Penny was the equivalent of the 20th Century Fox. Such a huge film company would obviously be able to see the potential of his low budget Christmas comedy and try to be a part of it. This was something Eric didnt want to see happening.

After thinking about it for a while, he was finally reminded of a certain loli. Even after going through hard times, she was still able to make a comeback. Whether it was a producer, a director or a child star, they had one thing in common: connections.

Dont just think of Drew as a thirteen-year-old girl, with that kind of personality, her social network couldnt be underestimated, at least she wouldnt have a problem helping him put a small team together.

October 9th,17 Agains filming was finally over, and Eric got his 500,000 $ paycheck.

Thus, he began working non-stop on his next plan.

Eric, where are we going ? Aniston who was sitting in the passengers seat asked curiously.

Eric pulled out theHome Alonescript from his bag, and said: Take a look at this first.

Aniston looked at the name, surprised: Oh wow,Home Alone? Is that your new script ?

Um. Eric nodded, then started the car and said: I intend to shoot the film myself.

What ? Eric, youre not kidding right, do you even know where the cameras power button is ?

I do. By the way, I want to become a director, not a cameraman. In his past, he had stayed in that circle for so many years, when it came to directing, he knew just about everything.

Alright then, you still havent told me where were going though ?

Eric hesitated for a bit but still said: Were going to see Drew.

Humph!

Annie, I brought you so that you wouldnt have any misunderstandings.

Humph!

I need Drew to help me find some professionals, she might be young but she knows a lot of people.

Humph!

Eric sighed, parked on the roadside, unfasten his seatbelt and said: It seems that today Ill first have to convince a jealous little girl.

You understand, right ? You have no reason to feel like this. Lets go now.

Eric put his seatbelt back on and started the car again.

Hey Eric, you can find James or Penny, theres so many other people, why does it have to be that bi-. girl. In order to maintain her ladylike image in front of Eric, Aniston quickly swallowed back her words.

Eric explained it to her once again, Aniston clenched her fists, but no longer spoke.

The rehabilitation center was well-known in Los Angeles, and in order to prevent visitors from bringing drugs, the two of them were searched. Then a staff lead them to Drew.

From afar, they saw the lass was lying on a sun chair on the side of an open-air bath, a hardcover version ofJurassic Parkin her hands.

Hey, Drew ? Eric shouted.

Eric, if you didnt come to see me, I was going to escape and find you.

Erics voice had just left his mouth, that the girl had already bounced off her chair and thrown herself in his arms.

You! Anistons face darkened as she was completely ignored by Drew.

Although she had a very strong impulse to get her away from Eric, there were a lot of people around, and Aniston wasnt as bold as her.

After frolicking for a while, Drew finally noticed Annie: Hey supersized girl, I heard you were so desperate to lose weight that you fainted on set, thats really pathetic. You dont look like you thinned at all though, how much did you lose ?

Aniston was about to attack, when Eric swiftly knocked on Drews head and said: Well Drew, I dont think youre in any position to make fun of Annie.

Drew grunted in pain, and tearfully said: Eric, youre so mean.

Eric ignored her pitiful appearance, and said: There are too many people here, lets go to your place.

Drews living quarters were comparable to a suite, it even had a kitchen. The three went to the living room and Drew poured them glasses of juice as she sat down on the couch holding one too.

So, Eric, what can I do for you ?

Can I not come and see you without motive ? Eric was a bit embarrassed.

Drew curled her lips: With that annoying fatty ? You know I dont like her.

Aniston who had successfully endured for so long, finally exploded: Ive had enough you bitch ! Im the one who doesnt like you !

Drew was gloating as she tutted twice: She finally reveals her true nature, hey Eric, you see, that fattys nothing like a lady at all, you need to be careful in the future, or you might suffer.

You.

Eric rubbed his temples in distress, secretly vowing that he wouldnt let those two meet again in the future: Guys give me a break, Im seriously gonna get mad.

Eric Aniston looked at Eric, aggrieved.

Annie, why dont you go and wait for me in the car, Ill be there soon.

When Drew heard these words her eyes flashed, but she soon calmly looked down, pretending to drink her juice. However, a womans sixth sense was really something, and Aniston had caught on her expression.

I wont, Im staying. Aniston refused as she turned her head.

Eric helplessly appeased her with a few words, then took out the script and handed it to Drew: Drew, this is a new script, I want you to help introduce me to some professionals to set up a temporary crew.

Drew took the script and looked at it for a bit before chuckling: Haha, thats really funny, this is a good script. Ah! Eric, youre saying.

Yes, Eric nodded: I want to make this film alone, its a low-cost project so I only need about a million dollar which shouldnt be a problem, but Ill need professionals who are both reliable and cheap.

In fact, people from this industry were a dime a dozen in Los Angeles, so even without relying on Drew, Eric would also be able to scrape up a crew, but on the other hand this was an unnecessary waste of time, and if the ones he hired were a bunch of good for nothings, he wouldnt even have the time to shed tears.

While Eric wasnt paying attention, Drew glanced proudly at Aniston, then lovingly nodded: No problem, I know a lot of people, what do you need ?

When Aniston saw Drews glance filled with pride, she felt her anger rising, but in the end only turned her cheek and glared at Eric.

Cameraman, gaffer, sound recordist in short, Eric pretended not to see Anistons unhappy look as he spread his hands and shrugged: I have nothing right now.

Drew thought for a bit and said: I happen to know about the recent closure of a small film company, they have a shooting team. Their boss took a mortgage on the studios in order to get a loan, but he lost all the money. Their team is really good, I was a guest on their movie once. If they have yet to disband, you might be able to get them, compared to unemployment, theyd probably be willing to shoot with you.

Eric excitedly said: Thats awesome!

Drew stood up, smiled and said: Ill give them a call for you, I hope Ill make it in time.

She went to phone next to the window and started dialing.

Aniston leaned on the couch full of resentment, her hands clutching the hem of Erics t-shirt. She felt utterly useless, even Drew Barrymore was of some help to him, but not only was she not, she was also the one constantly on the receiving end. Coupled with Drews undisguised attempts towards Eric, Annie became really anxious.

Soon, the phone call ended and Drew brought back good news: the movie company was done for, but the filming crew was still in L.A, and the original owner was willing to introduce the team to Eric.

He noted the time and place of the meeting, and quickly got up to leave, he did not want to waste a moment of time.

Drew confidently forced a kiss on Erics cheeks during their farewell, very reluctant to let him leave.

On the way back, Aniston was depressed and Eric kept trying to comfort her.

Annie, Im sorry, I dont know as many people as Drew does, so I really needed her help. Ill rely on myself for the actors.

Aniston looked anxiously at Eric and said: I understand, Eric. Hey, you will you will always love me, right ?

Eric unhesitatingly replied: Of course.

I love you, Eric.

Hey Annie ?

Yeah ?

Be my girlfriend ?

Anistons face suddenly flushed as she stammered: Eric, I. I

Fool, why are you thinking so much about it, you only need to answer yes or no.

Yes.