The first day of filming was less than an hour away. Ninon had just arrived on set. An assistant showed him Ben's dressing room. She stood in front of the door which was ajar. She didn't dare go in right away, but when she poked her head through the opening, she saw Ben, meditating, with his back to the wall, his head upside down. She smiles. She dared a timid sound:

Ninon: Hey...

Ben opened his eyes, sat up, and wiped his face with a towel. He returned a quick hello, walking around the room at full speed. He was panicking. Ninon knew this feeling of terrible fear, which gnaws to the depths of the stomach, which paralyzes from body to head. She sat down on a chair and took three deep breaths to help her catch her breath. Ben felt his pace slow. He sat facing the dressing room mirror.

Ninon: How are you feeling?

Ben: It's the first day, I want to die! I'm freaking out! I want to curl up under the desk, throw up, cry... it's horrible...

Ninon: I understand... but you are going to start by filming an easy scene, it will be easier to ease into it gently. You are super prepared, everyone is super friendly, you will take the time it takes to shoot the scenes and you will have time to rehearse them... It will go very well... everyone will love your character... You bring him humanity, wounds... We will want to protect you. We'll want you to get through it... you already have it all in you...

Ben: I'm a fragile little creature... is that how people see me...? I am pitiful...

Ninon knew he wouldn't be able to hear everything, the panic was too present. she didn't take anything personally. She still spoke with a very soft voice.

Ninon: No... not at all... if that's what I said then, it's because I didn't use the right words. It's just that, "the" Ben, the one we see in public, he's the one who's happy, the one who's super dynamic, you always play the happy guy, who always has stories to tell for to make people laugh... you always want to make people believe that everything is fine, because you believe that that is what is expected of you... and perhaps, because that is how you found your place... but even when you laugh loudly or even when you are on stage, and you do everything to transmit all the energy in the world to satisfy the audience, sometimes just a fraction of a second you see... you see that there is a little crack that you can't hide... for a split second there is an expression on your face of infinite sadness, a deep veil of anguish that you have absolutely no control over... because I don't know if you are aware... and that's what you'll be able to let out... Everything you hide, that's buried, that you reveal by speaking loudly and masking it with laughter... that's what makes you unique, it It's this contrast, of violence and fears flooded under laughter, that's all that we're going to like to see and we're going to let ourselves be trapped... because it will be unexpected and moving...

The faces of Ben and Ninon had moved closer to each other, without either of them doing it on purpose... Ninon felt the blush on her cheeks and Ben no longer felt any panic in his stomach... Everything suddenly, the door opened with a bang. Ben and Ninon moved away from each other. Serena entered in the dressing room with her children who jumped on their father's neck. Ninon stood up abruptly. Serena came to kiss her husband. Ninon stepped aside, stepped back, she wanted to disappear. Serena finally notices Ninon.

Serena: Ah hello, I didn't see you! Are you the makeup artist?

Ninon: ...Okay...

They shake hands. Ben intervenes.

Ben: No! No... It's Ninon, she wrote the screenplay. You've already seen her on the open stage!

Serena: Sorry! Sorry, it's true now I remember.

Ninon: But a makeup artist would have been more...

Serena: You look young to be a screenwriter...

Ninon: Oh? That's genetic chance. I'm the same age as Ben

Serena: Me too... but that doesn't make it the same...

Ninon purses her lips, doesn't know what to answer.

Ninon: I'll leave you.

She turned to Ben.

Ninon: Good luck, it's going to go very well. And if necessary for the scenario, don't hesitate to contact Valentine. I left him my contacts if you need to contact me. I will come back on the last day of filming.

Ben stands up.

Ben: Oh good? Aren't you coming back?

Ninon: No, I wouldn't want to bother you and then the film no longer belongs to me.

Ben's youngest daughter comes between them. She hugged her legs, Ben took her in his arms. Ninon smiles. Serena was busy with her second daughter.

Ninon: It's going to be a great shoot, I can't wait to see the result.

His second daughter also came to join Ben. Serena looked at them.

Ben: okay.. ok... see you soon then.

Ben goes to hug Ninon, but Ninon sees Serena's gaze on her. She stops him.

Ninon: I'm not very into physical contact...

Ben: That's right, sorry.

Ninon: No, it's me. Good-bye to all.

Ninon quickly left the box. Serena turned to Ben.

Serena: She's still very special...

Ben: No, when you get to know her, it's okay... My girls! I'm so happy to see you!

They grabbed his daughters and tickled them, they screamed and laughed.

Ben stayed in his dressing room with his family for a few more minutes and then left to let him concentrate.

Valentine, the first assistant director, had just picked it up. It was time to start filming. Ben took a deep breath and felt ready. They took a few steps.

Valentine: Is everything okay? If you need anything, don't hesitate!

Ben thanked her. Then stopped her.

Ben: Val... can I ask you something?

Valentine: Of course, go ahead!

Ben: Do you have Ninon's number?

A time passed between them.

Valentine: Um... I...

Ben: I have some questions about the role...

Valentine: If you want I can help you, what are your questions?

Ben: No, that's not it... but why won't you give me her number? I'm not going to give it to anyone or post it on X?

Valentine: No, I know, but she doesn't want to be disturbed...

Ben: I'm playing the lead, in the first film that she wrote and that we're making with a budget of several zeros... I don't think she'll mind that much if I ask her two questions about a script that took her 3 years to write...

Faced with Ben's surprised look, Valentine gave in.

Valentine: Ok... but you're harassing her, no questions asked?

Valentine sent him the number by message.

Ben: Yes, yes, he's my type! Cool thank you!

He kissed Valentine on the head.

Valentine: Okay everyone! That's it, the big day has arrived! I hope everyone is doing well! Keep your energy up, we're staying together for 4 weeks, it's going to be great, it's a great film! We're going to tear everything apart!

Everyone applauded her, she hugged Jude, the scriptress, and everyone said in place.

Ben returned to his dressing room an hour and a half later. He felt better. Everything had happened as Ninon had said. He sat down in his chair, took out his phone, and tried to send a message to Ninon. He didn't know where to start. He was interrupted by Mathieu, the director. they knew each other well. They were friends long before filming. Mathieu, coffee in hand, came to tell him that it was already time to start again.

Mathieu: Is it okay, buddy? Are you hot? We go back...

Ben: Huh? Yeah...

Mathieu: You'll write to your girlfriend later! Here we go!

Ben: But I don't write to my girlfriend

Mathieu: Oh, who are you writing to?

Ben: To no one

Mathieu: Well...

Ben: I'm writing to Ninon

Mathieu: Why...? Do you know she doesn't like to be disturbed?

Ben: But stop with that! She's not untouchable either, she talks shit too, she's not perfect!

Mathieu: Disagree...

Ben: Well, I think so, and I had a question about the scenario.

Mathieu: Why don't you ask me?

Ben: Hey you're all getting me drunk! Lets' go!

He throws his phone on the chair.

Ben: I'll do that later...

Mathieu grabbed him by the shoulder.

Mathieu: It was great this morning! You play so well! It's going to be a super intense film!

Ben thanked Mathieu, and took the opportunity to concentrate on the role.

Ben had thought about his message all day. He managed to send it into the car that took him home. He wasn't sure how soon he'd get an answer. He decided to close his eyes to get some sleep.

Ninon was sitting on the edge of her bed. She took her phone in her hands. She opened Ben's message. "I have a question about the scenario, it would really help me to talk to you, is the Vincennes's castle, playable for you? Sunday morning? »
Ninon took a moment to think. She didn't know what to answer. She tried to make as little noise as possible. She heard movement in her bed. She felt a hand placed on her back. She saw Auber waking up. She turned to her phone. She just replied: Okay. She put the phone down and got up to take a shower.