The next day when I look at my reflection in the mirror I can't help the smile that comes to my lips. I've always worn my hair long and normally in a loose ponytail. I don't have talent or fashion sense to actually do my hair so I go for the most convenient and easiest way. I never imagined that short hair would suit me and make me feel new. Cece cut it so now it's barely passes my chin and with this new haircut I do look more adult and my features look sharper. He also taught me how to do my makeup so it looks professional but natural and so I don't look like a teenager amongst adults. He also came to my room and helped me match my outfits so I look like I know what I'm wearing and not like a child playing dress up.

He's an expert.

I didn't think that just a few details could make such a difference and I am perfectly aware that nothing has changed in me, not really. I'm still the same seventeen years old girl from yesterday, but I do feel different. I feel new and stronger. A part of my knows it's just an illusion, but I'll hold on to this and gather strength from it. I'll follow Cece's advice and repeat to myself over and over again that I'm the producer of this film, I have power. I'll repeat it until I believe it myself. Even if it's until Father comes back, right now I'm the one in charge and people owe me respect, even if I haven't done anything to earn it... yet.

So with that mentality and confident attitude, I head to the outside set. I don't go wearing suit because that'd be absurd, but I don't just go in jeans and a tee as I did yesterday. Instead of jeans, just skinny black trousers with a long white blouse with a delicate and lovely collar and on top a cream coloured jumper. It's soft and delicate but oddly enough I look mature.

Cece told me that wearing heels actually boost confidence but I can't just go wearing them on set, so we settle for trainers with inner heels. The'll give me the posture I need to feel more confident without being uncomfortable.

There are so many tricks to help oneself to feel better in one's skin. I always disregarded as shallow and petty those people who cared so much about their appearance, always thinking it was for others but it turns out caring and being careful about how one looks can be also for oneself, and that's not bad.

"Ann-chan, you look different," Teru greets me when I meet him outside in the hall of the hotel. I smile brightly at him and even swirl so he can appreciate the change. "You look very lovely and happy."

"I feel happy and more confident," I tell him. "Do I look twenty at least?"

He chuckles softly before giving me a comforting smile and answering, "Twenty-one, Ann-chan. You've grown up so fast."

I can only smile brightly before we leave the hotel and head to the set. On our way we discuss work and how things are going. Whilst the director shoots his vision of the film, Teru and I have to deal with all those tedious aspect that everyone forgets about a film, like the financial support, post-production, investor and even the legal aspects. We are on set to make sure our investment is working out but we can't just forget to keep an eye on those aspects that are not dealt with on set.

"Ann-chan," Teru tells me when he parks and before we get off the car. "Don't take the world on your shoulders. I'm here with you and I'll help you. You father never planned for you to take over the company like this and I know he wanted to give you the introduction himself but as he is not here, so I'll help you as much as I can." He turns to look at me with that warm smile I remember from when I was a kid. "I'll be your family here."

"Arigato," I tell him, feeling a bit more relived to hear those words. I do consider Teru as family already but it's good to hear confirmation that it's not only me seeing things like this.

We leave the car and join everyone else who is getting ready to start shooting. On our way Teru has informed me that Terry is joining us today and she should be in fact already in set with her agent so what I do first is too look for her. On my way I spot Cece and when he sees me he blows me a kiss and gives me two thumbs up to encourage me. We talked a lot yesterday as he taught me many things and one of the things he made a lot of emphasis on was to make sure to tell Jerry that no matter what I'm still the person who hired him and unless he wants me to start looking for a new director he should do things properly and respectfully. I treat everyone respectfully and I only ask the same in return.

I finally find Terry and I greet her happily. She looks excited and nervous so I try to ease that away. "Welcome, Terry. I'm so excited you can join us. Let me introduce you to the rest of the crew," I tell her and she nods so I lead her.

I go introducing her to everyone I can or telling her who they are. She'll be here with the writers team but she needs to meet the actors personally and I can see by the smile on her face she approves of the casting. Then I introduce her to the director and his assistant and I notice Jerry also looks down on the author.

"Jerry," I speak up, knowing this is my chance. "I would appreciate if you take in consideration Terry's views during the shooting. She is, after all, the one who created this story and her opinion is excessively relevant." He glares at me so I take another breath when I start noticing how people around are starting to pay attention and even being dragged to watch. "I would also appreciate if you treat everyone here with the due respect. No matter their position we are all here mature people and we interact with that in mind. No matter if their are your juniors or senior, everyone is important in this production. We can have different opinions and it is perfectly okay to disagree, but when that happens, make sure to state your opinions respectfully and without ill intentions at heart."

His shock is clear and he even gasp, so flabbergasted and I know he wants to say something, probably yell at me so I continue before he can interrupt me, I even raise my voice a little so he knows I can't be interrupted just yet.

"Yesterday you didn't just show your disagreement, you also humiliated me in front of everyone, belittling me and reducing me to nothing but a kid. I am young indeed, but I'm not a child and I'm not irresponsible. Despite what you did to me I still treat you with the due respect you deserve as director of this production. I would appreciate if in the future you deal with our divergence of opinions in a more suitable way, after all Iam the producer of this film and the one who hired you. I am the acting CEO of TachibanaProductions and whether you like it or not, I'm the one in charge and I take this seriously so please, treat me with the due respect and don't try to humiliate me again, or anyone in this set," I finally finish, breathing heavily and slightly trembling after all what I've said.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and when I look to my right I see Teru there, supporting me and looking dead serious at Jerry who is clearly holding back. I can see his red face and protuberant veins, the rage in his eyes but at the same time I can see defeat. He knows everyone is watching and contrary to what he did yesterday, I've treated him respectfully and maturely. Between the two, I actually think I'm the one being like an adult whilst he goes throwing tantrums.

"Fine," is all he says before looking away and starting barking orders to hurry so they can start the shooting once and for all. Teru looks at me with a little smile but his eyes say more, they look at me with pride so I just smile and bow my head slightly to him.

"I'll be right back, Teru-san. Please take Terry to the writers team. I'll catch up with you in no time," I tell him and he nods before turning to Terry. I give her a last smile and bow that she replies with a grateful smile.

I decide to look for Cece to tell him I did it, I fought back. I stood up for myself and demanded for a fair treatment not only for me but for everyone. I want him to celebrate with me and cheer for what I did and I just want to share with a friend. I want someone who is better at showing emotions than I am and who's free to do what he pleases. Cece is such a great person to be with because he's so laid-back and easy-going that one can't but feel at ease and comfortable around him.

But not even five steps from where I met Jerry I run into someone I wasn't expecting to see for now and when I do I tense up, getting nervous for no reason.

"Good morning, Gareth" I say. When I introduced Terry to the actors he wasn't present although I did inform her that he should be around. "Lets work hard today, as well," I add with a little bow. He doesn't reply but I don't blame him, it's not in his manners to bow to people to show respect and for greetings.

"Uh, miss Tachibana," he says and I look at him expectantly, trying to see more than just his cold stare.

"Ann," I tell him. "You can just call me Ann."

I honestly don't know why I do that. Referring to me as Miss Ann or even producer would be the most respectful way and what would constantly remind him my position so he doesn't look down on me, but it doesn't feel right that he calls me that.

He nods before speaking again. "Ann, about yesterday-"

I blush immediately, remembering how I snapped at him yesterday and immediately feeling bad about it. I had my reasons, but still, it wasn't okay from me to just talk before he even said a word.

"My deepest apologies for what I did yesterday," I hurry to apologise, looking down, too embarrassed because of my actions.

"No, on the contrary. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression," he says, completely surprising me so I look up and meet his eyes with my wide open ones. I blink quickly and I can't even utter a word. He starts to look uncomfortable. "I really don't have a bad opinion on you and I don't think you're just a kid playing to be an adult."

I'm still awestruck, I can't even process what I'm listening and my reaction is making him more uncomfortable, I can see that. I can actually see his emotions right now.

"I... I think you're doing a good job. I saw you standing up to Jerry and to be honest, he's a dick," he says and I can't help it, a chuckle escapes my lips when he says that and I have to cover my mouth to keep the others inside. He presses his lips together almost as if he were fighting a smile. His eyes do have a different spark, almost an amused one. "I was honestly disgusted at him yesterday. He's probably the most dickhead director I've worked with."

"He is really mean," I add and he nods but this time I can really see a little smile.

"I assume that's your way to say he's an arse," he says and I'm impressed his tone isn't as cold as before, it's more... awkward I would say, borderline shy. "But honestly, you handled that better than anyone would do and that shows you're more mature than he is so he's the child at the end."

"I know right? Did you see him today? He was about to blow another tantrum!" I blurt out, getting a bit excited and that seems to amuse him because the little smile is still there. "Big baby," I practically pout and I really hear him chuckle, softly and almost inaudible, but a chuckle and I can only stare at him in bewilderment.

"Anyhow, that's what I wanted to say yesterday. That I'm on your side and just keep fighting. You have my respect, especially after today and how you stood up for yourself, showing him you're better. That was cool," he says and I still can't react, so he loses his smile and goes back to that cold, detached look from the beginning. "I need to go shooting. Work hard, Ann," he finally says and I just blink. "Later."

"L-later," I mutter and watch him walk past me.

I'm left here, with a funny feeling in my tummy and a racing heart, not sure of what exactly happened. I know for sure that I rushed to conclusions yesterday but I'm glad he doesn't seem to hate me for that. He also says he's on my side... he respects me. He really said that.

A fit of giggles escape me and I have to cover my mouth to keep them at bay. I can't believe this just happened. I have to tell Cece about it!

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Did you like that? I hope so. We'll start getting more interaction with Gareth now! Whop whop! Also, I have decided to do my best and try to update twice a week. Happy about that?

Dedication to @guangyi

Bel, xx

Next Update (NU): Friday