Flora sighed and admitted honestly:
I feel Evelyn spent so much on the camera and now this van. And I can't pay her back — not yet. That weighs on me.
Of course, there was another reason — one Flora, shy and tightly wound as she was, wouldn't admit to an actor.
The truth was, she didn't like being looked at. She hated attention, hated being the object of stares, curiosity, questions. And with this colorful crowd and a trailer that looked like it just drove out of a reggae fever dream, she was definitely going to be noticed. That thought alone made her want to run.
I'll have to get used to it, - she told herself. - A director's place is right in the spotlight, in the lens of every camera and I need to push past it. If only I had my aunt's confidence — the way she connects with anyone, instantly...
Right now, Evelyn was giving a full- blown sales pitch about the party bus, holding court:
The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be in a movie. The couple didn't really need it anyway — they're always chasing new They'd get bored of it in a week! And the second I heard what they named it — Gun- Jah — I knew I had to max out my credit card. It's a damn inspiration! I'm gonna sketch it tonight — could be the spark for a whole new line! - The designer gushed. She talkin' real! - Peyota - That ride's fire.-
Flora, half- lost in thought, was pulled back to reality by Manu's quiet voice.
You shouldn't feel You're a young director, just getting started. You told me yourself at the Interview — this is your first feature, right? You haven't had the chance to prove yourself yet. Exactly, - Flora - Like my aunt says — it's a family hustle. Thank you, Manu. I needed that. It means a lot, hearing it from someone who gets it.-
Manu smiled and spread his hands slightly:
Although, I did rudely skip over your original question — why I seemed so struck by that vehicle. Truth is... I've recently stopped using any kind of transportation. Planes, cars, doesn't matter. I avoid them all.- It's not the machines, - he added quickly, - it's Something in my subconscious doesn't want to ride anymore. So I walk. Or bike. That feels... safer.
He paused, clearly inviting follow- up questions — but Flora said nothing. She respected his space.
Thanks,- he said, visibly - For not asking why. Maybe I'll tell you someday. Or maybe I won't. But now, I think we should get back. Looks like they're waiting for us.-
Of course! Let's - Flora nodded. - But first — I've got one more thing to take care of.-
And she headed off... toward the Costume.
Getting almost within arm's reach of him, she braced herself to speak directly. But the - interlocutor- beat her to it, flipping - face- down- on the concrete to show a clear disinterest in conversation. The director simply muttered:
We're leaving — She gave him the address and added, — joins us if you want.
Oh- ho! There's the will of a true leader! Found the guts to open her mouth! — Applauded Copy as she strolled up.
Piss off! — Flora murmured even more quietly, hoping Copy wouldn't hear and bite
Over by - Gun- Jah- , the conversations and cigarette breaks had wrapped up, and Auntie was already ushering people into the vehicle, motioning to Flora that she was running late and ought to hurry.
I'm with Let's move, — said Manu, stepping up, — even the Universe's time is limited, let alone that of a short- lived human.
Flora appreciated the poetic turn of phrase, but Copy just made a face like she'd sucked on a lemon, clearly unimpressed by such wordsmithing.
Inside, a storm of reactions awaited them — this time a double dose of awe. The reason? There were no boring beds or basic car seats to be found. Instead, the floor was scattered with soft beanbags shaped like classic cannabis nugs, and most had already plopped into place.
Peyota didn't find a free seat, so Vanna kindly patted her lap, inviting her to perch — which caused an outburst from Campus:
Hey, ladies, where ya think you're goin' without me? Mind making it a threesome?
You have your own You're in the carrier, remember? — Said the designer sincerely.
Ugh, man! I coulda cruised in a Cadillac, and now I gotta deal with this low- budget minivan and a boring- ass driver. — His grumbling was cut short by a sharp smack from his ever- silent host.
Manu, who had managed to temporarily overcome his transport- related phobia, turned to the man:
Am I right in assuming you're a professional ventriloquist? That's quite rare these When did you begin training in the craft?
The imp bounced indignantly on his host's belly and fired back, blending in with the rumbling engine as the trailer came to life:
Beat it, nerd! You're not my Although... if you hook me up with that cutie — gestures at Flora — I might give you an interview. Hell, I'll even throw in some trivia about this hamster in a cap. He's from South Carolina, used to float logs downriver, and then...
Go on, go on, — urged the Hawaiian with growing
...then I caught him in bed with You two looked like plastic bags humping in a wind tunnel.
Peyota erupted in loud, rolling laughter that filled the bus. Even Flora couldn't help but crack a slight smile — though she quickly returned to her calm, neutral expression so as not to offend her new friend.
Manu chuckled and gave the little demon a rub between the horns:
You're quite good at being uncultured. And yes, I am a nerd — one that can't give you the roasting you — With that, he grabbed Campus with both hands, trying to lift him off his perch.
But the host was quick — unnervingly quick — and snatched Manu's wrists before he could finish. A scuffle broke out, which, surprisingly, Manu was beginning to win… until a deep voice echoed from the driver's seat, bringing it to a halt.
It was the booming baritone of Daniel — Evelyn's neighbor and former owner of the trailer.
Wa gwaan! Welcome aboard - Gun- Jah , bwoys and gals! Dis yah your loyal router pon di vibes, sendin' ya down di stream of life — all aboard di Zion Train, ridin' straight to da land of eternal summer! Whoa! — Flora's aunt exclaimed — Two gloomy geniuses at work. They uploaded Daniel's voice into the system, and now he's with us forever. Ya mon! Time to Evi, mi know seh you di one behind di wheel. Mi Queen send ya nuff respect, an' wi waitin' fe yuh visit.