Chapter 31: Because of You.
Ryan had almost no scenes left in Home Alone. Otherwise he would have gone crazy.
In his opinion Disney and Touchstone were desperate for money—starting a movie in August and rushing it into theaters for Thanksgiving to Christmas was pure madness.
Still, he had grown used to how Hollywood worked. This kind of tight schedule wasn't rare. A lot of people on set grumbled, but the triple overtime pay kept the complaints from turning into real trouble.
Ryan could already picture it: once the film came out, Carter Eisner would finally shake off his awkward position at Touchstone. No one would bring up his uncle Michael Eisner anymore. Since The Sixth Sense had made nearly three hundred million domestically, this year's box-office champion from his previous life probably wouldn't flop either.
Disney was still the best studio for all-ages movies. Maybe he should keep working with them on the next few projects?
"Ryan, we're here." Pat Kingsley's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He answered with a quick "thanks," got out of the car, and followed her into the restaurant.
This was the place he always ate at when Nicole was away—a cozy little Italian spot the crew liked. The waiters knew him well. After a quick hello they led him and Pat to his usual table.
"The usual, Ryan?"
The server was an old familiar face. Ryan nodded. "Full pasta dinner, extra garlic bread, and can you make the tiramisu a little less sweet?"
The meal was simple and familiar. After they finished, Ryan packed up a slice of cheesecake for later and headed home. As always, the paparazzi swarmed the moment he stepped out of the car. He had grown used to it by now—just another cloud of buzzing flies.
"Ryan, remember to lock the door tonight. Don't open it for anyone except me or Nicole," Pat reminded him seriously before she left.
America's streets weren't as safe as people thought. West Hollywood was decent, but break-ins and trouble still happened. A boy living alone made everyone a little nervous.
Pat had offered to take him to her place, but Ryan didn't like staying with anyone except Nicole. Besides, Pat had dates and a life of her own.
What really annoyed him wasn't criminals—most people weren't dangerous. It was the paparazzi. These guys would do anything for a story. They had tried every trick: fake delivery people, fake neighbors, even fake friends. They had no idea Ryan had seen every con in his previous life. Compared to real professionals, they were amateurs.
Sure enough, an hour after Pat left, the nightly harassment began. The doorbell rang while Ryan was writing. He set down his pen and walked to the door.
"Who is it?" he called through the wood.
"Ryan Jenkins? This is Betty Noll from FedEx. I have a package for you."
"Package? Where from?"
"Seattle!" The voice sounded prepared.
Ryan rolled his eyes. They still thought Nicole was filming in Seattle and would send him letters. They had no idea the two of them never wrote letters—they only talked on the phone. If the woman had said New York, he might have opened the door.
"Ma'am, there's a mailbox right outside. Just leave it there. And next time get your facts straight—Nicole Kidman left Seattle weeks ago." Ryan couldn't resist one sarcastic jab.
These guys still hadn't given up after all this time. Did they really think a ten-year-old was that easy to trick?
He knew he could sue them for trespassing if they ever forced their way in, but in their minds a smart kid still didn't understand the law.
Moving to Beverly Hills would help. The paparazzi were a little more careful around rich neighborhoods. Ryan shook his head, checked the time, and dialed Nicole from the sofa.
"Nicole, I miss you." The moment he heard her voice, a wave of longing hit him.
"I miss you too, Ryan."
"When are you coming back to Los Angeles?" he asked.
"Next month."
"Can I visit your set? Home Alone is almost finished."
"Ryan, you need to go back to school. The principal called again. Sweetheart, don't make me worry, okay?"
"…Alright." Even though he hated the idea, Ryan agreed. He didn't want child services bothering Nicole.
"Any paparazzi trouble today? I just spoke with Pat." Nicole's voice was full of concern.
"Nothing new. They knock on the door every night."
"Darling, I know you're smart and you know how to handle them, but don't forget how young you are. Stay safe."
"Nicole, when will the villa be ready?"
"Ready to move? Soon, I promise. Our new home will be beautiful and special."
After they hung up, Ryan felt restless. He knew Nicole had her own life and career—she couldn't revolve around him forever. But being apart for so long felt wrong. Even when she went back to Australia to shoot Days of Thunder, they hadn't been separated this long.
Sigh. I really am turning into a kid—a naïve kid. Nicole spoiled him, but in the end she probably still saw him as a little boy. A woman's heart was impossible to read.
What exactly are we to each other? He thought about the question he usually avoided. Attachment? Definitely. Brother and sister? Yes. Anything more? He didn't dare think about it, yet deep down he still hoped…
Because of me, you got a completely different life.
Because of you, I found the light I had lost.
Because of you, I became more determined about my future.
Because of you, I finally feel safe.
Nicole… do you know? Everything is because of you.
Quiet sadness and fierce longing filled his chest. If Nicole were standing in front of him right now, he would have poured it all out. But she was thousands of miles away and couldn't feel it.
Without thinking, Ryan sat down at the piano in the corner of the living room. Music was the best way to express feelings.
His fingers, callused from guitar strings, touched the keys. A soft, wistful melody filled the room—aching and beautiful. His voice was still a little young, but it carried a magnetic warmth that could touch anyone's heart.
He stopped after the chorus. The song was deeply moving, but too sad, and the lyrics didn't quite fit what he felt for Nicole. He would have to rewrite the arrangement and change the words.
Stealing? He felt zero guilt. If it weren't for his age, the songs he had "borrowed" and the ones he had written himself would already be everywhere.
He was completely confident about that.
Home Alone finally wrapped. The cast let out a collective sigh of relief. Carter Eisner had pushed everyone hard for weeks. Without the triple overtime pay, half the crew might have mutinied—including Ryan.
"Carter, please let me go!" Ryan waved his arms dramatically. "I know publicity is part of the job, but can I please have some time off? I don't have time for talk shows—my schoolwork is already way behind. If I don't go back soon I'll probably get held back, or maybe even expelled from St. John's. Do you really want that disaster on your conscience?"
"No, Ryan. I'll just close my eyes." Carter knew the boy was exaggerating, but child labor laws were no joke. "Alright. But we may need you for a few ADR lines in post."
"No problem—call Pat when you need me."
Ryan rubbed his temple. "If that's everything, I'll head out."
"Ryan, don't you think we could keep working together?"
"Carter, I know what you mean. Let's talk after the movie comes out, okay? I'm about to start Terminator 2 and I really don't have time to think about anything else right now." Ryan left himself an opening. "Disney is the best studio for all-ages films. If I come up with anything in that area, you'll be the first I call."