It's always been you

Chapter 23 - I don't want to do this

LUCY POV

We were about halfway through filming Dickensian. I had a few days off from filming but I'd been going to set and watching the boys. They were both incredible! I was blown away by Ollie's performance as Compeyson. My sweet, kind, funny boyfriend was a master at this! He portrayed the conniving, selfish behaviour of his character flawlessly.

They were filming a scene today that he was really having trouble getting in to the right mindset though. They scene where Compeyson flogs Arthur with a belt. He obviously wouldn't be using a real belt. But Ollie was really struggling with the thought of even pretending to hit his best friend. He hadn't slept a wink last night and constantly woke me with all his tossing and turning until finally I sat up in bed and asked him what was wrong.

"Jesus Oliver!" I sat up and switches the bedside lamp on glancing at the clock. It was 2:30am. "What's wrong?" "Nothings wrong sweetheart." "Bullshit. You've been tossing and turning for hours. Spit it out." He sighed and then glanced up at me. "I'm filming a rough scene tomorrow. I really don't want to do it." "Your love scene with Tuppance?" Tuppance was the actress hired to play Amelia Havisham. She was so lovely and had constantly reassured me it was just acting. She even asked me to come on set that day if it made me more comfortable. I felt no need though. I trusted her and Ollie entirely.

"No it's not that." "Tell me Olls. What's wrong?" "I have to beat Joe. I have to hit him over and over again with a belt and I really don't want to." "Oh babe." I grabbed his hand. "You both know it's not real. You won't be hitting him with a real belt or anything." "I know that Harris but he's my best friend. I feel so uncomfortable about it." "Have you spoken to Joe about it?" "No. I know he'll just tell me to get over it."

We sat up talking for a little longer until we eventually fell back to sleep with our arms wrapped tightly around each other, Ollies head on my chest. The next morning I sent a text to Joe.

05:45
Morning Joe. I know you're awake because you're filming today.

05:50
Joe
Luce......it's 5:50 in the morning! Just because my eyes are open doesn't mean I'm awake!

05:52
Stop whining. I have a problem

05:53
Joe
Shit. You ok? Is Ollie ok?

05:55
We're fine. But he's having a really rough time getting his head around the fact he has to beat you on set today. Obviously it's all fake but you're his best friend and he's struggling with the idea of it. Can you please do me a favour and reassure him today. Look after him. I'll be there but I really think he needs to here it from you.

05:59
Joe
Oh. Now I'm sad and a bit guilty. I should've checked in with him about this before now. I didn't even think of that.

06:01
He's not falling to pieces or anything but he just hasn't really slept and I think he needs his best mate to tell him it'll all be ok.

06:03
Joe
Absolutely. Will do. I'll pull him aside before and after we film the scene.

06:04
Thanks Joe xoxo

06:05
Joe
Xoxo

JOSEPH POV

Shit. I'm the worst friend on the planet! I didn't even think how filming this kind of scene might affect poor Ollie. It was all fake. We knew that. But now I think about it, I'd have a completely shit time if roles were reversed.