Forgotten age [a Martin Freeman fanfic]

1.

Today was the day of the last audition. I couldn't believe I had actually made it this far.

We didn't really know much about the movie, though. The producer decided to keep it a secret until the main characters had been casted. So I didn't know what I was auditioning for, but my agent was convinced it was something big.

I've been trying to start my acting career since I was 14, without luck. Maybe if I lived in Hollywood and I was 21 everything would be easier. Unfortunately, I'm 17 and I live in London.

The audition went smoothly, I did the best I could. They made me learn a fragment of a script where I was supposed to discuss with my father about some boyfriend I had. At first I thought I was going to fail at it, 'cause I've never had a boyfriend, but at the end that didn't suppose a problem.

It was the first time seeing the producer face to face, he had also wanted to keep himself anonymous, I hadn't understood his motives until now. He was Lilian Scott, one of the best British cinema directors and producers, winner of an Oscar, known internationally.

"Mel, How'd it go?" My agent Pearl asked me once I got out.

"Lilian Scott." I mumbled still in shock.

"What?"

"Lilian Scott is the producer," I managed to say.

Pearl's eyes widened suddenly.

"So you're auditioning for that movie everyone's talking about? Comets?"

"I... I guess," I said.

"Jesus! If you actually get a role you'll be in between Hollywood stars, Mel! Holy..." Pearl wouldn't stop talking and showing her excitement, on the other hand, I was still in shock.

"Wait." I said starting to come back to earth. "What do you mean with Hollywood stars?"

"Haven't you heard? Martin Freeman plays the main character, Nate. I thought you'd know, being a Freebatch fan and all..."

"WHAT?"

—

My phone rang, my heart started beating rapidly. Would the call be about the audition?

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Melissa Johnson?"

"Yes, this is she."

"We are glad to communicate you that you've been selected to play a role in Lilian Scott's new movie, Comets. We will send all the necessary information via e-mail. Do you have any questions?"

"Uh..."

I had suddenly lost the ability to speak.

"Thank you?"

"We look forward to seeing you in set next week!"

And I hung up.

I called Pearl, I still couldn't believe it, she picked up instantly.

"Mel! I just got an e-mail! You're in! Oh my god! You're the best!" She yelled through the phone.

"Which role did I get, Pearl?" I asked impatiently.

"Oh! Yeah, sorry..." I heard how she clicked some things with the mouse of her laptop. "Apparently, you're playing Katie, Nate's daughter."

"Wait, I'm playing Martin Freeman's daughter?"

Pearl laughed. "Yes, Mel. It's not like you too could have any other kind of relationship."

"Ha-ha." I laughed ironically, but in the bottom of my heart, sadly, I knew she was right.

I was going to meet Martin, the one man with who I fantasized for hours daily. Not only meet him, though, I was going to film a movie with him, as colleagues. I looked at myself in the mirror, just a kid. I furrowed my eyebrows, I didn't want to be just a kid, not for him.

The week passed by, my parents seemed more excited than me, they arranged my school hours and spoke with my teachers so I could still graduate at the end of the year. Everything was settled by Friday.

I spent all weekend trying to give out my best, I had a keratine treatment for my hair and bought some different seaweed masks to make my skin smoother. I also bought new fancy clothes as I had just discovered the huge amount of money I was going to receive after the movie premiere, June 25th. But it was still October 16th, I couldn't wait. It all seemed like a dream. But it wasn't. This was my life.

It was already Sunday night, and I couldn't sleep. The tickling feeling in my stomach just wouldn't stop reminding me all the time that I was closer each second to meet one of the men I'd always admired.

I finally fell asleep, one second later my mom ran inside my room yelling with excitement.

"Mel! Honey! Today's the day! Go get ready, go, go!"

I opened my eyes tiredly and groaned slightly. I walked straight into the shower and exfoliated my skin once again. I did my make up trying to make it look natural as the information they sent me clearly ordered not to use too much since they would take care of it on set.

I made myself a coffee and my mom scrambled some eggs. But I felt like I would puke if I ate anything.

Pearl was waiting for me outside, her ginger her with some hints of white waved as she walked to the car.

"Are you ready?" She said while opening the car's door.

"I think so," I nodded getting inside.

I met Pearl three years ago at my acting agency and I felt our connection instantly, she was new at the job as agent but I had the feeling that she would get to be one of the best.

She drove for almost an hour until we arrived, it was a small English town next to a little lake. She stopped the car in front of a building with a sign where we could read: Attention! Movie production going on.

I breathed deeply and got out of the car. Several trucks and vans where getting out the material: cameras, lights, microphones...

Pearl guided me inside the building to what it looked like a living room. That's when I saw him. Him and a lot of other people. But there he was. Stunning in a black buttoned up shirt, sitting in one of the couches talking to Lilian.

I stopped walking for a second, Martin Fucking Freeman, damn.

Lilian turned around instinctively. "Melissa!"

I smiled awkwardly, I couldn't take my eyes off Martin, who was now looking at me amused.

"Hi," I muttered.

Pearl pushed my back. I walked towards Lilian and shook his hand trying not to make the fact that I was trembling too obvious.

"Let me introduce you to the cast," He started. "This is Martin, do you know him?"

Martin rose and smiled creating little wrinkles in the corner of his eyes, my heart melted.

"Kinda," I smiled back and shook his hand. He had soft hands. I dropped his gaze as I felt my cheeks burning.

"Follow me, I'll introduce you to the staff," Lilian continued. I followed him and left Martin behind me. I couldn't stop smiling.

"I'm never going to wash my hand," I whispered to Pearl.