Baby's First Revenge

Part 4

Something's missing.

Brandon leaned back in his chair, sighing with boredom as he waited for his next scene. They had just started filming, and so far all of his scenes had gone very well. He should have been happy, or at least satisfied... instead he felt frustrated. His gaze naturally was drawn to where they were filming, where a short girl wearing ragged clothes was pretending to fight a man twice her size.

Her face was distorted, filled with terror and pain. Every action seemed desperate, as if she was fighting for her life. It was terrifyingly realistic. If he hadn't known he was watching a movie scene being filmed, could see the cameras pointed at her, he might have thought she was fighting for real.

Maybe that's why she doesn't fall for it.

Brandon had always been a blessed child. Born to wealthy, intelligent parents, he had everything he ever wanted just within reach. He was small for his age, despite being seven years old he looked two years younger. That along with dark hair that was curled just enough to never looked combed and a face that looked innocent, many people upon meeting him assumed he matched his appearance, and was a sweet, weak child in need of protection. Most tried to help him out because of it. Others tried to take advantage of him. All ended up playing right into his hands.

Brandon knew his personality was different from his appearance, but he also knew that if he smiled and acted innocent, then he could quickly get what he wanted. It worked surprisingly well. The director, the adults on set, even his own parents were fooled by the childish façade he hid behind. It made him laugh sometimes, watching people treat him like a naïve child, unknowingly being used by him instead. It made him feel powerful, in control.

But it didn't work on Charlotte.

Brandon had thought she would act like everyone else. That she would fall for his smile, his innocent act, and instantly think they were friends. He assumed that this was the fastest way to achieve a good atmosphere between them, to allow them to act naturally together on set. He had no concerns about his performance, he'd been acting since he was a small child, but an unknown kid... it was better if he brought her to his side. He had smiled, introducing himself and holding out a hand towards her. Brandon expected she would smile back, grab his hand and chatter happily, just like everyone else did.

Instead she had stared at him as if he were a ghost. She had called him by the wrong name, and when he corrected her, although the dazed look in her eyes had faded, the expression with which she looked at him with was even worse.

It was a look of disgust.

Since that time she had avoided him. Sitting as far away from him as possible, ending conversations with monosyllable answers, Charlotte had done everything possible to limit their interactions while still remaining polite and professional. It was a little embarrassing, as it hadn't been subtle that she didn't want to be near him. The commiserating looks from the staff, that "you poor thing" attitude from the acting coach and other children made him want to vomit. They were all acting as if her behavior were normal, like any small child afraid of "cooties".

He knew better. Brandon saw the look in her eyes, the understanding behind it. She saw him for what he was. And she hated being near him.

Surprisingly, it didn't affect her acting when they had read scenes together.

"Don't worry, I'm here to protect you." Charlotte had smiled at him, so brightly that he felt himself believing her, wanting to trust her.

"I'm scared." Barely remembering his lines, he continued practicing the scene.

"Want to know a secret?" She then leaned forward, a conspiratorial smile on her face, whispering. "I'm scared too."

"Good job you two!" Lacy, the acting coach, had stopped the scene, breaking Brandon from the part. It was like waking up from a pleasant dream, and facing an uncomfortable reality.