Forgotten age [a Martin Freeman fanfic]

7.

"Cut, cut, cut, cut!" Lilian yelled desperately.

I winced at his words, knowing I was the cause of his hopelessness.

"I'm so sorry Brenton..." I muttered lowering my gaze.

He sighed for the umpteenth time and faked a smile. "It's okay."

I could hear Lilian's footsteps approaching me from behind.

"What's up with you, Melissa?" He shrieked. 

"I—"

"No excuses! You don't get to speak!" Lilian howled even louder. "Use your lips to kiss the damn boy."

I bit my lip and nodded, crossing my arms uncomfortably.

"From the top, guys," He ordered the staff. "Positions!"

I stretched my neck and walked to my starting position. Brenton sent me a concerned look before doing the same. I looked away immediately, I didn't want to discuss this with him.

Who would've thought I'd end up not wanting to talk to Brenton Thwaites? A few months ago I would've given anything for his authograph. After all, he has touched Johnny Depp. And I have touched Brenton. So technically, I've touched Johnny too. I shook my head and tried to concentrate. 

Why was it being so difficult to fake a kiss? It wasn't like I did not like Brenton. Man, he's hot. 

Perhaps having at least fifty eyes on me was what was making it so complicated.

Or maybe it was just that one pair of eyes...

"Camera?" 

"Rolling," The camera man said in a mumble.

"Action!" Lilian ordered.

I took a step forward and faced Brenton. 

Both of us were faking unsteady breaths and forcing our hearts to beat faster. 

"Hey," He whispered, his eyes on my lips. This was it. This was the moment.

"Luke, I—"

He leaned in towards me, our lips were now only inches away.

We finally locked gazes. However, when we did, I winced unconsciously.

"Cut!" 

Oh my god.

—

I made my way to the dressing rooms as fast as I could. Everyone kept whispering around me, I was one hundred percent sure they were talking about me. I couldn't their pity. I would not take their pity.

When I got in my private dressing room I closed the door behind me and let myself fall on the floor, my back resting on the door. I covered my face with my hands and sighed.

I couldn't understand how I got here.

What was wrong with me?

I felt bad for Brenton. I was sure he probably felt guilty about it, but it was definitely not him. This was my problem. For some reason, I could not kiss Brenton.

I was immersed in my thoughts when a few loud knocks startled me.

I quickly rose and opened the door carefully.

I was surprised to see Jeremy standing on the other side.

"Hi," He said apologetically.

"I'm okay," I replied as I invited him to get in.