Actress

“Your lips could be poisoned, and I’d willingly die from your kiss. Don’t you understand, my darling Madeline? I would die for you”! Simon’s beloved was too ashamed to do anything but lean back in her seat and cover her face as he wailed. He was a desperate fool, on his knees for a woman who had made it her life mission to avoid him. Even so he clung to her waist and cried. He was a mess, and part of it felt real. Henry hated his character. The overly dramatic nature of him and the insufferable hopeless romantic that he was. Even worse was when Simon’s love, Henry Miller’s nemesis, placed her hands on both sides of his head and pulled him in for a terribly long and passionate kiss. Never had a loud “cut!” yelled from behind the camera felt so relieving. 

Before he could pull away and stand, his head jerked back with a sharp tug. His co-star gave him a look that was almost indifferent, except for the shimmer of disgust lingering in her eyes as she held his gaze for all but a second before she stormed offstage. Henry was slow to react as he stared at his few brown strands of hair lying on the ground.

Jane Audley had become famous in her teenage years, and was a widely successful actress. Even if she only had her looks to thank for it. Her latest attention grab had been an article in the newspaper, speaking out against suffrage victory news. A rather ridiculous thing to release to the press, but with how irrational she was, of course she’d have to stand out. It seemed like being agreed with irritated her. Like she simply had to be angry and opposing. She had a foul reputation, and Henry’s experience of working with her had made it clear to him why. From the rude tone she used with others to demanding that her coffee be “piping hot”, to insisting that Simon’s character be even more emotional. The twitch in his eye was involuntary each time he thought about it. 

She was nothing short of exhausting. 

They were finished for the day and Henry took the opportunity to retreat back to his room. But before he could take two steps, a loud, shrill yell came from behind him. He jumped and turned just as a couple of assistants brushed his shoulders as they rushed past him. It was painfully unfunny to think of all the small inconveniences that could’ve caused such a reaction. Not four seconds later, one of the young assistants scurried past him again with a mug in her hand. Her shoulders were drawn in, and she kept her head low as she disappeared through the door of Ms. Audley’s dressing room. 

Simply for the brisk pace at which she walked he felt she deserved more gratitude. She hadn’t spilled a single drop! Though, perhaps Henry shouldn’t have been so surprised. The yelling started up again, but grew quieter as he turned around and began walking to his own room. Not one head lifted at the commotion. He wanted to be done with filming and never have to see that woman again, but he’d have to pull through for another day.