The First Moment

Filming was smooth like butter that day. For the most part. Henry tried hard to keep his temper down by the time noon came around. The thing that had set Jane off was the one extra step Henry took, which apparently ruined the shot, and they had to do it over again. After they finally got it she simmered down, just in time for them to take a break. 

Normally Henry would step to the side, take a breather, grab a drink, maybe read over his script. Anything to get away from other people before he accidentally snapped at anyone. But when he glanced to his left to give a judging look to Jane, her head was hung low, and she was facing away from the others. And though it could’ve been his own frustration simmering his vision, she looked to be shaking ever so slightly. Her face was completely still and lacking any recognizable emotion. Henry was confused; usually Jane would’ve disappeared from set to be on her own and terrorize the assistants. But she was staring holes into the wall and shook.

It took him a moment to consider his motivation until Henry released a sigh and turned to her. “Excuse me, Ms. Audley?”, he started softly, “are you not feeling well”? His hand hung awkwardly in the air as he gestured towards her. It took a moment before she responded by waving her hand in slow motion and turning her face away. Henry would be lying if he’d said he wasn’t annoyed with her, but of course he would be patient. 

“If you aren’t well, at least sit down. Might I get you some water?” He asked, surprisingly keeping the annoyance out of his tone. Ms. Audley cleared her throat before answering that no, she was fine and wished to be alone. Henry was slightly surprised that her voice sounded so quiet and frail. 

He tried again, this time stepping forward and placing his hand on her left shoulder. “Are you perhaps feeling faint? Allow me to assist you to a chair”. Just because she was stuck-up and bratty didn’t mean he had to be. Henry gently tugged at her, and that seemed to bring her back to herself as she twisted her torso away from him and waved her hand once more. “Really, I am alright. Thank you”. She lifted her head and walked back to her dressing room, leaving Henry to stand there on his own. It took him a moment to process what he had just witnessed. A thank you without a trace of anger. Surely that woman had gotten possessed. 

But Henry didn’t dwell on it long as he himself returned to his room to freshen up. It was odd seeing her like that. He was sure she was going to snap at him when he placed a hand on her. But nevermind, Ms. Audley was unreadable and much less understandable. He was sure she would want him to forget they’d ever had that moment, and he was more than happy to comply.