Family Don't Break

CHAPTER 1

JACK'S POV:

"Ms. Medda!" I call out. My voice echoes throughout the empty theatre. The seats are empty, the bottoms folded up. The work lights are on and illuminating the stage. A flat piece of white canvas is splayed out, weighed down by four bricks. "Ms. Medda?" I call out again.

"Jack! Hello, dear. Sorry, I couldn't hear you, I was in the back with my new worker." She walks out, her dress swishing around her ankles. The fabric is hot pink, bright and eye catching as usual. "New worker?" I walk over to her, giving her a quick hug.

"Yes, Alex, my new seamstress. Ever since Elena quit last month, I haven't been able to catch up with all the costuming. Can't sew like I used to, old fingers and all." she chuckles and flexes her fingers for emphasis. "I would offa' to help, but I can't sew at all." I know this is true because the last time I tried to sew, I lost about a pint of blood. Those needles are sharper than they look.

"Well Jack, I was hoping that you could use your painting talents to make me a forest backdrop. We're doing a fairytale themed show. It's going to be amazing!" Medda smiles, clapping her hands in excitement. "Sure. I'll get started."

Medda heads to her office and I grab the paints from the closet. The cans are dented and rusty, dried paint covering the sides. I choose a couple shades of green and some browns. I carry them down from the catwalk one by one.

I walk up one last time, grabbing the last paint can. I walk out over the catwalk, the metal slightly shaking. Then my shoe catches on something, and I'm falling. I hit the walk with a thud, all the air being knocked out of me.

"OW! WHAT THE FUCK?" I stand up fast, peeking over the edge of the catwalk. A paint covered figure stands below, green dripping down onto the floor. A giant splatter of paint covers the stage. I grab my hat and run down the stairs, panic racing through me. I rush over to the person, carefully avoiding the mess.

"Oh my God, I am so sorry!" the figure turns to face me. They bring their hands up to their face and wipe off some of the paint, revealing white skin and bright green eyes. I can't see much of their clothes, due to the thick layer of green covering them. "I tripped, and I didn't mean to drop the paint, and I am so sorry-"

"It's fine. Can you just grab me a towel or something? Please?" I nod and run off, searching for a rag. I grab a small towel from the storage closet, bringing it back. I hand it to the person, my shoes squelching in the paint.

The figure wipes off a good amount of the green, revealing a tan colored newsboy hat, a pair of black pants, a light red shirt, and a dark brown vest. "Perfect. Just perfect." he sighs, staring down at his stained clothing.

"Oh dear! What happened?" Medda comes running out from stage left, a worried expression on her face. "I tripped and dropped some paint." I explain, gesturing to the boy. "Alex, I'll go grab you a change of clothes from the costume closet. I'll be right back." Medda rushes off again, her heels clacking against the floor.

"Well. Um. I guess you're the new seamstress Medda told me about. I'm Jack." I give a small wave, a half hearted smile on my face. "Alex." he sticks out his hand, and I shake it. I wipe the green paint off on my apron.

Medda comes back with a pile of clothing. "Alex, come with me. We'll get you all cleaned up. Jack, could you be a dear and mop this mess? We have rehearsal later tonight." Medda leads Alex off the stage, chattering all the way.

Way to make a good first impression.