Family Don't Break

CHAPTER 9

ALEX'S POV:

Today's the day. I have to actually sing in front of people. I'm fine with acting in front of them, but singing is a whole different matter. It's more terrifying than having to deliver a whole Shakespeare monologue in a british accent in front of an audience of three hundred people.

My costume is beautiful, but I feel so awkward in it. I don't like wearing dresses. I can't run or fight in them, I'm stuck in place surrounded by overly shiny fabric. "You ready, Alex?" Medda whispers. I nod, swallowing the knot in my throat. "You're going to do great out there. Break a leg!" Medda gives me a quick hug before running off to deal with other people.

I countdown the seconds to my entrance. The last line of the scene is delivered. The actors exit. And now it's my turn. The stage is dark, the audience silent. I take a deep breath, and I walk out onto the stage.

JACK'S POV:

Alex walks on, and the spotlight finds her. She stands center stage, her arms at her side. She has a flowing white dress, the sleeves draping towards the ground. Her hair is loose behind her, natural and flowing. She looks like a goddess.

The piano begins to play, the music echoing around the theatre. Then Alex begins to sing. Her voice is like silk, soft and airy yet still full of passion. The notes ring out, like gems you can almost see. The audience is quiet, eyes and mouths open in awe. She sings like an angel, like some holy supernatural being.

I can almost see the music, the way it winds around her like a cloak. The backdrop behind her sparkles lightly, and the leaves almost seem to pull towards her, as eager as the rest of us to hear her better. She's like a siren, drawing everyone in. The outside world no longer exists. It is just her, weaving her magic with her voice.

She sings her last note, and it dances around the theatre, echoing off of every wall. There is a moment of silence, allowing the note to fully fade. And then there is thunderous applause. People stand up, clapping and cheering. Someone whistles. Alex bows, rushing offstage.

I don't pay attention to the rest of the show. All I want to do is go and see Alex. I fidget, my seat shaking as I bounce my knee. As soon as the curtain closes, I stand up and maneuver my way through the crowd. I take a shortcut through the greenroom and go straight to backstage.

The actors are buzzing, all recounting the performance. I search for Alex, my eyes skimming the group. I finally see her standing off in a corner, talking to another girl. I practically run over to her.

"Alex!" I call out. She turns toward me and smiles. "Hey, Jack." her cheeks are flushed with excitement, red and rosy. "That was amazing." I blurt out. "It was okay. I messed up on that high note-" I interrupt her. "No. It was seriously some of the best singing I have ever heard. You had the whole audience hypnotized." she giggles and grabs my hand.

"Thank you for coming." she says quietly. "Of course." I lean down and kiss her, tasting the lipstick on her lips. "Hey! You two! No hanky panky in my theatre," Ms. Medda chuckles. We break apart and turn towards her, still hand in hand.

"Alex, my dear, you were wonderful. I do wish you would sing for us more often." Alex thanks her and says that she'll think about it. The cast is starting to get changed and heading out for a drink. "Do you wanna get out of here?" I ask. Alex nods. "Let's go get a soda and celebrate." she suggests.

Once Alex changes, we leave together. We walk to our normal spot, buying a soda to share. And just like our first date, we sit on that corner together and talk. Nothing could be more perfect.