gold rush- anderperry

2

The day went by slowly and painfully as Todd waited anxiously for classes to end.  He tried to pay attention in class but it was pointless.  He spent all day thinking about the rehearsal.  What would people think about him?  What would the people be like? What would even happen there?  Ideally, Todd would just watch Neil act and then leave.  But who knows?  

Neil sat down next to him at lunch, "Are you excited for tonight?" he smiled. 

"Yeah, I can't wait," Todd answered.  Neil lit and up and then went to talk to Charlie, Meeks, and Knox so they wouldn't get mad at him.  Todd listened to their conversation and sometimes laughed or made little comments.  Most of the time though, he stared at Neil.  

Mr. Keating had them go outside today to play kickball, he thought it was important to get outside every once in a while.  Which was great because it made the class go by fast.  The game ended with Todd's team winning.  Only because they had Charlie.  

Todd walked up to the dorm, his heart pounding as he thought about what was about to happen.  

"We have about an hour, then we should get going," Neil said as he walked in the dorm, "We can take our bikes," He pulled out the Latin homework and began to work on it.  Todd decided to try and do his homework but he couldn't focus.  

He wished he wasn't so anxious and that he could do anything, like Neil.  He wasn't afraid to do whatever he wanted.  Well, unless it was around his father.  The hour passed like seconds with Todd buried in his thoughts the whole time. 

"Are you ready? Do you have your coat? It's getting pretty cold," Neil questioned him. 

"Uh yes, I'm ready," Todd answered as they quietly snuck out of the dorm to the shed where the bikes were kept.  They both took one and Neil led the way to Henly Hall. 

"Ooo I can't wait for you to see the rehearsal, maybe you could ask to design the set or something so you could everyday," Neil said. 

"Okay," Todd couldn't help but laugh. He also blushed which made him thankful it was getting dark outside.  

The boys talked laughed and talked until the got to Henly Hall.  As the door opened, the were blasted with heat.  The lobby was warm and comforting, with yellow lighting. 

"This way,"  Neil pointed to the entrance to the theatre and they went in.  When Todd stepped in he saw rows and rows of seats, all facing a stage where teenagers ran around moving things.  There were people in the audience too, standing and talking, wait for the rehearsal to fully start. 

Standing in the first row next to the stage was a girl with a mid length bob, baggy jeans, a blue sweater with leaves embroidered on it, and black combat boots.  She was holding a iced coffee in her hand.  

She looked over at Neil and caught his glance.  She waved and shouted "Neil! Come over here!" 

"That's Olivia," Neil explained, "She's my co star,"  As they walked over to her Todd felt a pang of jealousy.  How much did Neil like this girl? 

"Oh my god," she said looking at Todd, "Is this Todd?" she looked at Todd and smiled. He smiled  back.  She seemed fun, nice even.  

"Wow," a girl with red hair said, "Neil was right, you are really cute!" she smiled at him and then a boy called her name and she ran off.  

"Hi, my name's Olivia," she said, offering her hand.  He shook it and said "I'm Todd, nice to meet you," 

"Oh you too," Olivia said, "I know all about you, not in a creepy way though, you're ALL Neil ever talks about" she laughed. 

Hearing this made Todd extremely happy.  Neil introduced him to some of the other cast, then had to go get changed into his costume.  Olivia stayed behind. 

"Have you ever heard of this play?" she asked him. 

"Uh, yes, actually,"  Todd answered, "I know a lot of the scenes 'cause I help Neil with his lines,"  Olivia smiled at this. 

"That's good, well I hope I can do as good as you with this part," she joked and ran off to get her costume. 

The rehearsal went really well, everyone was so good.  But by far, Neil was the best.  The way he portrayed the character was so perfect.  He was so perfect.  Even though Todd had heard these scenes millions of times, it was nice to be able to watch Neil and not feel weird about it at all. 

The rehearsal ended and Todd waited for Neil and Olivia to get into their regular clothes.  They came out and Todd could swear he heard Neil say "Ok shh now,"  

"You were amazing holy shit," Todd said, looking at Neil. 

"Aw, thanks Todd," Neil said, blushing.  

They made their way to the exit and were saying goodbye to everyone. 

"'Bye, I'm glad I finally met you Todd," Olivia said, "Neil has certainly built you a reputation and i'm happy to say that you lived up to it," she smiled at them.  They both blushed. 

"So, uh shes nice," Todd said.  If he was honest here he was trying to see if Neil had feelings for her. 

"Yeah she's a great actress, and friend," Neil responded. 

Ok, good, friend.  And nothing about her looks. 

On their way home, they talked about the play and how talented Neil was until they got back up to the dorm. 

"Neil?" Todd asked, as he climbed into bed. 

"Yeah?" he asked. 

"Could I come to your rehearsal tomorrow?" 

Neil smiled from ear to ear. "Of course!"