Before reading this, make sure to read "Language of the Heart" by notimmortal. This story will be based off that story. The difference is that it's from the point of view of a different character, Mara. Enjoy!
"Kaitlyn, HURRY UP! Ben is going to kill us if we're late again!" We were late to rehearsal for the fourth time this week.
"Shut the f** up Mara! You know I don't do Mondays!"
It was true, Kaitlyn really did not do Mondays. So, I flipped her mattress over. And then Kaitlyn kicked me. Finally, she was ready and we were able to set off towards the theater. As we walked, which is a slow process for two easily distracted blondes, we discussed our friends.
"Have you talked to Luce lately?" I asked.
"Not since our last rehearsal. I hate that she asked that douschepickle Cal to do the male lead. He's only going to make her feel worse!"
Basically, our friend Luce is in love with our friend Cal. The problem is that Cal likes one of our other friends, Willa. I can tell it hurts her every time she sees Cal and Willa together. I know Willa doesn't like him like that so I wish Cal would just open his eyes and see the girl who clearly loves him back.
We reached the theater, right on time.
Much to our disappoinment, the first thing we saw was Cal and Willa together. Kaitlyn's face hardened instantly and she went over to Luce, wrapping her arm around her and saying "He's just stupid."
I spoke up as well. "He must be blind. Otherwise he'd be over here with you, not Willa."
I feel bad for saying that about Willa, but I really do believe Cal should be with Luce.
Luce says, "He's not blind. He just doesn't see me, not how I want to be seen."
I shrug, "So he's stupid then."
"Mara, you know just as well as I do that he's not stupid."
"Only an idiot would choose her over you, Luce." (Desperate measures call for harsh words)
Luce stares at us for a moment. "Cal isn't blind or stupid, he's just in love."
"Welllllll... a voice said from behind. "Love can lead to blindness and stupidity."
"Wow Jack, that was almost intelligent!"
"Shut up Sam!"
"Jack, Sam. Glad y'all could join us. Where's Ben?" Luce asked.
"Off being stupid again I'm sure."
Just then, Ben burst through the door. "Sorry guys! Almost got run over."
"Again Ben?" Sam asked with a mildly annoyed look on her face. Ben really overuses that excuse.
"Yes indeed I did Samantha. Now let's start working, yeah?"
So we all went our separate ways. Luce, Kaitlyn and I wrote a play for the summer camp and Luce's mom who owns the theater was kind enough to let us perform it for a few nights. Ben was directing, Jack and Isaac were moving sets, Kaitlyn was in charge of sound and lighting, and the rest of us were performing. (How exciting!!!!!!)
Cal, who was painting sets with Willa and obviously upsetting Luce, asked "Ben, when are auditions for the rest of the parts?"
"Next Tuesday."
"You always do stuff on Tuesdays," Luce responded while simultaneously rolling her eyes. She was helping Kaitlyn with some light ideas.
"Tuesdays are good days. Plus, you told me you'd edit the script one more time."
"I've edited and revised five times already! What more do you want me to do?!"
"An epic battle would be nice."
This is when I spoke up. "It's a love story!! What's the point of a battle?!"
"Dramatic effect. Might as well kill someone," he says, finally looking up from his computer.
Kaitlyn, who was getting ver irritated, said, "Ben. The story takes place modern day and is a love story about a girl working in a library. How would a battle fit in?"
Everyone started arguing at that point, except Luce who I noticed was thinking quietly to herself.
Where does Ben come up with these crazy ideas? We won't get anything done if we don't stop--
"No battles," Luce says. She doesn't yell at us but the authority oozing from her voice is enough to shut all of us up.
"Why are y'all looking at me like that?" Luce asked.
"Because... you of all people usually... just... yeah." Jack mutters.
"Very intelligent Jack. Nicely said." Sam replies, glaring at him. "We're just surprised you were able to focus over our yelling to make a rational decision."
Nice compliment. I should use that one day...
"Oh."
Finally, we all went back to work. I walked backstage to look for some more paint brushes. The theater has many hidden rooms and fascinating props scattered all over it. I find it quite... magical. I entered one room, hoping to find something useful. There was a mirror in one corner. I paused a moment, staring into it. My long, blonde hair was piled up into a bun, my glasses were sliding halfway down the bridge of my nose, and my jeans were splattered in paint. This was me. In the past, I would look into a mirror and see every flaw, all at once. I've learned to numb the pain I felt when seeing myself. Now, I only see the ghost of a girl that I used to know...
Night is approaching and everyone starts to leave. Only me and Luce are left.
"Are you just gonna stand there Luce?"
"I was gonna see if I could hang myself from the rafters actually."
"That's not funny Luce. Seriously, are you okay? You've been kinda... off since the whole thing with Cal."
"I'll get over it eventually."
"The key word there is 'eventually'."
"I'm fine Mara. Don't worry about it, okay?"
I frowned. I wanted to argue the meaning of fine.
How many times have I said "I'm fine" to people, when actually, I was dying inside? It's so much easier to say those two, simple words than explain a whole battle going on inside you. I guess Ben doesn't realize there is a battle in this play already. Not the one he pictured, but the battle going on between Luce's head and heart. "I'm fine" will always be a lie. But I won't say anything to Luce yet. I know getting something out of her will be a lot harder.
"Alright. Come on, let's get out of here."
***
*kelsey note*OML THIS IS BEAUTIFUL YOURE SUCH A GOOD WRITER HOT DAMN.*end of note*
