Barry Berkman

Part 19

As he walked out on stage he was crying. He tried to pull himself together, but it didn't work. The tears streamed down his face as he said,

"My lord, the queen is dead." He said quietly.

He took some deep breaths in and everyone sat in silence, waiting for the next line. Macbeth's face fell and she continued on as he walked off the stage. Something is wrong. I thought to myself. I decided to stay awake for the rest of the show, not knowing if he would re-enter. Then the thought occurred to me, why is he in a play? I thought back to the times I had been in contact with him. Maybe he is trying to get in touch with his feelings? He doesn't really have many emotions. Then again, not many hit men do. I shrugged and focused back on the play.

* * *

As everyone left the crowded auditorium, I didn't know if I wanted to stay. On the one hand, he did well and really got into character. On the other hand, he might have thought I was stalking him. I decided to stay and congratulate him because socializing wasn't creepy. Or at least, that's what I told myself.

I walked over to Gene who was standing by the door saying goodbye to everyone.

"Hi." I said to him.

"Oh hello! I hope you enjoyed the show!" He replied, cheerfully.

"Oh I did. It was really great." We smiled at each other and I continued. "I have a friend in the play and I was wondering if I could go see him or if he would be around later to congratulate?" I asked, hopeful he would let me backstage. I looked over to him and he was stroking his chin.

"Well, I suppose you can go see him. What's his name?"

"Uh, Barry, Berkman?" I said back.

"Oh yes, Barry Block! That's his stage name. Of course you can go, follow me!"

As the last of the crowd dispersed, we walked through the room and went up onto the stage. I walked back behind the curtain and took note of everything. The rope pulleys, the sets lying around, the lighting, and the cast door. Gene knocked on the door and Macbeth herself opened it. Along with Barry. He had her arm around her shoulder as they talked. He stood there awkwardly, like he still hadn't fully recovered from his scene. I knew something was wrong with him! I thought. And then he noticed me. He went wide eyed and quickly moved his arm back to his side. The girl must not have seen me because she turned and gave Barry a confused look. I immediately knew this was a bad idea. Barry refused to make eye contact with me afterwards until he jabbed his thumb at his chest and I saw him say, 'me?'. Gene nodded and moved out of the way. As I saw Gene shut the door, he smiled at me and I gave him a weak smile back. Barry awkwardly walked up to me.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked me worriedly.