One Step Closer

Chapter 16

Hehe I'm excited for this one!!! *continues to laugh while backing away slowly*
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HEATHER'S POV

Tonight is Opening Night. This is the most nervous I have been in a long time. I have been in shows my whole life but this is different. It's Broadway!
Since Jack has been discharged he's been walking on his crutch and will be taking physical therapy until he can walk without the crutch.

Ashley, Kelly, and I are at my apartment getting ready, we have two hours before we need to be at the theatre.

Ashley steps out of my room in her dress. It's knee-length blue satin dress that dips into a sweetheart neckline. Her hair is down for now but later it will be pinned up to resemble Barbara Streisand.

Kelly changes next into her knee-length black dress with a Peter Pan collar. Her hair is curled slightly and falls just below her shoulders.

In the end I change into my knee-length white dress that ties behind my neck. My hair is curled slightly above my shoulders.

We all wanted to resemble our characters in someway.

Suddenly there is a soft knock on my door. I opened it and there stood Jack in a black and white tuxedo leaning against his crutch holding a bouquet of roses.

"You look absolutely breathtaking." He said smiling.

I smiled back feeling my cheeks getting warm. "Thank you. You look pretty incredible yourself."

Just then Hannah, my mom, and my dad walked up the stairs.

"Your building seriously needs to get an elevator." Hannah said out of breath. "That's not easy to do in heels."

"Hannah," I said trying not to laugh. "First of all, I live on the second floor you only have to walk up a flight of stairs. Second of all, We do have one. You just have to walk a little farther into the lobby."

She looked at me in disbelief.

"How else do you think Jack got up here?" I asked.

She shrugged. "I don't know. It's been a long day." She brushed past me and walked into my apartment and flopped down on the couch.

My parents and Jack sat next to her on the couch while Kelly, Ashley, and I finished getting ready.

Once we were done we hailed three cabs to take us to the theatre. I rode with my dad and Jack. I wasn't going to take any chances.

We arrived at the theatre and my parents and Hannah went into the theatre to take their seats. People were already lined up taking pictures of the cast. Jack held out his arm for me to put mine through and we started walking down the carpet. We stopped where the paparazzi was and smiled for pictures. He had an arm around my waist and he was leaning against his crutch for support. Afterwards we walked in the stage door and he went on to take his seat while I went to go get ready.

The show went smoothly and before I knew it was the final number, my number. Somehow the producers got the rights to the song from the TV show 'Smash' called 'Don't Forget Me.' That was my song. I stepped out onstage, a single spotlight shone down on me, the orchestra played, and I began to sing.

"They thought they could dispose of me. They tried to make me small. I suffered each indignity. But I'll rise above it all. Yes, the price I paid was all I had, but at last I found release. And if something good can come from bad. The past can rest in peace." I sang out.

The song continued on and I looked into the audience. I saw my mom and dad smiling up at me. Hannah was also smiling up at me and giving me a thumbs up. Right next to her was Jack. He was smiling bigger than anyone else I could see. He would occasionally wipe tears from his eyes causing my own to fill with tears also.

In the end I finished my song and the audience stood on their feet cheering. The lights went out and the curtain went down and I ran to the wings. I was automatically hugged by Kelly and Ashley. They were crying tears of joy as well.

The ensemble took their bows and the other leading roles took theirs. I took Kelly's hand in my right hand and Ashley's in my left and we ran onstage. The crowd erupted with cheers and applause. We took our bow and I pulled them in for another hug. The entire cast joined hands and we took one big bow before the curtain went back down.

The Opening Night Party was nothing like any of the parties I've been to. More pictures were taken, food and drinks were served, and some people sang including Kelly, Ashley, and I.

It was around 11:00 pm and Jack stood up.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

He held out his hand and I placed mine on top.

"I want to show you something."

He put his crutch under his arm and I was holding his other hand as we walked out the doors and into the night.
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Oooooh suspense. Hehe I'm excited for the next chapter too. It will be up soon. Ok Bye. :)