New York, New York - Mike Faist

TWENTY-NINE

*jocelyn* closing night

Closing night. Closing night meant two more days until I go home. It meant four more days until I'm back in Grease wwith some of my favorite people. Since Mike left, we called every night and every morning. I'd obviously kept in touch with my Pink Ladies.

I decided to pack up my dressing room before the show opposed to after so I could go home quickly. After packing up, getting my costume on, makeup done, and hair done, I headed out to the wings for places.  I heard the overture start for the last time and the curtain rose.

.  .  .

We took our group bow and Denise walked forward. I looked around and we were all in tears. It was a bittersweet moment.

"We would like to thank each and every person who came to this show. Tonight or otherwise! This had been a dream come true for some of us and we can't express how grateful we are for this experience. Thank you."

And then the curtain came down. And just like that it was over. It was around 5:00 pm in New York so when I got back to my dressing room I called Mike. He picked up almost immediately.

"Hi Mike!"

"Hey honey. How was closing?"

"Bittersweet. Like always. I'll miss it but I'm ready to come home."

"I get it. Everybody here is really excited for you to come home. Say Hi guys!" I didn't know they were there!

"Hi!"

"Jocelyn!"

"So excited!"

I heard multiple voices say and then exit the room. I guess Mike kicked them out. I checked their local time and saw he had to go get ready for his show.

"Mike, you better go."

"Yeah. I'll talk to you soon?"

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you too."

Then I hung up. But I called a different number.

"Hello?"

"Hi there. Are there any available flights to New York tomorrow?"

"Yes Ma'am. What is your last name?"

"Darling. Jocelyn Darling. I had my flight scheduled for Monday, but I want to go home sooner." I explained

"Of course. I will change your flights and we'll email you the information!"

"Alright, thank you." I hung up again and retrieved my stuff

I looked around for the last time and left the theatre. I decided to take the tube to my apartment and it wasn't the right decision. It was loud, smelled gross, and a long ride. But I got home and that's all that matters. I wanted to go to bed but instead I packed up my stuff and prepared my luggage for tomorrow. I checked my e-mail and saw the flight was very early in the morning. The flight was at 4 am so I decided to go to bed now so I could be well rested. I set a time for 2:00 am the next morning.

.  .  .
3:55am at the airport

I was sat in my seat on the plane scrolling though Instagram when the plane finally started to taxi. I threw on my headphones and put on Mike and I's playlist. Luckily, this flight was planned so I had time to change somewhere. I would get in around 1:00 pm and I bought tickets to the Grease 2:00 pm show. I planned to attend stage door and surprise everyone.

The plane took off and my nerves calmed. Hopefully, they would be excited to see me. Hopefully, it would all end up okay.

.  .  .

I got off the plane and ran to the bathroom. I changed into a light blue dress and white heels. I exited the bathroom and airport and caught a cab. I went to my apartment complex and walked to the parking garage. I got out the extra keys for my chair and clicked twice. I heard Poppy and looked around for her. I finally found my car and put my luggage in. I checked my watch and saw I had about 20 minutes before the show started.

I rushed to hail a cab and gave them the theatre name. I paid the driver and stumbled out of the car. I pulled out the ticket barcode on the phone and went to the box office. They scanned my ticket and let me in. I bought a single seat about 6 rows back from the stage. It would be my first time seeing the show in full, which sounds crazy. I sat on my phone when Mike texted me.

mikey 💗

about to go on!

I felt kinda bad.

Good luck baby!

He left me on read and the overture started. I clapped as the curtain went up as did everybody else. As I watched the show I could see people spotting me out in the audience. They had to keep their cool but I could see people in the background telling everyone. I got to see my replacement Rizzo. She was good. Really good.

The show ended and I think I was the first to stand up. Clearly, Mike hadn't seen me yet. But he did when I stood. His face went blank. No emotion until he broke out into a smile and waved lightly at me. I waved back at him and blew a kiss.

I waved at my other friends and then the curtains went down. I decided to stay in my seat fans wait until most people had left. A stage manager was walking down from the stage. The stage manager being one of my favorites. Landin!

"Jocelyn?" He called out

"Hey! Yeah, it's me."

"Why are you here? I thought you weren't coming until Monday?"

"I couldn't wait. I better go, I don't want to miss stagedoor."

"Do you just want to come backstage?"

"I couldn't."

"You could." He grabbed my wrist and pulled me backstage.

"Landin, thank you."

"You know where to go."

He let me loose and the first place I went was to see my Pink Ladies. I knocked on the door and heard a confirmation I could open it. I pushed it open and the girls looked at me. They all screamed and crushed me in a group hug. I laughed loudly and hugged them all back.

"Jocelyn! I knew that was you in the audience!" Ella exclaimed jumping up Andrew down slightly

"Why are you here?" Dani asked

"I couldn't wait to come home."

My replacement, who's name was Quinn, approached me.

"Oh my god, Quinn. You were so good. Also, I am so sorry to come back and like take this away from you." I apologized

"No! You're good! I actually had an offer to be Elpheba in Wicked and I really wanted to take it. So I should really be thanking you!"

I talked to them for a bit more before saying I had to go see everyone else. After leaving, I practically ran to Mike and Sams room. I knocked lightly and heard affirmation I could come in. I went in and Mike stood up in lightning speed. He took one long stride and pulled me into a hug. Tears formed in my eyes and fell of my face. I pulled away and smiled at my boyfriend.

"Hey."

"Hey." His hand went to my cheek

I leaned into his touch and grabbed his other hand. I laughed lightly as he tried to hide his tears. I talked to the two until we decided to leave. I don't think Mike let go of me until I had to go shower.