Carry On

Epilogue Part One

Two years after Jack and Crutchie hopped the train to Santa Fe, they were living out decent lives. They had left New York for good, and they were very happy with their decision.
The two kept their jobs as set designer and stage manager, and worked eight show weeks, every week (excluding holidays). It was a fast-paced job, but a fulfilling one as well. Jack painted, and Crutchie bossed everyone around, which he enjoyed very much. After being at the bottom of the heap with his gimp leg, he enjoyed being on top and having power, for once.
Mr. Moore married a lovely woman named Joy, and were very happy together. They decided that since Jack and Crutchie already lived with them, and were like sons to them, that they should just adopt them. And that is exactly what they did. Jack and Crutchie were legally brothers, and Bert and Joy were their legal guardians.
The two boys had been trusted advisors of Mr. Moore for sometime, so it was no surprise when he asked them to help him with auditions for next season's first show, "Romeo and Juliet."
For the first day, they held auditions for the male principal. 27 boys came in. They had to sing a song, and recite a tragic/ dramatic monologue. After an hour and a half of terrible performances, the trio was about ready to blow a fuse.
"NEXT," Bert shouted, frustrated with everything.
A redheaded boy came in. Freckles dotted his face, and his bright green eyes lit up the room, which restored everyone's faith in humanity.
"Hello," he said shyly, as he dropped his music on the floor. What a great start.
He picked it up and gave it to the pianist.
"You seem pretty nervous," Crutchie stated, and the boy nodded vigorously.
"First audition?" He nodded again.
"What's your name?"
"Patrick O'Hare."
"Patrick, take a deep breath and relax. We are not here to send you to your doom."
Patrick chuckled at the comment, and became much more natural.
"Should I start?"
Crutchie nodded encouragingly.
He sang his song. He recited his monologue.

This kid was amazing.
"You're hired," Bert said, and stood up collecting his papers. "Welcome to the cast, Romeo."
******************
The next day was so much easier.
The girls knew the drill.
The potential Juliets did their thing and left, as smoothly as a baby's bum.
They were all very good, but they all sounded the same to Jack.
Soon enough, a brunette walked in the door, clad in a white blouse and a long black skirt. Her hair was perfectly curled in ringlets down her back that bounced as she set her music on the piano. Before turning around, she spoke in lighthearted words. "I apologize in advance; I'm slightly rusty. I've been in an orphanage for two years. It was more like a prison for children, now that I think about it." She had a mild British accent that Jack picked up as she explained some of the notes to the pianist. She turned around.
"Hello, I'm Cl-"
Jack was already on his feet. He hopped up on his chair and jumped over the table. Before she could utter another word, he was fiercely kissing her, so afraid of losing her again.
She pushed him off. She obviously hadn't had time to see who was presenting themselves to her.
"Who do you think you-"
She sucked in her breath, finally getting a good look at the stranger.
She walked up and grabbed his shirt. She pulled him to her and kissed him again, not caring that there were three other people in the room watching them.
When she finally pulled away, she was grinning wildly, so happily.
"It's nice to see you again, Mr. Kelly."

She reintroduced herself, as she had been interrupted the first time, and continued on with the audition. She sang like an angel, and recited her monologue like a professional.

When she finished, she packed up her things and went to the door. "Join me outside when you're done, Jack."
"Count on it."
The door shut behind her.
Bert looked at the two boys sitting at the table with him.
"Are we hiring her?"
"We're hiring her," the two boys smiled in unison.

{A/N: There will be an epilogue part two.}

-C ★