Our Final Curtain

Chapter 1

1998 - Broadway, New York City

Can you believe it? It was finally over, no turning back. In over twenty years of my life, I have spent most of my time heftily performing in front of different people four times a week. Whenever I step foot on a fool-proof acacia wood platform, I am no longer Cathy. Every time that I was in character, I forgot all the things behind my personal life. Memorizing a hundred pages of dialogues is not new for me. My first time holding those sheets made me shiver, thought I'll never make it through the end.

People scream at the top of their lungs, cheering everyone on the final call. You can't even hear your own voice anymore; crowds overfilled the auditorium as they clapped with a standing ovation. The curtain dropped down as we bowed for the last time. It was the most memorable day in my lifetime. Everything was recorded in photographs and videos for keepsakes.

The after-party is held after we perform the musical. Some famous actors from other companies also joined us. They were friends with the producers and some co-actors of mine. It was a rare opportunity to have them that's why I have my autograph card and sharpie markers for them to sign. Sarah Timmons was one of them! I'm a huge fan of her, also a TV actress, a veteran and won three Tony's. She's a hundred times more popular than me. I might be exaggerating but that's an undeniable fact. She's 63 but still the light isn't fading away, she's shining more. She defies all the ages.

The secret of preserving the chart is explainable. Getting a good contract and a good manager with smart promotion is one of them. However, having a good rapport as an actress is the number one thing that you must have. It is the reason why Sarah is still dominating the theater industry up until today. She has a high net worth, but you won't believe it as she's humble. You will see her around the shopping district with non-luxurious outfits. A plain shirt and baggy pants will do for her, no make-up, and absolutely no fancy jewelry. She's basically one of my role models aside from my lovely grandmother.

Walking at the ride side where I was sipping my mocktail with my best friend Olivia, Sarah approaches us with an open arm. "It's sad to know that you're parting ways from us." She hugged me tightly. Can't help but to gasp as it was an opportunity to embrace Sarah. Fragrances linger around the event hall as she greets every actor including the ensemble.

"Actually, it was tough, but I have reasons."

She handed me a gift and stayed at our table. It was my time to recite my speech as a farewell letter. Many were saying it was too early, everyone was asking why. I have countless reasons to explain but family is one of the reasons. Being an actress is my childhood dream that I never expected that will be fulfilled. It was thanks to my mom and dad who supported me with all their hearts. But before I finally got to chase the thing I wanted; I did everything to prove that I can live on my own. Took several years but it finally ends up in fruition.

"What's your next plan?" Olivia asked me right away after my speech. She casually asks me this thing, seems like she was curious about my life. Not in a creep way but just a concerned friend. Ever since I became an actress, she's the one that I have for a long time. Exchanging words is our favorite thing to do whenever we're not busy. Some questions are mediocre, your breakfast earlier, what are your dislikes, and what did you do yesterday after the rehearsal.

"I don't have any concrete plan but, I'm going to spend my time chilling in a balcony, that's for certain

The truth is things are getting to overwhelm these days, I had a lot of plans that I haven't done yet. Before I could plan, I think I'm going to fulfill the remaining stuff in my journal. I know, not all these things will be made possible. Some need a bunch of pennies; you will drain your account first before you could get it. Priorities, that's the thing that you also would not miss.

Our priorities change as we grow old, accept it or not. I realized that, If I could speak up to my teenage self again, I'll remind myself that YOU DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS *Always. Give yourself some damn freedom. I realize that it's kind of wrong to just wait to get old so that you could get a taste of sweet ole fine wine when you can find your way and chase your dreams, travel around the world, eat a steak in five-star restaurants, and so on. I sound a rebel to myself but I'm kinda, slightly, an inner rebel when I was young. But don't be harsh on yourself too when you don't get to experience a lot of things, sometimes the universe only gives you a bunch of lemons, but there's no sweets, just made a sour lemonade, that's it. Whenever I am feeling insecure, I remind myself of the things that I have today that I never had before.

She suddenly hit me on my back, "Why don't you go somewhere, travel in France and enjoy the glimpse of being a princess?". She's chivvied, she reminds me of my mother. Well, she's already a mother too but still acts like a 17 year old teen who acts like Barbie looking for Ken. She's a wanderlust, living on an extravagant lifestyle like you'll see in magazines. I don't judge her; all this stuff is from her own effort that she doesn't have before.

"I would love to, but I still have to prioritize the needs of my daughters." I told her calmly.

I'm reticent about my personal life, I don't bring these matters in my work, but I'll admit raising children is onerous but there's no complaining. Right after I became engaged, I thought of carrying responsibilities as a soon-to-be mother, it particularly means that I'm no longer a teen, I must think of them before myself. Time is no longer yours but life worth living as you are enjoying being a parent through thick and thin. No material things can be compared on things that you have experienced, its value is greater, maybe priceless.

"You've done enough, it's time to pay back for yourself and give yourself time to unwind." She said "Your decision was right. I saw you how you catch up on things that you cannot lose, I just want you to be doing well."

"Thanks for your concern, I know that you are caring 'bout me." I told her.