Signed, Yours Truly

Chapter One - Superstar

There is one law of physics that will never be wronged: Order always falls to disorder. That was what pulses through Claire's mind as she scrolled through the pictures that her newly engaged boyfriend sent her. He had proposed to her the previous day, she had said yes, of course, her heart had been in the clouds for hours before she fell asleep. She had listened to her love song playlist six times before finding some rock covers while going over her script. She was the director of the new musical in New York called Superstar, focused around a vigilante with a eerie voice used to frighten his enemies. The casting was most interesting for Claire, she had heard so much talent in the boys, but one really stood out. A teenager by the name of Ryan, he could sing bass, tenor and baritone. Claire had a sneaking suspicion he was trying to impress someone when she asked him to do vocals.

"Whatever." She pushed the thought away when she stood up, the theatre's stage lights were starting to heat up as they were taking a break from rehearsals.

"Claire!" A girl's voice called, the director turned to see Lexi, the assistant prop manager, running to her. "I need some ideas."

"Ok, shoot." Claire gave her a smile and put her phone back in her book bag. "I'm all ears."

"So, you know the scene with Arc and Jeanne that's a little iffy for me. Act Two, scene four."

Claire made the 'time out' symbol with her hands then grabbed her phone again for the script. "The confrontation scene, right?"

"Yeah, thats the one." Lexi nodded.

Claire recited the lines to herself while envisioning the scene, the vigilante: Arc, and the protectee: Jeanne, were on a rooftop in the city, an argument ensues from both, neither want to admit they are falling in love with each other. Suddenly, Jeanne's character snatches off Arc's mask and reveals him to be someone young and determined to keep her safe. They agree to never keep secrets again and then someone nearly catches them, scene ends.

"Ok, context received, whats the issue?" Claire asked, looking back up

"Doesn't it seem weird that Arc is stalking this girl? Honestly, I feel creeped out by that."

"Well, I'm still kinda processing it myself, but I think the author is trying to convey that there is a fine line between stalking and protecting; and its up to both of you to determine which is which."

"Yeah, okay, I can see that." Lexi shrugged. "Just a little weird though."

"I get it. I think its just a touchy topic 'cause no one talks about it."

"This is true. Anyway, when's the wedding??" Her friend's eyes lit up, mischief behind them.

"Relax, Miss Enthusiasm." Claire laughed. "It won't be for a while now. At least a year. We've agreed once the show closes, we'll focus on each other."

"Always the theatre kid, are we?"

"Its me, Lexi. What did you honestly expect?"

"You caught me there." Lexi nodded. "I'll be around if you need me!"

"See ya!" Claire waved bye and turned her attention back to her notes. So far the show was coming along great...just slow. Opening night was three weeks away and they had only one thing missing: the tech rehearsal. The dreaded rehearsal nearly everyone wanted to be non-existent. But it was a necessary evil, as the tech advisor called it.

"Its almost over, Claire, nearly there." She encouraged herself, running a finger through her hair. She loved the job, it was just grueling at times.

-

After ordering an alfredo, Claire relaxed in the chair, scrolling through her phone and decompressing. The Italian restaurant was busy as it was the weekend and families were out and about. Giggling at the meme Jared sent her, she looked around, taking in her surrounding, noting the quirks and ticks people did with each other.

"Hi there." A young man said from across her table.

"Hello." Claire smiled, giving a small wave.

"You're the musical director, right? Claire, is it?"

"Thats me. And who have I the pleasure of meeting tonight?"

"Milo Kyattes." He offered his hand and Claire shook it politely. "I work at the Majestic."

"The Majestic Theater??" Claire repeated, impressed. "Wow, I must say, you rival me."

"Oh, no. I'm just a techie." He chuckled, waving her off. "Nothing important."

"Well, sit down. Excuse my terrible manners."

"Thank you." Milo sat across from her, keeping a respectable distance. "That's a very pretty ring." He waved a finger at the engagement ring on Claire's left hand.

"Oh, thank you. My soon-to-be husband gave it to me."

"Congratulations." Milo smiled again, his pearly white teeth showing. "I wish you two the best."

Claire felt a slight blush. "He's very nice. But enough about me, tell me about your job. I could use some tips for our show."

"Well, I usually show up-"

"Sir, sir!" The hostess' voice made the two turn around to see a man in a dark jacket with the hood up and cargo pants coming straight for Claire's table. Shades hid his eyes, suggesting he rode a motorcycle.

"Milo!" He scolded. "What the hell!"

"Excuse me." Milo stood up, pushed his chair back in and headed for the dark man. Calming him, Milo was nearly dragged out by the other, both talking over each other.

"Weird but whatever." Claire shrugged it off, the restaurant going back to its normal ambience.