Movieland

Epilogue

The Lyric Cinema marquee glowed at night, proudly proclaiming, "TONIGHT ONLY: LHS FAREWELL PROJECTS."

The cinema had eight movie screens. Its main, and largest, theater also had an old wooden stage for presentations. The theater was packed with classmates and parents and faculty. It was truly alive with the sounds of joy.

On the stage, in the spotlight, Adam Tait stood surprisingly upright and spoke coherently into the microphone.

"In conclusion, everything that just happened is only the beginning. As crazy as it might seem now, it will look like small potatoes compared with what's to come. So I guess I'm standing up here being as honest and transparent as possible. If anything, I hope you remember that. Be prepared for what's next. Some of us will make it. Some of us won't. Good luck to everyone. Thank you."

He made a rock and roll sign and left the stage. He gave me a fist as he walked by. The theater burst into applause. Mr. Wei hurried onto the stage.

"Thank you, Adam. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your attendance today. Your energy reminds me of the time I went to the movies with Missy Little. It was opening night for Dirty Dancing. The Monster Squad had only been out for a week. The theater was a madhouse! Just like tonight. Everyone was excited about what they were about to see. Except I wanted to see Dirty Dancing. Missy wanted to see The Monster Squad. We agreed to watch separate movies. And over 30 years later, I'm proud to say that we are happily not together. That was our only date. I watched The Monster Squad for the first time recently. What an incredible flick. I had so much fun. I should've gone with her. Who knows where we'd be now."

The crowd was too amped to settle down entirely, but he certainly was doing the opposite of priming them for me.

"Anyway. This final project, I am promised, is certain to knock your socks off. The winner of this year's Contest, owner of a shiny new cast, please welcome, Maxine Magee!"

The crowd applauded politely. I stood off to the side of the stage with Carolina. She had worn a good luck outfit for me: her Molly Ringwald in The Breakfast Club: white scarf, pink shirt, maroon skirt, and brown boots. She kissed me on the cheek. "You sure this is a good idea?"

I held my hand against her chest, presumably where her heart would be. It felt cool to do. "They need to know. They deserve it."

Mr. Wei gave me a thumbs up as we crossed paths on the stairs. I stepped across the creaky stage and looked out. Here was the audience I always wanted. Eating popcorn and drinking soda. Dumping boxes of candy into their faces.

I unfolded a small piece of paper. "Sorry, Mr. Wei. I had another speech and project, but some stuff happened and I changed it last minute."

His eyes saucered.

I laughed and said, "This one's better though. I promise. I'd like to start by thanking my parents."

Frankie used his job perks to get them front row seats. My dad never wore suspenders or glasses. He chose to wear both plus a patterned button-up tucked firmly into pressed khakis. Mom wore her normal sundress.

Frankie and JP sat behind them, stuffing their faces with free Fratelli's pizza.

"Starting from when I was a baby, you invested in me and my future. Even though I've had my doubts, I believe in why you did it. You instilled me with a love for the cinema. It has informed and influenced nearly every moment of my life. I am better off because of that. Thank you."

Mom squeezed Dad's hand before his waterworks could get too out of control.

"Thank you also to all the friends and families for coming and supporting us, both tonight and through these last four years. Thank you to those I've only met recently. Brief encounters of curious minds, and good friends."