A New Musical

3

The weekend went by way too fast. It's already Monday, and I'm right back at the rehearsal space for the show. We did end up getting to see the movie with Gina and Mason. They didn't get to join us till halfway through the film, because they got caught up with the fans and paparazzi. Then, they had to leave straight after due to their early flight. So much for getting to know Mason a bit better.

I ended up getting to rehearsal a bit early, so I'm trying to spend the extra time that I have stretching and warming up. I don't dance much in the show, as of right now that is, anything could really change. Hell, they could even kick me from the show before/if we transfer to Broadway. There is a lot that goes into creating a show, and when we get to Chicago then we'll test what the creators have come up with so far. That's why it is called an out of town tryout. You see how the first draft of the show will do first in another big city, before you transfer it to Broadway. That way the creatives can make changes as needed, and have the best version of the show by opening night on "The Big White Way".

I have hope that this show will easily go to Broadway, the question is will I transfer with it? That thought has been weighing down on my chest. I keep thinking that the creative team could change their mind. They could decide to take me out of the show, and replace me with someone else. Or they could decide to rewrite my character completely, and this could become a straight show. Turning Eric into a really close best friend, but the audience could definitely still see there was something romantic there.

I have to tell myself to stop thinking about this, or my anxiety will get worse. I keep warming up, doing my best to ignore my fears. Today, we're gonna be staging Eric and Tyler's first duet together. In the script, it's near the end of act one. Tyler is realizing he has feelings for Eric, and wants to tell him but doesn't have the courage. Eric is growing feelings too, but is afraid to open up romantically again. The song is called "One Way Love"

"Oh, hey Ash!" I turn around and see Mason in the doorway of the rehearsal room.

"Hey, how was your trip?" I ask, but turn back so I can keep doing my stretching. We're not even doing anything that truly requires me to stretch. But with how hanging with Mason went last time, the vibe feels kind of awkward. Even Mason is lingering at the doorway hesitantly.

"It was... a trip. Just felt really long." Mason lets out a sigh as he sets his bag down on the ground next to me. I can tell he is tired, because along with a forced smile, I can see the bags under his eyes. I can't be shocked, I know Mason had a busy weekend. I decide against being sarcastic and ask if he's tired. Even though the urge to do so is strong.

"How about you, how was your weekend? Did you get to do anything fun?" He asks.

"It was fine, just spent it at home with my cat" I don't know why, but I keep myself faced away from Mason as I say this. Being around him gives me this funny feeling in my stomach, almost like a nervous feeling that starts to creep up on me. I can't explain where it came from, or why I feel this way. Maybe it's the awkwardness causing it?

"You have a cat?" He says, I can hear in Mason's voice that he's lightened up a bit. I look at him, and see a little more sparkle in his eyes and a small smirk form on his mouth.

"Yes" I laugh "His name is Milo, he's my little guy"

"I'd love to have an animal, just doesn't fit with my schedule sadly." Mason sighs "Hopefully someday soon."

I don't even think about it before I say, "Well you'll just have to meet Milo sometime. You know, to help fill the void." I don't even know what made me say that, I guess I just felt bad. I remember I couldn't get a cat for a long time, because my dad was allergic. But as soon as I moved to New York and got my own place, that was the first thing I did. Milo has been by my side ever since. So I know how helpful it is to have that support, because animals always trust and love you. You can never feel judged...unless you didn't give them a treat. Then you can go die in a hole for all they care.