A New Musical

11

I don't know what the hell happened, but after that moment with Mason we were forced to move forward and pretend like it didn't happen. I will say, it really helps with the authenticity of our performance and me being shocked. We finish up act two, and from what I can tell, the audience loved the show. We got about a 2 minute standing ovation after Mason and I came out for our bows. It was weird holding his hand, and not being able to talk about what had happened about an hour ago.

Once the curtain closes, the whole cast is screaming and throwing a celebration for our first show. While I can't help but wonder what these next few weeks will mean for Mason and I. Does he want this to be more? Or will he realize it's one big mistake and won't be able to do the show with me. I still do truly believe the creative team would choose Mason over me in a heartbeat.

The rest of the night is a blur, all I know is I try to steer away from Mason. A.K.A dealing with my problems. We had an after show toast in the green room right as we got off stage, to which I didn't drink since it was champagne. I could see Mason across the room, and he would frequently make eye contact with me. But I would be quick to look away, and find a conversation to join in.

I quickly join the rest of the cast to do the stage door really fast, because we see a line has already formed. I'm shocked because as soon as I walk outside, I am greeted by a thunder of applause. I don't know what to say, and feel my face starting to turn bright red. But I begin to rush down the line, signing everyone's Playbills. My goal is to get through fast enough so I don't have to encounter Mason again. At least not tonight. I know I'll have to tomorrow if I do the show.

I get stopped by one mom though, who says "This story meant a lot to me. I lost my son a year ago to cancer, and I was struggling to accept him before he passed. It's been one of my biggest regrets. But seeing a part of his community being represented on that stage." she starts to choke up. "I felt like he was sitting next to me tonight, and I was able to tell him I love him always."

I don't know how to respond, but I wasn't expecting for the show to already mean something this personal to someone. I give the lady a big hug, and tell her how much that means to hear. As I go down the line, I'm hearing many stories of what this show meant to someone. One person says they've been struggling to accept themselves, another how they felt so seen. I didn't expect to get this kind of response, and I'm so consumed in talking with every person that I didn't even notice Mason had already walked out the stage door.

As I'm nearing the middle I see Mom & Dad, with tears in their eyes. Mom is quick to pull me into a hug. "I'm so proud of you" She whispers in my ear, and I can feel myself break. This is all I wanted, was to make them proud. So they knew that their belief in me wasn't for nothing.

"Thanks Mama" I whisper back.

Mom grabs my face "You were incredible, I can't wait to post photos to Facebook!"

My eyes widen, "Mom!" I fail to say in a hushed voice. "You know you can NOT share anything from the show."

"Oh please, it'll only be to my friends." she waves me off.

"You and your friends are like Chinese telephone. When one person says something, it finds its way to the president of the United States somehow."

Dad begins to chuckle. "He's not wrong Mary, you all like to spill the beans about everything, to everyone."

"It's what PTA moms do, they're a different breed." I mutter to dad, to which mom smacks us both on the arm.
"I didn't come here to get shit on by my husband and son tonight." Mom rolls her eyes.

"I'm just playing mom, but please. Don't post those photos, at least not yet. Just wait till official stuff comes out." I pull mom in a hug, which she accepts warmly.