A New Musical

12

 Opening my eyes, I can see my bed is empty. All that remains is the creased outline of Mason's body, and the rays of sunrise slowly creeping over it. Mason and I talked for a little while longer, but I started to get tired. He convinced me to lay with him, and held me until I ended up falling asleep. He probably left, because he felt it wouldn't be appropriate to stay the night without my verbal consent. I just wish my arms holding him tightly, was enough of a response to have kept him here.

I pick up my phone, and see multiple notifications on the lock screen. With how hectic yesterday was, I didn't even look at my phone once after we finished the show. I see I have over 500 new followers, and tons of messages from family & friends. I graze over some of the messages, one of them being an article sent to me from Mom that catches my eye:

Asher Rowan, next Tony winner for 'Best Lead Actor?'

This makes me sit up in my bed, and I start looking at everything sent to me in depth. Tweets saying how I stole the show, how my singing was breathtaking, and how Mason couldn't compete- WHAT? They were comparing my performance as better than Mason's? This wasn't every article, but this was some of the critics' reviews. I can't believe this. Never did I think that people would be this accepting of my performance. I'm overwhelmed by the response, but on the other hand I don't know how to feel with the response that Mason has gotten.

The critics seem to accept his performance very well, but there were a few who weren't 'drawn' to his portrayal or vocals. I try to remind myself that these kind of reviews happen a lot to performers, especially for someone's first musical. I'm praying that people are willing to give Mason a chance, and allow him to grow into his character. We've only just performed these songs for a live audience for the first time last night. Even I have room to grow and learn what I want to do with my character.

To be fair, these are Chicago critics, but their articles are getting a lot of attention all over social media. I'm sure it's because Mason's fans were waiting to hear something about the show, and it would draw good press. The reviews for the show itself are pretty good, with only a few notes on what it was lacking for storytelling. Which I'm sure we'll be getting some changes tonight before the show.

I see a message pop up as I'm reading one article, I click on it and see it's from Mason.

[Mason Pierce]

I was hoping to take you out for coffee this morning, before we have to be at rehearsal. Is that something you'd be interested in? XX

I could pretend to think about it for a second, but respond pretty fast to Mason instead.

[Myself]

That sounds great, I can be ready in a few minutes, if that works for you?

[Mason]

Wonderful XX

I run up to the bathroom mirror, combing through my hair with my fingers as fast as I can. Giving myself a quick glance over to make sure I look attractive. I didn't even do this with Matt, I just left rehearsal exactly how I looked. Now here I am, trying to make sure everything looks just right, because I want Mason to keep finding reasons to want to be with me. At least, now that I know he wants to be with me.

Mason is standing outside my hotel room door when I open it, with the classic hat and glasses on. "Hannah Montana could never" I say to him, which he laughs at.

"Where did you wanna go?" Mason says as we start walking towards the elevator.

"Well you wanted to take me, so that's your choice." I shrug, trying to play it cool. In reality, my heart is pounding through my chest. The vibe feels weird, I think we both aren't sure how to move forward since last night. 2 days ago, I was really upset with Mason. Then unexpectedly last night, I was left confused, but happy by Mason. Now, I don't really know what I feel today. Maybe just relieved that in some sense, everything is better. Between Mason and I that is.