A New Musical

16

[Mason]

I miss you

I'm so sorry about everything

I don't wanna keep blowing your phone up, because clearly you don't want to talk.

I'm always here if you need someone.

Mason sends each text back to back, and I leave each one on read. Not knowing what to say to them, and not wanting to answer. How do you respond to that? Part of me wants to believe he's sorry, the other part is still hurt by the truth that was told closing night. I just can't believe I put so much hope into Mason and thought that he cared about me. I know that he was interested in me, but he made me believe in a false reality. I thought that I had worked for this on my own, that I had talent. It feels like that isn't true though, and that I should just forget about all of this. Forget about the show, and just get that stupid office job I was supposed to be working already.

[Mom]

You need to turn on channel 7, there doing an interview you might wanna see.

Mom is only the next room over, and it's only been about a week since she took me out. We've found a couple other things to fill my time, and try to distract me. Like going to the movies, or an arcade. I turn the TV to channel 7, and am met with Mason's face. It looks like he must already be back in New York, because he's on one of the national newscasts. He looks worn down in the eyes, but still put together nicely. I bet he had hair & makeup to thank for that. Anyone might think he's doing good, but I can see it in his eyes. It could just be the fact that he's on my tv and he's not here in person. But he lost the brightness in his eye, like he had the night he told me he fell for me. I can see through his acting, and he doesn't want to be doing this interview.

"Welcome back" the man interviewing Mason, smiles. "We're so happy to be joined by Oscar winner Mason Pierce. Who just concluded his Pre-Broadway tryout in Walk In My Rainbow Shoes. Tell us Mason, what was that experience like?"

Hearing the interviewer say 'Oscar winner' makes me think how Mason probably rolled his eyes internally. "It was" -Mason looks like he is thinking for a moment. "...amazing. Challenging, but very rewarding. I have never done anything like this musical before, and the dedication and work that goes into it is fascinating."

"I bet, rumor has it that there will be a Broadway transfer. Will you be following along with the rest of the company?"

Mason gives a smile, but not one of his dazzling smiles. This one I can tell is forced, and doesn't come off the way he probably hopes it does. "If a Broadway transfer happens, I'd love to be there. We haven't heard of any news at this time though."

The interviewer gives a charming sigh "Of course, well tell us. What was it like working with your now up and coming costar Asher Rowan? I know there was some speculation a couple months ago between the two of you."

"It was amazing" Mason is quick to respond, and I feel like this is personal for him. "I was very lucky to have a co-star as amazing as him. He is up & coming for a reason. The talent he brings to the stage is like none I've seen. He truly takes his craft, and shares a vulnerability with the audience that most fear to show."

I feel like this is a more loaded answer than needed, but I know what he's doing. He wants to make it clear that he saw something in me. I think Mason deep down is hoping that I am watching this right now.

"That's what people were saying, it seems you two got close then?"

"Yes..." Mason pauses, and then gives a weak smile. "He's a good friend. I do hope to do the Broadway transfer, if there is one, with him."