The Player Diaries

A very high school musical

*****
(Ally said)

Four hours before showtime, Maria and Danny could not be found. Stevie was comforting Gaby who was already freaking out--I was hoping Gaby's leading lady and her director did not ditch her. 

"Guys, I will just make a quick call," I told the backstage team. We were finishing some props. 

"Danny, where the hell are you?!" I was yelling on the phone when Danny picked up.

"Al, Maria and I eloped to paradise." Danny answered. "We did it for love."

"Oh stop! I just tracked your phone with my super computer. Why are you in New York?!"

"We auditioned at Juilliard and we got positive feedback! We are keeping our finger crossed to be invited to the callback weekend."

"Really?! I am happy for the both of you! Send my regards to Maria."

"Thank you, Al!"

"But wait... I called to scold at you! You are aware we have a musical in four hours right?!"

"I am well aware. We are heading back to LA now. If worst comes to  worst, we are rescheduling. Maria is calling Ms. Darbus right this moment." 

"DON'T WAST TIME AND HUR--" Danny hung up before I could complete my sentence.

I signaled Stevie to meet me outside. Stevie should be the who tells Gaby that the musical may be cancelled.

*****
(Stevie said)

"Gaby, Danny and Maria are on their way back from New York," I told Gaby the news. "I am afraid we may have to cancel the show tonight."

"No, we are not cancelling. The show must go on! We have understudies!" Gaby answered. She was surprisingly calm and determined. "Where is Beca? She can replace Maria!"

"It is the Acappela Regional's today. Beca and Chloe will not be here."  I had to break another problem to her.

I thought I disappointed her but some idea struck Gaby. She even gained more enthusiasm.

"As I need myself to keep order, you and Ally should play the lead roles."

"What?!" I was in denial of what I heard. 

"Maria and I always hear the two of you rehearsing our lines when you hang out at the balcony."

"What are you talking about?"

"Come on! The whole production knows you are hanging out there almost every afternoon. You two are as capable as Maria and I."

"Oh. Thank you!"

"And I know there is something going on between the two of you. I am disappointed that you did not tell me."

"I am sorry, Gaby. I am not even sure yet. I do  not want to jinx it by telling you and our other friends."

"Don't worry. I am swearing on an unbreakable vow that I will keep my mouth shut. I want you to be happy, Stevie." Gaby took my arm just like how Severus Snape took Narcissa Malfoy's and I dragged her to a hug. We were such Harry Potter geeks.

Gaby took centerstage and commanded the crew. With the little time remaining, she guided Ally and me on choreo and blocking.

*****

(Ally said)

I accepted the role without hesitation because I knew it would make Stevie happier. Those afternoons we spent rehearsing paid off  for both of us--she got the part after all and I got to spend more time with her. I was afraid we would no longer have an excuse to hang out after the musical was staged. 

The news broke that Stevie and I were starring the musical. We were not so sure about the school's reaction--of course, musical enthusiasts in out town would like to see Maria one last time. The anxiety kicked in hard when the auditorium was still half full five minutes before showtime. I saw Stevie frowning on dressing table while she was retouching her makeup.

"Hey," I sat beside her and got her hand like it was the most natural thing to do. But her eyes widened that I pretended I was shaking her hand for good luck. "Break a leg!"

"Thank you! Break a leg too!" Stevie answered.

"Yeah, we will need more broken legs today to pull this off. Ha-ha!" I joked but she could not even force a smile. 

"What if our musical flops?"

"What are you saying?" I placed my hand behind my ear and acted out I was listening intently. "I could here people stomping their way here. I messaged all the girls I dated--they could fill this place up. Ha-ha!" 

"Ha-ha. Thank you for doing this, Ally," she finally smiled. We heard Gaby calling us that we instantaneously got up and walked to our positions. 

"You know what Stevie? Smiles are way more attractive than makeup. You look more beautiful."

Her smile grew bigger. "Thank you," she said as the curtains rolled up. 

It was jam-packed! The musical went on smoothly. The other cast members adjusted to us immediately. There were numerous times I almost stuttered the lyrics and paicked but seeing Stevie soothed me.

Danny and Maria arrived thirty minutes into the musical but Gaby decided to stick with us--Gaby was the boss. Danny and Maria assisted backstage instead. After ninety minutes, the musical had come to an end. 

"The script says I should kiss you. Blink twice if it's okay but if you do not want me to, I won't," I said when I turned off my lapel mic. This was the part that we never had the chance to rehearse.

"Kiss me," Stevie answered with her mic on. I was surprised--it was not part of the script. Stevie was not that careless either. 

I saw her closing her eyes. I closed mine too, while shivering. I had given many first kisses to dozens of girls but I was not as nervous. The theater was so silent that I could hear my heart beating loudly.  

Our mouths touched and in that moment I knew my lips would only be touching hers from then on.

As the lights dimmed, I let our kiss linger on my mouth. 

*********

Author's Notes:

I apologize if it took me months to upload this chapter. There are more to come (Hopefully soon). Thank you for the continuous support guys! :)