Handcuffed

Hit and Run

Hit and Run

Professor Moran's mood did not get much better. The Dean was successful in locating an old circus tent for pennies. It came by truck about three weeks after the idea had come up, and was placed on the side of the playing field where it was going to be set up. The cost to hire a crew to put it up wasn't bad and the outdoor fields weren't being used much in the winter anyway, so they had it set up soon after it arrived in order to get a better look at everything it had to offer. It came with spotlights and a sound system, wrapped and double wrapped to keep any inclement weather out, though neither had been updated. Mr. Barrymore wasn't happy with all the extra work cut out for him.

There were enough seats for the crowd they expected though their ticket sales were nearing the limit. There was one major problem. The stage was set up in the center of the tent, surrounded by a three-quarter circle of bleachers. The background paintings needed to be set on a wall, which would not be visible from all angles. The Dean called another meeting this time including Harold and Jay.

"I have a projector in working condition, but not young either," The Dean explained. "I have been toying with it to see what kind of things it can project onto. I wonder if there is a way to project a transparent picture onto thin air. If that is possible, we can leave everything as is in the tent, and project near the sides of the stage and the audience will be able to see through it and watch the action. Is there anyone that thinks it this is possible?"

"It sounds like science fiction, Sir," Harold finally said, "but it's worth a try.

It was a lucky break, but only two days had gone by when they had a semblance of an idea, though not exactly what The Dean had in mind.

"Okay people," Mrs. Barrymore said, "watch me carefully," as she showed them how to sew a sheer material onto a gown.

When Jay excitedly raised his hand simultaneously asking, "Madam, I have a question," there was a surprised and fearful stillness in the room. He was probably the first boy in the history of the school to show he might be interested in sewing. He was also looking for extra sewing work for interrupting.

"I think you have forgotten our silence rule," Mrs. Barrymore glared at him, "but then again, we wouldn't want to turn away a man from learning a women's trade," she mocked. "I will be lenient with you this time, but I may not be so nice the next time. Go ahead and ask your question, Jay."

"I thank you Madam, for your understanding," he responded, his ears turning pink, "I was just wondering if that sheer material you are using, which has a peach tinge to it, comes in a more clear, transparent shade or color?"

"And how does that pertain to our lesson?" Mrs. Barrymore regarded him darkly.

"It has to do with the play," he answered sheepishly.

"See me after class," she retorted.

Shirley and Diana were in their seats when Mrs. Barrymore called them to her desk. "Do you know why Jay needs this kind of material? It sounds like hogwash."

"To project a picture onto it," Shirley answered.

"Then it isn't rubbish," she said a bit more politely looking at Jay. "I owe you an apology. I assumed you were being disruptive, and I was incorrect. Please forgive me."

"I will accept the apology," Jay answered with a straight face, "if you can get us a large, oversized tablecloth of the sheerest and most transparent material out there."

"Deal," Mrs. Barrymore answered.

"Thanks for bailing me out," Jay told Shirley on their way to Professor Flaherty's class.