Code: 16B

Chapter Eight

Eight

    So far so good, things were going swimmingly. Each of the play’s iconic scenes was done perfectly, if the Tony Awards apply to high school plays, Bobby and Liana would definitely be nominated, or win one. Our “Thriller” dance was not a disaster, or in my case, I miraculously didn’t embarrass myself by tripping over my own two feet. My second appearance as the Queen went well as I banished Romeo, and Missy’s reaction to my banishing her onstage son was perfect.

    Right now, I’m dressed in my nun costume for the last time, and I’m waiting for the scene where Chynna tells Bobby that Liana is dead, and buys poison form the Apothecary (also played by Dimmick) to end. In my hand, I hold the note Sister Lawrence had already sent to Romeo explaining about the plan to fake Juliet’s death so they could run away together, but he didn’t receive it because of a crazy shenanigan Sister John got herself into. I’m not nervous about my lines, since I only have three lines for this character, the only thing I’m worried about is the quick change from nun to police officer. But I was smart and hid my black pants underneath the conservative nun costume, obviously remembering Missy’s little tip.

    Then, the lights finally fade, and in the darkness, I could see Amanda M beginning to take her spot for the twist in the story that brings it to it’s tragic ending. The lights come up, and I come in as if I’m exhausted and out of breath. Amanda M and I said our lines, and we finish the scene in what seem like less than two minutes. Then, she and I left the scene; both of us were in a hurry. I was in a hurry to change into the Queen costume before Juliet dies, but I manage to break my own personal record of getting into the costume before Romeo drinks the poison, and dies. That made me smile.

    “You ready?” I heard Missy whisper to me.

    “Girl, you know I’m ready. Why would you ask?” I responded, and already my tone is full of bravado, but still a whisper.

    “Well, and I’m not trying to jinx it or anything, but I think Cyrus is into you so…” she trailed off as she shrugs her shoulders. “It’s just that he’s, like, looking at you like…like…I don’t know…like he’s in love with you or something.” she shrugged her shoulders again.

    I was about to open my mouth to speak when I hear the sound of Liana saying her last line before she stabbed herself, and died. I quickly walk near the edge of the wings and I see Brianne and Chynna enter, acting as the Capulet’s tomb guards. After they say their lines, and after the Capulet’s enter and discover their only daughter is dead, I enter and ask what is the reason for my arrival.

    I tried to stay in the scene, and say my lines when I know when to say them, but I couldn’t help but sneak quick glances at Cyrus. He was watching the show, no doubt, but I couldn’t see anything else…that is until I had to say the closing monologue, ending the tragic tale that is the love story of Juliet, and her Romeo. When I finish saying my line, and as the lights slowly fade, my eyes were immediately locked with Cyrus’s.

    As I look into the abysmal depths of his dark eyes, I could feel my heart race, my pulse quickening, and my legs beginning to feel numb. Missy is right, and I could tell by the way he’s appraising me, there were no words describing his intense gaze. But if it weren’t the lights that went into a full black out, I would’ve stayed where I was and continue to stare at him.

    Then, I remembered that I have a curtain call to do.

    I walked brusquely stage left by the wings, and stand near Amanda M for when the both of us come out and take our bows, right after the Montague and Capulet servants, the Nurse and Paris, take their bows.

    About what seemed like, five minutes later, I hear the familiar music of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the curtain calls begin. First, the Capulet and Montague adults take their bows, and are met with applause. The servants from both of the families, the Nurse and Paris, come and take their bows, again are met with more applause. Then, Amanda M and I walk out towards downstage center and take our bows, and we’re met with slightly louder applauses. All the while, I notice that Cyrus didn’t take his eyes off of me. Even when Amanda M and I take our place on the Montague side of the stage, his eyes didn’t leave mine.

    I continued to stare at him like I did before as the other important people came out, take their bows, and are met with applause. I couldn’t think of a reason not to look away, even when everyone grabbed hands—and I had to grab Leon and Amanda M’s hand—my eyes still didn’t leave his as we did our final bows. And I couldn’t help but smile at him, and I almost past out by his returning, dazzling smile.

    Then, after another speech from Mr. Alexander—this time he was telling the crowd about what an awesome cast we were, and plugging the next show—we were released to see our families, and or, change out of our costumes, but reminded us that we have to help strike the set before we could take off to Missy’s party.

    I quickly jump off the stage to give Amber a hug, and hear congratulations from her, but I didn’t realize that she had other ideas when she says, “So, where’s this Cyrus guy you’ve been telling me about?”

    I stare at her incredulously for a moment, but when I see him coming towards us, I shake my head and turn to face him.

    “Hi.” I said when he stops in front of me, and I couldn’t hold back my smile.

    “You make a great Prince—I mean Queen.” He said, and his answering smile made my heart race twice as fast as before.

    The sound of Amber clearing her throat made me jump slightly, and I reluctantly said, “Cyrus, this is my sister Amber. Amber, this is Cyrus.” I could already feel the blush of embarrassment enter my face.

    “Nice to meet you.” He said as he shakes her hand, and gives her that heartbreaking smile that I now love.

    “The pleasure is mine.” Amber said politely, and then she adds to me, “I’ll wait for you in the car whenever you’re ready.” She hugged me one more time before she walks out of the P.A.C. and towards the exit.

    “Your sister’s nice.” He said, and he and I began walking towards the stage doors that lead into the dressing rooms. Which actually surprised me to hear him say that. I mean, whenever one of my guy friends (other than Leon, who’s obviously gay) ask for a ride, and Amber is driving, they would tell me the next day that, “Your sister is hot,” and it would always creep me out a little. But Cyrus…his only comment about Amber was for once…less degrading.

    “Thanks.” I said. “So…what did you think of the show?” I added, truly curious if he was watching the show…or watching me.

    “It was good.” He said, but then he leans in and whispers in my ear, “I think you would’ve made a great Juliet.”

    Did I mention that his words sent a trail of heat all through my body? Because that’s what I felt after his whispered compliment, and I couldn’t help but like the feel of it.

    “Thanks.” I mumbled, and already I could feel the blush on my face. Then, I remembered another reason I wanted to talk to him.

    But before I could even think the words in my head, he says, “Are you going to Missy’s party?” totally catching me off guard.

    “Yeah. You want to come?” I said with a smile.

    “Sure, I’d love to.” His answering smile was just…dazzling.

    “Cool. I’ll see you there.” I said as we stopped in front of the girl’s dressing room door. I didn’t go in yet, I mean, I couldn’t make my feet move. Then, he finally gave me a little hug, but it wasn’t one of those friendly kind of hugs I’m use to getting. It felt…passionate.

    “See you.” He said when he releases me, and makes his way back the way we’d come.