Nightmare Romance in Broadway

Chapter 1

“Get the fuck off stage Jim! You have busted my ass for Christ sake! Acting like that won’t get me anywhere near the “Moron Awards”! You suck dick man!”

There goes the next most handsome actor to ever walk into this hollow-way Broadway stage centre for audition. I glance at Au-Brien and frown. He may be the New Zealand top director but working with him sure is a pain in the ass. I heave out a huge sigh and plunk the mop into the bucket. I push the pail all the way to the back stage leaving a streak of wet line across the stage board thanks to the wet tyres under the bucket.

It’s already half past seven and it’s definitely a sucker to do over time without any pay. Another huge sigh escaped my lips before I heard my name being called out at the front stage.

“Jen! Where are you? Gosh this kid sure made a mess!”

I walk out from the back stage and look below the stage to find Mr Patterson shaking his head in disappointment. What can it be again this time? This old hag sure got issues with his system.

“Yes Mr Patterson?”

“How many times do I have to tell you?! Do not drag the bucket on the stage floor! Look at the scratches on the new board. It cost me nearly all of my savings to complete this. This is my…”

Blah Blah Blah. This is Mr Patterson. Owner of “Thee Thou Art” Broadway centre. What kind of a name is it anyway? This place is barely even a stage centre. More like an old empty town hall left to survive after ages of abandonment. The main reason Au-Brien even choose this place is because it is away from paparazzi and attention seeker idiots. Troublesome bunch of lots who thinks they can act with only looks. I rolled my eyes and glanced at my wrist watch. Oh shoot! My night class will be starting in half an hour.

I drop everything I have and ran down the stage halfway grabbing my worn out cardigan by the nail at the back of the stage door and my bag on one of the musty red bench. I ran past Mr Patterson who kept on bragging about the cost of his renovation which would last for another hour. Half way past the hallway, I went back, peck his cheek and ran away towards the exit giggling. He was stunt alright.

“Sorry Uncle! It’s way past my working hour. I will make it up to you during dinner. Ciao!”

By the way, did I mention? Mr Patterson is my uncle from a far distance family. Owner of this silly old Broadway centre and definitely a bragger but kind one of course.

I cross Aubrey Street just in time to catch an oncoming cab that manages to drop his passenger by the side walk. No time to waste, I got an assignment due in less than an hour.

“To St. Bernard Institute please, pronto!”

“Buckle up Signora”

The next thing I knew I was slouch to the back of the seat with both my arms clawing the dusty oily seat as the tyre screech and we zoom across town to my campus. It was a regression to say so but I am in a hurry.

It’s the matter of life and death. Gosh I hate to say this.

“I will pay you double if you can get me there within 10 minutes”

That was when the speed took up and fear was streak all over my face. Oh god, bless my soul. May you forgive me when I die unconditionally. Amen.