Newsies One Shots

Josh Burrage { Wicked }

I nervously got ready for the opening night of the 2nd National Tour of Wicked in Boston, Massachusetts.

This is the city that I've been dreading for the past 9 months of being on tour; my ex-boyfriend, Josh, is from here, and of course, is here visiting family for Christmas.

"Katie," my co-star, Andy Mientus called, knocking on my dressing room door, "come out here!"

I walked over in my huge Glinda dress, and opened the door, seeing him in his Boq attire.

"Hey, babe," I joked, giving him a quick hug, "what's up?"

He sat down on the couch across from my mirror, "Well, since we're exchanging Secret Santa gifts at the opening party tonight, I wanted to give you my present now."

I laughed, "You wanted to be first, didn't you?"

He nodded seriously, completely oblivious to the fact that I was totally making fun of him. I have gotten really close with Andy since he joined the tour a few months ago; he's practically my brother.

I took the gift he handed me and struggled to sit down in my ginormous dress. He motioned for me to open it, clearly very excited. I unwrapped the box, and took the lid off, almost screaming when I saw what was inside.

Something most people know about me, is that I love to collect things from every city the tour goes to, and I also love collecting water bottles. It's weird, I know, but because I'm on tour, I obviously can't take my whole water bottle collection with me.

Inside the box was a few of my favorite boxes of candy, alongside a reusable water bottle with a sticker from every city I've been to so far, with room at the bottom for more stickers to add.

I broke out into uncontrollable laughter, "Oh my god, Andy, thank you, I love it." Of course, it wasn't the most expensive gift in the world, but coming from my best friend made it so special.

We finished the show to a standing ovation, and I took my bow, hand in hand with Jessica, who plays Elphaba. Afterwards, I changed into my outfit for the opening night/Christmas party, and headed out to the stage door with Andy.

This was probably the biggest crowd I have ever seen at a stage door, and that's really saying something, especially because I was at the stage door for closing night of Newsies On Tour a few years ago. That was a crazy stage door experience for everyone.

I made my way through the fans, taking pictures, signing playbills, and having short conversations; there was even someone there that I went to high school with before heading off to college in New York.

After taking a picture with a young girl, I turned to my right, continuing down the line of people.

My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't believe it.

"Hi," he whispered.

"Hi, Josh," I said, barely audible.

He smiled softly, "How are you? It's been a while."

I tucked my hair behind my ear, instantly becoming nervous, "I'm
good...um...how are you?"

"I'm ok," Josh responded.

This was getting awkward.

I took a deep breath, "Well, I should probably g-"

He cut me off, "Yeah, sorry, of course. Um..it was really good seeing you. You were amazing. I'll see ya around?" He finished, as more of a question.

I nodded slightly, still bewildered by the whole thing, "Bye, Josh."

~ ~ ~

I walked towards the hotel, hoping to pick up a muffin from Starbucks before having to go to the party. As I opened the door, I heard someone call my name.

Turning around, I saw Josh, jogging slightly so catch up with me, "I need to talk to you." I didn't say anything, but looked down at my shoes, "Please?" he asked.

"Ok." was all I said.

I'm not going to lie, I kind of did miss Josh. He was the best boyfriend I've ever had; he's the only guy I've ever loved. I don't regret anything more than i regret hurting him.

With Josh being the gentleman that he is, he bought me coffee and a muffin, remembering my order from when we were together.

I thanked him as we sat down, and then decided that he needed to hear this, "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I kissed that guy and I'm sorry I lied to you about it. You were the only one who knew what I was going through, but I took out my anger on you anyways." I started to break down, the tears pouring out.

He scooted his chair around the table and wrapped his arms around me, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.
"Shhhh, Katie, it's ok, sweetheart." He spoke softly into my hair.

"I'm s-sorry," I choked out, leaning into Josh's chest.

He rubbed my back, "I forgive you. I will always forgive you."

~ ~ ~

@dreamofbroadway
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