Forbidden Love

So Close

The three week rehearsal process had driven George and Jen closer and closer together each day. Neither of them wanted to admit it, but each day was spent secretly gazing at the other while they thought no one was watching, but with fifteen actors, two other stage managers, and an assistant director, it did not go unnoticed. During scene work, he should have been watching his actors onstage, but often he found himself staring at his stage manager while she was busy scrawling down blocking and various other notes. He loved when her short red hair would fall from behind her ears concealing her face as she quickly glanced to the actors, then back to her script.

Her concentration was astounding and her work ethic was far better than the other two stage managers combined. George had noticed that she separated herself from the table. She used to sit between the PSM and the ASM, but now she sat by herself in front of the table. It made it faster and easier to get up if there was a problem and it was certainly less of a distraction for her to sit there, however, it was more of a distraction for George. It gave him a much better view of her while not being as obvious with his stolen glances. Tonight while they rehearsed, he noticed she was in more pain than normal. Her micro expressions became more and more apparent and she stopped using her right arm completely.

Rehearsal ended and the cast left. Once again Jen looked over the report and Kara cleaned up the furniture. The directors had left for the night and the team of women were venting to each other about their day. Jen stayed quiet and let Gina and Kara get what they needed to off their chests. She had bottled up her feelings for 9 years, another fifteen minutes couldn't hurt. When it was time to leave, Jen decided to stay behind and fix her paperwork. They were off for the next week and a half for the Spring and Easter Break.

Jen put her music on shuffle and began her work. She was so caught up in the music and her transition sheet that she didn't notice George come back in the room to retrieve the coat he had left behind. He stayed quiet so as not to disturb her concentration, but failed when he dropped his keys.

Jen jumped and her head whipped up to see who was there. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. I left my coat behind and didn't think anyone would be here." George walked toward her table.

"No it's fine, I'm a little distracted tonight." Jen reached down to cradle her arm as a sharp pain traveled down it. Her face grimaced and George instinctively reached out to comfort her. He placed a hand on her left shoulder and rubbed his thumb in small, soothing circles.

"What's going on, Jen? You seem to be in more pain lately and I'm getting worried. You're the only one I trust on this show. I want to know you're not hurting yourself." George lifted her chin so her eyes met his.

"I'm having surgery tomorrow. I didn't tell anyone because I'd have the break to recover. The implant isn't taking and it needs to come out." Jen was able to keep the tears back this time, but George knew she wasn't well.

"Jen, I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"No it's fine. I'm heading over tomorrow morning and my mom is going to pick me up after. I've done it so many times before, I didn't think I needed her to be there for such a small procedure." Jen looked reluctant as she spoke about her mom.

"You shouldn't be alone no matter how many times you've been through it." George sat down next to Jen in the extra chair.

"It's nothing I can't handle. I do a lot on my own, I'm used to it at this point." Jen grabbed her arm again as another wave of pain shot through her right arm.

George rubbed her back and helped her through the pain. Once it had subsided, he spoke, "you're not going anywhere on your own. I'm taking you and that's final."

"You don't have - "

George cut her off. "I know, but I want to. You've done so much for this show already and the least I can do is wait with you in pre-op."

Jen was silent for a moment before she responded. "I guess there's no stopping you then is there? Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Anything for you, sometimes my prayers just aren't enough for you it seems." Jen giggled and George smiled in return. "What time should I meet you in the lobby?"

"I have to be there at 8am so I was planning on leaving here a little after 7. How does 7:15 sound?" George helped Jen start packing up her stuff.

"Sounds great. I'll be ready," George replied. Jen continued to pack up, and George waited for her. As she was about to pack up her laptop, "So Close" began to play.

"Oh I love this song," Jen gushed as she began to waltz by herself while she cleaned up the room. George watcher her for a moment. She didn't quite know how the dance went, but she looked like she was happy for the first time in a few days.

Something inside George compelled him to dance with her. Before he could think, he walked over and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and George held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Jen was in shock, but she curtsied in acceptance and placed her right  hand in his. George brought her in closer and wrapped his arm around her back until his hand landed just below her shoulder blades. Her left hand rested on the nape of his neck, but she was too nervous to look him in the eye initially.

They began their dance and Jen stepped on his foot a few times. Her grandma had taught her how to waltz when she was younger, but she hadn't danced with anyone since she had died. As the song went on, Jen gained more confidence and she was able to stop looking at her feet. Finally, her eyes met his. They were so full of love as he pulled her closer. His hand slipped down to rest on the small of her back and she didn't mind. She wished this moment could last forever, but the song was coming to an end.

"We're so close to reaching that famous happy end
Almost believing this one's not pretend
Let's go on dreaming though we know we are
So close, so close, and still so far"

Jen was close to tears again, but she held them back for once. The song was over, and George dipped her. When he guided her up, he brought her back in to his body. Their lips were dangerously close and the two of them stood there just breathing together. Finally, Jen broke out of his embrace.

"I should get going. We've got an early morning. I'll see you at 7:15!" Jen grabbed her stuff as quickly as she possibly could and booked it out of there. As she was leaving she felt as if he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Jen almost turned around, but stopped herself. She didn't want to ruin what she had with George.

George stayed in the rehearsal room for another moment. He watched her leave and resisted the urge to follow her as much as he wanted to. He kicked himself for not kissing her right then and there. He knew she would have kissed him back; he saw the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn't looking.

George looked at his watch. It was nearly 1am. By the time he would have gotten home, it would be too late for him to get a proper night's rest, so he decried to stay in his office. He kept a cot in there for days when he had a late rehearsal and early class the next day. George gathered his belongings and headed to his office.