The Simple Things

May

Oliver is sitting backstage in the guys' dressing room. He has his costume, makeup, and microphone on. He looks at himself in the mirror. "Opening night." He thinks to himself. "I did it. I made it."
He looks around at the people running around like crazy, trying to prepare for the show. It's a small dressing room. Mirrors and lights run song the walls on three sides and the fourth has a door that leads to the hallway which in turn leads to the stage.
Costume racks are all about the dressing room as people grab clothing left and right.
Oliver hears his phone get a text message. He looks at it and sees it is from Danny. It reads "Don't mess up, dumbass." Oliver smiles and texts back "Thanks. You really know how to calm a guy."
He checks his Snapchat and notices Rosie posted a photo. It's one of those aesthetic photos people take at the theater with the programs. He smiles knowing she came but the next photo is a selfie with Frank. Oliver, disappointed, tossed the phone onto his bag. He closes his eyes and folds his hands.
"God...I don't know if you're up there. I've been kinda reluctant to talk and all that. Sorry, I guess. I don't ask for a lot in life. I have a mom, a home, good friends, and a lead role. All I ask is that you let the show work out. Let everyone in the audience enjoy the show and have a wonderful time. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. And uhh...yeah. Thanks I guess. Bye."
He opens his eyes. The director pokes his head into the dressing room. "Five minutes until curtain! Places please!" Oliver closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and heads towards the stage.
**The show ends and the cast gets ready for bows***
Oliver is waiting in the wings of the stage. The chorus was bowing as one of the other leads snuck up on him. "Dude, we freaking did it!" Oliver gives him a high five. "Good job man!" The guy leaves to do his bow.
Oliver smiles as he enters and walks down the middle of the stage. The crowd is on their feet as they all cheer for him. He blows them all a big kiss and mouths the words "Thank you." He bows and grabs hands with the people on either side of him as the entire cast bows together.
Oliver waves as the curtain slowly closes. Once the curtain closes, the cast let's out a loud cheer.
***the cast heads outside to greet their family and friends***
"Man that was baller." Danny gives Oliver a big old hug. "You killed it, man! You KILLED it!" Oliver's mom comes in, giving him a big hug. She's about to cry. "I'm so proud of you, Ollie." Oliver smiles, hugging her back. "Thanks, mom. I'll see you at home." She gives him a kiss on the cheek. "See you there."
She leaves as Oliver continues talking to Danny. Suddenly, a commotion erupts. Oliver and Danny examine the large courtyard.
There is a fight going on near the path that leads to the parking lot.
"Frank, I've had it. I can't do this anymore." Frank and Rosie are fighting again. "Well damn, Rosie! I'm sick and tired of you flip flopping back and forth like this! Decide right fucking now! Do you want me or not."
Everyone looks over. Oliver watches carefully, wondering what will happen. "Frank...I think this is the end. For real." Frank stares at her for a bit.
Suddenly, he raises a hand and slaps her across the face. The force causes her to fall over. Time freezes for Oliver.
He watches as she slowly falls down while Frank rubs his stinging hand. He looks back and forth between the two. Anger slowly rises inside of him. Paul's voice suddenly echoes in his head. "The last thing you wanna do is look back on life and say 'Why didn't I do that?'" Time begins as normal again. Oliver looks over the scene one last time before walking forward. He walks straight up to Frank and punches him across the jaw.
                  ***45 minutes later***
Oliver is sitting on some stairs outside the theater. It's a secluded place near a door that leads backstage. The stairs lead to the main courtyard outside the theater. He holds an ice packet over his right eye while holding onto his stomach with the other.
Suddenly, he hears footsteps. "Mind if I join you?"
He turns around. It's Rosie. "'No, not at all." She takes a seat a few steps behind him. Oliver looks forward, remaining silent.
"Oliver...why did you do it? Why did you fight Frank?" Oliver shrugs weakly. "Somebody had to. He hurt you." She nods. "But...it wasn't just someone standing up for me. You fought Frank. You were more than just someone taking a stand. I can't explain it but that's what I saw. Why?"
Oliver takes the ice packet off his eye. The bruise is still sore. "I don't know...I was just sick of him treating you like that. You deserve better."
Rosie moves down a few steps so she's next to Oliver. She looks at him while he continues looking forward. "But after all I've done to you...how I've treated you...you still stood up for me. You still fought him and defended me. Why?"
Oliver looks at her briefly. "I guess it was just the right thing to do." He looks forward again. Rosie smiles a bit. "You're a good guy, Oliver. There aren't many men like you left." Oliver laughs a bit. "Yup. I'm a keeper."
Rosie laughs with him. "Thank you Oliver. Sincerely." She gives him a kiss on the cheek. Oliver straightens up a bit and watches as she gets up and starts heading up the stairs. "Hey Oliver? Is it too late to take you up on that coffee?"
Oliver stares in disbelief. "N-No. I'm free most days."
Rosie smiles. "Alright. Call me later so we can plan it out." She leaves to go to the parking lot. Oliver smiles. For the first time in a long time, Oliver was genuinely happy. He hums a little tune as he grabs his bag of supplies for the show and starts heading up the stairs. He leaves the theater and starts heading home.
Oliver is walking down the street to his house when he spots a kid playing with a remote control car in his driveway.
His mother calls for him to come back inside. The kid nods but the toy car ends up going into the street. Oliver watches as the kid runs into the street.
At that moment, Oliver finally notices a speeding car. "Hey kid! Watch out!" Oliver knows he needs to move so he drops his bag and runs into the street.
The car slams on its breaks as Oliver pushes the kid out of the way. He feels the car collide with his rib cage. The pain is immense as Oliver goes flying over the car. He tumbles and lands on the street with a hard thud. He is gasping for air as he holds his stomach as blood crawls down his face. Something feels out of place.
The man gets out of the car. "Ah shit. Call an ambulance!" He calls out.
Oliver stares at the sky. The stars seem to be getting closer and closer. Suddenly, Oliver realizes he is flying. He looks around at the stars that surround him. There are no planets, just stars. The stars grow dimmer as Oliver notices a white platform. He slowly descends until he reaches the white square.
Upon landing on it, everything around him turns white. It's so bright he has to cover his eyes. He sits in silence for a bit, too confused to speak or think. His rib cage does feel better though.
"C'mon. Get up." Oliver looks up. A guy dressed in white approaches him as Oliver slowly recognizes the face. "Pete? Where am...what's going..." Pete helps him stand up. "Don't talk. Rest. I'll explain everything."