Miss Jefferson

Chapter 8

"If you pay, you can—"

I closed my eyes and smiled, enjoying the sound of Jasmine's hardest note in the show.

She turned to me. "How was that?"

I clapped lightly, before continuing to pull my hair back. "Beautiful, as always. Just try not to mess up on stage."

She stuck her tongue out at me. "It's a good thing Daveed's here for opening." She said.
"That way you don't have to go on."

"Oh my gosh, can you imagine?" I said with wide eyes. She laughed.

"Places call, places call." The voice over the intercom said flatly.

The festivities and celebrations of opening night (and Leslie's birthday), had taken place earlier, leaving only dread in the pit of my stomach. It was time.

I felt a hand on my shoulder. Jasmine pulled me into an embrace. "We're gonna do great." She said.

I returned her affection. "I know we will."

"I love you, sister."

I smiled, pulling back and nodding. "I love you too."

"Now," she took my hand in hers. "Let's go show all of NYC how amazing the Hamilton ladies really are."

I followed her out of the dressing room and down the hallway to take our places.

My heart was pounding. I could hear it.

I took a deep breath, remembering Anthony's words.

"You just gotta show 'em what you got."

Jazzy's words.

"Let's go show all of NYC how amazing the 'Hamilton' ladies really are."

Oak's words.

"You still did great, even then."

Another deep breath.
Count to ten.

"Click, boom." I whispered as the music began.

•••••

I pushed myself, again straining to do all the choreography perfectly.

This, of course, wore me out, and I nearly fainted during intermission, but I didn't, so it's all good.

But, truly, I had a blast.

The opening night of Hamilton was one of the best nights of my life, and I can't ever forget it. I know the rest of the cast can't either.

We sang our songs, did our dance, and set the night aflame with stage lights.

When it was over, I know that we were all really, really happy. It was a sort of feeling that I can't explain to you, or even to myself. It was amazing, and that's the only word I can find to describe it.

About twenty minutes after curtain call and final bows, I was changing back into ripped jeans and a gray t-shirt.

I did my hair up in a bun, tying a colorful bandana around my head.

Exhaling slowly, I hung my costume on its hanger, and put it away, knowing with great satisfaction that I'd be back tomorrow to put it on again.

I opened the dressing room door and moved in front of the mirror, wiping the makeup off my face.

Someone rapped their knuckles against the door.

"Yeah?" I looked up, putting the wet cloth away.

Oak stood in the doorway, a light smile on his face. "You were spectacular." He said.

I laughed. "As did you."

"How do you feel?"

I nodded. "Good. Shaky, still scared, but good. I'm so happy that I get to come back and do it again tomorrow."

"Me too." He stepped inside the room.

"I nearly passed out during intermission," I said, picking my backpack up. "I'll have to refrain from doing that tomorrow."

"Oh yes, please do." He teased.

Our laughter faded, but I saw that neither one knew why. It was just like that day in Oak's car...

"Is your hair always this curly?" He asked quietly.

"Um, yeah, pretty much."

"Does it hurt to brush it?"

I shook my head. "Depends on the day." The atmosphere grew warm again. I took a small step backwards, on instinct, but I wasn't sure what instinct I was acting on. "You get used to it."

"Is it usually cooperative?"

"I guess. Normally it goes up like this, to contain all its excitement."

He gave a small nod, never breaking eye contact with me.

He moved closer.

I took another step back, and another, until I found myself against the wall.

He moved closer still, his steps small and slow, but seeming all too fast to me.

He kept coming until his nose was about a half-inch from mine.

My heart rate quickened, the heat rushing to my face again.

His breathing was soft, and his gaze was gentle, putting me at ease, even while my pulse raced.

I didn't even process what happened until it had happened.

Because, then, his mouth was on mine.
And I don't say no.