The Love I Left Behind

Scene Two

Elsie was still in a bit of a daze by the time the final members of the cast came out. Pleasant greetings and photo opportunities passed by in a blur. If she was being honest, she was relieved it was all over. She felt quite uncomfortable and had decided that perhaps she wasn't a stage door kind of fan after all.

She was just about to ask Jess if they should be making their way to the tube trains when Lucas came through the door again, talking to one of the dancers from the show. He looked up from his chat and beamed when he saw that they were still there. He headed straight for them again, making Elsie back up against the wall. She wasn't sure why, it's not as if he were a dangerous animal on the loose. It was just her instinct and a lack of confidence. She wanted to make herself as small as possible.

"Alright girls? I'm flattered that you have waited all this time for me, but I'm not even in the show yet."

Elsie raised an eyebrow while he and Jess burst into laughter. The girl from the show he had just walked out with stood back, scrolled through her phone and yawned. She studied the dancer, wishing she could be as cool and unbothered as that. Jess's voice made Elsie snap out of her scrutiny of the girl.

"Actually, could we get a photo? I mean... you're here right now and it makes sense. By the time you are in the show, you will have hoards of people around you wanting your time, so..."

Jess trailed off, suddenly looking uncertain. Elsie knew that she was wondering if she had been a bit too forward but Lucas laughed and stepped beside her, putting an arm around her shoulders. He had to reach up, considering Jess was taller than he was. Jess got her phone out, fumbling with the screen to try and turn it to self portrait mode, while Elsie stood back, watching. Lucas put his free arm out to her.

"Come on darlin', it's selfie time."

Elsie shook her head and couldn't help but notice that Jess looked relieved when she declined the offer.

"Oh, I'm fine thanks. I'm not really into pictures and all that. But here, let me take it for you."

She held out her hand for Jess's phone, and stepped back, clicking the screen to capture a perfect shot of the two of them. Jess was definitely satisfied as she looked at her gallery right in front of Lucas, showing him the picture. Elsie was glad she hadn't been in the shot, she would have been mortified if he had seen it.

She realised after being with Jess all day and standing at this stage door that she would have to work on her confidence. She would no longer be the shy florist who kept herself to herself. She would be classy and confident. Fun to be around. She chuckled inwardly. Only a few minutes ago she had been telling herself that this life wasn't for her and now she was vowing to turn over a new leaf. But first, she needed to go home and get herself together.

Lucas was still giving her a look every now and then even though Jess was chatting his ear off. The dancer who he had came out of the building with looked more bored than it was possible to be. Elsie wondered if she should do something to help the bored girl. Plus, it would get her out of this situation too.

"It's been lovely to see you again, but we better get going. I've got a train to catch."

Jess shot Elsie a furious look, clearly angry that their time with Lucas was being cut short.

"Sure. We were just going to get something to eat anyway so we better get going. I'll hopefully see you again soon girls."

Jess nodded enthusiastically and Lucas gave her another hug. Elsie pursed her lips. She couldn't help but think that he was too much. Who needed to give that many hugs in one day? He turned to her, his arms out. She reluctantly let him embrace her. This time, she didn't make a move to hug him back. She was stiff and straight.