The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 16

Its over. The curtains fall, silently announcing the end of our final night of Romeo and Juliet. It was really well done I thought, especially as its our first performance of the year. I can still hear the audience cheering and clapping. I look at Xander and watch as a smirk comes over his face. "Time for curtain call number two." He says, grabbing my hand and leading me out to the front of the stage. Past the curtains to face the crowd once more. We bow to them as the cheers grow louder, and soon the rest of our cast mates join us for this moment.

The applause of the pleased crowd, the adrenaline rush that the performance was successful, the feeling that its over and time to prepare for another performance overwhelm me. This is why I act. To know that I did something successful, and something that I love at that, and I entertained while I was at it.

We exit behind the wall of curtains once more, and this time its for the last time tonight. Everybody heads down stairs to get out of the costumes and prepare to strike the set. Everybody but me.

I run across the stage and down the side stairway that leads to the auditorium. I brush the small black curtains aside and look out. My friend Sara told me she was going to attend tonight's performance and that she was bringing a surprise along with her. Normally people outside of USC's students, teachers, and the families of the students, aren't allowed to see the shows because there's some "Privacy issues." Occasionally though, other people are allowed in. Sara was able to because I okay'd it with Mr. Rain ahead of time.

I look around for her and soon spot her. She's waving her arm wildly, trying to get my attention I guess, so I wave back. The crowd of people are dispersing, heading out the auditorium's front doors. I follow the current of people up to the row of seats that she is in. I grin widely and hug her. "Girl I miss you! Haven't seen you in what....Two months?"

"Three." She says with a smile. "Three. Wow. Has it really been that long?" She giggles. "Yeah Em it actually has. Here," She pulls my arm, dragging me to stand beside her and the guy next to her. Sara says widely, "Meet Brandon." I shake his extended hand briefly saying, "I'm Emilee. Nice to meet you." Brandon smiles, showing his pearly whites as he responds, "Same. Awesome performance by the way." Now its my turn to smile back. "Thankyou. I'm glad you enjoyed it." I turn back to Sara and ask, "Same Brandon from basketball?" She grins widely, a proud look in her eyes. "The same. I finally caught him." I laugh. "I can see that. You brought your surprise, now its my turn. Follow me." I turn and head back to the doorway I had exited minutes before, Sara and Brandon following right behind me.

I pull the black fabric back and lead them to the deserted center stage. It would be bad if I bring them downstairs... "You two wait here. I'll be right back. No funny business." I say, speaking that last one in a teasing tone. I see Sara blush beet red before I trot down the staricase, chuckling to myself.

I head past the girls' dressing room and bathroom, walking straight to the boys'. I can hear Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO blasting as I near the room. I pound on the door. No response. I lift up my fist and pound harder. I'm about to kick on the door when it opens, and Xander's head peeks around the corner. I smile, "Hey Romeo, come with me for a sec. Need to show somebody something, and if you're there its gonna be easier." Xander nods, "I guess I can spare a second." He walks out, still fully dressed in his Romeo costume and closes the barely opened door behind him. He takes two steps, turns around and walks back to the dressing room door.

"What are you doing?" I ask him. He turns back to me, smiling cheekily, "Its been a second." I roll my eyes. "Fine, I need you longer than a second." He sighs, pouting slightly. "But their playing my song!" I shake my head. Boys.... We walk up the staircase and back to the stage, where I see Sara and Brandon jump away from each other, like the other is on fire.

I say in a mocking tone, "I thought I said no funny business?" Seeing the awkward looks on their faces makes me laugh. I gesture for Xander come off the stairs and stand next to me. "Sara, Brandon," I say. "Meet my surprise. This is Xander, or as you saw him, Romeo." Sara stands up straight as she looks Xander over. She seems like she's trying to remember where she's seen him. I wait, my arms folded behind me as I sway back and forth slightly.

Suddenly her eyes grow wide, as wide as they can possibly go. Her mouth opens, closes. Opens, closes. Opens, closes. Its all I can do to not double over in laughter. Sara stutters, "Xa-xa-xa-xan-xander.......xander... XANDER?!?!" Her mouth has officially hit the floor. 

Brandon is confused, at least that's what his face says. I see Sara close her mouth and whisper something in his ear. His eyes pop. If either of their eyes get any bigger, they won't fit the sockets anymore. I can't control my laughing.

Poor Xander, he's standing there, looking like he's gonna laugh or walk off in confusion at any moment. I see a light pink tint creep over his tan cheeks. I smile, speaking to Sara. "Recognize him?" She nods, her mouth still wide open. Brandon doesn't say anything. Xander looks at me as I keep talking to Sara. "Good. I thought you might." "Em?" Xander asks me. I look up at him, "Oh. Right, sorry Xander. Kinda forgot you were here." He rolls his eyes. "Sure..." I elbow him playfully before continuing, "Xander, this is one of my best friends from home, Sara Matthews. And this is her boyfriend, Brandon Blank, also from my previous high school."

Xander smiles and reaches forward to shake both of their hands. "Nice to meet you both." He says calmly. Sara has closed her mouth and just nods in response. Brandon says nothing.

After a moment of silence between all four of us, Brandon slips an arm around Sara's waist. "We should probably go if we want to get home before dark."

I check my watch. "That would probably be best. We have to clear backstage up, and if the director sees you two back here..... he probably won't be very happy with us."

Sara and I hug briefly as she says, "I'll call you later okay?" She steps back and addresses both Xander and I, "You two were amazing by the way. We really enjoyed the show." I grin as Xander replies, "Thanks. Thats's what we like to hear." Sara stands in front of Xander and straightens up so she's on her toes. I watch as she whispers something in his ear, as his eyes grow wide, as he nods, and as she steps back. Brandon grabs Sara's hand as she waves goodbye to us, leaving us alone on stage.

I turn and ask Xander, "What did she tell you? You looked kinda surprised." He puts a finger to his lips as we head to the basement. "Its a secret." 

Boys.....