No Filter

Chapter LXXI (71)

Liam's POV

"Dad, when will see Ms. Hernandez?" Bear asks, tugging on my arm.

We've been waiting in line for twenty minutes now to see Ally's broadway musical. Bear was just as excited as Ally, but maybe more. Throughout the weeks of rehearsals, Bear would always ask about Ally nonstop. He asks where she went, how long is she going to be home, and if she will invite us. I assure him on every answer that I gave.

Today was the third day they're performing. I had to kiss the premiere and second day due to work. Bear didn't want to come unless I came, but I let the servants have a break and they went to go see the show. Ally managed to give Bear and me front row tickets. It was a long line though. People stood out of the door, crowding and pushing watch other all over. I hold Bear close so he won't get harm. But more likely, so they won't get an earful or a fist from me. I know that I've been pretty short-tempered lately. I don't know why. I almost could have hurt Ally a couple of times when she came home late from rehearsal, but I would apologize for my mistake. Maybe I'll smoke a cig later to relieve my stress. Ally hasn't found out about it, and I would like for it to stay like that. I know that she believes they are bad for me, but they relieve a lot of stress. Maybe one day, I'll be able to tell her.

I recall after smoking, I would get flashbacks of the past. The scars. The fire. I would get scared, and then, I'll look at the lighter and feel a sense of calmness.

"Be patient," I tell him. "We'll be in there in no time."

He groans and breathes through his nose. In the next five minutes, we enter the room. Bear and I sat in the front row in the thirty and thirty-first seat respectively. The curtains were still up. Bear gripped the arms on the chair as his excitement grows.

In a couple of seconds, we hear an announcement, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please stay in your seat and try not to distract others."

The curtains open, and a woman came on, holding luggages. As I watch, I notice how everything was on point. I was amazed by the production. I never went to a broadway musical before, so this was really above my expectations. In the middle of the musical, Ally finally enters. She played Penelope, the girl who waited for David, the protagonist, to come back to her. Her voice was soft as she sings. Tears stream down her cheeks, and it affected me. The way she sang and moved, elegantly and smoothly. My eyes begin to puff as she finishes the song with a high note that she stretched out.

I snap out of the trance once the song ended. I applauded her performance. I was very proud of her.

I follow her storyline. Penelope was a girl who waited for David. Even though she was heartbroken because he loved someone else, she continued to be strong and supported him. However, her ending got me the most shook. She dies from singing her heart out to him at his wedding. David honors her in the end as he begins his new life with his wife.

I wipe my tears away and relaxes my breath. The curtain closes, and I applauded their performance. I look over to my son and see him yawning. It was getting late for him.

Bear, I, and the rest of the crowd stand up on our feet to applaud the cast. Each one of them bow down. Ally waves at us, and I wave at her. Tears came down her cheeks, sinking in the moment.

Ally's POV

I walk to the girl's dressing room, and first, I remove my makeup. Then I got out of my outfit and change into my regular clothes.

My heart beats in my chest as I close my eyes and imagine the crowd clapping at me. This has been such a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I never thought it would happen.

I push my hair back into a messy bun and hold it with a hair clip. I grab my purse and call it a day.

There was a meeting backstage, so I exit through the dressing room and climb on the stairs. Everyone was gathered in a circle. I take a seat beside Destiny, the leading actress, and Orion, the producer. Mr. Waylon, the director, applauded all of us. "You guys have been amazing," he says. "Tonight was a success. Everyone did so well. And I have some special news to tell all of you."

I wet my lips and brace myself. He says, "We're taking this broadway all over the US."

Everyone gasps. I widen my eyes, astounded. I grin and shake my head in disbelief.

This is amazing. I was so happy and excited. I was ready to take Penelope around the world. I will have to pack and tell my dad, my brother, the girls, and Liam...Oh...Liam. What am I going to say to him? How am I going to leave him? I know he won't be happy with this news.

We talked for a few more minutes before we were free to go. I walk out of the back and enter the lobby where Liam and Bear waiting on me. I smile and wave at them to get their attention. It took them a couple of seconds before they saw me. They smile and wave back.

"Hey," I greet as I stand in front of them.

"You were amazing," Bear comments.

I look at him and reply, "Thank you so much, Bear."

"I thought you did amazing," Liam says. "You did a superb job."

"Dad, you almost cried, didn't you?" Bear asks.

Liam closes his mouth as his cheeks redden with embarrassment. He swallows and scratches the back of his neck. I chuckle. After a while, he finally comes up with something, "That doesn't matter. She excelled my expectations. She was better than she was in high school. That was for sure." He looks at me and says, "I remember when you couldn't get a single word out. You mumbled, and practically got yelled at by the students because you were so shy."

I nudge him, recalling that scarring memory. "That was in the eighth grade if I remembered. In the ninth grade, I improved a lot."

"I know," he says. "And you still improved throughout the years."

Bear tugs Liam's arm. "Dad, can we go get something to eat now? I want some fries."

"Yes, where do you want to eat?" He asks.

"McDonald's!" He exclaims.

Liam cringes. "Son, we already ate that a couple days ago. Don't you want something else?"

"Nope," he shakes his head. "I love fries. They are delicious."

"But—" Liam rebuttals, but I cut in.

"Okay, Bear," I said. "Let's go get some fries to fill that empty stomach of yours."

"Yay!" He chants. I look at Liam and see him shaking his head at me.

"Hey," I whisper to Liam. "Come on. If we go, you might get someone to accompany you to bed."

He gives me testy eyes, "You and your manipulative tactics," he teases. I wink back.

Just like that, his eyes shot up, and he put on an amusing smile. "Well, how can I deny that?" He says. He holds Bear's hand. "Come on, son, let's get going."

I grab Bear's other hand, and the three of us walk out and get inside the vehicle. I stayed in the back to keep Bear companied. Liam drives, and in a couple of minutes, he parks in the parking lot. I help Bear out of the car, and we enter the fast food restaurant.

I lead Bear to a booth as Liam orders our food. Bear and I sat across from one another. My mind drifts off about the meeting: Am I seriously going to leave Bear and Liam? The school year is almost over. Just a couple of more days until Bear is done, and another couple of more days, he'll return to his mom, leaving Liam alone. I can't leave him. But it's finally the break I've been waiting for.

"Allyson," Liam says. I snap out of my thoughts and see Liam sitting in front of me. He chuckles and asks, "what were you thinking about?"

"Nothing," I blurt, setting my hands on the table. His brows crease. I bat my eyes. "I mean, I mean...I, uh, I'm just going to miss Bear when he goes back."

I shift my eyes to Bear and see him occupy with the game he was playing on his dad's phone. Liam reaches his hand over and rests his hand on top of mine. "I am too, but we will have each other to keep company," he says. "I've been waiting to ask you something."

"Liam, can you ask me later?" I said. I think I know what he wanted to ask me, but I was scared to answer.

He nods his head, looking disappointed, and that breaks my heart. If it is what I think it is, it's better this way. For now, anyway.