Game Over / h.s.

2 - a

Harry…

"I want to play Romeo," he repeated with determination.

He forced his eyes to stay with that of the director’s steady gaze, when all he wished was to look up at the balcony.

All while repeating the words “agree, agree, agree” as though it would help aid in his dilemma.

"Well," the director finally replied, thereby causing a sigh of relief to Harry, "we'll try with you tomorrow. That's all for today, do not forget to repeat your text for tomorrow!"

At that, all the students rushed towards the back of the stage. However, he refrained from following in his fellow comrades footsteps and instead, gazed at her – Juliet, or his soon to be Juliet. He tried to catch her gaze, but hadn’t the chance as she turned and walked away, her flowing in waves at her wake.   

He was going to pursue, however he caught sight of the director frantically trying to catch his attention.

“Another time then,” Harry muttered.

The director was quick to inform him exactly what he had in mind about whether he knew the Dialogue or whatnot. Harry, however, was miles away. He felt a sense of pride at this accomplishment. It takes a real man to stand up for what he wants, especially since he missed his chance in the beginning of the semester.

“One step at a time,” he mentally reminded himself.

"We'll see your performance tomorrow then," concludes the director as he tapped Harry slightly on the shoulder, bringing him back to the present.

Harry stood for a moment, alone, on the dimming stage. Darting his eyes around the props and other knickknacks lying around, he then gazed at the balcony. The very same one where he would play his role. The same where Mia would play hers. He imagined their gazes locking as he did countless times before. She would confess her love as though she was truly his Juliet, and he as her Romeo. This may only be a game, but he would allow himself that brief moment of happiness. It would be real…if only it would be real to him… it would be real enough once the words left her mouth.

"I thought you did not want to play Romeo" a friend of his asked once he stepped backstage to the rest of his entourage.

"Um I've changed my mind” Harry quickly replied, hoping his friend would take a hint and drop the subject all together.

“She’ll remain my little secret, they must never know”

"Well, good luck!" His friend smiled and scurried off.

“Yeah, Good Luck indeed,” he mimicked.

Once he slipped out of his tattered attire he was forced to wear onstage and chose a more appropriate getup of jeans and a faded t-shirt, he left the towering amphitheater. He left the fading sun caressed his exposed skin, relishing its light after enduring a good hour in the gloom of the amphitheater. His lessons for the day had long since been over. However, he didn’t wish to go home. He wanted to see Mia. He wanted to see her and not the false one she throws around but a real one. Her true smile.

‘And she did not even know I exist’ He almost chuckled to himself at the thought. For all the love in the world, she still couldn’t see his.

Seeing that she was nowhere to be found, he made his way to his car, trying to hide his disappointment from those surrounding him.

It wasn’t long before his house came into view and he switched off the engine before stepping out. His steps were sluggish and slow, but he still managed to make it to the pristine porch. He rang the doorbell and leaned against the railing as he waited for his mother. Some found it a tad bit odd that he had to ring the doorbell to his own house, but he had never gotten out of the habit and it seemed that his mother appreciated his gentlemen-like gesture on his part. Especially with the smile she had on, but turned to concern as she assessed her son’s state.

"Everything alright, baby?" She asked as she eyed his heavy movements.

Harry brushed off the nickname, it was a little thing they shared. A mother and son bond as they liked to call it. This didn’t mean he had to tell her everything, especially something that could worry her.

He then slipped on an award winning smile and replied, “I’m find mom” kissing her on the cheek before going up to his room.

How could he be? When the pain still pierced his heart, but he did not utter a word. He never did.