Carmen's Voice | ONC 2020 (✔)

Chapter Twenty-One

One Year Later

Carmen sat in the office at Beaksmith, discussing casting choices with the director.

"I think we really need to shift me out of the lead on this one," she pushed a resume towards him, "I think Jenna needs a shot. The role is perfect for her."

"I'm not convinced," he shook his head. "But it's your call, Carmen. I won't make you do the lead."

"Perfect," she smiled. "And if you let me be the one to tell her, I'll even agree to understudy it so you can decide who's best for it in the end."

He nodded, "It would make me feel better."

"Perfect!" Carmen stood from the table and made her way to the theater where the cast was warming up.

She opened the doors and walked over to the speakers to turn down the music. "Hello everyone!" she called as the music lowered, "I'll be right with you all. For now, can we have our dance captains start, please?"

They all sprung into action as soon as Carmen turned up the music again.

Carmen made her way onto the stage and tapped Jenna's shoulder, indicating that she should follow.

"Yeah?" Jenna smiled as she followed Carmen off the stage, "Can I help you get something ready for rehearsals?"

"Oh, no!" Carmen laughed at Jenna's assumption that she wanted help, "I just wanted to tell you that I've chosen to shift out of the lead role for this production to give me some time to do other things."

"Oh," she searched Carmen's face for any sign of distress, "Is there anything we can do for you? I make a pretty good chicken pot pie!"

Carmen smiled. People like Jenna were exactly why Carmen loved working at Beaksmith. Just an honest, kind person.

"No, I'm fine," Carmen put her hand on Jenna's shoulder. "I just want to spend some time not at work. I'm only telling you because I would really like you to take on the lead."

Jenna's face was frozen as Carmen spoke to her. But Carmen knew her well, so she waited for Jenna to catch up.

"Are you serious?" she practically shouted as she jumped around and hugged Carmen. "Thank you!"

There she is.

Carmen followed Jenna back to the stage and watched from the wings as she told the cast the good news. They all hugged her and congratulated her. While Carmen was certain a couple of the girls felt sad not to have the lead themselves, no one said anything. A welcome sight for Carmen, who had worked all year to foster an atmosphere where everyone was comfortable.

Carmen was about to restart rehearsal when Eva walked through the door with her daughter followed closely by Amy and her brand new baby.

"Amy!" Carmen hugged her, "I thought you couldn't come today."

"Eva convinced me it would be fun to get out of the house," Amy said, "Plus I'm now officially moved over here so I needed to see my new office!"

"They finally let you mop the floors, huh?" Carmen laughed as she referenced Amy's request the first time they had discussed the idea of Beaksmith.

"Carm!" Amy playfully swatted Carmen's shoulder, "You know I'm going to help in the office."

Eva walked over with a toddling Ariana, "And she will be directing while Mikail is on leave next year."

Carmen wanted to stay and congratulate Amy, but she had to get back to rehearsal. "I promise we'll talk about this on the weekend. We're going to celebrate!" Carmen called out as she returned to the stage.